While feeling a wave of pity for Chronoa-san’s wretched state, I soaked in the ocean with Shiro-san for a while. When we finally returned to the sandy beach... a legitimate Beach House was actually standing there.
It had a simple wooden exterior and a sign that read "Beach House." She had even perfectly replicated that strangely old-fashioned vibe. Chronoa-san, you're amazing!
Stepping inside, I was greeted by the distinct scent of tatami mats. I truly had no idea how she managed to build this.
I took a seat across from Shiro-san, only to realize she had tied her hair back into a ponytail when I wasn't looking.
It was likely to keep her long hair out of the sand, but regardless of the style, she looked incredible. Every look seemed to bring out a different kind of charm.
"Shallow Vernal-sama, which would you like?"
"I will have the 'Slightly Unappetizing Yakisoba,' please."
"......"
I mean, yeah, Beach House yakisoba definitely has that reputation, but did she have to say it so bluntly? Also, I'm sure there are places where it’s actually good... probably. Maybe.
"Understood. Miyama, what will you have?"
"Um... Chronoa-san, can you really make everything on the menu over there?"
"It is no problem."
"...Th-Then, I’ll have the Curry Rice."
"Very well."
Could she really whip up Curry Rice in such a short time? Well, Chronoa-san could manipulate time, so it wasn't impossible, but she didn't exactly strike me as the cooking type.
I was feeling a bit anxious about the order until my Sympathy Magic caught a familiar presence.
I see... So Chronoa-san had asked her for help.
In that case, I didn't have to worry about the food at all.
As if to prove my theory correct, the Curry Rice and Yakisoba were placed before us almost instantly.
After giving the standard thanks for the meal, I took a bite of the curry. Yeah, as expected of Ein-san, she had perfectly replicated even that slightly "cheap" taste characteristic of these places.
There was no mistake; this was definitely Beach House curry.
"Shiro-san, how is it?"
"It is slightly unappetizing. I see, so this is what Beach House yakisoba is like."
"...Actually, I see you're using a fork."
"I have never used the objects known as chopsticks. However, I suppose if I do not use those 'disposable chopsticks,' I cannot say I have truly experienced the meal, can I?"
"No, I don't think it matters that much."
Shiro-san was using a fork to eat her yakisoba as if it were pasta.
Since chopsticks weren't common in this world, it wasn't particularly strange. I had only mentioned it as small talk, but in the next moment, Shiro-san said something unbelievable.
"Therefore, Kaito-san. Please 'feed me' with the chopsticks."
"......Huh?"
"I wish to try eating with chopsticks once, so please feed me."
"N-No, that’s a bit much..."
"I wish to try eating with chopsticks once, so please feed me."
"B-But..."
"I wish to try eating with chopsticks once, so please feed me."
"......I understand."
Please stop the repeat loop. It’s actually terrifying...
Good grief, I felt like I was being subjected to one embarrassing situation after another today.
Fortunately, the only people in the Beach House were Chronoa-san and Ein-san, which was a small mercy.
I resigned myself to my fate and picked up the disposable chopsticks on the table. Wait, did she make these too? Chronoa-san’s attention to detail was flawless.
But wait... feeding her while sitting across from each other? The table was a bit on the larger side, making the angle look incredibly awkward.
"Would it not be better if you sat beside me?"
"......E-Er... a-alright."
Sitting next to her would certainly make it easier to feed her, but there was one glaring problem: Shiro-san was currently in a swimsuit, leaving a lot of skin exposed.
Sitting right next to her in that state required a massive amount of resolve. However, I knew that if I refused, she would just keep repeating her request indefinitely.
Steeling myself, I stood up and moved to the seat beside her. The view was far more intense than I had anticipated.
Sitting next to Shiro-san, who was roughly my height, I couldn't help but notice her deep cleavage, not to mention her lustrous hair.
Her skin looked incredibly soft and beautiful, a pleasant scent drifted from her, and her face was so stunning I couldn't find the words to describe it. I could hear my own heart hammering against my ribs.
Calm down. It's okay.
I made sure to leave a bit of space between us. As long as I watched where I was looking...
"......"
"N-Nwah!?"
Why did she close the gap until our shoulders were touching?! I purposely sat further away!
Our bare skin was practically brushing against each other, making my heart leap even harder, but Shiro-san seemed completely unbothered, her expression as blank as ever.
Calm down, stay cool... Just breathe. Deep breaths...
But Shiro-san had no intention of letting me regain my composure.
"Is this really such a good thing?"
She tilted her head curiously, then fluidly took my hand and guided it directly against her breast—Whaaaaa?!
"Heh? Wha—?! Sh-Shiro-san, wh-what are you doing?!"
"Well, you were looking at them with such interest."
"——!?!?"
What is this woman doing?! It's so soft... no, that's not it! This is bad, really bad! I have to let go right now, or this is definitely sexual harassment...
"If you wish to touch me, I do not mind, you know?"
"Please stop saying things like that! A-Anyway! My hand! Please let go!"
"I understand."
As I shouted in desperation, my face burning red-hot, Shiro-san easily released my hand.
The sensation still lingered on my palm... What on earth is with this woman’s lack of boundaries?! I thought my sanity was going to snap for a second there.
However, Shiro-san herself—as expected—acted as if nothing had happened and held out the plate of yakisoba.
"Now, please feed me."
"......Yes."
Feeling my mental fortitude being ground down, I took the plate and looked down, unable to meet her eyes.
I picked up some yakisoba with the chopsticks and brought it to her lips.
"I see. It does seem to taste better when eaten with chopsticks."
"I-Is that so...?"
"However, this prevents Kaito-san from eating his Curry Rice."
"Oh, no, I can eat that later..."
"Therefore, here."
"Na!?"
After stating her thoughts in her usual monotonous voice, Shiro-san picked up my plate of curry, scooped some up with the spoon, and held it out toward me.
Wait, hold on. Is this happening? Are we really doing the thing where we take turns feeding each other?
"Say 'aah'."
"N-No, when you say 'say aah'..."
"Here."
"......"
"Here."
"......I-Itadakimasu."
As usual, Shiro-san wouldn't take no for an answer. I had no choice but to surrender to this mortifying situation.
I ate the curry Shiro-san offered, and in return, I fed her the yakisoba.
Dear Mother, Father—I ended up having a meal with Shiro-san at a Beach House... but I’m being completely jerked around. Shiro-san is just so oblivious—or whatever you want to call it. Regardless—isn’t her guard way too loose?!
"You are the only one who is special."
"......Like I said, that kind of comment is......"