I was still wrapped in fluffy clothes, feeling like a walking doll, when Rice Shower led me into a coffee shop tucked into the corner of the department store.
It wasn't just any cafe—it looked expensive. Very expensive.
We were guided to a private room by the window, where a three-tiered silver tray sat elegantly on the table. A cake stand, I think? It looked like something out of a royal afternoon tea.
Dressed like this, in a place like this, I felt like I had wandered into another world.
"Viola-chan, come here. I'm planning on sending a photo to my parents."
"Why?!"
"I want to introduce them to Rice's trainer—like this."
"In this outfit?!"
"It's okay. You look cute."
Rice smiled sweetly, and I felt my resistance crumble. After all, she's the one with the black card—and her parents are probably the sponsors behind her.
So I posed. Double peace sign. Click.
I couldn't stop worrying about what her parents would think of me.
"Perfect. Super cute shot."
"Trainers don't need to be cute, do they?"
"They do now!!"
Rice declared it with such conviction, I couldn't argue.
No matter how far I go, I'll always feel like the moon chasing the sun—or maybe the tortoise chasing the hare. I'm the patched-up blade, and Rice Shower is the real young lady.
Anyway, time to eat.
"I made sure it's packed with nutrition and calories."
"Certainly…"
The first tier held hamburgers and sandwiches—stacked with meat and veggies, overflowing from the tray.
The second tier? A whole cake. Cream, fruit, elegant… but way too big.
The third tier was a mountain of baked goods—cookies, scones, and more. Honestly, I wasn't sure how they fit it all.
It looked delicious, but I was terrified of spilling anything on my pristine white outfit. I wasn't used to eating fancy food like this, and my hands felt clumsy.
As I hesitated…
"Here."
"Eh?"
"You're worried about getting your clothes dirty, right? I'll feed you."
Rice Shower began picking up each item and gently feeding me by hand.
I felt like a child again—being fed one bite at a time.
Well… she is technically older than me by a few years, and she's got that composed, nurturing vibe when she wants to.
So I focused on eating, letting her guide each sweet to my mouth, one by one.