Shiranami Chihiro's cheeks burned red all the way to her ears.
Ichinose Honami seemed not to notice. She withdrew her hand and took a bite herself. "It really is delicious, isn't it? I told you this place's signature dessert wouldn't disappoint."
"Mm... very sweet."
Chihiro's voice was barely a whisper. Whether she was talking about the dessert or savoring that moment was anyone's guess.
"Honami, honestly, stop teasing Chihiro all the time."
Kobashi Yume laughed and nudged Honami with her elbow. "Look at her face. She's as red as an apple."
"Huh? Is she?"
Honami leaned in to study Chihiro's face. "You're right... Chihiro, are you feeling hot? The air conditioning doesn't seem very strong in here."
As she spoke, she pressed the back of her hand to Chihiro's forehead. "You don't have a fever."
The sudden touch nearly sent Chihiro springing out of her seat.
"I... I'm fine!" She hurriedly shrank back.
Kazehara Tetsu, sitting nearby, saw it all.
Kamuro Masumi, seated beside him, had no interest in any of it.
She was occupied with her Matcha Cake, idly poking the cream on top with the tip of her spoon.
"By the way, you two are both in Class A, right?"
Yume steered the conversation toward them, her curious eyes darting between Tetsu and Masumi. "What do Class A students usually do? Do you study every day?"
"Everyone's different. Personally, I have a pretty wide range of interests."
Tetsu took a sip of coffee. "Reading, listening to music, sometimes looking up recipes. Nothing too unusual."
"Huh? Kagihara, you can cook? That's amazing!"
Surprise spread across Yume's face. "It's rare to find a guy who can cook these days!"
Honami chimed in. "Right? You sound so dependable."
"It's just a way to pass the time. Most of the time, I'm