I told both of them to stop playing and eat the pancakes while they were still hot.
I was quite proud of these particular pancakes since they were my best creations so far. They were freshly made and fluffy, it was worth spending the time carefully whisking the eggs.
I divided the pancakes equally into three portions before I told the two girls to taste them.
"Woah… It's so fluffy! It isn't as sweet as normal pancakes because of the banana, but the taste of bananas made up for it! And more importantly, it's tasty!"
"…Mhm. Seriously, this is something…"
"This particular recipe is diet friendly, so you don't need to worry about your caloric intake even if you add more butter and syrup… Speaking of which, do you two want more butter and syrup?"
"I do!!"
"…Well, just a bit…"
They enjoyed the pancake, huh? I'm glad.
Amami-san cheerfully ate the pancake while Asanagi groaned in resignation.
It was amusing how different their expressions were.
Still, I need to thank Asanagi. Because of her efforts, we could enjoy our time together like this.
"Maki-kun… Uhm…"
Amami-san fidgeted. It seemed like she had already finished her portion.
"Uhh… I only made enough for three people, but there's still some batter left, I can make more if you want it."
"Really? Then I want more, please!"
"Roger… What about you, Asanagi-san?"
"…Aaah… Mm?"
When I asked her, she had just licked her plate clean.
"…Pardon me, may I have some too?"
"Sure."
"Ah, Maki-kun, can I watch you while you're making it? I want to make it at home too!"
"You can just ask your mom to make it for you, right? I mean, you'll just end up making black disks if you try anyway."
"Muu! I'm sure I can make it if Maki-kun teaches me everything properly! I'll be in your care, Maki-kun!"
"Well, as long as you are mindful of the timing of each step, I'm sure you'll be alright."
"…Then, can I join in…?"
In the end, I was sandwiched between Asanagi and Amami-san as they watched me making the pancake.
"After you make the batter, just pour it into the frying pan, cover it, and let it cook for five minutes or so. You can judge whether it's done or not by the look of the pancake. If it looks fluffy enough, then it's ready."
"Ahh! It looks so easy!"
"If you aren't sure, you can always look up recipes on the internet. All you need to pay attention to is the timing. Timing is everything here. If you do it right, you'll be able to avoid something like accidentally burning the pancake…"
"…What? You want to diss me because I could only make dark matter and charcoal? Sure, go ahead, say it to my face."
"No, stop assuming things."
Taking advantage of Amami-san's blindspot, Asanagi pinched my side. She was showing her mercy because Amami-san was here since it didn't really hurt. I guess I unintentionally hurt her pride there, huh?
After that, we ate everything and went back to play the game they previously paused.
"Hehe, watch me, Umi! With Maki-kun's help, I'm now stronger than ever! I'll beat you down this time!"
"With that unpractical-looking avatar? Hah! Look at my avatar, it's filled with practical equipment and first-class weapons! Beating me? In your dreams!"
In this mode they were playing, they could customize their avatar as much as they liked. Amami-san made her avatar look cute while Asanagi just copied mine.
Because of this, Amami-san was at a disadvantage whether it was in terms of experience or raw stats, she needed to compensate for this with her raw skills.
"Well, let's see… The most important thing for you to take note of is to not panic and aim properly whenever you spot an enemy. always try to look for high ground or any place that could give you a terrain advantage…"
"Mm!"
I sat next to Amami-san while giving her advice occasionally while she was playing against Asanagi.
The result of it immediately showed itself.
"Stay calm… Aim carefully… There!"
"…Ah?"
"Oh! Yay! First blood!!"
It took her only ten minutes to apply every piece of advice that I gave her. She executed everything perfectly and managed to gain a huge momentum against Asanagi who had been in the lead ever since they started playing.
Asanagi had been practicing at her home and with me so she was by no means a pushover, but the move that Amami-san managed to execute was brilliant. The way she executed it was better than any attempts I've ever made.
She said she rarely played this kind of game. I guess she is just talented.
"Sigh… Well, I was careless, that won't happen again."
"Hehe ~ Then, bring it on, Umi! Use your serious mode!"
Since I no longer had any advice to give her after that, I decided to just watch the two of them play.
"T-this is!"
"Here, here! I'm here, Umi-chan! Eat this ~"
"This guy… I'll kill you!!"
The battle was unexpectedly heated.
* * *
We played for another hour before stopping.
This wasn't the usual time when Asanagi and I stopped playing, but since Amami-san was also with us, we decided it was better for us to stop earlier.
Especially since the previous incident was still fresh in our minds, we couldn't let our guard down just yet.
"Muu… I only managed to win three times after that… Agh! So frustrating!"
"No, I'm surprised you could snatch a win at all. You're a complete beginner not too long ago, no?"
As Asanagi said, it was surprising that she could win a few games against her since experience and raw skill were the most important thing in this game.
Sure I gave her some advice, but Amami-san was still a beginner, and she hadn't even touched the controller prior to this. But she still managed to snatch a few games from Asanagi, who was pretty much addicted to this game ever since she got beaten by me months ago.
"Then, Maki-kun, see you later ~ Let's play together again sometime!"
"Yeah, sure, see you later."
Before this, I always hoped that this would be the last time I had to deal with her, but now, I couldn't say I hate this. Hanging out with those two was fun.
Moreover, since we had something in common now, it would be less awkward for us to converse with each other.
"Mm? What's wrong, Umi? Let's go back already."
"Ah, sorry… Uhm, I forgot something… You should go ahead, Yuu, I'll catch up with you."
"Eh? I don't mind waiting… I can accompany you even."
"It's fine, it's fine. Besides, you already wore your shoes, no? It would be a pain to take it off, so, just go ahead."
"Is that so? Well, I'm going ahead then!"
Asanagi pushed Amami-san out of the door.
And now, we both were alone inside this house.
"…Seriously, that girl. She could do anything if she put her mind to it…"
"You're talking about the game? Yeah, she is pretty good, but it isn't that hard to get to that level if you put in some effort."
"Yeah sure, that's all she could do today because she just started playing, but give her time and she'll get better and better. She absorbs everything like a sponge, and before you know it, she'll surpass you and leave you behind…"
"Asanagi…?"
"Ah, I'm sorry for venting out of the blue like that… It's just, well, I just think that girl is amazing in a lot of ways…"
"Ah, I see… Well, I know where you're coming from."
People like Amami-san do exist in this world. Talented people who would be able to do everything well after only a brief introduction.
On top of being talented, Amami-san herself was well-liked by everyone. As her best friend who always stayed by her side, it wouldn't be strange for Asanagi to feel a bit of envy toward her.
"Well, at least you understand… See you, Maehara… Today was fun."
"Mhm, it was."
"See you."
"Bye."
Asanagi left through the door while waving her hand.
"If you thought today was fun, why did you look so gloomy, idiot?"
Her back when she was leaving looked gloomy.