Chapter 59: The Trio’s Dining Table – Hellping (1/2)

It was dinner time, and the trio gathered around Mahiru’s homemade dishes. Itsuki was looking really delighted.

“It’s delicious…”

“Thank you very much.”

Mahiru was seated upright as she enjoyed her food, showing a genial face. While she still had the angelic smile on, Itsuki knew of the secret, so her smile was a little more of her usual self.

Itsuki devoured the food in a trance.

Mahiru was told that Itsuki ate more than Amane, so Itsuki’s plate contained more food, but it seemed he was capable of finishing it all.

“Yaa, you’re really a lucky one, Amane, getting to eat such cooking every day…”

“I know that. Today’s food is delicious too.”

“……Thank you very much.”

Amane stated his thoughts as he drank the miso soup.

The dashi and miso soup really whetted one’s appetite, and would naturally relax the cheeks. It was really impressive that they could drink every day without getting sick of it, but the cook herself did not seem to realize this, so it was a daily duty to praise her.

The tender taste of the cooking seemed to showcase her personality, and soothed both the tongue and the heart. It was understandable why Itsuki was so entranced.

“Haa, it’s delicious.”

On this day, she cooked the dashimaki omelette Amane liked, the latter’s appetite increased by 20%. Of course, the usual cooking was delicious enough for him to ask for an additional portion, but that would increase further with an egg dish.

So delicious, Amane licked his lips as he ate the tasty food, only to find Itsuki staring at him and Mahiru.

“…Lovebirds.”

“What did you say?”

“No~thing.”

Itsuki shook his head and pretentiously gouged through the food, so Amane did not press on, instead shrugging towards Mahiru who was watching calmly.

After dinner, Mahiru hurried home.

Normally, she would be at Amane’s place before the latter would go to bathe, before 10pm, but she returned earlier because Itsuki was around.  Mahiru appeared to be talking to Itsuki while Amane washed the dishes, and looked a little awkward. That might be the reason why she returned home earlier.

He asked Itsuki what they talked about, “Just some questions about Chii” the latter answered, and Amane did not ask further, despite sensing that they talked about other things.

“Say Amane.”

Before they slept, Itsuki laid out the futon on the floor of Amane’s floor, looking up at Amane on the bed.

“What?”

“Seriously, you’re showing Shiina-san such a gentle look, and you say you don’t like her?”

“Shut up.”

“To a bystander, you’re completely head over heels for her.”

“Want me to chase you out?”

“Nada~”

You’re still saying that, such was the look Amane shot back, but Itsuki showed no signs of repentance.

Itsuki was not leering away like before. He was looking delighted, approving even.

“Well, it’s expected of you to not be honest with yourself, but I’m glad. Someone knows about your good points, Amane.”

“Huh?”