The BBs start planting during their PE-free period as they plant tomato and carrot seeds since these are the most requested for the Cooking Club. Only two soil beds exist. Meanwhile, Alicia takes Hyoga to an udon restaurant where they consume hot noodles and shaved ice for dessert.

Class topics for this week (random): Ancient Greek Philosophy - Socrates (English, History); Shinto Philosophy - Yayoi (Morals, Social Studies); Newton's Law of Physics part 1 (Physics); Biology Basics - Basic Cells (Biology); Tale of Genji chapters 1-20 (Literature)

Schedule: Monday (English & History); Tuesday (Moral Studies & Social Studies); Wednesday (Math & Literature); Thursday (Biology & Physics); Friday (English & PE, BBs free period).

See my profile for monthly events.

The weather is sunny and cloudy mix.

[June 15, Friday - week 3]

Once afternoon class starts, the students in BB's class attend PE. However, the BBs themselves cannot participate in PE, for they must resort to an alternative of treating the garden on the school's rooftop, which the director has given its approval. The tools and seeds needed to garden are already bought and ready for immediate use.

"I'm so happy Mitsuru-san allow us to garden," Shun says.

"I'm glad too. That way we won't be stuck in the classroom," Seiya says.

"You promise to teach us gardening, Shiryu," Hyoga reminds.

"Right! We need to prepare the soil first," Shiryu says.

"Really? We're not going to plant right away?"

"Seiya, we need to make sure the soil is soft enough. It's too stiff since this hasn't been used long. We must soften it using tools like this one."

"That makes sense. There's no point in planting until we soften the soil."

Since there are two garden beds, the boys pair off to soften the hardened soil. Seiya and Shiryu engage in one, while Hyoga and Shun do the other.

"Good! Now the soil is soft to allow the roots to grow," Shiryu says.

"Alright, so what are we planting?" Hyoga asks.

"We're going to plant carrots and tomatoes since they're the most asked for the Cooking Club. We need to plant them so we can harvest in time."

"Okay, so we need to dig a hole big enough to allow the crops to grow and spread the seeds evenly so the roots don't get tangled. Given two soil beds, I say we plant six seeds of each. Is that okay?"

"So we'll end up with 12 crops. I'm okay with that," Seiya says.

"This is exciting! Let's get to planting!" Shun says.

The boys plant six carrot and tomato seeds on each bed, spread apart for proper growth. Shiryu asks them to add compost and fertilizer as well as water. Once that's done, they stand up to see the efforts of their labor.

"So that's how planting is. It's easier than expected," Hyoga says.

"We need to water them once a week, so the soil doesn't dry and be mindful of the weather since any change can affect growth."

"We can hear the forecast on the radio," Shun says.

"Funny! Weather was one of those things I never cared about. Looks like now we have to for the sake of the garden," Seiya says.

"You're not the only one," Hyoga adds, agreeing.

"The time for full growth should be in two weeks," Shiryu says.

"Two weeks! Wow, crops don't grow that fast. I guess it pays to wait."

"As long as we water them, we should be okay," Shun states.

"Yeah, thank goodness we can now do so. We'll come here whenever there's PE, but truth be told, I wish I could attend PE again."

"I heard there's a new PE teacher. I wonder what he's like."

"Let's not worry about that. We'll know soon enough."

"Right! We can leave once we're done."

Many hours pass, and club sessions end for the day, including Non-Secular. Its members exit, leaving Hyoga and Alicia by themselves.

"Hyoga-kun, it's that time of the month."

"You mean the restaurant run, right? Where next?"

"We'll do udon. I've always wanted to try udon."

"Udon? What's that?"

"It's like ramen and soba we ate before."

"What? More noodles? Really?" Hyoga sweat drops.

"Now, now! They're noodles, yes. But there is a difference. Come on, let's go! You should see what they look like." Alicia grabs his wrist, dragging him with her to the nearest subway station to their destination.

They arrive at a local restaurant after a short subway ride.

"Here we are. I've heard this place serves great udon here."

They manage to sit at the counter, and Alicia orders right away.

"We'll do two bowls of basic udon. They come in different varieties, just like ramen and soba. Here's the difference: they can be eaten hot or cold. But we'll eat hot since the weather's not that hot or humid yet. Cold ones are perfect for the peak of summer, like during a heat wave or something."

"Cold noodles? I think we'll stick to hot ones," Hyoga says.

The chef delivers two bowls of simple udon with very minimal toppings.

"These noodles are the thickest I've ever seen."

"Yep! That's the difference. Udon noodles are thick."

"Regardless, I like the taste. The broth makes it better."

"I agree. I could go with more toppings, but these are so thick that I get full just by eating them alone. Well, more toppings costs money anyway."

They take their time eating the thick noodles, perhaps more than the ramen and soba they ate before. The broth remains after consumption.

"Aw, look! Here's the broth! Are you ready?"

"No." His tone is deadpan and serious.

"You still refuse to slurp." Alicia sighs.

"I did it to humor you last time, but I still don't want to. Although it will be shameful not to consume while it's still hot. It's starting to cool down."

"Okay, don't force yourself then. Just do however's comfortable for you."

"You seem to mellow out. Did something happen?"

"No, nothing." Alicia lightly flushes, averting her gaze.

"Did I offend her somehow? She's not looking at me. I should think of something to make her feel better." He looks around until he spots the ad for a dessert that looks like something made of colored ice. "That will do."

"What's that over there?" he asks.

"Ah! Shaved ice. Do they serve those here? I thought shaved ice was a thing of summer festivals, but I had no idea they have those here."

"Shaved ice?" he tilts his head.

"Never tried it. I heard of them a long time ago. You seem to be really interested. Maybe I should buy two. I could go for something cold after eating those hot noodles. Don't you agree?"

"Sure!" he nods.

"Perfect! Then we'll have two shaved ice."

Alicia orders two shaved ice desserts, and the chef delivers them immediately with a blue and a pink one. Alicia gives the blue one to Hyoga, who looks at the dessert with fascination.

"I see! This is what it looks like. It's almost picture perfect."

"I know, right? It's more like a souvenir than a dessert."

Alicia nibbles a small bite to prevent brain freeze.

"Eating a large spoon isn't a good idea, so it's best to eat one small spoon at a time to avoid giving yourself a headache."

Hyoga does the same. "Okay, I see. It makes sense. The color provided gives the ice its unique flavor. Still, I should consume it to prevent it from melting. It wouldn't be shaved ice otherwise." His eyes sparkle, resolved.

"All done!" Alicia finishes, inserting her spoon into an empty bowl.

"Same here." He finishes, too. He notes that Alicia seems to feel better after eating the dessert. She looks really pleased.

"That shaved ice was a good idea. I'm surprised this place has it, and it's not even festival time or the peak of summer. But I'm even more astonished that you suggested it. Thanks." Alicia flushes. "Hey! If we get together for the summer festival, we can eat shaved ice again, right?"

"Assuming we do, then yes." he smiles again.

"Thank you! I'm so happy. Let's go home."

Alicia pays the bill and both head separate ways.

To be continued...

70th chapter, guys!