After staying in the bathroom for a while, Kato Yusuke returned to the room, the expression on his face returned to normal.
Shinjo Ka was enjoying her dinner with gusto, without asking anything, acting as if nothing had happened.
In comparison, Serizawa Yu seemed a little preoccupied.
"Brother Yu..."
"Stop calling me that."
"Eh?"
The young man took off his peaked cap calmly and put it aside.
"I'm the same age as Shinjo, but not older than you, so there's no need to call me brother."
"Ahaha, so that's it? Brother Yu, you're so serious all of a sudden, it scares me a little."
"Just call me Kato."
"Huh? Even if you say so..."
The girl looked very hesitant, and finally said with an idea: "Ah~ by the way, then Yusuke...-san, is that okay?"
Kato Yusuke hesitated for a moment, "...it's up to you."
"Hmm~~~ Because it always feels awkward to call me by my last name, so I'll just call you Yusuke-san. Oh, and Yusuke-san, just call me Xiaoxi."
Serizawa Yu said happily, and took the initiative to put a lot of vegetables in his bowl with tachyon.
"Anyway, please eat more. If you need more food, please don't be polite. Just tell me."
Kato Yusuke nodded disrespectfully and quietly enjoyed the delicious food.
The freshly prepared food is warm and full of gentle flavor.
The taste of every dish is impeccable, and it can be seen that the girl has a lot of cooking experience.
After someone, Shinjo-hyang also expressed his praise candidly.
"I mean, Xiao Xi, your cooking skills are surprisingly good. Thank you for making such a delicious dinner~"
"Hehe...you're welcome."
Serizawa Yu smiled a little sheepishly and explained: "Because I often practice at school, and I used to do it at home."
"Hey, did you study in cooking school?"
"That's not true... It should be said to be the kind of school similar to bridal training. That place is very outdated, so old-fashioned that it's surprising."
"Bridal training school... Wow, does that kind of place exist?"
"Yes, yes. In fact, I was always worried at first. If I graduate from such a school, would it really be okay to join the society...?"
The girl paused here, and then changed her words, "But now it seems to be unexpectedly practical...?"
"Ah hahaha, what do you mean by that?" Shinjoka laughed heartily.
"Hey, don't laugh at me. At least it can satisfy the appetites of Yusuke-san and Xiaoxiang, and it also makes me feel that it's not bad. Fortunately, I studied hard at that time."
"Well~ isn't this great? And the food made by Xiao Xi is more delicious than our school cafeteria~" Shinjoka said sincerely.
Even not just cooking, but also the ability to do housework, the other party is basically proficient beyond what he should be at this age.
Even an outsider can tell something about this clean and tidy house.
"If that's the case... Xiaoxiang, and Yusuke-san."
Serizawa Yu seemed to have thought of something, and said: "If you don't mind, how about I help you prepare lunches starting from tomorrow?" ...
"...Preparing a lunch?" Shinjoka blinked in surprise.
"Yes~! If you have any favorite dishes, you can tell me and I will try my best to make them~"
"Hey, you can't be serious, right?"
"Of course it's true, is there any problem?"
"..."
Shinjouxiang didn't speak, just turned his head and looked aside.
After all, it's not her turn to make the decision in this matter.
It would be bad if you said something wrong in the heat of the moment and made someone feel bad.
After all, her position is not that of a well-supported wife, and Serizawa Yu's position is not that of a housekeeping lady who serves her.
She has always been very clear about this matter.
Although my existence is not worthless to that person, it is not important enough to be compared with other girls.
What she can give to that person can be given by others, but what that person can give her is not so easy.
Moreover, the other party has not touched her for a long time...
In order not to be easily abandoned one day, you must continue to increase your own value.
Although I feel that even if that happens, the other party will definitely give her corresponding material compensation, but it is better to stay with him in the long run, right?
Shinjoka thought silently in her heart, and couldn't help but think of the young man's willingness to take the time to help her move.
My mood suddenly became a little inexplicable, but I didn't show anything on my face. I just watched the situation in front of me.
As she expected, Kato Yusuke frowned and then spoke.
"...Xiao Xi you."
As if he was not comfortable with this title, the young man paused for a second before continuing:
"...You don't have to go out of your way to do these things to please others, you just need to live freely."
"Live freely...?"
Serizawa murmured, a flash of confusion suddenly flashed in her eyes, and then she turned her face away in embarrassment.
