Although Shiina Hiyori followed Kazehara Tetsu, his steps were still light, but the arms holding the book tightened a little tighter.
From time to time, her eyes quietly looked at the profile of the boy beside her through the silver hair.
The scene just now lingered in her mind.
Although the last whispers of the two people could not be heard clearly, the stiffness of Miyabi Nagumo's body at that moment was too obvious.
That's absolute hostility.
After walking for a while, until the noisy festive atmosphere around them slightly diluted the chill, Shiina Hiyori finally mustered up the courage to break the silence.
"Tetsu-kun..."
Her voice was very soft, as if she was afraid of disturbing something, and there was a hint of persistence that she would not be able to let go of unless she asked clearly.
"Um... isn't your relationship with Nangyun Senpai a bit... stiff?"
She chose her words carefully and tried to be as tactful as possible.
"Although I didn't hear what you said clearly, but... the atmosphere just now was more than just a joke, right?"
Hearing this question, Kazehara Tetsu turned his head.
The coldness he showed in front of Miyabi Nagumo has long since disappeared, replaced by the gentle smile he always had when facing Shiina Hiyori.
"Are you going to find out?"
He didn't stop, just shrugged.
"It's no big problem, Hiyori. Don't worry."
He stretched out his hand and gently patted the back of Shiina Hiyori's hand holding the book, soothing her anxiety.
"It's just possible... we both belong to the type who are not very good at 'chatting'. When two people with strong personalities and unwillingness to bow come together, the conversation will inevitably become a bit stiff and lack of lubrication."
"That's probably what the so-called 'same-sex repels' means."
This is an obvious lie, or a gentle perfunctory attempt to prevent the girl from getting into trouble.
"... Really?"
Shiina Hiyori blinked.
She is a smart girl, smart enough to hear the perfunctoriness in this.
But she is a sensible girl, and she understands that Kazehara Tetsu does not want her to delve deeper.
So, she chose to accept this explanation.
"If you're just not good at chatting... that's fine."
She nodded, a peaceful smile reappeared on her face, and she took the initiative to bring the conversation back to their own rhythm.
"So, Tetsu-kun, where are we going to eat? My stomach was growling so loud just now... I feel a little impatient now."
"Oh, since it's the kind of demand of 'Physical Layer', then naturally we need to find a place that can take care of it."
The two passed through the main street, which was full of Western fast food and high-end restaurants, and turned into a relatively old but full of life-like restaurant wing.
There are more warm yellow lanterns and old wooden signs here.
"How is it here?"
Kazehara Tetsu stopped in front of a small shop with dark blue curtains.
The store is really inconspicuous. There is no stand with waiters at the door, only a glass sliding door with a menu poster on it. You can vaguely smell the unique smell mixed with the aroma of fried oil wafting out of it.
"This kind of small shop hidden in the corner often has a surprising flavor."
"Well, listen to Tetsu-kun."
Shiina Hiyori didn't have any objections, but looked at this small shop with great interest.
For her who is used to silence, this kind of place is more relaxing.
"Wow..."
When I opened the door, a wave of heat mixed with the aroma of food hit my face.
The store is not big, with only a few tables and a bar surrounding the open kitchen.
There were not many customers, most of them were uncles who looked like regular customers.
The two found a corner seat and sat down.
"Welcome! What do you two want?"
The proprietress, who was wearing an apron and was a bit fat, enthusiastically served two cups of steaming tea.
Kazehara Tetsu picked up the plastic simple menu, took a look at it, and then handed it to Shiina Hiyori.
"Since it is a self-owned small restaurant, there is no need to pursue exquisite cuisine. The main thing here seems to be set meals."
"Then..."
Shiina Hiyori looked at the picture on the menu.
"I want a tempura set meal."
"Then I'll order Special Sushi Platter."
Kazehara Tetsu Close the menu.
"Okay! Wait a moment!"
The waiting time was not long. There was no symphony in the small shop, only the sound of frying coming from the kitchen and the sound of the boss chopping vegetables.
"Is the book heavy? Do you want to put it down first?"
"It's okay, it makes me feel more at ease when I hold her."
After a while, the food was served.
"Long wait!"
Two large trays were placed on the slightly worn wooden table.
I have to say that although this store looks average--Sushi is not decorated as art like a high-end store.
The tempura is not the so-called "airy" with only a thin layer of coating, but the portion is indeed real. "Although the appearance is ordinary, the portion is still very sufficient."
On the Sushi platter in front of Kazehara Tetsu, the tuna slices were surprisingly thick, almost completely covering the vinegared rice underneath.
The tempura in front of Shiina Hiyori was piled up into a hill, and next to it was Fried Eggplant. The fried pumpkin had an alluring burnt aroma.
"Wow..."
Shiina Hiyori Looking at this, it seems a bit too heroic.
"It looks... really rich."
"Let's get started."
Kazehara Tetsu Open the disposable Chopsticks and put your hands together.
"I'm starting."
Shiina Hiyori also followed his example, clasping his hands together, and then eagerly picked up Chopsticks.
She picked up a piece of fried pumpkin first.
She blew it carefully and then put it into her mouth.
"Click."
A crisp and sweet chewing sound.
"Ugh!"
Shiina Hiyori's eyes lit up instantly.
"So hot... but so sweet."
Look at the girl who is always immersed in books on weekdays, but now she is looking at a piece of fried pumpkin with such a satisfied expression.
Kazehara Tetsu also picked up a piece of thick-cut tuna Sushi, dipped it in some Soy Sauce and put it in his mouth.
The fish meat is soft and tender, without the watery smell after freezing, and the acidity of the vinegar rice is just right.
"Really good."
He commented, swallowed the food and took a sip of Hot Tea.
"Yeah!"
Shiina Hiyori nodded vigorously. At this time, she no longer cared about the image of a lady.
Although her eating posture is still elegant, her eating speed is obviously much faster than usual.
"Tetsu-kun Try this shrimp, it's very elastic."
She awkwardly picked up a huge Fried Shrimp and wanted to show it to Kazehara Tetsu, but almost slipped it.
"Then I won't be polite."
Kazehara Tetsu did not refuse the kindness, and leaned over directly, taking a bite of her Chopsticks.
"!"
Shiina Hiyori's face instantly turned red.
That's... the Chopsticks she used just now.
Indirect kiss?
"Well, it's really elastic."
Kazehara Tetsu seemed not to notice her shyness at all, chewing it seriously, then picked up a piece of his own salmon Sushi and put it in her bowl.
"Reciprocity is a courtesy. Try this, it's very fragrant."
"... Thank you, thank you."
Shiina Hiyori lowered his head, looking at the caramel-colored salmon in the bowl, his heart beating so fast that it almost drowned out the noise around him.
She picked up the piece of Sushi and put it in her mouth.
That moment.
The aroma of oil, the slight acidity of vinegared rice, and... that was the taste Kazehara Tetsu ji gave her.
The snow outside the window is still falling.
At this moment.
Everything melted into this simple but satisfying lunch.