Jaku-chara Tomozaki-kun

TL: learning2tl
TLC: Kagefij
ED: N/A

「Uhh, I’d like a Caramel Macchiato, the s-second size, uh, tall? Please . 」

「A Tall Caramel Macchiato, is that correct?」

「Y-Yes!」

It’s well known that the really terrifying part of Starbucks is 『How it’s easy to make a mistake when ordering』, so I had been on guard with every intention to get it right . However, due to being asked for a split-second decision, after a slight mess-up on my part, they were about to find out『Ah, that guy’s a beginner』 .

Since I had said it in the tone of『I knew this already～』despite this being the first time I had ever uttered the word 『Tall』, in addition to that, not only was the fact that I was a beginner exposed, but I even ended up being exposed to the barista as『someone who made their order in a tone of I knew this already despite being a beginner』 . In other words, just what am I saying? I’m probably being way too conscious .

It is however true that I feel so out of place here that I’m conscious of such things . Although the other customers aren’t giving off anything like that highly conscious aura I was imagining, that’s not where the problem lies . Looking at the『We are shining!』expression of these likely part-time employees, the mood here is already at a level of “brightness” I can think of as rejection of my gloomy existence . If I didn’t have that feeling of accomplishment from earlier, I would probably have evaporated on the spot .

I collected my order from the counter ahead of the register, then made my way towards the seats Mizusawa had saved for us . As for Izumi and Hinami, they were behind me in the queue, the two of examining the menu super seriously . A normal action for Hinami, but hadn’t Izumi already decided on that green tea whatchamacallit?

「Good work～」

「Y-Yeah . 」

Mizusawa was already seated . It was a table for exactly four people, with ordinary chairs on one side facing a sofa on the other . Sitting in a chair, Mizusawa was sipping a light brown liquid topped with cream .

Here I was faced with a difficult problem .

Namely… where should I sit?

I couldn’t afford to be too indecisive, either . If I continued to stand stock still here in indecision for too long, I would inevitably be called out to by Mizusawa asking me『Something up?』, and I’d definitely be scolded by Hinami afterwards .

Thus, I didn’t stop walking . The time available for me to think was the few seconds between the table coming into view and me having to sit down . I had no other choice but to make a rough decision in a short about of time .

In order to distance myself from the aura of the riajuu in front of me, I chose a position on the sofa that was diagonally opposite Mizusawa . A diagonal, the longest possible distance .

「Phew, I’m exhausted . 」

Although I’m not feeling particularly tired, let’s have a go at saying this . After all, I imagine riajuus often say such things . I’ll start with the looks .

「Hahaha . We haven’t even walked that much yet, though . 」

「O-Ohh, is that so?」

I was tsukkomi’d without a moment’s hesitation . Is simply saying the words『I’m exhausted』really so high-difficulty for me? Even as I admired myself for this, I began to calmly think .

Doesn’t this mean that? There’s a possibility that Izumi will come sit next to me, isn’t there?

It’s true that we always sit in neighbouring seats at school, but there’s a different implication when we’re sitting on the same sofa . In terms of proximity it would also be considerably that, and today her clothes are rather, well, like that . In particular, her chest is very that, so it won’t be good if that happens .

「Have you decided what you’re getting? For your present . 」

「Ahh, well……kind of . 」

「Heeh, that so?」

In truth, I had already decided what to buy earlier . However, my mind was preoccupied by something more important, namely, which of the two would be arriving at our table first . I glanced in the direction of the register . On doing so, I saw someone walking our way . It was Hinami .  This way! It’s still a little too early for me to sit next to Izumi!

「Whatcha buying?」

「Hmm, well……」

Just as I was about to answer, Hinami arrived at the table, and without a shred of hesitation, sat down in the chair next to Mizusawa . Well, I had the feeling that this would happen . She intends to test me, huh . Izumi sitting next to me is decided . I’m nervous .

「Ah! That looks delicious, Takahiro!」

Hinami said while looking at Mizusawa’s drink .

「Hm? I’m not giving you any, okay . 」

「I wasn’t even asking!」

They’re acting all close again . I think their shoulders were touching there . In a sense, it’s kind of like she sat there because of how close she is with Mizusawa . Nah, surely not? Well, whatever it is, it’s not like it matters to me .

