Chapter 127: A Little Snack for My Stomach

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Translator: Soafp

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The train rattled and swayed as it traveled, packed with a mix of summer vacation crowds and commuters. While not quite as packed as a city rush hour, Ginji and Sora found themselves pushed against the wall. Holding her straw hat with the hand opposite to the one holding Ginji's, Sora leaned against the wall.

“Phew, I knew it would be crowded, but it's still a lot. You okay?”

Ginji worried about Sora, who easily got motion sickness. But Sora held Ginji's hand, standing with her head resting on his shoulder.

“My eyes are closed, so I'm fine. As long as I can feel you, that's all I need.”

“…Don't fall over, okay.”

“That's what you're here for—support me.”

Their hearts pounded so loudly that even the surrounding noise felt distant. Ginji gently stroked Sora's head, who was blushing.

“If you're going to get embarrassed, don't say it.”

“To-day is a da-te… so it's okay.”

Still holding hands, Sora lightly poked Ginji's foot with her toe. When they arrived at the central station, the crowd pushed them out, and they hurried to make their transfer. The train heading to the northern prefecture had paired seats for two, and was relatively empty. After a short ride, they sighed in relief at the strong air conditioning and sat down.

“Finally a breather.”

“Glad we got seats. It's about an hour from here.”

“The closer to the beach, the more crowded it'll get.”

“Well then, while we still can…”

Sora placed her suitcase on her lap and fumbled inside, pulling out a basket.

Opening it, there were bite-sized sandwiches cut into quarters. Tuna, tomato and lettuce, egg, ham—just from looking, a colorful variety was laid out.

“It was early this morning, so I thought you might get a little hungry… want some sandwiches?”

“Seriously? Thanks. I actually brought some snacks for the trip too.”

“What'd you bring?”

Ginji proudly pulled some small dagashi (cheap Japanese snacks) from the front pocket of his backpack.

“Vinegared kelp. I also bought some other snacks.”

“Haha, you gave me some the first time we met, didn't you? Lemme have one.”

“Sure. Summer's great for sour stuff. Mind if I eat a sandwich?”

“Of course! …Want me to feed you?”

With a mischievous cat-like expression, Sora said this, but Ginji pushed her forehead back.

“There are other people here.”

“Hmph, it's not crowded—don't worry.”

“Well then, I'll eat too.”

Ginji counterattacked, offering a piece of vinegared kelp, which Sora immediately bit into with enthusiasm.

“No time to hesitate, huh?”

“Yup, Gin-wee.”

While munching, Sora offered a sandwich.

“Hmm… salmon, huh? It's salty but kind of popping and crunchy—what's that?”

The salmon was paired with olive oil and tiny popping things unfamiliar to Ginji. The strong flavor was mellowed by the bread, which highlighted the salmon's taste just right.

Swallow “Salmon and caviar. It's one of my favorites. Helps replenish salt too.”

“Wow, caviar… Caviar! That fancy expensive stuff, huh? First time I've had it. Salty, yeah… kinda creamy like oysters… I don't really get it, but it's good.”

Ginji folded his arms, puzzled by the sudden fancy ingredient, as he savored the taste.

“Hehe, didn't mean to, but I guess this is a good payback for your vinegared kelp. Your first taste of it, Ginji.”

“Don't repay vinegared kelp with caviar… you surprised me.”

“My uncle sends it a lot. I can't eat much at once, so this was perfect.”

Despite her usual do-everything-for-you attitude, Ginji was reminded again that Sora, Aika's cousin, was definitely an elegant young lady. Seeing Sora in her white dress, she looked every bit like a young lady from a wealthy family. Since he first met her dressed like a boy, he hadn't had that impression, but now Sora had grown into such a charming girl that even Ginji sometimes found himself captivated if he wasn't careful. Without noticing Ginji's thoughts, Sora seriously selected her next sandwich bite.

“Next, the sweet mayo-corn for balance… What's wrong?”

“…You're too cute, it's throwing me off.”

“At a time like this!? U-uh, Ginji, you're cool too. Aahh.”

Sora looked a little confused but quickly smiled and offered the sandwich.

“Tasty?”

“Super delicious.”

Ginji wondered how mayo-corn could follow caviar, but it really worked—a testament to how deep the culinary arts were.

Hearing Ginji's praise, Sora happily wiggled her feet.

“There's a kind of nourishment I only get from seeing you eat what I make with such a happy face!”

“What are you saying? Here, you eat this too. Vinegared kelp can wait.”

“I had breakfast and snacked a bit, so you should eat it. I'll stick to this. What do you want next?”

Sora took a piece of vinegared kelp and nibbled it slowly. Ginji worried if that was really okay, but seeing how happy she was savoring it, he accepted it and asked for seconds of the sandwiches.