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

Chapter 45: Thanking Amatsuka

My health improved, so I was able to go to school on Monday. Manoka-san returned from her business trip by Wednesday, though she still felt a bit sluggish.

Even so, I could move well enough. This was all thanks to Amatsuka.

“Takeru-kunnn!”

Thanks to Amatsuka, I could cook without any trouble, even when Manoka-san hugged me from behind.

“Manoka-san, it’s dangerous, so please step back about 100 meters.”

“If I go that far, I’ll die! I’ll die!”

“It’s okay, you managed to go on a business trip, right?”

“I only survived because I secretly borrowed your underwear, Takeru-kun.”

“…You know that’s socially unacceptable, right?”

There are ethical issues, too. Why does she have that smug look like she’s saying, “I was holding back, you know?”

Didn’t she learn not to steal other people’s underwear?

“Onii-chan, is breakfast ready yet?”

“Almost. Oh, here, take this.”

“Okay~”

“Takeru-kun, put it here.”

Manoka-san puffed out her chest proudly, demanding that I place the plate of food in the cleavage between her ample breasts.

Come on, that’s an awkward position. It looks uncomfortable.

“…Chika, take Manoka-san’s plate too.”

“Wait!! Don’t ignore me, Takeru-kun…”

“Mano-nee, let’s go~”

“Ouch! Ouch, Chi-chan!! My ear is going to tear off!”

This is just another typical morning. It’s become a routine. The three of us put our hands together and eat breakfast.

“By the way, Onii-chan, did you thank Miu-san?”

“No, not yet.”

“If I hadn’t been on a business trip, I would’ve taken care of you.”

“Mano-nee, you can’t even cook rice, so how could you nurse someone?”

“I could at least hold you?”

“That’s not the right way to handle it.”

“Don’t worry. I’m sure Takeru-kun would feel better nestled in my cleavage.”

“Well, if that worked, it would be a problem in itself. Besides, if that were the case, I probably wouldn’t have been sick in the first place.”

Amatsuka took care of me, and I was saved. Attendance is important if I want to get into college. I have to be an honors student who doesn’t miss school.

High school life has just begun. I need to stay focused from now on. But that’s my personal issue. I need to do something to thank Amatsuka.

“I know, Onii-chan, you should take her on a date. Yep, that’s a good idea!”

“Wait, Takeru-kun, you’ll take her on a date, but not me…? I see… I see.”

“Ahh! Onii-chan, watch out! Mano-nee is…”

“Manoka-san, isn’t it sad to skewer the tomatoes like that? Next time, I’ll only serve bean sprouts for your meals.”

“I’m sorry, Takeru-kun, please forgive me.”

“Onii-chan, I won’t forgive you for playing with food. It’s really scary.”

Well, I guess I can just ask Amatsuka directly what she’d like as a thank you. I don’t think I could handle taking her on a date. In this era, where the internet preaches gender equality, ideas of masculinity or femininity are annoying.

Besides, I don’t think Amatsuka would be happy going on a date with me. So, no dates.

“Maybe I’ll treat her to something really delicious instead…”

“Onii-chan’s serious effort!”

“Takeru-kun!! So I was just a fling for you?!”

“Mano-nee, this is an event for Onii-chan and his future wife, so be quiet.”

“Takeru-kun’s future wife is right here.”

“Marrying Mano-nee is a last resort.”

“Thanks for the meal.”

Today, Chika and Manoka-san are getting along well again. Sometimes I wonder if they’re real sisters. This is the usual everyday life at the Motobu house.

“We’re off!”

The two of them left the house, and I was the last to lock the door. As I walked towards school, I thought again about how to thank Amatsuka.

The most I can do is cook. Come to think of it, I don’t know what Amatsuka’s favorite food is. I’ll ask Miku-san later.

I want to make sure Amatsuka is happy.

—

Chapter 46: In the Study of a Popular Author (1)

With test results being gradually returned and the class reacting with joy or disappointment over their scores, I had made an appointment to meet with Naoto-san.

Instead of going to the supermarket, I headed straight to the Sunflower General Store. I needed to take action to eliminate any sources of anxiety.

“Oh, Takeru-kun, welcome.”

The store manager, Hinata-san, was diligently working, her long black hair flowing around her. Despite her appearance in an apron that made her look like a middle schooler helping out, she was indeed an adult.

“Hello. I have an appointment to meet with Naoto-san.”

“Okay, just a moment… Alright, come in.”

“Thank you.”

Guided by Hinata-san, I went into the back of the store. I had been here a few times before, but not since I started high school.

“Naoto-kun, Takeru-kun is here.”

“Oh.”

Naoto-san’s study had the atmosphere of a hideout. Being a popular author, I expected it to be more spacious, but it was a small room, about four and a half tatami mats in size. At first glance, it seemed to be just a room with a few books, a desk, and a chair, but there was a hidden passage for some reason. We once sneaked out together through it and surprised Hinata-san.

“You’re so punctual, making an appointment just to see me.”

Today, Naoto-san wasn’t dressed as a woman. For me, it was more calming to see him in his usual attire because he looks too beautiful when he cross-dresses.

“There are some things I need to discuss.”

“Coffee is fine for you, Takeru-kun?”

“Yes, thank you.”

“Thank you.”

Hinata-san, who had made us coffee, went back to her store duties.

“So, what is it you need?”

“I’d like to make a request. There’s someone I’d like you to investigate.”

I handed Naoto-san some documents I had brought. Since I couldn’t prepare a formal request, I gave him the information and a photo (not taken secretly, but during a meal together) of Kurose Touka.

“What do you want to know about this girl? And why?”

He asked while glancing through the documents. As an assistant to a detective, Naoto usually handled cases like infidelity investigations or background checks.

It’s rare for detectives to solve murder cases. Most of their work involves investigating personal information.

“I want to do something about Kurose Touka’s obsession.”

I then explained the situation. That she was a stalker, had a taste disorder, had tried to kill me, and that now I cook for her once a week.

“I see.”

Naoto-san nodded without a change in expression. He couldn’t be sure if what I said was true. Some people use fabricated stories to gather information about someone they’re interested in. In cases of infidelity investigations, proof of marriage makes such deception unlikely.

But Kurose-san and I are strangers.

“I’m sorry, but I can’t take this request.”

“I see.”

“But, please wait a moment.”

“…? Okay.”

With that, Naoto-san took out his phone and began making a call.

“Yes, that’s right. Come over right away.”

In the meantime, I had nothing to do but drink my coffee. He was calling someone, but who? Knowing Naoto-san, I didn’t think he’d call the police right away.

“Phew…”

After finishing the call, Naoto-san took a breath and turned back to me.

“I’m afraid there’s something else I need to tell you.”

“…Is that so?”

I couldn’t grasp the situation. My request had been declined, but what was he going to tell me?

“First, let me apologize. I’m sorry about Touka.”

“?!”

“But, she’s not exactly family in a biological sense.”

“What do you mean?”

“Naoto-kun, Touka-chan is here.”

“?!”

“Ah, let her in.”