Chapter 96: Everyone’s lunch (2/2)

On a side note, they voted on whether to have bread or rice, and rice won. They too could have seconds. Amane loved rice, and was pleased to help himself.

“Please help yourself.”

Mahiru showed a more angelic smile than usual as she coax them to each, and so the four of them clapped hands, said thanks, and began eating.

“Delish.”

Itsuki quickly brought the roast beef to his mouth, commenting so. It appeared Mahiru was relieved as she smiled.

“It’s really good, Shiina-san.”

“Thank you very much. I did not add any flavorings though. It has nothing to do with skill.”

“You’re being humble again.”

Humble huh? Itsuki laughed, and started gobbling down as he was probably hungry. Amane showed a wry smile seeing him like this.

“It’s good~!” Chitose too giggled as she ate lots of meat, gorging as much as Itsuki, and the portions of roast beef quickly vanished.

Kadowaki in turn ate rather calmly. Amane hoped they could learn from Kadowaki.

Amane then started eating the meat a tad later.

Roast beef was unpalatable either when either overcooked or undercooked, but the meat was just right, tender and juicy. It did not feel dry. The freshness of the meat was contained, and he could feel the fragrance brimming with every bite.

Meat is good after all.

Amane was not really a meat lover compared to other boys, but he did find it delicious. The biggest reason was that he liked anything Mahiru cooked, that her cooking was delicious.

Amane sighed blissfully, and showed a smile on his face.

“You really can cook, Shiina-san. I’ve seen your bento, and it’s really great.”

“Thank you for the compliments.”

“I don’t know how to cook. The idea of staying alone during college is driving me angsty.”

“…There are some who can live alone without knowing how to cook, you know?”

“You’re talking about me right?”

Amane had a feeling Mahiru was discreetly telling him off, but she was right, and he had nothing to grumble.

After all, after Mahiru had taken care of him for so long, he should be kneeling down and thanking her. Thus, her words were to be expected.

“Actually, it’s true that I can’t cook at all. I really have to thank you every day.”

“I-I am not blaming you. Erm, I do not dislike cooking for you, Amane-kun.”

“Really? That’s great.”

Amane might never recover if Mahiru said she disliked it, even though he felt she would never say so.

“But well, you really are the type to work hard for others, Shiina-san. You’ll make a good bride.”

“B-bride…”

“Yuu-chan’s right~”

Chitose referred to Kadowaki with a cute nickname, and continued,

“I guess Mahirun doesn’t need training on how to be a bride.”

“You should be the one training with Mahiru.”

“That sounds really good, but I’ll be a third wheel.”

“Wheel?”

“No, nothing~ I’m happy with Mahirun teaching me how to cook. Please continue to take care of me, Mahirun.”

Chitose gave Mahiru a meaningful smile, and the latter shoulders’ shriveled. Her cheeks turned red, and she seemed strangely uneasy.