At the cake shop where I had come with Hina-chan, the two of us stood before the display case with contemplative looks on our faces.
To start with, contrary to our worries, the shelves weren't empty. While a few items were sold out, there was a rich variety and plenty of stock. We were so spoiled for choice that we weren't going to have any trouble finding something.
So, if that was the case, what were Hina-chan and I so conflicted about?
"...I guess a whole cake looks more festive, doesn't it?"
"It does. It’s stylish and cute, and the candles and the message plate would definitely look better on a whole cake."
Exactly. Originally, we had planned to get an assortment of sliced cakes, but seeing the whole cakes in person changed things. One of them featured a lavish amount of fruit; it looked very sophisticated and was exactly the kind of thing Aoi-chan would like. I had started to think it might be the better choice.
A whole cake certainly stood out more as a birthday cake, but sliced cakes were much easier to manage. Since this was meant to be a modest celebration for just the three of us—Hina-chan, Aoi-chan, and me—an assortment where we could easily pick our favorites was also appealing.
But then again, a whole cake had that special feeling... its "birthday-ness" was a major selling point. If we added a plate and candles, it would really feel like a proper celebration.
"...It’s a change from our original plan, but I’m starting to think a whole cake might be better..."
"I agree! That impressive presence really gives it a special touch. Excuse me! Is it possible to get a Celebration Message Plate with this?"
"If it's just the plate, we provide that as a complimentary service," the shop assistant answered with a smile while showing us some samples of sugar decorations. "If you would like the message written directly on the cake in chocolate, or if you wish to add sugar confectionery decorations, there will be an additional charge."
"...Hina-chan, doesn't this one look a bit like a golem?"
"Ah, I thought so too! It's cute and stylized, and since Aoi-senpai is all about golems, we should definitely have them add it!"
We purchased the whole cake with the golem-like sugar confectionery and a chocolate plate that said "Happy Birthday." I tucked it away in my Magic Box, and we left the shop.
"That takes care of the cake. We still have plenty of time, so shall we stop by that cafe you were interested in before we buy the presents?"
"Yes! Let's go!!"
I had already promised to go shopping and buy a present with Aoi-chan later, but there was no rule saying I could only give her one gift. I intended to prepare something else separately.
I figured something small and not too bulky would be best, so I decided we could look around a general store or something similar after the cafe.
I smiled at the sight of Hina-chan, whose eyes were sparkling—perhaps already imagining the parfaits—as we headed toward the cafe I’d found in the Food Tour Guide.
Since it was quite close to the cake shop, we arrived quickly... but here, another slight unexpected development occurred.
While watching Hina-chan look over the menu with excitement, I was thinking that a coffee would be fine for me, when suddenly...
"Ka-Kaito-senpai! Look at this!!"
"Hmm? What is it... a Couples-only Limited Deluxe Parfait? Wait, you want to eat this?"
"Yes! I can't eat it alone! I definitely want to take this opportunity to try it. But... since it's a Path for Couples parfait, the size must be pretty big, right? So, if you could eat it with me..."
"It does look like it'll be huge, but considering it's on the menu for couples—meaning it's meant for dates and stuff—I don't think the size will be completely outrageous. Well, if that's what you want, Hina-chan, let's share it."
"Yes! Ehehe, in that case, for as long as we're in this shop, I'm Kaito-senpai's lover."
Hina-chan wore a dazzling, beaming smile and seemed to be having a wonderful time. She might not have been particularly conscious of it herself, but when a cute girl said something like that so suddenly, it was enough to make a guy's heart skip a beat.
While Hina-chan appeared social, she actually had a shy side, so she probably wouldn't say something so bold to someone she wasn't close with. The fact that she seemed to have her guard down around me must have meant she trusted me that much.
Serious-senpai: "Rather than just having her guard down, I'd say there's no doubt she harbors romantic feelings... though in Hina's case, it's unclear how much she realizes it herself. It's not that she's completely unaware, but compared to someone like Aoi, she feels more like a junior being spoiled by a kind senior than someone making a conscious romantic approach. I get the feeling her self-awareness is still quite low."
???: "That's a sharp reading... You seem to have studied this quite a bit. You're like a Romance Expert, aren't you?"
Serious-senpai: "...One becomes knowledgeable about things that might cause a crisis to oneself, whether they like it or not..."