<Yashinoki> looked like a building that had been converted from a shop. The roof was covered with tiles, and although it was two stories tall, the building was short. As I pushed open the wooden lattice door and entered the store, a blond-haired, blue-eyed man wearing a light brown apron greeted us.

“Welcome. Please take any seat.”

It was fluent Japanese.

The inside was spacious, but perhaps due to the ambiguous time, there weren’t many customers. There were wooden chairs and tables on the amber-colored floor. Osanai-san looked around the store and placed her school bag near the kitchen. I took a seat opposite Osanai-san.

The store was quiet, and somehow, there was an adult atmosphere that made me worry that a student in a school uniform would come in and ruin the mood. Osanai-san quickly flipped through the menu with a wooden cover and pointed it towards me.

“What should we order?”

The reason we came here was for Osanai-san to see the scones, and while I didn’t know exactly what she needed, I thought it would be best for her to order what she needed. However, Osanai-san shook her head slightly.

“Order what you like, Kobato-kun. I’m sorry for making you join me.”

“You’re welcome.”

“I’ll buy yours here.”

“Nice joke.”

That way, when I create a debt next time, I might have to pay for Osanai-san’s share as well.

The waiter from earlier brought the water. Since Osanai-san pointed with her hand, I ordered first.

“Milk tea, please.”

That was at the top of the menu. Then Osanai-san spoke.

“Cream tea, please.”

“All right.”

“Can I ask for two freshly made scones?”

The waiter smiled.

“Of course. It will take a little time, is that okay?”