So many geniuses in anime! What's wrong with me joining?

"While it's true it doesn't matter, I really dislike seeing a cute child like you looking so sad."

"Cute... me?" Hearing the compliment, Shiina Mahiru looked at her, her gaze unwavering.

If anyone else had said that, she would have accepted it as usual without giving it much thought. But hearing it from someone even more outstanding than herself made her feel a little embarrassed.

"Mhm, do you not think you're cute?" Sakurakoji Talent asked back with a smile.

"...I do. If I were really cute, why wouldn't they like me?"

Her mood, which had been lifting, was suppressed again. Shiina Mahiru lowered her head once more, a few faint tears welling up in the corners of her eyes, exuding a sense of resistance and dark gloom.

Oh dear... Seeing her enveloped by negative emotions again, Sakurakoji Talent inwardly clicked his tongue. Teenagers' emotions really fluctuate so easily.

But thinking about her background, it wasn't surprising she felt this way.

Although born into wealth, her parents' marriage was an arrangement, and both were fond of fooling around outside. Even she herself was the product of an unexpected night. Sitting here alone today was probably because her mother had scolded her with harsh words again.

She was accomplished in both academics and martial arts, cute and sensible, and had trained various skills well, yet she was ignored and disliked by both parents. She had never even received a gift since childhood and occasionally had to serve as an emotional trash can for their negative feelings. Even so, she didn't give up or blame fate, merely hiding in a corner to process her negative emotions and lick her wounds alone. She was so well-behaved it made one's heart ache.

Damn scumbag parents!

To not cherish such an outstanding child, they should be lined up and shot!

Suppressing the urge to immediately call his second uncle and have him use his venomously cunning and dark capitalistic might to drive those scumbag parents into bankruptcy and onto the streets, Sakurakoji Talent put on a kind and approachable expression and said softly:

"Perhaps it's because they're blind. The world is full of all sorts of oddballs, we can't punish ourselves for their mistakes."

"Here, have some dessert first. It's most effective when you're feeling down!"

He then took out a box of Coffee Jelly and placed it in her arms. Shiina Mahiru, who had been holding the swing rope, quickly let go and took the item that fell into her lap.

"...Thank you," Shiina Mahiru whispered.

"You're welcome," Sakurakoji Talent walked to the empty swing next to her, casually brushed off some dust, sat down, and also took out a dessert from his food bag. After opening the lid, he continued, "My name is Ogura Asahi, and yours?"

Let it be known, he used this name purely because he was too lazy to come up with another one on the spot, not because of any other meaning. Everyone who has struggled with naming new accounts should understand, right?

"Ogura Asahi, big sister... My name is Shiina Mahiru."

"Mahiru-chan? That's a very beautiful name."

"Thank you."

After being complimented, Shiina Mahiru's cheeks flushed slightly. She brought the dessert box up to her face to shield it, and after a few seconds, she followed suit and opened the lid.

Perhaps because the other person was of such high caliber, incredibly approachable, and of the same gender, meaning she wouldn't have any ulterior motives, Shiina Mahiru's usual wariness and strong independent mindset unconsciously vanished.

A sweet aroma wafted into her nostrils. Using the provided plastic spoon, she scooped a piece from the firm, caramel-colored jelly and put it in her mouth. Her eyes and expression immediately lit up, sweeping away the previous gloom.

So sweet and delicious!

This was definitely a high-quality product!

After just one bite, Shiina Mahiru, who had eaten at many high-class restaurants, immediately judged the quality of the item in her hand. She couldn't help but look at Sakurakoji Talent again, her gaze filled with even more curiosity and complexity. Who exactly was this big sister?

"Tastes pretty good, doesn't it?" Sakurakoji Talent asked with a smile, noticing her gaze.

"Mhm, it's very delicious," Shiina Mahiru affirmed.

"That's good. Although it's a little worse than what I make, it's still quite good. It wouldn't be impolite to serve it to guests," Sakurakoji Talent gave a passable evaluation.

"Big sister is also good at cooking?" Shiina Mahiru asked in surprise, while also feeling a bit skeptical.

The taste of this jelly was already very professional and high-class in her opinion. Could the other person really make something even tastier? She looked at Sakurakoji Talent's appearance and internally dismissed the idea.

It didn't seem like it. They didn't look like someone skilled in cooking at all.

"I'm alright. Does Mahiru-chan usually cook for herself?" Sakurakoji Talent asked, smiling enigmatically.

