SWNOVELXO Chapter 56 - Invited by Morishima
After parting with Reina-san, I decide to head home.
On my way back, I suddenly think.
“However… I was lucky to meet Reina-san in the morning.”
Her casual demeanor was rather nice.
Can I meet her if I come at this time?
“No… I would be a stalker then.”
She must have had some unpleasant experiences, being such a beauty.
“Yeah, I don’t want to be one of those guys.”
If I have spare time, I should spend it on improving myself.
Thinking such things, I return home to…
“Hmm?… a message from Morishima-san?”
It reads, “Do you have some free time today? If it’s inconvenient, don’t worry about it.”
“What could it be… Well, I have no particular plans. But I do want to play some games.”
I reply, “I’m free in the afternoon.”
She replies, “Okay, then let’s have a snack at three! Let’s meet in front of Ikebukuro Station.”
“Snacks?… Ah, she might mean cake. In that case, I want to go.”
Although I’m used to it, being in a group of all women is still somewhat awkward.
“Are you talking about cake? Okay, see you then.”
“Exactly! See you!”
“She doesn’t use emojis… that’s unexpected.”
I was imagining something more sparkly.
She’s surprisingly easy to get along with, Morishima-san.
In the morning, I finish cleaning and laundry and decide to relax.
“11 o’clock… It’s too early for lunch and not enough time to play a game… maybe I’ll read some online novels.”
Recently, I’ve been reading a lot of romantic comedies.
“Everyone is so creative…”
Fantasy rom-coms, polygamy worlds, harems, NTR, cheating stories…
“I kind of like the more traditional ones… I guess they’re not very popular now.”
Unique ones aren’t bad, but I think I want to read youth stories and sincere love stories.
“Ah, this one might be good.”
I try reading a story without that kind of stuff, but…
“No, no, this is too dense. Anyone would notice in a situation like this.”
The protagonist doesn’t notice the heroine’s approach at all…
“But, maybe… that’s how it really is.”
I understand because I’m a third party, but if I were involved, I might not know.
“Oh, I need to eat lunch and get ready…”
I got too absorbed in reading.
I make a simple pasta, eat it quickly, take a shower, change clothes, and leave the house.
When I arrive at the meeting place…
“Ah, Mito-senpai. Hello!”
“Hey, Morishima-san. Hello.”
“Then, let’s go immediately.”
“Yeah, time is limited after all.”
“That’s a good attitude. I don’t like wasting time either.”
“That’s why you don’t use emojis?”
I thought she was being considerate to me.
“Yes, I don’t really like them. I like Mito-senpai’s messages because they’re easy to read.”
“Eh? Really? I’ve been told they’re curt.”
“Doesn’t that depend on the person? Some women want that kind of thing.”
We have such a conversation as we arrive at the cake shop.
“Oh! This is…!”
This was featured on Hillnanchala before!
“Ehehe, do you know it?”
“Yeah, I wanted to try it.”
“Then I’m glad.”
We enter the shop…
“Definitely the Mont Blanc… But the cheesecake also looks good… Baked or soufflé…”
“Mito-senpai…”
“Ah – sorry, did I put you off?”
“No, I love cake too. Why don’t we order the soufflé and baked ones and split them?”
“I-Is that okay?”
“Yes, it’s fine.”
“Morishima-san! You’re a good person!”
Moved, I impulsively clench both of my hands.
“I-It’s just… normal… Um…”
“S-Sorry! I was just so happy.”
“Don’t you usually share?”
“No, I usually come here alone. My male friends don’t like it, and I don’t like going with my sister. There’s no woman I can casually invite, so I’m glad you’re here, Morishima-san.”
“Hmm, I see…”
“Morishima-san?”
“Nothing, just thinking. Now, let’s choose our cakes.”
We select several cakes and sit at a table in the shop.
“This… is delicious…! A Mont Blanc that isn’t too sweet is just perfect…”
“Ah, I know what you mean. Some of them are just sweet, aren’t they?”
“When you think about the natural taste of chestnuts, you don’t need too much sweetness. But they sweeten it to mask the lack of chestnuts, or process it before the sweetness comes out. Considering the cost, it’s inevitable… Sorry, I got a bit passionate there.”
“No, don’t worry about it. Do you make cakes?”
“Well… My family owns a Western-style restaurant.”
“Heh… I see. Are you going to take over?”
“No, I don’t plan to. I think I’ll continue being a regular office worker.”
“Hmm… Good. That means there won’t be any schedule changes.”
“Huh? What do you mean?”
“Never mind. Let’s split the soufflé and baked cakes now.”
After that, she asks me some questions while we enjoy delicious cakes.
Morishima-san is a good person… I don’t feel nervous for some reason.
Still, is this what they call a girls’ meeting…? Even though I’m a guy.