13 Making Cookies

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[-Continuation-]

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[Hachiman's POV]

"So cool…" She suddenly exclaimed, lifting her head with admiration shining in her eyes.

"Huh!?" - "Huh!?" Yukinoshita and I chorused.

'What the heck was this girl saying…?' We inadvertently exchanged looks.

"You really just say it straight… And that's just, well… It's really cool…" Yuigahama was eager as she stared at Yukinoshita.

"J-just what are you saying… Did you even hear me? I am fairly certain my words were quite harsh." Yukinoshita replied, her expression stiffening as she took a step back.

"No way! Not at all!" Yuigahama insisted, maintaining her strangely positive manner.

"Yukinoshita. As far as I know, being harsh won't even be enough to describe your hurtful words right now. But why is she praising you? What did you do to her?" I asked, genuinely confused.

Wait, she isn't into that type of thing, is she? Masochistic tendencies, I mean.

"I didn't do anything." Yukinoshita expressed her perplexity at the turn of events. 

Yuigahama then explained her perspective. "Um, well, what I mean is, your words were harsh, and honestly, I was a little taken aback. But I really think you were just being honest with me. I mean, even when you were talking to Hikki, you two were only exchanging mean things, but you talked to each other properly. I have only ever tried to fit in and say what was expected of me, so this is a first for me…"

I learned two new things about Yuigahama - first, she is not into masochism, obviously. And second, she is dumb and really bad with her words. Like, really bad.

"I am sorry. I will do it again properly." Once she had apologized, she faced Yukinoshita head on.

"…" - "..." This time, it was me and Yukinoshita who were at a loss for words.

Yukinoshita let out a short sigh and nodded in assent.

Gathering my thoughts, I decided to break the silence. "Actually, the problem isn't with Yuigahama. It's with you, Yukinoshita."

However, I approached the situation in the worst way possible.

"For real, Me…!" It was even more clear to me as I witnessed the annoyance brewing in Yukinoshita's gaze, ready to erupt.

"Whoa! Hold on there, Yukinoshita." Realizing the way I phrased my words and the wrong impression they left, I tried to find my way out.

"Shut up, Hikigaya." She snapped.

"Come on, hear me out. I think I figured out the problem." I persisted, hoping to salvage the situation.

"...You did?" Yukinoshita raised an eyebrow suspiciously.

When I said it straight, clearing my inventions, looking into Yukinoshita's eyes, I heard a gasp from the side.

"..ahh!" Yuigahama was probably concerned that we might end up fighting.

"Hikigaya. Explain." As I expected, Yukinoshita, though surprised, SIMPLY sharpened her eyes.

Yep, nothing serious. Now I just NEED to give her a proper reason for my claims. I-if not…

"Yukinoshita. You just can't think from your perspective. To be frank, you are a genius. I mean, at the very least, I am sure you are far better than Yuigahama could ever be on her first try. Therefore, there is no way you could even begin to understand the feelings of normal people. Meaning, you just can't understand why Yuigahama can't understand. In the end, no matter how many times you instruct her, she won't be able to do it."

"...though I can't agree completely, you have a few valid points." Yukinoshita acknowledged.

Then she continued. "So, what do you suggest we should do now?"

"How would I know that?" I shrugged.

"You are a real letdown, Hikigaya." Yukinoshita sighed, disappointed.

"Hey, I never said I have a 'solution'. I only said I understood the problem." I defended myself.

I attempted to change the topic of the decision to the problem we had in our hands. "…Yukinoshita. This time around, don't simply instruct Yuigahama. You both make them at the same time."

"I will start making. Yuigahama, you follow right behind and try to make it exactly like I do." Yukinoshita stood up and quickly began preparations, and Yuigahama followed suit.

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A short time later, unlike the first time when Yuigahama alone made the cookies, the room was filled with an ineffably nice smell.

However, whether this smell is coming from one or both of the plates in the oven is what determines the status of the quest.

–thud~

When the oven was opened, a nice aroma emerged, closely resembling normal cookies. However…

"They are somehow different…" Despondent, Yuigahama's shoulders dropped.

No, they are worlds apart. One does not require an expert to see the difference between the 'cookies' on two different plates, which are in fact made at the same time and following the exact same steps.

I mean, the cookies baked by Yukinoshita were a sight to see as she put them onto plates, while Yuigahama was far better than the first attempt but stood no chance against her.

"…How should I instruct you when you couldn't make it at least presentable even after you were right behind a step with me." Puzzled, Yukinoshita tilted her head in thought.

Cute.

"Compared to that charcoal-like thing before, they were so much better…" I remarked, offering my opinion.

Well, this time around, I can't even blame it on Yukinoshita. On Yuigahama's first failed attempt, baking cookies following Yukinoshita's instructions from the side was still understandable.

….but she even failed while both of them were doing it at the same time.

"I can't believe you still somehow messed up…" Yukinoshita sighed in exasperation.

Yep, the ones Yukinoshita baked were beautiful, light brown, and definitely what one would call 'cookies'. They were well-made, just like my aunt's cookies. They deserved gratitude.

As soon as I took a beautiful light brown cookie baked by Yukinoshita and put it in my mouth, my face naturally broke into a smile. "So good! What kind of pâtissier are you?"

I let my true impressions slip, and I couldn't stop my hands, so I put another one in my mouth. It was delicious, of course.

I don't know when I will be granted an experience like this - eating Yukinoshita's handmade cookies again - so I took the opportunity to put another one in my mouth.

"Yukinoshita, mind doing it for the rest of my life." I said it in flow, but man, this sounds like a marriage proposal.

But there was no reaction, and it seemed like no one had noticed my slip-up.

"I would rather stop cooking for the rest of my life." Yukinoshita replied with a hint of annoyance.

