Chapter 71

The closing ceremony ended in the morning.

Arisa did not go home that day and instead headed straight to Yugen's house.

Both of them changed into casual clothes and had a light lunch at a nearby café.

Then, they got down to the serious business of preparing for Christmas.

As for the ingredients, Yugen had already bought everything as specified, so all that was left was to cook.

"Then, Yugen. I'll be cooking, so could you please take care of the decorations?"

"Sure, leave it to me."

Yugen, who usually didn't do Christmas decorations, felt strangely motivated today because he was spending the day with Arisa.

It was strange how naturally his enthusiasm came.

By the time Yugen finished the decorations...

A delicious aroma wafted through the air.

"Yugen, it's ready. Could you help me set the table?"

"Sure, I got it."

Baguette.

Avocado and shrimp wreath salad.

Beef stew.

Roast chicken.

Fried chicken.

French fries.

Christmas cake.

That was today's menu.

Incidentally, except for the baguette, which was bought from a bakery, everything was homemade by Arisa.

"Then, let's toast."

Yugen took a bottle of drink from the refrigerator.

It was beautifully clear, with visible carbonation bubbles inside.

"I've been curious about this... Is it champagne?"

"Would you be upset if I said it was?"

When Yugen asked half-jokingly, Arisa thought for a moment before answering.

"...No, it's not allowed. Drinking alcohol as a minor is wrong. I'll scold you, Yugen."

"Harsh. ...But don't worry, it's just juice."

It was apple juice that looked like champagne, a non-alcoholic drink.

Actually, Yugen usually drank alcohol during Christmas, New Year's, and family gatherings, but this time he restrained himself, knowing Arisa would be upset.

"Well, let's have a sip for the atmosphere. If you don't like it, you can leave it. I have other drinks prepared."

"Alright, I understand. It would be a waste not to."

Yugen prepared champagne glasses and poured the juice into them.

Then, he and Arisa raised their glasses together.

"Cheers."

"Cheers."

They gently clinked their glasses and took a sip.

It only looked like champagne; the taste was different.

However, it was a refreshing and delicious juice.

"How is it, Arisa?"

"I might actually like this."

Arisa smiled and took another sip.

Even though it wasn't real alcohol, her skin had a slight flush, making her look a bit alluring.

"Then, since we're at it... let's enjoy the food, shall we?"

"Sure, go ahead."

Starting with the appetizer, Yugen reached for the wreath salad.

It was beautifully decorated like a Christmas wreath, making it visually stunning.

"Yeah, it's delicious. Arisa's dressing is better than store-bought."

"Thank you. I make it to match the vegetables in the salad."

"Of course."

When Yugen praised her, Arisa blushed and scratched her cheek, looking very cute.

Next, he tasted the beef stew.

The meat melted in his mouth.

"This meat is so tender."

"I simmered it for a long time. ...I usually don't have the time, but it's one of my specialties."

Arisa said this with a hint of pride.

As expected, it was very delicious.

The other dishes were also very tasty.

But more than that...

"I'm having a great time."

"Thank you. It's very encouraging to hear such praise."

"...Well, Arisa's cooking is definitely delicious, but..."

When Yugen said this, Arisa tilted her head in confusion.

Her beautiful flaxen hair swayed slightly, and her emerald eyes fixed on Yugen intently.

"What is it?"

"...I think it's because I'm with you that I'm having such a good time."

Arisa's cooking was, of course, delicious.

But more than that.

Eating with Arisa made the meal even more enjoyable.

"Well, ...it's a bit embarrassing to say, but..."

Yugen scratched his cheek, feeling his face heat up.

"Thank you for spending the day with me. I'm really having a great time. ...Would you like to do this again next year?"

"Y-Yes, ...I'd be happy to."

Arisa nodded clearly, though she looked a bit embarrassed.

Yugen felt a bit giddy.

He felt like he could say things he usually found too embarrassing to say.

"Arisa."

"Y-Yes?"

"Would you... would you make me meals from now on?"

When Yugen said this, Arisa's expression froze.

Then, after a moment, her face turned bright red, like a boiled shrimp.

"Arisa?"

Yugen called out to the silent Arisa.

She seemed to snap out of it, straightening her back.

"Y-Yes! I, I'd be happy to!"

Then, Arisa took Yugen's hand.

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Arisa's affection level: 75% → 100%

Yugen's seriousness level: 80% → 90%

If you enjoyed the gauge changes, please consider bookmarking and rating (change the ☆☆☆☆☆ to ★★★★★) at the bottom of the table of contents.

The second chapter will conclude in the next part.