"Alright, let's go take a look."
"Let's go!" Shouko jumped up with a playful "heave-ho," grabbed Akira's hand, and pulled him along.
"Don't rush. There's no line, and the ground's slippery here. Watch your step or you'll fall." Akira gave her hand a gentle tug to slow her down.
Only then did Shouko ease her pace.
"Are you two here for the event as well?"
They had barely reached the entrance when a staff member in a revealing swimsuit stepped forward to greet them.
Akira glanced over at the voice—then immediately covered Shouko's eyes with his hand, frowning deeply. He hesitated for a moment before muttering,
"Big sister… did you wear the wrong swimsuit today?"
The staffer chuckled behind her hand, a teasing glint in her eyes. She ignored his disapproval entirely.
"This is called freedom of dress, thank you very much. But anyway, are you two here for our limited-time event?"
She leaned forward just enough to show off her cleavage, clearly aimed at Akira.
Shouko, hearing the exchange, tried to pry his hand away. "What is it, Akira? Don't cover my eyes—I want to see too!"
"Nope," he murmured near her ear. "Be good. I'm afraid you'll have nightmares if you do. Better not look."
Satisfied when she stayed obedient, Akira turned back to the staffer. "Alright, so what's this event you're talking about?"
"It's a limited-time challenge—finish a giant ice cream within three minutes, and it's free. Fail, and we'll cover your face in whipped cream, take a photo, and display it on our wall for the rest of the day."
She flashed another smile. "So, what do you say? Want to give it a try?"
"Okay!" Shouko blurted, nodding eagerly before Akira could answer.
"You just need to head inside and tell the lovely lady at the counter you'd like to sign up." With more people approaching, the staffer hurried away.
Akira finally lowered his hand from Shouko's eyes. "Do we really have to do this? Ice cream, this early?"
"Come on, Akira, it's already past ten—it's not early morning anymore," she countered, tugging him toward the entrance.
Halfway there, she sneaked a look back at the swimsuit-clad staffer—only to shiver involuntarily.
"See? Told you not to look." Akira's lips curved upward. He tried to hold back, but the smile slipped through.
Shouko shot him a glare and gave his arm a light punch.
Inside, they explained their intent to the counter staff.
"The giant ice cream challenge must be completed by one person, within three minutes," the attendant explained.
"This…" Akira hesitated.
"Akira, it's up to you!" Shouko said brightly.
"…Be honest. You just want to see my face covered in whipped cream, don't you?"
Shouko shook her head rapidly. Of course not! She just wanted a free giant ice cream. Yes, that was definitely it.
The staffer, taking Akira's silence as agreement, smiled and gestured. "Please pick any empty table and wait a moment."
Akira led Shouko to a vacant square table by the wall. The place had the cozy atmosphere of a large milk tea shop, except for the display board by the counter—where a comical photo of a whipped-cream-covered loser was already pinned up. He had a sinking feeling another photo would join it soon.
"Sorry for the wait!"
A booming voice drew the attention of the few scattered customers.
"Here we go—time for a good show."
"Bet the kid's gonna get creamed."
"Who's even doing the challenge?"
"No need to guess—it's him."
Akira and Shouko turned toward the sound—and Akira's eyes widened. The man approaching was carrying what could only be described as a basin of ice cream in both hands.
A large, clear basin was piled high with colorful scoops, each one bigger than his fist. He counted at least ten visible on top.
The man, dressed in a chef's uniform, set it down with a grin.
So this is why they call it the Ice Cream "Bomb" House…
A female staffer approached with a timer. "Three minutes on the clock. Please do your best."
Shouko bit her lip, trying not to laugh. "Good luck, Akira. I believe in you…"
Akira just sighed, picked up the large metal spoon, and nodded.
"Alright, let's begin."
The timer beeped. Akira scooped up his first bite.
By the 1-minute, 20-second mark, he'd managed five scoops—but his brain was already aching from the cold. When the timer finally rang, he'd gotten only three more down.
Rubbing his temple and exhaling a frosty breath, he leaned back in defeat.
Shouko reached over to gently ruffle his hair.
"Ready?" The staffer returned, this time holding a bowl brimming with thick whipped cream, her grin widening.
Akira eyed the bowl. "Quick question—can I take the ice cream with me to finish later?"
"Sure," she replied, glancing at Shouko as if she already knew what he was planning.
Akira took the bowl from her, then handed it straight to Shouko.
"Alright, I'll let you have the honor." Closing his eyes with a small smile, he braced himself for impact.
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