The Queen of Sweets
As my fulfilling school life continued, mid-September arrived.
After spending about an hour after school helping the teacher with tasks as the class representative and vice-representative, Hasumin and I left the school together.
“Ugh, being the class rep can be such a hassle sometimes.”
Hasumin muttered with a hint of exasperation.
“If you’ve got other plans or just don’t feel up to it, let me know. I can handle it on my own in those cases.”
“What? Skipping because I’m not in the mood? That sounds a little selfish, don’t you think?”
“I don’t mind. If you want to take a break, just say the word. This kind of thing doesn’t tire me out anyway.”
“Wow, that confidence. Like, ‘Leave it to me, I’ve got this,’ right?”
“Not just confidence. Guys naturally have more stamina than girls, so if there’s ever anything you need help with, don’t hesitate to ask.”
“Haha, Shuhei-kun, you’re so weird sometimes.”
“Weird? I thought that was a pretty normal thing to say.”
Was there something strange about what I said?
“Hmm, maybe not weird—more like mature? Like the other day, when you took over one of Date-kun’s class duties because he was busy with basketball practice.”
“Well, I’ve got free time after school. And Date’s a first-year regular on the basketball team, right? Between doing rookie chores and practicing with the upperclassmen, he’s probably swamped.”
“Oh, so you’ve been watching the basketball team? Come to think of it, you and Date-kun have been getting along pretty well lately.”
“I haven’t actually watched their practices.”
“Wait, really? Then how did you know Date-kun was doing those rookie chores?”
“It’s not hard to figure out. Since he gets along with his first-year teammates, it’s obvious he’s pulling his weight. Regulars who skip their share of chores tend to get disliked by their peers.”
“Oh, that makes sense. But seriously, Shuhei-kun, you’re such a kind guy, aren’t you?”
“I wouldn’t say that. I just prefer to handle things myself instead of relying on others when I can.”
In the other world Orphermaus, humanity was pushed to its limits during the war against the Demon King.
Even as the hero—their ultimate weapon—I often lacked proper support.
As a result, I got used to doing anything and everything I could on my own. Stepping in whenever I had the chance became second nature.
Riena, despite being a high-ranking priestess, could identify edible berries, pick medicinal herbs, and cook during our campouts.
She was a true jack-of-all-trades, driving carriages, predicting weather by reading the sky, and even spotting counterfeit coins.
(Thinking back, when I first got transported to that world, I was pretty useless. Once, Riena asked me to cook rice, and I cluelessly asked where the rice cooker was. Of course, there’s no such thing as a rice cooker in that world.)
“I see. You really are mature, Shuhei-kun.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“Of course it is. You’re super reliable. Everyone says so. Oh, hey, since we’re already out, why don’t we make a little detour?”
“Right now?”
“Tomorrow’s a day off, right? Let’s take this chance to have a class rep and vice-rep bonding session!”
“When you put it that way, I guess I can’t say no.”
“Great! Let’s head to that café near the station. I’ve got a coupon for half off a cake set—good for two people. Ta-da!”
“Impressive, Hasumin. The title of ‘Queen of Sweets’ really suits you.”
“Hey, stop it! That makes me sound like some kind of glutton. Who even came up with that nickname? Don’t tell me you made it up, Shuhei-kun!”
Hasumin laughed as she spoke.
“It was Nitta-san.”
Nitta-san, one of the girls in Hasumin’s friend group, had casually said it once, and I happened to overhear. So, I honestly told her the name’s origin.
“…”
Hasumin’s smile froze, and she fell silent.
(Oh no, I messed up. Looks like Hasumin didn’t even know about that nickname. Nitta-san didn’t mean it in a bad way, so I assumed she was okay with it.)
“For the record, there was nothing mocking about it, okay?”
“Yeah, I know…”
“Also, I love sweets, so I’m really glad you invited me today. Thanks!”
“Yeah…”
“Alright, let’s get going then, shall we?”
“Um, Shuhei-kun… Do you, uh, dislike girls who eat a lot?”
“Not at all. I actually like girls who eat heartily—it shows they’re healthy. Why do you ask?”
“Oh, no reason! Let’s go, hurry!”
“Uh, sure?”
Although I might’ve put my foot in my mouth a little, Hasumin was smiling again before I knew it.
And so, the two of us happily headed to the café near the station together.