COTE : Is Talent Everything? (Rewrite)-Chapter 148 - 144: Winter break begins

December 24th. The first day of winter break.

The clock showed noon, but I still hadn't managed to get out of bed.

"How are you feeling? Are you okay?"

"A little sluggish, but much better. At this rate, I should be fine by tomorrow. Sorry for making you take care of me like this."

"I'm just happy you relied on me first. If you'd asked someone else, I would've been mad."

She flashed a bright smile before heading back to the kitchen.

Even though it was the first day of winter break, I'd caught a cold the day before.

A checkup at the hospital confirmed it was just a regular cold, not the flu that was going around—which was a relief. Still, a cold was a cold, so just like last year, I asked Hiyori to take care of me.

Even if it wasn't the flu, there was still a chance she could catch it, so she was wearing a mask for protection.

Watching her from bed as she cheerfully made porridge, I couldn't help but feel useless.

"Sorry, Hiyori."

"Huh? For what?"

She peeked out from the kitchen with a puzzled look.

"We were supposed to go out together today."

Today was Christmas Eve. We had planned to spend the morning together, then join Ishizaki, Nishino, and the usual crew for a party in the evening.

"I don't mind at all. Really."

She probably meant it, but Hiyori had been looking forward to spending Christmas Eve together for a while now. We'd even promised to pick out presents for each other. It was only natural to feel guilty.

Hiyori paused her cooking and walked over to me, still in her apron.

"I was looking forward to today, but just being with you is enough to make me happy."

"But..."

"If you're that worried, then spoil me a lot once you're better. Right now, we can't even kiss... or do anything more."

With the risk of infection, we couldn't act as close as usual. Anything beyond this was dangerous.

"Besides... I really like taking care of you."

"You like nursing someone?"

"I love it. Seeing the person I love all weak and vulnerable is just so cute—it gives me chills. And the fact that I'm the only one who gets to see you like this is amazing. But most of all, being able to take care of everything for you, from meals to..."

"Hiyori, Hiyori—the pot. The pot's calling you."

I pointed at the porridge, which had started bubbling loudly. She let out a small "Ah!" and hurried back to the kitchen.

My instincts had warned me that if I didn't stop her here, things would get dangerous.

What exactly was that danger signal just now?

Looking at Hiyori again, she was sighing in relief that the porridge hadn't burned.

...Every little thing she did was just so adorable.

"Here you go. Be careful, it's hot."

After that, I enjoyed Hiyori's homemade porridge. I'd had it last year too, but porridge when you're sick really is the best.

"Oh, right. Hiyori, could you check the fridge for me?"

"The fridge?"

The porridge was made with ingredients Hiyori had brought over—my fridge was practically empty of vegetables and such. Instead, it was stocked with my latest hobby.

"Eh...!?"

"Feel free to eat whatever you like. I can't guarantee it'll suit your taste, though."

Inside the fridge were cakes, puddings, parfaits, macarons—all sorts of sweets.

Lately, I'd gotten really into making desserts.

At first, I just wanted to try making something sweet, but after a few attempts, I found myself experimenting more and more, and now I was hooked.

"You... made all these, Hachiman-kun?"

"Yeah, I've been into making sweets lately... Is it that surprising?"

"Not surprising, just... a little shocking? Ah, not in a bad way!"

She was so stunned she left the fridge door open.

"There's so much... And they look just as good as store-bought ones!"

"I just had fun making them. I have been eating them to reduce the stock, though."

Still, I'd made so much that the fridge was overflowing.

If I hadn't caught this cold, I'd planned to share some with Matsushita, Suzune, and Ayanokouji today.

"I've taste-tested them myself, and they're good, but I haven't had anyone else try them yet. If you don't mind, I'd love your opinion."

"Are you sure? You could sell these for money, you know?"

"I made them for myself... and for you."

Hiyori hesitated at first, but after hearing that, she carefully took out a pudding and placed it on the table.

It wasn't the soft, store-bought kind—I'd made it a little firmer.

"! It's... really good. Really good!"

"Glad to hear it."

After the first bite, her face lit up with a bright smile.

"Mmm~~~!!"

With the second bite, her cheeks relaxed in delight. Seeing her enjoy it so much made me happy too.

"This is amazing. The texture is perfect—I finished it so fast!"

"Want to try more? There's plenty."

"I-I'd love to, but..."

"What's wrong?"

Her eyes had sparkled for a moment, but then she hesitated, fidgeting awkwardly.

"Well... if I eat too much... my weight might..."

"You worry about your weight too, huh?"

