Chapter 2

Um… like this?

…*sigh*, do you have to look at my expression every time? If I’m not criticising you, then you’re doing fine. That should be obvious.

Come on, let’s move on. Sift the flour and…

Ah, Kiroku. Hey ther—

? What’s that?

…Hey, there. This is… different kinds of, wrapping paper.

Wrapping paper?

…Mhm.

My sister… said that, if you're… giving someone a present… you need to, focus on the wrapping, too.

…Apparently, saying the, inside… is more important, than the outside… is just… lip service.

Wise words for her age, as usual. Though, kindergarteners these days tend to speak more honestly than the average adult.

I see, she might have a point there. The wrapping completely slipped my mind, but I should put some proper thought into it too.

Kiroku. I’ll pay you back sometime, so… can I use some once we’re done with this? I want to practice my wrapping as well.

…Mhm, got it.

Do whatever you want, just save it for after the baking lesson. Also, wrapping isn’t my responsibility, so I’m staying out of it.

—Alright, I’m heading back, make sure to clean up and lock the door before you go. Keep in mind that I won’t let you get away with leaving even a speck of dust behind.

Got it.

Alright… let’s give this wrapping practice a go.

Mhm…

Aaargh, crap. I can’t get the hang of it at all…!

No surprise that you’re good at this, Kiroku.

…Rea, lly…?

I tried imitating some box wrapping guides I found on dazzle, but I just can’t get it right.

…Then, how about… this? Wrapping it… like candy, should be… simple.

And when, you fasten it… tying the ribbon, like this… makes it look… fancy, too…

Huh… even I might be able to do that.

…Mhm. It’s how, my sister… likes it.

I see.

—This kind of thing is pretty nice.

? What is?

Wrapping.

I was so focused on what I should make that I didn’t consider anything other than the contents—

But that’s not all there is to a present. The wrapping will also be full of your feelings.

…

(The wrapping will also, be full of your feelings…)

…Then, if I…

(If I draw, on the wrapping paper… or something. Would that mean the present is more than just the sweets?)

(Shiki would… ah, and Chief would, probably like that, too.)

… …

What are you smiling at?

! Ah, no… it’s, nothing.

(I think I’ll also, try preparing, White Day return gifts…)