Komi Komi Literature Club!
Chapter 28: The Black Cat Cupcakes
Natsuki: Hey Komi! Sorry to bug you on a school night. I have a quick question
Komi: It's no trouble at all, Natsuki. What can I help you with?
Natsuki: I'm thinking about doing some baking this weekend, maybe surprising the club with cupcakes next Monday. Would you be interested in helping out?
Komi: I'd be happy to.
Natsuki: Great! I'll send my add over and we can meet up Sunday. That work for you?
Komi: Yes.
Natsuki: Cool! See you then! And don't tell the others so it can be a surprise!
Komi: Ok.
Komi set her phone down with a sigh – another text conversation successfully navigated. And she had weekend plans with Natsuki now! How fun! She'd only been to a friend's house like once or twice in her life, and that happened this year...
She would have to exercise extra caution in how she conducted herself in Natsuki's house.
Komi flopped into bed and curled up underneath her blankets. Her mind was already filling with worries and questions: what should she wear to Natsuki's house? What would they be making? Should she bring anything? Would it be rude NOT to bring anything?
For now, she had to worry about keeping her plans a secret from the other girls in the Literature Club...
Friday's school day dragged by, and the Literature Club meeting breezed by. They shared poems again – Komi still did not have a new one to share. She felt bad that she had a much harder time with it than the other girls, but they didn't seem to mind.
Perhaps they were just sparing her feelings, or maybe she was being too hard on herself...? After all, Alex hadn't written a new poem either.
"Okay, everyone! This concludes today's meeting! Thank you all for sharing! I look forward to seeing you all next week!" Monika concluded cheerfully. Everyone stood up from their desks and stretched.
"Alright! It's the weekend!" Sayori cheered happily, raising her hands up over her head and clapping a few times.
"Did someone say The Weeknd?!" Alex said in a joking tone.
"Ahaha, does anyone have any plans?" Monika asked curiously.
Komi froze up at this. This was the moment she had been dreading. How should she answer this question? Should she just say 'I don't have any plans' or should she make something up? But she didn't want to lie to the others either.
She started to shake nervously. She couldn't make a decision!
"Eh, not really. I'mma just be hanging out." Natsuki answered with a casual shrug.
Komi's eyes widened as she watched Natsuki deliver this answer. It was perfect! Spoken casually, hiding the true nature behind her plans without saying anything that was actually dishonest. Komi was once again in awe of Natsuki for this impressively tactful answer.
"Alright! Well have a good weekend, everyone!" Monika smiled and waved to the others as they all began to file out of the classroom now.
"Take care." Yuri said to the others.
"Take care! Bye! Come on, Alex! I wanna make a pit stop at that little cafe before we head home!" Sayori said, pulling him by the arm out of the room.
"You better have brought your money because I'm not paying for you this time." Alex said in a snide manner before disappearing with Sayori.
"Hey, Komi?" Natsuki said to her in a hushed tone, cautiously eyeing the door before speaking.
"Mm...mhmm?" Komi held her notebook down in front of her, turning and giving her full attention to Natsuki.
Natsuki seemed oddly uncomfortable. She looked off to the side and downwards with an expression that resembled sadness, but Komi wasn't sure if that was what was going on...
"Would it be possible to...do the baking at your house this weekend instead?" She requested.
Komi's eyes widened in surprise. This was a curveball that she was not expecting! She quickly opened up her notebook and began writing down her response.
"I don't believe it should be an issue, but I will have to clear it with my parents first. Is everything okay?"
"Yeah...kinda...? It's just my dad's giving me a hard time about having people over and I don't really wanna hear it, y'know? It's okay if it doesn't work for you, I'll just do the baking myself then." She said. She seemed to already expect that Komi's answer would be no.
"It would make me very happy to be able to help you." Komi wrote down this sincere expression.
Upon reading it, Natsuki's eyes went to the side again. She shifted awkwardly on her feet. Her expression was unreadable again, but Komi was detecting hints of...guilt? Embarrassment? She wasn't fully sure.
"Well...if your folks are okay with it, I can bring all of my stuff over. Would you be okay with that? You'll have to bring them to school on Monday." Natsuki pointed out.
"If they say yes, I will text you. I don't think it will be a problem for me to take everything. I will have to check and then get back to you."
"Alright...thanks, Komi. I appreciate it. I'll see ya later." Natsuki said with a nod before grabbing her things and hurriedly shuffling out of the classroom...
