Chapter 75
Under the dim, flickering candlelight, Utaha's eyes shimmered with an indescribable emotion. Her lips parted slightly as she spoke in a soft, airy whisper.
"Thank you, Mineo-sensei."
With that, Utaha closed her eyes and silently made a wish before the birthday cake.
Once she opened them and blew out the candles, plunging the room into momentary darkness, Mineo quickly flicked the lights back on. Picking up a cake knife, he deftly cut a small slice and served it to her.
As Utaha took a bite, an overwhelming sweetness spread across her palate. At the same time, a similar warmth began to flow slowly through her heart.
The birthday banquet specially prepared for her lasted for over an hour before finally winding down. Since Utaha rarely had the chance to visit, Mineo had no intention of sending her home just yet.
Judging by her expression, she seemed keen on exploring his restaurant more thoroughly. With that in mind, Mineo led her up to the open-air garden on the very top floor.
The Dimensional Restaurant consisted of three floors in total, but the rooftop of the third floor featured a lush, open-air garden where guests could enjoy the sky. The garden was filled with blooming flowers, lounge chairs, swings, a tea table, and small benches carved from stone.
Since it was already night, the garden wasn't as vibrant as it would be during the day, but if one looked up, the starlit sky was so brilliant and dazzling that it would leave any guest breathless.
Utaha walked toward a swing and took a seat. She gently kicked off her high heels, letting her dainty, beautiful feet breathe in the open air. She began to sway slowly, her body moving rhythmically with the swing. As she breathed in the floral scent and gazed quietly at the night sky, Utaha felt a profound sense of peace settle over her soul.
Mineo walked over to the swing beside her and sat down. Neither of them spoke; they simply stared at the infinite sea of stars above their heads in comfortable silence. After about half a minute, Utaha let out a long, wistful sigh.
"Is this the kind of beautiful night view Mineo-kun gets to enjoy every day?"
"Mineo-kun's kingdom is truly a place that makes it easy for one to lose themselves..."
"It really is beautiful here. That's why I thought about bringing you up so you could relax."
"Staring at the night sky and breathing in the scent of flowers... it's as if all the fatigue accumulated throughout the day just washes away."
"Usually, Utaha is so busy writing every day that she doesn't have any free time for traveling. So, while you're at my place, don't feel awkward. Just let yourself go completely."
"Mineo-sensei is still the same as ever—a man who understands a woman's feelings perfectly and is incredibly good at guiding others."
Utaha turned her head slightly, fixing her gaze on Mineo. As she looked at his profile, her eyes seemed to sparkle. Unfortunately, due to the darkness of the night, Mineo didn't notice the faint blush gracing her porcelain skin.
"Since we're here to relax, let's not talk about anything too serious. Let's keep the topics light! Oh, right, Utaha—this is some fruit juice I just brought up. Give it a try."
As he spoke, Mineo handed her a glass. However, his gaze unconsciously flickered toward Utaha's beautiful pair of feet swinging in the air.
Taking the juice, Utaha noticed his lingering look. Instantly, the corners of her mouth curled upward into a mischievous, fox-like smile.
"Mineo-sensei, do they look good?"
"They do..."
"Then, would you like to see them from up close?"
"I would..."
"In that case, would Mineo-sensei like to become my boyfriend? If you agree to be my one and only boyfriend, you won't just get to see them every day—you can even go much further than that!"
Mineo's answers had been given almost reflexively. It wasn't until he heard Utaha's last sentence that he realized his little observation had been caught red-handed. This girl had walked him right into a trap. She really was a high-IQ woman; her observational skills were far too sharp!
Pinned by the gaze of Utaha's bright, piercing eyes, Mineo felt a bit overwhelmed. He gave a sharp, awkward cough.
"Uh, Utaha... what I was talking about just now was the night scenery!"
"As for looking at the scenery, I can do that every day. I don't think it has much to do with being your boyfriend or not..."
"Hmm? Is that so? Mineo-sensei, what I was referring to just now was also the night scenery. Were you perhaps thinking about something else...?"
Utaha tilted her head cutely, her eyes flashing with a playful glint. Just as Mineo was about to formulate a reply, he suddenly felt the weight of a pair of feet resting on his knees.
Utaha had shifted her sitting position. She leaned against the swing's chain and rested her legs across Mineo's lap. Her mischievous little toes wiggled slightly. A second later, she pulled them back and curled up into a ball on her swing.
"Mineo-sensei really is an untruthful man!"
"But then again, I've known you for so long, I really should have known what kind of character you have by now."
"When it comes to teasing girls, Mineo-sensei never stands on ceremony."
Hearing her words, Mineo gave a strained smile.
"Utaha, why do I feel like I'm being unfairly accused here?"
"Teasing girls? Is that even something I'm capable of?"
"I am clearly just someone who enjoys helping others! Don't you understand the concept of being helpful?"
"Helping others? It's not wrong for Mineo-sensei to put it that way. You truly are always happy to help!"
"It's just that..."
Utaha deliberately trailed off, letting the silence hang. A few seconds later, a sweet smile bloomed on her face. She slowly bit her lower lip and added in a teasing tone:
"It's just that while Mineo-sensei is busy 'helping' people, you also steal the hearts of those very people without a single shred of hesitation..."
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