35 Chocolates

Lunch ended up with me eating silently while the other two bantered nonsensically. At some point, I turned off my brain from listening and just focused on the food.

Sigh. Why do things always turn out like this? Am I being too soft? But, I can't bring myself to be mean. They're not game characters anymore. They're actual human beings, but, also, they are insane...

Geez, I'm too easy of a target for yanderes, aren't I?

"Alright boys, I'll clean the dishes. You two go on." Granny broke me out of my reverie when she stood up. "I think I hogged Yuu-kun long enough."

"Oh, okay." I blankly replied as I helped bring the dirty dishes to the kitchen.

"Haru, you've found some great friends." Grandma said once we were out of Yuu's earshot.

"Oh, you mean Yuu-kun and Akira?" I internally scoffed.

If only you knew.

"Yes! Do you have any other friends? Will you invite them over as well?" Granny excitedly asked as she started washing the dishes.

"Uhm, I don't know." I started making tea to go with the chocolate we'll be eating. "I have other... friends, but I don't think we're close enough for me to invite them over."

I would also rather not. Thanks.

"Do become good friends and have them over. I'll never turn away any of your precious friends." Grams said with a wistful smile.

Oh. I wasn't expecting the atmosphere to get heavy.

"...Don't worry. I will." I felt conflicted as I said that.

Was I lying or not?

The tea was ready.

"Uhm, I'm gonna go get Yuu's help now." I awkwardly announced to Granny.

"I know you're hurt but make sure to treat him well as our guest." She took on a lightly scolding tone.

"I know."

After getting Yuu's helping to carry the tray of tea, we headed to the living room.

"Eh, aren't we going to your room?" Yuu asked dejectedly.

"Er, I don't—"

"Can we? Please!~" Yuu pleaded with his large doe eyes glistening.

Ugh, you got the cute factor down too good, you snake.

"Do we have to? Isn't the living room fine?" I slightly whined.

"Haru!" Grandma suddenly yelled from the kitchen. "What did I say?!"

I grimaced.

She's not gonna let me stay here either.

"...Fine." I drawled as I started in the direction of my room.

"Yay!" Yuu cheered as he happily followed.

You've been popular these two days, huh, room?

Yuu quickly sat the tray down on the table and then looked around with glittering eyes. I also looked around to make sure I didn't have anything suspicious hanging around.

If there's one slip up, Yuu won't let it go.

Thankfully, it was just my plain room.

"Haru's room is pretty... plain." Yuu confirmed.

I mentally fist-pumped in triumph.

"Well, I don't have much, I guess." I shrugged nonchalantly as I sat down.

"Boo, boring." Yuu pouted before sitting down as well. He dug into his bag for the chocolates.

"Are these just regular chocolates?" I asked while unloading the cups from the tray.

"Nope! I made them myself!" Yuu proudly stated as he set the box on the table.

"You made them?" I was slight shocked.

I don't think Yuu ever made any sweets in the game? I know confectionery is a science, and he loves sweets. However, I didn't think Yuu would go out of his way to make his own.

"Yup! Well, this is my first batch after some trials, and I wanted to know what you thought." Yuu sheepishly said as he shyly lifted he lid.

"Oh." I raised my eyebrows in surprise. "Why me?"

After the words tumbled out of my mouth, I realized I already knew.

"Because I like you!" He brightly exclaimed as he held up a chocolate to me. "Here! Say Ah~"

I blinked.

Excuse me?

"Uhm, I can eat it myself." I said as I reached for it, but Yuu pulled it back from my reach.

"That's no fun! Come on!" Yuu pouted and waved the chocolate in front of me.

I deadpanned.

"Haru!! Come on! Please!" Yuu continued to plead with crocodile tears.

I really want to just kick this boy out.

I rolled my eyes.

If I comply, he'll leave sooner.

"Fine." I sighed.

"Hurray!" Yuu cheered before holding out the chocolate again.

It was bite-size, so Yuu held it in between his thumb and index finger. I leaned forward and put my teeth on the sweet. I tried my best to avoid touching him directly, but I found out it was impossible when I felt my lips touch his skin. Wanting to retreat quickly, I pulled back, but Yuu didn't let go.

Confused and impatient, I looked up.

Yuu finally let go after I made eye contact and looked away.

"S-So! How is it?" Yuu was flustered?

As I looked at him stupefied, I chewed on the chocolate.

Ooooh~

"It's pretty good." I admitted after I swallowed. "What kind is it?"

"It's just chocolate, but I did my own ratio of cacao and sugar. There's also no milk." Yuu still seemed to be recovering from whatever just happened, as evident by the blush on his cheeks, but he answered without a problem.

