Chapter 10
In the courtyard of the Moriya Shrine, a group of familiar faces gathered. The winter sun filtered through the branches, casting dappled shadows on the ground. Birds chirped from the treetops as if they too were part of the discussion.
This time, the Moriya Shrine unexpectedly welcomed a mix of familiar faces from Gensokyo—Reimu, Marisa, Remilia, Youmu, Suika, and others—all invited to this gathering.
Standing at the center of the courtyard, Sanae held up a magazine she had brought back from the outside world, her expression brimming with excitement as she explained to the crowd.
"Valentine's Day is a day to convey your feelings! We usually make chocolates to give to the important people in our lives to express gratitude or…" She paused, her cheeks slightly flushing, "...some deeper emotions."
Her voice was full of enthusiasm, and she added with particular emphasis, "At the very least, I'll definitely make some for Tamami-san, especially since he's helped me so much over the past two years."
The moment these words left her mouth, the courtyard fell silent for a few seconds.
Reimu, leaning lazily against a pillar, raised an eyebrow with a touch of disdain in her tone. "Gratitude is fine, but this kind of holiday sounds so troublesome. Making chocolates? It'd be faster to just have Kyouya cook something instead."
Yukari, hiding half her face behind a folding fan as she lounged within a gap, chuckled slyly. "Oh my, Reimu, that's quite pragmatic of you. What if Kyouya overheard this? Wouldn't he feel hurt?"
"He wouldn't," Reimu replied dismissively, waving her hand. "But… expressing a little gratitude wouldn't be the worst thing." She added the last part with feigned indifference, though her ears turned faintly red. She wasn't ready to admit that her feelings for Kyouya might have long since surpassed simple friendship.
Marisa squatted in a corner of the courtyard, fiddling with the ribbon on her hat. She chuckled mischievously. "Heh, you're calling it obligatory chocolate, but Sanae, don't you have other intentions? Or have you already taken a liking to that Tamami guy?"
Startled, Sanae frantically waved her hands. "Of course not! I just think he's a really nice person. Every time I pray for help with the shrine's water issues, he solves them, and he's always making delicious meals. I just want to show my gratitude!"
Nearby, Kanako and Suwako exchanged glances, their faces bearing expressions that said they were just here to watch the show. Suwako smirked and teased, "Sanae, every time you mention Tamami, you smile like a little frog. And now you're trying to deny it?"
"Su-Suwako-sama!" Sanae's voice pitched higher, her cheeks turning as red as a ripe apple.
Yukari gently shook her fan, her tone laced with playful mockery. "Hmm, Valentine's 'obligation' sure is a convenient label. Sanae, could it be that under the guise of 'gratitude,' you're actually trying to express something else to Tamami?"
Reimu huffed, her gaze unintentionally drifting toward the courtyard's edge. "That guy Kyouya helped me solve the shrine's donation box problem, so he's been pretty thoughtful. I guess showing some gratitude… isn't the worst idea." By the end of her sentence, her voice had softened considerably, and her ears flushed red once more.
Remilia sipped her tea with a refined air. "Obligatory chocolates, is it? Well, that guy has been quite helpful, especially with solving the Scarlet Devil Mansion's lighting issues. Chocolate as a return gift seems appropriate." Despite her composed tone, her fingertips lightly tapped the rim of her teacup, as if concealing something.
Mokou snorted, her tone tinged with mockery. "Ha! That Kyouya guy always just happens to get knocked down but acts like it's no big deal. Chocolates? Sure, let's call it… repayment for his help." Her gaze, however, subtly shifted away, hiding a hint of softness in her heart.
Aya raised her hand excitedly, her face brimming with enthusiasm. "I think this idea is awesome! Kyouya loves pretending to be 'ordinary,' so I want to see how he reacts when he gets chocolates!" Her radiant smile betrayed her anticipation, though a faint blush crept up her cheeks.
Marisa toyed with the brim of her hat, deep in thought. "Obligatory chocolates, huh…? Kengo helped me fix my storage shed and even gave me some amazing produce. I suppose it's only right to show some appreciation!" Though her words seemed casual, her eyes flickered evasively, as if she harbored unspoken feelings.
Suika slammed the table, laughing heartily. "Haha, great idea! That Kengo guy made me an awesome party venue, so I can't lose to him. This time, I'll make him some liquor-infused chocolates to try!" Her boisterous tone carried sincerity, but a faint shyness lingered in the corners of her eyes.