….well, it seems she did hear me.

"Hey, no need for such world-ending decisions. We can negotiate." I suggested.

"Hum…" With an angry snort, Yukinoshita turned her head in the opposite direction, signalling the end of any further discussion.

…

"So, what now?…pack up?" I announced, only to be glared at by Yukinoshita for creating an awkward atmosphere.

Why am I the bad guy? Someone needs to say it. In fact, I should be showered with gratitude for a noble sacrifice… I cursed my loose mouth.

"Hey President, what's the call then?" I muttered slowly, knowing full well that this situation wouldn't proceed unless I made another sacrifice.

"...*sigh, Yuigahama. It is your call. Give up or not?"

"...I really don't want to give up." She muttered in a weak voice.

God, this is making me frustrated.

Why go so far for 'someone' you don't even know whether they are going to appreciate your efforts or not? She is unknowingly guilt-tripping, making me feel bad and leaving a bad taste in my mouth.

"That settles, then."(Yukinoshita)

"Are we really doing this?" In a rather exhausted voice, I inquired about it.

"Haa… It seems I am causing trouble. Sorry about that." Don't give me that painful laugh, girl. You are dealing a lot of damage to my [Mental] stats.

"Say, Yuigahama, you are making these cookies for 'someone' right?" I questioned.

"...Y-yeah." She replied tentatively.

Seeing her panicked reply, I responded. "Don't worry, I won't ask you who exactly it is for or what their gender is. However, I am assuming it's for a guy…"

Man, I love acting like a detective at a time like this….

I continued. "And if my assumption happens to be correct, I have an important piece of advice. In case my assumption is incorrect, then simply ignore what I am about to say."

"Hikigaya, sometimes you are painstakingly considerate of others." Yukinoshita commented.

Ignoring her comment, I continued. "...*ahem, here it is. Both of you should pay close attention. I am willing to share one of my treasured insights with you about 'us' the: male."

"You see, by nature, males are helplessly simple creatures, especially when it comes to the opposite sex. It's not about the cookies you have baked specifically. Even if it's something else, it doesn't have to be perfect or delicious. What matters most is showing your willingness. Remember, your goal isn't to show off your [Cooking] skills but to demonstrate the lengths to which you are willing to go for them. So…"

I paused to observe Yuigahama. "Those cookies aren't really anything special… They are a little hard to bite here and there, but to be honest, it's fine even if they aren't that tasty."

"They don't have to taste good." Yukinoshita muttered to herself.

"Does this also apply to you, Hikki? I mean, if I give these to you, will you like it?"

This girl. She is testing the depth of the water way too deeply.

"Yeah, if it's just cookies. I will probably take it. Since I clearly see the effort you put in, I will definitely appreciate it." I replied instantly.

"Ah… Okay." Yuigahama replied nonchalantly, her attention already drifting towards the door.

She reached for the handle, ready to leave, but Yukinoshita intercepted. "Yuigahama, what should we do with your request?" She inquired.

"Oh, it's okay… Don't worry about it! Next time, I will try my own way. Thank you, Yukinoshita." Yuigahama replied with a smile, turning to face Yukinoshita.

"Catch you later." Yuigahama called out cheerfully as she left the room, her apron still tied around her waist.

That idiot. I muttered, watching her exit.

"…I wonder if that really went okay." Yukinoshita stared at the door and whispered to herself. "I think that people should try to reach their own limits and surpass them… That would be what's best for Yuigahama in the long run."

"True." I chimed in, adding my perspective. "But I don't think that applies here, Yukinoshita. Let me give you an analogy. Imagine if I tried to sell sweaters in the desert. I put all my effort into it, making sure they're the best quality, perfect fit, amazing design-basically, I work my a*s off. Would you say I deserve to succeed?"

After a small pause, I clarified. "Definitely not, because that would just be plain silly."

"Effort is crucial, but it is equally vital to assess if it is being invested wisely. Underestimating the value of your own efforts is akin to underestimating oneself."

Elaborating on my point, I continued. "The same goes for Yuigahama. She is not aiming to become a master chef, so why spend time and energy on something that's not important? It's better to put that effort where it's actually needed."

Yukinoshita countered. "But what if cooking becomes necessary for her someday?"

"That's why we have people around us, Yukinoshita. You helped her today, didn't you…?" I explained.

I can't believe something like this is coming from my mouth, but I really do think it is not bad to rely on your people, especially if you have someone as competent and reliable as Yukinoshita. And don't be mistaken, dependent and reliable aren't the same thing.

I continued. "And if no one else is available, there is always the option to buy it… Plus, like I said before, 'it doesn't have to be tasty.'"

The wind caressed Yukinoshita's face as she turned toward me. Her hair was swaying gently in the breeze.

Just then, the door swung open with a bang, revealing Yuigahama's return.

"Sorry..." She muttered, sneaking into the room to return the apron silently, casting a fleeting glance at us before disappearing again.

She isn't thinking of some weird stuff, is she?

Before I could dwell on it further, Yukinoshita interjected.

"But Hikigaya, deserts can get surprisingly cold at night due to the rapid temperature drop, so selling sweaters might not be such a bad idea after all." She pointed out.

Seriously, this girl... Just when I was feeling pretty cool about myself, she had to come and rain on my parade.

With a sigh, I attempted to clarify. "Yukinoshita, don't take my words as they are... Just understand what I am saying, can't you? It was more like a phrase of words…"

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[-Scene END-]

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[To be continued….]

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[AI(:Author Information)]

Pâtissier = A pastry chef or pâtissier. The French female version of the word is pâtissière, is a station chef in a professional kitchen, skilled in the making of pastries, desserts, breads and other baked goods.

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