bakemonoremy | Entries tagged with chinatown

Location: Garden Terrace Kitchen

Tsumugi: Be concerned about what, Yuuki-kun?

Aah~, I see now.

Makoto: There are dough pieces of all sizes scattered everywhere, and I feel like the onions should be sliced a little more finely…?

At this rate you’re going to end up with some buns that have barely any filling whatsoever, and others that are just full of chunks of onion…

Tsumugi: Ahaha, exactly~. Keito-kun, you said you’d be fine on your own but it doesn’t look like that to me at all.

Keito: I-it’s harder than it looks, okay?

Sora: HoHo~♪ But, making steamed buns with Kei-chan-senpai is a lot of fun~♪

If you want, why don’t you two join us ♪ Sora thinks it’ll be even more fun if we all cook together!

Makoto: Yeah, you’re right. Now that I’ve seen the state you’re both in, I think I’d feel uneasy if I left you like this.

Tsumugi: Fufu, agreed. Keito-kun, may the two of us join you in your bun-making efforts?

Keito: Sure, I don’t mind. ...In all honesty, I was really having a hard time. If the two of you pitched in it’d be a great help.

Makoto: In that case, I’ll look up videos of steamed bun recipes on my smartphone.

Recipes with photos aren’t bad, but don’t you think it’d be easier to understand the process of wrapping the filling in dough if we watched a video?

Tsumugi: Then I’ll help make the filling. I’ll start by cutting the onions into finer slices, and then chop the other vegetables.

Keito: Aah, got it. I’ll be in charge of rolling out the dough, then. Harukawa, do you want to help me?

Sora: Yes ♪ Cooking with everyone is so much fun~.

- Some Minutes Later -

Keito: Alright, it’s time. I think the steamer is ready to be opened. Be careful not to get scalded.

Sora: Yes, Sora will open it! Hupp.

Keito: ...What do you think, do they look done?

Sora: Wah~♪ The steamed buns turned out sooo plump!

Tsumugi: Ohh, they look great~. Good thing we went back and made all the dough buns the same size, they seem to have cooked through evenly thanks to that.

Makoto: For some reason it’s kind of moving to look at the fruits of your own labour like this.

Mmh~, and they smell great ♪ I’ve gotten pretty hungry.

Keito: Yeah, they really do smell inviting.

But although they may be done, they don’t look anything like the photos from the recipe.

The filling is sticking out here and there, and a few of them look misshapen.

Which means there’s still room for improvement. These are far from getting a passing grade.

Sora: On the contrary! Sora loves these steamed buns. They give off an incredibly tasty-looking “color”~♪

And ever since Sora came here, he thought that Kei-chan-senpai was giving off a really beautiful “color” as he put his heart into making these steamed buns!

That’s why Sora wanted to join him ♪

Sora is so happy that he got to cook together with all of you~♪

Tsumugi: I agree, there’s no doubt that these steamed buns turned out delicious, because we all worked on them together.

Keito: Yeah, I guess so. Since we’re already here, let’s all eat them together before they get cold.

Sora: HaHiHuHeHo~♪ Let’s dig in~♪

Munch munch...♪ As expected, it’s super tasty~♪

Makoto: Yeah! It’s so juicy and delicious ♪

Tsumugi: Fufu, somehow it’s warmed me up all the way to my heart ♪

Keito: Hm, why don’t we bring the transfer student some of these, since she shared the ingredients with us?

They may not be much to look at, but they taste excellent.

Makoto: Yep yep, I can already picture the happy look on her face ♪

Sora: Kei-chan-senpai! Sora wants to bring Shisho~ some steamed buns, too! Is it okay if Sora takes a few with him?

Keito: Yeah, be my guest.

Tsumugi: What a great idea, I’m sure Natsume-kun will be overjoyed when he hears that Sora-kun made them.

The misunderstanding has been cleared up and we even managed to make some tasty steamed buns, so everything turned out well in the end ♪

Sora: Yes, Sora is so happy~♪ Your “colors” while you’re eating the buns are all so pretty!

Keito: Hm, I still don’t really understand the nature of these “colors” you mention… But I feel like I kind of get what you’re trying to say.

Sora: Sora wishes he could show them to Kei-chan-senpai, too~. But it’s all because Sora’s eyes are different from other people’s…

The “colors” are so beautiful and sparkly, Sora’s words don’t do them justice at all.

