Chapter 6.4 - Sleepover [Cake Shop]
"How far do we have to go?" she asked with a childish expression on her face while she tried to lean on Mitsuru. She was exhausted from the day's errands at the different shops.
"Can you see the shop on the right side after two blocks?"
"Ahh... I don't think I can make it. I'm gonna pass out from hunger and exhaustion by the time we get there. Care to give me a piggyback ride?"
"Ha... Ha... Ha... Are you a toddler? I allowed you to call me whatever you want, but sweetie, I am not going to do that for sure," Mitsuru replied, barely controlling her laughter.
"Can’t you see how many people are waiting outside the shop? We came in the evening hoping it would be less crowded, but it’s still super busy."
"Agreed, but it is less crowded than in the morning," Mitsuru nodded with a smile after seeing Hikari’s facial expressions.
Feeling drowsy and rubbing her eyes, Hikari said, "Am I dreaming or imagining things due to exhaustion? What's Aikawa doing there?"
"I think you're seeing things because you're tired. Let’s buy some cake and head back to the house," Mitsuru replied, maintaining her composure.
"Look at the entrance, he’s there," Hikari insisted, pointing towards the entrance.
Mitsuru thought Hikari was just hallucinating, but as soon as she laid eyes on Aikawa, her soul seemed to leave her body, and she started dreaming like she was on her way to the gates of justice. After a few seconds, she came back to her senses. She grabbed Hikari’s hand and looked for a hiding place nearby. She saw an advertisement banner and tried to hide behind it.
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"Are we hiding from him again? How many times do I have to explain to you that he is not your enemy or a criminal?" Hikari replied in frustration, stepping out from behind the banner.
"Stop, Soldier! The danger is still out there. You are young and don’t know how the world works. You should wait here. I will check the situation outside, and we will leave our base only if it is safe," Mitsuru said, her tension causing her to lapse into manga dialogue.
Now Hikari was really pissed. She grabbed Mitsuru's cheeks and replied in frustration, "Cut this crap and move your butt!"
"Ah... Stop pulling my cheeks, it hurts! And I am not going out until he leaves," Mitsuru replied, bearing the pain.
Hikari was not ready to listen. She grabbed Mitsuru's arm and started pulling her out. When they finally stepped out and looked towards the shop, Aikawa was no longer there. Hikari was upset, but Mitsuru felt relieved.
They headed to the shop. Once inside, Mitsuru scanned her surroundings for any countermeasures. The aroma of sweets quickly began to fade Hikari’s frustration, making her feel relaxed and rejuvenated.
"Good evening, ladies. What would you like to have today? We have a wide variety of cakes, bread, and other items. Would you like to taste anything?" the shop attendant greeted them.
"Yes, I’d like to try that chocolate cake with banana on top. What’s special about it?" Hikari asked with a gentle smile.
"We use imported chocolate, so you're going to have a very exquisite taste," the shop attendant replied while serving her a piece of cake.
After taking a bite, Hikari felt amused. It was as if she had completely forgotten why she was fatigued a few minutes ago. As expected, the item turned out to be delicious. They both ate until they were full and Hikari regained enough energy to return home. They also purchased some pastries for later.
On their way home, they stopped by the market to shop for dinner. As Mitsuru insisted on having Italian cuisine, Hikari bought some ingredients for pasta, pizza, and some side items. After purchasing the ingredients, they headed straight home, talking about the fun they had had throughout the day.