70 For the Future Croquettes

The brisk air embraced me as I stepped out of my room, remnants of a chilly night still lingering within the cozy cottage. Downstairs, a soft hum of activity beckoned me, drawing me toward the comforting warmth emanating from the kitchen.

"Hm? Someone's working their magic in the kitchen?"

As I approached, the scene unfolded—Kitazawa-san was fully engrossed in her culinary creation, an irresistible aroma enveloping the room. I decided to join her in the kitchen.

"Hello, Kitazawa-san."

Hagumi turned around, her face lighting up with a vibrant smile. "Ah! Kyo-kun! Hello! You were the first one up at this hour?"

"Yeah, I basically crashed yesterday after all." Well, not literally the entire day, but I dedicated a substantial chunk to giving my stomach some well-deserved rest.

"I see. Everyone's still sleeping, so I thought I could take over the kitchen without any interruptions! How's your stomach feeling?"

Oh? I heard Kokoro-chan was occupying the kitchen the whole time. I was wondering why it was noisy downstairs as I was resting

"All good now. I feel lighter, though. Probably because I went easy on the meals yesterday."

"Ahh~ Perfect timing! Kyo-kun, can you be my taste tester?"

The term "taste-tester" sent a shiver down my spine. But knowing it's Hagumi Kitazawa-san, it's likely another round of croquettes.

"Sure, Kitazawa-san. Besides, I'm starving, so bring on the food."

"Alrighty! Here's the prototype #1." She handed me a plate of croquettes, just as I predicted. However, there was a delightful twist in the filling.

"Is this cheese?"

"Eh? You know?! That's amazing, Kyo-kun! You guessed it without even tasting it!"

"Ahahaha~"

It was pretty evident because the cheese was practically doing acrobatics, but I played along with Hagumi's infectious excitement. 

After washing my hands, I grabbed a croquette. Despite its temperature still being on the hotter side, my hunger triumphed over any concerns about scalding my tongue.

As I savored the cheesy delight, Hagumi's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "So, How was it, Kyo-kun?"

"Mmm, it's amazing! The cheese adds a whole new dimension. You've outdone yourself, Kitazawa-san."

Her joyous grin widened, and she let out an exuberant laugh. "Yay! I'm glad you like it, Kyo-kun! Now, let's see if the others love it as much as you do!"

"Can I have seconds?!"

"Oh? I see you've been enjoying it!"

"Of course! I love your croquettes. Do you know that I always buy a bag of croquettes from your shop whenever I walk past it on my way home?"

"Oh? My mom always told me that! So it was you, huh..."

"Ahaha~ I'm flattered."

Hagumi smiled and shook her head as she turned back to her cooking. "One day, I will keep cooking croquettes for everyone!" She said, clenching her fist and looking up with hope and determination.

"Oh? That's an energetic proposal coming from you."

"Really? My parents don't approve of my energetic personality."

"Eh? Why's that?"

"Hmmm... they believe it is not proper for a girl to behave in such a way."

What?

Crap, did I step on a landmine? The air feels heavy all of a sudden.

The kitchen fell into a momentary silence as the only sound was the bubbling of oil. 

I broke the silence, the weight behind Hagumi's words hitting me. "That's not fair. Your energy is what makes your cooking and everything you do so special. Why would they want to suppress that?"

Hagumi's eyes softened, "Really?"

"That's right! Do you know that most guys prefer an energetic wife?!" 

I blurted out, my words flowing without much filter. Why was I suddenly going off on a tangent like this?

"Eh? Wife?!" 

Hagumi's cheeks tinted with a subtle blush.

"Ah! I mean! You know? It's like... umm..."

As I stumbled over my words, trying to salvage the awkwardness, Hagumi burst into laughter. "Kyo-kun, you're so funny! But really, you think so?"

"Yeah, absolutely! Your energy is infectious, and it adds this... um, special touch to everything. I'm sure people appreciate that."

I'm not kidding... She is part of the Hello Happy World after all. A band where they spread smiles.

Her smile widened, and she returned to her cooking, "Hehe! Hearing that from you, Kyo-kun, makes me feel relieved."

"R-Really?"

"Yeah! Just for that, you have to try prototype #2." She placed another plate of croquettes beside my empty plate.

"Ohh! Thank you!"

"Hehe!"

As I picked up the croquette and took a bite, a sudden chill crept up, and goosebumps prickled my skin. The flavor unfolding in my mouth was unexpected.

For some reason... This croquette is sweet...

but I don't mind.

I hesitated for a moment, processing the surprising twist in taste. Looking at Hagumi, I saw her eyes gleaming with anticipation. "So, what do you think, Kyo-kun?"

I grinned, not wanting to spoil her excitement. "It's... definitely unique. Sweet croquettes, who would've thought? But it's not bad!"

"Hehe, I thought of trying something different. Glad you're open to it!"

"Well... Whatever, I'll be there for her, as a friend."