Sakuya lifted her gaze, her tone calm. "Valentine's chocolates? Milady would certainly approve of this idea, especially since Kengo-san's help has benefited us greatly. I should prepare a gift in return as well." Her composed demeanor betrayed nothing, but everyone noticed her tightly clasped skirt, hinting at a flicker of nervousness within.
Youmu stood at the courtyard's edge, listening to the discussion. After a moment of contemplation, she softly spoke. "Kengo-san helped me reshape the garden's landscape and taught me some tips on caring for the plants… I should make him a chocolate too." Her voice was low, but her heart surged with unspoken waves. Expressing her gratitude might mean more than just appreciation for his help.
Komachi lazily yawned, grinning as she said, "Hey, how could I miss out on something this big? That Kengo guy made me a super comfy resting spot! Giving him some chocolate as 'overtime pay' doesn't sound bad." Her tone was lighthearted, but her smile carried an unusual seriousness, as if she hadn't yet realized the depth of her growing affection for Kengo.
Patchouli spoke in a languid tone. "Obligatory or genuine, it's just a holiday custom. Still, since Tamami's desserts are so delicious, perhaps he should taste my cooking… and that's all." Her voice was detached, but a faint blush betrayed her composure.
Flandre eagerly raised her hand, her face alight with excitement. "I want to make sweet chocolates for Tamami-niisan too! His desserts are super yummy, so I'll show him I can make something great too!" Her innocent enthusiasm drew laughter from the group.
Yuyuko sipped her tea gracefully, her soft voice carrying a trace of amusement. "Tamami's help hasn't gone unnoticed by any of us. I'm sure he'll enjoy the special chocolate I prepare for him, don't you think?" Her tone was serene, but a subtle, enigmatic smile played on her lips. Even Youmu couldn't help but think to herself, "Yuyuko-sama, are you sure this is just gratitude?"
Kaguya, toying with a bamboo leaf in her hand, spoke with a mix of laziness and pride. "Tamami… he restored my bamboo forest and brought so many delicious treats. Though I don't like troublesome things, I suppose he might look forward to a day like this, right?" Her tone was casual, but the faint upward curve of her lips and the glimmer in her eyes betrayed her subdued anticipation.
The Scarlet Devil Mansion's kitchen, usually spacious and refined for preparing Remilia's afternoon teas, had been transformed into a temporary Valentine's chocolate workshop.
Fifteen girls gradually gathered, and the atmosphere became lively instantly. Tools and ingredients were neatly arranged, and an array of intricate decorations was laid out.
Standing at the center, Remilia puffed out her chest and declared, "Today, the Scarlet Devil Mansion is open for use! Don't mess up my kitchen, or
Sakuya will have a hard time cleaning up." Though her words carried a stern tone, a hint of anticipation flickered across her face.
Patchouli calmly flipped through a chocolate recipe. "Valentine's chocolates aren't complicated to make. All you need is mastery over melting, mixing, and using molds."
As soon as she finished speaking, Flandre grabbed a handful of chocolate chips and excitedly asked, "Can we eat all of these?!"
Sakuya sighed helplessly and deftly prepared the tools. "Milady, if this group starts causing chaos, the kitchen might not survive today."
Reimu picked up a piece of chocolate and lazily asked Yukari, "Does this melt properly like this?"
Yukari, holding her signature fan, gracefully observed from the side. "Low heat, careful not to burn it. But Reimu, are you sure this is just 'gratitude' for Kyouya?" Her tone brimmed with teasing.
Reimu scowled, her ears turning slightly red. "Mind your own business!" She stirred faster but, in her distraction, splashed some chocolate onto Mokou's sleeve.
"Hey! Reimu!" Mokou brushed off the chocolate stains and grumbled, "Be careful! At this rate, he'll get food poisoning!"
Reimu glared at her and muttered, "Kyouya will still praise me… probably."
Aya, meanwhile, was busy documenting everyone's actions, occasionally chuckling. "Cameras don't lie. Reimu's chocolate might end up as Kyouya's 'culinary nightmare.'" Her mischievous smile earned her an exasperated glare from Reimu.
Remilia, on the other hand, carefully selected an elegant heart-shaped mold and infused her chocolate with premium blueberry liqueur, giving it an air of luxury. She smiled knowingly. "Receiving chocolate from me is a privilege for Kyouya."
Finished products:
Reimu: Slightly misshapen round chocolates dusted with sugar, simple yet imbued with a curious sincerity.
Yukari: Heart-shaped chocolates adorned with purple frosting and gold leaf, exuding mystery and elegance.
