Chapter 7: Todomatsu Test: Coffee, Compliments, and Charm

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The next morning, Haruto woke up with a quiet yawn, only to jolt at the sight of Todomatsu standing directly over his futon. Dressed in his spotless pink hoodie, phone in hand, and a smirk already set across his face, Todomatsu looked far too cheerful for the hour.

Todomatsu (chirping): Good morning, Haruto. Today's your next test. My turn.

Haruto (groggy): Already...? Can I at least have breakfast first?

Todomatsu (smug): Nope. My test is about timing, efficiency, and—most importantly—social skills. So get dressed. You've got five minutes.

Still blinking sleep from his eyes, Haruto sat up and sighed. The only thing worse than waking up early was waking up early for something involving Todomatsu. As he quickly changed into casual clothes, he could only wonder what kind of test this "stylish" brother had in store. With Todomatsu, it could be anything—from impromptu fashion critiques to being roped into a street interview about iced coffee trends.

By the time Haruto stepped into the living room, Todomatsu was already striking a confident pose near the door.

Todomatsu (confident): Alright, Haruto. Here's your task: You're going to help me at the trendiest coffee shop in town. It's a social experiment.

Haruto (blinking): A... what?

Todomatsu (eye roll): Keep up! You'll act as my assistant. Your job? Make me look good. That includes handling my order, chatting politely, and—most importantly—taking the perfect picture of me with my drink.

Haruto (staring): That's... the test?

Todomatsu (proud): Of course! Social skills are survival skills in this family. Come on. The world awaits.

At the café, Todomatsu glided through the front door like he owned the place. He greeted the baristas with a charismatic smile, making small talk with customers like he was a celebrity doing a press tour. Haruto trailed behind, feeling awkward and out of place, clutching his phone like a lifeline.

Todomatsu (commanding): Alright. Get me a caramel macchiato with extra foam, a shot of vanilla, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. And do not mess it up.

Haruto (sighing): Got it.

He approached the counter and carefully relayed the order, word for word. The barista gave him a strange look, but nodded and set to work. Haruto stood aside, exhaling in quiet relief—until the drink was nearly finished and disaster struck.

The barista's elbow nudged the edge of the cup, and the drink began to tip dangerously toward the floor.

Haruto's heart jumped. Without thinking, he flicked his fingers subtly, sending a faint pulse of psychic energy forward. The cup paused in mid-air—just for a breath—then gently righted itself on the counter. Nobody noticed. Not even Todomatsu, who was still checking his selfie angles under the café's lighting.

Todomatsu (pleased): Great. Now the real challenge. Take my picture. Make sure I look amazing.

Haruto (dryly): Of course...

Todomatsu handed him the phone and posed, adjusting his hair and lifting his drink with practiced flair.

Todomatsu (picky): No, no. The lighting's off. Try from the left. No, your left.

Haruto shifted, adjusted, aimed, and took several shots. It took far longer than expected, but finally—

Todomatsu (satisfied): Perfect. I look fabulous. You're not completely hopeless, Haruto.

Haruto (deadpan): So... does that mean I passed?

Todomatsu (smirking): Not quite.

Before Haruto could ask what that meant, Todomatsu tugged him across the café to a nearby table where two fashionable girls sat chatting. Their laughter paused as Todomatsu approached, their gazes drifting curiously toward Haruto.

Todomatsu (charming): Hi there. This is my new brother, Haruto. Isn't he adorable?

Haruto froze. The attention was immediate and piercing. He swallowed awkwardly.

Todomatsu (whispering): Compliment them. Do not mess this up.

Haruto (nervous): Uh... n-nice earrings?

The girls blinked—then giggled warmly.

Girl (smiling): Aw, thank you! You're so sweet!

Todomatsu leaned back with his usual confidence, draping an arm over Haruto's shoulder like a proud mentor.

Todomatsu (smug): See? My little brother's got charm after all.

Still blushing, Haruto managed a small, polite smile. The girls turned back to their conversation, and Todomatsu gave Haruto a satisfied nod as they exited the café.

The walk home was calmer, the city breeze cutting through the morning warmth. Todomatsu scrolled briefly through his phone before giving Haruto a side glance.

Todomatsu (genuine): You did better than I expected. That compliment? Kinda cool, actually.

Haruto (blinking): Uh... thanks?

Todomatsu (shrugging): Don't let it go to your head. I still carried the whole operation.

Suddenly, he spun around and pointed at Haruto dramatically.

Todomatsu (seriously): But remember this, Haruto—being cool isn't just about charm. It's about owning your weirdness. Like me.

Haruto (laughing): You mean like making your brother take Instagram pics for you?

Todomatsu (grinning): Exactly. We're all weird in our own way. Once you accept that, living here gets way easier.

They reached the house as the sun climbed higher. Todomatsu opened the door with a flourish, stepping aside like a prince returning from conquest.

Todomatsu (proudly): Mission accomplished, Haruto. You've officially survived my test. Barely.

Haruto slipped off his shoes and gave a tired sigh.

Haruto (exhausted): I survived, alright. But I seriously need a nap.

Inside, the Matsuno household buzzed with familiar commotion—thuds, shouts, and laughter echoing from every direction. Somehow, it didn't feel as overwhelming as it had the day before.

Todomatsu nudged him with a smirk.

Todomatsu (teasing): Don't get too comfy. The others are already planning their next tests.

Haruto (groaning, then chuckling): Great... more tests. Just what I needed.

End of Chapter 7

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