Keito: And yet, we are able to feel the same things. There’s no need for all humans to be identical.

I also had fun making the steamed buns. And isn’t that already fine by itself? Harukawa, thank you for everything today...♪

Location: Garden Terrace Kitchen

Keito: I can’t believe it was all just a misunderstanding. What an unforeseen turn of events.

I guess there’s no need to continue making these steamed buns. After all the trouble I went through making that delicious dough, what am I supposed to do with it now…

Sora: ………..

Keito: ...Hm? What’s the matter, Harukawa.

If you’re done here, you’re free to leave. Or is there still something you want to tell me?

Sora: Can Sora help you with them?

Keito: Huh? Help me with what, the steamed buns?

Sora: Yes. Now that Sora’s stomachache is all better, he’s feeling hungry!

So you see, Sora feels like eating steamed buns. Sora is going to help as best as he can, so can’t we make them together?

Keito: ...Hm, so that’s what you mean. Well, I already heard that you really like Chinese steamed buns.

I’m already halfway through preparing them anyway, and I can’t let the ingredients I received from the transfer student go to waste, either.

Alright, Harukawa. Let’s finish making the steamed buns together.

Sora: Yes! Sora will do his best so they’ll turn out yummy!

Keito: Yeah. By the way, Harukawa, can you cook?

Sora: No, Sora has never really cooked before! But he’s sure they’ll turn out well as long as we make them in a pretty “color”~!

Keito: A pretty color…? Are you saying you want to dye the steamed buns?

Sora: No, that’s not what Sora meant! Let’s make white, steaming hot buns that have a pretty “color”!

Keito: I have no idea what you’re saying, but whatever. As long as we keep sticking to the recipe, we’ll probably be fine.

Look, the dough finished rising while we were talking. What do you think, didn’t it turn out pretty well?

Sora: Wah~, it’s all fluffy and puffy ♪

Keito: Phew, measuring the ingredients gave me some anxiety, but it seems to have gone quite well.

Alright, let’s jump right into it. Harukawa, can you divide this dough into pieces?

You can reference this photo to see how big the pieces should be. In the meantime, I’ll keep working on the filling.

Sora: HaHa~! Understood, Sora is gonna pull this dough into pieces!

Keito: Yeah, I’ll leave it to you. And when I’m done with the filling, we’ll wrap it in that dough.

Guess I’ll start by chopping these onions.

Sora: ...There!

Keito: Uwah, what the hell! Something white just flew over here! Is this… dough?

Sora: There! And there!

Keito: H-Harukawa! I said to divide it into pieces, but I never said you should fling them across the room! What are you even doing that would make it fly everywhere like that?

Sora: HiHi~♪ Tearing up the fluffy dough was so much fun that Sora got a little carried away. Sorry.

Keito: ...Well, it’s not like I can’t empathize with that. If I may say so myself, I made quite the outstanding dough there.

But you shouldn’t make food fly everywhere. It’s fine because I managed to catch it all so far, but be more careful from now on.

Sora: Oka~y, Sora is going to be careful not to make it fly everywhere~.

Keito: Hm, I see you’re controlling the amount of force you’re putting into it now. Alright, then I’ll finally chop these onions...

...Gh.

Sora: HuHu~? Kei-chan-senpai, are you okay?

Keito: What’s this all of a sudden? I’m chopping the onions with no problems at all.

Sora: But Kei-chan-senpai, there are tears in your eyes. Though Sora doesn’t see you giving off a sad “color”?

Keito: ...Don’t mind that. I’m just tearing up because of the onions. But thanks to the tears, my field of vision is getting all blurry. If this keeps up, it’ll interfere with the cooking process…

Sora: In that case, Sora is going to wipe your tears ♪ ...There!

Keito: Hey wait, cut it out! Don’t even try to touch my glasses with your hands covered in flour!

Sora: Kei-chan-senpai, please let go. Sora can’t wipe your tears like this~.

Keito: Give me a moment, I’ll take off my glasses first. And you, go wash your hands. You got some flour on my face.

Sora: Hm~, but Sora wasn’t the one who got that flour on your face, it’s been there this whole time.

Keito: What!? You should’ve told me sooner! Since when? Don’t tell me it’s been like that since I weighed out the ingredients…?

Tsumugi: Excuse me~. Sora-ku~n, are you okay?

Makoto: We came running because we heard Hasumi-senpai’s voice all the way outside… Harukawa-kun, is he scolding you again?

