When I Was Presumed Dead, They Became Unhinged Unknowingly - Chapter 33

“Senpai… Mika’s sorry. Mika did her best, she really did, but she couldn’t get within the top 50. Mika’s so, so sorry.”

She showed me the mock exam results, and with a face that seemed on the verge of tears, she apologized. Unfortunately, her result was 72nd. Considering her previous standings, it was not an exaggeration to say she was at the bottom. Yet, it was a remarkable improvement in just two weeks, a testament to her hard work, even if it fell short of the goal.

To be honest, I didn’t expect her rank to rise this much. I thought it would be good enough if she could get within the top 100. I, who had been watching her study, was surprised by the results.

“It’s still amazing. Mika really worked hard. I’ve been watching you the whole time.”

“But, it’s not enough to just work hard. If Mika doesn’t get within the top 50, she won’t get the reward. Mika worked so hard for that…”

She murmured sadly, letting the tears she had held back flow. Personally, I knew she was putting in the effort, and whether she achieved the goal or not, I intended to give her the reward.

Still, it made me happy to see her cry, because she couldn’t eat the food I made. Such a thing had never happened before.

I gently placed my hand on her cheek, directing her gaze towards me.

“Mika, actually, I already prepared the reward because I knew you were working hard. I’ve already made the ginger pork and curry you said you liked. Regardless of your rank, I want to give you a reward because you worked hard.”

“Is it… is it okay? Satoru-san. Can Mika really get the reward?”

“Yeah, of course.”

Her face instantly brightened, and she sent a sparkling gaze my way. Like an impatient puppy, she was so cute that I couldn’t help but pat her head.

“You said it, Satoru-san. Mika heard it. Alright, reward time. Thank you for the meal!”

“Wa-wait….”

She gently placed her hand on my cheek, brought her face close, and softly pressed her lips against mine. At first, it was a light kiss, but seeing that I wasn’t refusing, she boldly invaded my mouth with her tongue, exploring it.

Lost in the pleasure she sent, she seemed satisfied and, with a lip-smacking sound, parted our lips.

“Thank you for the meal. It was so pleasant and delicious. I’m glad I worked hard for this.”

“You’re welcome? Wait, Mika, did you…?”

“Yeah. Satoru-san, Mika has been working hard because she wanted to kiss you. Of course, it’s also for the food you made for her.”

Blushing faintly, Mika, while shy, had a glint of a predator in her eyes. Sensing that I might be attacked, I found a reason and quietly stood up, moving to the kitchen.

I didn’t want to bring physical relations into this. If we connected through physical intimacy, it would only make her more anxious when I’m gone. But considering her demeanor, such a thing might happen in the future. Contemplating this, I moved to warm up the curry.