Chapter 16 (Part 3) – Pudding
Right now, I’m truly surrounded by them.
“Release the hostage and leave immediately!”
“But Mi-chan, this is a chance to hang out with you privately! It’s well-known within our agency that if we get along with you, it’ll lead to success!”
“Chie, do something about Kouji right now!”
Looking around, I saw Kouji-san sitting cross-legged in the corner, sulking.
“Kouji is annoying! He’s always lovey-dovey with Chie and it’s annoying, but today it’s even more annoying!”
I smiled at Chieko-san.
“I was really surprised. To think that Chieko-san’s always talked about loving her doting husband, and it turned out to be Kouji-san!”
“It’s quite well-known, actually. Although I didn’t want to introduce Kouji-chan to Mi-chan.”
“… I admired Sati-san, but I don’t have romantic feelings or anything like that! It’s ridiculous to think I would develop such feelings knowing that all the stories you told about your husband were, things Sati-san did! And, on top of that, you even have such a cute child! Please share some of your happiness with me too!”
“Yeah! I’ll go comfort Kouji-chan a bit!”
“Okay!”
For some reason, Aoi-san handed me a caramel-covered pudding.
Without hesitation, I took the spoon and brought the pudding to my mouth.
Unlike the typical flan-like pudding, this one had the bittersweet taste of caramel, giving it an adult flavor!
“I love this caramel.”
“I’m healed by Mi-chan’s smile.”
Aoi-san seemed quite exhausted.
“When you’re tired, sweets are the way to go! Here you go, Aoi-san. Say ‘ah’.”
Aoi-san eagerly took the pudding I offered and took a big bite.
“This is so soothing~”
“That’s right! Sweet things are really comforting, aren’t they?”
“Idiot, you’re the one soothing Aoi, right, Mi-chan?”
“I’m soothed by Mi-chan too!”
“Yes, yes! Say ‘ah’.”
“… … It’s bitter.”
“Hey, why are you giving some to Chi too? Give back my moe and kyuu!”
Aoi-san furrowed his brow in dissatisfaction.
I chuckled and replied, , “Well, you know, Aoi-san. I shared some of Aoi-san’s pudding because it made me feel happy, and I thought it would be better if we all became happy together!”
“… … Damn it! You’re adorable.”
“I understand~ Aoi-chan, my mouth is bitter~ Is there any cheesecake left?”
“I only made enough to give Mi-chan as a souvenir!”
“But that means there’s some left! Just a little bit is fine, come on!”
“Aoi-san!”
“I made it because I wanted Mi-chan to eat it!”
“I want to eat some too!”
Aoi-san probably didn’t realize that I secretly felt my heart skip a beat.
“Aoi-san, let’s bring out the cheesecake! Come on, I’ll help!”
I gave Aoi-san a nudge and headed towards the kitchen.
“Mi-chan.”
“Aoi-san, thank you! Thanks for making various things for me. I love you.”
“… … Well, about that…”
“When you said you’re making it because you want me to eat it, I got all giddy!”
“I’m the one who’s feeling all giddy right now… Can those guys leave already?”
Aoi-san seemed to be in a better mood.
He sliced the cheesecake and made sure there was enough for each person. I was happy that he took care to make it the right portion for everyone.
When we returned from the kitchen, Kouji-san’s mood had also improved, and we all started eating the cheesecake together.
“Seems like there’s not enough.”
“S-Sorry! I ended up eating quite a bit…”
“For Mi-chan, anything is okay!”
Yeah, I think Chieko-san has taken a liking to me.
… … And now, I’m feeling awkward.
Why? Well, it’s because… Chieko-san is currently sitting on Kouji-san’s lap.
Both Aoi-san and Chiharu-kun seem used to it and don’t seem bothered. But I’m bothered!
Sorry. It’s bothering me.
Moreover, Chieko-san is saying ‘ah’ for Kouji-san while still on his lap.
This is so awkward!
“Okaasan, Mi-chan is really flustered.”
“Mi-chan, just think of us as air!”
“… … Chieko-san… There is no air that insists on such a presence~”
Aoi-san handed me Darjeeling tea while speaking.
“They’re always like this… It’s easier to think of yourself as air.”
“Y-yeah.”
I’m air, I’m air… Oh, this cheesecake is really good after all!
“Mi-chan, you’re quite adaptable.”
“Well, my job involves interacting with various things and people.”
“Is it because of your job or your personality?”
“Could be both? … … The cheesecake and pudding are both delicious. Thank you, Aoi-san.”
“Don’t say that now…”
“Huh? Why?”
“I can’t pin you down.”
“Then, this timing is perfect!”
“Is it okay if I cry?”
After that, we all played together until evening, had dinner thanks to Aoi-san treating us, and then headed home.
Aoi-san probably doesn’t know that his slightly lowered head makes my heart skip a beat.