Bookwalker SS: Bringing You the Taste of Happiness

"What're you reading?"

Mahiru was relaxing on the sofa as usual, looking at something. It wasn't the diary she'd been reading the other day, but instead some sort of thick file.

Amane couldn't just peek into it, so he cast a glance at it upon noticing the many papers filed inside.

Noticing Amane's gaze, Mahiru looked up and said, "Ah, you mean this?" as she closed the file. The cover now visible, Amane saw that it was labeled 'Recipe Collection' in systematic handwriting, different from Mahiru's usual script.

"This was given to me by Koyuki-san when she retired. By that time, I had already mastered and memorized all the recipes she taught me, but she had still compiled all of the recipes I'd learned until that point as 'proof of my skills' and gave it to me as a parting gift," Mahiru explained, fondly stroking the somewhat faded but carefully stored file with her fingertips. Her eyes reflected a sense of nostalgia—not at Amane—but likely for a certain someone else.

"I see… It must be very precious to you."

"It would be no exaggeration to say that this file contains the very origins of my cooking. Without Koyuki-san's guidance, I wouldn't be this skilled at cooking, and I probably would have never thought about making meals for you, Amane-kun."

"Got it. So it's not just the root of my happiness, but yours too. When you put it that way, it's incredibly precious and important."

For Amane, Mahiru's cooking was the very embodiment of happiness, and this file was the source of that joy, filled with happy memories for Mahiru.

"Should I leave you to it then? If you're reminiscing on precious memories, it might be better if I left."

"No, I'd rather you see them…I wish to share these happy memories of mine with you, Amane-kun."

"Alright…then I'd love to see it as well."

Mahiru gladly opened the file, revealing recipes written in neat, easy-to-read handwriting. It was filled with meticulous notes, the dates she first cooked each dish, and her impressions of the taste. Just looking at it conveyed a deep sense of love. The recipes ranged from simple to complex dishes, making it evident just how thoroughly Koyuki had trained Mahiru. Not to mention, it conveyed just how much Koyuki held Mahiru dear.

"Mind if I try cooking something from this?" Amane asked. "I don't mind, but…where did that come from?"

"Well, all your favorite and precious dishes are written here, right? That's why I wanna try making them for you. Oh, but if it'll ruin your memories or something, I won't do it!"

Now that he had the chance, he wanted to recreate the taste of happiness for her. While it could've come across as egotistical considering his skill level, Mahiru blinked her large eyes and then broke into a youthful smile.

"…May I look forward to it? You know, I'm quite particular about flavor." Mahiru teased.

"Argh, well, if you'd please guide and instruct me as needed, I'd appreciate it."

Realizing that perfectly recreating the recipes Mahiru held dear would be

impossible without her help, Amane requested her assistance. Mahiru laughed amusingly and said, "Leave it to me," her voice bubbling with excitement.