Volume 2 - CH 34

The closing ceremony was over in the morning.

Arisa did not go home that day but went straight to Yuzuru’s house.

Both of them changed into their casual clothes and had a quick lunch at a nearby cafe.

Then they started to prepare for Christmas in earnest.

Yuzuru had already bought the ingredients he had specified in advance, so all that was left was to cook.

“So, Yuzuru-san. I’ll be doing the cooking, so please take care of the decorations.”

“Oh, leave it to me.”

Normally Yuzuru doesn’t decorate for Christmas, but today was the day he would be spending with Arisa.

Thinking about it, he naturally felt motivated.

And by the time Yuzuru finished putting up the decorations, ……

The smell of delicious food was in the air.

“Yuzuru-san, it’s ready. Can you help me serve the food?”

“Yeah, sure.”

Baguette.

Avocado and shrimp wreath salad.

Beef stew.

Roast chicken.

Fried chicken.

French fries.

Christmas cake.

That was the menu for today.

Incidentally, except for the baguette from the bakery, everything was handmade by Arisa.

“Well, let’s have a toast.”

Yuzuru took out a bottled drink from the refrigerator.

It was crystal clear and beautiful, with bubbles of carbonation visible inside.

“I’ve been wondering about that. …… Is it champagne, by any chance?”

“What would Arisa do if I said yes?”

When Yuzuru asked jokingly, …… Arisa thought for a moment and then answered.

“…… No. You are underage and you are not allowed to drink. I will scold you, Yuzuru-san.”

“That’s harsh. …… But don’t worry. It’s just juice.”

It’s a champagne-style apple juice.

In other words, it is a non-alcoholic beverage.

…… In fact, Yuzuru usually drank alcohol at Christmas and at the end of the year, when relatives gather. But this time he was very careful.

It was a decision made knowing Arisa would be angry.

“Well, just for the sake of atmosphere, have a sip. If it doesn’t suit your taste, you can leave it. I’ve prepared other drinks.”

“Yes, I understand. It’s a good opportunity.”

Yuzuru prepared a champagne glass and poured the juice into it.

Then he and Arisa raised their glasses.

“Cheers, then.”

“Yes, cheers.”

They bumped their glasses together in a small way.

Then they took a sip of the juice.

It only looks like champagne, so the taste is different from champagne.

However, it was a refreshing and tasty juice.

“What do you think, Arisa?”

“I think I like it a lot.”

She smiled and took a sip.

It’s not real alcohol, but Arisa’s skin was slightly inflamed and a little shiny.

“Well, since we’re here… let’s have some of the food as well.”

“Yes, please”

For starters, Yuzuru reached for the wreath salad.

It was beautifully decorated to look like a Christmas wreath, and it looked very beautiful…

“Yes, it’s delicious. The seasoning that Arisa makes is better than the store-bought kind.”

“Thank you very much. I make it according to the vegetables I use for the salad.”

“As expected of you.”

When Yuzuru praised her, Arisa’s cheeks blushed in embarrassment.

Then she scratched her cheeks.

It was very cute.

Next, he took a bite of the beef stew.

When he put the meat in my mouth, it melted in his mouth.　

“This meat is so tender.”

“It’s been stewed for a long time. …… I usually don’t do it because it takes too much time, but it’s my specialty.”

Arisa said with a bit of pride.

As it is her specialty, it is very tasty.

The other dishes were also very good.

But more than that,…

“That is delightful.”

“Thank you. …… If you praise me so much, it makes it worth making.”

“…… No, well, there’s no doubt that Arisa’s cooking is delicious too. But..”

When Yuzuru said that, Arisa tilted her head curiously.

Her beautiful flaxen hair swayed slightly.

Her emerald eyes stared at Yuzuru.

“What do you mean?”

“… I think I’m having a delightful time because I’m with you.”

Of course, Arisa’s cooking is delicious.

But more than that,

The meals shared with Arisa are delicious.

“Well, ……, this, you see. I’m a little embarrassed to even dare to say this, but…”

Yuzuru scratched his cheek.

He could feel his own face getting hot.

“Thank you for spending time with me today. I really enjoyed it. …… Will you hang out with me again next year?”

“Ye, yes. …I’d be happy to.”

Arisa replied with a shy, but clear, nod.　

Somehow, Yuzuru felt a sense of euphoria.

He felt like he could say things now that he had been too embarrassed to say.

“Arisa.”

“…… What.. is it?”

“…… From now on as well, will you continue to cook for me, please?”

When Yuzuru said that, Arisa’s expression froze.

Then, a little later, her face turned bright red, like a boiled octopus.

“…… Arisa?”

Yuzuru called out to the silent Arisa.

Then Arisa seemed to come back to herself and straightened her back.

“Ah, yes!　Well, it would be my pleasure!”

And Arisa took Yuzuru’s hand in hers.

Arisa True Dere degree: 75% → 100%

Yuzuru’s Seriousness: 80% → 90%

The gauge has …