Otonari No Tenshi - sama Ni Itsunomanika Dame Ningen Ni Sareteita Ken
Chapter 8: The Beginning of Dinner Together

When Mahiru agrees to cook at Amane's apartment, she submits the following requirements.

¢ Amane must pay half the price of groceries, along with labor costs.

¢ If they can't eat together, one of the parties must notify the other the day before.

¢ Both parties will have the same responsibility to buy materials and clean up.

Labor costs were the first condition suggested by Amane, who felt bad for taking advantage of Mahiru. The person himself compromised in this, and there was not much dispute regarding the rest, so they managed to resolve these details.

It was already established that Mahiru would be the one to cook, so there was nothing to worry about.

On the day after it was decided, Mahiru arrived with a grocery bag, or rather, carrying it with two hands as she prepared to cook.

"... It's completely new and unused ..."

"Yes, is there a problem?"

With a girl wearing an apron in her apartment, Amane practically lives the dream of any man, but for some reason, she gets restless.

One reason was because he was not used to the sight. However, the main reason is because Mahiru refers to a kitchen that is never used.

"There's a lot of good equipment here, and you let it rust."

"They won't rust when you use them, won't they."

"That will be the result. This equipment cries when it's not used."

"So, use your cooking skills to make them stop crying."

I can't do that, Amane admitted bluntly, and he looked at her. He probably already guessed that, since he only sighed and did not nag much.

"So, you still have seasoning too, yeah."

"Of course, you think I'm an idiot? No problems with storage and expiration."

"Oh, that's surprising."

"They still haven't been opened, that's why."

"That's not something to be proud of. If it's not enough, I can go back to my apartment to pick it up."

"Thank you for the help."

"I should be able to cook something with basic seasoning. Ah, I'm the one who decided on the menu, you don't mind, do you?"

"I don't really understand this, so I'll eat whatever there is. I'm not a picky type either."

"so yeah. Then, I'll start .. Please tell me where the roof is."

"In this basket."

"It's not open yet ..."

He looked at the condiment, and frowned in confusion, but he quickly returned to his usual expression when Amane gave his previous briefing, and he went to the tap to wash his hands.

"I'll start cooking. You can wait in the living room or bedroom."

"certain. Besides, I'm useless here."

"That's really an honest attitude from you. But it's true that I'm going to have a hard time cooking with your presence."

"You're quite outspoken yourself."

"But that's a fact. I don't have to hide about it."

As Mahiru said, Amane would only be a hindrance, so he went straight to the living room, and watched her from behind as she cooked.

After he washed his hands, Mahiru hurriedly handled the seasoning.

Amane had no idea what he was going to make, but judging by the ingredients, it was probably Japanese cuisine.

He still could not believe that he could invite Mahiru to his apartment to cook the delicious dish, and wondered if he was dreaming. However, as soon as Amane saw Mahiru's long hair swinging, he knew that this was the reality.

(... Why does it feel like I have a wife?)

The two of them did not have such feelings for each other, but the current situation seemed that he had made this place his home, and Amane could only imagine it.

He really has no interest in Mahiru, but seeing the beautiful girl cooking in his apartment, this situation makes his imagination run wild.

As expected, regardless of Amane having feelings for her or not, seeing a beautiful girl who was willing to cook for her caused her heart to frown a little.

"... You didn't think of anything weird, did you?"

"Don't just guess try."

Mahiru asked without looking back, and Amane's face twitched from being asked so, but since he didn't look back, his trickery wasn't discovered.

He was a sensitive person, Amane murmured, a shivering feeling engulfing his back as the innocent heart of the man looked at him from behind.

...ΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩ...

An hour later, dishes began to appear on the dining table.

Mahiru was the one who defined the dish on this day, and the result was a healthy Japanese meal that supported nutrition.

"This equipment and seasoning is quite useful, and I don't need much. I can definitely make a more delicious dish from tomorrow."

"Well, I'm grateful you're cooking for me."

Mahiru wasn't sure how many utensils and seasonings she could use, so the dishes available were relatively simple. Even so, the food served is full of color and uploads taste.

There are steamed fish, vegetables with toppings, omelet with miso, and various Japanese dishes that he never dreamed of.

Amane himself is actually not a picky type of food, but he likes Japanese food. As soon as He saw how sorry Mahiru was, He said He wanted to eat this.

"... It looks so good."

"Thank you for the compliment. Let's eat before it gets cold."

Said Mahiru while sitting on the chair. Amane then occupied the seat opposite him.

The dining table for one person is quite small in size, and the two sit close together.

Fortunately, he had two spare seats for guests, but there was something indescribable about a beautiful girl sitting in front of him.

However, once Amane starts eating, Mahiru's beauty is not a problem.

Itadakimasu, said Amane, and tried miso soup first.

