59 Snacks and Bushido!

I strolled through the morning sunlight, the crisp air invigorating after a night of work. As I headed to deliver the modules back to school, a familiar figure caught my attention on a nearby bench. It was Wakamiya-san, engrossed in her snacks of dango and mochi.

"Hm? That's Wakamiya-san... Right?" I approached quietly, observing her enthusiasm for the Japanese treats.

What is she doing early in the morning...?

"Mmmm~ Mmmm~ Mochi and dango are a great combination! As expected! BUSHIDO!"

I chuckled to myself, remembering that Eve Wakamiya-san was of both Japanese and Finnish descent.

"Good morning, Wakamiya-san."

"Eh? Oh, good morning!" She looked up, surprised.

"Mind if I join you?" I gestured to the empty spot on the bench.

"Not at all! Please, have a seat!" Eve smiled brightly, making room for me.

I took a seat, glancing at the dango and mochi. "That looks delicious. Is it a traditional breakfast for you?"

"Yes! I love starting my day with sweets. It's refreshing!"

Wakamiya-san... I don't think eating dango and mochi counts as breakfasts in Japan...

"But aren't you supposed to be at school?" I gently prodded, my tone light but concerned.

Her cheerful demeanor faltered for a moment. "Oh, uh... really?"

I nodded. "You're not skipping, are you?"

She swallowed hard, looking a bit guilty. "I-I'll admit it, it may seem like I am... I just wanted to try these out!" She gestured to the dango and mochi, half-eaten ones in her hands, and one already in her mouth.

I chuckled softly. "They're tempting, I understand."

Eve's face lit up. "You should try some too! It's worth it, I promise."

"I believe you," I chuckled, amused by her enthusiasm. "But school's important too, Wakamiya-san."

Her expression turned sheepish. "Yeah, I know. I couldn't resist the temptation!"

"I get that, But maybe after you've finished your classes?"

"S-Sorry," Eve murmured, her eyes cast downward.

Oh, shoot... I made her sad! My affection points will go down at this rate!

"No worries. How about this? After I drop off these modules, wanna go grab some snacks?" I suggested, offering a friendly smile.

"R-Really?!" Her eyes lit up with excitement.

"Yeah! Let's go!" I nodded, matching her enthusiasm.

"Alright then! Lead the way! Bushido!" Eve exclaimed, her voice filled with a mix of genuine enthusiasm and a humorous touch that was quintessentially her.

She always had this quirky way of expressing herself, often mixing in terms like "Bushido"1 even in everyday conversations. It made her unique and always kept things interesting.

Wait, Now that I realized... Isn't it a date?

And so, we entered my school, drawing more attention than I was comfortable with. Whispers followed us.

"Dude, Nakasone is with that idol."

"No way! That's Wakamiya Eve from Pastel*Palettes!"

"First, Roselia, now PasuPare? What a lucky guy!!"

Envious eyes were fixated on us.

Oh, there's Soumei-san. He seems to be saying something. Let me read his lips...

I narrowed my eyes, trying to decipher his words. "You're a dead man, Nakasone-kun."

What a nice, supportive friend.

As we walked through the school halls, Eve looked around with wide-eyed curiosity. It was clear that her idol status had turned our casual stroll into a mini-event for the students. Some greeted her with excitement, and others just stared in awe.

"Eve, it might be a good idea to keep a low profile here," I said, realizing that the attention might be overwhelming for her.

"Oh, right! Bushido mode off!"

"That's better."

I led Eve through the school corridors, navigating the stares and whispers that seemed to follow us. Eventually, we arrived at the faculty room. My adviser, was busy at his desk, shuffling through papers and typing away on his computer.

"Eve, this is where I have to drop off these modules," I whispered, gesturing to the stack of folders in my hands.

"Oh, okay! Should I wait here?" Eve asked, looking around the room with a mix of curiosity and excitement.

"Yeah, just find a seat. I'll be quick," I replied, heading over to my adviser's desk. "Excuse me, Sensei."

He looked up from his work, raising an eyebrow in surprise. "Nakasone-kun, what brings you here?"

"I have the completed modules from last week. Here, Sensei." I handed him the folders.

"Ah, thank you. That was fast," he said, giving me a nod of acknowledgment.

Well, Hikawa-san helped me after all... I guess I should give her some credit.

 turned back to Eve, who was trying her best to look inconspicuous, but her excited expressions and glances around the room made her stand out. I motioned for her to stay put as I finished up with my adviser.