「Actually, what’s that you have there, Aoi? Looks super delicious . 」

That was Mizusawa, apparently deeply interested . As for the drink Hinami placed on the table, it had biscuit-like things mixed into a white, gelato-ish liquid, and was topped by cream to which dark powder and a chocolate-like sauce had been added .

With a proud expression, Hinami held it up to her face .

「It’s a Tiramisu Frappuccino!!」

「Tiramisu? Was there something like that on the menu?」

「Fu- fu- fu . Since June they’ve had the limited edition『Baked Cheese Cake Frappuccino』, right? Add to that a shot of espresso, order some chocolate sauce, sprinkle in some cocoa powder yourself for the finish, and it’s ready to serve! Now that’s a hidden menu!」

「What’s with that? ……Sounds super tasty……」

「Don’t you think so?」

「Still, think of the calories . 」

「You lose if you worry about calories at Starbucks! ……L-Looks like I’m going to have to do some running again . 」

「Hahaha! Well, it’s admirable that you run . 」

Really, who are you? With a sidelong glance at this level of character change from Hinami that would prompt such a question, I was on the verge of laughter . I mean, Hinami, a Baked Cheese Frappucino? This girl went for the cheese-related one again… If I grin here I might get another kick under the table, so I’m going to have have to endure it .

「But really, cheese again!?」

「Shut up Takahiro, it’s none of your business!」

「Eh . 」

I inadvertently let my voice leak out .

「Hn? Tomozaki, something up?」

「Ah, no it’s……nothing . 」

Somewhat dodging Mizusawa’s question, I focused on the sugary taste of the Caramel Macchiato and regained my sense of calm . Caramel Macchiato sure is good . The overdose of sweetness numbs the tongue, and it tastes just right when you drink it . Wait, no . Uhhh . Back to that thing just now .

I was a little surprised .

I had thought I was the only one aware of Hinami’s excessive love for cheese, but I see now .

It wasn’t even something she particularly needed to hide from other people, so a.s.suming he’s a person she’s gone out with several times for a meal or the like, it’s natural that Mizusawa would also know about Hinami’s love for cheese .

Actually, it’s even likely that she’s gone out to eat with Mizusawa several times more than with me, and if that’s the case, he should even know it better than I do . There kind of was that rumour about them going out, too . I’ve ended up making a strange misunderstanding .

Well whatever . I might have let my voice slip out, but that just means I was a little surprised . Yeah .

Well whatever . I might have let my voice slip out, but that just means I was a little surprised . Yeah .

「I know, right! I was also wondering whether to get the Caramel Macchiato～!」

As she spoke, Izumi sat down to me without any hesitation whatsoever . Hey, don’t riajuus care at all about where they sit? Or are they just that good at hiding it? Or else, is my presence just not recognized? Ah, that must be it!

「So you went with the green tea thing in the end?」

「I guess so!」

For some reason she smiled at me with a triumphant look . Why is this girl acting like she just got praised?

「Have you decided what to buy?」

After placing her drink on the table, Izumi asked me this question as she slurped away in a hunched position . She was hunched with a rather open neckline, so, naturally, that would happen . I had been trying not to think about it, but doesn’t her current attire fit even more snugly than her school uniform, making her b.r.e.a.s.t.s stand out even more? Averting my eyes, I gave her my answer .

「I’ve……more or less decided . 」

「Seriously!? Tell us, tell us!」

「Oh, yeah, what did you decide on?」

「I’m curious～」

Though feeling dizzy from the force of being questioned by all three riajuus, I earnestly explained what I had thought about in advance so as to not be overwhelmed by pressure . If it’s just saying something thought about beforehand, I can do it even in front of these riajuus! How about that?! Amazing, right?! Eh? It’s not?

Then, I ended the explanation .

「Th-that’s……」Mizusawa made a slightly troubled face .

「I’m not sure what to say……」Izumi averted her eyes .

「……Th-That’s so like you, Tomozaki-kun!」Finally, Hinami wrapped up everyone’s opinions with a smile . As always, so capable . Thank you very much, it ended without me getting hurt .

