The local burger joint was stuffed with customers, so I suggested a nearby cafe instead. Yui and I have eaten there a couple of times and I must say, the parfaits are perfect.

"Ever been here before?" Mio eyed the cafe doors warily, her hands clasped around a suspiciosly thin wallet. The place did look a little ritzy but I assured her the food was cheaper than it looks. Besides, it was my...er...the fan club's treat. She finally relented when the waitress handed her a menu. We took a table near the window.

"What do you feel like eating?"

"Uh...Well, anything really."

Anything? I glanced at the menu and picked out a handsome slice of dark chocolate cake. She looked like the type of person who would appreciate a nice simple slice of chocolate. Actually, who wouldn't?

"Alright. Gateaux au chocolat for you and a coffee parfait for me." The waitress nodded and promptly vanished into the kitchen. Beside me, Mio fidgeted in her seat, obviously uncomfortable with something. I was about to ask her how she was feeling when she suddenly spoke.

"Alright. Gateaux au chocolat for you and a coffee parfait for me."

I watched as the waitress rushed to the kitchen. A Gateaux au chocolat? It sounded delicious...and expensive. A quick glance at the menu confirmed my suspicions. This whole dinner treat was getting out of hand! I should have ordered the garlic bread...

"Thanks, Nodoka... Look, I don't mean to take advantage of the club or anything-" I wanted Nodoka to understand that this was getting embarrasing. Autographs were bad enough, and now this... Who do they think I am, anyway? But she just gave me a sympathetic smile and patted my hand.

"Don't worry. I'm sure they all feel happier knowing that you're using their money to enjoy and relax. If it makes you feel uncomfortable, I can tell them to stop." They feel happier by knowing that I'm wasting their hard-earned money? On a slice of cake, no less. Well, I guess Mugi's doing the same thing for us but- that's different! Besides, it would make her sad if we started refusing her generous offers.

Huh. I get it now. So I'd make them sad if I turned them down. That would make me a selfish, ungrateful person. What's this bitter taste in my mouth called again? Oh right, conscience.

"No, it's no problem. I want to thank them too, but it's too embarrasing."

"Just do what you usually do." Nodoka answered nonchalantly.

Do what I usually do? What, f-flash my p-pant...ies again? Excite the crowd by wearing one of those outfits?

I felt my face flush as more horrifying scenarios came to mind. Nodoka had a strange expresson on her face; my body must have been twitching uncontrollably again.

She's going to laugh at me, I just know it.

"Sorry, I didn't mean it that way... You want to talk about something else?"

Nodoka's...not laughing. She's not mocking me, is she? I looked at her carefully. The worry in her voice sounds genuine enough.

"It's alright. I'm fine." I guess I overreacted. Nodoka doesn't seem like the the type to tease. It's a nice feeling, being taken seriously.

"Finally, the food's here."

"Here's your order. Have a nice day." The waitress nearly dropped the dishes in her haste. I held my breath as I watched the cake flop about on the plate. Luckily, she didn't drop anything.

Before I realized it, my chocolate-stained spoon was already halfway through my mouth. I guess I was hungrier than I thought. What was I thinking? I should be sharing!

"Here, I can't finish this. We should share." That was a lie. I could polish off a pie all by myself, but some things are better left unsaid.

"No, no. You should finish it." Something about the way she laughed told me that she didn't buy my ruse.

"Thanks." It made me laugh too. I must have looked pretty transparent at that moment.

After that, we didn't speak much. Not that it was boring. Somehow, the atmosphere felt...different? No, not different; calm. I guess I was so used to the rowdyness in the music room that I forgot what it feels like to be calm. No debates about strawberry; no arguments over second servings. A nice change of pace, if I say so myself.

I could get used to this.

Akiyama's mood seemed a lot better after the meal. Just moments ago she was all flustered and uncomfortable with everything. I hope the whole fan club fiasco hasn't stressed her out too much. Right now, she seems fine though. Happy even. We make small talk to pass the time while walking home. Nothing special, just random chatter. Without knowing it, we've reached the intersection that divides our paths. The streetlights flicker to life; it's getting dark. Should I walk her home, to make sure that she's alright?

I wave goodbye and watch as she walks away.

She'll be fine, I tell myself. She'll be fine.

She isn't Yui, after all.