Chapter 133: Keli Keli

Naoko’s birthday was just a month away.

Although Yukina had once deliberately pushed this matter to the back of her mind, it had been brought up again today.

So, taking advantage of the time after school, Yukina spent a long time choosing a gift in a shop.

But in the end, she couldn’t think of anything Naoko needed or lacked.

If it were for “Yanase Naoto,” there might be room for imagination.

But as “Magical Girl Ephnel,” Naoko could have whatever she wanted.

As long as it was something sold in this city, Naoko had enough funds to enjoy it.

In the end, Yukina’s own allowance came from Naoko.

As soon as she thought about it that way, she was immediately trapped in the strange thought cycle of “is there really any meaning in doing this?”

In the end, Yukina could only ask the shop assistant for suggestions without any real idea, and the answers she got were just various fancy little gifts with no practical use.

None of those were what Yukina was looking for.

To make Naoko happy, to make her smile, to be able to help her, to make her feel loved—that was Yukina’s goal.

But…

Naoko had lost an eye.

That was something Yukina could never give her.

“It’s okay. I’m willing to wait for you.”

Ephnel’s eyelashes fluttered.

Her gaze hadn’t left Yukina since she entered the room.

“Then… can you eat with me, Naoko?”

“Of course!”

To Yukina’s surprise, Naoko seemed to be in high spirits, looking expectantly at the crepe in its paper bag in Yukina’s hand.

No matter how she looked at it, she didn’t seem like someone who was seriously injured and blind in one eye.

Yukina put down her tote bag and came to the bedside.

“By the way, did the doctor say anything about dietary restrictions?”

“He said I can’t drink alcohol or anything, but crepes aren’t on that list, so it’s fine.”

“Then I’ll feed you.”

“I can do it myself…”

Ephnel looked at the crepe being brought to her lips and demurred, feeling a little embarrassed.

“It’s okay. You just sit still. I’ll be in charge of taking care of Naoko today.”

Yukina held one in each hand, fed a bite to Ephnel, and anxiously watched her expression.

“How is it? Is it good?”

Actually, this wasn’t a crepe from a newly opened pastry shop.

Although it tasted pretty good and was a popular place frequented by students, it definitely couldn’t be called an “amazing delicacy.”

Just as she couldn’t imagine what kind of gift would delight Naoko, for an idol who had tasted all sorts of desserts, she probably wouldn’t find something like this particularly delicious.

Compared to the dessert shop outside the sports hall a few days ago, Yukina no longer had any confidence in this level of taste.

‘If it’s not good, then it’s meaningless.’

“Mmm… it tastes pretty good, better than the ones they sold at our old school.”

To Yukina’s surprise, Ephnel seemed to quite like the taste, which made Yukina smile.

“Why are you comparing it to that time?”

“Well… because the only crepe taste I remember is from that time… It might be a bit of an exaggeration, but I haven’t had a chance to eat this kind of thing since I left school.”

Ephnel gave an embarrassed smile and continued.

“I can’t help it. As an idol, I often get to eat all kinds of desserts, and the rest of the time is spent on nutrition and weight management. As a result, I’ve actually grown distant from more common things.”

“What’s this? Are you just saying you’ve been eating too well and have forgotten about your little sister who’s still eating simple food?”

Yukina complained sourly, resentful of the “past” when Naoko had left her all alone.

“You’re just showing off, aren’t you!”

“I’m sorry! I’ll never do it again!”

Yukina looked at the two crepes in her hands.

The one for Naoko was banana and light cream flavor.

Although it was a simple taste, it was suitable for most people.

Naoko’s small, neat teeth marks were left on it.

The other one was for herself, a flavor she usually chose, which she hadn’t started eating yet.

“Why aren’t you eating? Are you thinking about something?”

“Huh? N-no…”

Faced with Ephnel’s gaze, Yukina hesitated, then took a symbolic bite.

Yukina had been thinking all along about what to get Naoko for her birthday.

Whether it was food, clothes, or things to use, Naoko didn’t seem to lack anything.

‘What answer would I get if I asked Naoko directly?’

But even with that thought in her mind, Yukina couldn’t bring herself to ask.

In the end, even if she got a good answer, it would still seem a bit insincere.

Naoko’s birthday might be the first truly memorable day for just the two of them after they confirmed their relationship.

If she handled it carelessly, she would regret it later.

So Yukina wanted to do it perfectly with her own two hands, no matter what.

At the very least, she wanted Naoko to feel her sincerity, to feel the warmth from her hands, and to let her know that she was right by her side.

‘If Naoko can’t see with her right eye, I’ll be her right eye.’

But even now, Yukina still had no idea what gift to give Naoko.

She only had the determination, but no corresponding plan.

Yukina couldn’t help but sigh.

“Yukina, what flavor is that? It looks delicious~”

Yukina looked at Ephnel, who was looking at the half-eaten treat in her hand with a hint of expectation.

“This is chocolate flavor… The taste is a bit one-dimensional, it tastes… kind of like a cola mousse?”

Compared to the banana and light cream flavor that suited most people’s tastes, the chocolate flavor was less commonly chosen.

Only loyal fans who had tried every crepe in the shop would choose this flavor.

Or perhaps, a newcomer who had never tried it might be deceived by the misleading words “chocolate flavor” and choose this taste that was far from actual chocolate.

As her mind wandered, Yukina noticed that Naoko was staring at the crepe in her hand.

Then, Naoko suddenly said—

“Can I have a taste?”

Yukina was startled and almost dropped the crepe on the floor.

“I-is that okay?”

If it was okay, she would be more than happy.

Of course, Yukina wanted to as well, but actively asking to taste something the other person had eaten felt like she was aiming for an indirect kiss with Naoko, and Yukina was still a bit shy.

“You can eat mine too. We can switch and eat, then we can taste two different flavors~”

“In that case…”

Yukina’s throat moved.

She swapped the two crepes in her hands and brought the one she had been eating to Ephnel’s lips.

“Then I won’t be polite!”

Ephnel’s smile widened, and Yukina could almost see the glimmer of light in her eyes.