I'd prefer you being you

After the club activities, Sayori and I began walking along a side road. It didn't take long for me to break the silence.

"Sayori, what's your opinion of Monika?"

Sayori turned towards me, her head tilting slightly. "Monika, huh... I kinda envy her."

"Envy? Why's that?"

"Well, Monika is pretty, smart, confident, athletic, and popular." Sayori cast her gaze downward. "On the other hand, I'm just... well, clumsy. Ehehehe."

I sighed, patting her gently. "Sayori, you don't need to compare yourself to her."

She smiled faintly. "I know, but sometimes it's hard not to."

Oof, Did I just trigger a red flag?

"Hmm... Sayori, can I come over to your place today?"

Sayori's eyes widened in surprise. "Eh? Why?"

"I want to cook dinner for you."

"Really!?"

"Don't sound too surprised," I chuckled. "So, is it a yes?"

"Well, I'm not objecting, but it's not like you to offer something so kind without a catch."

"Is that what you think of me?"

"Hehe, thanks Maki~"

With a smile, we headed to Sayori's house. Upon entering, I placed my bag on the couch and removed my blazer, then made my way to the kitchen. "I'll start prepping. You can go change or take a shower."

Sayori looked at me quizzically. "You want me to take a shower?"

I retrieved salt and pepper from the drawer. "You didn't shower this morning."

Sayori blushed, flustered. "How did you know? Do I really smell that bad?"

"Well, you could use one. Now off you go."

She pouted and sighed, heading toward her room. Once she was out of sight, I discreetly opened the system panel command and began typing in the ingredients for a Japanese Pork Cutlet.

?generate 1 pound boneless pork chops

?generate ½ cup all-purpose flour

?generate 1 large egg, beaten

?generate 1 cup Panko* bread crumbs

With the list generated, I closed the command and headed to the kitchen to gather the ingredients. I found what I needed and set them out on the counter.

As I began to prepare the meal, I couldn't help but think about Sayori.

It's funny how cooking can bring people together. It's not just about the food; it's about the care and effort you put into it. And today, I want to show Sayori how much I care for her, even in the smallest ways.

After all, actions speak louder than words... right?

Once the pork chops were breaded and ready, I heated up some oil in a pan. The sizzling sound filled the air as I carefully placed the chops into the pan. The aroma that wafted through the kitchen was enough to make anyone's mouth water.

I glanced over at the clock. Sayori should be done soon. I quickly prepared the rice and set the table, making sure everything was ready by the time she emerged from her room.

Sure enough, not long after, I heard the bathroom door open and the sound of footsteps approaching. Sayori entered the kitchen, her hair still slightly damp from the shower.

"Something smells amazing!" She exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with excitement.

"Well, I hope it tastes as good as it smells."

"Wow~ Thank you, Maki!" Sayori's eyes lit up with excitement.

"Yeah, you're welcome."

We exchanged smiles, our eyes meeting as we said in unison, "Thank you for the food."

As we began to eat, the sound of clinking chopsticks filled the room. The crispy texture of the pork cutlet and the rich flavors of the sauce blended perfectly together.

Sayori's delighted expressions with each bite made the effort put into the meal all the more worthwhile.

"I'm really glad you enjoyed it," I said with a contented smile.

Sayori nodded vigorously, her mouth still half full. "Mhm! This is so yummy, Maki!"

"Don't talk with your mouth full!"

As we neared the end of our meal, Sayori leaned back in her chair with a contented sigh. "You know, Maki, you're really good at cooking."

I scratched my head, "Well, I'm not a professional or anything..."

She smiled warmly at me. "Doesn't matter. You put your heart into it, and that's what makes it special."

A thoughtful silence enveloped us, broken only by the soft clinking of dishes as I began clearing the table. It was a chance for me to gather my thoughts and express something that had been on my mind.

"Say Sayori..." I said, my tone both serious and gentle. "For me, I'd prefer the clumsy Sayori."

Her gaze met mine, a mix of curiosity and vulnerability in her eyes.

"I mean, even if you're not good at everything... Just like you said, it doesn't matter, right? You put your heart into it, and that's what makes it special." I offered a reassuring smile.

Tears glistened at the corners of her eyes, and before I knew it, she was crying. I hurriedly fetched a handkerchief from my bag and rushed to her side, gently wiping away her tears. "Eh?! Ahh! W-wait! W-Why the hell are you crying?!"

"It's just... I've been trying so hard for so long," she managed between sobs. "Whenever I try to do something new, it's just... so hard."

I hugged her as I pat her back. "Yet you are the most dedicated person. planning ahead of us... That means your changing Sayori."

I pulled her into a comforting hug, my hand rubbing her back soothingly. "And yet, here you are, dedicated to planning the cultural festival ahead of all of us. You're changing, Sayori."

She clung to me, allowing her emotions to flow freely, her sobs gradually calming as she found solace in my embrace.

After about ten minutes, her crying subsided, and I carefully stood up, collecting the dishes to start washing them.

To my surprise, Sayori stood beside me, her eyes determined as she took some dishes to clean as well.

"Are you feeling better now?" I asked softly.

She nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Yeah, thank you, Maki."

I smiled back, appreciating the camaraderie we shared in that simple moment. "You're welcome."

"Maki..."

I turned to her, my brows slightly raised.

"Do you really... prefer the 'me' today?"

My smile softened, and I met her gaze with sincerity. "Yeah, I'd prefer the 'you'."

As we finished cleaning up, I slung my bag over my shoulder. "Well, I should be heading back now."

Sayori yawned, her eyes drooping. "Already? I guess I fell asleep without realizing it."

I chuckled softly. "You must have been exhausted."

Walking towards the door, I paused and looked back at her. She was already asleep on the couch, her expression peaceful.

I sighed and generate a blanket with a command, gently covering her sleeping form. "Good night, Sayori."

With a final glance, I closed the door behind me and made my way home, feeling a sense of fulfillment in having shared this vulnerable and heartwarming moment with her.