My Childhood Friend Who Takes Care of Me Seems to Be a Yandere... No, That Must Be a Misunderstanding

Chapter 29: An Outing with My Childhood Friend

When I woke up, soft morning sunlight was streaming in through the window. Today was the first day off since I realized my feelings for Mii-chan.

I was still lying in bed, a little dazed, when I heard a gentle knock-knock.

“Hina, breakfast is ready.”
“Okay, coming!”

Hearing Mii-chan’s voice, I hurriedly jumped out of bed.

When I got to the living room, breakfast was lined up on the table just like always.

“Looks delicious again today…!”
“Hehe, eat a lot, okay?”

I sat down and brought the food Mii-chan made to my mouth.

This time of day had completely become part of my daily routine, but today it somehow felt special.

“By the way, do you have any plans today?”

Mii-chan asked gently.

“Um… I was thinking I’d like to go out. Will you come with me?”
“Yeah, of course.”

Seeing Mii-chan smile happily, warmth spread through my chest.

Going out with Mii-chan is normal for us, but today feels a little different.

Heh heh heh… Actually, I have a secret goal.

That is—to pick out a present for Mii-chan!

Ever since I became aware of my feelings, I’ve wanted to slowly let her know how I feel. But saying “I like you” to her face is, well, way too embarrassing…

That’s why I want to start by giving her something tangible. A present might let me put my honest feelings into it.

Thinking about all that, I finished breakfast.

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After breakfast, the two of us left the house together. The streets on a holiday were lively, filled with the happy voices of people all around.

“Where should we go today?”
“Um, first I want to go to the shopping mall!”
“Got it. Is there something you want to buy?”
“Kind of!”

I’m keeping it a secret from Mii-chan, but it’s so I can buy her present.

We took the train to the mall, and there were tons of shops selling cute miscellaneous goods and accessories.

“Wow, everything’s so cute!”
“Hina, you really like this kind of stuff, don’t you?”

I tried to pick out a present without Mii-chan noticing.

“There’s a shop I want to check out for a bit, so how about we split up here?”
“Sure, okay. Let’s meet back here in thirty minutes.”

After parting with Mii-chan, I walked through the crowd while thinking.

Before choosing the present, I pictured Mii-chan in my mind again.

She’s kind, great at cooking, and always looking out for me.

She can be a little mean sometimes, but even that feels nice.

When I think about it like this, it really hits me how much she’s given me.

Delicious meals, a place where I feel safe, and more time by my side than anyone else.

That’s exactly why I want to give something back to Mii-chan.

I suddenly stopped walking and noticed in a shop window that my face had turned slightly red.

Realizing that, I gave my head a small shake.

“…Okay, I have to choose properly.”

I pulled myself together and headed off to find the perfect present.

—

Chapter 30: Choosing a Gift for My Childhood Friend

I slipped through the crowd and checked out several shops.
Every store full of cute accessories and trinkets had things that seemed perfect for Mii-chan, and my eyes kept wandering.

A simple necklace would be nice, and a matching keychain wouldn’t be bad either.
But those alone felt like they weren’t enough, so I decided to keep looking around.

(What would make Mii-chan really happy…?)

While I was worrying and walking, my feet suddenly stopped in front of a small miscellaneous goods shop.
Inside were handmade accessories and original little items.

“…This place might be good.”

With that thought, I stepped inside.

The gentle scent of wood filled the store, and it wasn’t as crowded as the others, so I could take my time looking at everything.
In the glass case, bracelets and rings made carefully one by one were lined up.

(Hmm… they’re all lovely, but I want something special.)

As I was thinking that, the shop clerk suddenly spoke to me.

“Are you looking for something?”
“Um, yes… I’m looking for a present for someone important to me…”
“How about this one, then?”

What the clerk gently pointed to was a small pendant.
The design was simple, but it had a certain warmth to it.

“This is handmade, and each one has a slightly different pattern.”
“Wow…”

When I picked it up, it was lighter than I expected and very delicately made.
More than anything, when I imagined Mii-chan wearing it, it felt like it would suit her perfectly.

(This could be it…)

I nodded quietly.

“I’ll take this one, please!”

The clerk smiled and wrapped it carefully.
While that was happening, my heart was pounding a little.

(What kind of face will Mii-chan make when I give it to her…?)

Suddenly, my cheeks grew hot.

I took the package and left the shop.
There was still a little time before I was supposed to meet Mii-chan.

(When would be the best time to give it to her…?)

Thinking about that, I headed toward the meeting spot.
Still holding the wrapped present, I gently ran my fingers over the ribbon.

(Will she be surprised… or just accept it normally…?)

As all sorts of scenes played in my head, I started feeling restless.
Even though I chose it myself, I suddenly felt anxious and excited at the same time.

(Ugh, this feels weird.)

While lost in those thoughts, I noticed in a window reflection that my face was a little red.
I hurriedly patted my cheeks, but that didn’t calm me down at all.

“…I’m really this aware of her, huh.”

I let out a small breath and looked down at the present again.

I just want Mii-chan to be happy.

That feeling, at least, is definite.