I’m not in love. I am not. No, I’m totally not in love with her. There’s just no way. It’s just that I haven’t been on an outing with a girl for too long, and my brain has started to go crazy the first chance it got. Come on Bandou Takuya. You’ve been rejected for 16 times. Haven’t you learned your lesson yet? Stop falling for every single girl you hanged out with!

   Thankfully, this bothersome feeling of mine isn’t affecting my daily life. I can still work as usual without spacing out. The only issue is that my feet always brought me to Bittersweet Loaf whenever I’m having my break time. As a direct result, I stopped going outside during break altogether.

   During a shift, I was working inside the kitchen. The dashi stock we have has dropped to a worrying level, so I decide to make more. As I’m boiling a pot of water, Uekawa-san approaches me.

   ‘Can I talk to you for a second, Bandou-kun?’ he asks me out of the blue.

   ‘Of course.’

   ‘Okay, then. Come on, let’s go outside for a while.’

   ‘Outside? But, I’m still working. I have this to take care of.’ I tell him while pointing at the pot of water.

   ‘You can do that later. If it got urgent, I’m pretty sure someone else will handle it.’ he assures me.

   ‘Well, if you insist that much…’

   I asked another of the kitchen staff to make the stock, and I was assured that it will be taken care of. Only then I follow Uekawa-san outside.

   ‘Let’s go to the 7-E for some Oden or something, maybe a drink or two. My treat.’ he invites.

   ‘Um, sure.’

   I follow him to the nearest convenience store. We didn’t say a single thing while we were heading there. He was the one who wanted to speak with me, so I was waiting until he takes the first step in starting the conversation.

   Once we’re there, Uekawa-san heads straight to the Oden station and starts choosing some Oden. He also got a bottle of Oolong Tea. As for me, I got a bottle of melon soda and two rice balls, one with salmon filling and the other with crab mayo. He paid for the items, and we left the store with them. Next, he invites me to sit down near the entrance like we’re some kind of delinquents.

   At first, he eats his Oden silently. Two radishes were downed by him before he started to speak.

   ‘You know, I always loved Oden. It’s easy to prepare, you can put whatever you want inside it, and it really warms you up on a cold night.’ he tells me all of a sudden.

   I have no idea where he’s going with this, so I just kept quiet and listened.

   ‘I used to work in an office before I met Miyako.’ he continues. ‘Or did you already know that?’

   ‘I did, but that’s because one of your old colleague came to visit you one time.’ I recall.

   ‘Ah, right. That did happen. Anyway, I was extremely depressed while I was working at the office. My colleagues, especially the one who visited me, was nice enough, but that’s about it. Our boss loves to give unreasonable demands, the customers are generally huge pains, and the work environment is terrible in general. And the worst part is, I have no warm house to go back to. I have no family of my own, not even a girlfriend.’

   I start to eat one of my rice ball. Seriously, what’s he trying to tell me here?

   ‘I settled most of my dinner with Oden. Other than the reasons I mentioned, I was always short of money, you see.’

   ‘Why is that? Do you have a hobby that require lots of money?’ I couldn’t help but ask.

   ‘Not at all. I just used most of the salaries I received to buy lottery tickets.’

   Even if he’s my boss, I still can’t stop myself from giving him a withered look.

   ‘...Seriously?’

   ‘I know, I know! I was young and foolish, you see. I just wanted to get rich quickly and say goodbye to this pathetic life of mine. I’m just glad that you find it disgusting. That means you won’t follow me on my footstep.’

   ‘Not in a million years.’

   ‘Good, good. Anyway, back to my main story. One night, I was prepared to head to the convenience store to get some store-made Oden since I was too tired to make my own. Instead, my feet somehow brought me to Yamamoto’s Canteen. By that time, Miyako was already a widow, and she was running this place all by herself.’

   ‘Must be tough to handle all the incoming customers all by herself.’ I note.

   ‘Actually, the Yamamoto’s Canteen back then was frequently empty.’

   I was so shocked I stared at him in disbelief.

   ‘Um, we’re talking about the same Yamamoto’s Canteen, right?’ I ask to make sure.

