The Fate of the Protagonist Who Chose the Harem Ending - Episode 12

Thinking About Someone Else

“I didn’t bring a lunch today. I was told not to.” 

“Yuri-chan is way too pushy…” 

Watching her grumble about being forced into this setup, I handed my chair to Shizuku. 

But perhaps that dispelled her awkwardness because Shizuku returned to her usual self. 

“Here, I made this lunch for you, Haru.” 

“Thank you! I’ll dig in!” 

“…Hehe, I’ll eat too. Itadakimasu.” 

She opened the lid of her bento. 

Inside were fried chicken, sausages, ginger pork, and chicken steak. 

It was meat, meat, and more meat. 

There was a token portion of tamagoyaki, but that was about it. 

“Wow, it’s packed with meat.” 

“Ah, sorry… Did you not like it?” 

“No, it’s great! You made it for me. I’m happy to eat it.” 

Saying that, I started on the meat-filled lunch. 

But while eating, I realized something. 

This was probably tailored to Ichijo’s preferences. 

The seasoning was heavy, too. But Shizuku doesn’t usually like strong flavors. 

She tried to match someone else’s tastes, but he just brushed her off. 

It annoyed me. 

“Thanks for the meal.” 

“You’re welcome.” 

“Thank you for the bento. It was delicious.” 

“You’re welcome. Um, also…” 

Shizuku seemed to be looking for something, fidgeting. 

If I don’t say it, she won’t know. So I decided to bring it up—something I’d been curious about. 

“Shizuku, can I ask you something? You ate the same lunch, right?” 

“Uh, yeah. Why?” 

“You don’t like strong flavors, do you? Was it okay?” 

“…Uh, well, not really.” 

She scratched her cheek awkwardly, laughing weakly. 

So, she had been forcing herself a little. 

“It must’ve been hard to make. You didn’t have to push yourself—you could’ve made something easier for you to eat.” 

“Well, I just thought it might not be satisfying enough for you.” 

“But I don’t want you to have to push yourself like that.” 

I had a sudden thought. 

“If I could be selfish for a moment, I’d like to try something you enjoy.” 

“Something I like?” 

“Yeah.” 

“Something I like, huh……… Okay! Got it!” 

She smiled and promised, “Look forward to it!”. And I couldn’t help but think how cute Shizuku looked. 

—

The next day. 

Shizuku came over with two bentos. 

I handed her my chair again. 

“Just like you asked yesterday, I made this one to suit my taste.” 

She handed me the lunch she’d made. 

I couldn’t wait to see what was inside. 

“Thank you again! Itadakimasu!” 

“Don’t mention it. Really.” 

“No, I have to thank you. If I don’t, I’ll stop saying it altogether someday.” 

“Ah… Yeah, you’re right. Thank you. Itadakimasu!” 

I remembered how she used to make lunches for Ichijo, only to be told they weren’t needed. When I ate them instead, she kept apologizing. 

Maybe at some point, hearing gratitude stopped being part of her reality. 

Opening the bento this time, I saw sausages, tamagoyaki, cherry tomatoes, boiled broccoli, ohitashi, and soy sauce-sautéed bean sprouts. 

Unlike yesterday, there was a notable presence of vegetables, with a much higher vegetable ratio overall. 

Interestingly, the tomatoes and broccoli had no dressing or mayonnaise—just their natural flavors. 

The tamagoyaki, ohitashi, and bean sprouts were lightly seasoned.

(Note: 

                   -Ohitashi

              -Tamagoyaki

“Tamago” means “Eggs” btw. So, what were you guys expecting at first, lol

)

Some might find it too bland, but… 

This was perfect. I loved it. 

“Thanks for the meal.” 

“You’re welcome. So……… how was it?” 

“This is your taste, right, Shizuku?” 

“Eh? Yeah, it is.” 

“I loved it. Maybe we have similar tastes.” 

Hearing that, Shizuku’s face lit up with a radiant smile. It was like a flower in full bloom. 

And I found myself thinking: 

I want to live my days eating lunches like this, made by her. 

“Here, Shizuku, this is for you.” 

“Huh?” 

I handed her the milk cocoa I’d picked up from the convenience store. 

I hadn’t thought of it yesterday, but today I came prepared. 

“It’s a thank-you for making the lunch. You went through the trouble, so this is the least I can do.” 

She smiled as she drank the milk cocoa, saying, 

“You didn’t have to, but thank you.” 

She then mumbled to herself about what she should make next.

It’s amazing how even these small things can change how someone feels.