Maruzensky had set their date for December 30th—deliberately chosen to avoid interfering with New Year's Eve.
And today was December 30th, at exactly nine in the morning.
Sitting in a corner of the restaurant, Tokai Teio glanced at Yayoi Natural, who was currently staring into a makeup mirror at the bar, then shifted her gaze back to Yayoi Mochizuki, who was diligently studying across from her.
"Natural-san seems to be going out a lot these past few days..."
"Mom's just repaying debts from the past," Mochizuki replied, setting aside a completed workbook and opening a new one. "Just wait until Valentine's Day. You might see something even more spectacular."
"Oh…really?" Teio tilted her head slightly, then gave her sister a concerned look. "But do you really need to study so hard?"
"Yes, absolutely," Mochizuki answered firmly. "Middle school entrance exams aren't too bad, but getting into a high school specializing in trainer programs…"
Thinking about the trainer academy exams ahead, Mochizuki's expression clouded. The entrance exam itself wasn't especially complicated, and passing it even came with financial support from the JRA—necessary because trainers retired often. However, the responsibility trainers held meant the selection was extremely strict.
Because of her accelerated schedule, Mochizuki needed to make sure her fundamentals were rock-solid before middle school.
Seeing how hard Mochizuki was working, Teio didn't press further. Instead, she returned her gaze to Natural.
Natural, meanwhile, continued staring blankly into the makeup mirror, unsure what to do next. Watching this scene unfold, Teio felt oddly amused.
As a chef, Natural rarely bothered with makeup. She didn't even use perfume. It was no surprise she seemed completely lost.
From behind the bar, Tokai Roman observed Natural's puzzled expression and gently took away the mirror. "Natural, you don't need to worry about makeup. You're fine as you are."
After putting the mirror aside, Roman added, "Besides, isn't it nearly time for your appointment? It's probably better to arrive a bit early."
Roman's words made Natural glance quickly at the wall clock. It was almost nine-thirty already. Realizing this, Natural jumped up immediately. "I'm heading out!"
Without another word, she dashed out of the restaurant.
Watching Natural hurry off, Tokai Teio tilted her head. "Will she be alright?"
"You don't have to worry about Mom. She'll be fine," Mochizuki said, glancing briefly at the door before adding thoughtfully, "Though…"
"After Auntie C.B. and Auntie Maruzen, could the next one be…?"
Recalling her mother's social circle, Mochizuki frowned slightly.
It couldn't possibly be Symboli Speed next, right...?
Though it wasn't exactly unacceptable…
...
While Mochizuki was still preoccupied with strange thoughts, Yayoi Natural had already reached the agreed meeting spot.
The location was near Tracen Academy. Though the campus was close by, it was now nearly New Year's, meaning almost no students were around.
After all, most people would return home for the holidays, so no one would pay much attention to Natural and Maruzensky meeting here.
Yet…
Natural looked around, but Maruzensky was nowhere in sight. Checking her phone, she saw it was still a few minutes before the agreed 9:30 meeting time.
Considering how busy Maruzensky normally was, Natural didn't find it surprising that she might run a bit late.
With that in mind, Natural tucked away her phone and waited quietly.
Just as she expected, Maruzensky finally arrived—exactly ten seconds before 9:30.
Spotting Natural easily, Maruzensky approached her silently. Noticing Natural lost in thought, Maruzensky gently tapped her shoulder. "What are you thinking about?"
The soft touch startled Natural slightly. Raising her head, she finally noticed Maruzensky standing right before her.
Looking into Maruzensky's face, Natural momentarily forgot what Maruzensky had said previously. Maruzensky, however, didn't seem to mind; she simply lowered her head slightly to meet Natural's eyes.
"Have you been waiting long?"
"No, just a few minutes."
"That's good, then," Maruzensky replied with a relieved smile.
Seeing Maruzensky relax, Natural asked another question. "You don't need to handle anything at the Student Council today?"
"No, that's fine…" Maruzensky's lips curled slightly as she recalled the look on Mr. C.B.'s face when she left. "C.B. is taking care of it."
Natural nodded lightly in understanding. "Shall we go, then?"
"Yes, let's."
Maruzensky stepped beside Natural, matching her pace as they started walking.
They moved slowly. It was late December, after all, and Tokyo had already entered the snowy season.
Unlike Mr. C.B., Maruzensky didn't carry or pull Natural along. Instead, they walked quietly side by side. Since Natural wasn't exactly sure of their destination, she naturally fell about half a step behind Maruzensky.
That slight difference didn't bother either of them. To them, this distance felt just right—comfortable and reassuring.
After walking quietly together for a while, Natural finally spoke.
"So, where exactly are we going?"
Maruzensky turned her head slightly toward Natural and replied, "To my house."
"…You don't also have a cat that does backflips at home, do you?"
"Hm? What does that mean?"
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T/N: heh of course the old hag doesnt know what that memes
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