Chapter 1
The next day
Yeesh…
Niki-han, how can you eat a whole two crepes after downing all those pancakes… I’m gettin’ heartburn just watching you.
Hang on a sec—what’re you saying, Kohaku-chan?
Didn’t you know? These crepes are the very embodiment of that saying “sweets go in a different stomach.” They’re revolutionary as sweets!
Huh?
Just look at them. See how thin they are?
Even if you think your tummy’s full, a paper-thin crepe like this can easily fit into whatever holes are left. Munch munch… ♪
What is that logic you got there? You really are just saying words.
Hey, Niki. A bug just landed in your crepe. Give it to me and I’ll get it for you.
Huh? I didn’t see anything, are you sure?
Umm… Yeah, just like I thought, I don’t see any bugs…?
No no, you just can’t see it. I’ve got a knack for this kinda thing, so hand it over.
Um? Well, if you say so—Here.
Where are you~? Come out, come out, wherever you are~! Munch munch…
Hey! What the hell are you doing?!
Munch munch… mm—What’s up, Niki? I was just doing my best to look for that bug, aaaall for you.
Oh, but it looks like I made a mistake, there was no bug at all. Well anyway, you can have it back. It was delicious though!
My crepe…! How could you how could you how could you how could you—!
C’mon, it was just one measly little bite. Don’t go making a mountain out of a molehill, Niki.
It’s like you always say, right? “It’s fine to eat good food alone, but it’s even better to share it with everyone~ ♪”
You should be happy you got to share such delicious food with me.
That “one measly little bite” was huge! If you wanted a bite, why didn’t you just ask?!
What are you, some grade schooler?! You think you’re gonna get away with your lies?!
…Sigh. These two are gonna keep at it ‘til the end of time.
—Mm? Speaking of, I haven’t seen HiMERU-han around for a bit…
Oh, he’s back behind there. So he escaped because of how obnoxious these two were bein’? Pretty crafty of him.
HiMERU-han, ain’t it kinda heartless of you to escape all on your own and leave me behind with those two?
—Ah, Oukawa. Sorry. HiMERU just couldn’t bear to be seen with the likes of them any longer…
So what, you don’t care if I’m seen with the likes of them, though?
It’s not that… But yes, HiMERU understands. From now on, he will make sure to have you alongside him when he escapes.
That’s more like it. Appreciate you givin’ in so quick.
By the by, HiMERU-han, you bought a whole lot of cookies from that café earlier.
Is that what you were wantin’ so bad? You said something about your circumstances yesterday.
—Oh, these? HiMERU would like to give them to someone who helped him at work, as thanks.
The café has a great reputation for not just their pancakes, but all of their pastries. HiMERU thought they would appreciate it.
Thanks? If you’re just trying to get a thank-you gift, you could’ve bought sweets from just about anywhere, though. Why’d you have to go to that specific café?
No, you can’t buy these sweets just anywhere.
It’s the minor details like this which test your sense of taste. If you give something they can appreciate, it will leave a lasting impact on them.
It may seem trivial, but those trivial things build up over time to create the impression HiMERU will leave on people. He can’t overlook even the smallest thing.
Huh, I getcha. You’re like the picture of perfection, HiMERU-han. I ought to take a leaf out of your book—
Hey! Don’t leave me behind, you guys! Or like, don’t just leave me alone with that tyrant!
Gyahahaha! Niki-kyuuuun, don’t run away! You and me’re stuck like glue, remember~ ♪
Gyaaah! Don’t climb on my back, you’re too heavy! I’m gonna dieeee! Gimme a hand here, Kohaku-chan! HiMERU-kun!
Even if we try to get away from those two, they still come flyin’ at us fast as they can. What do we do, HiMERU-han?
—Sigh… HiMERU deeply regrets having come here right about now.