Chapter 22: The First Step

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Translator: soafp

I made a mistake by uploading chapter 21 before 19.

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“S-sorry to keep you waiting.”

“Yahho~ Sorry!”

The two girls returned from the hallway near the restroom. The crepes were already on the table, and Ginji, resting his chin on his hand, appeared to have been waiting for them.

“…Crepes are here. I almost started without you.”

Ginji began cutting his hamburger crepe with a fork and knife. Sora stared at it intensely.

“Is there even a point to calling that a crepe?”

“It says right here on the menu this is how you’re supposed to eat it.”

Sure enough, the menu explained that savory crepes are typically meant to be eaten cut up.

“I still don’t get it…”

“I'm just gonna eat it normally. Mmm, tastes like calories~”

“Ham…”

Watching Misuzu eat with gusto, Ginji glanced at Sora and they began having a silent conversation with only their eyes and expressions.

[Once I finish eating, I'll head out.]

[No, stay here.]

[Don't get shy. You'll be fine.]

[That's not it—]

Something along those lines. Surprisingly, a lot can be conveyed like that.

Then, once Misuzu had eaten about a third of her crepe, she cut into their conversation.

“By the way, Ginji—you're Sora's friend, right?”

“Yeah, that's right.”

Misuzu's eyes sparkled.

“Then tell me what you like about Sora.”

Ginji's eyes gleamed in return.

“Gladly. But just me doing it wouldn't be fun. How about we take turns—you and me?”

Feeling like he just made a solid assist, Ginji gave himself a subtle nod. Sora, nibbling at her crepe and unable to keep up with the sudden development, looked confused.

“Heh, sounds good. Just so you know, I've known Sora since middle school, so I've got more material.”

Misuzu shot a playful cat-like smile toward Sora, who only grew more flustered.

“I've been watching Sora since the entrance ceremony, too. I'll go first. Sora is hardworking. Always trying his best even in areas he struggles with—like greeting people in the morning.”

“Next, me! Sora's small and super cute!”

“Spoken like a true girl. Sora's good at cooking.”

“Gah—so that means you've eaten his cooking!? Not bad! Sora also takes really good care of his hands and nails!”

“Wah—well, that's because drawing roughs them up…”

“I see. My turn then—Sora's surprisingly got some pecs.”

“…Huh?”

Misuzu was left speechless, and Sora turned bright red.

“Whaaaa—Ginji, wh-what are you saying!?”

“The other day when we were riding double on a bike, when we were close together, I noticed—your chest felt firmer than I'd expect.”

Ginji gave Sora a look that clearly said, “See, I helped you look manly.” Misuzu swallowed hard.

“Gulp… Sora, you are doing stuff.”

“I'm not!! That was out of my control!!”

Sora flailed her arms in a panic, on the verge of tears, but Ginji and Misuzu didn't stop praising her, continuing their battle of compliments.

When they'd finally run out of things to say, the two shook hands firmly.

“You're pretty good, Ginji.”

“You too, Suzu. Let's swap LINE IDs.”

“Sure! Next time, let's all hang out from the morning!”

A budding friendship had formed between the two. Meanwhile, Sora sat beside them steaming, looking like she was about to collapse.

“Mou… please stop already…”

She now truly understood what it meant to be “praised to death.” In a way, it dealt the hardest blow of the day.

After their contest ended and they'd spent a decent amount of time at the crepe shop, they stepped outside to find the sun already setting.

“Well, I'm taking the bus, so this is where we part. Sora, I'll message you, so make sure you reply!”

“Y-yeah, I got it.”

As they parted, Misuzu linked arms with Sora and leaned in to whisper so Ginji couldn't hear.

“He’s a bit of an idiot, but he’s a good guy. Good luck.”

Her best friend's seal of approval gave Sora the push she needed.

For a timid girl, that first step from a place of self-doubt was bigger than she realized.

“Yeah, I'll do my best!”

And so, with a sweet smile, she took that first step forward.