Mandarin Orange, Kotatsu, And A Found Cat - Chapter 36 The Cat's Feelings

“We’ve done it. Surprisingly well done.”
“You’re good with your hands.”

It took us a few minutes to decide to make hedgehog-shaped cookies because of my careless words and actions.
We finished making the molds sooner than I had expected.

I’m not sure how it will turn out, but Mashiro’s art sense seems to be quite good, and the dough was well sculpted while retaining the cuteness of the hedgehog.

“Now we just need to see if it will turn out well.”
“You’re going to bake a cute little animal.”
“Please don’t say it like it’s a bad omen.”

Mashiro’s cheeks puffed up at my words, and I apologized to her, thinking inwardly how cute she looked.
I thought she was going to take the cookies to the oven, but she took them and walked in the opposite direction.

“I’m going to let these sit in the fridge for a bit first.”
“Does it change anything?”
“I’ve heard that this gives them a crispier texture.”

As a novice cook, I had my doubts about this process.
According to the recipe Mashiro had seen, it could be done without refrigerating, but it would be a little dry.

It was a time-consuming process, but the secret was to intersperse this process for a little while to make the baking more delicious.

“So let’s get everything else done while we’re waiting.”

After the animals are locked up in the cold, I use the free time to wash and clean the molds and bowls used for cooking.
I have a lot of respect for Mashiro for the way she uses her time effectively.
I wondered if she had been training to be a bride long before she met me, and her housewifely skills never stopped blooming.

　
As Mashiro and I were washing dishes side by side, she spoke to me a little later with an apologetic expression on her face.

“I’m sorry. You ended up helping me with a lot of things.”
“I asked you to let me do it because I wanted to. It’s been fun working with you, too.”
“I-I’m glad to hear that.”

Now that I thought about it, there have been many times when I’ve asked Mashiro to do something for me, but I don’t think we’ve ever done anything together.
In the end, Mashiro took the lead in making sweets for the first time for both of us, but it was a lot of fun to discuss what to do and how to do it.

When the two of us worked together, the cleanup was over in a matter of seconds.
It was still too early to start baking, so we decided to take a break and sat down on the sofa together to turn on the TV.

The TV was playing a relaxing program with several celebrities visiting various homes.
There was a picture-perfect scene of a happy family of three, with an elementary school-aged child and his parents.

“Hey, Mashiro, are you having fun?”

As I watched the video, I found myself asking Mashiro such a question.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. If it’s this show, I like it there, but…”
“No, that’s not what I mean…I mean…”
“What’s wrong? You seem a little out.”

That’s something I’ve always wanted to know, but never had the courage to ask.
I unconsciously formed the words and couldn’t come up with the right answer.
I looked away from Mashiro’s quizzical expression and slowly spun my words.

“It’s a little embarrassing to ask this again, but…are you dissatisfied with your current life with me?”
“…So that’s what you mean. Of course, I’m not dissatisfied.”
“R-Really? Do you ever wish you had a more…luxurious and spacious house?”
“…Haaaa.”
“Mashiro?”

I’m not sure why Mashiro sighed so loudly while my heart fluttered.

“Satou-san has a strange lack of self-confidence or a tendency to belittle himself.”
“It’s not like that…”
“Yes, it is. If that’s the case, I’ll make it clear.”

After saying that, she turned off the TV.
In the quiet room, Mashiro stared at me with a serious look in her eyes and opened her mouth.

“I’m really happy to have been picked up by Satou-san. It has nothing to do with luxury or the size of the house. The reason I’m here now, the reason I want to be here, is because it’s your house.”

At those words, I felt something tighten in my heart, and a warm feeling filled my chest.
She changed her serious gaze to a gentle expression before I knew it, and continued to speak.

“I was touched by Satou-san’s kindness and saw your sincerity, so I decided to stay here.
“M-Mashiro…”
“And yet, when you belittle yourself, it makes me feel like my will is being neglected.”
“…You’re right. I’m sorry.”

I put her words firmly in the back of my mind and bowed to Mashiro.
I had received such warm words from her, so I have to try and return the favor.

“No, I’m glad that you understand my feelings. Now, let’s bake some cookies.”

It’s true that I’m not the type of person who has much confidence in myself.
However, if I truly care about Mashiro, I should make an effort to improve it little by little.

“Yeah, I guess so.”

With that determination, I replied to her.