Komi: Good evening, Natsuki. I asked my mother about our baking plans and she said that it would be alright for you to come over. If you still would like to bring your things over, we would happy to have you. I'll also send my address to you now. Thank you.
Natsuki: Really? Great! I'll bring everything over, all I'll need from you is maybe a couple bowls and something to carry the stuff to school in on Monday. Actually scratch that I can bring my tray and lid over. See you Sunday!
Komi: I'm looking forward to it.
Finally, the time had come. Natsuki, dressed in a white top and pink skirt, approached the front gate of Komi's home. She looked at the front gate curiously, unsure of what to expect as she pressed the ring button on the side of the gate.
"Who is it?" A cheerful voice answered on the other end of the intercom.
"Um...it's Natsuki...? I'm here to see Komi?" Natsuki answered slowly.
"Oh yes! Come on in!" The voice said in reply. The front gate opened. Natsuki let herself in and made sure the gate closed properly behind her.
The front door to Komi's house opened before Natsuki could reach it. She looked up and saw someone with short hair who resembled Komi so closely that it was almost uncanny – it was certainly scary.
"Oh, uh, hi! You must be Komi's...sister...?" Natsuki guessed slowly.
"...hahaha! Thank you! That's very sweet of you, dear. I'm Komi Shuuko, Komi's mother," She introduced herself, formally bowing her head. She then made a peace sign and held it up over her right eye. "And I am forever seventeen!" She declared proudly.
"Komi's mom?!" Natsuki exclaimed in shock. Komi's mother looked barely a few years older than Natsuki did, or even Komi herself for that matter, "Um...n-nice to meet you, ma'am. I'm Natsuki." She introduced herself politely.
"Welcome to our home, Natsuki! I see you brought your baking stuff with you. Here, let me help you with that tray, dear. Be sure to leave your shoes at the door. Shouko! Your baking friend's here!" Komi's mom called up the stairs as she led Natsuki inside.
"The kitchen is this way, Natsuki. Follow me." She smiled at Natsuki then went down the hall.
Natsuki closed the front door behind her, making sure that it was locked first. She carefully removed her shoes and set them by the front door neatly, using her foot to adjust them into place. She then removed her backpack, taking in the entrance of this unfamiliar house before making her way towards the kitchen.
She only took a few steps before Komi came hurrying down the stairs, nearly tripping and falling. She caught herself on the railing, squeaking awkwardly from almost falling. The noise got Natsuki's attention and caused her to turn around. Komi breathed a sigh of relief and walked down the rest of the way.
To Natsuki, it was weird to see Komi wearing anything other than her school uniform. Komi always had such a mannerly way of conducting herself, and it made sense when she was dressed properly, but seeing her using the same mannerisms while only wearing shorts and a T-shirt with a cat on it felt...out of place.
"Hey, Komi! I'm here!" Natsuki waved to her and smiled.
Komi waved back and nodded, walking to Natsuki. She stood by her awkwardly before greeting her with a quick hug.
"Heheh, nice to see you too." Natsuki got the message and returned the hug.
Komi held her hands out, offering to take Natsuki's backpack from her. Natsuki gave it to her, and they walked into the kitchen together, where Komi's mom was still waiting for them.
"The kitchen is all cleared off for the two of you to do your thing! What are you two going to be making today?" Komi's mom asked curiously.
"We'll be making some black cat cupcakes! It was Komi's idea." Natsuki answered with a smile.
"Well that sounds delightful!" Komi's mom said with a little laugh, "I know that these are for your little literature club, but if you don't mind, I might have to sneak in a sample or two after you girls are done." She said with a sheepish giggle.
"We'll be sure to make extras!" Natsuki replied with a more relaxed smile.
"Well then I'll leave you to it! Have fun!" Komi's mom waved before leaving the kitchen so they could have privacy to work.
"Alright, Komi! I have everything we need in my backpack there." Natsuki said. Komi held it up by the straps so Natsuki could unzip it and take her things out. She removed a plastic bag with several baking boxes as well as a few utensils to bake and mix with.
Komi's eyes widened. She was surprised to see how much Natsuki had managed to carry in her backpack. She must have been really excited to do this today!
"Alright! You've baked before, right? You know the basics?" She asked.
"Mhmm." Komi nodded.
