{Our Happiness 2}

“But isn’t it tiring to cook after work?”

As I washed the utensils, I asked her.

“I’m the one mainly in charge of cooking dinner, so you don’t need to push yourself too hard. After all, I’m just a student with plenty of free time.”

When I added that, Miu shook her head vigorously.

“But you’re also working part-time and doing activities with your club.”

“Those are more like hobbies for me…”

“And once you start working, I might get home earlier than you. Then, I’ll have to make dinner.”

It’s not like she has to, but…

I could still cook just like I do now, but that’s something we won’t really know until I actually start working.

I haven’t yet experienced firsthand how hard it is to cook after a day at work.

It was around the time I’d started my third year of university, and the topic of job hunting had begun to come up more and more among my peers.

I was planning to participate in an internship this summer and was currently gathering information. Actual applications wouldn’t start until next year, but I knew next year would arrive before I knew it.

Once I started working, no doubt there would be changes in our two-person life.

Whether those changes would be good or a bit of a struggle, I couldn’t tell yet. It was going to be my first time experiencing this, so naturally, there were uncertainties. I might even find myself so exhausted by work that cooking dinner would feel impossible.

But fortunately, I have a “senpai” who’s already working.

For now, I plan to observe her and learn what it’s like to be out in the working world.

Thirty minutes later, the beef stew was ready, filling the air with a delicious aroma.

It was filled with big chunks of beef, translucent onions, and perfectly intact carrots and potatoes. It looked incredibly appetizing.

We set the table with the bread Miu had bought, and the two of us sat down to eat together once again.

“Wow, I’m so glad… It turned out delicious!”

After taking her first bite, Miu breathed a sigh of relief, looking visibly relaxed.

“It’s really delicious. It’s like it warms me to my core.”

When I complimented her after taking a bite myself, she shyly pulled her shoulders up, looking a bit bashful.

“Thanks for saying that. I worked hard because I wanted you to enjoy it.”

Miu’s words are always so honest and straightforward.

She manages to put into words the feelings I haven’t even fully grasped myself.

In the end, I felt the same way. The reason I study recipes and cook isn’t just to care for her health or prevent her from getting bored. It’s because I want her to enjoy the food I make, and I want her to say it’s delicious. The answer is really that simple.

So even when I start working, I might still continue making dinner.

“It’s such a happiness to have someone cook for you,” I murmured to myself.

Miu’s face instantly brightened.

“Then I’ll cook more! Maybe I’ll make dinner tomorrow too!”

“N-No, don’t push yourself too hard.”

I hurriedly responded to her enthusiasm, almost jumping out of her chair, and told her as she blinked at me.

“Cooking for someone is great, but it’s just as rewarding to have someone enjoy the meal you’ve made. So, while I’d love to eat your cooking, I also want you to eat what I make. Both are important.”

Miu seemed to understand right away.

Smiling softly, she said, “Yeah, I feel the same. Both are really such happiness, aren’t they?”

It’s a small thing.

Maybe it’s something ordinary that happens in any household.

But for us, those moments of sitting down together at the dinner table were precious, moments of happiness we wanted to savor.

“I’d like to learn how to make more dishes…”

As she ate the delicious beef stew, Miu suddenly said that.

“I’m only really good at making stew, curry, and hayashi rice. I want to be able to make something more traditional, like Japanese food!”

Her vague goal-setting was so like her that it made me smile. Curry’s already sort of Japanese food, isn’t it? But I didn’t say that.

Then she looked at me, her expression suddenly sharp, and asked, “Did you learn how to cook from your mom? Or did you figure it out on your own?”

“Uh… well…”

I hesitated for a moment.

I’d secretly bought recipe e-books, and I knew that if I told her, she’d definitely say, “I’ll study too!” Although I didn’t want her to overwork herself, it felt weird to keep it a secret.

Since I wasn’t good at hiding things, I decided to be honest.

“Actually, I’ve been studying recipes from books. I read them when I’m commuting or have free time.”

After widening her eyes in surprise, Miu broke into an innocent, playful smile.

“Atsushi-kun, you’re amazing! I want to study together with you!”

When she said it so casually, my concern about her overworking herself faded away.

And so, after dinner, the two of us looked through recipe books together. Miu smiled, pointing out dishes she wanted to try, saying, “This looks delicious too.”

Not just at the dinner table, but doing anything together was happiness.