Perspective: Hachiman
"Auu... I'm sorry, Big Brother..."
"I told you, don't worry about it. It couldn't be helped. The whole thing was practically a freak accident anyway..."
"Uuuu~..."
"Don't look so down. It's already in the past."
To explain why the atmosphere is so gloomy right from the start: Rice and I had gone out shopping. On our way back, a sudden gust of wind ripped the bag Rice was holding right out of her hands. That alone would have been bad enough, but perhaps because the items inside were relatively light, the wind carried it away. And to pile misfortune on top of misfortune, we were walking along the riverbank, so the items were swept right into the river.
The only saving grace was that the contents weren't food ingredients. If it had been food, it wouldn't have been a simple matter of wasted effort. Well, I can't deny that brand-new supplies were wasted, but...
"But is it really okay?" Rice looked up with teary eyes. "Rice was holding it, so Rice should be the one to pay—"
"You don't need to worry about the money. Besides, I was the one who asked you to carry it, so I'll cover the cost."
"I-Is that... so? Really?"
"Really. Come on, let's get back to the academy before the wind blows us away too."
"U-Un!"
Trainer's Room
"Alright then. I'm counting on you, Trainer."
"Fwe!?" Rice jumped. "R-Rice is the Trainer!?"
"Yeah. This time, I'm the one in the position to learn. Just for now, our roles are reversed. Teach me well, alright?"
"U-Understood!" Rice clenched her small fists. "A-Alright~! I don't know if I can do it properly, but I'll try! Do your best... Oh!"
...Why is it that when she does that gesture, I don't sense even a speck of calculated cuteness?
(Author's Note: That is because Rice is our little sister. And to the Mother who taught her those words, thank you. Seriously, thank you!!)
"Well then, first of all..." Rice composed herself. "What kind of thing do you want to make, Big Brother?"
"There are a lot of things, but could you teach me the simplest one first? I plan to practice starting from there."
"Ah, un, that makes sense! Then I'll teach you from the easy ones!"
What I am currently learning from Rice is resin crafting. Looking at the gift Rice gave me, I gradually started wanting to try making something like it myself. And if I was going to do it, I figured I should learn from a pro. The bracelet she gave me was seriously well-made; I'd love to be able to make something on that level. Besides, doing nothing but training menus every day makes the brain stiff. Doing something different is important.
Several Tens of Minutes Later
"...Is this... right?"
"Un! Rice was like that at first too. From there, you adjust the amount, add colors, or put in sparkly things to get creative."
"There are a lot of methods, huh... This is going to take time to reach Rice's level."
"But I'm sure you'll become good at it really quickly, Big Brother!"
I don't know what basis she has for saying that. But coming from Trainer Rice, it sounds oddly persuasive. Maybe I'll try a little harder.
Several Hours Later
"If it's just plain resin without any additives, I've gotten somewhat decent at it."
"Un, you're really good! You can already do everything Rice taught you!"
"The Trainer's teaching method was excellent. With this, I should be fine on my own."
"Ehehe... I-Is that so?"
"Yeah. I think Rice is good at teaching people. More importantly, it's already noon. Shall we get lunch?"
It was a good stopping point, and while I wanted to continue, it was lunchtime. We had gone shopping quite early, but time really flies.
"Eh... Ah, it's already this time!" Rice blinked. "Fun times really do go by fast."
"True. I didn't think this much time had passed either. What do you want to do for lunch?"
"U-Umm... If Big Brother is making it, anything is fine!"
"...You're gradually starting to beg for my cooking too, aren't you?"
"N-No, that's not it!?" Rice panicked. "I mean, I do want to eat it, but if you don't want to cook, the academy food is fine too!"
(Author's Note: It's okay! If it's Rice's request, I'll grant anything!! Leave it to Big Brother!!)
"I'm joking. I'll make it, so relax. Since you don't have a request, I'll whip something up with what's available. Is that okay?"
"Un, that's okay. But where will you make it?"
"The academy cafeteria."
Cafeteria
"Order up. I asked what ingredients I could use, so this is really just thrown together."
"But it looks delicious♪ As expected, Big Brother is amazing~!"
"Thanks for the compliment. Well, dig in. Don't hold back."
"Un, thank you for the food♪"
Rice began to eat the lunch I made, pakupaku, almost as if inhaling it. She really makes food look delicious when she eats. Whether it's Rice, Oguri, or the other members... is it really that good?
"♪~ ...Hm? What's wrong, Big Brother?"
"Hm? What is?"
Pat, pat.
"Because... your hand..."
"...Ah. My bad, that was unconscious."
Before I realized it, I was patting Rice's head. I immediately removed my hand, but when did I start doing that?
(Author's Note: That's unfair, Hachiman!! Let me pat her too!!)
"Umm..." Rice looked at me with soft eyes. "If you want to do it, you can do it anytime, okay? Rice... doesn't dislike it."
"Is that so? Then I'll do it when I want to... but are you really sure?"
"Un♪"
...Since Rice says so, I guess I'll make sure to verify with her before patting her from now on.
Omake (Bonus)
Raw Meat (Author): "Phew~, today's writing is done."
Rice: "U-Umm!"
Raw Meat: "Hm? Oh, if it isn't Rice. What's up?"
Rice: "Today, I made resin... and I made one for you too, Mr. Author. Will you accept it?"
Raw Meat: "..."
Rice: "...U-Umm, Mr. Author?"
Raw Meat: "Ha!!! S-Sorry, I was so happy I spaced out. Can I really have it?"
Rice: "U-Un... I'd be happy if you accepted it."
Raw Meat: "Thank you... I will make this a family heirloom!!"
Rice: "Umm, I'd be happy if you wore it, though..."
Raw Meat: ZUKYUN DOKYUN!!! (Heartshot sound) Chiiiin (Death sound)
Rice: "M-Mr. Authoooor!!?"
Raw Meat: I have already ascended to heaveeeen~. Ah, starting next time, we enter the Rice Arc! Please look forward to it~♪
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