novellhall Chapter 53 Head-to-Head
Chapter 53 Head-to-Head
Wait quietly until the oven beeps, then Miyazawa Itsuki puts on oven mitts and takes it out.
Place it in a device that accelerates condensation.
A few minutes later, it was all done.
Unmold the pudding, arrange it on a plate, and garnish with mint leaves and thyme.
This is the store's standard procedure; even if it's just for colleagues to taste, Miyazawa Itsuki doesn't want to cut corners on this step.
He brought out the perfectly formed pudding, ready to hand it to the front desk.
In the instant he turned his head, Miyazawa Itsuki noticed that Tsukimi Sakuna was no longer there.
Looking around, the girl in her work uniform came to a corner of the cafe.
At this moment, a visitor arrived.
She wore a plain-colored dress, paired with her signature sunglasses. He quickly recognized the visitor.
"Miss Qing...?"
It's so late, I didn't expect Miss Qing to still be here.
Moreover, it is rare for Miss Qing to visit twice in such a short period of time.
He was somewhat surprised.
In a corner of the cafe, Aoike Akane's eyes behind her sunglasses seemed inexplicably unfriendly.
Who is this ridiculously beautiful girl in front of me, and why is she wearing the same uniform as the guy?
Could it be that the coffee shop changed staff after she had only been gone for a few days?
Where did that guy go again? Did the pretty girl in front of me take his place? Was that excuse he gave for taking leave the other day just to get fired?
Qingchi Qianliu's eyebrows stood up.
It seems the plan to acquire the coffee shop can be put on hold.
A shop without the delivery guy is meaningless.
"Hello, sir, what would you like to order?"
Tsukimi Sakuna spoke in a gentle voice.
Aochi Akane said calmly:
Where is your male waiter?
Tsukimi Sakura tilted her head, looking somewhat confused.
If I'm not mistaken, the male waiter in the shop should be referring to Miyazawa-kun.
Miyazawa-kun said that he had worked here for more than half a year and he was the only employee.
But why did this guest, instead of telling him what he needed, ask to see Miyazawa-kun as soon as he arrived?
Could it be...?
Tsukimi Sakura's expression held a hint of wariness.
A suspicious, obsessive woman who harasses male high school butlers?
"I'm sorry, my colleagues are busy in the kitchen. If you need anything, I can help you."
"..."
Tsukimi Sakuna and Aoike Akane exchanged glances.
Her Highness's outward smile remained flawless, radiating an indiscriminate power of dominance.
A smile also appeared on Aochi Akane's lips.
"It's good that the young man is still here. Could you please ask this lady to summon him and tell him that Qingchi...Miss Qing has arrived? As for the order, it's the usual."
Same as always, what does that look like?
Is this woman very familiar with Miyazawa-kun?
Tsukimi Sakura's smile remained unchanged, but there was a strange change in her aura.
"I'll pass on your greetings, but you can let me know if you want to order."
"After all... this is my job."
Aochi Akane remained silent for a moment.
Suddenly, a playful smile appeared on his face.
"you……"
Before she could finish speaking, a figure quickly intervened.
"Miss Qing, so it's you! Hahaha, welcome, welcome!"
Miyazawa Itsuki felt that the air around him was inexplicably stuffy.
Strange, does the store need to turn on the air conditioning so early?
When Akane Aoike saw Miyazawa Itsuki appear, her slightly tense demeanor returned to its elegant state.
"Hehe, buddy, you're here."
"I came to thank you for what happened last time. Also, I was missing your cooking, so I decided to come here on short notice."
Looking at the silent Tsukimi Sakuna, Aoike Akane revealed a victorious smile.
"Hey bro, thank you for teaching me how to make dessert at [your home] last time. It tastes as delicious as ever!"
"Ah, I'm glad Miss Qing is satisfied."
Miyazawa Itsuki nodded.
I feel that Miss Qing's wording today is a bit radical. Is it just my imagination?
Aochi Akane adjusted her posture, inadvertently revealing her long, fair legs.
