A Story About a Blonde Gal Angel Who Excessively Praises My Cooking. After Asking Me to Teach Her How to Cook, Feelings of Mutual Love Began to Grow

“Is it ready?”

“Yes, the rice is cooked.”

The steaming white rice looked glossy, sweet, and chewy. Although I usually like to sneak a bite of freshly cooked rice, I held back since it was someone else’s house.

…I’m hungry.

“Now we put the freshly cooked rice into a colander and rinse it with water.”

“Even though it’s fresh and hot?”

Miaki-san made a face that clearly showed disbelief. Please don’t look at me like I’m trash. I don’t have that kind of fetish. Seriously, please stop it.

“This time, we’re making a light porridge.”

“…It’ll become porridge if we wash it?”

“Yes. While freshly cooked rice is delicious as is, rinsing it with water removes the surface starch, making the porridge smooth.”

“Starch…”

“Yes, the starch is almost the same as tapioca. But It’s lighter and has fewer calories.”

“You’re the best!”

That was a quick change… Well, I learned this from a cooking expert’s video.

“Please be gentle when washing the rice to avoid crushing the grains.”

“Got it.”

I drained the water from the rice, put it in a pot, and topped it with melting cheese.

“I’m hungry.”

“Let’s see if Miko-san likes it.”

“Shall we eat now?”

“I’ll be heading home soon.”

“Just stay for a little.”

I have to prepare dinner at home too, and besides, what would I even talk about with Miaki-san at her house?

“Kei-chan, are you staying too?”

Miko-san peeked from the living room with a cute gesture. Please don’t look sad like you’re saying, “Are you leaving?” Why am I already so attached to her when we haven’t even played together?

“…Just for a little while.”

Defeated by Miko-san’s eyes, I headed to the living room table as instructed. Miaki-san served the food, and Miko-san sat in her chair, smiling and swaying side to side. With everything ready, Miaki-san also took a seat.

“Let’s eat.”

We put our hands together, and we grabbed our spoons. But Miaki-san and I were curious about Miko-san’s reaction, and we kept glancing at her.

“It’s delicious!”

Miko-san’s radiant smile was adorable.

“Is it really good?”

Miaki-san was beaming too. She’s totally different from her usual self at school. However, I noticed her skillfully avoiding the green stuff. Well, it’s not easy.

“Munch… munch…”

Miko-san was eating with a smile, but then she encountered a bell pepper and her face expression instantly changed. Children’s taste buds are incredibly sensitive. Thinking back, I barely remember disliking food that much. Even now, I don’t find bell peppers bitter.

“It’s bitter.”

“Miko, you shouldn’t be picky.”

“…”

Miko-san’s face fell instantly. Even though we’d only met about an hour ago, seeing a child’s sad face hit me hard.

“Miko-san.”

“…”

“Do you like Kumako Onee-chan?”

“…Yes.”

Ignoring Miaki-san’s “What are you saying?” face, I continued.

“If you want to be like Kumako Onee-chan, you should eat lots of vegetables.”

“…Why?”

“Bell peppers are bitter, right?”

“…Yes.”

“Bell peppers are rich in Vitamin C. Kumako Onee-chan is cute and pretty because she eats them.”

“What!?”

Miaki-san, quiet down. I’m trying to convince a little girl here.

“Kuma-chan, is that true?”

“Eh, uh, yeah. I love bell peppers.”

“Your beloved Kumako Onee-chan wouldn’t make you eat something bad. So, even if it’s bitter, it’s not scary.”

Taste and smell are sensitive to identify harmful substances. In childhood, this is more pronounced, and they judge bitterness as dangerous. Children avoiding bitter or spicy foods is simply a survival mechanism.

“…Really?”

“Yes. So if you want to be as cute and pretty as Kumako Onee-chan, eat lots of vegetables.”

“…Okay, I’ll try!”

I don’t want to lie to children. Words from adults or older people can stay with them forever. So, I must face them honestly.

“And cool adults can eat bitter things deliciously. If you can eat bell peppers, you’ll be a fine ‘Onee-san.’”

“…Onee-san.”

Well, even some adults are picky. But I didn’t lie about my opinion.

“So if you finish all your food, you’ll be an Onee-san.”

“I want to be an Onee-san!”

Miko-san started eating again with determination. Watching her, Miaki-san gently patted her head.

Tricking someone without lying—Naoto-san taught me that.

“Thank you for the meal.”