Chapter 17: The Angel and the Finest Dishes (2/2)

Even though the food may be delicious, the cook would feel uneasy and curious if one did not express his feelings honestly. Sometimes, saying it was delicious with a frown would leave the chef wondering he was sincere.

More importantly, it was better for both of them to express their feelings on their faces. The one thanking and the one being thanked do like to be in a good mood after all.

“…I guess so.”

Mahiru seemed to have accepted Amane’s explanation as she showed a little smile.

The gentle smile seemingly expressed relief, and she was so adorable, he found his mind space out for a moment.

“Fujimiya-san?”

“Ah…no, it’s nothing.”

He was mesmerized by her…but naturally, he could not say this. He suppressed the rising shame within him as he continued eating, not wanting to be found out.

“…Gochisousama”

“Glad that you like it.”

Amane finished the food on the table, indicating he was full, and Mahiru tersely answered.

Nevertheless, she looked calm, probably elated that Amane finished the food completely, not leaving a grain of rice.

“It’s great.”

“I can tell from that.”

“Better than my mom’s.”

“I think it is taboo to compare a girl’s cooking to one’s mother.”

“Only when I’m trying to insult, you know? Anyway, are you curious about that?”

“Not at all.”

“That’s fine then. It’s a fact that it’s delicious.”

Mahiru’s cooking skills were not honed simply with some experience.

Amane’s mother had more cooking experience, but she had a different taste palette, and was blase about it, so there was no way she could have fine tuned the taste like Mahiru did.

His father might even be better than his mother, let alone her.

“…Well I think I’m very fortunate here. I do get to eat it every day after all.”

“Only when both of us have nothing else going on.”

“…Are we seriously okay with eating together every day?”

“I would have suggested so if that is not the case.”

“Well, that’s true.”

He knew very well that a straightforward person like Mahiru would not have suggested so if she disliked it, but despite that, he was wondering if this was fine.

He paid for half the ingredients, along with labor costs, but he was worried that it would be too taxing on Mahiru.

“…Do you normally cook for guys you don’t like?”

“You are living too unhealthily. Also, I do enjoy cooking, and I do not dislike seeing you enjoy the food.”

“But,”

“If you are still concerned about that, I do not actually have to cook for you?”

“No please cook for me thank you very much.”

He instinctively answered, and it showed how much her cooking was a necessity, something he liked.

For him, getting Mahiru’s cooking was a matter of life and death.

He had some awareness of his own stomach, but the problem was that her cooking was too delicious. It was likely that if he went back to eating side dishes, every day would seem bland, and that scared him.

Once she heard his instant answer that was easy to understand, Mahiru showed a wry smile.

“Please accept this.”

“…Oh.”

Amane had to sigh with elation, anticipation and guilt, thinking about how the days of eating together with this great merciful Angel would continue.