Two Cake Sets
Passing by a stylish sign, we were shown to a cozy four-person table where Hasumin and I sat across from each other.
Placing the menu in the center, we leaned in together to browse through it.
“Wow, there are two new autumn special cakes today! And both are eligible for the half-off coupon!”
“Looks like your good karma’s paying off, Hasumin.”
“Haha, as expected of me, right? But now the problem is, which one do I pick? The Triple Berry Cake or the Chestnut Mont Blanc… They both look so good. Ugh, I can’t decide…”
Hasumin’s expression grew as serious as if she were making a life-or-death decision.
“In that case, why not just get both?”
“Haha, no way. That’s way too many calories.”
“Then how about we each get one and share?”
“Really? Are you okay with that?”
“Of course. That way, I get to try both cakes too. I was having trouble deciding between them myself—they both look delicious.”
“So it’s true—you really do love sweets, Shuhei-kun.”
“Absolutely. Put a cake in front of me, and I’ll eat as much as you want.”
(Back in the other world, sweets were a rare luxury.)
In Orphermaus, producing nutritious, filling food was the top priority, making sugar a highly prized luxury item.
That’s why, when I heard about the half-off coupon earlier, I’d secretly been thrilled.
“Alright, let’s get one of each and share.”
“Sounds good.”
“Excuse me! We’d like to order!”
Hasumin raised her hand to call over the floor staff.
“We’ll have one set with the new Triple Berry Cake and one with the Chestnut Mont Blanc. For drinks, I’ll have hot tea, straight. What about you, Shuhei-kun?”
“I’ll have iced coffee, with one milk and one sugar, please. That’s all.”
“Got it. So, one Triple Berry Cake set and one Chestnut Mont Blanc set, with hot tea and an iced coffee with milk and sugar on the side. I’ll bring those right out.”
The staff member confirmed the order seamlessly, bowed gracefully, and walked away.
(Japan really is all about impeccable service.)
In Orphermaus, such courteous treatment was only found in royal palaces or noble estates.
Peace truly is a wonderful thing.
As we chatted about school and other casual topics, the cake sets were soon brought to our table.
Hasumin eagerly picked up her fork and took a bite of the Chestnut Mont Blanc.
“Let’s dig in… Mmm, delicious! The chestnut flavor is so rich!”
“Glad to hear it.”
Her joyful smile was so radiant that just watching her made me feel happy too.
“Huh? Shuhei-kun, aren’t you going to eat?”
“I thought you might not like it if I took the first bite.”
“What…? Oh, um… hehe… I see. Well then, how about this?”
For some reason, Hasumin suddenly straightened her posture.
Her cheeks turned bright red.
The air conditioning in the café felt perfect, so maybe Hasumin was just naturally warm-blooded?
“What’s wrong? Are you hot?”
“No! That’s not it! Ahem, just wait a second.”
Saying this, she carefully cut a small piece of the Chestnut Mont Blanc with her fork.
Then, holding it up in front of me, she said,
“Here, say ahhh.”
For some reason, she even cupped her left hand beneath the fork as she offered it to me.
Catching on, I leaned forward and took the bite.
“Mmm, that’s amazing. The chestnut flavor stands out without being overpowered by the sweetness. It’s so refined.”
“You didn’t even hesitate. That’s… kind of surprising. Are you used to this sort of thing, Shuhei-kun?”
After I shared my thoughts on the Mont Blanc, Hasumin gave me a curious side-eye.
“Not at all. This is my first time. I’m just not easily flustered.”
After all, I’d spent five years fighting life-or-death battles in another world.
If anything, my old introverted self might have been embarrassed, but I’d long since outgrown that.
“Really?”
“Really. And honestly, I was happy you did that.”
Of course, just because I didn’t get flustered didn’t mean I didn’t feel anything.
“Oh, um… you were happy, huh…”
“Of course. I’m a guy, after all. Being fed by a cute girl? How could I not be happy?”
“C-cute?”
“It’s the truth. You’re really cute, Hasumin.”
“And you just say that so casually… Shuhei-kun, you idiot.”
Despite her words, Hasumin didn’t seem upset. Blushing, she nervously cut another piece of Mont Blanc and held it out to me again.
Watching her timidly offer the fork, her face still flushed, I couldn’t help but find her utterly adorable.
(Being able to feel this way in such a peaceful setting—Japan really is an amazing country. And Hasumin is just as amazing.)
With that thought, I happily shared the cake set with Hasumin, taking turns feeding each other.
From that day on, while we didn’t officially start dating, Hasumin and I grew closer, often walking home together.