The Chosen Wife || Jibaku Shounen Hanako-Kun

Part 1 (2/5)

(Y/N) quickly bowed in apology, her cheeks tinged with embarrassment. The man in the dark blue kimono glanced at the food in front of him before turning his gaze back to her with a playful smile.

"Oh? No, it wasn't rude at all. You see, I'm from the north, and we prefer our flavors to be a bit on the rich side. So, no worries, my lady," he said with a teasing lilt.

(Y/N) felt her face heat up slightly at his use of "my lady." His smile was kind, but his amber eyes held a mischievous glint.

'Ahh, he's teasing me... but I knew it! They really aren't from around here.'

"Still, I apologize," (Y/N) said, quickly collecting herself. "So, umm... northerners prefer richer flavors, do they? I'll have to remember that."

The man chuckled softly. "Oh no, I should be the one apologizing for my picky taste. But the food here is absolutely delicious~," he added with a playful grin.

As the daughter of renowned chefs, (Y/N) felt a surge of pride whenever someone complimented their family's cooking.

"Thank you very much!" she responded, her enthusiasm showing.

The man continued to study her with curious eyes, his smile widening. "No problem, my lady~ I see you have some rather unique dishes on the menu as well."

Flustered once more at the continued use of "my lady" as if she were some noblewoman rather than a simple commoner, (Y/N) nonetheless kept her tone polite.

"Yes, there's quite a bit of European influence in our cooking," she explained.

"European?" His amber eyes widened, and for a moment, (Y/N) noticed a sparkle in his gaze, like that of a curious child.

'Hmm, come to think of it, we still have some European desserts in the kitchen.'

"Could you wait just a moment?" (Y/N) asked, suddenly struck with an idea.

"Of course, but..." He tilted his head slightly in puzzlement as (Y/N) hurriedly excused herself and retreated to the kitchen.

***

Moments later, (Y/N) returned, carrying a tray with a cheerful smile. She placed a plate of sweets in front of the man in the dark blue kimono.

"Here you are!"

The man blinked, staring at the large, fluffy rings on the plate in front of him. "What are these?" he asked, tilting his head in confusion, his curiosity evident in his expression.

"Donuts! They're a European dessert," (Y/N) explained proudly. "We can't make a lot of them at once, but they're fluffy and sweet."

"Whoa, donuts, huh? I've never seen anything like them before!" His eyes lit up again, like a child discovering a new toy, and (Y/N) couldn't help but notice his mouth watering slightly at the sight of the sweets.

"They may look a little odd, but trust me, they're delicious," (Y/N) continued, amused by his excited expression.

The man gazed at the donuts with wide, eager eyes, and for a moment, (Y/N) imagined him with a wagging tail like an eager puppy. "May I have some~?" he asked, almost pleading.

"...Only if you promise not to tell," (Y/N) said with a playful smile, raising a finger to her lips.

The man's expression shifted from surprise to delight, his mischievous smile mirroring her teasing tone. "Thank you~ I'll be sure to keep it a secret," he replied, his eyes twinkling as he accepted the treat.

'Well, I only hope he likes them...' (Y/N) thought, watching as the man eagerly took a bite of the donut.