On this day, Mahiru was wearing an apron, her hair was tired in a bun as she welcomed him home.
She would usually tie her hair when cooking, and as expected of a girl, she would sometimes tie it in a ponytail, or a bun like this. She would seek practicality as much as cuteness.
It appeared she was done cooking dinner. When Amane returned home, she gave a look of relief.
Amane did inform her that he would be a little late, but it seemed Mahiru was still worried. Amane was late as he just had coffee with Kadowaki, and heard that latter's troubles. It appeared Mahiru was worried about Amane being late.
"Welcome back, Amane-kun...that bag is?"
"Went to the game center. Well, here's my prize."
Amane brought out a few things other than the bunny doll, and the large bag was stuffed to the brim. It seemed Mahiru too could tell how packed it was.
"...That is quite a lot."
"Just spent money for two cafeteria set meals."
"Erm, what is inside?"
"I'm hungry. We'll talk later."
He could give it to Mahiru at this point, but he wanted to enjoy her reaction slowly, so he decided to leave it be.
Also, he was really hurry, and wanted to have her dinner early.
"Do wash your hands and change clothes then. Do not forget to rinse your mouth too. I shall serve dinner in the meantime."
"Got it."
Amane would usually do so even without her saying that, but he was happy about how worried and concerned she was for him.
While thinking that Mahiru was acting like his mother, he never said it out, and went to the washroom as Mahiru had told him to.
"...What is with this many items?"
After dinner, Mahiru showed her curiosity as she glanced aside at the prizes next to the sofa, asking Amane.
"Hm? Dolls."
Amane did not intend to hide the spoils from her, so he put the bag on his knees, and tore the tape as he answered.
"Dolls?"
"You like them, right?"
"Y-yes, I do."
"There's quite a lot, I feel you'll really like them, so I got them. Here."
The biggest prize for the day was probably the bunny doll about the size of the bear.
It was rather large, but Amane was rather proud of himself as he only used a coin.
He lifted the white fur, round eyed bunny, and put it on Mahiru's lap.
He was unsure what character it was, but he had a feeling Mahiru would like it, so he grabbed it. However, Mahiru merely stared at the bunny on her lap.
"You dislike bunnies?"
"...It is cute."
It appeared she was worried about receiving too much.
"I'm giving them to you out of my own will. You don't have you worry."
"But I have received many things from you. Gifts, concern, warmth, mood, everything."
"It's just a gift from me. You don't have to worry."
Amane did not hope to be repaid, and only did so to make Mahiru happy.
It might sound like Mahiru's happiness would be his reward, but ultimately, he did so out of his own satisfaction and hopes. There was nothing Mahiru needed to worry about.
It appeared Mahiru was still worried about receiving too much from Amane.
Instead, Amane had received too much care from her, and no amount of gratitude from him would suffice.
"I wish to give you something back."
"You're really stubborn...well, if you insist, I can accept it."
"I can give you anything, as long as it is what I can do."
Amane disliked this suggestion, for he felt she could do anything. Naturally however, he could not ask her to do something overboard.
Yet if he did not ask for anything, Mahiru would be devastated.
"How about pudding?"
So Amane happily suggested something she would not be burdened with.
"...Pudding, is it?"
"A pudding with lots of eggs. I want to try some from you."
"Is it not to save money?"
"No way. I want it because it's your pudding."
Amane was not particularly fond of sweets, but custard was an exception.
He liked pudding, and cream puffs with custard cream. Anything made by Mahiru would surely be delicious.
Of course, he would desire to eat the handmade cooking of a girl he likes.
Once he made this earnest request, Mahiru looked up at him, and nodded.
"...I shall do so on the next rest day. More eggs, and harder, I suppose?"
"Yes."
"I shall make delicious pudding, definitely."
"You don't have to be so pumped up."
"I want to do this."
"I see."
For some reason, Mahiru showed some meaningless motivation and determination. Amane did not think she needed to be so determined, but he had nothing to complain about since he could have some delicious pudding.
He patted her head again, wanting to cheer her on. Mahiru apprehensively hid her lips behind the bunny head.
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