Chapter 12: Friend’s Visit (2/2)

“We’ll figure it out.”

“No, not that, you haven’t increased your level. It’ll be problematic later…”

While Amane was wondering how he should retort at the thrill-seeking Itsuki, the doorbell rang, creating an entirely different problem.

“Hm? A visitor?”

Itsuki paused the game, showing the menu as he lifted his face.

He knew Amane hardly informed others of his address, and hardly any friend would visit. Even if there was, they would be stopped by the apartment block gates and press the speakers instead.

“I don’t know. The neighbor maybe? Probably got some news on the notice board.”

“I see.”

“I’ll go check for a moment.”

He restrained his facial muscles from twitching as he tried to pull a fast one over Itsuki before hurrying towards the door.

It was fortunate that she did not call out after ringing the bell.

He opened the door without checking, opening a little slit just in case he was seen, sneaked out, and closed the door.

As expected, Mahiru was outside the door, and she blinked away upon seeing how Amane was being out of character. “Shhh.” he made this gesture with his index finger.

“… Please be quiet. Itsuki’s in my house.”

“Itsuki?”

“My friend. He’s here to play.”

“Ahh, I see.”

She understood why he was being so stealthy, nodded, and did not pursue the matter further. She handed the tupperware over to him, as usual.

It appeared she had been preparing this since morning. Inside was oden; it was the perfect dish for the soon-to-be chilly season.

Amane accepted the tupperware graciously, letting out a sigh as he looked at Mahiru, who looked as though it was to be expected of herself.

“…ERm, well, I’ve always been grateful of the care you showed me, but I never had the time to express it. Sorry.”

“I am not doing so to be thanked by you…but it is impressive, your place is presentable enough to invite your friend.”

“Do I have to prostrate and express my thanks?”

“Not at all. Please do not.”

Stop making me look like a bad girl.’ She gave such a dumbfounded look, and Amane could only give a wry smile.

He really was indebted towards her, so he was somewhat serious with what he said. After being in her care for so long, even a dogeza might be insufficient.

She brought quite the ample portion of dinner, and he was sorry about being a freeloader. He intended to find a chance to talk about dinner money.

“…Since your friend is here, I shall not disturb you for long. Please excuse me.”

“…Thanks for all the help. I won’t tell Itsuki about you.”

“Please do so.”

“Well, even if I do, he’s not going to believe me.”

“I guess.”

Amane felt conflicted that she affirmed his statement so readily, yet looking from Itsuki’s perspective, he would have wondered if Amane was delirious if he said, Shiina is actually cooking for me.

After all, the Angel herself was a flower at an unattainable place.

It would be one thing if he was a talented, handsome guy, but it would have been impossible to assume a lazy, useless bum like him could have her cooking for him.

“… May I ask you something?”

“What is it?”

“Since you cook for me every day, are you planning anything?”

Labor cost money, and such free meals typically would be impossible. Amane himself would not have done so if he was in her shoes. While he had no expectation of a one-in-a-million chance that she liked him, his curiosity got the better of him.

Mahiru lifted her head a little as she pondered. “Just for self-satisfaction,” she said without changing expressions.

“It is not difficult at all. It is easier for me to cook two servings instead of one, and I simply like to serve others.”

“So you just like to cook?”

“That may be one reason. I too feel relieved that you do not have any strange misunderstanding, just expressing what you think. I worry whenever I see what you eat, so I am doing so for self-satisfaction.”

“…Is that so?”

“Of course. You do not have to worry about it. Do think of it as fortune falling from above.”

“Fine, fine.”

It appeared Mahiru had no intention to talk further. “Please excuse me,” she bowed courteously and returned to her house.

…Is that really the case?

Amane did not think it would be enough reason for free dinner, so he muttered as he too returned to his house.

“Who was that?”

“Just a neighboring sharing some food. I’ll put it in the fridge. Don’t continue without me.”

“Ah sorry, I finished off the boss.”

“Damn you.”