The Beautiful Girl I Accidentally Helped Who Has Somehow Become Attached To Me. - Chapter 20: The Defenseless Princess.

The Defenseless Princess.

For now, we’d browsed the electronics and furniture sections and handled the various formalities… but, wow, Mikami-san, you bought quite a bit. That’s not exactly the kind of spending you’d expect from a first-year high school student.

When she pulled out her wallet at my place before, she summoned a whole lineup of 10,000 yen bills… I wonder, is it just her sense of personal space that’s off, or is her approach to money also a little buggy…?

Well, anyway, I couldn’t help but be curious about her purchases.

Since she’d consulted with me in advance about getting an oven and some other kitchen and baking equipment, I was somewhat prepared for those. But she also picked up a dresser and other storage furniture, and even though she didn’t end up buying it, she took me to the bedding section as well.

I glanced over at Mikami-san, who looked completely satisfied.

Surely… she’s not planning to move in, right?

“What is it? You keep staring. I won’t get flustered, no matter how much you look.”

“No, I just thought you seemed to be enjoying yourself.”

“I am having a blast! But we’re just getting started, you know?”

Well, since this is technically supposed to be a date, having her enjoy it is the main thing. To be honest, I’ve mostly been swept up in Mikami-san’s enthusiastic pace, but I’m enjoying it, too.

As long as we’re both having fun, things are going well. Although, Mikami-san has way more energy than I expected… Looks like I’m in for more of this whirlwind.

“But it’s a good time to take a break for lunch, isn’t it?”

“It’s already that late, huh? I am getting a bit peckish.”

I glanced at my watch; it was already past 12:30.

Our original meeting time was ten, but we ended up meeting a bit early, moving around, and got here just before ten.

Since then, I’d been tagging along with Mikami-san, checking out furniture and appliances.

Looking back, it was kind of amazing how long we’d been going from one place to another without realizing it. But the fact that I wasn’t even keeping track of time probably meant… I was enjoying myself, too. They say time flies when you’re having fun, and I guess that’s true.

“There are plenty of restaurants here; it’s hard to decide.”

“Yeah, it’s impressive how many options there are in a place like this.”

“Is there anything in particular you’d like to eat, Kirishima-san?”

“Hmm, I’m fine with something light. No need for a full meal. How about you, Mikami-san?”

“Since I’ve been thinking so much, I think my body’s craving sugar. I want something sweet.”

It sounds odd to say that shopping makes you think hard, but she had been comparing items closely, and her notes were covered with numbers. It looked like she’d been putting a lot of thought into it.

“I see. Well then… I guess that pretty much settles it.”

“Indeed.”

In front of us stood a signboard listing the nearby dining options. It displayed each restaurant’s name, floor, and a general menu overview—perfect for anyone deciding on where to go.

I skimmed the board briefly, and it wasn’t hard to guess where Mikami-san would want to go.

I was looking for something light, while she wanted something sweet. Plus, from the meals we’d shared before, I already had a good sense of her taste.

We exchanged a glance and pointed to the board.

As expected, our fingers landed on the exact same spot.

***

At the café we unanimously chose, we opened the menus.

Honestly, I didn’t have any specific preference as long as it was something light, though Mikami-san probably already knew what I’d order.

“Going with the usual, Kirishima-san?”

“Well, not exactly the usual… but yeah. I’ll have a sandwich and coffee set.”

“You really like those, don’t you? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you eat anything besides bread. Have you ever eaten rice?”

“Of course I have. I even ate the bento you made for me, and you know I have a rice cooker at home, right?”

“…Oh, that wasn’t just for show?”

Sad news—my rice cooker at home, simply assumed to be a decorative piece in the kitchen. Just to clarify, it’s there to actually cook rice, not just to fill up empty space.

And honestly, that’s a pretty harsh question. She even asked me if I knew what rice was back when she made that bento.

Yes, I know rice, and yes, I’ve eaten it.

“…It’s a tough choice.”

“You’re having trouble deciding on the menu?”

“I was thinking of ordering the same set as you, but all the desserts look delicious. I’m having a hard time choosing just one.”

Mikami-san was eyeing the menu with serious intent.

Despite wanting to give her brain a sugar boost after all that shopping, she was once again deep in thought here. Watching her expression shift as she struggled to decide was honestly entertaining, but unless she chose something, we couldn’t place our order.

Why was she trying so hard to settle on just one? Maybe she wanted more but was holding back—for either financial or calorie-related reasons.

Considering her unrestrained shopping spree, it’s probably the latter… but asking outright would be tactless.

“Hey, you know, I suddenly feel like having something sweet myself. How about we each order different desserts and share them?”

Her furrowed brow instantly softened, and her face lit up. Looks like I hit the mark.

Well… it’s just a coincidence I wanted something sweet too. It wasn’t too obvious, I hope.

“What are you deciding between?”

“Everything on this page looks good, but I’m torn between the cheesecake and the gâteau au chocolat.”

“Then let’s go with those. The others look good too… but we can always come back another time.”

“Yes!”

After a bit of back-and-forth, we finally settled on our order.

While waiting for the food to arrive, Mikami-san seemed to be in an exceptionally good mood.

***

Before long, the dishes we ordered arrived, and we enjoyed a sublime lunch together.

I couldn’t help but glance over at Mikami-san as she ate, savoring the sight of her enjoying her meal while I took bites of my delicious sandwich.

Once we’d finished, the plates were cleared, and our desserts were brought out: cheesecake for her, gâteau au chocolat for me. We planned to share, so we’d each get a taste of both.

Carefully, I cut a piece of my gâteau au chocolat with a clean fork and set aside a portion for her.

“Mikami-san, can you bring your plate a little closer?”

“Oh, sure.”

But instead of moving her plate toward me, she leaned in herself—eyes closed, mouth slightly open, waiting expectantly.

Wait… does she want me to feed her?

“Ah… um…”

She seemed to be prompting me, as if to say, “Isn’t it ready yet?”

It looked like she wasn’t planning to accept it any other way. Resigned, I realized I’d have to feed her… though this was definitely an indirect kiss, right?

“Are you… okay with this?”

“Hm? Yes, of course.”

“Alright… understood.”

It was all a bit much to pretend I wasn’t affected, but there she was, waiting with her mouth open, leaving me no choice.

Cutting a small, manageable piece, I skewered it with my fork and—steadying my trembling hand—brought it to her lips.

The fork gently disappeared behind her soft lips as she took the bite, her cheeks moving slightly as she savored it. Not only was she unbothered by the indirect kiss, but she seemed to fully expect me to feed her.

Just how defenseless does she plan on being?

“How is it, my princess?”

“It’s sweet, with just a hint of bitterness… it’s really delicious.”

“That’s great to hear.”

I asked for her thoughts after she finished chewing and swallowed. It felt rewarding to see her enjoy it so much; perhaps the pounding of my heart had been worth it, even if only for a moment. But before I could fully bask in that feeling, Mikami-san struck again, this time with her fork, which she’d speared into the cheesecake, offering it to me.

So, I can’t refuse this one either?

Cautiously, I opened my mouth. The cheesecake crumbled off the fork and melted in my mouth, its flavor spreading delightfully.

“How is it?”

“…It’s good.”

Though I said that, to be honest, I couldn’t really focus on the taste. The embarrassment of being fed, the embarrassment of feeding her, and the shame of that indirect kiss all hit me at once, overwhelming my senses.

“Can I have another bite of the gâteau au chocolat?”

With my throat still tight from the cheesecake, I washed it down with my iced coffee as Mikami-san opened her mouth, asking for more.

She really is a completely defenseless and demanding princess, isn’t she?