"It's nothing like that. I just want to express my gratitude to Brother You and Xiaoxiang for taking me in. If I'm not allowed to do anything, I will feel uneasy..."
The title unconsciously changed back to Brother You, obviously she still liked this title more in her heart.
Shinjoka thought calmly on the sidelines, thinking that even if she asked the girl to sacrifice herself, she would probably not encounter any resistance.
'I just don't know what the president thinks...' She didn't mind everyone coming together at all.
Looking at the worried girl, Kato Yusuke thought for a moment, and finally said in deep thought: "...In any case, don't worry about me, you can do whatever else you want."
"Hey, but... Yusuke-san, doesn't he also like my cooking?"
"Listen to me, Xiao Xi."
Shinjoka beside him sighed helplessly.
"Although you have good intentions, the president does have a girlfriend? What do you think others will think if the president suddenly brings the bento you made to school?"
After hearing this, Serizawa Yuu was stunned for a moment, then smiled awkwardly and said: "This, that's it... That will really trouble Yusuke-san."
While saying this, a frustrated expression inevitably appeared on his face. …
"..."
Kato Yusuke sipped a mouthful of miso soup and said calmly: "...It's okay. If I want to eat, I will come here occasionally."
Shintiao Xiang's expression moved but he said nothing.
"——Really!? Yusuke-san." Serizawa Yu said overjoyed, straightening up unconsciously.
"...Well, I will tell Shinjo when I come."
"Hey, hey, I'm so happy! Will you come tomorrow?"
"……tomorrow?"
"Yeah, after all, I didn't prepare enough today. I will work harder tomorrow to make the dishes you like!"
Kato Yusuke unconsciously glanced in Shinjoka's direction, and the other party gave him a bright smile that was a hundred times more charming.
Then he turned back to Serizawa Yu.
"...I know, let's do it." He agreed with some difficulty.
After that, the three of them chatted while having dinner.
Compared to someone who is taciturn, the two girls are both talkative, so they won't seem bored at the dinner table.
Although Yusuke Kato didn't say much, he was still questioned a lot by Yu Serizawa about his favorite food and taste.
With some unrealistic fantasy, he recounted the dishes that Sayu had cooked.
Even if it was only for a short period of time, even if it was limited to this room...he couldn't help but pursue that dreamlike bubble.
No one knew what he was thinking, and he had no intention of speaking out.
Until one day when he can face everything calmly, maybe he can tell that experience in the form of a story to the person he trusts most...
In a harmonious atmosphere, the three of them finished their dinner.
As before, the girl who didn't agree with their help ran to the kitchen to clean up alone.
Kato Yusuke was not in a hurry to go home, but stayed to continue his illustration work.
Normally, he would probably say goodbye and leave after eating.
But maybe it's due to a certain atmosphere, or maybe there are too many shadows of Sayu in Xiao Xi.
All kinds of factors combined made him not want to go back too early and face that deserted room.
And since he didn't say to leave, Shinjoka naturally didn't ask him to chase him away. Instead, he very obediently made him a cup of coffee, and then sat next to him and watched him draw.
Although she was a little concerned about the "candy" the boy gave her, she would not be stupid enough to ask about it.
There are some things that others can offer her, but she cannot ask for them. That is a kind of transgression, and she does not have many opportunities to make mistakes.
‘There shouldn’t be anyone more obedient than me, right?’ She thought with some self-deprecation, took out a lollipop from her pocket and ate it.
At this time——
"By the way, Xiaoxiang."
Serizawa Yu, who finished washing the dishes quickly, came over with a worried look on his face.
"As for the money you left... I can't take so much. I always feel that this amount is very realistic and feels foreign..."
"?"
Shinjoka, who thought she was going to say something, couldn't help but blink, tilted his head and replied:
"Oh~ That's what you're talking about, don't get me wrong? Although it's true that it was the money I left behind, it's actually the president's money, so it should be said that it was given to you by the president." ...
"--Eh?"
As if she didn't expect that things would be like this, the girl opened her eyes slightly in shock, and her expression immediately became a little awkward.
"Wouldn't that be a bigger problem? Won't accepting Yusuke-san's pocket money become like aid??"
The paintbrush in Kato Yusuke's hand couldn't help but pause.
"Hahahahahaha, what the hell are you thinking? It's so funny!" Shinjoka couldn't help laughing, even her shoulders were shaking.
