Riran, and finally, I enter the cafe.
It's a cafe located in front of the station, a fairly popular place with a concept of a traditional retro space.
There are no high school students, but it's bustling with quite a few people, including madams having tea, businessmen on sales calls, couples, and university students.
However.
"Ooh..."
"They're all so beautiful..."
"A group of handsome men and beautiful women is exactly what this is."
"What a feast for the eyes."
"That small girl is cute."
"I'm for that blonde girl..."
"No, no, long black hair is justice, right?"
Hmm, we really stand out after all.
Riran and Ryūgu-in go without saying. They're at the top level of cuteness, not just in our grade, but in the entire school.
Neika is also small, but she has a childlike cuteness and a somewhat mysterious atmosphere.
Ryūya is also a tall, handsome guy. He always has a cheerful smile, and it feels like he energizes those who see him.
Hmm... my sense of being out of place.
Since it's a group of beauties, it feels like my normality stands out even more.
This is quite tough. Even if it's a bit late to realize it.
When we reached the table seats, Ryūya and I sat on the chair side. The three girls sat on the sofa side.
Riran is in front of me. Next to her is Ryūgu-in, and next to her is Neika, in that order.
Meanwhile, Ryūgu-in tilted her head while looking at my face.
"Sanada-kun, what's wrong? Your complexion looks pale."
"Don't worry about it. It's not that I'm feeling unwell."
"Is that so?"
"Yeah. I'm just being crushed by reality."
"How is that any better...?"
I'm just thinking that reality is cruel.
A female waitress brings water and menus for everyone.
Her eyes are glued to Ryūya the whole time.
"W-Well then, please call me when you've decided on your menu."
"Thanks!"
Grin. That's a good smile, Ryūya.
"...If this were a gal game, she'd have the face of a heroine who'd be about the third most popular."
"As expected of Ryūya, you understand well."
""Hey-ey!""
Hey, you two. Don't make such pitiful remarks. Riran and Ryūgu-in are getting put off.
I move my eyes from the two idiots to the menu.
As usual, despite being a cafe, the menu variety is abundant. It looks like you could have a meal here, not just sweets.
It would be fine to have a meal here, but if I'm going to eat dinner later, that's a different story. Maybe I'll just have a little bit of sweets.
In that case, either a cake or a parfait... alright.
"Has everyone decided?"
"Nei and I have decided!"
"I'm good too."
"I'm... yeah, I'm okay."
"Got it. Excuse me!"
When I called the waitress, the person from before approached quickly.
"Yes, thank you for waiti..."
...Eh, why did she freeze while looking at me? Is there something on my face?
"...Um?"
"...Ah! M-My apologies...!"
This time she looked away with all her might. Damn it, why. Is my face something you shouldn't look at that much?
"Gah! Ow!?"
S-She kicked my shin...! This girl.
"Hey, Kuonji, why did you kick me just now...!"
"It just happened to hit you. Hmph."
No, no matter how you think about it, you kicked me on purpose just now...!
Damn, as expected, I don't know what this girl is thinking!
"Look at you two, don't be so flirty."
""We're not being flirty!""
That wasn't being flirty just now. No matter how you look at it, it was just violence!
Everyone else thinks so too, right!?
...Who is 'everyone' anyway?
"If Akito isn't going to order, I'll go first. Miss, two Super Cosmo Grade Ultra Deluxe Parfaits. For me and this girl."
"Super Cosmo Grade Ultra Deluxe Parfait~"
"Um... this one is normally for four people though..."
"It's fine because this kid and I can eat it. Right, Nei?"
"Piece of cake, piece of cake!"
Seriously, it's at the level where I wonder if these guys' stomachs are connected to a black hole... well, I guess there's no need to worry about them.
"I-I see. Then, that's two Reckless Parfaits."
Hey, this shop is calling the Super Cosmo Grade Ultra Deluxe Parfait a 'Reckless Parfait'.
Eating something like that by yourself is really incredible after all—.
"No, make it three."
"...Kuonji?"
Eh, is she going for the Reckless Parfait too?
Ryūgu-in also looked surprised and widened her eyes as she looked at Riran.
"R-Riran-chan, are you okay? The parfaits here are famous for being really big..."
"I'm fine. I feel like I can eat it today."
Where does that confidence spring from?
"I-I see... then I'll have the chocolate mousse and hot tea."
"Yes, one chocolate mousse."
Am I last?
............
"A black coffee, hot."
"Yes, certainly. Please wait a moment."
The waitress bowed and hurried off toward the kitchen.
"Akito, what's wrong? You were keen on a parfait until just now."
"Ah... just in case."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
If I say just in case, it means just in case. Don't worry about it.
After that, while waiting for nearly ten minutes while chatting with everyone,
That time finally arrived.