   ‘The one and only.’ he confirms. ‘Shocking, I know. Compared to now, Yamamoto’s Canteen was on the verge of closing down back then.’

   ‘Then, how did it became so busy?’

   ‘To cut a long story short, I did.’

   ‘No no no, please don’t cut away such an important part so nonchalantly.’

   ‘Again, it’s not important. What’s important is how I managed to do it.’

   ‘You fell in love with Miyako-san, and that made the gears inside your brain turn gazillion miles an hour.’ I guess.

   ‘Exactly. I didn’t even know I had it in me. All those business ideas were waiting for me to unlock them. Naturally, Miyako was very grateful to me. But me? I was very scared.’

   ‘Scared? Of what?’

   ‘I was rejected quite frequently by girls when I was your age. Some rejections were downright brutal. Having those experiences quite traumatized me, that’s why I was reluctant to find a partner after I graduated. This time, though, I couldn’t help it. I mean, it’s that Miyako, you know? It’s harder not to fall in love with her. In the end, I mustered up my courage and confessed to her. She actually said yes. And that’s how I quit my old job and became a manager of the Yamamoto’s Canteen.’

   Finally, I couldn’t take it anymore.

   ‘Uekawa-san, where exactly are you going with this?’

   ‘Oops. That story got way longer than I intended it to. My point is, don’t be scared and go for it.’

   ‘...All those stories just for that last part?’

   ‘My bad, that was always my bad part. I just can’t get straight to the point. Except that one time I confessed to Miyako. You should do the same.’

   ‘Um, getting straight to the point or confessing?’

   ‘Both, of course!’ he laughs. ‘Now then, let’s go back, or Miyako will get mad.’

   ‘Right.’

   That night, I thought about Uekawa-san’s words long and hard while I was lying down on my bed. I’m still too scared to be honest to my feelings, and I’m definitely worried that this feeling of mine is one-sided. Ah, forget it. If I’m going to be rejected for the 17th time, so be it. If anything, I can’t let those around me be worried about me.

   Even though I decided to confess, I don’t even know where to start. Do I go for the classic love letter, or do I ask her out for a date and confess at the end of it? Man, this is so difficult. In the end, I’ve slept without making a single decision.

   On the next day, I head to school with Miiko and Amano just like I always do. As usual, Miiko is really clinging to Amano, even though the latter clearly wants to be left alone. As we’re almost about to reach the school gate, I see Iseri-senpai up ahead.

   I try to act calm since her back is facing me. Thus, she can’t see me-

   ‘Morning, Bandou-kun! It’s everyone’s favorite Nitta Yuki here~!’

   And she turned around when my name was mentioned. I sigh and look towards Nitta.

   ‘Morning, Nitta. You’re as energetic as usual.’

   ‘Say, you look kind of weird. Everything okay there?’

   ‘Yeah, kind of.’

   I sneak a glance towards senpai. For some reason, she’s still staring at me. She even stopped walking.

   ‘Well, I’ll see you later in the classroom.’ I tell Nitta.

   ‘Why? It won’t hurt to walk there together every once in a while, right?’

   ‘It will. For one thing, your fans will murder me. And secondly, I have something to take care of.’

   ‘Oh, all right then. See you later.’

   After mustering enough courage, I walk over to senpai.

   ‘Good morning, Iseri-senpai.’ I greet her.

   ‘Morning, Bandou.’ she greets back.

   ‘The thing is, I, um…’

   ‘Yeah?’

   ‘Um…’

   Calm down, me. It’s bad enough that I’m starting to get nervous, the glance from the students around us is making things worse.

   ‘Say, can I speak first?’ she asks me.

   ‘Um, go ahead.’

   ‘I’ve made some new bread. Can you come over to Bittersweet Loaf and try them out later?’

   ‘Oh. Of course.’

   ‘Good, see you later then.’

   ‘Yes.’

   As I’m walking to the classroom, I sigh as I’m being vexed at myself. How can I call myself a man if I need to make the girl make the first move? Then again, it’s probably my misunderstanding again.

