Getting hungry, I decide to go into a hamburger steak specialty restaurant. "Hamburgers truly are justice! But why the warm smile? Do you find it endearing that a elementary school girl like me is eating a hamburger?" "Could be." "While it's true kids love hamburgers, adults are fans too, right? They eat plenty. It's unfair to say they're just for kids. Hamburgers are beloved by everyone, children and adults alike, don't you think?" "Sorry." I sincerely bowed my head to such a fair point. Seems like I'm often bested by Miyanoshita. If we started dating, I might end up being totally under her thumb. "But you thought it was charming, right?" "Well, maybe so." "If that's the case, then all is good♪ To be adored by Yuuki-san, ehehe." "To be happy about something like that..." "Cute?" "Yes, yes, you're cute." "Say it more!" "You're incredibly cute." "Kyaa♪" Being this cute can be a bit of a problem. "Hehe, I'm glad I'm a grade schooler." "I'm in a bit of a bind here..." "You don't dislike being bossed around by someone younger, right?" "I don't think I have someone I like." "Are you tsundere?" "No." "Hehe." Casual conversations can be so much fun. Spending time with Miyanoshita is always laid-back and enjoyable. "Should we decide on the menu now?" "Yeah, let's see... I'll have the Japanese-style hamburger." "I'm going for the Cheese-in Hamburger! Cheese is justice. Justice!" "I'm with you on that." "We really click, don't we?♪ Let's get married." "That's a no-go, both ethically and legally." After placing our orders, we waited for around 10 minutes. The steaming hot hamburgers arrived on a sizzling iron plate. "Let's eat." - "Let's eat." Each of us took one hearty bite. Miyanoshita and I beamed at each other, exclaiming in unison, "Delicious!!" - "Delicious!!" "As expected from a specialty store. The meat is densely packed, oozing with umami, and incredibly delicious!" "The sauce is also unique. It seems like it's this restaurant's original, and it multiplies the savory taste of the hamburger steak." We each make comments as if we're food critics.

It might be an exaggeration, but it's that delicious. "..." Suddenly, I notice Miyanoshita's gaze. To be precise, her gaze is fixed on my Japanese-style hamburger steak. "...*slurp*" "Are you curious?" "Very much so!" "Do you want to try some?" "Can I really?" Her eyes are sparkling with excitement. Maybe she's a foodie? "Sure." "Yay!" She's still a child at heart in times like this. It makes me smile a bit. "Ahhn." "Eh?" "Ahhn, please feed me. Ahhn." Like a chick waiting to be fed, Miyanoshita opened her small mouth wide. "No, I really can't do that..." "What's the matter? Are you trying to make a maiden feel ashamed? Opportunities to do 'ahhn' with an elementary school student are quite rare, you know?" "Please stop saying it as if you always want to do it. That sounds wrong in so many ways." "...That's true. After all, I am just an elementary school student. It's natural that Yuuki-san wouldn't entertain the idea with me..." Miyanoshita's shoulders slumped in disappointment. She appeared to be looking forward to it so much that tears even started to form... That's just playing dirty. "Fine, fine, I'll do 'ahhn'!" "Yes, please♪" Her face instantly lit up with a smile. "Are you faking tears now...?" "A maiden's tears can sometimes be a weapon, you know? Hehe, don't take elementary school students lightly." "Alright, I get it, I surrender. I surrender." "So... ahhn♪" "Here you go." "Mmph." Miyanoshita eats the offered hamburger with an expression of pure bliss. "It's delicious. I can feel Yuuki-san's love, which makes it taste even better." "You ain't got my love. But my friendship, on the other hand, you have." "Yes, for now, that's fine with me." Despite saying that, she doesn't seem content. As proof, Miyanoshita flashes a daring, mischievous, and enchanting smile. "One day, I'll turn that friendship into romantic love."

"Is that a challenge?" "Yes, it's a declaration of a love battle♪" It sounds like something a middle schooler would say. But Miyanoshita is a grade-schooler, so it might come across differently. "Then, this time I'll be the one to feed you with an 'aahn'." "I refuse." "Why? Because you're embarrassed?" "No, it's not that..." A high school student being fed by an elementary school girl. If we're lucky, we might look like affectionate siblings. But if not, it could be misconstrued as something more serious. I simply can't take that risk. "It's okay, we'll just look like siblings. Annoying as it is." "It's possible, but..." "What's the harm? You did 'aahn' for me, after all." "Wasn't that almost like a threat?" "I wonder what exactly you could be referring to?" Miyanoshita played dumb with an obvious act. In the midst of our interaction, I am vividly reminded that she is Iris. This kind of talk and behavior was common in the game too. I was often troubled by being at her mercy... But, the fun memories far outweigh those. In the game, we were equals. But in reality, there's a gap between us. "Somehow, things just aren't going smoothly." "What seems to be the problem?" "It's nothing, really." Really, things just aren't going smoothly. "Then, say 'ahhn', here we go♪" "..." "I won't back down until you do it, okay? And if you're too slow, I'll cry, got it?" "Okay, I surrender." I stand no chance against the weapon know as 'elementary school kid'. "Here you go. Say 'ahhn', please♪" "Ahhn" "Is it delicious?" "Honestly, I can't quite make out the flavor." In moments like this, I find myself unexpectedly nervous. But... "Ehehe♪" Miyanoshita-san is wearing such a joyous smile. I just can't help but be utterly enchanted by it.