Chapter 45: The Angel and the Blissful Atmosphere (1/2)

“Mahiru-chan, you really can cook.”

It was evening when they returned from Hatsumōde and rested a little. Mahiru changed clothes and began preparing dinner… but Shihoko wanted to stay over at Amane’s house just to observe Mahiru’s cooking.

The hometown’s a few hours car ride away from here, they were already tired, and it seemed they planned on staying over to begin with. Amane wished they would have permission from the head of the house, but that would be Shuuto, so he could not complain about it.

Luckily, they had an extra futon for guests, and they probably would share it. They slept together back home anyway, so it would not be anything drastically different

.

“Thank you very much.”

“You really are capable for a high school girl. I couldn’t do this when I was in high school.”

“You’re not as capable as Mahiru now mom.”

“Did you say anything?”

“Nothing.”

Amane heard a monotone from the kitchen, and played dumb as he leaned his back into the sofa.

Next to him, Shuuto was going “Stop bullying Shihoko-san”, but usually, Amane was the one being bullied, or rather, teased. This little bit of payback should be somewhat acceptable.

“How rude”, the voice from the kitchen reached the impudent Amane, but she reverted back to her cheerful voice as she spoke to Mahiru.

Mahiru too did not hesitate in talking to Shihoko. It seemed she was used to the latter’s vigor and personality, for she looked really calm.

From afar, he saw them cook amicably, and sighed in relief.

“Shihoko-san is rather curious about Shiina-san.”

Shuuto smiled as he too stared at their backs.

“Well, she’s capable, cute, and has a good personality. No wonder mom’s curious about her.”

“What do you think then, Amane?”

“…Nothing much, just that she’s a nice person, and cute.”

“I see.”

Amane immediately assumed Shuuto was just casually checking, but the latter was never one to pursue the matter, so it seemed he was just interested in what Amane thought.

And he did not inquire further into Amane’s reply.

“I am looking forward to enjoying the cooking you get to eat every day, Amane.”

“I can guarantee that it tastes good. As long as mom doesn’t do anything unnecessary.”

“Don’t worry, Shihoko-san wants to try some of Shiina-san’s cooking too. She’ll just be helping out.”

“That’s good enough.”

Not that Shihoko’s cooking was bad or anything, but compared to Mahiru’s delicate control of the flavoring, hers was relatively crude.

Shuuto was usually in charge of controlling the flavors, while Shihoko would prioritize volume and happiness.

Of course, she was the housewife who had a son with a growing appetite, so that would be expected. Amane however preferred Mahiru’s finely crafted tastes, and it would be great if her cooking charisma was unaffected.

Luckily, it appeared Shihoko was just helping out Mahiru, and nothing more. He sighed in relief as he watched them cook.

“Yep, it’s delicious.”

“Thank you very much.”

It was impossible for the dining table for two to fit all four of them, so they moved the larger folding table that was in the storage for dinner.

Mahiru was relieved to hear Shuuto’s heartfelt thoughts, and did not look as tense.

She had never shared her cooking to anyone other than Amane, except during cooking class, so she was a little tense…but she was at ease after seeing Shuuto’s kind smile.

“It really is delicious. Guess you don’t have to worry about staying alone or getting married.”

Shihoko looked over at Amane as she murmured away. The latter’s face nearly cringed, but he sipped at the miso soup with a stoic look.

He was already used to the rich taste of the soup.

He was completely conditioned to Mahiru’s flavouring, and did not desire for anything else other than her food. This might be a downside to eating Mahiru’s cooking every day.

“Amane, your thoughts?”

“It’s delicious of course. I’ve been thanking her all the time.”

Even without Shihoko prompting, he intended to express his thanks, but it sounded like he was being prompted to do so.

Whenever they were alone, he never forgot to praise her, but this time, he restrained himself as his parents were around, though he failed.

He praised Mahiru as usual, but she appeared a little restless, or rather, uncomfortable “…yes.” She whispered.

There was a slight blush on her face, probably because his parents were around.

Even though she was used to hearing Amane’s thoughts, hearing praises from three people would leave her somewhat bashful.

“You’re really cute, Mahiru-chan.”

“Shihoko-san, don’t tease her too much.”

“I’m not teasing her. Seriously, I just think she’s a pure innocent girl, you know?”

“Th-that is not the case…”

“Well, she is. Pure, innocent, you name it.”

“Amane-kun!?”

She was pure. She would blush even when facing a guy who was not handsome, with his shirt undone. Innocent and naïve, maybe.

“Oh my, did something happen without us knowing?”

“Nothing in particular.”

“Nothing at all!”

Mahiru too firmly denied it.

It was not demeaning to call her pure, but she seemed to dislike being called so as she firmly denied it, so he did not continue on.

“Well, I’m fine as long as you don’t hurt Shiina-san, Amane. There is a limit to how much you can tease her though.”