Still, this was pretty much the best idea for a present I could come up with, and Hinami hadn’t given me any signal to say『That’s seriously no good』, so I think going with this should be fine .

Well, you could say it’s my fair play spirit at work here .

Then, finishing our break, we made our way to the electronics store, where I bought my present .

Upon leaving the store, with both Izumi and myself having bought our presents, the four of us had accomplished our purpose for this trip .

That reminds me, since my natural『Let’s go to the electronics store』suggestion was accepted just now, I only need to do this one more time . There hadn’t really been any resistance . Could this be unexpectedly simple? At this rate, might I be able to do it?

That reminds me, since my natural『Let’s go to the electronics store』suggestion was accepted just now, I only need to do this one more time . There hadn’t really been any resistance . Could this be unexpectedly simple? At this rate, might I be able to do it?

Right . If that’s how things are, time for me to think about what to do next and suggest it to everyone .

But no matter how much I thought……nothing good came to mind .

S-So that’s how it is . Earlier, I had been able to make a suggestion because the objective of buying a present had been there to begin with, but in a situation like this with no real objective, it’s difficult figuring out something we’d want to do .

For example, I visit game centers and the like fairly often, but should I really be bringing the three of them to one? How about us getting something to eat? But for even that, we had just been to Starbucks, so it’s likely that some of us aren’t hungry, and in the first place it’s probably not something for me to say . Those were the kinds of thoughts I had .

Far from getting my suggestion accepted, to think that making a suggestion in the first place would be this difficult…

「Let’s see, what next . You guys hungry?」

That came from Mizusawa . I see . If I didn’t know if they were hungry, I could have simply asked . It’s way too obvious .

「Hmm, not really . 」said Hinami .

「Well I’m fairly hungry!」came Izumi’s response .

「My stomach’s also pretty empty . 」

「I see～」Mizusawa’s gaze faltered just a little . Then . 「There’s a pizzeria with delicious cheese in the area, wanna go?」

「I’m going . 」

An instant reply from Hinami, who had been the only one to say they weren’t hungry just a while ago .

「Izumi and Tomozaki, how about you guys?」

「Pizza sounds great!」

「I’m fine with that too . 」

「Pizza it is then!」

Looking at Mizusawa who had got his suggestions accepted one after the other before my very eyes, I wondered just what it was that differed between us .

TL: learning2tl. TLC: Kagefij. ED: N/A.

 .

「Uhh, I’d like a Caramel Macchiato, the s-second size, uh, tall? Please . 」.

「A Tall Caramel Macchiato, is that correct?」.

「Y-Yes!」.

It’s well known that the really terrifying part of Starbucks is 『How it’s easy to make a mistake when ordering』, so I had been on guard with every intention to get it right . However, due to being asked for a split-second decision, after a slight mess-up on my part, they were about to find out『Ah, that guy’s a beginner』

Since I had said it in the tone of『I knew this already～』despite this being the first time I had ever uttered the word 『Tall』, in addition to that, not only was the fact that I was a beginner exposed, but I even ended up being exposed to the barista as『someone who made their order in a tone of I knew this already despite being a beginner』 . In other words, just what am I saying? I’m probably being way too conscious

It is however true that I feel so out of place here that I’m conscious of such things . Although the other customers aren’t giving off anything like that highly conscious aura I was imagining, that’s not where the problem lies . Looking at the『We are shining!』expression of these likely part-time employees, the mood here is already at a level of “brightness” I can think of as rejection of my gloomy existence . If I didn’t have that feeling of accomplishment from earlier, I would probably have evaporated on the spot

I collected my order from the counter ahead of the register, then made my way towards the seats Mizusawa had saved for us . As for Izumi and Hinami, they were behind me in the queue, the two of examining the menu super seriously . A normal action for Hinami, but hadn’t Izumi already decided on that green tea whatchamacallit?.

「Good work～」.

「Y-Yeah . 」.

Mizusawa was already seated . It was a table for exactly four people, with ordinary chairs on one side facing a sofa on the other . Sitting in a chair, Mizusawa was sipping a light brown liquid topped with cream

Here I was faced with a difficult problem

Namely… where should I sit?.

