Chapter 5 | Angel’s Lunch

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“It’s nice to eat alone like this sometimes,” I thought as I sat on the terrace during lunch break.

Looking around, there weren’t many students eating on the terrace. Most of them seemed to be eating inside.

I ate the melon bread I bought at the store, lost in my thoughts.

I usually ate in the cafeteria, but when I looked at my wallet, it was almost empty.

So, I had no choice but to buy melon bread from the store and endure it.

(I should have checked my wallet properly…)

There was also the option of choosing the cheapest dish on the menu, which was udon noodles, but I wanted to avoid eating that for two days in a row.

So, my lunch today was just a nutritional jelly and melon bread.

I would be hungry, but I could manage with a little bit of endurance.

As I enjoyed the scenery while munching on the melon bread, I heard a familiar voice.

“Um… Is that all you’re having for lunch?”

The one who spoke to me was Kotomi, who was looking at what I was holding in my hand with a slightly bewildered look.

In her hand, she was holding what appeared to be a lunch box wrapped in a red cloth.

“Yeah, well, pretty much…”

“Is that enough for a growing high school boy?”

“It’s not enough, but… I don’t have enough money.”

“I see.”

Kotomi sat down in the seat opposite me.

Then, she unwrapped the lunch cloth and handed me the lunch box along with a pair of chopsticks.

I was a little surprised by her actions.

“Here, would you like some?”

“Huh, is that okay?”

“Yes, as a thank you for playing with Karin. I made a little too much today, so I was going to have the leftovers for dinner.”

“So, Amase makes her own lunch.”

“I like cooking, and my father taught me how to.”

She’s a powerhouse of femininity, being able to cook.

I was hesitant for a moment, but my hunger as a high school boy was not able to resist my appetite, and I opened the lid of the lunch box that Kotomi had made.

Inside the lunch box, there were beautifully arranged, colorful dishes that made my mouth water just by looking at them.

The main dish was teriyaki chicken, and the smell and appearance of it made me even hungrier.

“Please, help yourself to as much as you like.”

“If you say that, I feel like I’m going to eat everything…”

“I’ll leave it up to your conscience.”

She said that without a change in her expression, so it felt like I was being tested.

I placed two slices of the already cut teriyaki chicken, potato salad, and a small amount of rice on the lunch box lid.

Then, I split the chopsticks in two, and first, I brought the teriyaki chicken to my mouth.

“…What is this? It’s so good.”

Every time I chewed, happiness spread in my mouth.

Kotomi’s cooking was the most delicious I had ever had and was to my liking.

It seemed that my facial expression had unconsciously softened, and Kotomi smiled wryly.

It was only then that I noticed my expression, and I returned to my usual expression.

I was living alone and cooking for myself.

Thanks to that, I was starting to think that my cooking skills had improved, but after eating this, it was all overshadowed.

“I’m glad that you’re enjoying it so much.”

“I can honestly say it’s the most delicious thing I’ve ever had.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

Kotomi gave me her angelic smile.

I felt like there was a mixture of shyness and happiness in it.

(I wish I could eat food like this every day.)

While thinking about that, I brought the remaining dishes to my mouth.

After thoroughly enjoying the taste, I was filled with satisfaction.

“My mouth is so happy…”

“Would you like me to make you one tomorrow as well?”

While I was savoring the aftertaste, Kotomi made such an attractive proposal.

(Is that okay…?)

Is it really okay for me to have a handmade lunch from the angel?

Even if it’s a thank you, the return is obviously far too much.

“I want to say yes… but wouldn’t it be a burden?”

“It’s okay. I’ll just increase the amount a little more than usual… And I’m also a little grateful to you, Hanazawa-san.”

“Grateful?”

“Yes, like you said, I focused on enjoying playing together instead of just entertaining her. And then Karin seemed to be enjoying herself… So this is a thank you.”

To me, it was just meant to be a casual piece of advice.

It seems that it was helpful to Kotomi.

“I see, then I’ll take you up on that.”

“Yes, leave it to me. Do you have any likes or dislikes?”

“I don’t particularly dislike anything. I’ll leave it up to Amase’s mood.”

“Understood. Then, I’ll bring your lunch tomorrow.”

Tomorrow, I would be able to eat the angel’s cooking to my heart’s content.

Just thinking about that made me feel like I could get through today and tomorrow.

Kotomi wasn’t in any club, but she was good at sports and always got first place in her regular tests.

On top of that, she had an alluring beauty and could also cook.

However, she didn’t have a boyfriend.

Perhaps she wasn’t very interested in romance.

However, for me, who was done with romance, it didn’t matter either way.

“Hanazawa-san, changing the subject, would it be okay for me to visit your house this Saturday?”

“My house?”

“Karin wants to go play at your house.”

“Ah, but I don’t have any toys or anything?”

“I think Karin will bring her own toys, so that’s fine.”

It seemed that Karin had gotten more attached to me than expected.

(That means Kotomi will come to my house… Oh, well.)

I had to tidy up my room a little, but there was no other problem.

“Then, it’s fine if you want to come. If Karin and Amase want to come, then come. I’ll send you my address by email.”

“Understood… I’m actually a little excited.”

The angel’s smile had a hint of the genuine smile she showed to her little sister.

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