Chapter 93:Takoyaki

AUGUST 17, 2021 1 COMMENT

When I walked out into the schoolyard, I saw a number of stalls lined up.

　Since we had been preparing the framework the day before, we had a rough idea of what the layout would look like, but the scene now, with the stalls actually open for business and so many people around them, was completely different from yesterday.

“It really feels like a festival.”

　Shi-chan, who had completely regained her good mood after seeing such a scene, looked as happy and excited as a child at a theme park.

　Speaking of stalls, I was disappointed that I couldn’t go around the stalls with Shi-chan at the summer festival, but I was happy to think that I would be able to go around the stalls with her today, even though the event was different.

　It seemed that Shi-chan felt the same way, and she was smiling next to me with her mouth open, as if she was very happy to be going to the stalls.

“Let’s go! Takkun!”

　Then Shi-chan walked lightly toward the stall, folding her hands behind her back.

　As I followed her back, I felt so happy to see how happy she looked.

　The schoolyard was lined with stalls set up by each class and some club activities.

　There were the usual takoyaki, okonomiyaki, yakisoba, and even the odd baked Neapolitan.

　All of the stalls seemed to be desperate to sell as many as possible, and their efforts to attract customers were quite impressive.

　But it was fun to watch the festive atmosphere.

“Which one do you want?”

“Well, I think I’d like takoyaki to share♪”

　I asked Shi-chan what she wanted to eat, and with a grin on her face, she immediately said takoyaki.

　I think we had takoyaki the other day, but apparently Shi-chan likes takoyaki a lot.

　Well, I thought that takoyaki would be good for both of us to eat together, so I headed for the takoyaki stall as soon as I could.

“Oh, welcome! How—– many!?

　The waiter, a senior, served us with perfect gestures and behavior, as if he was a takoyaki maker himself.

　However, when he realized that it was us who had come, he stopped his movements and then froze like a stone.

　I looked at my neighbor and thought, “Well, that’s understandable.”

　If Shi-chan, the object of the whole school’s adoration, suddenly appeared in front of me dressed as a maid, I think everyone would have this kind of reaction.

　The people inside and outside the stall were all surprised by the sudden appearance of Shiorin in her maid outfit.

“‘Thank goodness! I thought I couldn’t go because of my stall, but I got to see her!”

Shi-chan’s popularity was immeasurable, as we could even hear her shouts of joy.

” Okay, okay! If Shiori-chan is a customer, I can’t help but serve her! Take two of them with you!”

　The senior, who had regained his composure, said, “No need to pay for it!” He handed me two takoyaki.

　No, I’m sorry! I immediately took out my wallet, but not only the senior but also the other seniors in the store said, “Don’t worry about it”” so we thankfully decided to take advantage of their kindness.

　We sat down on a stone at the edge of the schoolyard and ate the takoyaki we had been given.

　We could have eaten just one, but thankfully we were given two, so we had to eat them one by one.

“Yes, it’s delicious.

” Yeah, I like the homemade taste.

　When I took a bite, it was different from the tender takoyaki I had eaten at the food court the other day.

“Okay, Takkun, please open your mouth.”

“Eh, we’re at school.”

“No one’s watching! Come on.
Aah!”

“A-aah!”

　I was a little overpowered by Shi-chan, so I gave up and ate the takoyaki she offered.

　The taste was the same, of course, but I was so embarrassed and happy that it tasted even better than the takoyaki I had just eaten.

I have to share this wonder with you too.

So I stuck one of the takoyaki into my toothpick and held it up.

“Then, Shi-chan, you too, go ahead.”

“Eh? I-I don’t mind! Everyone’s looking at me!”

“Don’t worry, they’ re not looking! Come on, Ahn.”

“Oh, …… then, …… ah-ahn”

　I did the same thing to Shi-chan.

　She opened her mouth shyly and took a bite of my takoyaki, her cheeks turning red as she munched happily.

　She looked so cute, like a little animal, and it was soothing just to watch her.

“And?”

“Oh, it’s so good!”

　I couldn’t help but ask her how it tasted, and although she was still munching, she did her best to tell me how she liked it.

　The whole gesture was so cute that I wanted to hug her right now, and it seemed that we were becoming more and more of a couple.

　If the me of a few months ago had seen the me of today, I’m sure I would have been surprised and turned over.

　Thus, we enjoyed our takoyaki while watching the excitement of the festival from afar.

　When we checked the clock, it was almost past 16:00.

　We decided that it was time to go, so we finished our takoyaki and headed straight for the gym.