Now that we've decided on what to call it.
Finally, it looked like I could eat my lunch.
Hoshimiya-san...no, Hijiri-san was also sitting on the sofa. There were two sofas facing each other with a low table in between, and she was sitting on the one opposite me.
And Hime sat next to me as if it was the most natural thing in the world. We were so close, our knees were touching. It felt like she was being pampered, and I was somehow happy.
"Here you go. This is Yohei's lunch."
"Thank you... but is it really okay for me to accept this?"
When I opened the lid of the bento box, which is hardly what you'd call a bento box, a sumptuous meal suddenly appeared.
There were many small dishes lined up, similar to the osechi eaten during New Year's... From what I could tell, there were shrimp, roast beef, salad, and... um, what are these black eggs? Oh, they're called caviar, right!?
I think one of these bento boxes would probably cost a considerable amount.
I felt very uncomfortable because it seemed like they were using expensive ingredients that ordinary people wouldn't even recognize.
Perhaps it was prepared especially for me?
If that was the case, I felt sorry.
"Of course, please don't be shy. I wanted you to try it, so I asked the chef to prepare it for you. I hope it suits your taste."
"...Hime-chan, I'll give you these vegetables."
"Haa... Onee-chan, we're high school students, so please don't be picky."
Judging from their reactions, this seems to be the regular menu.
He didn't seem particularly surprised or pleased. His reaction was the same blank one I get when I eat my mother's home-cooked food.
(Are the Hoshimiya sisters really quite ladies after all...?)
Somehow, I had a feeling that was the case.
As I had more opportunities to interact with them, this belief turned into conviction.
That's why these two have such graceful manners, unlike us ordinary students.
From the moment he was born he lived a completely different life.
It's almost a miracle that I can get along with those two... Since I'm here, I might as well enjoy this flavor.
"Thank you for the meal."
First, I try shrimp, which I'm still familiar with. Of course, I'm only familiar with the shape, but the quality of the ingredients is probably completely different.
(What is this?! It's the first time I've ever tasted it.)
It's on a whole different level of delicious.
I was not even sure if it was appropriate to describe the taste as delicious, and I felt more confused than surprised or happy. I was not sure what the correct reaction would be, so for a while I was speechless.
"...Yo, Yohei, how is it? This is the food we usually eat...does it suit your taste?"
Perhaps seeing my confusion, Hime asked me my thoughts with a worried look on her face.
I guess she prepared this lunch in her own way with me in mind...but maybe she's worried about whether I'll like it or not.
Seeing Hime like that, I quickly told her my thoughts.
"--Of course it's delicious! It's so delicious, I'm a little confused."
"Really? Ehehe... That's good to hear then."
When I nodded, Hime sighed in relief and laughed softly.
"This is to thank you for the sweets I received yesterday. I'm so happy that you enjoyed them."
Thank you... how many times will it be repaid?
The Princess's Return of Favor, rather than the Crane's, seems too excessive.
I felt a little sorry and guilty.
But...it seems like their lifestyle is so advanced that even my being reserved would be presumptuous.
"...I wonder if this is really that delicious. Then I'll give some to Yohei too."
"Oh, Onee-chan! Don't force yourself on her."
"But I ate it the other day too, so I'm tired of it. Even Hime-chan has been leaving a lot of food lately."
"Well, I guess... I'd like to try a different type of food."
I can't believe I'm living a diet where I'd get tired of eating this...!
I felt really pampered, but maybe it wasn't much of a return gift for them.
Is that what it feels like when I give her sweets?
But... well, it was convenient if he was tired of this kind of food.
Actually, I brought some bamboo shoot and mushroom snacks with me today.
Since it was such a special occasion, I wanted to have them try them side by side.
And I hope they'll both be happy about it.