Remilia: Dark brown chocolates, smooth as a mirror, with the fragrant allure of blueberry liqueur, reflecting her noble aura.
Mokou: A hefty, solid block of chocolate, plain but radiating warmth and reliability.
Aya: Bird-shaped chocolates symbolizing her tengu heritage, intricately detailed and adorable.
Marisa stirred her pot of chocolate energetically, her movements resembling a magical experiment. "Hey, I'm gonna make sure this chocolate blows Kengo's taste buds away!" she said with a laugh, but the chocolate splattered from her vigorous stirring.
Suika snatched the pot from her. "Are you making chocolate or alchemy? Here, let me show you how it's done!" She expertly added a splash of liquor to the chocolate, sneaking a sip as she worked.
"Suika, no slacking!" Sakuya admonished sharply while gracefully handling her molds to craft perfect rose-shaped chocolates.
In the corner, Youmu stood silently, meticulously slicing nuts and embedding them into the chocolate with the precision of a sword master.
Komachi lazily stirred her chocolate mixture, humming a tune. "This should be a piece of cake for Kengo, right? Still, it's kinda fun to make." Despite her casual demeanor, she subtly added a pinch of saffron to enhance the chocolate's aroma.
Finished products:
Marisa: Roughly shaped large chocolate chunks, chaotic yet imbued with the energy of magical experiments.
Suika: Richly aromatic round chocolates with oni-face sugar frostings on top.
Sakuya: Delicately crafted rose-shaped chocolates with elegant red frosting, exuding sophistication.
Youmu: Sword-shaped chocolates with embedded nuts, minimalistic yet dignified.
Komachi: Three-layer chocolates with a rich liquor filling and saffron-infused aroma, lazy yet refined.
Sanae nervously stirred her chocolate mixture, carefully pouring it into a mold. "Tamami-san will definitely like this, right?" Her voice carried an air of anticipation, but Kaguya scoffed dismissively. "Making these is just a formality. No need to be so nervous."
Yuyuko smiled gently. "Kaguya, are you sure you're not looking forward to this yourself? Your hands seem more honest than your words." She expertly adorned her chocolates with floral sugar frosting, her movements graceful.
Patchouli focused on adjusting her chocolate's temperature with magic, ensuring its gloss and texture were perfect. "This was supposed to be a simple holiday tradition. How did it get so complicated?" she murmured.
Flandre excitedly held up her star-shaped chocolate. "Tamami-niisan will definitely love this! Mine's the cutest!" she declared with enthusiasm, eliciting chuckles from the others.
Finished products:
Sanae: Pure white chocolates shaped like a shrine, radiating sincerity.
Kaguya: Deep black bamboo-shaped chocolates with a refreshing matcha filling.
Yuyuko: Round chocolates adorned with floral sugar frosting, resembling an exquisite piece of art.
Patchouli: Transparent chocolate shells encasing rich red wine ganache, delicate and sophisticated.
Flandre: Star-shaped chocolates sprinkled with colorful sugar beads, lively and sweet.
As the chocolates were completed, the kitchen filled with a rich, enticing aroma. The girls each gazed at their creations, their emotions a mix of complexity and anticipation, as they awaited the arrival of Valentine's Day.
The courtyard of the Hakurei Shrine on Valentine's Day
Gentle sunlight poured over the shrine's veranda as Kyouya leaned lazily against a pillar, casually swirling a cup of tea with an air of ease. Nearby, Reimu pretended to adjust the sleeves of her shrine maiden outfit, her ears subtly perking up as if waiting for something.
Yukari gracefully emerged from a gap, holding a finely crafted box in her hands, her smile filled with mischief. "Kyouya, today is a special day, and this is a token of my affection," she said, her tone carrying a touch of ambiguity as her gaze locked onto him.
Kyouya glanced up at her confident expression and instantly slipped into his chuunibyou mode.
Standing upright, he placed one hand over his chest and declared solemnly, "Oh, great youkai sage, to receive such a precious gift from your hands is the greatest honor for a humble tsukumogami like me!" His tone was so serious it seemed he was accepting a divine mission.
Yukari raised an eyebrow, hiding a chuckle behind her folding fan. "Hmm, with words like that, I suppose I'm quite satisfied."
Reimu couldn't help but let out a huff, pushing her own box of chocolates toward Kyouya. "Hey, this is mine. Don't get any weird ideas—it's just giri chocolate!" she said nonchalantly, deliberately avoiding his gaze.
