12throbins | Reading

Nico: ―― Bianchi, you here?

... Hm, Bianchi?

Bianchi: A-choo! A-choo!!

Uugh~... Don't come over here right now, sweetie~

Nico: Huh? You have a cold?

Bianchi: No, it's just that I can't stop sneezing and my nose is all runny.

Nico: That sounds like a cold alright.

Are you working? Why not head home for today?

Bianchi: Absolutely not. I really want to get this done by today...

Nico: .......

Bianchi: Hey, I'm really sorry, but you need to leave. I can't let you catch this.

My nose is all red... I don't want anyone seeing me like this…

Ah! You absolutely have to keep this from Jude, alright? If he finds out, it'll definitely turn into a whole thing.

Nico: …………

Bianchi: Aaachoo!!!

Geez... I can't seem to concentrate at all...

If only I could just finalize this design, the rest of the work would be so much easier...

Seriously, I look awful.

I need to buy my usual ointment on the way home… at least before the shop closes—

Nico: I'm back.

Bianchi: Nico, sweetie!? Why are you...

Nico: I made risotto.

Bianchi: Huh... Is that for me?

Nico: Yeah.

To be honest, I was planning to eat here to begin with...
Anyway, eat. Being hungry can be a real pain.

Bianchi: ... That smells wonderful. Alright, I think I'll take you up on that and take a short break.

Bianchi: Haah~ That was SO good... ♪

Nico: Your body warmed up, right? You stopped sneezing.

Bianchi: Yeah, thanks to you, I think I can push through a bit more.

Nico: That's not happening.

Bianchi: Eh?

Nico: You're done working for today, go home and rest.

Bianchi: I- I can't do that. I set a goal for myself.

Nico: Is it something that absolutely has to be done today?

Bianchi: That's...

Nico: For me, the worst thing is not being able to eat good food.

Bianchi: ? Yeah, I know that, dear...

Nico: Isn't the way you see 'beauty' a bit like how I see 'food'?

Is it really alright to keep sneezing and not be able to show your face in public?

Bianchi: ......

Nico: Sure, you're doing this job because you want to,

but if it stops you from being beautiful, wouldn't that hurt more than anything?

Bianchi: ... You're right. I can't argue with that.

Nico: Prioritize getting better, then.

Bianchi: You're right... I don't think I can do my best in this state, anyway.

I can always make up for today’s delay once I’m feeling better, right?

Nico: Yeah.

I'll send you home, then.

Bianchi: Oh my, are you sure? You'll get hungry again, you know?

Nico: It's cool. I can just eat again.

Bianchi: Fufu, you're really a sweetheart.

Nico: ......

Oh, right. I forgot to give you this.

Bianchi: What is it? Medicine? Did you also get this for me!?

This is the one they sell at the herbal pharmacy I always go to!
Sweetie, I can't believe you care so much for me... Thank you――

Nico: I didn't get you this.

It's from Jude.

Bianchi: Huh?

Nico: He came to me while I was making the risotto and told me to give it to you.

Bianchi: ......

Nico: And he gave me this ointment, too.

He didn't explain much, but you know what it is, Bianchi?

Bianchi: Haaah...

Yeah, this is the ointment I love to use when my skin breaks out. I was just thinking about what to do since I just ran out of it.

... How did he know?

Well, whatever. I did need it, and honestly, he really saved me.

Nico: You should thank him yourself then.

Bianchi: Will do...

Nico: Okay, let's go.

Bianchi: Yeah. Thank you.

I appreciate it, sweetie. Once I'm better, let me know if there's anything I can do to return the favor ♪

Bianchi: ――Thank you for helping with the Chocolate Mint Fair ♪ Thanks to all of you, it was a huge success.

Jude: Good work, Bianchi. It turned out to be another wonderful event.

Sage: 'Mint chocolate' was trending on social media for a while.

Nico: It's like you were an influencer.

Bianchi: Fufu, it's all thanks to everyone's help ♪

I also put more effort than usual into the marketing.

