Chapter 109 – Shiina’s trick

Sadly, we didn't reach the power stones targets, but I trust you'll be able to do it this week. Have a good day!

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In the midst of summer, around the transition from early to mid-August, Yukio's dormitory door echoed with a soft knock. Yukio, with a chuckle, opened the door to find Shiina standing outside, holding a small bag of something crisply.

"Come in, what are you waiting for?" Yukio took the bag from Shiina's hands, which turned out to be brown sugar she had bought on her own initiative.

Since Shiina openly expressed her feelings, their relationship had progressed rapidly, essentially becoming an unofficial couple. Thus, Shiina often visited Yukio's dorm during the summer break to study together, and not what you might think, just reading books together.

Due to the heat, Shiina didn't want to brave the scorching sun to go to the library. Instead, she brought her collection of books to Yukio's dorm, where they would read separately or discuss topics together. She enjoyed these quiet moments of togetherness.

However, Shiina didn't bring books today. Instead, she faced the daunting sun to buy a bag of brown sugar.

The reason traced back to the uninhabited island special exam, where Shiina, for some reason, felt competitive with Ichinose, leading to a comically serious menstrual cycle comparison.

After Ichinose left, Shiina didn't let go of this detail and inquired about the differences between Yukio's hometown and Japan in dealing with this matter.

Yukio had explained in detail at that time, noting the differences between the two regions. One side avoids cold drinks and sometimes needs to boil some brown sugar water with ginger, while the other one has no such reservations, freely consuming cold drinks and ice cream.

Shiina remembered this and arrived with brown sugar, insisting on trying the taste of brown sugar water.

Yukio, happy to oblige Shiina, agreed, leading to her visit today.

Making brown sugar water isn't complicated, slightly more difficult than boiling water or an egg. Yukio skillfully started cooking in the dorm kitchen, turning to Shiina: "You really don't need to worry about this."

"The practices are different in each place. Changing habits abruptly might make your body react negatively."

"For example, though drinking cold water isn't harmful, someone used to hot water who suddenly switches to cold beverages might upset their body's microbiome, causing discomfort."

Shiina maintained her light and breezy demeanor, whether naïvely charming or simply accustomed, showing no particular reaction, just a sweet, tender smile: "It's okay, though."

"If you don't get used to it this time, drinking it once a month should eventually make it a habit, right?"

Then, the previously delicate girl finally showed a bashful side, with a hint of pink on her cheeks and averted gaze. Her voice, once light, turned into a soft confession, "Besides, habits and lifestyles will have to change eventually."

Yukio was momentarily stunned before turning back to continue preparing the brown sugar water, deeply moved, realizing Shiina was set on following him.

Her statement about changing lifestyle habits was indicative of her willingness to follow Yukio after graduation. She reasoned that since habits would need to change eventually, it might as well happen sooner rather than later.

A simple sentence from the girl carried significant weight, indicating a readiness to leave her familiar environment for someone she loved, embarking on a journey to a foreign land with a different culture, language, and lifestyle.

The magnitude of this decision, showcasing Shiina's resolve to leave her childhood home, say goodbye to her family, and step out of her comfort zone to be with Yukio, reflects immense courage and deep affection.

Even someone of Yukio's disposition found it difficult to respond, resorting to silently reciting wise old sayings about the insurmountable challenge of winning over a beloved's heart. The realization that no matter how strong one's abilities, they pale in comparison to true love was evident.

As he poured the freshly made brown sugar water into a prepared porcelain bowl, Yukio earnestly took Shiina's hand, squeezing her fingertips gently as if to awaken her, "Are you sure? You really want to come with me?"

"Yep." Shiina reciprocated, lifting Yukio's fingertips, signifying her determination but soon regressed into a slightly coquettish manner, letting go of his hand.

Because their hands were intertwined, Shiina's slight pull brought Yukio's hand closer, and she tenderly rubbed his hand against her cheek, enjoying the sensation, "But, I still want to come back to visit my parents occasionally, is that okay?"

"Of course," Yukio replied, amused by the suggestion as if he would ever be so heartless as to prevent visits home.

"However," perhaps as a retort or simply indulging in the small joys of their relationship, Yukio leaned in closer, gently kissing the back of Shiina's hand and fingertips, teasingly suggesting, "Or maybe, we could bring your parents over there in the future?"

Feeling Yukio's counter, Shiina's pretty face heated up rapidly. Although it was just a kiss on the back of her hand, it felt as though Yukio had directly kissed her face, causing her cheeks to blaze: "I believe Yukio has the capability, but my parents might not want to leave."

"It's all okay," Yukio was indifferent about these concerns, releasing her hand, turning off the stove, and carrying the porcelain bowl to join Shiina out of the kitchen, "We should respect their wishes. It's not our place to decide for our parents."

Then, sitting at the table together, Shiina, acting clingy like an adorable ragdoll cat, leaned on Yukio's shoulder and arm, curiously observing the deep red sugar water and the steam rising from it, full of wonder.

"Does drinking this really help alleviate abdomen pain? This color looks a bit like traditional medicine; isn't it very bitter?"

"What are you thinking about?" Yukio, amused, couldn't help but smile, "It's just water boiled with sugar, how can it be bitter?"

"Oh, should I try it?" Shiina cautiously reached out, took a spoonful, blew on it gently, and bravely took a sip. After a moment to savor it, she unwillingly opened her eyes: "As expected, it tastes a bit bitter."

"Huh?" Yukio was puzzled, how could brown sugar water be bitter? He didn't add anything else, just water and sugar.

"Impossible, let me taste it." Confident in his cooking, Yukio reached for the spoon, internally worried about Shiina's taste perception, contemplating whether there's a way to cure it.

"Just try it, it's bitter," Shiina said a bit impatiently, passing the spoon over.

Just as Yukio was about to take it, Shiina swiftly moved closer, silencing any further words. The sweet flavor of brown sugar instantly filled his taste buds, gradually making Yukio close his eyes in delight.

After a while, Shiina slightly pulled back, her face beaming with a sweet smile and unspeakable joy: "It seems, it's quite sweet after all."

(t/n: Just in case it wasn't clear, they kissed.)

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