   After school is over, I head straight to Bittersweet Loaf since I’m off from my part-time work. Gouda-san was busy serving customers when I got there.

   ‘Oh, welcome Bandou-kun.’ he greets me. ‘Are you here to buy some of our products?’

   ‘Actually, Iseri-senpai told me to come herd and try some of her new creation.’

   ‘Well, she’s not here yet. You can wait for her inside the kitchen.’

   ‘Is that really okay?’

   ‘Of course it is. Now off you go.’

   And so, I wait patiently until senpai is here. Eventually, she shows her face inside the kitchen.

   ‘Sorry for being late, Bandou.’ she tells me apologetically.

   ‘It’s fine, senpai. I just got here.’

   She puffs up her cheeks.

   ‘Oh, now you feel like being a gentleman, huh? Wouldn’t kill you to do the same when we had that date, you know?’

   ‘That was then, this is now.’

   ‘Oh, there’s just no talking to you, is there? Just wait there while I make the bread I need you to try.’

   ‘Okay.’

   I don’t know how I should react to the fact that she called our outing to the water park as a date, so I just ignored it.

   After wearing an apron over her uniform, she starts to make her bread. She’s doing the usual of preparing the ingredients: flour, sugar and the likes. I had to look away since the look of school uniforms and apron looks really, really good on her.

   ‘Say, Bandou. What kind of plan do you have for your future?’ she asks me without any warning.

   ‘Where did that came from?’

   ‘I’m just asking for reference.’

   ‘Well, I don’t have any yet. That said, I’m probably going to dedicate my life working in restaurants right after I graduate.’

   ‘You’re not even going to college?’

   ‘What for? I’m not trying to brag, but I have enough cooking skill to work as a chef without going there or even cooking school.’

   ‘Hmm.’

   ‘And you, senpai? What’s in your mind?’

   ‘I can’t think of any.’

   ‘I’m not trying to give you any pressure, but you’ll be graduating in a few month’s time.’

   ‘I know that, okay? That’s why I need as much reference as possible.’

   ‘Have you tried discussing it with your parents? The teachers?’

   ‘My parents said that they’ll support whatever I’ve decided, which isn’t helpful at all. As for the teachers, they recommend me to go to college, just in case.’

   ‘For what, exactly?’

   ‘In case I end up working as a pastry chef in a hotel. They told me that having more papers mean that the higher chance of getting a promotion.’

   ‘Ah, that makes sense. Then again, do you even want to work at a hotel?’

   ‘Not really. I prefer to work at a bakery, or at least a cafe.’

   ‘So college is not necessary for you.’

   ‘I guess.’

   Soon, she’s mixing up all the ingredients and starts to knead the dough.

   ‘You know, I actually have a dream.’ she begins rather hesitantly after a while.

   ‘Of opening up a bakery of your own?’

   She looks at me in surprise.

   ‘What? How do you know that?’ she demands.

   ‘It’s not that difficult to guess, since that’s what most chefs and pastry chefs aspire to do.’

   ‘I, I guess you’re right at that. But, well, there’s a second part to my dream.’

   ‘Which is?’

   She starts to fidget while looking slightly embarrassed.

   ‘You know, like how Miyako-san is running Yamamoto’s Canteen?’

   ‘Ah, you mean with your partner for life.’

   She nods shyly.

   ‘Are you one of those people who wrote that you want to be a bride when you were younger?’ I ask her.

   She becomes defensive all of a sudden.

   ‘What’s wrong with that? Most girls have that dream at least once in their life, just so you know!’

   ‘I’m sure they do. And? Why are you telling me this?’

   ‘Well, there’s this boy I’ve been interested in. At first, it was just gratitude. After all, it’s thanks to him that I managed to get Kou out of my life. It’s also thanks to him that I have friends now. But then, after I went to a date with him, I had lots of fun with him. It was then I realized that I’m actually in love with him.’ she tells me.

   Oh, drat. I’ve become a dense romance protagonist without realizing it. Okay, let’s not screw this up any further.

   ‘I’ve been interested in a certain senior too. At first, I thought she was a very cold girl. After I talked to her, however, I realized that I was completely wrong. She’s fun to hang out with, she’s a hard worker, and I really enjoyed myself whenever I was with her.’

