Picked Up Beside a Dumpster?

The characters on the wooden sign, "Okashitsukasa," had grown a little faded, but the faint, sweet fragrance drifting from inside suggested the shop's desserts were truly excellent.

"This is the place." Yasui Makoto said as he got out of the car first.

Hokubu Genkoma immediately hugged her notebook and notes to her chest and nearly bounced out of the car, her face still set with the nerves and determination of someone making one last push.

The others got out one after another, curiously taking in the venerable little shop before following Hokubu Genkoma inside with amused smiles.

The shop was small, but tastefully decorated and cozy. A row of seats by the window had several spots open.

As soon as they sat down, Hokubu Genkoma spread open her notebook again without a word. Her gaze fell on the densely packed notes, and she began muttering to herself once more.

Seeing this, Anmokume and Chunqiu Fen leaned in beside her from either side, quietly quizzing her on the concepts. Alice Speed and Yamato Akagi joined in with interest, occasionally pointing out some key facts.

Yasui Makoto watched them huddle together and work hard, a smile flickering in his eyes. He got up and said, "You all sit tight. I'll go order some desserts."

He walked over to the old wooden counter and was just about to look at the menu when, from the corner of his eye, he caught sight of a familiar figure at the other end of the counter, having something wrapped up.

The elegant kimono, the neatly pinned-up hair, the way her long ears perked up and her tail swayed whenever she spotted a dessert she liked...

"...Huh?"

Yasui Makoto blurted it out, his voice full of disbelief and surprise.

"Mom...? What are you doing here?"

The figure