Maybe he found out you were running in the hallways on your way here after all…?

Uwah. You’re both completely covered in flour, what on earth have you been up to?

Keito: Hm? Aoba… And Yuuki, too. Did you come to check up on Harukawa?

Sora: HeHe~♪ Senpai, Yuuki-sensei~, don’t worry~. Sora is making steamed buns with Kei-chan-senpai ♪

Tsumugi: Aah, I guess that means you managed to clear up the misunderstanding. That’s great ♪

You never came back, so I was starting to worry if you managed to get your point across. But I guess there was really no reason for concern.

Makoto: ...Hrmm, don’t you think we should be a little concerned about that, though?

Location: Garden Terrace Kitchen

Keito: ...Alright, I guess that’ll do it. I’d say it’s about the density of my earlobes now.

To think that just adding water would take so long…

It was so dry and crumbly at first that I worried if it’d turn into a dough at all, but it came together neatly.

Next, it says to leave the dough as it is and let it rise… I guess I’ll make the filling while I wait.

...Umm, let’s see here. First, soak the dried shiitake mushrooms in water and chop the onions and spring onions into fine slices. Then, grate the ginger…

Add the chopped ingredients and meat into a bowl and knead them with your hands until they’re mixed.

Hmm, there’s a photo of the process. The explanatory note on the photo says “This is more or less how it should look like when it’s done!”...?

“More or less”...? I can’t tell what they mean by that just from looking at the picture. Isn’t there a better recipe out there?

...No, all the other recipes have similar photos. Sigh, and it looks like there’s still so much left to do.

This is my first time making something like Chinese steamed buns, but still, I’d never have expected it to be such a lengthy process.

Cooking really is a lot of work…

I’ve never been aware of that until now. But speaking of which, Kiryu mentioned before that he makes his bento by hand every day.

Knowing him, he probably even takes things like nutritional value and visual presentation into account while cooking, since he makes them for his family and underclassmen as well. ...Good grief, I can only take my hat off to him.

Kanzaki also cooks as a hobby, and said before that he can cook Japanese, Chinese and Western cuisine. Maybe I should learn under them.

Aah, this won’t do. I stopped moving my hands. I need to keep going. Umm, what’s the next step…

Sora: Kei-chan-senpai!

Keito: Uwah, what is it!? O-oh, it’s you, Harukawa. You’re too early. What happened to Aoba?

No, more importantly, I upset you, didn’t I?

While I don’t think my warning was unjustified… I, um, may have gone a bit too far.

And well, it’s not like I’m doing this to butter you up or anything…

But the transfer student just so happened to have a surplus of ingredients for Chinese steamed buns, so I figured I might as well use them, that’s all.

Sora: Kei-chan-senpai! Sora is sorry for causing a misunderstanding!

Keito: W-what? Misunderstanding? What do you mean by that?

Sora: Sora wasn’t upset or anything like that.

Keito: Hm? Are you by any chance talking about that time we met in the hallway earlier?

But back then, you didn’t give me a single word in response at all, no matter what I said to you. I mean, I’m not reprimanding you for that, just…

You even had tears in your eyes then, didn’t you? Wasn’t that because I was too harsh on you?

Sora: It wasn’t. The reason Sora was quiet wasn’t because he got scolded by Kei-chan-senpai~. Sora doesn’t even really remember what Kei-chan-senpai was telling him in the first place.

Keito: What. So I went through the trouble of saying all that, and you don’t even remember any of it? Incorrigible.

Sora: Um, the truth is, back then Sora’s stomach was hurting really bad… That’s why Sora was hurrying to the infirmary.

Keito: To the infirmary? So that’s why you were running in the hallways… But was it really necessary to run in a zig-zag line? That’s so dangerous.

Sora: Sora is very sorry, he meant to run in a straight line but his stomach hurt so bad that it made him unsteady on his feet~.

Keito: Don’t run in the hallways in the first place. But to think that this was the reason behind it… And I held you up.

So the reason why you were quiet the whole time, and why you had tears in your eyes, were all because you were trying to endure the pain?

Sora: Yes. Sora apologizes for the misunderstanding.

Keito: ...It’s fine. I did think something was off.

Thinking back, I should’ve taken the time to ask you for your circumstances instead of just one-sidedly lecturing you.

But whatever the reason may be, you’re a danger to yourself and others when you run in the hallways like that.

