"...Alright. That looks about right. Now I just need to get this to the cafeteria."
I stood in my own kitchen, staring at the whole cake I had just finished baking. If you recall what happened recently, you can probably guess why. Fuji had decided to round up the residents of the Ritto Dorm for a Christmas party.
Originally, they planned to hold it inside the dorm itself, but that turned out to be physically impossible. Tracen Academy only has two dormitories, after all; inevitably, the headcount is going to be massive.
That's why I made a shortcake specifically cut for six people. However, I couldn't help but worry. The Ritto Dorm houses three of the school's four legendary gluttons. I'm only dropping off the cake, so it should be fine, but... what if Pack-Queen demands I make more?
"Well, I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. Right, let's take this... and these, and get going."
Location: Tracen Academy - Cafeteria
"Yo," I called out as I entered.
"Hm? Yawata. I'm glad you came," Air Groove said, walking over. "I heard from Fuji, but let me thank you as well."
"Don't worry about it. I only made one cake."
"Even that is a help."
"If you need more, I can whip something up right now. It'd make things easier for you guys, wouldn't it?"
"I appreciate the sentiment, but we've already prepared the food," Air Groove replied, though she glanced at the tables. "We'll just accept your goodwill."
"...Is it really going to be enough?"
"...Don't say that," she averted her eyes. "You're making me anxious."
Ah. So she is worried about it.
"Hey there, Yawata-san! You made it!" Fuji approached, waving cheerfully.
"A promise is a promise. Anyway, here's the cake. I'll leave it with you—open it whenever you need it."
"Got it, I'll keep it safe. Since you're here, why don't you join us? I think everyone would be happier if you did."
"...I suppose. I haven't eaten yet, so I might as well partake. The smell of the food made me hungry anyway."
And so, the Ritto Dorm Christmas Party—with me as the plus-one—kicked off. I say "party," but it was mostly just eating and drinking. Still, the way Special Week and Oguri Cap ate never ceased to amaze me...
"Yawata, why don't you eat more? You can still fit some in, can't you?" Air Groove nudged me.
"Trainer-saan! Are you having fun? Let's take a selfie together♪" Fine Motion chimed in.
"Ufufu, Trainer-san. Here, let me say 'aaahn' for you," Super Creek offered with a motherly smile.
"Haaa-hahahaha!! Trainer-kun! How about a song with me!?" T.M. Opera O struck a pose.
"Mmph... gulp... Trainer, you should have some too. This food is delicious," Oguri mumbled, cheeks stuffed.
Suddenly, I was swarmed by Horse Girls. Still, making it a buffet style was a bold move. They should probably thank their lucky stars Akebono was here to help manage the sheer volume.
"Attention, everyone!" Fuji's voice cut through the noise. "We have desserts lined up, but since it's Christmas, we need cake! So, we have a present for you all! By the way... exactly six slices here were made by Yawata-san! Now, try to guess which ones they are~♪"
The moment Fuji said that, I felt everyone's eyes flash. Especially McQueen... her eyes were positively glowing. Don't make that face at a time like this.
Of course, I had actually prepared something special separately for the cooking team—Air Groove, Fuji, Akebono, Flash, Creek, and Tama. Considering they made this much food for this many people, they deserved a little VIP treatment.
"Trainer-san! Which one is the cake you made!?" Special Week cried out in distress. "There are so many, I can't tell!"
"Who knows?" I shrugged. "By the way, the only other person who made shortcake is Eishin Flash. Her skills as a patissier are genuine, so there are no 'losing' slices here."
"Ughhh... don't say tha~at! Now I don't know which to choose!"
"Spe-chan..." Suzuka sighed softly.
"You have it rough, too," I muttered to her.
"Trainer-san!!" McQueen loomed over me. "Which one is—"
"I have absolutely no clue, so I can't tell you."
"Th-That can't beeee~!"
She really doesn't waver... I wasn't too worried about Oguri; she seemed to care more about the savory food than the sweets.
Several hours later, about two hours before curfew, the party began to wind down.
"Alright, you guys. I've got this for you," I said, gathering the kitchen crew. "A present from me. It's cake, but it's a bit more elaborate than those six slices from earlier. I can guarantee the taste."
"My! It looks lovely!" Creek beamed.
"There are different kinds, so pick whichever you like."
"Well then, don't mind if I do~!" Akebono cheered. "They all look so good♪"
"This finish is wonderful... I'm torn," Flash said, examining them with a professional eye. "They all look delicious."
"I-Is this really okay?" Tama hesitated. "I just whipped up some yakisoba an' stuff... Are ya sure I can take somethin' this fancy?"
"It's fine. It's a reward for your hard work."
"Then I shall accept it without hesitation," Air Groove nodded.
"Truly, they all look great," Fuji agreed.
"And for the organizer, Fuji..." I handed her a separate box. "Consider this a bonus. Matcha Mousse Cake."
"Eh? Are you sure!?"
"Yeah. You planned this whole thing, didn't you? Receiving a little extra for that won't hurt anyone."
"Yatta! Thank you, Yawata-san!"
She flashed me a brilliant, beaming smile.
"...Ah."
That feeling just now.
If this is what love is... then I am definitely in love with Fuji.
The realization hit me with the weight of absolute conviction. And I accepted it immediately. A feeling bordering on possessiveness swelled within me—I wanted that smile directed only at me.
"No," I said softly. "Thank you."
"Hmm? Yep, you're welcome!"
Author's Note:
Yawata finally confirms his love!
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