Sage: You do love mint chocolate, Bianchi-san~

Bianchi: Yeah, I just love that refreshing, cool feeling.

Nico: Heeh...

But I've never gotten mint chocolate from you.

Jude: ...... Now that you mention it, this is the first time for me too.

Bianchi: Well, that goes without saying. You don't force your preferences on people, do you?

I want to gift you something you really like.

Jude: Then why did you decide to go all‑in on the Chocolate Mint Fair this time?

Bianchi: Huh...

Jude: Did you really need to put in so much effort for this Chocolate Mint Fair?

Bianchi: ... Not really? I just thought it was a good opportunity when they offered me the job, so I decided to give it my best.

Jude: Is that really all?

Bianchi: Yes, that's all—

―― Rookie days.

Bianchi: (Okay, that takes care of the Valentine's gifts for my family.

Now for the team... what should I get them...

Let's start with Sage.

He loves apple pie, so maybe chocolate apples?
I've heard about chocolate-coated apples that are getting great reviews for being both delicious and tart.

For Nico... quantity is the key, I guess.

That being said, giving him a bunch of cheap chocolate would be quite basic, so maybe an assorted chocolate box from a specialty shop.

Though he'll probably devour it instantly.
And Jude...

Anything is fine. Something heart-shaped would probably be the best choice, but I really don't want to do that.

I'll just get him something from a famous brand.

And last but not least...

Hmm, this is tough. What kind of chocolate does Robin even like?
Since he's so grown-up, maybe something with alcohol would work, but... I've never seen him drink...

But then again, giving him regular chocolate feels a bit...
Maybe I should just stick with my favorite, mint chocolate――)

Robin: Bianchi.

Bianchi: (What am I thinking, that's something only a few like...)

Robin: Bianchi?

Bianchi: Huh...

Robin: Hello there, Bianchi.

Bianchi: R- Robin!?

Robin: Haha, sorry. I didn't mean to startle you.

Bianchi: No worries, I was lost in thought...

Robin: Are you shopping for Valentine's too?

Bianchi: Yeah... Oh, wow, you bought a lot too.

Robin: Yes, I got a bit carried away.
Oh, perfect timing, actually. I was just thinking about what to get you, you're not that into sweets, right?

Bianchi: Yeah, I don't hate them, but...

Robin: Hmm, figures. I did see some super‑spicy chocolate meant for punishment games earlier, but that seems wrong for Valentine's.

Bianchi: I'd be fine with that ♪

Robin: No can do, I'd feel bad giving you that.
But if you have any other snacks you like, I'd love to gift you those.

Bianchi: Really? Then... could I ask for mint chocolate?

Robin: Mint chocolate?

Bianchi: Yeah, I can't get enough of that sweet, refreshing taste.

Robin: I get it. It surprised me at first, but it grows on you.

Bianchi: ...... Huh? You like it?

Robin: Yes. I wouldn't say it's my favorite, but I definitely enjoy it when it comes to chocolate.

Bianchi: I see. That's something not everyone can appreciate, but you're definitely one of the chosen ones, Robin ♪

Robin: ... So it seems.

Bianchi: Actually, I was also struggling with what to give you.

I thought about mint chocolate, but I didn't want to force my preferences on you…

Robin: Looks like I put you in a bit of a tough spot.
Alright, just give me whatever you want to give me from now on, Bianchi.

Bianchi: Are you sure?

Robin: Of course. I'll gladly accept what you hesitate to give Sage and the others.

Bianchi: My, how lovely!

In that case, I'll make sure to give you my favorite mint chocolate every year, Robin.

Robin: Sure, I'm looking forward to it.

Bianchi: ......

Sage: Bianchi-san, what's wrong?

Bianchi: It's nothing. Just reminiscing about the past.

Jude: ......

Bianchi: Well, I've got something to do, so I'll get going.

Jude: That paper bag... are you giving someone a Valentine's gift?

Bianchi: Yeah. It's for someone who likes mint chocolate ♪

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