I couldn’t afford to be too indecisive, either . If I continued to stand stock still here in indecision for too long, I would inevitably be called out to by Mizusawa asking me『Something up?』, and I’d definitely be scolded by Hinami afterwards

Thus, I didn’t stop walking . The time available for me to think was the few seconds between the table coming into view and me having to sit down . I had no other choice but to make a rough decision in a short about of time

In order to distance myself from the aura of the riajuu in front of me, I chose a position on the sofa that was diagonally opposite Mizusawa . A diagonal, the longest possible distance

「Phew, I’m exhausted . 」.

Although I’m not feeling particularly tired, let’s have a go at saying this . After all, I imagine riajuus often say such things . I’ll start with the looks

「Hahaha . We haven’t even walked that much yet, though . 」.

「O-Ohh, is that so?」.

I was tsukkomi’d without a moment’s hesitation . Is simply saying the words『I’m exhausted』really so high-difficulty for me? Even as I admired myself for this, I began to calmly think

Doesn’t this mean that? There’s a possibility that Izumi will come sit next to me, isn’t there?.

It’s true that we always sit in neighbouring seats at school, but there’s a different implication when we’re sitting on the same sofa . In terms of proximity it would also be considerably that, and today her clothes are rather, well, like that . In particular, her chest is very that, so it won’t be good if that happens

「Have you decided what you’re getting? For your present . 」.

「Ahh, well……kind of . 」.

「Heeh, that so?」.

In truth, I had already decided what to buy earlier . However, my mind was preoccupied by something more important, namely, which of the two would be arriving at our table first . I glanced in the direction of the register . On doing so, I saw someone walking our way . It was Hinami .  This way! It’s still a little too early for me to sit next to Izumi!.

「Whatcha buying?」.

「Hmm, well……」.

Just as I was about to answer, Hinami arrived at the table, and without a shred of hesitation, sat down in the chair next to Mizusawa . Well, I had the feeling that this would happen . She intends to test me, huh . Izumi sitting next to me is decided . I’m nervous

「Ah! That looks delicious, Takahiro!」.

Hinami said while looking at Mizusawa’s drink

「Hm? I’m not giving you any, okay . 」.

「I wasn’t even asking!」.

They’re acting all close again . I think their shoulders were touching there . In a sense, it’s kind of like she sat there because of how close she is with Mizusawa . Nah, surely not? Well, whatever it is, it’s not like it matters to me

「Actually, what’s that you have there, Aoi? Looks super delicious . 」.

That was Mizusawa, apparently deeply interested . As for the drink Hinami placed on the table, it had biscuit-like things mixed into a white, gelato-ish liquid, and was topped by cream to which dark powder and a chocolate-like sauce had been added

With a proud expression, Hinami held it up to her face

「It’s a Tiramisu Frappuccino!!」.

「Tiramisu? Was there something like that on the menu?」.

「Fu- fu- fu . Since June they’ve had the limited edition『Baked Cheese Cake Frappuccino』, right? Add to that a shot of espresso, order some chocolate sauce, sprinkle in some cocoa powder yourself for the finish, and it’s ready to serve! Now that’s a hidden menu!」.

「What’s with that? ……Sounds super tasty……」.

「Don’t you think so?」.

「Still, think of the calories . 」.

「You lose if you worry about calories at Starbucks! ……L-Looks like I’m going to have to do some running again . 」.

「Hahaha! Well, it’s admirable that you run . 」.

Really, who are you? With a sidelong glance at this level of character change from Hinami that would prompt such a question, I was on the verge of laughter . I mean, Hinami, a Baked Cheese Frappucino? This girl went for the cheese-related one again… If I grin here I might get another kick under the table, so I’m going to have have to endure it

「But really, cheese again!?」.

「Shut up Takahiro, it’s none of your business!」.

「Eh . 」.

I inadvertently let my voice leak out

「Hn? Tomozaki, something up?」.

「Ah, no it’s……nothing . 」.