"Although I can't guarantee the quality, I usually cook for myself," Shiina Mahiru replied somewhat defiantly, feeling a little confident in her own culinary skills.

"Hmph~ that's very good. Not many kids these days cook for themselves."

"But you said you usually cook for yourself, do you not live with your parents?"

"Ah," Shiina Mahiru covered her mouth lightly, realizing she might have revealed some information. She looked at the non-malicious Sakurakoji Talent and hesitated, "Yes."

"I see, it seems the situation is a bit complicated," Sakurakoji Talent said with feigned nonchalance, as if hearing it for the first time. He didn't press further and changed the topic.

"By the way, it's already March, and the school year is ending soon. What grade is Mahiru-chan in this year?"

"Third year of junior high..." Saying this, Shiina Mahiru's expression visibly drooped again.

Wait, what's going on? Did I step on a landmine again?

Sakurakoji Talent's eyes widened in confusion. How could he hit a sensitive topic with just a few casual questions? This place seems to be full of landmines.

However, after a moment's thought, he understood the problem.

Third year of junior high meant graduation was imminent. Graduation meant a graduation ceremony, and a graduation ceremony required family members to be present. Given Shiina Mahiru's family situation, no one would likely accompany her.

For others, it was a joyous milestone entering a new stage of life. For her, it might be an unforgettable, painful black mark.

Perhaps the reason she was sitting here today was because she had asked her parents to attend her graduation ceremony and was refused?

Knowing the crux of the problem, it became easier to handle. Sakurakoji Talent's lips curved upwards with renewed confidence.

"Third year of junior high? That means you're graduating soon! Congratulations, congratulations!"

Shiina Mahiru didn't answer, just turned her head away silently, perhaps cursing Sakurakoji Talent to forget his spoon the next time he ate dessert!

"Ahem, what I mean is, I haven't been to anyone else's graduation ceremony before."

"Mahiru-chan, can I go to your graduation ceremony with you?"

Sakurakoji Talent quickly followed up, then flashed a confident smile.

This round, the advantage is still mine!

Image: "Main Character with Image", Location: "Images/1755351889-100446961-113731865.jpg"

Volume 1: The Bee-Attracting Daily Life : Chapter 49: Brought Home by Shiina Mahiru

"You want to come to my graduation ceremony?" Shiina Mahiru turned her head to look at him, her face full of surprise.

"Yeah, I just feel like it would be quite interesting, is that okay?" 'Ogura Asahi' put on a worried expression, a mix of anticipation and fear of rejection, looking at her pitifully.

"It's not that it's not okay..." Unable to stand his gaze, Shiina Mahiru slowly looked away and whispered.

"Hm? What did you say?" His voice was too quiet for him to hear.

Shiina Mahiru's heart skipped a beat, the lines of her skin trembled, she gritted her teeth, as if making a decision, and raised her voice to him, "If you really want to come, then it's not impossible!"

"Really? Thank you!" Sakurakoji Talent exclaimed with feigned excitement and thanked her happily.

"...There's nothing to thank me for." Shiina Mahiru muttered.

"Then it's settled. Here's my contact information. Please send me the time and location when it's decided. I'll definitely be there." He stood up, walked in front of her, and as usual, took out his phone and operated it skillfully.

"I believe you won't forget about this after you go back and then block me, right?"

"Of course not!"

Shiina Mahiru said indignantly, what kind of person did he think she was!

Putting away his phone and seeing the newly added friend avatar, Sakurakoji Talent's eyes flashed with the smile of a goal achieved. Another source of points, his mood greatly improved!

"Then I should be going back too. Mahiru-chan, you should go back early too." Seeing that it was getting late and the tasks were done, Sakurakoji Talent said.

"Are you leaving already?" Shiina Mahiru looked up abruptly, a hint of reluctance in her eyes. It seemed as if they would never meet again once she left.

Although they hadn't known each other for long, the other party's kindness made her feel warmth after a long time, even her gloomy mood had eased, and she was reluctant to part and end it so quickly.

"Don't want to see me go?" Seeing her like a lost fawn, Sakurakoji Talent couldn't help but tease.

"No way! Hurry up and leave!" Shiina Mahiru turned her head away, pretending not to care, but her voice trembled slightly.

"I'll leave, of course, but I suddenly feel a bit hungry. Ah~ Is there anywhere I can get some dinner?" 'Ogura Asahi' turned his head, his eyes still glancing forward, as if expecting something.

