Dinner at Murakami Yuu's house started somewhat early today. Around 5 o'clock, the dining table was already filled with exquisitely prepared dishes.
Following Kiso Yukina's soft call after finishing the cleanup work, the two cat-petting people also stood up from the sofa. One after the other, they washed their hands in the bathroom and came to the dining table.
Looking at the table full of colorful dishes, Eriri's heart violently twitched again.
Different from the trembling when Murakami Yuu teased her earlier, this time it was just a sense of defeat genuinely arising from facing Kiso Yukina, who surpassed her in every aspect.
Such an opponent had no flaws at all. How could she appear competitive in front of such a person...
Eriri's heart felt somewhat despairing. She realized she didn't even have a close friend to strategize with - there was no one to consult about formulating countermeasures.
Wait, perhaps...
A figure emerged in Eriri's mind - long straight black hair, a cool personality, though somewhat sharp-tongued.
As members of the same club, their relationship had warmed up recently. Though not yet at the level of close friends, at least they no longer bickered every time they met.
Asking directly would be too embarrassing, and she might even be ridiculed by that person. But if she only vaguely explained and hinted indirectly, it was a feasible method.
After all, although that person had a terrible personality, she had a clear mind and could always provide appropriate judgments and solution approaches for many things.
She needed to unite all forces that could be united...
"Sawamura-san, please sit."
Kiso Yukina's voice interrupted Eriri's contemplation. She pulled out a chair for her, indicating she should take a seat.
"Thank you, you don't need to be so polite! I can do it myself, I can do it myself..."
Eriri came back to her senses, quickly thanked her and walked over. She pulled the chair herself to adjust the position before sitting down somewhat uncomfortably.
As for Murakami Yuu, since this was his own home, he was quite casual and relaxed. He walked straight into the kitchen, filled rice for all three people, then sat down and picked up his chopsticks.
"Just looking at it makes me hungry. Good work, Yukina."
"I'm feeling a bit nervous. I don't think it turned out very well."
"Don't say that. Your cooking skills have already reached a very good level. You should have more confidence in yourself."
Murakami Yuu gave affirmation.
"Well then, itadakimasu."
"Itadakimasu."
The three began enjoying their dinner.
Kiso Yukina's learning ability was already strong, and after Murakami Yuu's long-term special training, her cooking skills had long surpassed the average person's level. This could be seen from Eriri's increasingly despairing expression as the meal progressed.
Overall, the entire dining process was quite pleasant. Kiso Yukina led the conversation topics at the table, not neglecting Eriri's presence. The things she discussed were campus gossip news that all three at the table could participate in.
I understand now. Not only is she beautiful with a wonderful singing voice, her cooking ability is also great, and her personality is careful, gentle, cheerful, and outgoing.
After one meal, Eriri reached the above conclusion.
The heart that had been so excited from being teased by Murakami Yuu earlier began to sink again.
The ups and downs of emotions throughout the day left Eriri somewhat tired. She unconsciously let out a light sigh.
"What's wrong, Sawamura-san? Is there something making you unhappy?"
Kiso Yukina asked.
"No, I just feel a bit embarrassed."
Eriri flatly denied it.
"After all, I came over today without doing anything, just sitting and mooching a meal."
Looking at Murakami Yuu washing dishes in the kitchen, the sense of déjà vu from before floated before her eyes again. Eriri hurriedly turned her gaze elsewhere while thinking of other things to offset that irritating sense of déjà vu.
"I don't think that way. After Sawamura-san came, Yuu's mood is much better compared to usual."
"That can't be right. Isn't he no different from normal?"
Eriri didn't quite believe it. After the dining table experience ended, they no longer had the initial awkwardness between them. Although they still addressed each other by surname, the sense of distance had reduced considerably.
Being the same age, communication became more casual, no longer so formal.
"I quite trust my own feelings. Sawamura-san can believe me on this point."
Kiso Yukina said with a tone of certainty.
Eriri didn't yet fully understand Kiso Yukina's personality, so she just nodded along with her meaning.
The two temporarily fell silent, lacking mutual understanding and common topics both were interested in.
Hedgehog ran over and after hesitating for a moment between the two, lay down at Kiso Yukina's feet.
"If possible, I'd like to be friends with Sawamura-san - the kind who can call each other by first name."
Kiso Yukina looked down at Hedgehog and suddenly said this.
Hearing this, Eriri was somewhat surprised and turned to look at her.
The other party smiled gently. Although her expression was sincere, somehow Eriri felt she had a trace of imperceptible... compromise?
It might also be her own illusion. Although they were competitors in a certain sense, she still needed to respond appropriately.
"That's my thought too. Being friends with the Kiso-san feels like it would be a wonderful thing."
"That's too exaggerated. Sawamura-san is the one - that dignified young lady demeanor is what people admire."
Kiso Yukina looked at Eriri. The two complimented each other, their tones becoming relaxed and casual.
"We don't need to use honorifics when addressing each other. It feels strange. Just call me Yukina. May I call you Eriri?"
"Of... of course!"
"Then, please take care of me from now on, Eriri."
"Same here, please take care of me, Yuki... Yukina."
Eriri had thought her arrival today wouldn't be welcomed, since she came with impure purposes.
Coming with the psychological goal of not wanting to let the two be alone together, not being liked was a natural thing. It was precisely because she had this mental preparation that Kiso Yukina's friendly gestures toward her felt somewhat unexpected.
"What are you two talking about? You both look like you're in a good mood."
Having finished washing dishes, Murakami Yuu came behind the two, leaning forward against the sofa back.
"Of course I'm happy to have gained a friend."
Kiso Yukina answered energetically.
"Oh?"
Murakami Yuu glanced at Eriri. She also seemed to want to say something, but after meeting his gaze, this thought dissipated. She pretended to stretch and averted her eyes.
Her heart that had been teased earlier still hadn't completely calmed down.
"We'll get along well."
Kiso Yukina supplemented from the side.
"That couldn't be better."
After carefully watching Murakami Yuu's expression for a while, Kiso Yukina showed a satisfied smile. She thought of something.
"I remember Eriri came today to draw. Should we start now?"
"No, no need. It's gotten a bit late today. Let's do it next time."
Eriri quickly said. She came this time with ulterior motives from the start, not in the wine. She hadn't brought any tools, so naturally there was no way to proceed with drawing.
Kiso Yukina didn't insist. She pulled Murakami Yuu to sit between them, then took two game controllers from the electronics cabinet and handed them to him.
"In that case, let's play games for a bit."
She rested her chin on her hands watching the two.
"I'll just observe from the side. Gaming really isn't something I'm good at."
Murakami Yuu looked at her and suddenly smiled, his eyes containing some inexplicable meaning. Under Eriri's gaze, he reached out and patted Kiso Yukina's head, his voice gentle and soft.
"Thank you, Yukina."
Kiso Yukina's gaze moved slightly, her lips parting slightly. Her response carried the warmth of a gentle breeze.
"It's okay."
As long as what I do is what you hope for, Yuu.
...