Somewhat dodging Mizusawa’s question, I focused on the sugary taste of the Caramel Macchiato and regained my sense of calm . Caramel Macchiato sure is good . The overdose of sweetness numbs the tongue, and it tastes just right when you drink it . Wait, no . Uhhh . Back to that thing just now

I was a little surprised

I had thought I was the only one aware of Hinami’s excessive love for cheese, but I see now

It wasn’t even something she particularly needed to hide from other people, so a.s.suming he’s a person she’s gone out with several times for a meal or the like, it’s natural that Mizusawa would also know about Hinami’s love for cheese

Actually, it’s even likely that she’s gone out to eat with Mizusawa several times more than with me, and if that’s the case, he should even know it better than I do . There kind of was that rumour about them going out, too . I’ve ended up making a strange misunderstanding

Well whatever . I might have let my voice slip out, but that just means I was a little surprised . Yeah

「I know, right! I was also wondering whether to get the Caramel Macchiato～!」.

As she spoke, Izumi sat down to me without any hesitation whatsoever . Hey, don’t riajuus care at all about where they sit? Or are they just that good at hiding it? Or else, is my presence just not recognized? Ah, that must be it!.

「So you went with the green tea thing in the end?」.

「I guess so!」.

For some reason she smiled at me with a triumphant look . Why is this girl acting like she just got praised?.

「Have you decided what to buy?」.

After placing her drink on the table, Izumi asked me this question as she slurped away in a hunched position . She was hunched with a rather open neckline, so, naturally, that would happen . I had been trying not to think about it, but doesn’t her current attire fit even more snugly than her school uniform, making her b.r.e.a.s.t.s stand out even more? Averting my eyes, I gave her my answer

「I’ve……more or less decided . 」.

「Seriously!? Tell us, tell us!」.

「Oh, yeah, what did you decide on?」.

「I’m curious～」.

Though feeling dizzy from the force of being questioned by all three riajuus, I earnestly explained what I had thought about in advance so as to not be overwhelmed by pressure . If it’s just saying something thought about beforehand, I can do it even in front of these riajuus! How about that?! Amazing, right?! Eh? It’s not?.

Then, I ended the explanation

「Th-that’s……」Mizusawa made a slightly troubled face

「I’m not sure what to say……」Izumi averted her eyes

「……Th-That’s so like you, Tomozaki-kun!」Finally, Hinami wrapped up everyone’s opinions with a smile . As always, so capable . Thank you very much, it ended without me getting hurt

Still, this was pretty much the best idea for a present I could come up with, and Hinami hadn’t given me any signal to say『That’s seriously no good』, so I think going with this should be fine

Well, you could say it’s my fair play spirit at work here

Then, finishing our break, we made our way to the electronics store, where I bought my present

Upon leaving the store, with both Izumi and myself having bought our presents, the four of us had accomplished our purpose for this trip

That reminds me, since my natural『Let’s go to the electronics store』suggestion was accepted just now, I only need to do this one more time . There hadn’t really been any resistance . Could this be unexpectedly simple? At this rate, might I be able to do it?.

Right . If that’s how things are, time for me to think about what to do next and suggest it to everyone

But no matter how much I thought……nothing good came to mind

S-So that’s how it is . Earlier, I had been able to make a suggestion because the objective of buying a present had been there to begin with, but in a situation like this with no real objective, it’s difficult figuring out something we’d want to do

For example, I visit game centers and the like fairly often, but should I really be bringing the three of them to one? How about us getting something to eat? But for even that, we had just been to Starbucks, so it’s likely that some of us aren’t hungry, and in the first place it’s probably not something for me to say . Those were the kinds of thoughts I had

Far from getting my suggestion accepted, to think that making a suggestion in the first place would be this difficult….

「Let’s see, what next . You guys hungry?」.

That came from Mizusawa . I see . If I didn’t know if they were hungry, I could have simply asked . It’s way too obvious

「Hmm, not really . 」said Hinami

「Well I’m fairly hungry!」came Izumi’s response

「My stomach’s also pretty empty . 」.

「I see～」Mizusawa’s gaze faltered just a little . Then . 「There’s a pizzeria with delicious cheese in the area, wanna go?」.

「I’m going . 」.

An instant reply from Hinami, who had been the only one to say they weren’t hungry just a while ago

「Izumi and Tomozaki, how about you guys?」.

「Pizza sounds great!」.

「I’m fine with that too . 」.

「Pizza it is then!」.

Looking at Mizusawa who had got his suggestions accepted one after the other before my very eyes, I wondered just what it was that differed between us

 .