"...I'm bored~"

About two hours after the study group started, Chitose muttered in annoyances, and laid backwards. She then rolled about on the floor.

Chitose was wearing shorts and tights, so there was no worry of seeing her panties. Amane however picked the sofa blanket and threw it onto her lap, and lifted his head to look at the time.

"Guess it's about time to rest. It's past noon."

"Yeah. It's almost time for lunch..."

"Mahirun's cooking!"

Once she heard of Mahiru's cooking, Chitose was revived as though she was given money.

She got up easily, and tapped at the table.

"What's for lunch today?"

"Roast beef for mains."

"That's quite filling for lunch..."

"I remembered Amane-kun said he wanted some..."

"Thanks for that."

Amane did say that he wanted to eat it, but he never expected Mahiru to cook for him, and was really grateful.

According to Mahiru, this dish was easier to prepare than Amane imagined, so the plan was for them to have some meat, and to continue studying after food.

However, Amane had a feeling that a certain person might not study after school. It would depend on her however, so Amane did not retort.

"I shall go prepare it. Please wait."

"Ah, I'll help serve too."

Mahiru took some of her studying time to cook for them, and after all, Amane had been asking her to do so.

Like usual, Amane suggested to help, ""lease do."Mahiru smiled and nodded.

The dishes were already done, and they simply needed to heat it and serve it on plates. Amane only helped with serving the dishes...but it was all he could do.

"You three clear the table. I'll get a cloth...what's with you."

"Nothing nothing~"

"Tell me that after you hide that annoying face of yours."

Amane narrowed his eyes at a leering Chitose, and then followed Mahiru into the kitchen.

Meat is good after all.

Amane was not really a meat lover compared to other boys, but he did find it delicious. The biggest reason was that he liked anything Mahiru cooked, that her cooking was delicious.

Amane sighed blissfully, and showed a smile on his face.

"You really can cook, Shiina-san. I've seen your bento, and it's really great."

"Thank you for the compliments."

"I don't know how to cook. The idea of staying alone during college is driving me angsty."

"...There are some who can live alone without knowing how to cook, you know?"

"You're talking about me right?"

Amane had a feeling Mahiru was discreetly telling him off, but she was right, and he had nothing to grumble.

After all, after Mahiru had taken care of him for so long, he should be kneeling down and thanking her. Thus, her words were to be expected.

"Actually, it's true that I can't cook at all. I really have to thank you every day."

"I-I am not blaming you. Erm, I do not dislike cooking for you, Amane-kun."

"Really? That's great."

Amane might never recover if Mahiru said she disliked it, even though he felt she would never say so.

"But well, you really are the type to work hard for others, Shiina-san. You'll make a good bride."

"B-bride..."

"Yuu-chan's right~"

Chitose referred to Kadowaki with a cute nickname, and continued,

"I guess Mahirun doesn't need training on how to be a bride."

"You should be the one training with Mahiru."

"That sounds really good, but I'll be a third wheel."

"Wheel?"

"No, nothing~ I'm happy with Mahirun teaching me how to cook. Please continue to take care of me, Mahirun."

Chitose gave Mahiru a meaningful smile, and the latter shoulders' shriveled. Her cheeks turned red, and she seemed strangely uneasy.

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