Chapter 365: Gratitude

When I returned to the Club Building, my feet instantly led me to the Book Club. Checking in to see Haruko, Aya and Himeko before going next door to test Mina's new tea recipe.

Well, they’re doing a club activity for once. Although there’s Himeko as an observer, those Book-reading Machines were neatly seated in a circle where they’re giving a summary of the books they recently finished.

Although they appear to be nerds, they don't seem to be that bright… The only common thing about them was their fondness over books. When it was Aya’s turn, all of them choked on their saliva and as if they’re looking at a blinding light, they all covered their eyes. That’s how much brilliance the enthusiastic book lover like Aya was exuding. And unlike them, Aya could clearly remember the important points of the book she was reading.

In any case, watching that girl being more enthusiastic about something she clearly loves was a sight I would always long to see.

After Aya’s turn ended, I excused myself first to finally meet with the Tea Girl.

When I entered the Poem Appreciation Club, the two seniors yesterday weren't around, Serizawa-senpai was also not in the previous room.

I tried inquiring about them but Mina incredulously looked at me. Her eyes looked like it was judging me as some kind of pervert who was already ready to attack someone after meeting them once and being acquainted with them.

Due to that, Mina made me drink more than five cups again.

Well, she followed my advice yesterday so… It was something I wouldn't mind drinking even if it's a whole pot.

When she noticed that I willingly drank everything she offered, the girl became curious enough to try it as well.

And that's how I saw Mina flashing a brilliant and satisfied smile.

"This is it! My mother will be able to acknowledge my skill with this!"

"Un. That's great and all but don't you think this is just the start? Your mother will have years of experience in tea-making. If you came up with this recipe, then your mother will probably be the same."

Since I was now with her, Otsuka-senpai who was occupying my mind earlier was already put to the back of my head. There's time to think about it later.

For now, I needed to impress this girl in front of me and encouraging her was one of the things that could do that.

Besides, what I said was the truth. She only improved it to how I commented yesterday. She tamed the sweetness of the tea.

It's a great and delicious tea, true, but if she wanted to win against her mother through that competition, using this as a base to improve on was the advice I could give her today.

"So, you think this tea is not enough for me to win?" Mina stopped being gleeful as she hurriedly took the seat beside me. She then leaned closer as she asked this question.

"I haven't tried what your mother can make so I am comparing this tea to the more expensive ones I tasted before. I can compliment you this time and say it's amazing but Mina, I also wanted you to be successful so I will not half-ass being your lab rat for this showdown with your mother."

"… Why are you this serious? Could it be you're hoping to be introduced as my boyfriend?"

"That's part of the reason. But the main reason is…" At this point, I grabbed Mina's waist and pulled her close to me. Just like the previous days, our lips were now near enough that I only needed to move my head a bit to kiss her.

Before she could be flustered and push me away, I continued, " … I want your mother to be proud of you. That way, you can even become closer than you are at the moment. You see, I admire your closeness. The competition might be something she prepared to bond with you so… Helping you to give your best at impressing here is what I am aiming for."

"… This guy. How did you even end up thinking that deeply? I didn't say anything else about my mother and me, right?"

"Yes, you didn't. But Mina, when you told me about this thing this Monday, what I saw from your eyes wasn't competitiveness but your gratitude to your mother. You wanted to show her that what you learned from her was being appreciated by those close to you, right? That's why you ended up bragging about it in front of her."

Mina's eyes shook as if she was surprised about what I told her. And soon after that, she closed her eyes and sighed. "… Alright. You win this time. Pervert Onoda."

"Hmm? Winning wasn't my goal though? How did I win and what have I won?"

I smiled and acted oblivious. After spending time with her almost every day since I declared how I wanted to make her fall for me, I already understand Mina's thought process to a certain extent.

Nonetheless, her real background was still unknown to me. What happened that she ended up becoming an introvert?

Honestly, at this point, she didn't come off as an introvert. She's expressive and more often than not, she's more outgoing. A stark contrast with Himeko.

"Just shut up for now, will you? Do you want to kiss me or not?"

Of course, I do!

"Isn't that question useless? Is that what I won this time?"

As I continued my act to be oblivious, it ended up with another sigh from Mina.

Perhaps she got frustrated with how I was acting. After that sigh, Mina circled her arms around my head and initiated the kiss by herself.

Compared to the previous ones wherein she looked as if she's just forcing herself to accept my kiss, this time I could feel another different emotion from her.

It's gratitude.

After a bout of a passionate kiss from us wherein she ended up lying down on the floor while I propped myself on top of her, Mina blinked her eyes and covered her flustered face before whispering.

"Onoda-kun, do you want to hear about my story? Why I end up becoming an introvert and how did I meet Haru?"