CH 16

“A-are you ready?”

“Y-yes.”

Shinonome and I were looking at each other right now. The reason for this is…..

I am going to pat Shinonome’s head.

Shinonome’s request. No matter how much I thought about it, it was a bad idea.

However, Shinonome had the courage to tell me. So I decided to accept.

And here we are.

“I-I’m going to do it.”

“Anytime.”

While Shinonome’s face turned bright red. She waited patiently.

I do it slowly. I reached out my hand, ignoring my heart that was beating painfully.

And then, with a tap. I reached her silky yet fluffy hair.

Quite different from mine, and quite well maintained. I was surprised at how silky and smooth the texture is.

Just like that. As if I was touching a work of art made of glass. I gently stroked her head.

Just a little bit. Shinonome’s cheeks twitched.

If I recall correctly, she said to do it while praising her.

…..It’s difficult for me to praise her.

Ah, that’s right. It’s a good opportunity. to say it.

“Thank you, Shinonome.”

I would like to express my gratitude for all she’s done for me.

As well as my studies. Thanks to Shinonome, I’m enjoying every day these days. It’s the same on the way to and from the train, and even at night.

If I hadn’t met Shinonome. If I hadn’t helped her at that time. I would’ve been living an indifferent life like before.

To my words. Shinonome’s cheeks relaxed.

“M-me too. I’ve been enjoying everyday life lately.”

“……I’m glad to hear that.”

Just like that, my eyes met Shinonome’s. She squinted her eyes every time I stroked her head. …..The corner of her mouth that had been closed just a few moments ago began to loosen up.

…..I wonder if it’s about time. Thinking that, I let go of my hand.

“Ah……”

Shinonome looked sad and grabbed my hand. My heart began to make an unpleasant sound.

“…..Just a little bit more. Is that not good?”

“……Got it.”

When I put my hand back. The color of anxiety disappeared from Shinonome’s eyes. The hand that has lost its destination……unconsciously. Made its way to a high place.

I felt a tingle of excitement at the warmth that came from my hand. I tried not to let it show on my face.

So as not to ruin her hairstyle. I stroke her head from the top of her snow-white hair.

Shinonome quietly closed her eyes. 

……What? What is this cute creature? The icy cold atmosphere had gone.

As I stroke her hair. I caress it. For some reason, I could feel the strength leaving Shinonome’s body.

Before I knew it, her bright red face had returned to its usual color,with a slight pink tinge. However, her head is sticking out as if to tell me not to stop yet.

Even for me, it made me want to keep going forever. It was a strange feeling.

Then, for some reason. Shinonome’s face turned red again.

“……U-um.”

“What’s wrong?”

Shinonome looked up. I unconsciously stopped stroking her hand, but since Shinonome’s gaze once turned there, I resumed stroking. 

“Is it okay if you spoil me more?”

I froze at those words. It’s bad. Even though the corner of my brain was screaming at me to say no.

“Okay.”

I found myself letting the words slip out of my mouth. Shinonome noticed that my hand had stopped again and looked a little sad. When I hurriedly started petting her again, her expression changed so easily that it was amusing.

And then. Shinonome stared at me. She was getting closer and closer.

……No way, what she meant by spoil is that thing? 

My heart began to pound as if it were about to burst. It’s not even touching yet. The sound is so loud that Shinonome might be able to hear it. 

And then, Shinonome. She leaned forward and entrusting her body–

Ding dong

With a surprise. My body and Shinonome’s body jumped.

“House Pizza. We’re here to deliver !”

“……I’m coming !”

That’s right. It’s time for pizza to arrive. ……No, wait. That means, I’ve been stroking Shinonome’s head for more than ten minutes.

Shinonome’s face turned bright red. …..Well, me too. Shinonome seems to be a bit euphoric too. 

“Then, I’ll go pick it up.”

”Y-yes. I understand.”

I got up and was about to head for the door.

“……Shinonome?”

My sleeve. Shinonome was holding it tightly. Shinonome just stared at me.

“Also, may I ask you for a favor?”

She said so. My face, which should’ve finally stopped burning, is getting hot again.

I can easily refuse. Or rather, it would be better to refuse. ….Even though I know that.

It was a favor from Shinonome. Also, the thought of seeing that look on her face again overflowed. 

“Yeah, anything you want, Shinonome.”

I said that.

◆◆◆

“E-excuse me. I got a little carried away.”

After receiving the pizza, I returned. Shinonome, who had seemed to have cooled off, bowed her head.

“No, it’s nothing. It means that you’re showing your true colors, Shinonome.”

While replying to Shinonome, I smiled wryly.

I also thought about it calmly. Shinonome usually tries to keep up her appearance. ….If it’s to make her relax. As a reward for myself, I think this was a good idea.

That’s what I thought. Shinonome stared at me. 

“A-are you angry?”

“Angry?”

Her voice sounded a little uneasy. I can’t help but smile.

She looked at me with a dumbfounded expression.

“I’m not angry. Or rather, I was happy that Shinonome was no longer conscious of me.”

The physical distance between us has shortened. More than that, I feel like the distance between our hearts has shortened too.

Shinonome’s eyes widened at my words.  She smiled softly.

“Fufu. Then, from time to time. I’ll be counting on you.”

“Yeah. ……,But only when there’s no one around, please.”

“I know.”

In a somewhat bouncy rhythm. Shinonome said happily.

The remaining of [Ice Princess] was no longer there.

◆◆◆

“……! ……!”

Shinonome’s eyes light up as she bites into her pizza.

She looked like she was trying to say something, as expected. I told her to swallow it first.

Then, she swallowed.

“Minori kun, Minori kun ! It’s so delicious !”

“Yeah, I could feel it from watching you.”

Seeing Shinonome eating so deliciously next to me, I feel happy too.

I ate the pizza as well. It’s delicious as expected.

“It’s very good.”

“Yes ! Totally !”

At my words. Shinonome replied with a smile. Shinonome happily drank orange juice and eating the fries.

I was thinking that maybe she might stay like that for a while. We both devoured it.

◆◆◆

[ [Thank you for the food.] ]

We said this while putting our hands together. I started clearing away the plates I’d been serving.

“Do you need any help?”

“This much is fine. Please make yourself at home.”

Even though I only wash the plate. I wondered if I should use chopsticks, but Shinonome said that she wanted to eat with her hands, so I didn’t use them.

Then, when I brought the plate to the kitchen.

Shinonome was following from behind.

“…..? What’s up?”

“Ah, uh, well. K-kitchen ! I wanted to check it. I thought it would be good to know where all the utensils and condiments are in case we need to use them later.”

“I see.”

As I soak the detergent into the sponge. Shinonome spoke to me.

“I’m glad. There are still some seasonings left. It seems we don’t need to buy more.”

“Oh, yeah. I still have more, so don’t worry.”

My heart skips a beat. Shinonome probably thinks that I can cook.

….I wonder if I’ll be able to hide it.

“Ah, The cookware is also……as good as new.”

After making a surprise face, Shinonome….stared at me.

I feel like she’s staring at me too intense,

“…..”

Shinonome just looked at me quietly. I can’t help but break out in a cold sweat. …..Ugh.

The most important thing to remember is that you should not be afraid to ask for help.

It can’t be helped.

After I finished washing the dishes, I looked at Shinonome.

“……Actually, I don’t cook for myself.”

That’s what I said.