No, no, how can she deceive him with this? Besides the appearance aside, it smells divine.

They lifted their spoons and said. "Thank you for the food." They said a quick prayer before they dove right in.

Mamoru went for the stew first and immediately felt a warmth that he hadn't in his entire life. What on earth is this? He went for the potato chip fried rice next, and his eyes widened. It tasted even better than the stew. What is this warm feeling inside him? Did it come from the food?

He kept eating more and more, but he found it even more delicious each time he ate it than before. It felt like the flavor improved each bite.

"Uh, is it bad?" Sumire looked at him with caution.

"You, was your dream to be a chef?"

At that comment, the girl burst into laughter. "I didn't think you would react that way."

"No, this is seriously really good. You could be a chef. You know they do those cooking courses in the leisure center, you can teach the teachers a thing-" Mamoru paused, realizing something.

Right there is a reason why they kept her out here. From what she just said there, she needs to be in complete isolation because of her abilities.

Sumire, however, didn't say anything to that. "Im glad you like it. I haven't cooked in so long, let alone have a meal with someone."

Mamoru couldn't miss her tone. "Then maybe I can come here again? I can bring you some ingredients from the shops too. You got everything here from hunting, right?"

Sumire's eyes brightened. "Really? I've heard that the shops in the facility provide many things, but I can't go there. I would like to experiment a bit with my cooking."

So it is not like she didn't want to cook or eat; she just hated her limited resources. Well, if it is like that, then he can help her out. Besides, she looks cute when she smiles. The lifeless expression from earlier seemed like a lie.

"Imagine you become a chef- no, if you do, then I will have to pay to eat."

Sumire giggled. "Are you the type of person who is bad with money?"

"It is more like I am the type of guy who does manual labor for free, so I end up being unable to pay for things." Maybe it is because he lived such a poor lifestyle before, but he didn't understand the concept of charging others for labor.

There is something peaceful about this moment. Even though his circumstances were a lot better than her, he could eat with others and talk to people. But he always felt alone. If he could eat like this every day and talk to her, then he would feel content.

Mamoru felt his cheeks burn red at those thoughts. If he could eat like this every day? It almost sounds like a proposal. Gah, what is he thinking? Even if the researchers consider him a genius, it doesn't make him any more grown-up.

"So uh, Mamoru-kun right?" She seemed uncertain, saying his name. "Can you tell me more about the rest of the facility?"

"Well, as much as I can."

Shouldn't she be more interested in the outside world?

"Then, if I tell you those things, will you talk to me about the outside world? Before I came here, I didn't go out much."

Sumire nodded. "Mm, but you know the world outside isn't all fun and games. Sometimes I think to myself that maybe life inside a gilded cage is better."

It was just a simple few words, but after she described the place as a cafe, Mamoru understood. This girl is exactly like him.

"That is what makes the outside world exciting, right?"

Sumire seemed startled with his reply, and Mamoru continued.

"The longer we stay here, the more we will become their puppet. People here have gotten used to getting everything. If they follow orders, they will get whatever they want, even the world. But life is different; in life, we go through hardships and pain to grow as a person. We experience good and bad things. If we stay here, we will turn into a puppet."

Mamoru knew it was dangerous saying this to somebody he just met, but he wanted to take a risk.

To his surprise, the girl suddenly extended her hand across from the table, and with a gentle gaze, said. "Your right, sorry about what I just said. If I stayed here, I could run away and escape reality but doing that would be unfair. Besides, I would rather have painful freedom than become somebody else's puppet."

It was hard for him to focus on her words due to the warmth of her hand on his. Also, her hands are so soft; he never thought another human being could be so warm.

Mamoru didn't say much after that; there was no need to. They ate the rest of their meal in silence, but it was a comforting silence, unlike the one he has known.

"Ah, Im stuffed," Mamoru said. "This is the first time I ate so much and felt satisfied."

Sumire laughed. "It is the first time I ate in so long."

"Why haven't you been eating?" Mamoru thought he knew the reason why but he wanted to make sure. It is a bad thing to jump to conclusions without knowing the reason.

"Would you if they gave you poisonous ingredients?"

At those words, his eyes widened. "That's--"

"I cook and eat, but only when I can go hunting in the forest area. The stuff there is beyond their control."

Right, the forest next door to the facility is something they borrow; it is not theirs.

"Then tomorrow I will get you something from the stores. Relax the stuff from those places come directly from the shops outside."

"En, I guess I can rely on you."

Mamoru awkwardly stood up. "I guess I have to go." He doesn't want to miss curfew and get punished. If he gets punished, it would be harder to see her.

Sumire led him towards the door.

"Well, that was surprisingly fun, Mr hobo."

"He--hey still with that?"

She chuckled. "I am joking. I had a great time Mamoru-kun."

There was something about the way that she said his name that made him feel embarrassed. Moreover, isn't she standing a bit too close to him?

He knew he didn't imagine it when she brushed her forehead against his and clasped her hands with his. "Thank you so much," She whispered softly. "I hope I can see you again."