"Great! You just follow the recipes on the box, and I'll be adding my own little touches here and there along the way. The real fun starts when we make the frosting!"
"Hm?" Komi tilted her head.
Now Natsuki was pulling MORE stuff out of her bag: more stuff to mix and custom tube tops for dispensing frosting. She was serious about this! Now she was starting to get nervous. How would she be able to keep up with Natsuki?
Natsuki just smiled at her, "No need to freak out, Komi. Just do exactly what I say and I promise these will be the best cupcakes you've ever eaten!" Natsuki said with a big smile.
"She must have sensed my discomfort..." Komi thought to herself. She managed a small smile and nodded in response to Natsuki.
"Yes." She said.
Under Natsuki's direction, the tow of them got to work on baking two batches of cupcakes. As they followed the steps, it became apparent right away that Natsuki had a lot of experience in this field – she was doing things so quickly, as if he had done them a thousand times.
"Ooh hold on, Komi, don't mix yet! Let me add this special extract," Natsuki said. Komi eyed this small bottle curiously as Natsuki poured a few drops into the mix. "This will add a little extra flavor to it. Now stir stir stir!" She encouraged Komi to mix the batter now.
As they poured the batter into the cupcake trays, Komi wanted to ask Natsuki how long she had been baking this, but she was unsure of how to phrase her question. The different words she could use to ask the question was a little disorienting, and it was keeping her from being fully focused on pouring the batter into the cupcake tray.
"Hey, careful, don't spill it!" Natsuki quickly readjusted the bowl in Komi's hand, motioning for her to get back on track.
"Mm!" Komi let out a small noise, quickly getting herself back on track. Her energy was more frantic now, but she successfully completed the task without making another mistake.
"Perfect! Ok...shoot, I forgot to pre-heat the oven...uh...ok, set the oven real quick and I'll do the second batch!" Natsuki instructed, working faster now to stay on top of things. Her quick pace made Komi want to work faster too, so she hurriedly got the oven started.
Once she had finished that, she paused. She still wanted to ask Natsuki that question...and she still hadn't. Natsuki hadn't really noticed it yet since they were focused on getting these cupcakes ready, but they hadn't really said a whole lot to each other since she'd gotten here.
Since this seemed to be Natsuki's biggest interest, as far as she could tell, she should try to learn more about how she feels about it...that's what a good friend would do, right?
"S...S-So...um..." Komi started to try and speak out loud.
"Hm?" Natsuki turned and looked at Komi, her eyes falling on her now as she started preparing the frosting.
"I...um...w-when...when did you...s-start...st...start bake...bak-king...?" Komi asked slowly, pushing her way through every syllable.
Natsuki swallowed, blinking a few times and considering this question. It took her a moment to put together what Komi was trying to ask her.
"Uh...I started like...like a couple years ago," Natsuki answered, managing a smile now. "I needed something to do, and it calms things down at home when it's hectic...plus I get to share it with my friends." She explained with a smile.
"Mhmm," Komi nodded in approval and smiled too. "Wh...why...w-w...what g-got...you...into...it...?" She asked.
This was the most Natsuki had ever heard Komi talk. It was surprising...she was really pushing herself here.
"Um...haha..." Natsuki blushed and looked away, faking a laugh. "Oh you know...just got bored." She answered vaguely.
Komi went quiet now, staring at Natsuki curiously. She tilted her head at this answer. Natsuki's embarrassment only grew. She swallowed and tried to save herself by turning away from Komi and preparing the next cupcake tray.
Komi walked up next to Natsuki, offering to help. Natsuki blushed, allowing her to take hold of the bowl and do it herself. Natsuki shuffled awkwardly and sighed to herself. She could still feel Komi's eyes on her, waiting for an answer to her question.
It felt rude not to answer her question after she had gone through so much effort just to ask it...
"Um...I...you know...the manga that I started showing you? Parfait Girls...?" Natsuki asked.
"Mhmm." Komi nodded, setting down the now empy bowl.
"Y-Yeah...that's what got me started on baking..." She answered honestly, looking down at the ground afterwards. Even now, it still made her face hot admitting that her passion for baking came about because of a 'silly little manga'.
"Hm." Komi, hummed, her cat ears appearing on top of her head. She loved this answer! She thought it was adorable! She didn't have a response for it, but it was inspiring for her to see that Natsuki had become so skilled at something that she started off only reading about.