"O-Of course I do! What if you notice when you touch me!?"

She turned to me with an almost offended expression.

Where did this universal female anxiety about weight even come from?

"You're already way too light. It's fine."

"But..."

"Honestly, I'd be happier if you ate more. You look so happy when you're enjoying food."

"W-Well... just a little more, then."

Girls in general love sweets, and Hiyori was no exception. The way her eyes lit up at the sight of desserts was priceless.

I kinda felt like I was tricking her, but since I genuinely loved seeing her enjoy food, it wasn't that bad.

──────

December 25th.

"It's really coming down."

Outside the window, the world was blanketed in white.

Snow in Tokyo was rare, but the forecast said it would continue for a while. A blizzard was even expected tonight.

"...I'm completely better."

The thermometer showed a normal reading.

Since my cold hadn't been too severe to begin with, resting all day yesterday and Hiyori's dedicated care had done the trick.

My phone was flooded with get-well messages from Ishizaki and the others, all disappointed I couldn't make it to the Christmas party. I replied that we'd hang out another time.

Since I was technically still recovering, I probably wouldn't get any invites today. Hiyori had a date with Nishino, anyway.

"Alright."

I swiped through my phone and pulled up a web ad I'd had my eye on.

Today was the last day of Christmas sales, and they were running a huge discount event.

I was after a mixer, a whisk, and other baking tools.

I deliberately didn't think about how often I'd actually use them.

Right now, I just wanted to splurge on my current obsession.

"Games, appliances... This is gonna be a warzone."

This was one of the biggest sales of the year.

Of course, I wasn't the only one eyeing it—most of the school's students were too.

"Okay───"

It was 9:15 AM.

If I left the dorm now, I'd make it to Keyaki Mall right as it opened.

According to intel, the sale would start at the north entrance.

Apparently, last year, a Class B student got injured in the opening rush, so this year, they were directing crowds there to control the flow.

That alone showed how dangerous this sale could be.

But if I backed down now, I wouldn't get what I wanted.

"I'll also get Hiyori a Christmas present to thank her."

Today's motto: Neither cold nor rain shall stop me.

──────

9:30 AM.

Even though I arrived 30 minutes before opening, a huge line had already formed at the north entrance—and it was still growing.

I couldn't afford to fall behind, so I quickly joined the queue.

This sale was no joke. Not a second to let my guard down.

"...Huh?"

"Oh?"

From two rows ahead, I heard a familiar voice.

Thanks to the shorter guy in front of me, we spotted each other right away.

"Ah! It is Hachikun!"

It was Nazuna and Nagumo.

"Hey, you. Go ahead and switch places with me."

"Eh? Uh, sure."

Nazuna waved cheerfully, but Nagumo shoved the guy between us aside and forced his way next to me, grinning.

"What, you here for the sale too?"

"You too, Nagumo-senpai? Didn't peg you as the sale type."

If anything, I'd have guessed he'd go for the latest high-end stuff.

"I'm just here with Nazuna. But running into you makes it worth it."

"? ...Huh?"

Why was running into me a good thing?

"Hachikun, are you feeling better? It wasn't the flu, right?"

"I'm fully recovered. Sorry for worrying you. And for canceling plans."

Nazuna had invited me yesterday too, but I'd turned her down because of the cold and Hiyori.

"It's fine! I'm just glad you're better. And we did meet by chance, so I'm happy!"

"Nazuna's just too cute. I really wanna hug her right now."

"...Okay."

Despite the people around, she spread her arms wide in approval.

"Quit ignoring me."

Nagumo barged into the moment.

"Hey! We were having a moment here! Can't you read the mood, Masa!?"

"Shut up. Don't get all lovey-dovey in front of me. And why the hell are you using casual speech with Nazuna?"

He glared at me. Apparently, being left out didn't sit well with him.

"Nazuna asked me to."

"Senpai's orders. I don't like it, so switch back to polite speech."

"Hachikun, don't listen to him!"

Personally, I didn't care either way, but Nazuna had insisted, so I wasn't changing it.

"By the way, Nazuna, what are you here to buy?"

"I'm after a hairdryer. Mine broke recently. What about you, Hachikun?"

"Kitchen tools. I've been into making sweets lately."

I planned to stock up on everything dessert-related—cream makers, yogurt machines, the works.

"Ohh, a sweets guy. Nice."

"If you want, you can try some. I've made way too much, and the taste is guaranteed."

"Really? I'd love to!"

"I'll drop some off later. There's a lot, so let me know what you───"

"Hey."

