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 71: It Seems That Calling Someone's Name Before Kissing Them Makes Them More Interested In Kissing.

It Seems That Calling Someone’s Name Before Kissing Them Makes Them More Interested In Kissing.

“Guys, great news! After school today, Mi-chan and I are going to make Valentine’s chocolates!” Kana announced enthusiastically, clapping her hands. Next to her, Mizuki also clapped softly, imitating Kana.

I couldn’t help but think how cute Mizuki looked. As I watched her, she noticed my gaze and silently mouthed, “Don’t look at me,” her face turning red. When I responded with a smile, she pouted. Kana and Kouta noticed our silent exchange and gave us questioning looks.

“Hey, we’re talking about chocolates here, but you two are acting all lovey-dovey,” Kana teased.

“We’re not,” I replied.

“Come on, you were totally talking with your eyes! Lately, you two seem like such a cheesy couple.”

“What do you mean by that?” I asked.

Kana then started to mimic us. “You know, calling each other by your names and giggling. Like, ‘Ao-kun~, Mizuki~!,’ ‘Ao-kun~!, Mizuki~,’ with these meaningless conversations.”

“What? We don’t do that, right?” I turned to Mizuki, who suddenly looked down, remembering something.

(Wait, we do that?)

“See! You do! So, tell me, do you really do that?” Kana pressed.

“Well… when Ao-kun calls me Mizuki before a kiss, I sometimes call him Ao-kun too,” Mizuki admitted, blushing.

“Oh my gosh, that’s so cute! You have to tell us more!” Kana exclaimed.

Seeing that Mizuki might spill more details, I tried to stop her, but Kouta patted my shoulder and held me back.

“Nice move, Ao. Calling each other’s names creates a sense of intimacy, making the moment more intense,” Kouta said knowingly.

“Where do you get this stuff? And it’s not always me who starts it. Mizuki calls my name first sometimes too,” I defended.

“So?” he asked.

“So… that’s it.”

“That makes no sense,” he laughed.

Kana, noticing our banter, jumped back in. “Anyway, about the chocolates, how about we all make them together? It’ll be fun, and maybe Mizuki and Ao can teach us a thing or two about that chemistry they have!”

Mizuki and I exchanged embarrassed glances but nodded in agreement. This Valentine’s Day was shaping up to be quite an event.

***

“Ah, making Valentine’s chocolates for your boyfriend. That sounds so nice, such youthful romance…” Hasebe-san remarked wistfully. Mizuki and Kana were making chocolates together with her at the café ‘Hitode’ after school.

“Hasebe-san, you look so cute. I bet you have a boyfriend,” Kana said to Hasebe-san, who then gloomily started nibbling on some biscuits from the kitchen.

“I don’t. I’ve tried mixers and dating apps, but I haven’t met anyone right,” she replied, sighing.

“Oh, I’m so sorry!” Kana apologized quickly.

Listening to their conversation, Mizuki focused on making chocolates for Ao, working quietly. She was skilled at making sweets, so she didn’t need any guidance from Hasebe-san and continued at her own pace.

She decided to make truffles for Ao. The process was straightforward. First, she chopped milk chocolate and melted it in a double boiler. Once it was completely melted, she gradually mixed in warmed heavy cream until the mixture became smooth. Then she let it chill in the fridge for about two hours until it was firm enough to shape.

While waiting, she melted the coating chocolate. Once the ganache was chilled, she took small amounts and, using plastic wrap, rolled them into bite-sized balls. She then inserted a skewer into each ball, dipped the ganache into the coating chocolate, and sprinkled cocoa powder over them. She placed the skewers in a glass to let the coating set. Once the surface was dry, she gently removed the skewers, completing the truffles.

“Wow, Mi-chan, you’re amazing. You can make them without even looking at the recipe,” Kana said, impressed.

“After making them a few times, you get used to it,” Mizuki replied with a smile.

“Mizuki-chan, you’re almost done. Just the toppings left. The materials are over there,” Hasebe-san said, pointing to the ingredients she had bought.

“Thank you… got it,” Mizuki responded, retrieving the toppings.

“Kana-chan, are you good at cooking?” Hasebe-san asked as she watched Kana coat the ganache with chocolate.

“Not really, but I wanted to try my best this time,” Kana admitted, concentrating on her task.

“That’s the spirit. Just take your time, and it’ll turn out great,” Hasebe-san encouraged.

Kana nodded, continuing her work with newfound determination, while Mizuki added the final touches to her truffles. The atmosphere was filled with the sweet aroma of chocolate and a sense of camaraderie as they worked together.

“Not really. I want to try making lunch for my boyfriend like Mi-chan does,” Kana admitted.

“Then Mizuki-chan should teach you,” Hasebe-san suggested.

“Mi-chan?” Kana asked, looking at Mizuki.

“I don’t mind. I can’t guarantee how good a teacher I’ll be, but I’ll do my best to help you, Kana-san!” Mizuki replied with a smile.

“Yay! I love you, Mi-chan!” Kana exclaimed, putting down what she was holding and hugging Mizuki tightly.

“Hey, don’t just abandon your work and cling to Mizuki-chan!” Hasebe-san chided, trying to pry Kana off Mizuki.

After some playful back-and-forth, Mizuki and Kana finally completed their truffles.

“Ao-kun will like these, right…?” Mizuki murmured, looking at the finished chocolates. Hasebe-san gently placed a hand on her shoulder.

“Of course he will. These truffles are filled with your love, and no guy can resist homemade chocolates!” Hasebe-san reassured her warmly.

“Hikari-san… you’re right. I think Ao-kun will be happy to receive them. Oh, Kana-san, I also made some for you and Kouta-kun. Can I give them to you?” Mizuki asked.

“Friend chocolates? Sure! I made some for Ao and Mi-chan too, so let’s have a chocolate exchange!” Kana agreed enthusiastically.

“Alright,” Mizuki smiled.

They stored the chocolates in the fridge to keep them cool and agreed to meet at the café the next morning before school.

“So, let’s go to school together tomorrow,” Kana suggested.

“Yes, see you tomorrow,” Mizuki replied.

“Bye-bye!” Kana waved as she left.

After parting ways with Kana, Mizuki started thinking about giving the chocolates to Ao. Last year, she had intended to give them as a confession but ended up handing them over without saying anything. This year, she wanted things to be different.

(Ao-kun, I hope you’ll be happy…) Mizuki thought, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.