As his lips touched the soup, he enjoyed the miso and fish broth in his mouth, the taste spreading along with the delicious aroma tickling his nose.

Its soft taste is different from instant miso soup. The taste of the miso itself is not too rich, and the taste of the fish is still there, even integrated with salty taste.

The first taste is rather bland, probably because miso is used in other dishes. Only after drinking the soup completely did he find enough flavor concentrated.

"Very good."

"Thank you very much."

He acknowledged the effect honestly, and Mahiru felt relieved while narrowing her eyes.

While Amane praises his dishes, Mahiru may feel nervous about Amane stating his thoughts in person.

Mahiru, who was worried about Amane's reaction, started eating, and on the other hand also grabbed the chopsticks.

After tasting all the dishes on the table, he found Mahiru's cooking really delicious.

The steamed fish is really delicious, because the moisture of the meat is awake.

Moisture will disappear if he heats it for too long. It will make the fish too dry, but the steamed fish is really soft and smooth.

Omelette has a taste that Amane likes very much.

Enamored by the bright yellow color, it takes a little, and tasting the delicate taste of the fish broth.

There are some who like sweet omelets, there are also like salty ones, but the ones here are made of fish broth, so it tastes a little sweet.

Sweet and soft perhaps from honey.

It does not seem to be much added but the remaining sweetness adds to the richness of the flavor.

Amane does not hate sweet or salty omelets, but he likes those that have broth, with a slight sweetness, and a perfect amount of seasoning. He was so touched that he could eat the ideal omelet.

Delicious, Amane murmured to himself, eating another dish.

The fire control is perfect. He slowly chewed the soft omelet with fish broth, enjoying the taste contained within.

Clearly better than my mother, Amane secretly thought to himself these insolent things to his mother as she ate. Then, He saw Mahiru looking at him carefully.

"... You seem to enjoy it."

"This is delicious anyway. I have to thank you for the good food."

"Yes, that's right."

"And well, it's better to eat with an honest look rather than frowning. We're both happy, aren't we?"

Although the food may be delicious, the cook will feel restless and curious if someone does not express his feelings honestly. Sometimes, saying it is delicious with wrinkles will make the chef curious about what he says is sincere or not.

More importantly, it was better for both of them to express their feelings directly. Those who are grateful and those who receive thanks are in a good mood.

"... I think so."

It seemed that Mahiru had received Amane's explanation as she showed a slight smile.

A gentle smile that seemed to express relief, and she was so adorable, Amane realized that she was a little dreamy.

"Fujimiya-san?"

"Ah .. no, it's nothing."

He was fascinated by it, but of course, Amane could not say this. He suppressed the shame that arose in him as he continued to eat, trying not to be caught.

"... Thanks for the food."

"Thank God you like it."

Amane finished the meal on the table showing He was full, and Mahiru answered briefly.

Even so, Mahiru seemed calm, perhaps elated that Amane was spending the food completely, not leaving a single grain of rice behind.

"That's so good."

"I can tell from that."

"Better than my mother."

"I think it's taboo to compare a girl's cooking to someone's mother's."

"Only when I try to insult, okay? By the way, do you want to know about that?"

"Not really."

"All right then. The fact is your cooking is really delicious."

Mahiru's cooking skills are not honed with just a few experiences.

Amane's mother had more cooking experience, but she had different taste buds, and was bored about it, so where could she possibly improve on the taste just like Mahiru did.

His father might even be better than his mother, let alone him.

"... Well I think I feel very lucky here. Anyway, I can eat it every day."

"Only when we both have no other business."

"... Are we seriously eating together every day?"

"I'll suggest it later if it doesn't happen."

"Well, that's right."

Amane knew very well that an honest person like Mahiru would not suggest so if he did not like it, but even so, he wondered if this was okay.

He paid for half of the groceries, along with the labor costs, but he was worried that it would still cost Mahiru too much.

"... Do you usually cook for people you don't like?"

"Your life style is too unhealthy. Anyway, I love cooking, and I don't hate seeing you enjoy my homemade food."

"But..."

"If you're still worried about that, do I have to stop cooking for you?"

"No, please cook for me, thank you very much."

Amane instinctively replied, and it showed just how much Mahiru's cooking ability was a must, something he liked.

For him, getting Mahiru's cooking was a matter of life and death.

He has an awareness of his own stomach, but the problem is that Mahiru's cooking is too delicious. Maybe if he returns to eating side dishes from the minimarket, every day will feel bland, and it scares him.

As soon as he heard Amane's easy-to-understand instant answer, Mahiru showed a wry smile.

"Take it obediently."

"... Oh."

Amane sighed with excitement, anticipation and guilt, thinking of how this day-to-day meal with the majestic Tenshi would continue.