The Top Idol Next Door Can't Help But Crave My Guilty Pleasure Meals-Chapter 4Volume 1 .5 - I Wish You Wouldnt Come

ROUND 4 – I Wish You Wouldn’t Come 5

“Well, just have a slice. I’ll consider the debt repaid with that.”

“…Right, that’s fair. Today’s meal is like an apology, isn’t it?”

Suddenly, Yuzuki’s voice began to heat up with emotion.

“Can’t be helped, huh!? I don’t want to eat it but it’s to return the favor! Yeah, can’t be helped!”

” ….. “

This girl, who was sulking just a moment ago, used me as an excuse.

“Okay then, Itadakimasu—”

Yuzuki skillfully handled the knife and fork, placing a slice of the galette on her tongue.

“…wow…”

The moment the galette entered Yuzuki’s mouth, it blossomed into a smile.

“—The crispy bacon and the aroma of mushrooms explode in your mouth, making my mouth instantly go Western! The seasoning is strong, but the cheese and fresh cream make it mild. The crust is crispy and fragrant, yet so chewy and fun when you bite into it~!”

She had been tense just moments ago, but now her face is lit up with a smile.

This expression truly suits Yuzuki best.

“The combination of a warm galette with cold salmon is definitely a hit. This unique crunchy texture is something only salmon can provide!”

Time for me to try my first galette.

Yes, the seasoning and baking are perfect.

While I’m savoring the meal slowly, Yuzuki quietly continues eating.

At this pace, she’ll have finished eating in less than five minutes.

I stopped moving my knife, stood up, and told Yuzuki.

“We’ve got to enjoy this galette to the fullest. What would you like for seconds? Should we go for something refreshing with tomatoes and asparagus, or go hearty with German potatoes and sausages? There’s also the option of bananas and berries for a dessert-style.”

“…Well then, the one with potatoes and sausages.”

Choosing the hearty option without hesitation—that’s so Yuzuki.

As I focus on baking the dough by the stove, I sense Yuzuki’s presence right behind me. She’s unusually quiet for just watching me cook.

It was about time for me to voice the concern that had been on my mind for a while.

“Honestly, you’re still just putting on a brave front, aren’t you?”

” … “

No reply. That means yes.

“You know, you don’t have to be on guard even in front of me.”

“…How can you tell?”

“I can tell. After all, we’re together every day.”

Yuzuki let out a sigh as if she had resigned herself and rested her head on my back.

I feel a vague warmth just above my waist and instinctively straighten my back.

“…I wanted to be the perfect idol not just on stage or in front of cameras, but at school too. I failed in the resource room, and worse, I caused trouble for Suzufumi… I didn’t want to burden you further, yet you made a galette for me and even saw through my forced cheerfulness… I’m such a mess.”

“Don’t underestimate me. Doing this is nothing for me, not a bother at all.”

Up until now, how much do you think I’ve been looking after my friends and classmates?

Compared to them, Yuzuki is in the category of an honor student.

“Why do you go so far for me? My goal to be the perfect idol shouldn’t matter to you, Suzufumi. Helping me doesn’t benefit you.”

I can feel her genuine confusion coming from behind.

That’s true, the desire to be a top idol is Yuzuki’s alone, and I don’t necessarily need to intervene.

“It’s not like I helped you because I wanted Arisu Yuzuki to be the perfect idol. I’m doing this for you because I want to support the real Sasaki Yuzuki who is doing her best. I want Sasaki Yuzuki to enjoy her days.”

” … “

There’s no response from behind.

I wonder if she’s pondering the true meaning of my words.

“And this time, it might have turned out to be for Yuzuki’s benefit, but it’s also for my own sake.”

“…What do you mean?”

“You said earlier, ‘Helping me doesn’t benefit you’. But that’s not true. You see, just eating together like this is enough. I’m genuinely happy If Sasaki Yuzuki is doing well and can join me at the table with a smile.”

Every time, Yuzuki is thrilled by the food I make.

Being able to watch that from the special seat across the table——how could I not be happy?

“I simply enjoy the time I spend having meals with you, Yuzuki.”

“…I see.”

“So don’t worry about it and just be yourself as usual. I’ll keep making meals for Yuzuki from tomorrow on, but don’t feel obliged to eat it as a way of repaying me, okay?”

“What’s that, that’s weird… but thank you.”

Yuzuki’s voice was wrapped in relief.

With the way things are, she’ll probably be back to her full spirits by tomorrow.

“Just one last question. If I’m in trouble again…will you help me, Suzufumi?”

It might be the first time I’ve heard Yuzuki make such a timid remark.

But it’s not just a weakness. I sense another emotion lurking behind it.

A hope similar to a prayer, timidly peeking at me from the depths of her heart, longing to be discovered.

“…That’s a stupid question.”

I stopped cooking and slowly turned around.

Yuzuki was clutching her hands tightly in front of her chest, looking timid and anxious.

To be honest, I don’t know what Yuzuki truly wants.

For all I know, my actions might just be meddling.

—Still, my answer has always been clear to me.

“I’ll help you. If Sasaki Yuzuki is in trouble, I’ll definitely help you no matter the situation—Isn’t that obvious?”

At first, Yuzuki seemed dazed by my words.

Then, as understanding dawned, she suddenly widened her eyes——then quickly looked down as if to escape my gaze.

“I see…”

This chapter is updat𝙚d by freeweɓnovel.cøm.

The tips of both ears, peeking through her black hair, were turning crimson.

Perhaps she had become hot from being near the fire for too long.

“Hey, are you okay?”

As I lean in to check, Yuzuki jumps back like a startled cat that has been splashed with water.

“I’m fine! Yeah, I’m totally fine!”

Repeating ‘I’m fine’ over and over as if to convince herself, Yuzuki suddenly became flustered.

After fidgeting with her fingers, Yuzuki slowly raised her face.

” … “

“What’s wrong, staring at me like that?”

For some reason, Yuzuki’s expression was a mix of frustration and conflict, like when she was resisting her food.

“…just so you know, I absolutely won’t lose!”

“O-okay?”

A sudden declaration of determination.

Maybe she wants to say, ‘Don’t think you can win me over just by feeding me my favorite galette.’

Well, whatever it is, it seems she’s snapped out of her fake cheerfulness, so that’s good for me.

As I was dishing out seconds of the galette, Yuzuki peeked over from the side.

However, her gaze wasn’t on the galette but on me.

“…I’ll remember it, Suzufumi—that you said you’d ‘help’ me.”

Faced with Yuzuki’s shy smile, my heart skipped a beat.

Up until now, I had been closely observing the person known as Sasaki Yuzuki.

Yet, the Yuzuki I see now is one I’ve never encountered before.

——Something other than her idol mode shone brighter than any smile I’ve ever seen.