Menu 28 – A Hot Tropical Fruit’s Party

Ringo had just returned home and her mother gave her a letter which wasn’t signed. After looking at the penmanship, she knew it was from Mahito. After basketball practice, Shinido praised Kazuomi’s hard work and asked if he can talk with Kazuomi for a moment.

At a small café, Ringo came to see Kazuomi and Shinido. Kazuomi introduced him as his sempai [upperclassman] in the basketball team. Ringo asked what was the matter. Shinido immediately bowed to them and asked them if they can help him. Ringo quickly asked if she can order a dessert. The sempai was eager to please her as Kazuomi facefaults.

After eating, they asked what was his problem. He said that he likes Michiyo. The two screamed in surprise as Shinido tried to keep them quite. He told them that during basketball practice before, he always sees her watching them play. He thought that she was cute but she must be watching a crush among the basketball team. Ringo immediately realize that it was Kazuomi. Sempai asked Ringo if she knew who he was. Kazuomi gave a sign not to say so Ringo said that she didn’t know. Sempai was really happy since he still has a chance with her.

When Shinido went out for a moment, Ringo asked Kazuomi what they should do. Kazuomi teased her that she even ate a dessert at Shinido’s expense. Ringo grinned and said that maybe he can act as mediator for the two. Kazuomi said that he couldn’t do that to Michiyo since it will be quite unappropriate. Ringo realized that he has a point but she also doesn’t know how to tell Michiyo either. Then, she remembered that Kazuomi told her before that he likes someone else. It was only know when she remembered that incident and wondered whom he was talking about. ^-^; [see Menu 20] Kazuomi decided that being a mediator isn’t the solution to the problem and he doesn’t want to be one. Ringo answered back that she really wanted to help Sempai. Kazuomi said that it would be like what happened between him and Michiyo. They continued to argue.

Later on, Shinido met with them again. Ringo shouted that she has something to tell him and that is Michiyo really likes Kazuomi. Kazuomi was shocked as he wondered if it was okay to tell him that. Ringo continued that aside from Kazuomi, she doesn’t know if she likes someone else but in her opinion, it would be better if he tell her himself since if there is a mediator, his true feelings cannot be fully expressed to Michiyo. Shinido agreed with her. Ringo assured him that they would help him. Shinido felt more relieve and left.

Kazuomi then asked how they would help him. Ringo sweetly told him that they would think of it now. Kazuomi sweatdropped. Ringo told him that they would give their best effort to help him since he rarely asked for help. Kazuomi smiled as he thought that it is Ringo’s charm though her maturity on love matters is a bit delayed. Ringo said that they should go to market and decide a recipe for the program.

At the market, there are a lot of tropical fruits for sale there. Kazuomi told Ringo what the different fruits are. Ringo wanted to show the different fruits but as Kazuomi pointed out, they are only two, it would be too much if they bought a lot. Ringo brighten up and told him that they would have a gathering and invite both Shinido and Michiyo so that they can meet together. Kazuomi told Ringo that Shinido knew how to cook since he joined in Alice Sue Tea Party’s contest before. [see Menu 8] Ringo said that they will have a Tropical Fruit party and it is like hitting two birds with one stone.

Ringo greeted everyone to the garden as Watanabe told them that the atmosphere of the place is really nice. Kazuomi found Shinido as he told him to do his best because this party was held just for him. Ringo went to entertain the others and explained to the others about the juice she made. Ringo told Kazuomi that everyone is having fun. Kazuomi said that Shinido was a bit uneasy as if he doesn’t know how to approach Michiyo. Kazuomi was about to go and do something but Ringo stopped him. Finally, Shinido approached Michiyo and offered her some dessert.

The two are happy that he finally made it. Michiyo tasted it and told him that it was delicious. She asked if he was Kazuomi’s sempai since she had seen him play with Kazuomi. Shinido was a bit sad about that but Ringo came to the rescue. Ringo told her to taste another dessert - Tropical Fruits in Milk which is suited for hot summer days. Michiyo praised it. Ringo pulled Shinido and told Michiyo that it was Shinido who made it. Michiyo smiled and said that she remembered that he also cooked during the tea party contest before. Shinido gathered up his courage and told her that he likes her.

Everyone was surprised by his declaration as Michiyo blushes. The two are happy about it. Shinido then apologize for saying that too bluntly. Michiyo said that she likes someone else so she cannot answer immediately. Shinido was about to protest when Michiyo told him that she is actually happy that he told it to her.

Ringo said that it is not a beginning of a relationship and they had did a good thing. It is really nice when having told one’s feelings to a loved one. Ringo imagines that maybe someday, there will be someone who would say, ‘I do all this just for you.’ Kazuomi angrily thought to himself, ‘What about me?’ Some girls asked Ringo what kind of fruit they have so she goes there.

Shinido called out to Kazuomi. He thanked him and Ringo for helping him out. Kazuomi said that he doesn’t have to since Shinido did everything by himself by being confident. He wondered when he will be able to do that. Shinido encouraged him and that he should try his best. Kazuomi sighed for Shinido knew whom he liked yet Ringo doesn’t realize it. Shinido went back to Michiyo and asked if he can walk her home. Ringo glanced at the two and wondered when such a thing – someone saying that he likes her - will happen to her.

To be continued...

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