"You guys are late," Akari saidas we met at the school gate. Mio and Ren were standing there, trading quips.
"Then don't run off first," Akio responded.
"Where's Kiyoshi? He isn't with you two?" Ren inquired with a raised eyebrow.
"He was in the class. Girls were crowding him when we left," I answered.
"That explains it," Mio said briefly.
"Let's decide on the location while he is busy," Akio suggested.
"Yeah, he can only recommend maid cafes anyway." Ren shrugged.
Then began an endless listing of supposedly good places. Since I only went out to get sweets, I didn't know many. Thinking back on it, although Kiyoshi was always late because of the girls, today it felt different. When our eyes met in class, he had a frown on his face. Even when I saw him just before I left the classroom, he looked stressed. Well, talking to ten to twelve people at once would stress anyone.
"Hina, you are okay with a Family Restaurant, right?" Akari interrupted.
"Yes?" I was startled.
"She said yes. So it's decided, we are going to that family restaurant with a majority vote of the girls." Akari exclaimed as she shot her hand up, like she won something.
"Wait, That 'Yes' didn't sound affirming." Ren protested.
"You always have a problem, don't you?" Akari frowned.
"Don't blame me for your inability to win with legitimate methods." Ren countered with a casual smile.
"Urghhh, I hate this guy. Okay, Hina, Mio, do you wanna go to the family restaurant?" Akari asked again.
"Yes!" We exclaimed in unison. Akari laughed and hugged us from the sides.
Sorry boys, but there was nothing to consider. If Akari needs me, I would be there.
Ren chuckled in defeat as he called Kiyoshi.
I heard a ringtone behind me.
"I am here," Kiyoshi came running.
"Harem rush, or running from harem?" Ren taunted.
Kiyoshi was breathing heavily. "Running... if I am being honest. Today... even the girls from other classes were there."
"You sure are a busy guy. We could have gone without you if you wanted to stay with them." Mio said flatly.
"Oh 'Dear Mio', why would you direct such cold and cruel words at me? When I journeyed the ten seas to reach you."
"Who are you calling, 'Dear Mio'?" She shouted in a flustered voice.
Akari glared at Kiyoshi but was distracted by Mio, who was turning red.
"Let's start walking, guys," Akio said.
✵✵✵
I opened the door of the restaurant as the glass on the wooden frame reflected my image. The hall came into view. It was spacious and had more tables than you would expect in an establishment in this area.
There were eighteen tables on the floor and seven seats by the counter. The walls were decorated with pictures of their famous foods. There were small bulbs hanging from the ceiling, which were turned off for the day. The unique bulb cages around those bulbs are admired by customers at night. The low but even lighting and air conditioning at perfect spots really improved the atmosphere. The aroma of many different foods hit me as I walked towards an empty table by the window.
There were two sofas the table, perfect for 6 people. We had frequented this place many times in the past, and had always used this table.
Maybe that's why the opinions were divided. The boys probably wanted to try something new, while Akari and Mio were attached to this place.
I think I made the right choice. Since I had come here many times in the past, I knew the main staff. Also, this place doesn't get on my nerves, unlike Moonbucks. I could sit here for hours, reading a book.
We all took a seat. Mio sat by the window, Akari was in the middle, with me sitting on the outside. Across from us, Ren sat by the window, Kiyoshi was in the middle and Akio in... front of me.
My shoulders had started aching by now, so I put aside my bag and checked the safety of the contents again.
"So, do you guys have any plans for the vacation?" Ren initiated.
"There's the Summer festival, beach, homework and other things." Mio counted on her fingers.
"Why would you even count homework in your plans?" Akio slouched as our eyes met. He looked startled and straightened his back.
Please relax, Akio. Wait, is there something stuck in my hair? Hmmm... there's nothing. Uhh... why are you making me self-conscious too? That's not fair, Akio.
"What do you think, Hina?" Akari turned to me.
"Huh, what?" I didn't listen.
"We were talking about summer plans and Mio suggested going to the beach." Akari explained as I listened attentively.
"Oh, that would be really fun." I had never been to a beach with friends. Now that we were in our second year, I totally wanted to go. But Akari looked confused—no shocked.
"Hina and I win with a majority of votes. And we'll all be going to the beach!" Mio rejoiced.
"Yayyy!!!" The boys joined in. It looked like Akari was the only one against it. Should I have taken her side? No, I want to go to the beach. If Akari doesn't want to, then all I can do is to help Mio convince her.
I heard the door open and saw two people enter. I also saw the manager who was looking at us.
"Guys, did you order anything?" I asked.
"Oh, right. I forgot."
"Let's check it out."
"I am ordering Fried Rice."
"Should I go for Omurice... or French Fries?"
"Aren't they two very different things?"
"Excuse me, are you guys ready to order?"
I turned to the voice and saw a beautiful young woman waiting for our order.
Her height was a little more than average and she had a great figure. Even though she was wearing a uniform, she looked really good and—Woah! that bracelet really matched her outfit. She bought one for work? Well, I could understand if she worked here every day. She knew about fashion more than those who just promote their products online, while calling it fashion. She didn't look much older than me. Twenty maybe? She was probably in college.
"Hina, you aren't ordering?" Akari tapped on my shoulder. Uhh, I zoned out again.
"Akio, didn't you decide Omurice already? You aren't placing an order?" Ren inquired.
"Uhh, no, wait a second. Let me rethink." The menu fell from Akio's hands. He seemed unsure.
Oh yeah, this one.
"I will go with Cream Pasta," I said.
The waitress noted.
"And keep Omurice for me," Akio said.
"You were just wasting time," Ren said dryly.
"Cream Pasta, Omurice, Fried Rice, Veg noodles, French fries and Coffee. Is that correct? Your order will be brought soon."
"Who ordered the Coffee?" I asked without thinking.
"Kiyoshi did," Mio replied.
"You sure you don't wanna eat?" Ren asked Kiyoshi who seemed out of it.
"No, I had too good of a breakfast this morning." Kiyoshi confirmed. He had his usual smile which looked... strained.
The banter continued as our food arrived. Many customers came and left as we continued eating. That beautiful waitress went on a break or maybe her shift ended for the day as I didn't see her again.
Everyone decided to go to beach and the summer festival, which meant that I needed a swimsuit and a yukata. And with a yukata, I will also have to match hair ornament, bag, and other accessories. Will I have enough money? Well, I can't solve that problem here, so I should stop thinking about it.
"I heard someone confessed to you before the opening ceremony today, Kiyoshi?" Mio prodded.
❈❈❈