After clearing the dishes, Okabara Kyogumichi helped Shiina Mahiru put all the utensils back in their places. The warm kitchen light shone on them, creating a cozy and peaceful atmosphere. Shiina Mahiru was wiping the stovetop with a rag, her bangs swaying gently with her movements. The tear stains from earlier were gone, replaced by a faint blush on her face.
Kyogumichi leaned against the doorframe, watching her busy figure. Remembering her earlier mention of finding a part-time job, he hesitated for a moment before asking, "Shiina-san, what kind of part-time job did you find?"
Shiina Mahiru's movements visibly paused. The rag in her hand unconsciously drew circles on the stovetop as she said in a low voice, "I... I haven't found a suitable one yet."
Her cheeks flushed slightly, and she lowered her head, a little embarrassed. "I asked at a few convenience stores and restaurants, but either the hours didn't work, or they were already fully staffed."
Kyogumichi looked at her flustered expression, and an idea suddenly came to him. He took two steps forward and looked at Shiina Mahiru seriously, saying, "Shiina-san, your cooking is so good. How about... you just cook for me from now on?"
Shiina Mahiru looked up in surprise, her eyes wide, clearly not understanding what he meant. "Huh?"
"What I mean is," Kyogumichi smiled and explained, "I'll come here to eat every day, I'll buy the ingredients, and I'll also give you some compensation, as your part-time job. This way, you won't have to run around, you can earn living expenses, and it won't interfere with your studies. What do you think?"
Shiina Mahiru stood rooted to the spot, staring blankly at Kyogumichi, seemingly unable to react. After a long while, she shook her head and quickly said, "No, no, how can I let you pay? We're friends, it's only right that I cook for you."
"Precisely because we're friends, it's even more important to be clear," Kyogumichi said earnestly. "You need money now, and I just happen to need someone to help me with my meals. Isn't this a win-win situation? Besides, your cooking is really delicious, much better than me eating convenience store bentos."
He pulled out his wallet from his pocket, took out some money, and handed it to Shiina Mahiru. "Take this for now, consider it this week's ingredient cost and compensation. I'll give it to you on time every week from now on, so don't decline."
Shiina Mahiru looked at the money Kyogumichi handed over, then at his sincere eyes. Her heart filled with gratitude, and her eyes couldn't help but turn red again. In her most difficult time, Kyogumichi actually helped her in this way, both preserving her self-esteem and solving her immediate problem.
"But..." Shiina Mahiru was still a little hesitant.
"No buts," Kyogumichi tucked the money into her hand and gently patted the back of her hand. "It's settled then. From now on, you'll be responsible for making delicious food, and I'll be responsible for buying groceries and paying. We'll be a great team."
Shiina Mahiru held the money in her hand, her fingertips trembling slightly. This was the first time she had felt such sincere help from a friend. Her heart felt warm, and the gloom that had arisen from her mother's trouble-making was swept away.
"Thank you, Okabara-san," Shiina Mahiru's voice was tinged with a slight choke, but full of gratitude.
"You're welcome," Kyogumichi said with a smile. "I'll have to trouble you to make more delicious food in the future."
Shiina Mahiru nodded vigorously, carefully placed the money in her wallet, and showed a bright smile on her face.
The two chatted in the kitchen for a while longer, talking about interesting things at school and their favorite foods. The atmosphere was relaxed and pleasant. Before they knew it, the night had grown deep.
Kyogumichi checked the time, stood up, and said, "It's getting late, I should head back."
"Okay, be careful on your way," Shiina Mahiru saw him to the door.
As they reached the entrance, Shiina Mahiru suddenly remembered something and looked at Kyogumichi, asking, "Okabara-san, is this money... from your parents?"
Kyogumichi's steps paused, and the smile on his face faded. He was silent for a moment, then said in a low voice, "I can't see my parents anymore."
Shiina Mahiru's eyes widened in surprise, and she quickly apologized, "I'm sorry, Okabara-san, I didn't know... I didn't mean to."
"It's okay," Kyogumichi shook his head and forced a smile. "It's all in the past."
Looking at Kyogumichi's feigned casualness, Shiina Mahiru's heart suddenly ached for him. She had always thought Kyogumichi was a cheerful and optimistic boy, never expecting that he also carried unspoken pain. This boy who always comforted and helped her, was actually enduring so much himself.
At this moment, Shiina Mahiru felt as if she understood Kyogumichi better, and she also became more curious about him. She wanted to know more about him, to understand what he had been through.
"Okabara-san," Shiina Mahiru said softly, "if you have anything that's bothering you, you can tell me too. Although I might not be able to help much, I'll listen carefully to what you have to say."
Kyogumichi looked at her sincere eyes, his heart warmed, and he nodded. "Okay."
[Character: Shiina Mahiru] [Bond Progress:6% → 20% (Triggered Event: Guardian in Distress)] [Event Evaluation:You extended a helping hand when she needed it most, protecting her dignity in a gentle way. Her trust and reliance on you have significantly increased.] [Quest Completed:Warm Companionship] [Quest Reward:Gained 500 points, unlocked skill "Culinary Sharing (Lv.1)"] [Limited-Time Quest:Achieve a bond of "Friend" or higher with at least three key characters within one week (Current Progress: 3 / 3)] [Quest Reward:500 points, skill "Six Powers: Shave" (Lv.1)] [Current Points:1940]**
As the system prompt popped up, Kyogumichi was waving goodbye to Shiina Mahiru. He looked at this kind and gentle girl, his heart filled with warmth.
Walking down the quiet hallway, Kyogumichi's mood was exceptionally peaceful. He knew that the relationship between him and Shiina Mahiru had undergone a qualitative change. They were no longer just ordinary friends, but had become companions who could confide in and rely on each other.
This feeling was truly wonderful.