Since you don’t seem to remember what I said, I’ll repeat myself; as an idol, you must cherish your own body more. Take better care from now on.

Sora: Understood, from now on Sora will be careful not to crash into anyone when he’s running in the hallways.

Keito: No, I’m telling you not to run in the first place. Do you really understand what I’m saying? Scaling the walls is also out of the question.

...In any case, I’m relieved to hear that I didn’t upset you. Is your stomachache all better yet?

Sora: Yes, Sora rested in the infirmary until it went away. Thank you for your concern ♪

Location: Garden Terrace Kitchen

Keito: Alright, I’ve weighed out all the ingredients for the dough.

Mix flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder together… So even just something as simple as dough already requires this many ingredients, huh.

And here I thought wheat flour by itself would suffice.

Okay, next up… Pour all the mixed ingredients into a bowl, and slowly add lukewarm water…

How many degrees is “lukewarm water”?

It’s not written anywhere in the recipe, so I don’t know what exact temperature it should be… But well, “lukewarm” probably means it shouldn’t be too hot to touch.

Which means, it should more or less be the temperature of the human body… Hrrm, I guess this will do?

And then knead the dough until it has the density of an earlobe…

An earlobe? Now hold on just a second, don’t those vary between people? Is it okay to just base it on my own earlobe…?

The recipe… of course, it doesn’t specify this. I never thought just making the dough for Chinese steamed buns would already take this much time and labour.

Just like Aoba said, searching for recipes on the phone will bring up numerous results, but the information in every single one of these is just way too ambiguous.

I’d be able to compensate for that if I had enough experience in cooking… This might turn out to be more difficult than I expected.

I get the feeling that it would’ve been faster to go and buy some after all… But now that I’ve decided to make them myself, I’d better finish the job I started.

Also, the whole time I’m doing this, Harukawa is still upset because of me. Aoba said he’d keep him here at school, but there’s a limit to how long he can stall him.

Whatever, time’s too precious to waste it thinking back and forth like this. I’ll just carry on while keeping an eye on the recipe.

Location: Game Research Club Room

Tsumugi: ...And that’s the story.

Lately, whenever I see Keito-kun, his eyebrows are deeply furrowed, and apparently he couldn’t give it his all with student council work today because the thing with Sora-kun was weighing on him so much.

When he headed to the kitchen, he was walking at a brisk pace that just barely still qualified as “not running in the hallways”.

Makoto: I see, so that’s what happened.

...Er, does that mean that this whole time we’re talking, the vice-president is still in the kitchen making steamed buns?

Tsumugi: Yeah, he’s probably having a one-man staring contest with the recipe as we speak.

Makoto: But even if he has a recipe, are Chinese steamed buns really something you can make so easily when you’ve never done it before? I’m kind of worried…

Tsumugi: Me and Anzu-chan, who happened to be there too, both offered our help, though…

But Keito-kun turned us down in the end, saying that he couldn’t accept such a big favour from us and that he’ll be fine as long as he has a recipe.

It seemed like he wanted to do something about this by himself. I’m sure he feels deeply obligated towards Sora-kun.

Sora: ………..

Makoto: I see~, somehow, that’s really typical of the vice-president.

...I just said that to lighten the mood, but shouldn’t we hurry and tell him what was really going on with Harukawa-kun, instead of letting him keep making meat buns?

Tsumugi: Aah, you’re right. This really won’t do, I got all caught up in our conversation…

Sora: ………..

Tsumugi: What’s the matter, Sora-kun? You’ve been so quiet for a while now.

Sora: Senpai! Yuuki-sensei~! Sora is gonna go see Kei-chan-senpai!

It looks like Sora caused Kei-chan-senpai to misunderstand, so Sora will go and clear up the misunderstanding!

Tsumugi: You’re right, we should go and let him know as soon as possible. Do you want me to come with you?

Sora: Mm-mh, Sora can go by himself~! See you!

Makoto: Ah, Harukawa-kun… Aw man, he practically leaped out the door.

Tsumugi: He’s so lively~. Well, I guess we can leave this to Sora-kun for the time being.

If he takes a while to come back, I’ll go and check up on them.

Makoto: Ah, then please take me with you if it comes down to that.

I’m sure Tenkousei-chan also wants to know how this turns out, so I wanna give her a report about it later.

