Volume 5 Chapter 12 I Always Remember That, But...
In the flow of going out with Mikage and Kyunei, today turned into a date with just Aina and me. Although we had plans to go out with all four of us, it was a suggestion from Mikage and the others.
Since we started living together, the two of us have walked around the city many times. Maybe it could be called a date. It might have become a part of our daily routine, but dates are still nice.
So, Aina and I were walking side by side along the street lined with food stalls. Being a tourist spot, it seemed like there was a lot of coming and going. There were many streets lined with food stalls to attract those visitors.
"For those in the business, it might be tricky, but it's good that we came during a time when there aren't many tourists. Thanks to that, we can take our time and look around."
While munching on skewered meat from one of the stalls, I stroll along lazily. It's bustling around here, but it's chill enough to walk side by side with Aina without any issues. If I look closely, other couples strolling together just like us.
The skewered meat I'm holding is decently tasty. The sauce might be a bit strong, but it's all part of the vibe.
Also, eating with my sweetheart adds another layer of flavor. Thinking that, I glance over to my side.
"...The way this meat is cooked isn't quite right, huh? It's overdone, killing the flavor. Maybe the owner is trying to mask poor quality meat. And this sauce—it's too thick and overpowering, lacking any real flavor. Let's see... on a scale of ten, maybe two points would be generous."
"Wow, harsh critique!"
Aina, who was sitting next to me, was earnestly evaluating the grilled meat skewers with a serious expression. Her harsh criticism made me shudder.
"Yukina-san, cooking is a serious competition between the cook and the eater. It's not just for fun."
"Where did you become a gourmet critic?"
Or rather, when did you become a grilled meat skewer critic?
'Maybe it's all because of you, partner.'
It's probably my fault after all.
Since our first meeting, every time we walk through the city, we've been treating ourselves to grilled meat skewers from the street stalls, and because of that, they've become our favorite. It's to the point that now, grilled skewer critique has become a hobby.
So, out of curiosity, I asked Aina,
"By the way, what rating would you give to the grilled meat skewers that the old man at the meat shop's stall always serves?"
"Over there, it's a nine out of ten. Truly the work of a pro. He uses different cuts of meat for each skewer, and each one is prepared individually. He also carefully time the grilling to bring out the best flavor of the meat, and the sauce is just enough to enhance the meat's flavor while creating the maximum taste sensation."
"Wow, that's quite a detailed explanation, huh?"
It's the stall run by the old man who often sets up near the clinic. Aina is a regular customer, often getting extra treats, and I also frequently join her for a bite.
"But if the old man's skewers are a nine, then what's a perfect ten?"
"Of course, that's obvious. It's the skewer I had when I first met Yukina-san."
Aina responds to my question as if it's the most natural thing in the world. I was a little surprised by the unexpected answer from something so close by.
Compared to the food I had at the royal palace, this is quite rough. Calling it the same dish might even make the castle chef angry. But this is the first time I've ever had such delicious food. I should have been eating more elaborate dishes than that until now.
For Aina, it was the first time experiencing the taste of a commoner, so it left the biggest impression.
"But the main reason is the wonderful man I didn't even know, eating with me."
"...Is that so?"
"That day, I realized my own ignorance. I had learned a lot of knowledge until then, but I realized once again that there are many things in the outside world that I don't know."
Aina gently touches her chest. There, unchanged since that day, was the pendant I had given her.
"At this moment, I realized something. I learned about love. But just being with you, there are always new discoveries. Every day is filled with something new."
"...The conversation about grilled meat skewers somehow led to something amazing."
"After all, those grilled meat skewers were such a big event for me."
Even though my words were trying to hide my embarrassment, Aina laughed happily.
But if I were to say it, I feel the same way.
I feel like I am truly connecting with Aina, both body and soul. Just by holding hands like this, her feelings seem to reach me. I have a strong belief that my feelings are reaching Aina as well.
Even so, I am able to discover new things about Aina in unexpected moments. Even the subtlest changes that cannot be put into words are unmistakably new aspects of Aina.
As I explore new places, my love for Aina grows. I realize that there's no limit to the feeling of caring for others.
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