"So~ I remember Xiao Xi, didn't you have that kind of plan before?"
"...What's that expression of yours? But my previous behavior was indeed misleading."
"Okay~~~ I was just joking anyway. Anyway, you don't have to think too much, just accept the money with peace of mind."
"But, I still feel that this is not good..."
Serizawa Yu said with some distress: "Actually, as long as you leave me enough meal expenses for three people, you should take back the rest."
With that said, he returned the remaining money from buying the ingredients.
"..."
Kato Yusuke looked at the money on the table and felt that this kind of girl who treats them a little better and always wants to repay others is really stupid.
But...it's very nostalgic...
His expression softened slightly and he said: "...You can just accept the money as a reward for cleaning the housework."
The gentle eyes made the girl blush slightly, then she held her chin and thought for a moment.
"Hmm... Well, how about this? I can save the money left over from shopping and use it to buy other daily necessities, okay?"
Although in his heart he hoped that the girl could buy him something, because of his experience of living with Sayu, Kato Yusuke knew that this was not something that could be changed overnight.
So he simply nodded and said nothing more.
After all, there are many ways to take care of someone, and it doesn’t have to be just giving money.
He is no longer the poor boy who was so downtrodden that he had to live a careful life, but he no longer has the girl beside him who has endured hardships with him...
"Actually, I think..." Serizawa Yu continued.
"Yusuke-san should buy more things for yourself. Maybe this is just my imagination, but your place feels empty."
As he spoke, he pointed to his chest, with a hint of worry on his face.
"...?"
Kato Yusuke was slightly startled at first, but then his face became expressionless and he said coldly: "You may be thinking too much."
"Hey, you don't have to be so brave..."
Ignoring his denial, the girl continued speaking with great frankness.
"Hmm... How should I describe it specifically? I always feel that Brother Yu, you occasionally show a very lonely look in your eyes, a bit like nothingness..."
The room suddenly became quiet.
"This fool actually said it..." Shintiao Xiang, who was eating a lollipop, paused and rolled his eyes speechlessly.
But she actually knew about that kind of thing a long time ago, and it was also the opportunity for her to connect with the boy in the first place, but she never dared to ask about it carefully...
It's not just her. Judging from her usual behavior in school, Shinjoka is sure that others don't know the reason behind it.
As a result, a little girl asked the question now. She can only say that newborn calves are not afraid of tigers...
She secretly glanced to the side and saw Kato Yusuke speaking with an expressionless expression.
"...What I want cannot be bought with money."
‘You actually didn’t deny it…!’ Shintiao Xiang was extremely surprised, and his mood was ups and downs.
"What……?"
Serizawa Yu blinked her eyes twice and said seriously:
"Even if you say so, there are still many things that can make life better. For example, things that can make people relax, or books."
The young man nodded without saying a word, lowered his head and started working again.
The atmosphere became a little cold as a result.
Seeing such a reaction, Serizawa Yuu panicked, her eyes wandering around with nowhere to rest, trying to find some topics to talk about.
——Then I saw the cup of coffee on the table.
"Ah, so Yusuke-san, you also like drinking coffee...?"
Oops~ The mug with coffee was pushed over.
"If you like, I'll give you this cup."
"Hey, this, this..."
"I haven't had this cup yet. I don't drink capsule coffee."
After hearing this, Shinjoka couldn't help but feel a little annoyed with herself.
Because she had seen a coffee machine at Kato Yusuke's place, she also got one for her home.
However, because she did not understand these relationships, although she bought various flavors of capsule coffee, she did not buy coffee beans.
Fortunately, the coffee machine she bought was a two-in-one type, so she still had a chance to make amends.
While thinking about this, I accidentally met Serizawa Yu's eyes.
Seeing the other party's embarrassed expression, Shinjoka was a little puzzled at first, but then he immediately reacted.
After all, the cup of coffee was brewed for Kato Yusuke herself, and she drank it without saying a word. The girl must have felt a bit stuck for this.
After figuring out the key, she waved her hands carelessly and joked with a smile.
"Just drink it when the president tells you to drink it. Remember to feel the love added to it~?"
"Uh... is this really okay?" Serizawa Yu asked timidly, still a little worried.
"What are you talking about? The president won't drink it anyway. If you don't drink it, I'll throw it away."
"Ah, no, I'll drink it then, thank you ~ Xiaoxiang."
The girl who had settled down breathed a sigh of relief and drank her coffee happily.