I Will Do Everything In My Power To Bring Happiness To The Enchanting Beauty Who Can No Longer Smile. - Chapter 27: To Reclaim.

To Reclaim.

A busy day had begun.

First, I had to clean up and take care of the broken cup. Fortunately, Tsubame was unharmed—no injuries or burns.

After that, she contacted the manager and requested a day off. Though it was sudden, they readily agreed. Additionally, they arranged for a consultation with a doctor—Tsubame’s psychiatrist, who had previously been contacted through the manager.

Since an early morning appointment was available, the three of us headed out promptly—though not before briefly checking Tsubame’s sense of taste.

We tested with salt, lemon water, coffee with sugar, and a few other flavors. While still somewhat dull, it was evident that her sense of taste had begun to return.

…I hesitated about whether I should accompany her to the doctor’s appointment, but when Tsubame anxiously asked, “You’re not coming with me?” there was no way I could refuse.

***

“Congratulations. If you’ve confirmed that her sense of taste has returned, you can be reassured for now. However, these cases can sometimes relapse, so it’s best to avoid excessive stress—though, from what I hear, she has him by her side, so I believe she’ll be fine.”

Upon hearing the doctor’s words, Tsubame’s mother tearfully embraced her, holding her tightly while repeating, “I’m so glad.”

The doctor watched over them with a gentle gaze, waiting for the right moment before continuing.

“As for the lingering dullness in taste, that too should gradually improve. It’s similar to how someone bedridden for a long time can’t immediately start running. Rehabilitation is key—starting with walking before regaining full strength. It would be beneficial to experience a variety of flavors and eat as much as possible.”

“I understand. Thank you very much.”

We were able to gather plenty of information. While in some cases medication like anti-anxiety drugs or sleeping aids might be prescribed, since Tsubame’s condition was improving, none were necessary this time.

With that, we returned home. For lunch, we prepared Tsubame’s favorite beef stew, and later, she planned to make pancakes as a snack.

Tsubame’s mother was so enthusiastic about cooking that I refrained from offering help—after all, she had been even more worried about Tsubame than I had.

And so, I sat with Tsubame on the living room sofa—but something had been off since this morning.

Ever since the incident, she had been in a daze.

She spoke little and seemed lost in thought.

“Tsubame.”

“…What?”

“Does it still not feel real?”

Her dark eyes met mine before she slowly nodded.

“For three years, not being able to taste became normal.”

“…I see. That makes sense.”

“But it feels strange. Scents seem stronger now.”

Tsubame sniffed the air around her, looking both calm and relieved.

“Maybe that’s because scent is closely linked to taste. It’s possible that your sense of smell had been affected too, but you just hadn’t noticed.”

“…Now that you mention it, that might be true. There was a time when the agency provided a meal that had gone bad, but I didn’t notice and ate a little. Everyone else could tell from the smell and taste, but I couldn’t.”

“…I see.”

That likely meant her sense of smell had been dulled as well. Considering safety, it was truly a relief that her taste had returned.

“Hey, Shigure-kun.”

“What is it?”

“…Can I hug you?”

Even as she asked, she had already slightly opened her arms. Taking that as my cue, I gently embraced her.

“…Somehow, your scent feels different too.”

“Huh? Really?”

“Yeah. It feels… more nostalgic. I want to stay like this for a while.”

“…If that’s what you want, then sure. At least until lunch is ready.”

Within my arms, Tsubame gave a small nod. Whenever she hugged me, she usually nestled herself against my chest like this.

“Hey, Shigure-kun.”

“…Yeah?”

“…Can I lick you?”

“…What?”

Even at this close distance, I questioned if I had heard her correctly.

…Did she just say lick?

“I was wondering what you taste like.”

“…………I’ll try my best to understand where you’re coming from, given that you couldn’t taste anything for so long.”

It was curiosity, plain and simple. After all, no one really knows what another person tastes like—at least not in a literal sense. Not in a… cannibalistic way, but in a purely superficial one.

That said, both her phrasing and the fact that this curiosity had surfaced at this age made the situation rather peculiar.

“…That’s not happening.”

“Hmm…”

“It’d be a pretty awkward sight. Also, where exactly were you planning to lick?”

“I hadn’t thought about that. A taste comparison?”

“This isn’t a convenience store hot snack.”

…Still, I understood her underlying fear. She wanted to confirm her sense of taste—to ensure it wouldn’t disappear again.

“…Wait here for a bit, Tsubame.”

“…? Okay.”

I gently pulled away from her and stood up, heading to the kitchen.

After getting permission from Tsubame’s mother, I returned with something in hand.

“Welcome back, Shigure-kun.”

“I’m back… Here, Tsubame.”

I held out my hand to her. She blinked in confusion before noticing the small, white object in my palm—her eyes lighting up.

“A compromise. I figured this would work.”

“…Thank you. Then, I’ll lick it.”

It felt odd to be thanked for this, but I let it slide.

Tsubame brought her face close to my palm—wait, was this still a questionable sight? I realized too late.

A warm, slippery sensation. A faint shiver ran through me as my palm tickled.

“…”

From my vantage point, I could clearly see the slow, deliberate movements of her tongue. She didn’t consume it all at once, instead savoring it bit by bit.

“…It’s sweet.”

“Yeah. It’s sugar.”

What I had placed in my palm was a small amount of sugar. There was no deep reasoning behind it—Tsubame had always liked sweet things.

She muttered softly, then licked again.

“…Just sweet. I don’t taste you.”

“Well, of course. I washed my hands. Hygiene matters.”

“I don’t mind, though.”

