Chapter 350: Chapter 348: I Just Want to Hear Some Gentle Words
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Sui crouched down naturally in front of Erina and Hisako, motioning with a grin, "Hop on."
"Wait, what?" Hisako blinked, confused.
A faint blush bloomed on Erina's snow-white cheeks.
"Sui, what are you doing?" Hisako asked, unable to suppress her curiosity.
"Of course, I'm going to carry her back," Sui replied matter-of-factly, sounding somewhat helpless.
Hisako's eyes sparkled with amusement as she turned to Erina. "So, after I left yesterday, you were also carried back by Sui?"
Erina's face flushed even more. "N-No! That's not true!"
"If you don't want me to carry you today, I guess I'll just leave," Sui teased, pretending to stand up.
Erina bit her lip in frustration. A flicker of embarrassment flashed in her eyes before she quickly exclaimed, "Wait...wait a minute!"
Sui turned his head with mock surprise. "Oh? You actually want me to carry you?"
Annoyed, Erina stamped her foot in protest and glared at him. But instead of arguing further, she slipped off her shoes, revealing her delicate pink socks, and climbed onto Sui's back.
Sui gently wrapped his arms around Erina's thighs, securing her comfortably on his back.
Hisako watched the scene unfold with a mix of amusement and envy, a soft smile on her lips.
Erina, feeling Hisako's gaze on her, turned her flushed face downward, burying it in Sui's back. She said nothing, only letting herself relax in his steady hold.
With a playful smile, Sui hoisted her up and began walking, while Hisako followed closely behind. Throughout the entire journey, Erina kept her face hidden, her usual haughty demeanor replaced by a rare silence.
Halfway along their path, Hisako finally spoke up. "I'll take my leave now, Erina-sama."
Erina raised her head briefly, nodding, "Remember to soak your feet in hot water tonight, Hisako."
"Yes," Hisako nodded before heading off in another direction.
As Sui and Erina continued walking toward the central area, they unexpectedly ran into Sōma, who was busy pushing his food cart.
Startled, Erina instinctively ducked her head lower to hide herself.
"Sui! Miss Erina! Hello!" Soma called out with a cheerful grin.
Erina, caught off guard, felt her heart sink. Reluctantly, she raised her head, blushing slightly. "How did you know it was me?" she muttered, embarrassed.
"Come on, it was obvious! Who else would be on Sui's back but you?" Soma chuckled.
Erina's face turned even redder. Frustrated and flustered, she bit Sui's shoulder in retaliation.
Sui grimaced but tried to stay calm as he asked, "How's business today?"
Soma scratched the back of his head and smiled, "Pretty good, actually! I only have one more left in the stone oven. Here, take it."
Soma handed over the last meat bun to Erina. She hesitated for a moment before taking it from him.
"Sold out already?" Sui asked, surprised.
"Yeah, I had two girls show up who ate a hundred in one sitting! It was insane. I hope they come back tomorrow," Soma laughed, waving them off as he continued on his way.
Sui couldn't help but picture Tohru and Kanna, realizing exactly who those girls must have been.
"Do you want a bite?" Erina suddenly asked in a soft voice, holding the meat bun out toward him.
"Sure," Sui grinned.
The two shared the pastry, each taking turns taking small bites. Erina's cheeks flushed once more as she nestled closer against his back, feeling strangely content despite the situation.
By the time they arrived back at the mansion, Erina felt a warmth settle in her chest—a comforting sense of security as she leaned against Sui. The tension from earlier faded, replaced by something more serene and tender.
But then, remembering how Sui had teased her yesterday about being "as heavy as a pig" during such a romantic moment, Erina's anger flared up again. She gritted her teeth in frustration. 'All I wanted yesterday was to hear some gentle words! How could he be so dense?'
When they reached the mansion, Sui gently set her down. Flustered, Erina quickly curled up on the sofa, tucking her feet under herself. Chansey came over and thoughtfully fetched her slippers.
"Are your feet still sore today?" Sui asked after slipping into his own slippers.
Erina averted her eyes, her voice soft as she replied, "They're fine... just a little sore."
In truth, her feet were feeling much better, but her backside still ached—she still hadn't forgiven Sui for the playful smacks from the day before. Thinking of it made her grit her teeth.
Sui disappeared into the kitchen and soon returned with a basin of hot water. Without a word, he knelt down in front of her and began removing her socks.
"H-Hey, what are you doing? You don't have to wash my feet!" Erina stammered, her face turning a deep shade of pink as she watched Sui cradle her feet in his hands.
"You've been standing too much lately. Soaking your feet in hot water will help," Sui explained simply.
Erina's heart fluttered. His touch was gentle, and her feet felt small and delicate in his hands—soft and smooth like silk.
As Sui massaged her feet, Erina's cheeks remained flushed, a warm feeling spreading through her chest.
"How was business today?" she asked quietly, trying to distract herself from the strange emotions swirling inside her.
"It went fine," Sui replied with a smile before shifting the conversation. "But I did have a little accident while cooking. Fell pretty hard."
Erina's eyes widened in alarm. "You fell? Are you hurt?" she asked anxiously, leaning forward with concern.
Sui struggled to suppress a laugh at her reaction, deliberately putting on a pained expression. "Well, I'm still feeling a bit sore."
Erina shot up from the sofa, her worry genuine. "Why didn't you tell me sooner? You should've gone to see a doctor!"
But when she saw the mischievous glint in Sui's eyes, realization dawned on her. Furious, she bit his shoulder again, this time without holding back.