The Pure-Hearted Beauty Who Only Dotes on Me Despite Not Being in a Relationship—And How She Became Even Sweeter After We Started Dating - Chapter 17: White day.

White day.

March 14th. I put the gift for her in my bag and headed to the library. She had apparently arrived before me, so I went inside to find her. Her beautiful hair caught my eye.

She was reading… a cookbook? Since it was a quiet place, I didn’t want to startle her and disturb others, so I gently tapped her on the shoulder.

“Good morning, Mizuki.”

“Oh, good morning, Ao-kun.”

She closed her book and turned around, noticing me as she stood up from her seat.

“Shall we step outside for a bit?”

Saying this, she put the book she had been reading back on the shelf.

“You’re not going to borrow it?”

“It’s fine. Just skimming through it was enough.”

We left the library and decided to walk along the river for a while. Curious about the book, I asked her about it.

“The book you were reading, it was a cookbook. Are you planning to cook something?”

“I thought about it, but looking at the book made me realize that I can’t make what it shows. Are you good at cooking, Ao-kun?”

“I suppose, kind of…”

I started learning to cook back in middle school, thinking it would be a useful skill. I can handle the basics.

“That’s impressive. I’d love to try your cooking.”

“Then, how about joining us for a cherry blossom viewing? Around the end of March, Kouta and Kana were planning one…”

I figured inviting Mizuki would make Kana happy, so I asked her what she thought.

“That sounds great, a cherry blossom viewing. I’d love to join.”

“Alright. I’ll make a bento for you too.”

“I’d love to try your cooking, but… could you teach me how to make it? I really want to learn how to cook.”

It’s clear that she hasn’t given up on cooking, considering she went to the library to do some research. Her persistence and determination are among her best qualities.

“Sure. How about you come over when I’m cooking, and we can make it together?”

“That sounds great. I’ll cover half the cost of the ingredients, of course, so let’s cook together.”

As she did a small fist pump, I found myself captivated by how cute she was, nearly forgetting the original purpose of my visit.

Oh right, I came to give her something for White Day in return for Valentine’s Day.

“Mizuki, here. This is a thank you for the Valentine’s gifts,” I said, handing her a gift bag.

She accepted it with a smile and opened it. “Sakura-scented hand cream and a bracelet… is it okay to give me two things?”

Normally, one gift would suffice, but since she had given me two items on Valentine’s Day, I felt it was only right to reciprocate with two gifts.

“You gave me chocolates and macarons, remember?”

“I’m so sorry! Because I gave you two things, you felt obligated to do the same,” Mizuki said, bowing her head in apology.

“No, there’s no need to apologize… I’m grateful for both of them,” I said, gently patting her head. Her expression softened, and she allowed it to happen.

“Ao-kun, you’re too kind…”

If anyone’s kind, it’s Mizuki. She always steps up to help those in need.

“By the way, class assignments are changing soon. It makes me a bit sad to think we might be in different classes,” Mizuki said.

Should I say I’m sad too? Should I keep my thoughts to myself or express what I’m feeling?

“I feel the same way… I don’t want to be in a different class from you, Mizuki.”

Usually, she was the one who voiced her feelings while I kept mine inside. It felt a bit embarrassing, but I managed to say it.

“Me too. I hope we end up in the same class.”

Her smile stayed with me long after our conversation ended. It was then that I realized: I like Tsuyuzaki Mizuki.

***

During spring break, Kouta and I were having lunch at a fast food restaurant.

“So, you’ve finally fallen for her. Are you going to confess now?” Kouta asked.

“I like her, but I can’t confess just yet…”

It wasn’t just about mental preparation. If I confessed to Mizuki and she rejected me, I wouldn’t know how to face her afterward. There’s also the fear that confessing could ruin our current relationship.

“You do realize that Tsuyuzaki-san likes you, right?” Kouta said.

“Yeah, I know.”

All the physical affection she shows is because she likes me. Even someone as clueless about romance as I am can see that she’s been trying to express her feelings.

“Well, you and Tsuyuzaki-san have your own pace. I won’t push you, but good luck. I’m rooting for you two,” Kouta said.

“Thanks.”

I felt grateful to have such a good friend. He doesn’t force things, but he’s there to give a nudge when needed. That alone is reassuring.

“So, tomorrow you’re cooking bento with Tsuyuzaki-san, right?”

“Yeah. You and Kana don’t need me to make your portion of bento, okay?”

“What? You’re making lunch for us too?”

Oops, I let it slip, thinking they might ask later.

“No, forget I said that. Or maybe we could all cook together and have a picnic?”

“That sounds great! But are you okay with that?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, if there are four of us, you won’t get any alone time with Tsuyuzaki-san.”

Kouta subtly hinted whether I was okay with missing out on precious alone time with Mizuki.

I thought about what Mizuki would prefer rather than my own preference. She probably wouldn’t mind spending time with just me, but she might enjoy it more if Kana and Kouta joined us.

“I’ll ask Mizuki what she thinks.”

“Alright. Let me know what she says.”

TL: Demn… this story is too sweet… and beleive me guys, it gets even more sweet from here~
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