Her tongue moved again, a ticklish sensation that I barely managed to endure.

“…It really is sweet. Not overwhelmingly so, but still.”

“The doctor said your taste will gradually return. Until then, your mom and I will keep cooking for you.”

“…Yeah. Thank you.”

Tsubame spoke those words, then finally pulled away. She reached for a pack of wet wipes resting on the desk and gently wiped my palm.

“Thank you for the meal. I couldn’t quite taste Shigure-kun’s flavor, but I’m satisfied.”

“…Well, as long as you’re satisfied, that’s all that matters.”

If this was enough to satisfy Tsubame’s curiosity, then that was a relief.

“Hey, Shigure-kun.”

“What is it?”

“I want to hug you again.”

“Yeah, sure.”

I had almost forgotten that we had let go earlier. Without hesitation, I wrapped my arms around Tsubame once more.

For a little while, neither of us spoke.

I thought it wouldn’t be a bad idea to simply wait for our meal in silence, but then I heard Tsubame whisper something softly against my chest.

“Sugar… it was sweet after all.”

“…Yeah. I’m glad.”

“Mm. I really am. You were right all along, Shigure-kun.”

Tsubame lifted her head slightly, her eyes meeting mine for a fleeting moment.

The strength of her embrace grew just a little firmer.

“It’s thanks to you, Shigure-kun. I was able to regain my sense of taste so quickly.”

“I won’t deny that I did my best for you. But you and your mother worked hard too, you know.”

“I know. But it was you who gave me the push I needed.”

She nuzzled her cheek against me.

“There was a time when I thought I’d never taste food again.”

“…”

“Donuts, cookies—things I used to love. Even my mom’s homemade stew… The thought of never being able to taste them again was unbearable. And… not being able to taste the meals you made, Shigure-kun, that was the hardest part.”

Tsubame pulled away slightly, her gaze locking onto mine.

Her eyes were more vibrant than before.

“You know, I’m really happy. I’m excited. I can’t wait to taste my mom’s stew again. I’m looking forward to all kinds of food. And most of all… I can’t wait to taste your cooking again, Shigure-kun.”

She loosened her embrace, only to reach down and take my hand in hers.

“I’m really looking forward to it, Shigure-kun.”

Her voice trembled ever so slightly.

“Hey, Shigure-kun.”

A faint shimmer covered her eyes.

She squeezed my hand tightly—so tightly that her knuckles turned white.

“How can I ever express this feeling? I… I’m truly happy. I can’t wait for what’s to come.”

A single tear slipped down her cheek.

“It’s okay. I understand.”

“You’re lying. Because… I don’t even remember how to smile anymore—”

“You are smiling.”

Large droplets of tears spilled from her eyes.

But I knew—these weren’t tears of sorrow.

After all—Tsubame was smiling.

“…Lying isn’t fair, Shigure-kun.”

“I’m not lying.”

It wasn’t a broad, beaming smile.

“I can feel it—your happiness, your excitement. And the frustration of not being able to express it as much as you’d like. It all comes through.”

Her emotions, just like her sense of taste, were slowly returning—bit by bit.

And so…

“…Hey, Tsubame.”

I swiftly grabbed my phone and snapped a photo.

…There. Got it.

“…Ah.”

“See? I told you.”

In the photo—there she was, shedding tears, her expression a mix of emotions, but undeniably, she was smiling.

“…I don’t look cute at all.”

“That’s what you’re concerned about?”

“I am a professional model, after all.”

More than just a model—she was one of Japan’s top models.

And yet…

“I think you look beautiful.”

“…Really?”

“Yeah. You were beautiful before, but now… you’re even more stunning.”

This was the undeniable truth of my heart.

She was beautiful even with an expressionless face—so how could a moment when her emotions overflowed in a good way be anything but stunning?

Even the frustration she felt stemmed from something positive—a desire to share her happiness with others.

“But if I may be selfish… I want to see your genuine smile too.”

“…!”

“So, Tsubame—”

I gently wiped away the tears spilling from her eyes with my fingers. Perhaps because she had been caught off guard earlier, she had already let go of my hand.

“Won’t you smile for me?”

“…Yeah!”

After nodding firmly, Tsubame smiled.

It was still a little awkward, barely lifting the corners of her lips.

And yet—that was the most beautiful smile I had ever seen.

Time didn’t feel like it had stopped. Instead, an overwhelming sense of affection for her welled up inside me.

Before I knew it, I had pulled her into an embrace. Not too tightly—I wanted to be able to see her face.

“…Hey, Tsubame.”

“What is it?”

“Be prepared.”

Her sense of taste had returned. She was showing expressions she never had before. The depth of her happiness was almost tangible.

But it wasn’t enough.

“From now on, I’m going to make you the most delicious meals you’ve ever had. I’ll teach you new ways to spend your free time. And even if something bad happens, I’ll make sure we do something so fun that you’ll forget all about it by the end of the day.”

With one arm wrapped around her, I gently cupped her cheek with the other. Though her eyes were still wet, the tears had slowed.

“Right now, we’re only partway up the stairs to happiness. So be prepared—because I’ll make sure you’re even happier. So much so that your smile will come naturally.”

“I’m looking forward to it. But, Shigure-kun, don’t get the wrong idea.”

Tsubame reached out and stroked my cheek.

“I’ll make sure you’re just as full of happiness too. So you better be prepared.”

“…I’ll be looking forward to it.”

Today was just the beginning.

Her sense of taste had returned. Her expressions were slowly coming back to life. This was the start of something new.

Now then…

How should I make Tsubame smile next?

What can I do to make her even happier?

Just thinking about it filled me with joy.