Chapter 260: A Feast Served by the Angel (2/2)
He looked at the object before him, and it probably was gateau chocolate, or more akin to raw chocolate. Appearance-wise, it had a firm and solid impression.
After that, Mahiru added some cream and mint, but it appeared to be a really simple one.
“I chose to make gateau chocolate. You are not particularly fond of sweets, Amane-kun, so I feel it will be more palatable if you have it with a beverage. I chose milk for this, given the richness of the flavor. It is better if both are eaten together.”
“If the maker says this is the best way to eat it, I’ll eat it gratefully.”
Mahiru put in so much effort in making this, and surely she would not be wrong. Amane showed no worry as he stabbed the fork into the gateau chocolate while Mahiru watched on.
As per its appearance, the cake was taut when he tried to poke at it it.
Nevertheless, it was easy to cut. He took a bite, gently put it into his mouth…and the first thing he tasted was the rich flavor of chocolate.
The gateau chocolate was a little more similar to raw chocolate. Put it, it was sticky and gooey.
Yet at the same time, it was different from raw chocolate. He could feel a silky skin in his mouth, and the hardness of the coating was exquisite.
The sweetness was controlled, and one could certainly feel the depth and sweetness of the chocolate. One could sense that the chocolate was adjusted to its maximum possible level.
“…Delicious.”
He blurted out what he really thought, and Mahiru heaved a sigh of relief, smiling,
“It is great that it suits your tastes. I wanted a taste and feeling that is just right.”
“It’s really great. It’s amazing how you managed to do it this well.”
“Fufu, I really feel accomplished to have such a reaction. It seemed my efforts were not for naught.”
She made a bell-like giggle, and beamed giddily as she saw Amane click his tongue while eating the gateau chocolate.
“Also, did you notice any other flavor in this?”
Once asked, Amane closed his eyes, and focused on his taste buds.
There was certainly a rich sweetness, and also a fragrance and bitterness distinct from chocolate.
It was a fragrance Amane often scented upon at work recently.
“Hm…coffee…hmmm? Wait…our shop?”
The delicate flavor and rich fragrance heavily resembled the coffee provided at his workplace.
It was half a guess, “You are completely correct.” and Mahiru said so with a grin, her hands clapped together.
“Ah, I have not been there to have a look though? I had Kido-san buy some coffee beans from your workplace, Amane-kun. The owner even helped to blend and ensure the chocolate taste is richer. I really had to thank them lots.”
“Even Itomaki-san’s an accomplice…well, she’s been grinning a lot recently, now that I think about it…”
He did not expect the owner Itomaki-san to get involved. He sensed cold sweat trickling down his heart, and probably would have a hard time during his next shift.
It was true however that the coffee was good. Amane heard that freshly grounded coffee was delicious, and he too wanted to buy a coffee machine, but he did not expect to taste it in this manner.
“Fufu, I merely asked of Kido-san, but news spread before I knew it…and they heartily helped out. Good thing it did not reach your ears, Amane-kun.”
“Seriously, Mahiru…”
Amane felt bashful because of how Mahiru toiled relentlessly for his sake.
He thought of cutting the gateau chocolate to hide his embarrassment from Mahiru, but she gently stopped him, and snatched the fork from his hand.
He lifted his face, and their eyes met as Mahiru gave an alluring smile.
“We finally have a chance. Shall I feed you? I feel I should be feeding you on your birthday.”
“Eh, n-no, that’s.”
“Do not worry about it.”
Mahiru seemed to imply that whatever Amane was tentative about, she would shoo it aside, and she took the gateau chocolate to his mouth. Amane stammered, and obediently ate the cake.
Mahiru knew that he definitely was not unwilling, which was why she did so. The embarrassment stung at him lightly, but he sank in the bliss rising within his body.