Rin-chan speaks with her eyes

♣♣♣

The shocking weekend had passed—where it was revealed that Enomoto-san was my first love, and Himari left me stranded at the mall with her, just the two of us.

It was Monday’s lunch break.

For some reason, I found myself alone with Enomoto-san in the science room again.

“…………”

“…………”

An overwhelmingly silent space.

It wasn’t just awkward—it was beyond that.

To begin with, today was supposed to be lunch with Himari and Enomoto-san, the three of us. Of course, we were planning to discuss the new accessory inspired by Enomoto-san.

(But Himari suddenly bailed, saying she had a committee meeting…)

It’s rare for Himari to forget her committee schedule. …There’s no doubt she’s scheming something unnecessary, like leaving me alone with Enomoto-san.

Anyway, I’ve got to do something about this awkward atmosphere.

“H-Hey, Enomoto-sa…huh!?”

For some reason, she’s glaring at me intensely.

She’s always got that slightly grumpy vibe, but this feels like clear dissatisfaction. She was in such a good mood this morning. Did I do something?

“Enomoto-san, w-what’s wrong…?”

“…………”

She turned away with a huff.

That stung my chest like a dagger. I mean, I’m not so used to girls that I can stay calm when a cute one brushes me off like that.

No, come on, pull yourself together. Didn’t I promise Himari I’d interact more with clients to aim higher as an accessory creator?

To shift my mindset, I opened a page on my phone with photos of various accessories.

“Uh, Enomoto-san. So, about that new accessory, your preferences…”

“…………”

Another sharp turn of her head.

She’s seriously dodging me. When I try to show her my phone, she avoids it with a crisp shake of her head.

But this is definitely not my imagination. I’m probably missing something.

(What could it be? I don’t get it…)

I’d ask her directly, but she subtly brushed me off earlier. This is probably something I need to figure out on my own…

A heavy, lingering stare…

The pressure from her gaze is intense, so intense.

Himari and Saku-neesan are the type to just say whatever’s on their mind, so I’m terrible at this kind of probing game…

“…Hm?”

The window facing the hallway of the science room.

It was slightly open, and a pair of marine-blue eyes peeked through. It was Himari. Had she come back from her committee meeting, or was she watching us from the start? …Probably the latter.

Himari, with a “good grief” vibe, started making mysterious gestures. Using both hands, she emphasized some kind of square shape. …Seriously, just come into the science room already.

Then, Himari took that square shape… and put it to her mouth? Something to eat, then? A square, edible thing…

(Oh!)

I hurriedly rummaged through the plastic bag with the convenience store bread I’d brought for lunch. This morning, when I got to school, Enomoto-san gave me a small bag of cookies. Artisan cookies with cat designs, made from milk and cocoa dough. I hadn’t eaten them yet, worried Himari might snatch them.

At the same time, Enomoto-san perked up. She started staring intently at the small bag.

“R-Right, Enomoto-san, thanks for the cookies this morning. I was saving them for lunch, so I haven’t eaten them yet.”

“…It’s fine, you can eat them whenever.”

Despite her curt words, her gaze sparkled with incredible intensity. With that much expectation, I’d probably get cursed if I didn’t eat them now.

I quickly opened the bag and popped one into my mouth. Crisp, fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

“…Whoa, these are crazy good.”

A lot of cookies these days are less sweet, but as a die-hard sweet tooth, I prefer this level of sweetness. And yet, it’s not cloying at all. The bitterness of the cocoa dough is perfectly balanced.

“Enomoto-san, these are delicious.”

“…………”

Huh? No reaction? Wait, she looks a little… disappointed?

Confused, I glanced at Himari outside the window. She had her fingers to her forehead, giving me a “this is why this guy can’t get a girlfriend” look… Shut up already.

Himari raised both palms upward, gesturing emphatically. She’s telling me to praise it more. Now that I think about it, my reaction might’ve been too simple for something she gave me.

“Uh, Enomoto-san! These cookies are seriously delicious! Honestly, they’re better than any snack I’ve ever had. Maybe the best in my life!”

“…Hmph. Sure.”

Huh? She turned away again, brushing me off.

(Was that too over-the-top…? Oh, looks like it’s fine.)

Enomoto-san was hiding her face, letting out a shy “ehehe” laugh. While fidgeting with the night-blooming cereus bracelet on her left wrist, she said, sounding just a bit pleased:

“Then I’ll make more.”

“Y-Yeah, thanks.”

Finally, the atmosphere lightened up.

Good. Now we can get back to talking about the new accessory. The cookies being the best thing I’ve ever eaten wasn’t a lie, so no complaints here.

After that, Himari came in, dramatically announcing, “Committee’s over!” and we started discussing the new accessory together.

The next day, on the way to school…

“Yuu-kun said they were delicious, so I made even more.”

“…………”

Staring at the pile of cookie bags heaped in her hands, I trembled alone. Enomoto-san stood proudly, arms crossed, with a smug “how’s that!” vibe.

Wait, am I supposed to give that level of praise every day now…? Looking at Enomoto-san, who seemed unusually fired up, I could only manage a twitchy smile.

…I’m starting to get it, but my first love is kind of a handful.