Tsumugi: That’s true. Then I guess the two of us will wait here until we feel like the time is right, and then head to the kitchen together ♪

Location: Game Research Club Room

Tsumugi: …..?

Makoto: That game is co-op only, which, while difficult, is a lot of fun~♪

Since there’s three of us, why don't we try it at the hardest difficulty?

Sora: Yes! Sora will work together with Yuuki-sensei and Senpai~!

Tsumugi: (Hm, how strange. Sora-kun seems like his usual self. And it doesn’t feel like he’s just putting on an act, either....?)

Sora: Senpai, what’s the matter? You’re giving off a curious “color”...

Tsumugi: Ahaha, of course you’d notice that right away, Sora-kun.

...Um, well I heard that you were really upset, so I thought it strange that you didn’t seem that way to me at all.

Makoto: Huh, Harukawa-kun is upset? I didn’t notice at all, even though we spent so much time together today.

Sora: …..? Sora isn’t upset or anything. Who did you hear that from, Senpai?

Tsumugi: Keito-kun told me about it when I went to the student council room to drop off some documents earlier.

Sora-kun, didn’t you feel dejected when you got told off by him?

Sora: Hmm~, well, Sora did meet Kei-chan-senpai in the hallway. But Sora wasn’t dejected or anything like that~?

Tsumugi: But Keito-kun said that you wouldn’t say a single word to him in response, and on top of that, you had tears welling up in your eyes. It was really weighing on him, too.

Makoto: ...Wasn’t that because of Harukawa-kun’s stomachache?

Tsumugi: Sora-kun, you had a stomachache?

Sora: Yes. Back then, Sora was desperately trying to get to the infirmary, which is why he was running in the hallways. Then, Sora almost ran into Kei-chan-senpai.

He stopped Sora in his tracks and said a bunch of stuff at Sora. But for Sora, it wasn’t the time for that.

By the time Kei-chan-senpai left, Sora’s pain had gotten so bad that he couldn’t even move.

Makoto: Yep yep, and that’s when I happened to pass by.

Harukawa-kun was crouching in the corridor, his eyes full of tears. I was so shocked to find him like that~.

Sora: Yuuki-sensei~ supported Sora and helped him walk, so he made it to the infirmary in the end~. Sora wouldn’t have been able to make it by himself.

Tsumugi: Eeh? But that’s also an emergency in its own right…!

If your stomachache was that bad, it’s no trivial matter. Do you know what caused it?

Makoto: I asked Sagami-sensei the same thing, but he couldn’t figure it out either.

But in all likelihood, his stomach got cold when he was napping outside*.

Sora: It was nice and warm out today, so Sora took a stroll in the garden terrace!

And then Sora got kind of drowsy, so he decided to take a nap in the shade of a tree.

But during the nap, Sora’s stomach started feeling all weird, so he woke up~.

Sora tried to endure it, but the pain kept getting worse, and that’s why he hurried to the infirmary.

Tsumugi: I see, and that’s when you came across Keito-kun. So, the reason why you were so teary-eyed was also…

Sora: Sora’s stomach had been hurting for so long that he didn’t even notice the tears welling up in his eyes.

Tsumugi: So that’s what it was~. By the way, Sora-kun, is your stomach okay now?

Sora: HiHi~♪ Yes, it’s all better already ♪

Makoto: I guess your stomach warmed up from the hot tea Sagami-sensei made for you while you were resting.

Harukawa-kun said he was feeling better, and suggested playing some games, so we came to the game club together. And we’ve been playing games here ever since.

Good thing the stomachache wasn’t caused by anything serious~.

Tsumugi: Hmhm, now I see the whole picture.

I’m relieved to hear that Sora-kun wasn’t upset, and that his stomachache got better. All’s well that ends well ♪

Please be careful not to let your stomach cool down during a nap again, Sora-kun.

Sora: Yes, understood! Senpai, thank you for worrying about Sora!

Tsumugi: Don’t mention it. In any case, everything turned out fine ♪

...Aah!

Makoto: Woah, what are you yelling for all out of nowhere, Aoba-senpai?

Tsumugi: Oh this is bad, I completely forgot about Keito-kun!

Makoto: The vice-president...? Is something up with him?

Tsumugi: Actually, Keito-kun is making Chinese steamed buns in the kitchen as we speak.

Makoto: Wh-, Chinese steamed buns? Why on earth..?

Tsumugi: I-in any case, I need to tell him the truth about this matter immediately. Otherwise he’ll make tons of steamed buns for nobody at all!

