After a Heartbreak, My Bitter Childhood Friend is now Sweet Like Sugar - Chapter 2.2

Chapter 2.2

TL: Devxtt

ED: Shish

After school, we stopped by the supermarket to buy some ingredients, so that I could learn how to cook from Kokoa.

“The key to preparing a budget meal is: don’t decide the menu before buying. The prices change daily, so you can get the best deal by getting what’s on sale and then deciding your menu.”

“Are you really a high school student?”

“Excuse me, I’m definitely a high school girl.”

I’ve been thinking lately, aren’t housewives overpowered.

“It’s a Cooking Ad, a Cooking Ad. You have to fight against ads to make your life economical and prosperous. See, the spinach is cheap right now. Depending on the season, there are different vegetables and fish sold at lower prices.”

Kokoa seems to like the phrase ‘fight that ad’ a lot.

I guess it’s a short term for ‘advantage’ from some kind of fighting game.

“You like that word ‘ad’, don’t you? Do you like the game or something?”

“…”

I don’t know why, but she was glaring at me.

I don’t think I said anything funny.

“I don’t really like games. It’s just that someone used it a long time ago and it caught my attention.”

“Someone? Oh…”

It seems like I used to say it a lot.

Is it my fault that she’s using this word?

“It’s fine. By the way, it’s nice that shopping is easy for two people. When I’m alone, I tend to have too much food left over. I often end up having the same food for several days.”

“So it’s more efficient for two people. Then why don’t we eat together from now on?”

“… Eh?”

“Because it’s more efficient for the two of us, right? We live right next to each other, and today we’re going to cook together, so I was wondering if it would be easier for you. It doesn’t have to be every day, but whenever you feel like it, even without the cooking classes.”

“Yes, that’s true. It is natural for two people to cook together because it is more efficient… I see.”

“I hope it won’t bother you.”

“No, that’s a good idea. It’s economical, it’s cheap, it’s nutritious. We should definitely do it! Let’s do it!”

She was surprisingly excited about it. I was surprised because I didn’t expect her to be this assertive.

We returned home after shopping for a while. And Now it’s time for another cooking lesson.

Dinner for the two of us. In addition, I was helping her while learning. But for some reason, Kokoa, who was supposed to be my tutor, had been in a bad mood.

As I stared at her slicing cabbage with a knife, she puffed out her cheeks in frustration.

“What’s wrong? I’m doing reasonably well.”

“I’m not happy because… you’re too good. It took me a long time to learn to cut them neatly. I still use a peeler most of the time. It’s not fair. What was all my hard work for?”

“I won’t understand even if you tell me.”

“I know that you can do it if you tried once. You can do things that I struggle with if you put your mind to it. You’re also good with your hands.”

“Wait, wait. It’s true that I may be a bit of a handful, but that’s about it. I don’t think there’s any reason for you to be jealous. Your cooking is top class and tastes the best.

“I wasn’t that good. I just make up for it with time and effort. You know, cooking was not my forte at first. I wonder how many times I cut my fingers trying to learn?”

Come to think of it, the Kokoa I knew was clumsy.

Long ago, she would get injured while using scissors, and she also hurt herself when she would provide her fingers during home EC.

During cooking class, I think I saw her being scolded by her classmates for using salt instead of sugar.

“So it’s all about effort. Kokoa, you’re a hard worker.”

“I thought it would be more convenient if I could at least cook. Sometimes. I used to think that I was winning.”

“Win at what?”

I wondered if she was having a cooking competition with someone.

“Well, if you’re learning this fast, you won’t need my lessons anymore.

“What are you talking about? I can’t make a meal just by being good at cutting. Of course, the food tastes better when it’s prepared by you, Kokoa.’

“I don’t know about that.”

“I understand. Besides, it’s always nice to have someone make you a meal. I’m a guy who’s always hungry for a home-made meal.”

“… fufu”

When she heard my reply, she puzzled over it for a moment and then laughed.

I wonder if it was the humor that caught her attention.

“I’m sorry about that. I remembered why I was working so hard.”

“So why?”

“It’s a secret.”

She giggled more and got into a good mood.

The way she plays with me, her mischievous smile and those words.

Quoting Kazama’s exaggerations, She’s like a fairy.

When I look at her, she’s just… too cute.

“Why are you staring at me like that?”

“Ah, you’re so cute.”

“W-w…”

Her face instantly blushed bright red.

That’s the main reason that her face is easy to read.

“What are you saying?”

“I’m learning from you, so I thought I should at least give some compliments in return.”

“D-don’t say unnecessary things, I’ve already finished the preparation. I’ll go put the food on the table!”

Kokoa, who got more embarrassed than I imagined, ran out of the kitchen to escape. I was expecting her to get angry, but she didn’t seem to have time for that.

Haha, by any chance… this girl… I guess she’s not good at getting compliments from boys.

This might be useful. If I have any problems in the future, I’ll happily give her a compliment.

***

ZETROTRANSLATION