𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗢𝗩

Walking down the road along with Kakucho who was starting to follow me everywhere I go like a duckling. Although Kakucho and Izana have a good bond and are really close at home, he still chooses to follow me while Izana follows Shin.

I don't mind as long as it prevents conflicts.

I asked him why he follows me but he would just say that it's because he's more comfortable around me rather than with Manjiro.

Now it's in the middle of December and the weather is chilly. It's a great time to be reading books and drinking coffee.

As for what happened a few weeks ago at the dojo, I can't really remember well but apparently, grandpa fired the instructor who sparred with me. He would just let me spar with Manjiro, Keisuke, Kakucho, and Izana. He also became less strict which is nice since I was able to sneak out a few times. I'll never hesitate to do it again when I have the chance.

"Are you really sure you want to come with me to the library? It might be boring for you." I said.

"I like reading books sometimes too. Maybe I'll find something interesting." He said and I just nodded.

When we arrived at the library, I saw Haru and Kisaki having a heated debate.

"What are you guys talking about?" I asked, interrupting their discussion

"We were just talking about what snack is your favorite." Haru said.

"Mine? Why is that your topic?" I asked.

"It's because he wants to prove that he knows you more than any-mmph" Kisaki said but got interrupted when Haru covered his mouth.

"It was just a random topic while we were waiting for you guys." Haru said with a nervous chuckle and completely changed the topic.

I would say that he'll be a good negotiator, he easily controlled the conversation and changed its course.

"I'll go pick out a book for a moment." I said and excused myself to look for a book.

It's almost time for a new year and this new year will be the start of a disaster. It would never hurt to be prepared.

𝗛𝗮𝗿𝘂𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘆𝗼'𝘀 𝗣𝗢𝗩

I sighed after Michi excused herself to pick a new book.

"Man, that was close." I muttered.

"Why did have to hide what we were talking about, Haru-kun?" Kisaki asked.

"It's just too embarrassing, you know. What if she thinks that I'm such a freak or a stalker?" I said and buried my face in the book I was currently reading.

"But didn't you say that you know her so well? Nee-san isn't like that, right?" Kakucho says and I was completely cornered.

They were right, I was just too nervous lately.

"But in all seriousness, I won't be able to sleep if our debate doesn't come to an end. Why don't we let Kakucho be the judge since I'm pretty sure that you've been with her long enough to know her real favorite food." Kisaki suggested.

"W-well, I'll try. I'm not still sure but if I find my answer closer to one of yours then he's the winner." Kakucho said and I just agreed.

"Alright, my answer is that her favorite snack was the infamous sugarless dorayaki." Kisaki guessed.

"Hmm, what about you Haru-kun?" Kakucho asked while I just smiled smugly.

"Coffee Jelly" I said with full confidence.

"Oh, so that's what it's called. I thought it was just brown pudding. Haru-kun is right, nee-san likes coffee jelly more than the unsweetened dorayaki. The hardcore fan of dorayaki is her twin, Mikey." Kakucho said and I looked so proud while Kisaki just sighed in defeat.

I would know her favorite food since I was there when she discovered it. It was one time when we were walking back to school when she saw a cafe selling a big coffee jelly for two people.

It was a nice day since we shared it together and just hang out together like usual.

It was like a dat- wait wait, no no no. What am I thinking?

"Haru-kun?" Kakucho asked.

"There he is again, off to his imagination." Kisaki commented.

Not a minute later, Michi came back with a book on hand.

"Are you okay, Haru? You look quite reddish. Are you sick?" She asked

"No, I'm fine. It's just a bit hot in here." I said and fanned myself.

"Huh? But it's already winter." She said and I looked at Kisaki and Kakucho for backup.

"What book did you get today?" Kisaki asked Michi.

"Huh? It has a picture of an aircraft. Are you interested in being a pilot when you grow up?" Kakucho pointed out, steering Michi's attention away.

Nice save.

"Not really, I just need a little background study on this kind of thing." She said and sat down beside me.

"What for?" I asked.

"Nothing much, I'm just planning to make a toy." She said.

"A toy?" The three of us asked and she explained her plan on making an aircraft model for her twin while especially highlighting the word "Unbreakable".

"But your birthday is still a long way to go. Can't you just buy a toy from the toy store?" Kisaki asked.

"That won't do, those are too fragile and easily broken too." She muttered.

"Huh?"

"Don't mind it, I just want to give him something that I made. I'll have to ask Shin-nii to help." She said and began writing down some notes in her research notebook.

I tried reading it but when she showed me the contents out of curiosity but I gave up on the first sentence since I can't even pronounce the words she wrote, let alone know their meaning.

Sometimes she also says things that are too hard to understand but she enjoys talking about complicated things so I just let her be. It's not often that she would be talkative after all and I enjoy listening to her when she talks even if she always sounds bored.

𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗢𝗩

Waving goodbye to Kisaki and walking back home with Kakucho and Haru, I was already planning on how to assemble the aircraft toy.

My top priority is for it to be unbreakable so I have to list every material I need. I'll just borrow Shin's tools for a while.

"Michi, are you listening?" Haru asked as he waves his hands in front of me, snapping me out of my own thoughts.

"Huh? What was that? Also, where's Kakucho" I asked as I looked around.

"I was asking if you want to stop by the cafe and eat coffee jelly. I also invited Kakucho buy he said he needs to go back first." He said.

"I see. I would like to but l didn't bring any money today." I said and he pulled out a pouch of coins from his bag.

"I have money, don't worry." He said with a smile and we went to the cafe. It is quite underrated since they sell the best coffee jelly that I have ever tasted.

"But Haru, didn't you say that you're saving up for something? We can always come here anytime, you know." I said.

"Don't worry about it. You treated me last time so it's my turn." He said.

"I can't have that, I have to repay you back for today's treat tomorrow." I said as the big cup of coffee jelly finally arrived.

"No, it's really fine. You don't have to pay me back." He says.

But it just feels so wrong to be treated by a kid, it's like I'm robbing him. Besides, I have the feeling of being in debt when it comes to money.

"If you don't accept it then I'd feel bad and guilty." I said with a sigh.

"Geh- but I thought people liked free stuff. I'm sorry." He said.

Well, free things are truly amazing but this is different.

"Oh, I know! What if you owe me a favor instead? That way you can still repay me. If you pay me with money then that means I didn't treat your food with my own money." He said and I just agreed.

He has a point though. His treat would go to waste if I pay him.

Sometimes I'm just amazed that he can outsmart me like this or maybe I'm just too ignorant about this kind of thing.

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