Makoto: Uhh. What do you mean, “steamed buns for nobody at all”... I have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about…

Sora: What’s this about? Are we talking steamed buns? Sora loves Chinese steamed buns~♪

The ones we had with Shisho~ the other day were really tasty ♪

Tsumugi: Yeah they were, weren’t they~? I remember it like it was yesterday.

Well, I guess that’s exactly why we’re in this mess now to begin with…

Makoto: Hrrm? At this point I’m so confused I don’t even know if you want me to give a funny retort or what. Umm… Seriously, what happened, Aoba-senpai?

Tsumugi: Oh, I’m sorry. I’ll explain everything from the beginning. So here’s what happened…

--------------------

* It’s a common belief in Japan that a cold stomach is the cause of many stomach problems, including nausea and stomachaches. Apparently it’s not backed up by any scientific data though.

Location: Student Council Room

Keito: By the way, where do I need to go in order to procure those Chinese steamed buns?

Tsumugi: Well, we got them from a food truck that we just happened to find at the time.

A few days later I was passing through the same area, and they weren’t selling them there anymore, so it may be impossible to find the exact same steamed buns now.

But even if they’re not the very same ones, if you went to the school store or a Chinese restaurant they might have a similar kind?

Keito: Are pork buns still sold at this time of year, though? If they don’t sell them at the school store, I’ll have to head to the Chinese restaurant in the shopping district…

Well, no use overthinking it. I’d better go and check as soon as-…

Woah there! Oh, it’s the transfer student. You’ll give people a start if you stand right in front of the door like that. What’s the matter, do you have business in the student council room?

Aah, so you’re also bringing some documents over.

Sorry, there’s a crucial task that I have to complete right now, so I’ll be excusing myself for a moment. If you’re just submitting those documents, leave them on the desk over there. I’ll verify them sometime in the coming days and let you know if there are any errors.

Hm? What’s wrong, is there still something you need?

...Huh? If the ingredients for steamed buns are fine by themselves, you can get them ready for me?

Aah, you must’ve overheard me and Aoba talking.

Hmm. So there are leftovers from a cooking class in the cafeteria?

I see, so the leftovers are being kept in the fridge in the cafeteria kitchen. And you’re telling me I can use them if I’d like.

Tsumugi: Isn’t that great timing, Keito-kun? How about you accept the ingredients from Anzu-chan and make steamed buns by hand for the occasion?

Keito: I only considered buying them until now, so this strategy didn’t even cross my mind. But I’ve never made Chinese steamed buns before…

Hm? If I look it up on my smartphone, there are plenty of recipes online for that?

I see, so you’ve cooked many meals using recipes you’ve found online, transfer student.

Tsumugi: Oh yes, apparently lots of the recipes even have photos attached to them~. How about this one, it has really detailed quantities and instructions.

Keito: That makes sense, I guess even I can do it if all I need to do is follow a recipe.

...What? You want to help me out, transfer student?

Tsumugi: Keito-kun, I’d like to offer my help too, if that’s okay. The student council is pretty overwhelmed with work right now, isn’t it?

Keito: No, don’t the both of you have things that you should be doing instead? I can’t possibly accept such big favors from you.

While it’s true that there is still work left for me to do here, it’s mostly just sorting a few documents, so I’ll be fine by myself. And this work was my responsibility to begin with.

I’ll gladly accept the ingredients you offered, but I’ll attempt to make the steamed buns on my own. Why, it’ll be a cinch as long as I have a recipe.

Tsumugi: Okay. But at the very least, allow me to detain Sora-kun until you’re done cooking the steamed buns, Keito-kun.

Keito: Yeah, please do. Now that I’ve decided on a course of action, I better hurry to the kitchen at once. I’ll repay these debts to you two as soon as I get the chance, trust me.

Location: Hallway

Tsumugi: Keito-kun headed straight for the kitchen, huh~. But that only goes to show just how concerned he really is for Sora-kun.

Huh? What is it, Anzu-chan? You want to know what happened...?

Apparently, Sora-kun started crying after receiving a warning from Keito-kun for running in the hallways.

Yeah, I agree that Keito-kun’s sermons are frightening…

But it’s still strange for Sora-kun to cry because of something like that. It makes me wonder if there weren’t some greater circumstances involved.

Well, in any case it’s probably best to ask him directly.

