---
Chapter 32 — Preparing the Gift
Suzune and her mother stepped into the warm, familiar kitchen, the soft afternoon light spilling through the windows. It wasn't often that the two cooked together—both were usually busy with school or work—so the moment already felt special.
Her mother tied her apron with a gentle smile.
"Let's make them perfect. It's for someone important, right?"
Suzune nodded, her expression slightly shy.
"Yes… it's for Mr. Ayanokoji. I want everything to be perfect for him."
Her mother chuckled softly.
"You sound more confident than usual. I like this side of you."
Suzune blushed a little but focused on the ingredients instead. Butter, flour, fresh chocolate chips, vanilla—everything carefully prepared. She washed her hands, tied her hair, and stood beside her mother.
"Let's begin," Suzune said.
---
Mixing the Dough
Her mother guided her through each step even though Suzune already knew the basics.
"Use gentle movements," her mom said, holding her hand lightly at first. "Cookies taste better when you don't rush."
Suzune concentrated, her fingers brushing the cool mixture.
"I didn't know baking was this calming."
"That's because you're thinking of him," her mom teased.
"M-Mom!" Suzune's cheeks instantly heated up.
But it was true. Every time she imagined Ayanokoji receiving these cookies—every time she imagined his quiet smile—she felt a warm flutter in her chest.
---
Preparing the Shapes
Once the dough was ready, they rolled it out. Suzune decided to cut some into simple circles, but her mother suggested something else.
"Why not make a few special heart-shaped ones? Just a few."
Suzune paused … then nodded slowly.
"…Okay. But only three."
Her mother smiled knowingly. "Of course. Three is enough."
As they cut the shapes, Suzune found herself imagining his reaction.
Would he notice the small hearts?
Would he think they were childish?
Or… would he understand the meaning?
She shook her head, trying to calm herself.
"I'm just giving him a thank-you gift. Nothing more."
Her mother hummed. "If you say so."
---
Baking and Aroma
The cookies went into the oven, and soon the kitchen filled with a warm, sweet aroma. Suzune leaned against the counter, breathing in deeply.
"It smells… comforting," she whispered.
"Good," her mom said. "Gifts should carry the feelings of the person who made them."
Suzune looked at the oven window, watching the cookies rise slowly.
"I hope he likes them…"
"He will," her mother said confidently. "Men like him don't often receive gifts made with this much sincerity."
Suzune's heart thumped softly at the praise.
"I just… want to support him. Even a little."
---
Finishing Touches
When the cookies cooled, her mother helped arrange them in a beautiful white box with a golden ribbon. Suzune placed the three heart-shaped cookies in a separate small section, carefully hidden but noticeable if someone looked closely.
"Perfect," her mother said. "Now, go get changed. You want to look your best when you meet him."
Suzune paused.
"…Do I really need to?"
Her mother gave her a firm, playful tap on the forehead.
"Yes. Go."
With a shy nod, Suzune headed to her room to prepare, clutching the image of Ayanokoji in her mind—his calm eyes, his quiet expressions, the way he made her feel safe without even trying.
Tonight… she was going to see him.
And she wanted that moment to be memorable.
---