Crossover: Pen name: Dazai Osamu, Omega Kasumigaoka

"This new dish will definitely become one of our tavern's signature dishes."

Haruko was even happier after hearing this, and she said with a smile:

"Thank you for the compliment, Mr. Bei. I have also prepared a few other new dishes, which will be available for our guests to choose from after the opening."

...............

Meanwhile, at home, Mai Sakurajima had carefully prepared a sumptuous lunch, intending to deliver it to the busy Makoto Kitahara.

She imagined Kitahara Makoto's satisfied smile when he tasted the food she had made, and her heart was filled with anticipation.

She packed the food into insulated containers to ensure it remained warm when it was delivered.

Then, she picked up her lunchbox and left the house.

The sunlight shone on her, and a gentle breeze blew by, as if cheering her on.

Upon arriving at Kitahara Makoto's company, Sakurajima Mai went straight to the front desk.

She politely inquired about the location of Kitahara Makoto's office, and then went up the stairs to get there.

However, when she arrived at Kitahara Makoto's office, she found it empty.

Mai Sakurajima was somewhat disappointed, but she did not give up.

She asked her colleague and learned that Kitahara Makoto had left the company.

She was a little puzzled, but thinking that Kitahara might be dealing with some urgent matters, she decided to wait for him to return.

She sat quietly outside Kitahara Makoto's (Good Good Good Good) office, waiting.

Time passed second by second, but Kitahara Makoto still hadn't returned.

Mai Sakurajima began to worry. She didn't know where Makoto Kitahara had gone, or whether he would ever come back.

Just as she was hesitating, her phone rang.

It was Kitahara Makoto calling, his voice tinged with apology:

"...Mai, I'm so sorry. Something came up and I had to go out, so I couldn't be at the company. Is there something you needed?"

Chapter 172 Oh ho, Miss Mai is angry!

Hearing Kitahara Makoto's voice, Mai Sakurajima's worries lessened slightly.

She told Kitahara Makoto that she had brought lunch, but couldn't find him.

Kitahara Makoto felt very sorry after hearing this and told her that he would be back soon.

After hanging up the phone, Mai Sakurajima decided to wait for Makoto Kitahara at the company.

The scene shifts...

Kitahara Shin stood at the entrance of the Starlight Tavern, said goodbye to Haruko, and then turned to walk towards the car parked to the side.

The sunlight shone on him, reflecting a hint of reluctance and determination in his eyes.

"Haruko, your new dish is really good, the flavor is unique and unforgettable."

Kitahara Makoto turned around and gave Haruko an admiring look.

"However, I have some urgent business to attend to at the company, so I have to leave now."

Haruko smiled and nodded in response:

"Okay, Yuanzhen, you go ahead and do your work. Come back and try my cooking next time you have the chance."

Kitahara Makoto smiled and nodded, then quickly walked to his car after acknowledging Haruko once more.

He opened the car door, got into the driver's seat, and quickly adjusted the seat and steering wheel.

Then he started the engine, and the vehicle emitted a deep roar, as if announcing its power.

Kitahara Makoto drove away from the Starry Night Bar, through the busy streets, and sped towards the company.

His gaze was focused and unwavering, as if he had poured all his energy into the work to come.

The scenery outside the car window flashed by quickly, but he remained focused on driving, without getting distracted.

He knew that time was of the essence and he had to get to the company as soon as possible to handle the matters that awaited him.

As the vehicle drove into the company building's parking lot, Kitahara Makoto finally breathed a sigh of relief.

After parking the car, I quickly got out and hurried into the office.

Kitahara Makoto hurried through the corridor, his mind still replaying the scene of saying goodbye to Haruko.

When he pushed open the office door, a familiar atmosphere rushed towards him, but mixed with an unusual silence.

He glanced around the office, his gaze settling on Mai Sakurajima sitting on the sofa.

With his arms crossed over his chest, his gaze was icy, clearly carrying a hint of anger.

Kitahara Makoto's heart tightened; he realized the atmosphere was tense. He quickly walked towards Sakurajima Mai, his tone questioning and concerned:

"Mai, what's wrong? What happened?"

Mai Sakurajima looked up, staring intently at him, her voice carrying a hint of reproach:

"Where have you been? Do you know how long I've been waiting for you? I made you lunch, but it's all cold now."

Kitahara Makoto then noticed the insulated food container on his desk and the cold coffee next to it.

He felt a pang of guilt, realizing he had made Sakurajima Mai wait in vain. He quickly apologized:

"I'm sorry, Mai, I really had something urgent to take care of, so I couldn't be at the company. I... I didn't expect you to come, and I certainly didn't expect you to cook for me."

Mai Sakurajima looked at him, her eyes filled with both reproach and grievance. She sighed softly, her tone softening slightly:

"I'm not blaming you, I just hope you can appreciate what I've done for you. I specially prepared lunch for you, but... but you're not here."

Kitahara Shin looked at her, his heart filled with remorse. He knew he had truly disappointed Sakurajima Mai, so he quickly sat down beside her and gently comforted her:

"Mai, I'm so sorry. I promise I won't make you wait next time. The food may be cold, but my heart is warm. Thank you for everything you've done for me."

Chapter 173 Haruko? He's just a chef!

Seeing his sincere attitude, Mai Sakurajima's anger gradually dissipated.