Accepting the chocolate, Kyouya's smile softened as he knelt slightly, holding the box aloft in a gesture of reverence. "Oh, shrine maiden, your sentiment is like the radiance of heavenly light that dispels the darkness for a mere tsukumogami such as myself. This giri gift will remain etched in my soul."
Reimu's blush spread to her ears, and she waved her hand as if annoyed. "What nonsense about heavenly light? Just take it already! Stop being so dramatic!"
Not far away, Remilia approached with her usual elegance, carrying an intricately designed chocolate box that looked like a work of art. Lifting her head proudly, she said, "Kyouya, this is a token of my goodwill as the Scarlet Devil. Treasure it well, or there will be consequences."
Kyouya bowed slightly, his voice brimming with respect. "Your Majesty, Queen of Vampires, to accept your gracious gift is an unparalleled honor. This chocolate, a gem under the moonlight, will be the treasure of my humble existence."
Remilia's lips curved upward, her face feigning indifference as she raised her chin. "At least you know its value."
"Hey, Kyouya, this one's from me!" Mokou shoved a box of chocolates into his hands with an air of frustration. Her tone carried a hint of embarrassed irritation. "Don't think it's a big deal—I just threw it together, so don't overthink it!"
Kyouya chuckled warmly, his gaze tender. "Ah, the phoenix herself. Your passion and directness are as comforting as this chocolate. I'll cherish itswarmth, even if it burns like fire."
Mokou froze for a moment before quickly looking away, her voice clearly flustered. "W-who cares if you cherish it? Do what you want!"
The last to arrive was Aya, who landed lightly from the sky, holding a chocolate box adorned with a lovely feather. "Kyouya, this is just part of my Valentine's Day report—don't think it's anything special."
Taking the chocolate, Kyouya smiled gently. "Oh, great tengu, your chocolate is far more than a mere report. It is the culmination of your keen journalistic instincts and delicate spirit, and I will treasure it as a most precious gift."
Aya smirked faintly, a subtle warmth flickering in her gaze. "Good. Don't forget you owe me an interview later."
After receiving everyone's chocolates, Kyouya deliberately stood in the center of the shrine courtyard, addressing the five girls with his characteristic chuunibyou flair. "Ladies, today I, Kyouya, have been showered with your kindness, leaving me overwhelmed and humbled. These chocolates are my light, my life, treasures a humble tsukumogami like me can never forget!"
He paused for a moment, then smiled sincerely. "Thank you. Truly."
In the courtyard, the five girls wore a variety of expressions—shy, annoyed, proud, or barely concealed smiles—but their hearts were all touched by a shared, inexplicable sweetness.
Valentine's Day in the Forest of Magic
The morning mist of the Forest of Magic had yet to dissipate, and soft light filtered through the dense leaves, casting dappled patterns on the ground.
Kengo was crouched in a clearing, harvesting freshly ripened crops. His movements were steady and practiced, a peaceful smile gracing his face as he worked, completely unaware of the pairs of eyes peeking at him from behind the trees.
"Hey, Kengo! We've got a whole group here, and you didn't even notice?" Marisa stepped out first, holding a chocolate box decorated with black and yellow stripes. Her tone was a mix of annoyance and barely concealed embarrassment.
Kengo straightened up, brushing dirt off his hands as he turned around with his signature warm smile. "Oh, Marisa, what brings you all here? Do you need something from me?"
Marisa turned her head away, her tone defiant but tinged with shyness. "It's not like that! It's Valentine's Day, so I brought you this… But don't get any ideas; it's just giri chocolate!" She shoved the box into Kengo's hands, trying to mask her nervousness with a stern expression.
Kengo took the chocolate, carefully inspecting the packaging, and let out a gentle laugh. "Giri chocolate? With packaging this thoughtful, it doesn't seem like something you just threw together." His tone was light and teasing, but his gaze held genuine gratitude.
Marisa's face turned crimson as she waved a hand dismissively. "Stop talking nonsense and just take it already!"
"Alright, alright. I'll treasure it and not even dare to eat it," Kengo said with a soft chuckle, carefully placing the chocolate into a nearby basket.
Next, Suika stepped forward, her signature boisterous grin on her face as she held out a uniquely shaped chocolate with the words "Let's Drink" carved into it. She clapped Kengo on the shoulder and said loudly, "Kengo, this one's from me! It might not look like much, but I promise it tastes great. Consider it a thank-you for always fixing up my party venues!"
