Why can't I stop thinking about you?
Why are you everywhere I look?
Why do I search for you in every corner?
Why did you make me start thinking this way?
Could you be the answer to my problems?
…I don't know. I'm a little confused.
"Hey, Kurosawa-kun, are you okay? You seem kind of out of it…"
Mahiru's gentle and genuinely worried gaze made my heart skip a beat.
How can someone be this cute and, at the same time, so graceful and kind?
How can someone like her be my friend? What a foolish thought… getting ahead of myself again.
[You were doing so well—what happened? Get it together, man! If she didn't like you, she wouldn't have agreed to teach you how to cook! Open your eyes and see the truth!]
The system's blunt, almost furious words snapped me back to reality—and what I saw made me feel even more guilty.
Mahiru was staring at me, her eyes filled with concern. No one had ever looked at me like that before…
"Sorry, Shiina-san," I said, taking a deep breath. "I just spaced out for a moment. Nothing serious."
Still worried, Mahiru tilted her head. "Are you sure, Kurosawa-kun? You looked a bit too pale for just zoning out…"
"No, really—I'm okay, Shiina. I promise. So... how about we try the dish I made? I'd love to hear your opinion and what I can improve."
With that, I shifted the atmosphere completely. From heavy concern to hungry curiosity.
"Of course! I've been dying to know what food made with your effort tastes like!"
"Don't expect too much. Haha."
Returning to a cozy, easygoing mood, we sat down to eat the pasta I made.
"Please, Chef, I'd love to hear your first impressions!"
Back in our chef-and-student roleplay, I genuinely wanted to improve my cooking.
"Of course, of course. Allow me to taste it first."
Mahiru carefully picked up a bite and tasted it, closing her eyes in deep concentration—like she was analyzing every flavor.
With just one bite, she seemed unsure. So, she took another one, slower this time, and savored it properly.
Opening her eyes with her verdict, she smiled. "Kurosawa-kun, congratulations. This is excellent pasta."
"I'm glad you liked it, Chef. But I still think there's a lot to improve… It's nothing like your cooking."
"Well, yes. There's definitely room to grow. Maybe the pasta's doneness is slightly off…"She then gave me several helpful tips.
Learning from someone more experienced really helped.
[Cooking – Level 3]
Haha! My friends, I'm on my way to becoming husband material! Admire the greatness of your boy!
Back in reality, I took Mahiru's advice seriously.
"Thank you, Shiina-san. Next time, I hope my cooking meets your high standards!"
"No need to overdo it. You learn quickly."
"If it's not too much to ask… would you keep teaching me how to cook?"
[That's my boy!]
Slightly embarrassed, Mahiru replied, "Don't worry, Kurosawa-kun. I really enjoy the time we spend together."
Girl, be careful what you say! My heart isn't ready for that!
After we finished eating, we sat together on the living room sofa, just chatting and killing time.
"I never asked before, but what class are you in?"
"1-3."
"Seriously? How come I've never seen you before? You're literally in the room next to mine!"
"Maybe you're not that interested in school?"
That's… a fair explanation.
"Yeah, I guess that's kind of true."
With a mom-like tone of wisdom, Mahiru said, "You don't need to say it so bluntly. School is important, you know?"
"I know. Actually, I've been changing. I even made a friend from your class!"
Why do you sound so proud about that?
Please stop, narrator!
"Really? Who?"
Hohoho~ Curious, aren't you? Even I make friends, Mahiru! "Yuu Ishigami. He's also on the student council. We have a lot in common!"
With a weird smile, Mahiru said, "Congrats. You two really do have a lot in common."
Not wanting to dwell too much on Yuu, she changed the subject.
"Akira, do you usually buy snacks at school or bring a bento?"
"Today I brought a bento, but usually I just grab a snack."
Smiling, Mahiru offered, "Then how about we eat together tomorrow? I'll bring a bento, and you bring one too. We can try each other's food. What do you think?"
Perfect. "Sounds like a great idea! That way, you can teach me even more about cooking."I smiled. "Can we meet in the same place as today? Under that tree—there's a nice breeze."
Happy her plan worked, Mahiru nodded. "Works for me."
Still in a good mood, she stood and headed for the door.
"Kurosawa-kun, I'll head out now. How about we go to school together tomorrow too?"
What a direct girl…
[People like that are exactly what lonely guys like you need!]
Watch your words, system.
"Sure, let's go together."
Waving her final goodbye, Mahiru walked out and entered the apartment next door.
"Oh my god, System… I did it! I didn't expect things to go so well today!"
[Me neither! Congratulations, kid. You're growing fast!]
Hey, System, I told you to tone it down already!
Caught in a heated back-and-forth with my system, I didn't even realize—
I was smiling.
Since arriving in this world… I've honestly been happier than I've ever been in my life.