A few days later
Kamiyama High School - Rooftop
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Rui
(At the same time...
I'm staggered by how much more appetizing these look compared to the other ones...)
I'm staggered by how much more appetizing these look compared to the other ones...)
Rui
(They neither look poisonous nor like they've exploded. They do look a little big and lopsided, but they've been baked to a nice golden brown...)
Rui
(And this gentle but sweet aroma... It must be the vanilla extract. My stomach's growling with each whiff that passes through my nose...)
Rui
(It's like a beautiful intertwining of his clumsiness and gentle kindness... They're simple cupcakes, but very heartfelt.)
Rui
(The second I put it in my mouth, I could tell how fluffy and moist it is. What a wonderful texture...)
Rui
(And it isn't too sweet...
I can feel a slight hint of vanilla passing through my nasal cavity...)
I can feel a slight hint of vanilla passing through my nasal cavity...)
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Rui
Hehe. You've improved quite a lot. I'm sure Tsukasa and his sister will enjoy these very much.
Rui
Why not try thinking about the happiest thing they ever did for you when you were little?
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Toya
(Them putting on a brilliant show for me was one thing, but they were just so incredibly thoughtful.)
Toya
(As a result, I find myself awestruck in the presence of those who work to make others smile...)
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Toya
I know it's a bit early, but they're for White Day. It's a small token of my appreciation in response to all the help you've given me.
Toya
However, these are a variant where I mixed in some chocolate. I hope you enjoy them...
Sunday - A few days later
Tenma Household - Living Room
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Tsukasa
Yes! The tablecloth's also all set!
How's the food coming along? Will the beef stew be ready in time?!
How's the food coming along? Will the beef stew be ready in time?!
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Saki
No, thank you for coming over!
We put a ton of effort into dinner, so get ready for a feast!
We put a ton of effort into dinner, so get ready for a feast!
Toya
No, it's just... I have something for the two of you, but I was wondering if I should wait until after dinner...
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Toya
The beef and vegetables were so soft and slow-cooked to perfection. Also, the broth was rich and filled with so much flavor.
Tsukasa
Saki was in charge of all the frying and stewing, while I was...in charge of washing and chopping the vegetables!
Tsukasa
Also, Toya, how did you like the marinade? Saki did all of that herself, you know?
Toya
You did? I liked how the onions' natural spiciness went so well with the lemon juice's refreshing flavor. It was very good.
Saki
Yeah! Toya, our mom was given this really amazing tea. I'll go make some now, so just gimme a second!
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Saki
Oh, the thing you mentioned when you got here? I wanna see! I've been wondering this whole time!
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Toya
I had quite a few people help me as I made mistakes along the way. Luckily, I was able to bake something suitable in the end.
Tsukasa
Yes, I'd like that as well!
Toya, would mind helping me put your cupcakes onto some plates?
Toya, would mind helping me put your cupcakes onto some plates?
Toya
Oh, I'll have... The one with matcha in it. I made one that isn't too sweet for myself.
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Tsukasa
Still, this all feels so nostalgic.
It reminds me of the time we had homemade treats when we were little.
It reminds me of the time we had homemade treats when we were little.
Toya
Yes, I remember as well.
All the times we played and had these sorts of treats together when we were children...
All the times we played and had these sorts of treats together when we were children...
Saki
Yeah! You made these delicious cupcakes for us and we got to have them together... I can't think of a better way for us to spend time together!
Saki
I hope the three of us get to keep on gathering like this! That would make me sooo happy!
Tsukasa
As I! It'd be wonderful to be able to spend time together like this no matter how old we get.
Toya
(It's like nothing has changed since we were little. Every time I come here, I feel right at home...)
Toya
(I used to feel so lonely back then.
I wasn't sure that there was anyone out there who understood how I felt...)
I wasn't sure that there was anyone out there who understood how I felt...)
Toya
(But now, I have a partner, teammates and friends who understand just that... Thanks to them, I rarely ever feel lonely.)
Toya
(This feeling of being at ease with myself... It's been keeping me afloat all this time...)
Toya
(I hope the gift I gave today makes up for even a little bit of what they've given me...)