Kengo examined the "rugged" chocolate with a serious look before breaking into a laugh. "This design is so very Suika. How could I ever bring myself to eat it? But… if you could spill a little less booze on the grounds next time, I'd be even more grateful."
Suika burst out laughing, slapping her thigh. "You cheeky guy! But I'll let it slide since you've got a good sense of humor."
Sakuya stepped forward with a calm and composed demeanor, holding a box wrapped in pure white ribbon. Her voice was steady and polite as she said, "Kengo-san, this is a chocolate I made with my own hands under the mistress's approval. Please accept it." She handed the box over with movements as graceful as a formal bow.
Kengo took the box and gently untied the ribbon to reveal a flawless chocolate sculpture inside. He let out a soft gasp of admiration. "Such a delicate work of art… Sakuya, your craftsmanship is truly impressive. It feels almost wrong to eat it—like I'd be destroying a masterpiece."
Sakuya inclined her head slightly, her voice still cool and collected. "If you don't eat it, it would make my efforts go to waste." Yet as she spoke, the faintest blush crept across the tips of her ears.
Komachi sauntered over lazily, holding a casually wrapped box of chocolates. She yawned as she handed it over, her tone relaxed. "Kengo, here you go. Don't think it means anything special—I just got the urge to make some chocolates after a tiring day of work."
Kengo took the chocolates with a bemused smile. "If you made something this nice on a whim, Komachi, you've really outdone yourself."
Komachi smirked, letting out a soft hum. "Don't flatter me too much. You're just a big oblivious log, aren't you?"
Finally, Youmu approached, clutching a small box in her hands, her gaze darting nervously. She kept her head down and spoke in a quiet voice, "Kengo-san… I made this myself. I hope you'll accept it."
Kengo paused for a moment before reaching out to take the box, his warm smile as steady as ever. "Youmu, I'll cherish it. Don't worry—I'll find it too precious to eat."
Youmu's head shot up in alarm, her voice flustered. "N-no! You have to eat it! I made it especially for you, so you have to taste it."
Kengo blinked in surprise before nodding earnestly. "Alright, I'll make sure to savor every bite. Thank you for putting so much thought into it."
After carefully placing all the chocolates together, Kengo pulled out a selection of his freshly harvested produce and handed it to each of the girls. "Here's my return gift. I hope you'll like it."
Marisa accepted the gift and pretended not to care, though she couldn't help grumbling internally. This guy… How does he not get it? He's even thicker than Rinnosuke!
Suika laughed heartily, holding her gift. "Haha, you're really something, giving farm produce as a return gift. But… putting so much thought into it, does it mean anything special?"
Sakuya looked down at the meticulously arranged produce, her brows furrowing slightly. "Such a thoughtful return gift… It's so dependable it leaves no room for argument. But this guy… he's still an unromantic blockhead."
Komachi lazily cradled her gift, her voice as nonchalant as ever. "Huh, really keeping it casual, huh?" But deep down, a faint sweetness bubbled up in her heart.
Youmu held her gift tightly, her expression conflicted. Kengo-san really does see us as just friends, doesn't he? But why is he so kind… making it impossible not to feel something more?
Though none of the girls said it aloud, the emotions in their hearts quietly grew stronger. Meanwhile, Kengo remained his warm and steady self, completely oblivious as he played the role of the dependable "neighborhood big brother."
Valentine's Day at Moriya Shrine
The morning at Moriya Shrine was as tranquil as ever, with sunlight spilling across the wooden pillars, adding a touch of warmth to the courtyard.
Tamami was busy preparing breakfast, and the enticing aroma wafted out from the kitchen. Just as he was about to serve the last dish, he heard the familiar sound of footsteps outside the door.
"Sanae-san, do you need a new prayer technique for the pond today?" Tamami poked his head out, only to see not just Sanae but also Patchouli, Flandre, Yuyuko, and Kaguya. The five of them stood at the entrance, each holding uniquely wrapped boxes of chocolates.
Their expressions ranged from shy and expectant to calm and collected, but all carried an unusual undertone.
Tamami blinked in surprise, then smiled warmly. "Oh my, what brings everyone to the shrine today? Is there something special going on?"
Sanae tried to mask the blush creeping onto her face, clearing her throat awkwardly. "N-no, nothing really… It's just… well, we wanted to talk to you, but… let's have breakfast first!"
"Alright! I've just finished preparing some new dishes. I hope they suit everyone's tastes," Tamami replied with a cheerful chuckle and quickly brought out the carefully prepared breakfast.
