The reason why this genius little girl who doesn't get along with anyone, wants to be only spoiled by me - Episode 17

Episode 17: Hime’s Token of Gratitude

Now that we’re settled on how to address each other, I could finally start eating my lunch.

Hoshimiya-san—no, Sei-san was also sat down on the sofa across from me. There were two sofas facing each other with a low table in between, yet she took the one opposite me.

Meanwhile, Hime sat next to me as it was the most natural thing for her to do. Her proximity was close—so close that our knees were touching. It felt as though she was purposely being clingy (want to be spoiled by me). And for some reason, that made me a little happy.

“Here you go, Yohei-kun. This is your lunch,”

“Thanks… Wait, are you sure it’s okay for me to have this?”

Opening the lid of what could hardly be called a mere “bento box”; instantly an amount of stacked box revealed an array of luxurious dishes.

It looked like a New Year’s osechi feast, with small portions of various dishes neatly arranged. From what I could identify, there were shrimp, roast beef, salad, and… this black egg thing. Isn’t this… c-caviar?!

In all probability this bento alone must cost an astronomical amount.

I couldn’t help but feel hesitant, thinking this was made with ingredients far beyond the understanding of us regular folks.

Don’t tell me, was this specially prepared for me?

If that were so, I felt bad for imposing, or so I thought but…

“Of course, please don’t hold back. I asked the chef to prepare it because I wanted you to enjoy it, Yohei-kun. I hope it suits your taste though”

“…Hime-chan, here, you can have my vegetables~”

“Haa… Onee-chan, you’re in high school already. You shouldn’t be picky about food,”

Judging by their casual reactions, this seemed to be their usual menu.

They weren’t particularly surprised or excited about the luxurious spread. Their expressions were as neutral as mine would be while eating my mom’s cooking.

(*As I thought, perhaps the Hoshimiya siblings kind of really wealthy ojou-samas…?*)

I somehow had a vague sense of it beforehand, but with more interaction, it started to feel like a certainty.

That is why these two, unlike the normal folks like us, have a certain elegance to themselves than the rest of us.

It’s like, they have experienced a completely different life from birth itself.

For someone like me, being able to get along with them, it felt almost miraculous… Since I’d been given this chance, I suppose I should savor the taste of the food huh.

“I–Itadakimasu.”

For first, I, should start with the shrimp since it was the most familiar-looking item. Though it only resembled the shrimp I knew in appearance—its quality was undoubtedly on another level.

(*W-what is this?! I—it’s the first time I tasted anything like it!*)

It’s on a completely different plane of deliciousness!

No, to be honest, just what is this even? This taste, this flavour; I no longer know whether I can even simply describe it as ‘delicious’,

As sense came in, I found my bewilderment outweigh my surprise and joy regarding it. Uncomprehending what type of reaction would be the correct one to show, I found myself in daze for a while.

“…Yo–Yohei-kun, how is it? This is what we usually eat, but… Does it suit your taste?”

Perhaps noticing my confusion, Hime asked with a worried look on her face.

She must’ve gone out of her way to have this lunch prepared for me, maybe that was why, she was being extremely worried on whether I’d like it or not.

Seeing her worried expression, I hurried up and shared my thoughts.

“—Of course, it’s delicious! It’s… It’s just so delicious that I’m kind of bewildered!”

“Really? Ehehe… If that were the case, then I’m so glad to hear that,”

Seeing me nod, Hime, gave out a breath of relief *funya*, with a contended smile.

“This is my way of saying thanks for the snacks you gave me yesterday. I’m really happy that you enjoyed it!”

Thanks…? Just how many times would I be thanked now.

It was like a modern-day version of *The Crane’s Gratitude*, except it was *Hime’s Gratitude*, and it felt a bit excessive.

I couldn’t help but feel apologetic. Even to a degree of feeling a little guilty about it.

But… considering the lifestyle they are living, which is in a level that even my hesitation might seem presumptuous.

“…Is this really *that* tasty? If so, here, Yohei—you can have mine too~,”

“Hey! Onee-chan, it’s not good manners to force your leftovers on him!”

“But I’ve had this so many times, I’m already bored of it. Besides, Hime-chan, you’ve also been leaving out a lot lately too~.”

“We–well… I suppose I wouldn’t mind trying some different kind of food every now and then,”

You don’t say, to think they are living a lifestyle where they can even get tired of eating this kind of food…..!

While I felt utterly well treated here, for them, it seemed like this was no big deal at all.

Perhaps, to them, this was as ordinary as what ‘giving out snacks’ meant for me.

Still, if they were getting bored of this kind of luxurious meal, then it is actually convenient for me.

Actually today, I happened to have some *Takenoko no Sato* and *Kinoko no Yama* snacks bags with me today.

As it was a good opportunity, I had brought them along hoping we could do a little taste test together.

Also, if this can make them both happy in return, that would be really nice—.