CH 29

“M-morning.”

I greeted Kaede, who was sitting on the sofa in the living room, half-asleep.

But, unlike usual, it was awkward.

“G-Good morning.”

Kaede’s reply was also awkward, though she fumbled a bit. No wonder, because I had been nuzzling my face in her lap for a long time after we came back.

It seems that Kaede was thinking the same, lying on the sofa and covering her face.

Anyway, I decided to be more careful about what to say,

“B-breakfast… would you like some?”

“Ah, Yes please.”

Kaede said, “Okay,” and strolled toward the kitchen, still not making eye contact.

(Well, it would be embarrassing if we made eye contact…..)

With these thoughts in mind, I waited for Kaede’s breakfast.

“It’s ready.”

She served it on the table.

With rice, bacon, scrambled eggs, miso soup, and milk, this was what a breakfast should be like.

“Thank you.”

I said thanks to Kaede and brought the bacon and rice together to my mouth.

Next, I brought scrambled eggs with ketchup to my mouth. I believed everything tastes better with ketchup on it.

But I did not think that was the only reason why the food was delicious. I think that eating with someone else also made a good dish even more delicious.

Especially if it was a woman you like.

“Thank you for the food.”

“Fufu, you look like you really enjoy the food.”

“I told you before, your cooking is delicious, Kaede.”

Kaede’s cheeks turned red and she fidgeted as I said this.

“Lately, you’ve become more honest about giving compliments, haven’t you, Hayasaka-kun?”

“I was honest before too”

“You’re not honest! Even when I say you’re cool…”

Kaede said in the heat of the moment, and the instant she cooled down, her face turned crimson.

Hearing this, Heat had already been concentrated on my face for a long time.

She covered her face with her hands.

“I’m sorry…”

“Why are you apologizing?”

“Because … that … yes.”

What the heck, I thought, but time passed with the two of us blushing.

Then the phone in my hand buzzed.

Who on earth is it? I thought, and opened my phone. The text was from my mother.

The message said that I should come back during the winter break.

I would love to go home, but the problem was what to do with Kaede.

I was still worried about having Kaede stay at home by herself.

It would be better if the two of us went to my parents’ house…. but it was kind of embarrassing to introduce her to my parents.

At any rate, I decided to ask Kaede.

“Kaede, can I have a word?”

“Yes, what is it?”

“Well, I have to go home for winter break.”

“…Eh?”

Obviously, Kaede’s expression darkened when she heard this. However, she immediately smiled and showed it to me.

“I’ll be fine, okay? I’ll take care of the household!”

But I was still worried about her. Part of it was that I had seen the expression on her face earlier.

However, I didn’t think the feeling of wanting to tease the girl you like in elementary school would change even after you become a high school student. I wanted to tease her a bit.

“Ah, I was actually thinking of going with you, but if you can stay home by yourself, then I guess I don’t need to worry about it.”

“What!?….I-I don’t mind!”

Whether she was really okay or just pretending to be tough, the answer was obvious.

“I’m just kidding, if you want Kaede, do you want to go with me?”

“………Yes”

Her honesty was so cute that I giggled a little,

Then Kaede reacted to it and puffed out her cheeks.

“Are you making fun of me~?”

“I didn’t. I just thought you looked cute.”

“Cute….Mou~, Hayasaka-kun, you’re such a meanie.”

“Didn’t you say I was kind yesterday?”

“No, You’re not being kind today.”

I apologized, but Kaede turned away with a pout.

I was thinking that I should contact my mother, but I was now thinking desperately about what explanation I would have to give Kaede to be forgiven.