"Hmm, I must say, I've outdone myself. It's delicious." Miyanoshita takes another bite of the fried rice. Clearly pleased with the result, she sports a beaming smile. "Do you cook often, Miyanoshita?" "It's about half and half. When it feels like a hassle, I sometimes make do with convenience store food or takeout since I get an allowance for food from my parents. But since I've gotten to know Yuuki-san, I've been cooking more often." "Why is that?" "I've been thinking that I'd like to treat Yuuki-san to a homemade meal someday. It was all practice for that." "Um..." "I'm also learning handicrafts and cleaning techniques, you know? Basically, it's what you'd call 'bridal training'." "..." I'm at a loss for a reaction. "Oh my, are you blushing? Did you picture me in a bridal gown? Or are you imagining our life as newlyweds? Hehe, how adorable♪" "That's not it." "Hmmm, are you sure? Look over here for a second. I'll check to see if your face is red. Come on, don't be shy!" "Are you a child?" "I am a child, indeed." No good. I just can't seem to outtalk Miyanoshita. "But, today's meal tastes even more delicious than usual." "Did it go especially well?" "No, not particularly. It was just average compared to my normal practice." "Then why?" "Isn't it obvious?" Miyanoshita gives a small smile. "It's because I'm with Yuuki-san." Taken at face value, it means 'because I'm with the person I like.' But... I interpreted it differently. Miyanoshita's parents both work late. She probably understands their situation. She's a smart kid. She accepts it because it's their work. Yet, she's still a child. She must feel lonely not being able to spend time with her parents. She must feel the solitude of eating alone all the time. That's why, I believe, she's now enjoying the meal with someone. "...May I ask you to make it again?" Without realizing, that's what came out of my mouth. "Eh?" "How do i say it... Miyanoshita's cooking is delicious, so it would be a waste to stop after just this. Oh, and of course, I'll pay for the ingredients." "..." "Is that a no, then?" "No, not at all!" She replied with incredible eagerness. "I was feeling sad about it being the last time too! I've been thinking up about 108 different ways in my head to make sure there's a second and a third time!" "That's overthinking it." "And to think, Yuuki-san, you would suggest it... that means we're getting married, aren't we?!" "As I said, it's impossible."

"Why?!" "It's because of the law." "Grrr, I regret being born in Japan. But, if I hadn't been, I would never have met Yuuki-san... so, never mind, I take it back!" "You're always so full of energy." This kid is truly remarkable. I want to emulate her relentless spirit and refusal to give up. "To think that you'd be the one to suggest it, Yuuki-san... hehe. Did you fall for me?" "Nope." "But your affection meter is up, isn't it?" "When you put it into gaming terms..." "On a maximum scale of 100, it's a 30 point increase, right?" "Maybe a 3?" "So low!?" "Keep it up!" "Boo, you're mean." It's difficult to deal with someone who's pouting. They're an important friend, and I need to keep her earnest confessing in mind, but... Still, as of now, we're just friends. Afterwards, we finished eating fried rice and Chinese soup while chatting. I stand at the sink with dishwashing liquid and a sponge. "It's just the dishes, i can do them." "If I leave everything to you, I'd feel bad. I'm not great at cooking, so at least let me do this." "Hmm... It's like a combined labor of love, which is nice in its own way!" "Don't call it something weird." "I'm just stating the facts." Only the part about combined labor is correct. "Then, I'll go back to my room for a bit. I'll return in about 10 minutes." "Got it." I watch her leave and begin washing the dishes. The sink is as spacious as the room. It looks like two people could work side by side. "…But" I guess it's always just Miyanoshita standing here by herself. Suddenly, that thought crossed my mind, stirring a mix of complicated feelings. "She herselve might be fine with it, but somehow... *sigh*" It's not my place to butt in. Yet, it's still bothering me. ...Nothing seems to go as planned. "...u..." "Miyanoshita?" From upstairs, I could just make out Miyanoshita's voice. It sounded almost like a scream. I dried off my hands, wet from the dishes, and climbed the stairs. Let's see... this should be Miyanoshita's room. The nameplate was hanging down. "Miyanoshita? Is something wrong?" "Ah... Yuuki-san..." Is she scared? What on earth could be...