The table was laden with a variety of colorful and aromatic dishes, each seemingly tailored to the preferences of the individual girls.
Patchouli elegantly picked up her fork, taking a delicate bite of the soup. Her voice was calm but carried a hint of approval. "This vegetable soup is very refreshing, with a touch of shiso leaf… You made this especially for me, didn't you?"
"Ah, yes!" Tamami nodded enthusiastically. "You mentioned last time that shiso helps with regulating energy flow, so I thought I'd try adding it. How is it?"
Patchouli gave a small nod, her tone reserved but her eyes betraying her satisfaction. "Not bad… better than what I usually make."
Flandre, on the other hand, was far more animated. She took small bites of Tamami's special strawberry cake, happily swinging her legs. "Tamami-niisan, this strawberry cake is amazing! It's even better than what our chefs at the Scarlet Devil Mansion make. Can I eat this every day?"
Tamami scratched the back of his head, smiling sheepishly. "If you like it, I can make more for you. I could even teach your chefs if you'd like."
"No way!" Flandre puffed her cheeks indignantly, her voice tinged with childish defiance. "I only want what you make! No one else's will do!"
Yuyuko, meanwhile, savored the handmade sushi rolls, her gentle smile never fading. "Tamami-san, your cooking is simply irresistible… Oh, and this sushi with sake-marinated shrimp is particularly delightful."
Tamami waved his hand modestly, his grin warm. "I'm glad you like it, Yuyuko-san! I remembered you mentioning how much you enjoyed the shrimp from Hakugyokurou, so I thought I'd try a little twist."
Kaguya slowly picked up the charcoal-grilled eel from the table, taking her time to savor it. Her soft voice carried an air of aristocratic praise. "Tamami, your cooking transcends mere 'good.' It's an art form. Honestly, I wonder if you're a reincarnated culinary god."
Tamami burst into hearty laughter, waving his hand dismissively. "Kaguya-san, you're exaggerating! I'm just… a regular old tsukumogami. Nothing more, nothing less. Really, just an ordinary guy."
The five girls paused at his words, their chopsticks freezing midair as their expressions turned subtly complicated.
After breakfast, the five exchanged glances before Sanae stepped forward, taking the lead. "Tamami-san, today is Valentine's Day, and we've prepared some small gifts for you. We hope you'll accept them…"
Tamami blinked and gave a slightly puzzled smile. "Valentine's Day? Oh! That's the day people exchange chocolates, right? No wonder you all came together!"
"It's not exchanging!" Patchouli frowned slightly, correcting him with a hint of exasperation. "It's giving, not exchanging."
Flandre quickly jumped in, shoving a pink box into Tamami's hands. "Tamami-niisan, I made this myself! It's super sweet!"
Yuyuko handed over a box elegantly wrapped in golden silk, her serene smile unwavering. "Tamami-san, I prepared this just for you. I hope you'll like it."
Kaguya wordlessly offered her chocolate, her tone carrying a hint of haughty detachment. "Don't overthink it; it's just… part of a return gesture."
Sanae, meanwhile, nervously extended her chocolate, her voice dropping to a shy murmur. "This is… to thank you for all your help these past two years… And breakfast was really delicious…"
Tamami accepted each chocolate in turn, nodding gratefully. "Thank you all! I'll make sure to carefully study the flavors so I can make desserts for our next tea gathering that better match everyone's tastes!"
The girls fell silent at his response, their expressions shifting in a mix of emotions.
Patchouli sighed softly. "He's as oblivious as ever… completely missing the real meaning behind these chocolates."
Flandre pouted, shaking her little fists. "Hmph! Tamami-niisan must be too shy! But that's okay—I'll make even sweeter ones next time!"
Yuyuko smiled faintly, her tone carrying a touch of resignation. "This boy… so pure it's almost frustrating."
Kaguya scoffed lightly, crossing her arms. "Well, I suppose that's… part of his charm." Yet her eyes betrayed a glimmer of disappointment.
Sanae clasped her face in her hands, whispering to herself. "He really thinks these are just ordinary chocolates… But, well, I am looking forward to afternoon tea…"
From the sidelines, Kanako and Suwako had been watching the entire exchange, their amusement barely concealed.
Suwako snickered mischievously. "Haha, Sanae and the others are really bold. But this tsukumogami is just hopelessly dense."
Kanako covered her mouth as she chuckled, her tone dripping with playful mockery. "Indeed, it's rare to see someone embody 'oblivious' so perfectly."