Chapter 47: Enjoying the Café
Enjoying the Café
There’s never a shortage of places to have fun in Shibuya.
Cafés are one example.
Calling them “places to have fun” might be a little misleading.
But to me, when going out with someone, a café was always essential.
“Wow, this is amazing.”
As soon as Haruki stepped inside, she let out a voice of admiration.
I had chosen an organic café restaurant.
They only served healthy dishes made with lots of vegetables and similar ingredients.
There were a few different course options, but I chose the same one I had last time without hesitation.
Since Haruki was underage, we both ordered non-alcoholic cocktails instead of wine.
After all, it wouldn’t be any fun if only I got tipsy.
“Here is your corn potage with millet and cabbage.”
“Oh, looks delicious.”
“…This is amazing.”
Those words slipped out of me unconsciously. What exactly was I reacting to?
Was it the sparkle in Haruki’s eyes?
Or was it the fact that the same menu was still being served just as it was back then?
Haruki either didn’t hear me or heard and pretended not to.
She scooped some potage with her spoon and brought it to her lips.
I followed her lead.
“It’s really good.”
“I’m glad…”
Maybe what I found amazing was both of those things.
With that thought, I brought the soup to my mouth.
After all these years, the flavor was exactly the same as it had been that day.
It still existed, unchanged.
Maybe most of the world is like that.
No matter what happens to my heart or my body, the world keeps going, unchanged.
“It’s so good…”
“Right? It has such a gentle flavor, doesn’t it?”
“Yeah…”
When Fuyumi betrayed me, it felt like the whole world had flipped upside down.
I could barely bring myself to eat, and even when I did, nothing tasted right.
Everything outside the window looked murky and dull.
But in truth, that wasn’t the case.
My heart had just grown weak.
Now it’s different.
The flavor of the soup, the view from the window, everything feels beautiful.
“Here is your organic salad, made with quinoa and four types of beans.”
““Thank you very much.””
Next came a salad made entirely with organic vegetables and beans.
I pierced a bean with my fork and brought each one to my mouth, one at a time.
Just like back then, the flavor was subtle and refined.
“Huh? What is this? How are you supposed to eat it?”
I glanced across the table and saw Haruki struggling with the beans.
I remember having a bit of trouble too the first time I ate this.
Haruki is a high school student, so I imagine she doesn’t get many chances to visit places like this.
“Just take your time. If you go slow, you’ll get it.”
Since beans tend to slip, the trick is to press and pierce them gently.
As expected, Haruki quickly got the hang of it and started eating.
“It tastes really elegant.”
“Yeah, I think so too.”
Happy that our impressions matched, I smiled a little without thinking.
“Here is your hamburger steak, simmered in vegan demi-glace sauce.”
Our main dish had arrived.
After thanking the server, Haruki and I leaned over to get a closer look.
It didn’t look much different from a regular hamburger steak, but still…
“Whoa, it’s super soft!”
“Yeah, the knife slides right through.”
True to its description, the knife cut through the simmered patty without any resistance.
I speared a piece with my fork and brought it to my mouth.
The tender meat, simmered until it melted, and the rich sauce, likely made from plenty of vegetables, seeped into my body.
As soon as I swallowed, the words came out.
“Delicious…”
Haruki and I exchanged glances in surprise.
Then we both burst out laughing.
Eating the same thing and feeling the same way…
That kind of happiness was incredibly comforting.
Why is it that I can now truly appreciate this kind of simple happiness?
I already know the answer.
That’s why I’ve decided I won’t stay stuck in place anymore.
“Here is your dessert.”
The course we chose this time let us pick our dessert and drink separately.
With a gentle clink, a pumpkin soy milk cake was placed before me, and a carrot cake in front of Haruki.
“Haruki-chan, do you like carrots?”
“Hmm, not really. But I figured I’d try something new since we’re here.”
“I get that. I haven’t tried this one either.”
It was a healthy cake made with soy milk instead of cream, and canola oil instead of butter.
When I took a bite, the sweetness of pumpkin and the soft taste of tofu filled my mouth.
“Whoa, this is really good, Onii-san!”
“Yeah? Then maybe I’ll try it next time we come.”
“Hehe, let’s come again, okay? Just you and me, Onii-san.”
“Yeah…”
This gentle, peaceful moment passed softly, like a bite of cake.
“Haruki-chan.”
Once I saw she had finished her cake, I straightened my back.
“There’s something I want to talk to you about.”