SWNOVELXO Chapter 41 - Reina's House
…Well, my plans have significantly changed.
I need to decide what to do from here…
“Um… Did you come to see me today because you were worried?”
“Huh? Ah, yes, that’s right. Of course, that’s not the only reason. Let’s see… this, this, and this.”
Mrs. Matsuura takes out some Tupperware containers from her bag.
“Pickles, side dishes, simmered dishes…! They look delicious.”
“Don’t flatter me… I know it’s old-fashioned, but I brought Reina’s favorite foods.”
“Ahh, do they seem too traditional…?”
“No, not at all. I hardly ever get to eat or prepare traditional dishes, so I’m actually envious.”
“Oh… So, you were raised on Western food, Mito-kun?”
“Ah, so your family runs a Western food restaurant.”
“Yes, that’s right. Our breakfast usually consisted of bread, soup, sausages, bacon and buttered spinach, and scrambled eggs. I was surprised when I went to someone else’s house and was served rice, natto, and miso soup.
And grilled fish… we mostly had sautés.”
I really… never questioned it…
When I talked about roast beef and carpaccio, everyone would just stare blankly.
Of course, I did notice some things when I was in elementary school…
“That’s stylish…”
“I wonder… could I make that…?”
“Huh?”
“Huh?… Ah — no, not that! I, I mean, I want to learn!”
“Ah, I see. Yes, you can. It’s simple.”
“Um… Mito-kun, do you dislike having Japanese food for breakfast…?”
“No, not at all. Now, I can eat it normally. I like all types of food — Western, Japanese, Chinese.”
“Hmm…”
“Well, food preferences are important…”
“Mom! That’s enough, isn’t it?”
“Oh, it’s fine. I want to chat with Mito-san too.”
“Mmm…”
“Um… so, what will you do for dinner?”
“I was thinking of having dinner with Reina… With this, miso soup, seaweed, and rice, that should be enough.”
“Ah… That sounds nice.”
“You were preparing something, weren’t you?”
“It’s omurice.”
“Oh, that’s lovely.”
“Ah, the time…”
…It’s past 7 o’clock…
If I start teaching now…
“Then, I’ll make the omurice.”
“But, you were going to teach me…”
“I’m sorry, Reina. Maybe I shouldn’t have come…”
“Please don’t say such things. You came because you were worried. Reina… will come again.”
After finishing the meal and preparing to leave…
“The pickles and simmered dishes were delicious. Was it okay to take them?”
“Yes, I’ll bring more tomorrow.”
“Mito-kun, there’s plenty left, so it’s fine.”
“You’re not saying… next time, you’ll cook?”
“Huh? Can I…?”
“If you’re motivated, you should be able to. What do you think, Mito-san?”
“…Well, I would like to try it.”
“Huh?… So… that’s how it is…”
“Then, I’ll take my leave. Thank you for having me.”
“See you again!”
“Thank you for today. Please continue to take care of my daughter.”
“Mom!?”
“Yes, leave it to me. I’ll support you.”
“Mito-kun…”
“I feel like something is off… maybe it’s just me?”
In the car on the way home… I reflect on today’s events.
…Reina was cute today.
Not just her appearance, but her aura… She really felt like a girl.
Well, she always seems like a woman… somewhat out of reach.
Today, even though I was a bit nervous, I felt closer to her…
“Ah… I’m in trouble…”
I’ve been trying to ignore it for a while now…
“It seems… I like Reina.”