[MHCISQD] Chapter 327: Special Gift

Mikumo could see the meaning in Renault's eyes, and at the same time, he could also see the meaning in her eyes.

Mikumo had considered going to see Mikoto at first but ultimately decided to come to Renault instead.

Renault didn't jump to the conclusion of 'the other person likes me,' but he was sure that Mikumo had something to say, or else she wouldn't have come to find him when she had the choice for Mikoto.

After a moment of contemplation, Renault got up and went to the wardrobe, taking out a set of his own pajamas and handing them to Mikumo.

"Why don't you freshen up first, and then we can talk about whatever is on your mind later."

Blushing, Mikumo accepted the clothes and walked into the bathroom.

As the sound of water echoed from the bathroom, Renault began to ponder the reason behind Mikumo's visit.

What could it be that she wanted to talk about?

No matter how hard he thought, Renault couldn't figure it out.

Fifteen minutes later, Mikumo emerged wearing men's pajamas.

At that moment, Renault had already picked up a hairdryer and motioned for Mikumo to sit beside him.

"Come over here and sit, I'll blow-dry your hair for you."

Obediently, Mikumo sat down next to Renault, with their back turned to him.

With the hairdryer switched on, Renault lifted Mikumo's long hair and started blow-drying it gently.

Dealing with such long hair was quite troublesome, but luckily, Renault had practiced with Yaoyorozu before, so it wasn't too difficult. It just required a bit more patience with Mikumo's longer hair.

After spending some time, Mikumo's hair was finally dry.

Putting away the hairdryer, Renault turned to face Mikumo and asked, "So, what did you come to talk to me about?"

"It's about the song I wrote."

"Hmm? Tell me about it."

"I was originally planning to sing my new song today. But this afternoon, after getting to know Jiro, I found out that she's really talented in music. So I asked her to take a look at the song I wrote."

At this point, Mikumo's enthusiasm deflated a bit. "She said the melody is great, just needs a few minor tweaks. But..."

"The lyrics are lacking, right?"

"Yeah," Mikumo nodded. "The imagery and expression in the lyrics are somewhat hollow."

"I see."

Renault thought for a moment, but he didn't have any good ideas to help Mikumo. "I don't know much about this either; I can only play a few musical instruments. How about you tell me the lyrics?"

As soon as those words were out, Mikumo vehemently shook their head.

In the end, they gave an explanation.

"The song I wrote is about love."

Ah, that explains it.

Such songs weren't impossible to write, but when it came to Mikumo, she was probably struggling emotionally. Renault understood why Jiro could point out the shortcomings without helping Mikumo improve.

Because Jiro also didn't know how to write this kind of song.

"Well... how about trying a different genre then?"

"No way! I absolutely refuse to give up when faced with difficulties like that!"

Mikumo strongly rejected the idea, but with this stance, neither Mikumo nor Renault had a solution.

"What should we do then? I'm really out of ideas." Renault looked helpless.

As Mikumo looked at Renault, her face turned red, and she lowered her voice, saying, "Well... there is a way."

"What way?" Renault suddenly had a foreboding feeling.

"Jiro Kyoka told me that I can't write songs about emotions because I lack personal experience in that area. She suggested I should try to experience it firsthand or listen to more similar songs and watch works of the same genre. But even after watching many movies and TV dramas, it still didn't work."

"You mean..."

Mikumo didn't answer directly but nodded, confirming his suspicion.

Renault felt a twinge of discomfort.

It wasn't that Mikumo wasn't beautiful; in fact, she was stunningly attractive, and hardly any man would be unimpressed by her.

But Renault knew about her background; he knew well that Mikumo was only three years old for fuck sake!

Though her physical age was just three, Mikumo's emotional maturity was already quite developed and similar to his own. However, Renault still found the situation rather tricky.

"Renault, do you think I can't do it?"

Seeing the disappointment in Mikumo's eyes, Renault hurriedly shook his head and said, "It's not that at all. It's just that, as you know, my situation..."

"Then Renault, do you think I could find someone else I like in the future?" Mikumo, encouraged by Renault's lack of rejection, smiled slightly, gathered courage, leaned on his side, and whispered, "I still remember when you appeared before me and saved me. I'm grateful that you rescued me and gave me the opportunity to lead such a happy life now. I've seen a lot of works about love, and I know that what I feel for you might not be love yet, but I'm sure it's affection."

In a way, this was her confession.

"Is this the Christmas gift Santa Claus is giving me this year?"

Renault suddenly said, breaking the tension and making both of them laugh.

"More like the Christmas gift I'm giving you, considering that the Christmas gift I prepared got into someone else's hands..." replied Mikumo.

Mikumo's chosen Christmas gift was a music album, which luckily ended up in Jiro's possession.

With some of the tension diffused, Renault gradually relaxed and patted Mikumo's head, saying, "Well, thank you for your Christmas gift, Mikumo. It's the first time I've received such a special one."

"What about your answer, Renault?"

Was she really this direct?

Smiling, Renault said, "I like you too, Mikumo, just as you like me. But I don't think I'm at the point of romantic affection right now. So, let time develop everything for us."

Renault didn't reject her outright, but he wasn't going to rush into anything either, knowing that Mikumo might have some impulsive thoughts.

After all, they were already like family, and if they were meant to be together in the future, there was no need to hurry. They could let things progress at their own pace.

Though she didn't get a direct answer, Mikumo felt content with Renault's response.

She leaned forward and kissed Renault's cheek before getting up and walking towards the door.

"I'm heading back now. Renault, you should rest too. Good night."

"Good night."

Once she left, Renault finally realized something.

Mikumo was wearing his sleepwear... shit...

Renault already had a feeling that something was going to happen later on.