She nodded, indicating that she had forgiven him. Then she stood up, picked up the thermos and coffee cup, and prepared to throw them away.

Upon seeing this, Kitahara Makoto quickly took the insulated box and coffee cup:

"Don't throw it away. Even though the food is cold, we can reheat it and eat it again. How could I waste your kindness?"

As he spoke, he walked toward the microwave oven, preparing to reheat the food.

As Mai Sakurajima watched his busy figure, a warm feeling welled up in her heart.

She knew that Kitahara genuinely wanted to make amends for his mistake, and that was enough.

She sat down again, waiting for the food to heat up so she could have lunch with him.

Kitahara Shin placed the reheated food on the coffee table and sat opposite Sakurajima Mai.

He carefully handed the food to Mai Sakurajima, his face showing an apologetic and grateful smile.

Mai Sakurajima took the food and gently blew on it, as if trying to dispel the lingering chill.

As she ate, she casually looked up at Kitahara Makoto with a scrutinizing gaze and asked softly:

"I heard you've been getting quite close to a girl named Haruko lately?"

Kitahara Makoto paused for a moment, then realized that Sakurajima Mai might have overheard something.

He put down his chopsticks and explained earnestly:

"Yes, Haruko is our company's new chef, and her cooking skills are outstanding. I have indeed had a few conversations with her recently, mainly about improving the dishes in the company cafeteria."

Mai Sakurajima's brow relaxed slightly as she listened to his explanation. But she still couldn't help but press for more information:

"Is that all? I heard you often eat together and leave work together."

Kitahara Makoto gave a wry smile and shook his head helplessly:

"Mai, you've really misunderstood. Haruko and I only have work-related interactions; there's nothing more to it."

"We eat together and leave work together because we leave the company at the same time, so we sometimes walk together."

"But I can assure you that there has been no interaction between us that goes beyond the scope of work."

Looking at his serious expression, Mai Sakurajima's doubts gradually dissipated.

She nodded slightly, indicating that she believed him.

Then she continued eating with her head down, but every now and then she would look up at Kitahara Makoto with gentle eyes, as if to confirm his sincerity.

·····Requesting flowers··········

Kitahara Makoto sat opposite Sakurajima Mai, listening to her mention the rumors about him and Haruko, and a complex emotion welled up in his heart.

He felt somewhat helpless and also a little amused, because those rumors were completely unexpected.

He knew Mai Sakurajima was sensitive and perceptive, and her concern for him touched him deeply while also making him feel heartbroken.

.........

He didn't want to hurt her because of some unfounded rumors, and he didn't want her to misunderstand because of his negligence.

Seeing Kitahara Makoto's determined gaze, Sakurajima Mai's doubts lessened slightly, but she still couldn't help but continue to press for answers:

"So what's your opinion of her? Is she a very charming woman?"

Kitahara Shin shook his head with a wry smile: "Haruko is indeed a very talented chef; her culinary skills are outstanding."

But when it comes to charm, I think everyone has their own unique qualities, and it can't be simply described as charm.

For me, the most important thing is her professional competence and work ethic.

Mai Sakurajima nodded, seemingly satisfied with Makoto Kitahara's answer. She put down her chopsticks, looked at Makoto Kitahara seriously, and said: "Earth."

Chapter 174 Mai? Massage

"Kitahara Makoto, I believe you. But I also hope you understand that I'm asking these questions because I care about you."

"I don't want our relationship to be affected by some misunderstandings."

Kitahara Shin looked into Sakurajima Mai's eyes and sensed her deep concern and trust. He nodded solemnly and promised:

"Mai, don't worry, I will pay more attention to my words and actions to avoid causing you any misunderstandings."

"At the same time, I will work even harder to prove my abilities and value."

Upon hearing this, Mai Sakurajima smiled gently.

She picked up her chopsticks again and continued eating the food, which had grown a little cold, but her heart was warm at that moment.

The afternoon sun shone through the window onto the two of them, adding warmth to this cozy moment.

Mai Sakurajima felt a warm current surge in her heart as she watched Kitahara Makoto lying contentedly on her lap.

She gently put down her chopsticks and began to massage Kitahara Makoto's head with her slender fingers.

Her fingers moved gently yet firmly through Kitahara Makoto's hair, as if playing a melodious tune.

Her movements were so focused, as if she were telling Kitahara Makoto in her own way that no matter how chaotic the outside world was, she would always be his strongest support.

Kitahara Makoto closed his eyes, enjoying this rare moment of tranquility.

He could feel the temperature and pressure of Mai Sakurajima's fingers, as if a warm current flowed from his head to his whole body, taking away all his fatigue and worries.

He felt incredibly safe and comfortable, as if he had returned home.

As time went on, Mai Sakurajima's massage gradually became gentler and slower.

She gently massaged Kitahara Makoto's temples, as if trying to dispel all his stress and anxiety.

Her fingers would occasionally brush lightly against his ear, bringing a tingling sensation that made Kitahara Makoto smile.

At this moment, the two seemed to be isolated from the world, with only each other's existence and feelings.

They quietly enjoyed the tranquility and warmth, as if time had stood still at that moment.

In this small space, they found each other's truest selves, and also found their own happiness and peace.

I don't know how much time passed...

As the afternoon sun softened, and the two shared a peaceful and warm moment, Mai Sakurajima gently rose and smiled at Makoto Kitahara, saying: