Chapter 560: Yukinoshita Likes Yuigahama More Than Herself

Chapter 560: Yukinoshita Likes Yuigahama More Than Herself

“Here, cookies.”

Yuigahama rummaged in her bag for quite a while, then finally shut her eyes, steeled herself, and pulled something out in one swift motion.

In her palm, she held out a beautifully wrapped bag of cookies to Himekoji and Yukinoshita.

The beauty—was purely in the wrapping, just as the words described.

Inside the clear plastic, the cookies were uneven in size, several were burnt or discolored, making them far from a proper gift. But maybe that’s why anyone could tell Yuigahama had made them herself.

“Ha.”

Hikigaya instinctively laughed without malice. She thought it’d be better if Yuigahama hadn’t prepared the gift at all.

Himekoji recalled some bad memories and hesitated to take them.

He glanced at Yuigahama straight ahead—her hopeful, shining eyes; her restless, trembling shoulders; her forced half-smile trying to mask her lack of confidence.

With that expression, he had no choice…

He had to eat!

Himekoji accepted the cookies. His throat made a gulping sound—it wasn’t saliva he swallowed, but his own determination to face death!

“…Okay, I’m eating!”

After several deep breaths, he rolled up his sleeves like preparing for battle. Just as he reached out with a heroic spirit of no return, Yukinoshita beside him calmly smoothed the hair at her forehead and spoke up casually:

“Although you seem to be making some heroic vow, it’s fine. You know, I helped make them yesterday.”

Hm?

So Yukinoshita’s outing yesterday was to meet Yuigahama?

But even under Yukinoshita’s guidance, they ended up like this…

Yuigahama’s skill was far worse than he’d imagined!

At least they shouldn’t be poisonous, with Yukinoshita vouching for them.

Himekoji kept a straight face, though countless thoughts raced through his mind, and he blurted out without thinking:

“What a relief.”

These sincere but thoughtless words earned Yuigahama’s grumble:

“That sounded super mean?!”

“He-he.” Himekoji brushed it off. In a much lighter mood, he tossed a cookie into his mouth.

He chewed wildly, tasting nothing, then swallowed it whole.

After waiting briefly, no symptoms appeared. He was fine! He was still alive—breathing, heart beating!

“…Amazing. Actually edible.”

This time, it was heartfelt admiration.

But Yuigahama didn’t take it that way. She puffed her cheeks, glaring at him with resentful eyes:

“‘Edible’? Of course they’re edible! Cookies are meant to be eaten!”

Well, that depends on who made them.

Of course, Himekoji decided it’d be safer not to say that aloud.

Compared to last time, though, Yuigahama’s cookies improved hugely. Her hard work was one reason, but Yukinoshita’s careful guidance was even more crucial.

Thinking this, Himekoji glanced at Yukinoshita with a mix of pride and respect—like sharing her glory.

After all, they were in that kind of relationship now.

Just as he looked over, Yukinoshita swept hair off her shoulder and proudly puffed her chest:

“It’s nothing. I just did some minor stuff. Like strictly watching her every move.”

“Watching?! I thought you were teaching me normally…”

Though Yuigahama looked utterly deflated, in Yukinoshita’s world, “watching” and “teaching” basically meant the same thing. No need to fuss.

See? Yukinoshita remained blissfully unaware she’d upset anyone. She was busy moving cookies onto a plate, inspecting one closely.

Then, resting her chin on her hand, she gave a satisfied nod.

“Seems there’s no problem. If Pervert-kun took this long with no reaction, then I’ll have a bit too.”

That Yukinoshita—such a terrible personality!

“So I was your lab rat?! Why’d I have to do such a dangerous job?!”

Himekoji complained, but Yuigahama protested louder:

“Stop saying ‘poison’! These are my hard work! I tasted them at home… they should be fine…”

Yuigahama stubbornly picked one up and bit in.

The crisp texture wrapped in buttery fragrance. Gentle sweetness and rich chocolate flavor melted across her tongue. Delicious.

“Huh?! They’re totally yummy!” Yuigahama felt deeply wronged.

“They really are good,” Yukinoshita agreed after tasting a piece.

“Wumu~! Yukino-chan!”

Their eyes met, shimmering like water. Yuigahama giggled happily, blushing, while Yukinoshita smiled back.

Then, Yuigahama spun her whole body toward Himekoji.

“Delicious, right? Right?” Her tone was like an interrogation.

“Pretty much… like I said, they’re okay.”

Had he really said that? Wait—no, he hadn’t…

Anyway, faced by her pressure, he gave that answer. Yuigahama’s expression changed. Disappointed. Unhappy.

“Okay… just okay?”

Seeing her shoulders slump, Yukinoshita’s heart ached. She shot Himekoji a sharp glare.

There it was—the motherly pampering Yukinoshita showed Yuigahama!

But wasn’t Yukinoshita also making sarcastic remarks earlier? Why was it all his fault now…?

Himekoji felt that without giving a satisfying answer, his family’s harmony was at risk.

He pictured lying in bed later—Yukinoshita turning her head away, saying, “Don’t touch me anymore,” then coldly facing the other side.

The image was crystal clear!

“Ah, um—how to say this… The cookies are like the best ever! I… I only acted like that because I was scared I’d get addicted and couldn’t eat them again!”

Himekoji desperately fed her random praise. Instantly, Yuigahama brightened.

“R-really? I could make them for Akito every day then?”

Seriously? She was so easy.

Plus, his last words felt overboard… Every day? Please spare him.

At least Yukinoshita approved now; her gaze softened gradually.

Himekoji sighed. The crisis threatening their “shared bed but separate dreams” was temporarily defused.

Though come to think—did Yukinoshita like Yuigahama more than him, her boyfriend?

He was kind of jealous.

“Here.”

While lost in these thoughts, Yukinoshita poured black tea and handed it to Himekoji.

Sweet cookies. Warm black tea. Laughing companions.

A relaxed, carefree moment just like back in the Service Club.

His heart felt filled by a warm, gentle flow.

He was really grateful for Yuigahama’s gift.

And so, he thought…

…

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