Umm, I wonder where Sora-kun might be at this time… I guess I’ll drop by the game club first.

Location: Game Research Club Room

Tsumugi: Excuse me~, is Sora-kun here~?

Sora: HaHa~♪ Someone called Sora’s name~. Sora is right here! What’s the matter, Senpai?

Tsumugi: Ah, Sora-kun, I figured you’d be here. Here’s the thing…

Oh? I see Yuuki-kun is here as well.

Makoto: Hello, Aoba-senpai~♪

Do you need Harukawa-kun for something? In that case, I can leave…?

Tsumugi: Aah, there’s no need for that. So you two are playing videogames together today?

Sora: Yes! Shisho~ had something to do today and is absent, so Yuuki-sensei~ played together with Sora!

Makoto: I was free because the other guys from Trickstar aren’t around today. It was perfect timing.

Sora: Yuuki-sensei~ is incredible! He’s clearing all the games that were collecting dust in a corner after Shisho~ declared them garbage one after another!

Makoto: Ehehe, I’m not as great as you say. You get the hang of these kinds of games after speedrunning a bunch of them, and they’re actually not all that hard. The vital part is clearing your mind of all thoughts ♪

Sora: Sora wants to play this game next~. Senpai, do you want to join us?

Location: Student Council Room

Tsumugi: Yes, that’s correct. Sora-kun and I are both members of Switch.

And Natsume-kun is our leader. We’re a unit of magicians who entertain people in fantastical ways by casting the magic of happiness on them ♪

Keito: I didn’t ask for a presentation on your whole unit. There’s no need to tell me things I already know.

What I want to talk about right now is Harukawa. I almost ran into him in the hallway earlier…

For some reason he was running in a zig-zag line down the corridor, so I stopped him and gave him a warning about his dangerous behaviour.

Tsumugi: In a zig-zag line, you say?

Hrrm, I know he often runs or climbs on walls as a shortcut, but I’ve never seen him run in a zig-zag line for no apparent reason…

Keito: Well don’t let him climb on walls. If you call yourself his upperclassman, at least give him adequate warning for such behaviour. How incorrigible…

That said, it’s possible that I was just a bit too harsh on him...

Tsumugi: Huh? I don’t really think Sora is the type to mind that kind of thing, but what makes you say that?

Keito: He didn’t utter a single word, and there were tears welling up in his eyes. As though he was thoroughly devastated by my words.

Tsumugi: Eeeh? Keito-kun, did you make Sora-kun cry?

Keito: Uu… I had absolutely no intentions of the sort…

But that doesn’t change the fact that while I was scolding him, his countenance became as such; which is why it’s still weighing on my mind.

Tsumugi: I see, so the cause of your furrowed brow was Sora-kun…

Hrrm, but you know, I’ve never really seen Sora-kun disheartened.

That’s why I can’t really picture it, I guess..?

Well, in any case, I’m sure he’ll perk up again as soon as he eats some tasty food ♪

Keito: What, it’s really that simple?

Tsumugi: Look, doesn’t just being hungry already make you feel kind of sad, in a way?

So conversely, maybe eating something tasty will make Sora-kun full of food and happiness ♪

Keito: ...Is that how it works?

Well, while I don’t entirely follow that line of reasoning, it beats doing nothing at all, like I have been.

And since you’re speaking as a fellow member of Harukawa’s unit, it’s probably a better plan than anything I would come up with by overthinking it.

So, what kind of food does he like?

Tsumugi: Umm, let me think~. He seems like he’d enjoy eating anything, really.

Like when we’re all together, he often says “The food Sora eats while looking at Shisho~ and Senpai’s beautiful “colors” is so tasty ♪”.

And then he looks like he’d be happy no matter what’s on the menu.

Keito: I see. But on the contrary, that makes it even more difficult to decide what to get him.

Tsumugi: ...Oh, then how about Chinese steamed buns?

Keito: Chinese steamed buns…?

Tsumugi: You see, the other day we, as Switch, were out together for a live and got a little peckish, so we all ate Chinese steamed buns together.

They were sooo hot and doughy, bursting with meat juices, and absolutely delicious~♪

Oh yeah, when I bit into it I carelessly burned my mouth.

And then Natsume-kun was like, “SenpAI, you got meat juices all over mE” and kicked me~.

Despite all that, Sora-kun was really enjoying his steamed bun next to me, so I’m sure he likes them a lot.