"This lovely shop assistant doesn't seem to know our relationship. So there might be some misunderstanding."
Miyazawa Itsuki glanced at Tsukimi Sakura, who was standing beside him with her eyes lowered.
"...I see. I hope Miss Qing will understand. My colleague is someone I recently introduced to work here, and there are many things I haven't had a chance to teach her yet. It's my fault."
Miyazawa bowed sincerely.
"...Young man?"
Miss Qing was slightly taken aback.
She was surprised by the young man's protective attitude towards the girl beside him, and also by his words.
Did this girl get the job through the guy's introduction?
So... what is their relationship?
Aoike Akane then took a closer look at Tsukimi Sakura's face.
After seeing it clearly, her gaze froze.
Such a flawless face.
She was born with the appearance of a charming young girl, and with her current submissive demeanor, she is even more likely to arouse men's protective instincts.
Even Qingchi Qian couldn't help but feel a pang of heartache for a moment before belatedly realizing what was happening.
Seriously, that's a bit too cunning.
Was this intentional or unintentional?
If it was unintentional.
That woman's level is probably no lower than that of Korin.
Miyazawa Itsuki interrupted her thoughts at just the right moment.
"Miss Qing, would you like some pudding and mocha?"
Aochi Akane paused for a moment, but when the topic of desserts came up, her smile returned.
"Yes, thank you for your help, sir."
"No trouble at all, Miss Qing. Please wait a moment. It will be ready soon."
Miyazawa Itsuki bowed again, and before turning around, he lightly touched Tsukimi Sakura's sleeve.
He gestured for the other person to leave with him.
Tsukimi Sakura understood his meaning and silently followed Miyazawa Itsuki all the way to the kitchen.
The kitchen door was closed, but Miyazawa left a window so he could hear Miss Ao calling him at any time.
Only then did he turn his gaze to Her Highness the Holy Maiden.
Tsukimi Sakura seemed very depressed.
"I'm sorry, Miyazawa-kun."
The girl lowered her head.
"I think I upset the guests and embarrassed Miyazawa-kun."
Miyazawa Itsuki's expression froze slightly.
"...No, not at all. Tsukimi-kun."
He wore an expression that was both amused and helpless.
"Don't worry, Miss Qing won't be angry about this. It's just her habit that makes her seem a little cold."
"I believe Tsukimi-san won't say anything outrageous, and Ao-san is a very rational person, so there's no need to feel so guilty. In terms of communication, Tsukimi-san is the best person I've ever met. I just can't do it that well at all."
Miyazawa Itsuki smiled.
"If... even Tsukimi-san can get along with others, then I should start to doubt myself."
Tsukimi Sakura raised her head and stared at him without moving.
Her eyelashes trembled slightly.
Her face showed a vulnerable expression.
"Miyazawa-kun..."
The girl's alluring lips parted slightly, the remaining sound so faint it was swallowed by the hum of the oven.
"Tsukimi-kun, did you say something?"
Her Highness blinked and shook her head slightly.
"It's nothing, just thank you, Miyazawa-kun."
Miyazawa Itsuki gave an "Oh" and said casually:
"You're welcome. Just do what you think is best, Tsukimi-san. I'll cover for you if there are any problems."
"After all, I'm still a senior in the store."
The boy's smile was reflected in his amber eyes.
Despite not having an outstanding appearance, she was inexplicably dazzling in Tsukimi Sakura's eyes at this moment.
As if trying to shake off some chaotic thoughts, Tsukimi Sakura hurriedly turned around and went to the dining table.
"...Um, I'll take the pudding to the guests first."
That was a pudding that Miyazawa Itsuki made for Tsukimi Sakuna. The plating was strictly in accordance with the standards for sale, so there is no problem taking it out now.
but……
"Please put that down, Tsukimi-kun."
Miyazawa Itsuki said.
"This is for Tsukimi-san. As for Ao-san's, I'll make it again."
The boy's voice came from behind, his unhurried tone making one's heart ache.
"It's for Tsukimi-kun, so it can only be for Tsukimi-kun."