The Fourth Period Is Modern Chinese (Continued)

"Um... next time I'm asked, I'll answer properly... Sorry."

I took a step forward and lowered my head.

The moment what was in my heart left my mouth, it became a lie.

No matter how much I wanted to approach the "truth," there was no way to express a person's feelings completely. The instant they were spoken, they deteriorated. So, probably no one could know just how much of what I said had truly gotten across.

Words alone didn't feel sincere enough, so perhaps I could only convey my thoughts by properly bringing beautifully wrapped sweets as well.

"I see..."

Yet Yukino, who murmured softly, seemed to be smiling. Her pursed lips relaxed, her gaze softened, and the hand that had seemed unsure where to rest earlier grasped the wrapping of the gift box.

Then, just as I thought she was going to fiddle with the wrapping paper using those slender, nimble fingers, she began opening it the next second.

"Ah, hey, what are you doing...?"

Yukino didn't stop. Looking as delighted as a cat left home alone, she continued unwrapping it. Um, that was for your mother and the rest of Yukino's family to try...

I stood there dumbfounded, while Yukino smiled back at me.

"Save that for the next time you see my mother."

"Huh... there'll be a next time...?"

"Of course."

After giving that brief answer, Yukino smiled. It was the most unpleasant preview of the next episode I'd ever seen. It only made me think of those characters with countdown timers over their heads.

"Well then, since we have the chance, let's all eat together."

With a snap, Yukino opened the box. Cheers rose up: "Yay! Komachi was thinking of buying one for herself too~" "I love the sweets from this place—"

"Eh—, I think this