Komi ran her finger along the inside of the empty mix bowl, getting some leftover batter on the tip of her finger. She put it in her mouth and smiled in approval. It tasted really good. She took the bowl in her other hand and offered to let Natsuki try some too.
"Hm? Oh...haha, thanks," Natsuki said, chuckling and looked away. She was relieved that Komi wasn't making a big deal about what she had said. She tried some of the batter too. "Mm...this is gonna be good." She said with a smile...
The cupcakes turned out to be ready right on time. Komi's mom came to the front door to greet her husband just as he was getting home from handling some errands, "Hey, honey! You're just in time. Shouko and her little friend from school just finished making cupcakes for us!" She said.
The Komi family gathered in the kitchen just as Komi was pulling out the fresh batch, and Natsuki was decorating the already completed first batch with her custom frosting. She decorated them to look like little black cats, just like ones she'd made for the school festival.
"Aww, aren't those adorable?! You're quite talented, aren't you, Natsuki?" Komi's mom praised her, observing how focused she was on keeping her hands steady.
"Heheh, I've worked hard and had a lot of practice!" Natsuki beamed, flashing a proud smile.
"Now normally I wouldn't advocate for spoiling your appetite before dinner...but I just can't wait to try these adorable little kitty cupcakes!" Komi's mom said with an excited giggle, "Oh! Shousuke! There you are! Come over and try one of cupcakes Natsuki and your sister made!"
Natsuki turned towards the hallway and saw Komi's younger brother, Shousuke, was standing there. He was looking at them curiously, but his expression was icy and indifferent. A lump formed in Natsuki's throat when they made eye contact.
"He's really cute...holy crap...scary too..." Natsuki thought to herself, "E-Eh, yeah, come try one." She invited with a nervous little laugh. She tried stepping to the side to make room for him to walk over, but she accidentally bumped into Komi as a result.
Shousuke rested his hands in his pockets as he walked over. He looked down at Natsuki for a moment before turning his attention to the cupcakes. He eyed them curiously, taking note of the cutesy black cat design.
He scooped up a cupcake, holding it up between three of his fingers. He turned it from side to side, inspecting it before peeling off the paper and taking a bite out of the side. He chewed it curiously and licked some frosting off of his upper lip.
"...hm." Shousuke hummed and nodded in approval.
"Oh, girls, these are so good!" Komi's mom said, already chomping down on one herself now.
"Mhmm." Komi's dad blushed and nodded, bowing his head down briefly to show respect.
"Mhmm!" Komi similarly hummed, pleased with the cupcake. She held up her cupcake after taking a bite and gestured for Natsuki to take a picture.
"Oh you wanna...? Yeah! Sure!" Natsuki smiled. She held up her phone and took a selfie with Komi where they were both holding up their black cat cupcakes; Komi's cupcake had a bite mark taken out of the side.
"Perfect! Natsuki, would you like to stay for dinner?" Komi's mom offered.
"Oh! Uh, yes! That would be really nice! Thank you!" Natsuki nodded appreciatively.
After having a quiet dinner with the Komi family, it was already starting to get dark out, so Natsuki hurriedly packed up her things and stuffed them into her backpack. Komi helped her gather whatever she could take with her.
"Alright. Don't forget to separate a batch for the club meeting tomorrow. Just put them in that big tray I brought with the snap-on lid." Natsuki reminded Komi as she put on her shoes by the front door.
"Mhmm. Mhmm." Komi nodded enthusiastically, showing that she was serious about making sure to bring the cupcakes.
"Great...and, uh...thanks for letting me come over. This is the most fun I've gotten to have in awhile." Natsuki said with a sheepish smile.
Komi smiled in return, nodding and offering a hug to Natsuki. She took a step forward and the two shared a quick, warm hug. Then Natsuki opened the front door and hurried out.
"See ya at school tomorrow, Komi! Thanks again!" She waved and hurried off with a big smile on her face. Komi waved to her and watched her leave for a few moments before closing the door.
Komi went to bed that night with a satisfied sweet tooth, as did the rest of her family, since Natsuki had intentionally left behind some extras for all of them. More important than that, however, Komi went to bed incredibly happy to have been able to spend some meaningful time with her close friend.
The only people as happy as her were Natsuki, who had greatly cherished this chance to spend time with Komi at her house, and of course Sayori once she saw the delicious surprise that Komi and Natsuki had prepared for the Literature Club meeting...