"Hmm~" I hummed and looked at Yuu, impressed. Then, I reached out for more.

"I-Is it really that good?" Yuu asked as he watched me continue to eat them.

I nodded while chewing.

"I think this is the best chocolate I've ever had." I replied in bliss.

"Haha, really?" Yuu beamed happily. "I could make some for you every now and then. Oh, and you could be my taste tester for other things, too!"

I nodded in agreement.

I'm a sucker for sweet food.

"If you're willing to give me sweets like this for free all the time, I have no problem." I grinned, feeling like I just got a good deal.

Ah, the chocolate was really sweet but also just the right amount of bitter! I also feel nice and warm. I guess Yuu's a prodigy with making sweets!

"Hehe, I'm glad." Yuu shyly smiled.

"Are you not going to have any?" I asked when I realized he hasn't eaten a single one yet.

"Of course I am!" Yuu perked up before grabbing one and putting it in his mouth. I also chucked another in my own.

Soon, all the chocolate disappeared in no time at all.

I slouched on the table and looked at the empty box in despair.

"Eh, we ate them so fast!" I cried mournfully. Yuu chuckled as he put the lid back on the empty container.

"Don't worry. I'll make some more soon!" Yuu promised merrily as he picked up the box and put it away in his bag.

"Can't wait!" I sat up straight. "You promise you'll make them this week?"

"Okay, and maybe I'll make something else, hehe." Yuu giggled as he schooed over to sit beside me.

"Ooo, like what?" I turned my body to face him.

"Hm, what would you like?" Yuu also turned to face me.

"Hmmm." I looked down at our touching knees while thinking. The thought that it should be uncomfortable ran by, but it was quickly ignored as the contact actually felt pleasant. "Does it have to be candy?"

"No, I could make pastries, too." Yuu smiles cutely. I nodded and looked down again to think.

"..."

"Any ideas, Haru?" Yuu asked, sounding amused.

"Uhm." I looked up and realized Yuu had leaned forward. I blinked as I processed his nose was close enough to almost touch mine. "Brownies?" I managed to spit out before forgetting from the sudden proximity.

"Okey-dokey! Brownies!" Yuu leaned back and clapped his hands. I blinked again before nodding. "I'll tell you when I make them." Yuu patted my knee.

"Mm." I nodded again as I looked at his hand that didn't leave my knee.

Hm, something doesn't feel right?

Oh, right, the bracelet!

"Yuu!" I suddenly shouted, startling Yuu, who pulled his hand back in response. "Look! Look over there." I pointed to my nightstand where I had a journal sitting.

"What is it?" Yuu seemed very confused. I grabbed his wrist with the bracelet and pulled it up.

Yup, he probably never takes it off.

"I don't have it on, but I've been using it as a bookmark for my journal." I swiftly explained as I held up his wrist and pointed to the bracelet. "S-So, don't get mad, please." I meekly said as I looked up at him.

Yuu turned red.

"O-Oh, I s-see." I saw his Adam's apple bob up and down as he swallowed hard. "A-As long as you t-take care of it."

"Mm." I nodded once again as I dropped our hands down.

Ah, I'm glad that's taken care of. Now, I don't feel scared.

I smiled softly and looked down at our hands.

Yuu's hand is pretty soft. It also looked well maintained. No wonder I felt nice holding it.

"H-Haru?" Yuu called out.

"Yeah?" I looked up and tilted my head.

"Uh, no, nothing, haha." Yuu sounded flustered.

"Oh, do you not like me touching your hand?" I asked after I stopped playing with his fingers.

"N-No, it's fine! I was just surprised." Yuu cracked a smile and looked to be holding back laughter. I pouted.

"You have nice hands. I like them." I bluntly stated and continued to fumble with his hand.

"Hehe, so cute." Yuu quietly gushed.

"Eh? Who?" I asked and finally looked up again.

"You, of course!" Yuu looked very happy.

"Nah, you're cuter than me, you know?" I shook my head at his answer.

"...So, you think I'm cute?" Yuu carefully asked.

"Of course! Everyone at school does!" I rolled my eyes. "You'd have to be blind to not think so."

*** Omake ***

Ohgodohgodohgod—She's so fucking cute! Too adorable! All of her is just too precious!

I'll definitely need to do this again. She's so much more relaxed and expressive. It's bewitching!

Ahhh! I want to see more! Whether she's happy, sad, or mad, I bet any expression she makes is cute!

But, as much as watching her is fun, it's not enough.

Sigh.

I need to make her mine soon!

I'll definitely take my time playing with her~ She's too lovely not to!