After a brief exchange, I rejoined Eve. "All done! Ready to go?"

"Absolutely!" Eve beamed, rising from her seat with renewed enthusiasm.

As we left the faculty room, Eve turned to me with wide eyes. "That was interesting! So, where are we heading for snacks, Nakasone-san?"

Hmmm, Actually there's this snack in the cafeteria in my school where they serve dorayaki but instead of sweet bean paste. It's actually wasabi strawberry paste. 

"Let's go to the cafeteria, they have some delicious options there."

"Great! Bushido mode on!"

As we entered the cafeteria, the aroma of freshly cooked snacks greeted us. Eve glanced around the bustling area, her eyes sparkling with curiosity at the variety of treats on display.

"Let's get some dorayaki." 

 I suggested, leading the way to the counter where they were selling these delectable sweets.

"Ah, dorayaki! I've heard about these," Eve exclaimed, watching as the vendor handed over two freshly made dorayaki.

"Here, try it," I said, passing one to Eve.

"Dorayaki?" Eve inspected it with intrigue before taking a hearty bite. Her eyes lit up in surprise and delight. "Mmm! It's good!"

"Right? It's a classic."

Plus, I think this is handmade since you can only get this here.

Eve nodded enthusiastically as she savored the snack. "Bushido-approved treat!"

We enjoyed our dorayaki before I glanced at the time. "Shall we head next to our destination?"

"Yes, please! I'm not doing anything today anyway!" Eve replied cheerfully, finishing up her dorayaki in a couple of bites.

Well, you did skip school...

As we strolled out of the school, I couldn't help but feel the weight of curious gazes and hushed whispers from my fellow students. The rumor mill was likely churning out tales of my unexpected association with Eve Wakamiya.

"Now onwards, convenience store time!" 

"Bushido!" Eve echoed with her usual enthusiasm, seemingly unfazed by the attention.

Our destination was a nearby convenience store, the usual haunt for snack runs and impromptu meals. As we stepped inside, the fluorescent lights illuminated the aisles filled with an assortment of snacks. I pondered for a moment, considering what might pique Eve's interest.

"How about trying something special?" I suggested, leading her toward the instant noodle section. "This spicy cup noodle with cheese is a hidden gem. Not many people know about it."2

"Eh? Spicy and cheese?" Eve's eyes widened with curiosity.

I grabbed a cup of spicy instant noodles and a pack of cheese, "You pour hot water, add the cheese, and wait for 15 minutes. It's a unique twist to the ordinary cup noodles."

Eve nodded in approval. "Sounds exciting! Let's give it a try!"

With our unusual snack secured, we headed to the cashier, paid for everything, and made our way outside.

"Alright, moment of truth." I cracked open the lid of the cup noodle, revealing the melty cheese coating the steaming noodles. "Here we go, dig in!"

"Okay!" Eve leaned in, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

As Eve peered into the cup, a serene expression settled on her face. She took a deep breath, then offered a respectful "Itadakimasu" before taking a tentative bite. Her face lit up with surprise and delight as she continued eating.

"So, how was it?" I asked, eagerly awaiting her verdict.

"The cheese is like mozzarella! It's like having a noodle and cheese blend in my mouth at the same time!" Eve exclaimed, clearly enjoying the experience.

"Right? It's a unique fusion," I nodded in agreement, excited to see her reaction.

"But the cheese flavor is quite strong! It's hard to get past it!" And so, After the noodles, Eve let out a satisfied sigh, giving me a thumbs up. "That was a good combination!"

I grinned, "What are you talking about, Eve? There's still more I want you to try!"

"E-Eh?!" Eve looked surprised but intrigued.

And so, we continued our culinary adventure, sampling various combinations from onigiri and bento to ramen and sweets until it was 1 PM.

"Urgk... Nakasone-san, you meanie... I think I've reached my limit" Eve groaned, holding her stomach.

"Heh..." It was then that I noticed Eve's condition and a sudden realization struck me. "EH!? Wakamiya-san! Get a hold of yourself!"

Showcasing various combinations turned out to be overwhelming for Eve's stomach. I quickly grabbed some water for her and helped her sit down, hoping she'd feel better soon.

I also forgot that she's an idol and needs to stay in shape. 

For now, I'm sorry Wakamiya-san.