   ‘I-I-Is that so…’

   ‘Yup…’

   There was a few seconds of silence after our indirect confession.

   ‘So, do you want to play a game of rocks-scissors-papers to decide who’s confessing?’ she asks me while blushing furiously.

   I shake my head firmly.

   ‘No. I’m the guy here, so I’m the one who should do it.’ I tell her.

   ‘What’s with that old-school way of thinking?’

   ‘Does that mean you want to do it instead?’

   ‘No.’

   An immediate reply. I take a deep breath.

   ‘Okay, then. Here goes. I, um, senpai, I-’

   ‘Hey, why are you being so nervous? You know I’m not going to say no, right?’

   ‘I know that, senpai, still…’

   She gives me a warm smile.

   ‘Just try your best, okay?’ she encourages.

   ‘...Okay.’

   I take another deep breath.

   ‘Iseri Ayano-senpai, will you go you with me?’ I ask her.

   She slowly nods.

   ‘I would love to.’

   A few more seconds of silence.

   ‘So, what now?’ she asks me.

   ‘For now, you should finish up with that dough of yours. I don’t think it’s a good idea to keep it on the table like that.’

   She stares at the dough she was kneading like she finally remembered about it.

   ‘Blimey. Wait for a while, Bandou. I need to take care of this before we continue.’

   ‘Of course. Please take your time.’

   I watch her silently as she continues to knead the dough. However, the longer I stare at her, the redder her face gets.

   ‘Say, Bandou. Can you not stare at me like that? It’s making me nervous.’ she pleads.

   ‘But, what else am I supposed to look at? Besides, now that you’re my girlfriend, I just can’t keep my eyes away from you.’

   That makes her face even redder.

   ‘And stop it with the sweet talk! Now I can’t even concentrate!’

   ‘But-’

   And my phone chose this moment to ring. I take it out to see who’s calling. It’s Nagano.

   ‘Just turn around and answer that phone! And no buts!’ Iseri-senpai orders.

   ‘Okay.’

   And so, I had to turn around while I answer the phone.

   ‘Did you get yourself a girlfriend, Bandou-kun?’ Nagano asks me.

   ‘How did you know that?’

   ‘I suddenly hear a voice that says “All the couples that have broken up is now together again.” inside my head. I figured that the only reason for the curse to be broken is you did something.’

   ‘Well, as a matter of fact, I did get myself a girlfriend.’

   ‘So, who is it?’

   ‘Iseri Ayano-senpai.’

   ‘Wow, you mean you confessed to the Ice Queen, and she said yes? Hmm. Well, congratulations I guess.’

   ‘Thanks. Now stop bothering me.’

   I disconnected the call and turned off my phone in case I got disturbed again.

   ‘Don’t turn around yet. I’m still not done yet.’ I hear Iseri-senpai says behind me.

   ‘Still? How long do I have to wait?’

   ‘Until I’m done, obviously.’

   Five more minutes later, I finally hear the sound of the oven being opened and closed. And then, I hear the sound of water flowing.

   ‘Okay, you can turn around now.’ she tells me.

   I turn around and find her face just a few inches away from mine.

   ‘Um, why are you so close to me?’ I ask her.

   ‘I figured that since we’re going out and all, we should go what all couples do.’

   It took me a few seconds to figure out what she’s trying to say.

   ‘I see, you want to do that.’

   ‘Exactly.’

   ‘Well, let’s do it then.’

   The two of us stare at each other silently for a few seconds. By the time I realized it, our lips have touched each other. It was a one second kiss since the two of us were too embarrassed to continue any further.

   ‘I’ll be in your care from now on.’ she tells me while twirling her hair rapidly.

   ‘Likewise, Iseri-senpai. Or can I call you Ayano-senpai?’

   ‘You can, but only when we’re alone, you hear?’

   ‘Of course.’

   ‘Well, um, I’ll call you Takuya too, um, Takuya.’

   That night, I have difficulty in testing the bread she baked since it tasted weirdly sweet, for some reason.