Crossover: After deciding to give up, i became popular

As Kanade checked the paper the store clerk had slipped him, he confirmed it was indeed her contact information.

Before he could react further, Eriri suddenly snatched it from his hand, grumbling under her breath, "Older women are the worst! Always looking to snatch up younger guys! Just like that black-stockinged, voluptuous woman!"

"…"

Kanade opened his mouth to clarify that Kasumigaoka-senpai was only a year older than him, but seeing Eriri's pouting face and her sharp little tiger tooth peeking out in a mock "fierce" display, he decided to let it slide.

Mentioning Kasumigaoka right now? That'd be like summoning a storm of twin-tailed fury.

It might not hurt physically, but the embarrassment of being lectured in public would be unbearable.

"You agree with me, right, Kanade?" Eriri turned to him with expectant eyes.

"Uh, yeah, absolutely. Older women are totally not an option..." Kanade nodded quickly, playing along.

Eriri seemed satisfied with his answer. She smiled brightly, her mood completely shifted. Taking the bag with her freshly purchased doujinshi inside, she offered him a rare word of gratitude.

"Thanks a lot for today, Kanade. If it weren't for you, I don't know what I would've done..." Her tiger tooth gleamed as she smiled under the morning sunlight, her mood visibly lifted.

Just moments ago, she'd been fuming with rage.

But Kanade knew better than to dwell on that. With girls, some things were better left unquestioned.

"It's nothing, really. I didn't do much. Honestly, even if I wasn't there, you probably could've handled it. That clerk seemed pretty easygoing."

"Huh? Don't tell me you've got a thing for her!"

"What?! Of course not!" Kanade waved his hands in denial and quickly changed the subject. "Speaking of which, have you had breakfast yet? I brought some with me. Here."

He offered her a portion of the breakfast he had bought earlier.

It was a rare chance to share a piece of Chinese cuisine with Eriri. Maybe she'd end up liking it, which would be a win in his book.

"What is this?" Eriri took one of the items, inspecting it curiously. It was warm, soft, and smelled inviting, but its appearance was unfamiliar to her.

"It's called a 'baozi.' A Chinese dish. Try it and see how you like it." Kanade watched her with anticipation.

Although he hadn't made it himself, seeing her enjoy it would still feel like a personal victory.

Eriri hesitantly brought the bun to her mouth and took a small bite.

"…"

"Well? How is it?" Kanade leaned forward slightly.

"It's not bad... The filling's soup is flavorful, but it kinda feels like a warm, sauce-soaked piece of bread." Eriri's tone was nonchalant.

"That's because you haven't reached the meat inside yet. Take another bite."

Following his advice, Eriri adjusted her approach. She bit into the bun more confidently this time, ensuring the meaty filling came with it.

"…"

"Well?"

"!!! This is amazing!"

Her expression lit up with delight. The juicy filling and savory flavors were a revelation. The hot, rich broth danced on her taste buds, delivering waves of satisfaction.

It wasn't just good—it was exceptional.

"See? Told you it was delicious." Kanade couldn't help but smile at her reaction. There was a distinct joy in successfully introducing someone to something new.

"Mm-hmm." Eriri nodded eagerly but then furrowed her brow slightly. "It's really tasty, but... don't you think the bun part is too thick? It'd be better if it was smaller."

"That's where you're wrong! Buns need to be big!" Kanade countered with a solemn expression. "The small ones are heresy! Only the big ones let you fully savor the flavor."

"Hmm…" Eriri puffed her cheeks, clearly disagreeing with him.

What's so great about being big? It's unwieldy to hold, hard to eat, and doesn't fit in your mouth properly... Small ones are just as good, if not better!

She shot him a sharp glare, though Kanade couldn't fathom what had set her off this time.

After a bit more banter, Eriri suddenly spoke up.

"Hey, Kanade, you can head back now. I've got something else to take care of."

"Alright, see you later. Be safe." Kanade nodded, respecting her privacy without prying further.

That was what friendship was about: spending time together and then parting ways without any need for constant explanations or interference.

"I'm not a kid, you know…" Eriri pouted, waving him off. Once Kanade disappeared around the corner, she turned back toward the bookstore.

She wasn't done yet. There was one more doujinshi she needed to buy—the one Kanade had been staring at earlier.

It wasn't because she was curious about its contents or anything! This was purely for "reference material." Totally professional reasons!

…

"I'm back."

Kanade slipped off his shoes and stepped into the living room.

Mahiru was on the balcony, hanging up the last piece of laundry.

The once-messy living room was now spotless, with all the scattered clothes neatly gathered into a basket. Even the freshly washed laundry from last night was already hanging to dry.

The warm weather had prompted Mahiru to shed her jacket, leaving her in a lightweight top. Beads of sweat shimmered on her forehead as she wiped them away with the back of her hand.

To Kanade, she looked every bit the picture of a perfect newlywed wife.

"…"

The contrast hit him like a truck. Just moments ago, he'd been "messing around" outside with Eriri, yet here was Mahiru, diligently tidying up his home.

He felt like a scummy cheater—a heartless husband who'd neglected his virtuous wife to flirt with a fiery mistress.

If karma existed, he was surely due for divine retribution.

"Welcome back," Mahiru said with a gentle smile, turning to greet him.

"Y-Yeah, I'm back…" Kanade's response was stiff as he awkwardly handed her the breakfast he'd bought. "I got us something to eat. Want to try it?"

"Sure," Mahiru replied cheerfully, taking the offered food without hesitation.

"These are called 'baozi,' right?"

"You know them?" Kanade asked, surprised.

Not just because she recognized the food, but because she'd pronounced "baozi" in surprisingly clear Mandarin.

"I've seen them before in cooking tutorials, but I've never tried one."

"Then go ahead."

Mahiru took a small bite, her expression softening as the flavors hit her palate.

Kanade smiled and handed her the rest of the breakfast. "Here's some shumai too. It's kind of like rice balls, but better."

"If Kanade likes them, I'm sure I will too," Mahiru said with a soft laugh, nibbling delicately.

"…"

Kanade turned his head away slightly, his face heating up. His heart raced as if a mischievous little deer was bounding around inside his chest.

If Mahiru liked it, that was all that mattered.