Warmth

"I actually ended up making too much. Well, I prepared it for my own snack, but I'm such a light eater that I couldn't finish it. It seemed like a good opportunity for Kotaro-kun to help me, so it worked out perfectly."

With such a flat line, she handed over chocolates.

Three bite-sized pieces, neatly wrapped in packaging considering they were in her pocket.

"Is that so? I thought you might be practicing for Valentine's Day."

"Huh!!?!?!? Esper?! Kotaro-kun, are you a psychic... No, that's not it! I didn't mean that at all. Oh, really? Come to think of it, it's almost Valentine's season. Oh, I forgot. I love chocolate and make it all the time, so Valentine's Day is not a big deal for me."

Shiho, with an obvious lie, pursed her lips.

"Hyu~ (´ε｀ )"

She tried to whistle casually, but since no sound came out, she ended up just making blowing noises.

It's strange; her expression has become so obvious that even emojis can be seen.

"I-I wonder if Kotaro-kun really cares about Valentine's Day? Are you expecting to receive chocolates this year? Fufufu, isn’t it cute~? Wanting chocolate, Kotaro-kun, you're still a child."

It seemed like a counterattack or teasing from Shiho.

Nevertheless, I currently have the upper hand.

"Yeah, I want to receive from Shiho."

"--What!?"

She became visibly flustered when I honestly expressed my feelings.

"Uh... I... inadvertently reacted like those moe characters in anime. It was cute in its own way, but I wonder if it's an appropriate squeal for a cool girl like me."

No, she looks cool on the outside, but inside she's quite passionate, so that reaction suits her.

"I-I see. So Kotaro-kun wants to receive Valentine's from me...!"

After that, she was so happy with my words that she loosened her cheeks and had a very heartwarming expression.

“Tch, by the way, among these three, which flavor do you like the most? Each one has a different level of sweetness... Oh! It's not related to Valentine's, though! It's just part of my investigation, asking out of curiosity. I haven't decided whether I'll give them to you or not. If I do, I want to surprise you and declare, 'Here you go~,' rather than just handing them over. I think that would be more exciting."

She seems anxious, talking more than usual.

While listening with a smile, I compared the three chocolates I received.

The taste has improved significantly since the first time.

Thanks to her cooking-savvy mom helping out, it turned out to be regular chocolate.

"I see... maybe, the second one is just right."

The first one was too sweet, and the third had a hint of bitterness.

In terms of preference, the second chocolate I received was the best.

"Eh! You're the same as me! That's the one I like too! As expected of Kotaro-kun, … you really 'understand’.♪"

I don't know what she means by 'understand' in terms of taste.

Nevertheless, I'm happy that our preferences matched.

"I wonder if what Shiho thinks is the most delicious is the taste I want... If someone gives me Valentine's, I'd be happy if they were conscious of that. What about you, Shiho?"

"I think the same!"

On the bed, she bounced up and down.

Watching Shiho, who was bustling around while sitting, my heart warmed.

Outside is cold, but inside the room is very warm.

I thought that this was the happiest way to spend winter.

Until Valentine's Day, just a little more...

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