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Chapter 231: February 14
🕑 Added 2025-05-20 08:29:02 +0000 UTCBack home, Utaha immediately started preparing dinner.
Both Ichin and Kō Yagami followed her into the kitchen, curious about what she was up to. It wasn’t just Ichin who was interested— Kō was also eager to see how far Utaha’s cooking had come.
Watching her slice the beef, Ichin’s initial concern slowly faded. Her movements weren’t particularly fast, but they were steady and practiced. It was clear she had developed a decent level of proficiency.
After observing for a while, Ichin left the kitchen and returned to his room to continue working.
Kō, however, stayed behind. She approached Utaha and asked curiously, “So, what’s on the menu for dinner?”
“Braised beef brisket, shredded pork with green peppers, stir-fried potato, eggplant and green pepper, and tomato-egg soup. Anything else you’d like, Kō-senpai?”
“That’s more than enough! Three dishes and a soup—plenty for the three of us.”
Watching Utaha set aside the sliced beef and start cutting the pork, Kō couldn’t help but remark, “That’s really admirable—learning to cook for someone you love.”
A faint smile tugged at the corner of Utaha’s lips. “It’s nothing, really. I’m just doing what I feel I should. I can’t have Ichin doing everything, can I?”
“That’s exactly what’s so praiseworthy. You two are really something.” Kō nodded in approval. “You both learn things for each other’s sake, compete academically in a healthy way, and work independently without relying on each other financially. You even collaborate when needed. It’s pretty much the ideal relationship.”
“You’re going to make me blush, Kō-senpai…”
“Eh? Haha, I’ve never even thought about being in a relationship. I’d be totally out of my depth. I don’t even read romance manga!”
“Well~~~ maybe it’s time to start considering it. You are 26, after all. Unless you plan on being a lifelong bachelorette.”
Utaha didn't press further and focused on cooking.
Kō scratched her cheek awkwardly. Sometimes she _did_ feel a faint urge to fall in love… just a little. But she was still very different from someone like Shizuka Hiratsuka or Sonoko Machida.
Having a boyfriend sounded like a high-difficulty challenge. Besides Ichin and Utaha, every woman at the studio was single—some barely even spoke to men outside of family throughout the entire year.
But a _girlfriend_, on the other hand...
Suddenly, an image of _Rin Toyama_ popped into her head, and Kō panicked, shaking her head furiously and running out of the kitchen, her face flushed red.
Utaha, who had just finished blanching the beef and was ready for the next step, blinked in confusion when she noticed Kō’s sudden departure. She turned to the open kitchen door with a puzzled expression but didn’t go after her. Her attention remained on cooking.
Utaha’s skills weren’t professional yet, but when it came to a few home-cooked dishes, she’d clearly mastered the basics.
At dinner, Ichin picked up a piece of braised beef brisket, popped it in his mouth, and his eyes lit up. “Wow, this is really good. You did great, Utaha!”
“Mhm! Mhm!” Kō nodded enthusiastically after tasting the beef herself.
Seeing their reactions, Utaha finally allowed herself a bit of pride.
Of course, she knew her own limits—this was just a handful of dishes. There was still a lot more to learn.
---
Monday.
Today was a special day: February 14th—Valentine’s Day.
As soon as Ichin and Utaha arrived at school, they noticed the lively atmosphere.
Especially near the shoe lockers at the entrance of the school building—many male students stood nervously in front of their lockers, clasping their hands and praying before opening them. If they found chocolate inside, cheers erupted. If not, they wore bitter expressions and continued to hope that someone in class might give them chocolate.
Ichin opened his locker and, unsurprisingly, found no chocolate inside. Not that he expected any.
Even if Utaha didn’t get upset about it, Ichin himself would feel uneasy.
As he took out his indoor shoes, Utaha came over after changing hers. She glanced at his locker and teased, “Oh my, no chocolate for you, Ichin.”
“I wasn’t expecting any. We already have way too many snacks at home.”
He calmly switched his shoes, closed the locker door, and took her hand. “Let’s go to class.”
Their casual hand-holding and natural intimacy formed a stark contrast with the surrounding students.
Several boys holding chocolate looked at Ichin and Utaha, then at the chocolates in their hands, feeling a strong sense of inferiority.
After all, there was only one _Utaha Kasumigaoka_.
But upon seeing the dejected faces of those who hadn’t received any chocolate at all, they regained a little confidence.
_At least I’m not at the bottom!_
When they arrived at their classroom, the atmosphere was even more animated.
Since they were all classmates, some girls had made extra batches of _giri chocolate_ (obligation chocolate) to distribute to the boys in their class.
Naturally, Utaha didn’t participate. She was firmly in the “coupled” category now.
But to Ichin’s surprise, both he and Utaha received _giri chocolate_ from some of the girls.
Since it was clearly stated to be obligation chocolate, and coming from classmates, Ichin gratefully accepted it. Utaha had no issue with it either.
After sitting down, the two shared a few pieces of chocolate. Utaha glanced around the classroom and whispered, “Ichin, looks like everyone’s only giving out giri chocolate.”
Ichin shrugged. “If someone really liked someone, they wouldn’t confess in such a public setting.”
“True enough.”
From long observation, Utaha didn’t think any couples would form in their class today.
Other classes, maybe.
Soon, the bell rang and Shizuka Hiratsuka walked in with her usual deadpan expression and a textbook in hand.
“All right, quiet down. Class is starting.”
Seeing her demeanor, Ichin and Utaha exchanged a knowing glance and nodded subtly.
Looks like the school's Valentine atmosphere might’ve gotten to her a little.
...
