Chapter 33: Just Like Before
"Speaking of which, if I'm going to visit, I should probably bring some gifts..."
In front of the Pastry Shop, Aragaki Takiya was hesitating. This visit was different from the one this morning; without Aragaki Moeha's advice, he could only choose pastries according to his own preferences.
"Forget it, I'll just choose based on what I like. My taste should suit most people."
Thinking this, Aragaki Takiya began selecting pastries. Considering the tastes of Children, he picked some sweeter ones, but thinking about the hair color of the two Sisters, he had a new plan.
"I'll buy some Caramel Pudding; Kaede should be interested in these."
Thinking of Shiina Kaede's hair color, Aragaki Takiya naturally assumed she would be interested in caramel-colored food. After all, Children are bound to be interested in food that matches their own hair color.
"Alright, I'll take these. Let's go!"
Glancing at the sky outside that was gradually darkening, the young man subconsciously quickened his pace... "Hey, Mama, if we make these dishes, Papa will definitely like them."
In the Shiina Family's kitchen, Shiina Kaede was enthusiastically helping Shiina Mahiru. Though she said she was helping, she was really just handing over plates and such; after all, at her age, that was all she could do.
"Even though you're right, this is my first time making these dishes. If the taste doesn't turn out well..."
Shiina Mahiru, who was cooking, felt an inexplicable nervousness. She originally wanted to make dishes she often prepared, but Shiina Kaede suggested making dishes that the future Aragaki Takiya liked to eat. At first, Shiina Mahiru didn't pay much mind, but when she actually started cooking, she realized that many of the dishes Kaede suggested were things she had never made before.
"That shouldn't happen..."
Hearing what Shiina Mahiru said, Shiina Kaede couldn't help but feel nervous. She had been too happy just now and hadn't paid much attention, but now she realized that her current Mama and Papa were only in high school, and their cooking skills were still a long way from what they would be in the future.
"But it should be fine. Even though it's my first time cooking these dishes, I still have confidence."
Perhaps to stop Shiina Kaede from worrying, or maybe to cheer herself up, Shiina Mahiru said this with a forced air of ease. At the same time, a desire for a challenge rose in her heart. Since it was just a normal attempt anyway, why not try?
"Knock, knock, knock~"
Just as Shiina Kaede was looking at Shiina Mahiru with adoring eyes, they both heard a knock at the Entrance. Shiina Kaede, who had been helping, reacted immediately; it must be her Papa.
"Click~"
As the Apartment door opened, standing at the Entrance was Aragaki Takiya, carrying the pastries.
"Excuse me... Uh, should I say good evening?"
When the Apartment door opened, the first thing Aragaki Takiya saw was Shiina Kaede with joy written all over her face.
"Hehe, good evening, Aragaki-nii. Sister has almost finished cooking. You just need to wait a little bit before we can eat."
To be honest, Aragaki Takiya didn't understand why the Little one in front of him was so happy. With her flaxen hair and innocent smile, the Shiina Kaede before him really looked like a little angel stepped out of a fairy tale book.
"By the way, there's also this. This is for Kaede and Kaede's Sister."
Seeing the happily smiling Shiina Kaede, Aragaki Takiya somehow felt his own mood improve. Of course, he didn't forget the gifts he brought and immediately handed over the Chinese Pastries and desserts he had bought.
"Eh? So many delicious things! Are they for me and Sister? Thank you, Aragaki-nii."
The scene before her couldn't help but remind Shiina Kaede of the Previous World. Back then, when Aragaki Takiya came home from work, he would often bring her delicious treats, especially Caramel Pudding—that was her favorite.
"I'm glad you like it. Since I didn't know what you guys liked, I just bought some random pastries. Oh, and there are two Caramel Puddings inside. They'll taste better if you chill them in the fridge."
Aragaki Takiya naturally didn't know what Shiina Kaede was thinking. At this moment, he was just talking to himself about the gifts he brought. However, he didn't know that when he mentioned there was Caramel Pudding in the bag, Shiina Kaede's movements had already stopped.
"Caramel... Pudding?"
Shiina Kaede stood there in a daze. When she saw the pudding in the bag, her nose suddenly felt sore, and tears uncontrollably welled up in her eyes.
"Hmm? Kaede, are you okay?"
Looking at the Little Loli standing still with her head down, Aragaki Takiya asked curiously.
"Ah? I'm fine. But Aragaki-nii, didn't Moeha come?"
Realizing her loss of composure, Shiina Kaede quickly changed the subject.
"How should I put it... Moeha went to a good friend's house for a sleepover, so I came by myself."
Thinking about it, Aragaki Takiya found that he could answer this way. After all, Eriri and Moeha could indeed be considered good friends, well, aside from the slight age difference.
"I see. Then Aragaki-nii, hurry and come in. I'm going to help Sister."
Carrying the bag, Shiina Kaede quietly sniffed her nose and then hurriedly turned around, saying she was going to help. It wasn't that she didn't want to be with Aragaki Takiya, but the Caramel Pudding had evoked such beautiful memories. If she stayed there any longer, she was afraid she wouldn't be able to stop herself from telling him everything.
"Um, I'll help too. I happen to have learned how to cook..."
Ordinarily, Aragaki Takiya was a guest, and the host would certainly not let a guest help. However, in Aragaki Takiya's view, it was too strange for two girls to be busy cooking in the kitchen while he, a guy, rested in the Living Room. So, he took the initiative to offer help, but as soon as he spoke, he received refusals from two voices.
"No need, the food is almost ready. Aragaki... wait a moment."
From the kitchen, Shiina Mahiru's voice drifted out, and even the Shiina Kaede in front of him actually agreed with this.
"Leave the rest to me and Sister. Aragaki-nii, you should just rest for now~"
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