A hand clamped onto my shoulder, and a low voice growled in my ear.

Nagumo glared at me, his displeasure plain on his face.

"Let me have some too."

"Of course, Nagumo-senpai. I'd love your feedback too."

"Oh? That so? Fine. I'll be waiting."

I'd completely forgotten about him, but a little white lie smoothed things over instantly.

"How about I drop some off at your rooms tomorrow?"

"Okay! Looking forward to it, Hachikun!"

"Heh. Come if you want, but don't think I'll let you leave easily."

"...Hachikun, don't deliver anything to Masa's room."

"The hell's that supposed to mean?"

As we bantered, the store opened, and the line began moving.

We followed the crowd, and thanks to arriving early, we got in quickly.

──────

"Wh-What happened, Ichinose!? Snap out of it!!"

"There's so much blood...!? Wait, why is Ichinose smiling in this situation!?"

"S-Someone call a staff member...!"

"Hey!! Employee!! There's a girl here covered in blood and collapsed!!"

There was some commotion behind us, but the crowd made it impossible to see what was happening.

──────

"I-I got them... I got them all..."

The electronics store was still packed with students and staff, but I'd managed to grab every kitchen tool I wanted.

Battered but victorious, I finally stepped outside.

"I... underestimated this... Way too many people..."

Just buying one item felt like being crushed alive.

This sensation was like motion sickness—crowd sickness, I guess.

Luckily, they offered delivery to my dorm, so at least I wasn't lugging everything around.

Nazuna and Nagumo had left to join their Class A Christmas party.

Before parting, Nagumo had reminded me, "Don't forget to bring those sweets," earning a "You're so annoying!" from Nazuna.

"I'll take a break."

I plopped down on a nearby bench to catch my breath.

Students were still pouring in and out of the store, with no sign of the rush slowing down.

"Is that... Ayanokouji?"

As I absentmindedly watched the crowd, I spotted Ayanokouji stumbling out of the store, looking utterly drained.

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His usual blank face somehow managed to look depressed.

"You look pretty down."

"...Hikigaya."

He turned to me weakly when I called out.

"You came out of the electronics store, but judging by your face, you didn't get what you wanted?"

"Don't rub it in. I'm pretty bummed."

He let out a deep, heavy sigh.

"What about you?"

"I got in early, so I got everything I wanted. Barely, though."

"Lucky... If I'd been just a little faster, I could've gotten that yogurt maker───"

"The yogurt maker was the closest call. They had barely any stock—I got the last one. Any later, and someone else would've taken it."

Getting the last one felt pretty good, though.

I'd grab some milk on the way back and try it out immediately.

"So? What were you trying to buy?"

When I asked casually, Ayanokouji suddenly looked down.

"...Step outside."

He muttered something under his breath, then his expression shifted—his eyes sharpening with rare intensity.

"Did you say something?"

He cracked his knuckles, staring at me like I'd killed his parents.

"────────────Come outside. I'll make sure you never use that yogurt maker again."

"That's way too specific. What's your deal?"

"This is where we settle things. I will never forgive you."

Ayanokouji was pissed for some reason.

"...Wait, don't tell me───"

Was he after the yogurt maker too?

That would explain the sudden rage... but holding a grudge over it was way too petty.

"If you wanted it that badly, just come to my room when it's delivered. You can use it."

"Everything I just said was a joke, Hikigaya."

"What the hell?"

His expression instantly reset to its usual blankness.

So he'd gotten mad over nothing, then calmed down the second he got what he wanted?

"But you are helping me eat the extra sweets."

"Sweets?"

"I've been into making them lately. Made way too much, though."

"Hikigaya, I've never been happier to have a connection with you."

"Cheap connection."

Lately, it felt like he was becoming less reserved around me.

──────

+ Short Story

"Mmm~~~♪"

Hiyori must've really liked the sweets—she went from pudding to macarons to parfait, eating a surprising amount.

The way she ate was just... unbearably cute.

"...You're too cute."

I couldn't help muttering it under my breath.

Hiyori had elegant table manners, savoring every bite.

Her face lit up with each taste, her cheeks softening in delight.

The way she chewed was so adorable I almost imagined a "mochu mochu" sound effect.

"U-Um..."

"Hm?"

While I was lost in thought, Hiyori stopped eating and glanced at me sideways, her ears bright red.

"I-It's embarrassing when you stare like that... If you're gonna say things like earlier, say them properly..."

Her voice was so sweet it almost felt intentional.

"...You're way too cute."

For the first time, I regretted having to keep my distance because of this cold.

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