LMLCG – Episode 9 – What I Like…
by akachaThe next day
As usual, I quickly fled the classroom and headed for the flower bed.
I no longer wanted to spend any time in class outside of lessons. My school life had come to revolve entirely around that little space by the flower bed.
When I arrived, I saw something unusual, Senpai was already sitting on the bench.
“Good afternoon, Takanashi-san.”
“Good afternoon, Senpai.”
Looking closely, I noticed she was unpacking a lunch.
…It was the first time I’d seen her bring lunch here.
Senpai never ate at the flower bed. She probably came here after eating or saved her meal for after, depending on her schedule.
“Would it be alright if I joined you for lunch here today?”
“Eh, yes, of course! I don’t mind at all!”
“Thank you very much.”
Not wanting to stare rudely, I sat down at the edge of the bench and began unwrapping my convenience store rice balls.
“Excuse me, but I have a small favor to ask…”
“Yes, if it’s something I can do.”
Just as I was about to start eating, Senpai called out to me. With no reason to refuse, I answered, and she gently slid her lunchbox closer to me on the bench.
“I tried making something as a test. If you don’t mind, I’d like to hear your thoughts. Would you be willing to try a little and let me know what you think, if it’s not too much trouble?”
“Eh… Are you sure? Honestly, I’m not confident I can give proper feedback.”
It wasn’t just that I was happy, I actually felt like I should be the one asking for this.
Honestly, I thought I’d hit the jackpot.
“Yes. Don’t overthink it. Just knowing whether it suited your taste would be enough.”
“In that case… thank you for the food.”
I didn’t want to look overeager and give a bad impression, but I also didn’t want to be at a loss for words later, so I took my time and ate carefully.
After tasting a variety of things… my honest impression was… delicious. Nothing else came to mind.
I wasn’t trying to flatter her. I just couldn’t think of another word to describe it. I hated my lack of vocabulary.
In the end, I told her everything honestly, including that part.
“I see. I’m relieved. Sounds like it turned out alright. Thank you for your trouble.”
Senpai’s expression was as composed as always, but I could sense a bit of relief from her demeanor.
But really, I should be the one thanking her. I never imagined I’d get to eat something homemade by Senpai…
“Thank you, truly. It was delicious.”
“I’m glad to hear you say that.”
Senpai began neatly packing up her now-empty lunchbox.
Once she put it back in her bag, she suddenly asked me a question.
“By the way, Takanashi-san, what is your favorite side dish?”
“My favorite?”
“Yes, I was just curious.”
I briefly thought about choosing something from the lunch I just had, but I decided to be honest. My favorite has been the same for as long as I can remember.
“Hamburg steak… I know it’s kind of childish.”
“No, I don’t think there’s anything childish or adult about liking a certain food.”
I thought she might laugh, but she responded seriously.
She really seemed to mean it.
“I appreciate that.”
“Well then, let’s make sure we get the watering done before time runs out.”
With that, Senpai stood up and started preparing the hose.
“Right.”
I got out the watering attachments and began pulling up the most noticeable weeds.
Getting to eat Senpai’s lunch… Today really was my lucky day.
Sara’s POV
So, it was hamburg steak…
Everything I just did was based on what I thought through yesterday… but it went more smoothly than I expected.
I was careful to make it feel natural, and it seems that paid off.
This time, I made the lunch just to get a general sense of Takanashi-san’s taste. Not including hamburg steak turned out to be the right choice, it leaves room for a surprise later.
Still, it made me genuinely happy when he said it was delicious.
Now I just have to decide… when.
Before that, I’ll need to practice making hamburg steak.
Of course, I can make it normally, but if I’m going to do it, I want it to be something he’ll really enjoy.
Factoring in practice time… I’ll tentatively plan for next Monday.
To think the day would come when I’d be making lunch for a boy…
As she recalled Kazunari’s face while he was eating, Sara found herself feeling… not bad at all.