Didn't you just eat a snack?

Shiina Mahiru grumbled inwardly, but of course, she didn't say it out loud. Instead, she said:

"Then do you want to come to my place? I was just about to go back and cook, and it can be my thank you for the snack."

"Can I? Thank you!"

"You're welcome."

Feeling like their positions had reversed, Shiina Mahiru couldn't help but chuckle a couple of times.

"Then please follow me."

Shiina Mahiru stood up, walked past him, and led the way, heading out of the park.

Sakurakoji Talent picked up the bag and followed closely behind her. He sighed inwardly, it seemed he would have to take leave from Starlight tonight. He took out his phone and sent a leave request to Ichiji Hoshika.

A few minutes later, following Shiina Mahiru's steps, the two entered a high-class apartment building. After swiping their cards to enter and taking the empty elevator to the fifth floor, they stepped out of the elevator and walked a few steps before Shiina Mahiru stopped in front of the room with the number 502.

She took out her key, opened the door, and walked straight in, casually turning on the light, illuminating the slightly dim interior. She took off her shoes at the entrance.

"I'm home."

Her somewhat lonely voice echoed in the empty room.

"Welcome home!"

Sakurakoji Talent put down his phone and chimed in, having just finished a rather heated debate with Ichiji Hoshika and successfully gained her understanding through a barrage of bowing emojis.

Hearing the voice behind her, Shiina Mahiru turned to look at him, her heart warming.

"Welcome to my humble abode, please come in."

"Thank you for having me."

Taking off his boots, he stepped directly onto the immaculately clean wooden floor inside, surveying the room's furnishings.

All the furniture was neatly placed in its proper position, with almost no deviation. Books and stationery were arranged neatly, and household items were organized in perfect order. The overall appearance was very clean and tidy. However, there were no dolls or various small trinkets that children of this age would like. The excessive neatness made it lack a certain liveliness.

"Sorry, I didn't expect anyone to come over, so I don't have any guest slippers – please wear mine!"

Shiina Mahiru only then noticed that she hadn't bought any guest slippers and looked flustered, about to offer him her own shoes.

"No, this is fine. I'm already happy that you let me come, don't worry about such small things." He stopped her and continued, "By the way, can I use the refrigerator?"

"?" Shiina Mahiru looked confused, "You can, but what do you need it for?"

Sakurakoji Talent smiled, walked to the refrigerator, and began putting away the items he had carried all the way.

"Huh? Aren't you taking these with you later?" Shiina Mahiru's eyes widened in surprise. She hadn't expected him to leave the desserts here—these were quite valuable.

"It's fine, it's fine. I have plenty at home, and I was in a hurry, so I didn't prepare anything else. Consider these a housewarming gift." After placing the last item in the refrigerator, he closed the door and said with a smile.

"Um, can I start cooking now?"

"Ah, yes, please have a seat first. I'll start right away!" Shiina Mahiru realized, walked into the kitchen, put on an apron with a cute pattern, tied her braided hair into a ponytail with a hair tie, and skillfully wielded her knife, preparing the ingredients.

Hoh, she looks the part.

Sakurakoji Talent walked to the sofa and sat down of his own accord. He observed her smooth movements, raising an eyebrow in slight surprise. Such proficiency didn't seem like that of a beginner. However, whether she could actually cook well was another matter entirely.

"This is delicious." Sakurakoji Talent exclaimed, looking at the croquettes and chicken char siu in front of him.

"Do you like it? That's great!" Shiina Mahiru, who had been frowning nervously, saw that he liked it and clutched her chest, letting out a sigh of relief.

"Yes, your cooking is excellent! Not many kids your age have your culinary skills!" Sakurakoji Talent praised.

While it can't compare to mine, the taste isn't inferior to ordinary restaurants outside. Compared to people of the same age, she's outstanding. And it has a unique personal style—not bad.

"Thank you for the compliment!" Feeling relieved, Shiina Mahiru also started eating the food in her bowl.

During the meal, as Sakurakoji Talent continuously initiated conversations, the atmosphere in the previously quiet and cold room gradually warmed up, the soft lighting fitting in surprisingly well.

Image: "Full of Homey Vibes", Location: "Images/1755351990-100446961-113731869.jpg"

Volume 1: The Butterfly-Attracting Daily Life : Chapter 50: Seamless Transition