Chapter 10 Part 3: Akina’s Introduction

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Akina and Rikka looked up at a sign for a family restaurant just around the corner.

“Would it be okay if we went to a family restaurant?”

“I don’t mind, but is it okay with you two, Haru and Shirahato-san?”

“Yeah, relaxing at a restaurant seems fine.”

“I’m starving, it’s perfect!”

“Okay, then let’s all go in there!”

Rikka cheerfully walks toward the entrance of the family restaurant store.

“Well, I have to make sure Rikka doesn’t say any more… unnecessary things,” Akina muttered to herself, hurrying after her friend.

Yuki smiled gently as she watched them go.

“Takanashi-san is very energetic, isn’t she?”

“Well, do you think you two will get along?”

“Yeah, I think so.
We were talking a bit earlier, and she was very nice.
I hope we can become friends, not only us two, but you included.”

“I see, that’s good to know.”

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I walked through the door of the restaurant with her, and we were shown to a table, and soon we all sat down.

Yuki sat next to me, while Akina and Rikka were sitting next to each other in front of me.

“Well, I’ll introduce myself again.
I’m Rikka Takanashi, and I’m in a different class, though we are in the same grade.”

“I’m Yuki Shirahato.
Akina-san and I are good friends and classmates.”

“Oh, I’m glad to hear you say that.
Since I admire you a lot, I’m happy you say we get along.”

“That reminds me, you were sooo happy to be seated near both of them after the change, weren’t you Akinacchi?”

“R–Rikka? Please don’t say anything unnecessary!”

“Ah—! Sorry, sorry…”

She clears her throat and looks at me this time.

“Hinakura-kun, I heard you’ve always been looking after Akinacchi, thanks a lot!”

“She looks out for me, so thanks as well.”

Rikka beamed happily as I bowed lightly.
There aren’t many girls like her, so it’s really refreshing.

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“But still… Woah, Shirahato-san is really beautiful seen up close like this! How can a girl as pretty as you even exist! You’re too pretty!”

Leaning forward from the table, Rikka stared at Yuki.

“What kinda shampoo do you use for your hair to be this silky? What about treatments? Please lemme know if you have any recommendations for hair oil or anything on that matter!”

“Hm, my hairdresser chooses the products and treatments that suit my hair type, and I use them.
Same goes for oil.”

“Ehh~ Is it an expensive one?”

“Yeah, more than a lot I see on the market.”

“Amazing… I’m impressed with your no-compromises approach to everything, Shirahato-san…”

Rikka’s eyes sparkled when talking to Yuki.

“Look, Akina! Look! Her hands are a work of art!”

“Hey Rikka… Don’t get too excited, or you’ll embarrass Shirahato-san…”

“Hey, hey, can I touch your hands?”

“No problem, go ahead.”

Yuki held out her hand in front of the excited girl.

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“Woah… What’s up with this skin? It’s soooo smooth! This is too much for me, I don’t even have the vocab to describe it! This ain’t a human hand, it’s an angel’s!”

“I’m glad you like them.
I take extra care of my hands.”

“Whywhywhy?”

“Um, that’s…”

Yuki shot a sideways glance at me, then answered with slightly rosy cheeks.

“It’s cause someone told me my hands were pretty, and that they liked them…”

“I see, I see~ You’re doing it for someone! Aw, I love that she’s trying so hard to be beautiful for the one who complimented her!”

She got rosier and rosier every praise she got from Rikka.

It was like watching the exchanges I had with Yuki when we were kids, and it made me smile.
I genuinely think these two can become good friends.

“Oh, I’ve talked a little too much! I’m sure you guys are starving, so let’s order some now!”

Rikka reached out for the menu and handed it to Yuki.
I peeked at the one next to me, seeing all the delightful-sounding meals in there, which included Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes.
This list whetted my appetite.

“I’ll have this pasta, so what would you like to eat, Haru-kun?”

“Hmm, I’ll have this omelet and a hamburger.”

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We both finished choosing and returned the menu to the other two.
Akina and Rikka began choosing their own meals.

“What do you want, Akina?”

“I’m thinking Doria.
Also, some parfait for dessert… Is this okay?”

“Okay, then I’ll have a parfait and a coffee.
How about you two, want any desserts?” She asked us.

“Dessert? Sounds good, so let’s order some, Yuki.”

“You’re right, it does sound good.
If I can enjoy eating some delicious food with you all, I’d like to eat as much as I can.”

“Yup, yup! Then it’s decided! — Excuse me, can we order?” Rikka raised her already energetic voice.

Seeing other customers shake their shoulders after that scare, Akina hurriedly scolded the energy ball.

“R–Rikka! This store has a button system, you know?”

“Ah! It’s true, ehehe~ I did an oopsie,” she replied with a laugh, sticking out her tongue.

Yuki watched her with a warm smile on her face.
It was the first time she had a meal with a group of friends, everyone sitting around a table just like we are.
I could see her overflowing happiness from having the chance to have more friends.

Watching her smile, I wished this kind of scene could go on forever.