Which is why I think he’ll be overjoyed if you got them for him.

Keito: There are a great many things I’d like to retort, but you know what. Nevermind. I’ll just procure Chinese steamed buns for him.

I can’t bear to let him stay depressed like that. If I get him those buns, at the very least Harukawa might cheer up a bit.

Location: Hallway

Keito: Aah, classes are finally over for the day.

(I’m seriously just reaping what I’ve sown here, but thanks to that “town revitalization plan*” taking up all of my time, my student council work has been piling up.)

(Honestly, this must be what they call “being so busy you don’t even have time to catch your breath”.)

(And I know that if I overworked myself I’d just burn out and not get anything done at all… But I really am up to my ears in work. It’s a hopeless situation.)

(I need to hurry to the student council room and get started on the paperwork. Of course, I won’t run in the hallways, but I’ll walk as quickly as possible…)

Sora: ……….!

Keito: Uwoh!

Who’s that running in a zig-zag across the corridors! That’s dangerous! I almost ran straight into you!

You’re… that first-year from Aoba’s unit?

Oi, are you listening? I’m telling you to quit running in the hallways!

And to do it in a zig-zag, too, that’s completely inexcusable! Walk in a straight line…

Wait, I wasn’t telling you to walk away from me right now! Get back here!

Who would ignore the person cautioning them and just try to walk off!

Why, you little… You did not just do something as dangerous as trying to climb up the walls to escape me.

Not a shred of remorse in sight. Seems like today’s finally the day you require a sermon from me.

Sora: ………..

Keito: Oi, you haven’t said a single thing yet, are you listening? Don’t make me repeat myself. How about you at least give me a response?

Sora: ………..

Keito: (....? He’s still not answering me.)

(When I met him the other day, he had a vastly different attitude. What could be the matter? Maybe he’s reflecting on his behaviour…?)

Oi, Harukawa… Hm?

(Wh-, there are tears in his eyes…!?)

(I-is he that remorseful...!? No, this is beyond remorse, it’s like he’s completely down in the dumps…)

(Maybe I was a little too harsh on him? But in this situation I have no choice but to give him a stern warning, for his own sake…)

I-in any case. This is far from the first time that I’ve seen you partake in hazardous behaviour like that. If you run into someone, there’s a good chance that not just the other person, but you personally, could get hurt.

Seeing that you’re an idol, I urge you to cherish your own body more. Once you have an accident it’s already too late.

If you understand this, don’t ever let me catch you running in the corridors again. And walking in a zig-zag line is also taboo. Take good care from now on.

Sora: ………..

Location: Student Council Room

- A few minutes later -

Keito: ………..

(It’s no good, I can’t get Harukawa’s strange demeanor from earlier out of my head. At this rate I’m liable to putting the wrong stamps on these documents.)

(I am by no means close to Harukawa, but I know that he’s not the type of person to be so rude as to not even grant me a response.)

(In fact, the way he kept completely silent, his eyes wet with tears can only mean…)

(While the warning itself was necessary, lately I have been so overworked that I may have adopted an excessively aggressive tone…)

Tsumugi: Excuse me~.

I am here to deliver documents for Switch in Natsume-kun’s place~.

Keito: ………..

Tsumugi: ...Umm, hello, Keito-kun? Can you hear me?

Keito: ………..

Tsumugi: Excuse me~?

Keito: Uwoh! Don’t thoughtlessly bring your face so close to mine, Aoba. Bastard, how long have you been in the student council room?

Tsumugi: Ah~, you finally noticed. You know, I did try calling out to you several times.

But since you didn’t react at all, I started wondering if maybe someone left a doll that perfectly resembles Keito-kun in this room.

Keito: As if that would ever happen. If you’re only here for smalltalk, get out. I’ve got my hands full with work.

Tsumugi: Geez, of course I’m here for a reason. When I came in I did say that I’m here to deliver some documents.

So you really didn’t hear me speak at all, huh.

Here you go, the documents for Switch. There’s no hurry, but please verify them for us.

Keito: Hm? Aah, I see. Yeah, consider them received.

Tsumugi: Is something the matter, Keito-kun? Your forehead is even more wrinkled than usual, did some kind of trouble come up with your work...?

Keito: No, there’s no problem with the work itself. It’s just that there’s a whole mountain of it…

That reminds me… Aoba, you’re in the same unit as Harukawa, aren’t you?

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