A drunk night

Weeks had passed, and Elwür had settled well into his role as housekeeper for the Tokunaga household. In the past, due to Yutsuko's busy work schedule and Toraemon's club duties in the Football Club, the house tended to be messy and unkempt at times, which was made worse during exam preparation and test paper periods.

With the Dark Elf diligently taking over the housework, despite a steep learning curve in the use of modern appliances and housekeeping duties from laundry to cooking, the house was never cleaner.

No longer did the house stink of unwashed clothes; no longer was the sink cluttered with used cups and dishes; no longer was the trash bin clogged and ridden with flies; no longer did they have to subsist on instant meals and takeout; no longer did he have to clean up after his mother's messes - messy takeaway containers, empty sake bottles and soft drink cans -

You trembled with energy, a positive feeling blossoming within your heart.

And with a fist pump, he jumped for joy.

"Hiring Elwür was the best thing Mom ever did!" You celebrated, feeling giddy with childish vigour, "I've never had more free time to myself than ever before!"

You were able to play your favourite games, watch movies and anime, and read all the mangas and light novels that were collecting dust in your room, and for these several weeks you happily indulged yourself, letting sloth consume your body and melt it from the inside out - as much as you permit, of course.

Yet even as that brought you euphoria, it also brought you an alien feeling you were not used to feeling at home: Boredom.

"Fuck, I never had much time to spend with my friends outside of school, and club practice is the only time I get to talk to them," You lamented, feeling a sense of failure wash over you, "Then again, we didn't have the money to hire a housekeeper; Elwür's awfully gracious to not ask payment at all."

Hearing your phone ring with a highly upbeat tune, you quickly answer it.

"Moshi moshi?"

"Hey, Torae-kun," Kaho greeted.

"Hey Kaho, how's things?" You asked.

"Doing good, thanks," Kaho replied, "Heiji and I have been thinking of going to an arcade just down the street from the school tonight, wanna come?"

"Of course! I'd love to come!" Toraemon replied, unable to restrain his joy.

"Good to hear," Kaho replied, "Although you sound a little more excited than usual."

"Well, ever since Elwür took over housekeeping, I've found myself with quite a lot of free time," You answered, "In fact, it's actually gotten a little boring at home."

"Great! I'll see you tonight!"

And the phone call ended.

The sunset shone a deep, vibrant amber, casting a gentle blanket over the city. A sleepier air took hold over the city as most people retired for the day, heading back home to rest for the next day. For some, the day was yet to reach its climax; Toraemon was dressed for his outing, wearing a red and white checkered shirt over a white T-shirt, beige trousers and black sneakers. His hair was slicked back, smelling of citrus, and his teeth shone in the bright sun.

"I'm off!" You waved.

"Iterashai!" Yutsuko waved back.

As you walked away, you suddenly had an odd premonition, but choose to wave it off.

Nah, must be thinking things, You thought.

Back in your house, Yutsuko was quick to take out a bottle of chilled sake with a squeal, her expression one of childish jubilance.

"Come on, Elwür, drink with me!" She exclaimed, "It's been so long since I last drank with a friend and I really want to try this cherry blossom sake from Hokkaido! Come on, please? Pretty please?"

Elwür merely nodded and sat at the table, where Yutsuko was pouring out the sake into cups.

"Here, kanpai!"

They clinked glasses and drank deeply of their cups, Yutsuko exhaling a sigh of pleasure.

"Whew! This is the shit!" She exclaimed, "How is it? Is it good?"

"There's nothing to complain about," Elwür informed.

"Come on, don't be so boring!" Yutsuko complained, "You gotta talk about the flavour, the aroma, the depth and power of the sake! It's all about appreciating the good attributes of this fine liquor, made by the best brewers around!"

Elwür simply groaned inwardly, knowing this to be a very long night.