At the fork in the road, Peach Waves turned to Suzuka.
"Suzuka-chan, are you heading out for a walk? I heard there's a honey drink stall on the next street. It's supposed to be amazing."
"Sure, I've got time."
Peach Waves had never tried it before, but she was curious—especially since the Tokai Teio swore by it. If she liked it, it had to be good.
The two hit it off and strolled out of the school gates.
"Miss Tazuna, still busy?"
Tazuna, who was bidding farewell to a few Uma Musume, turned and smiled gently.
"Miss Peach Waves, Miss Suzuka—heading out?"
"Just grabbing drinks nearby. Want one?"
Tazuna waved her hand with a soft laugh.
"No need. Enjoy yourselves—and be back before curfew."
"Got it!"
They walked slowly down the street, passing familiar faces and shops.
"You know, I've been here a while, but I've never really explored the area."
"Really? What do you usually do?"
"After training, I'm wiped out. I either crash in bed or head to the arcade. That's about it."
Suzuka nodded thoughtfully.
"That does sound a bit monotonous. Let's take this chance to enjoy the scenery."
"Good idea. And hey, I don't have to wake up early tomorrow."
"By the way, are you planning to move into the student dorms?"
"Not yet. I like the staff dorms. They're quiet."
They reached the honey drink stall. Peach Waves scanned the menu.
"No idea what it tastes like. I'll start with a regular cup."
As they chatted in line, a flurry of footsteps approached—along with a familiar, energetic voice.
"Whoa—so many people! I'm late! I promised the others we'd hit the arcade!"
Tokai Teio rushed her way through the crowd behind them.
Peach Waves turned.
"If you're in a rush, feel free to go ahead. Right, Suzuka-chan?"
"Sure. Go ahead."
"Thanks!"
Tokai Teio beamed, ponytail bouncing as she skipped to the front. Then she paused, sniffed the air, and turned.
"Wait—Peach Waves? And Silent Suzuka?!"
"You know me?"
"Of course! You're the famous canteen chef! Your food is amazing—and I always pair it with a honey drink!"
"Also, I saw your last training match. It was thrilling! You nearly won!"
Peach Waves smiled modestly.
"Why are you out so late? No special training?"
Tokai Teio puffed up proudly.
"I was helping the president! She looks so cool when she's working! Oh, and there's a new president plushie in the arcade claw machine—I'm going to win it!"
"Haha, that's so you."
Peach Waves turned to the vendor.
"Sorry, boss—one super-sized, extra-rich honey drink."
"Coming right up."
She watched the thick, syrupy liquid pour into the cup and grimaced.
"Is this even drinkable?"
"Of course! It's super delicious!"
With her drink in hand, Tokai Teio dashed off.
Peach Waves and Suzuka exchanged a look, then quietly ordered two regular-strength cups.
Three Days Later
In the staff dormitory courtyard, Peach Waves was tinkering with a food truck she'd brought from home—converting it into a mobile barbecue station.
"Sister Xiaoning's busy with an event, so I need help in the kitchen…"
She tightened the last screw, wiped her brow, and stood up.
"Gold Ship always says we're beloved friends, right? Time to prove it."
Gold Ship arrived, eyes sparkling at the sight of the modified food truck.
"Really?! Peach Waves, are we going to make big money together?!"
"Yup. You just need to shout and collect the cash."
"Leave it to me! What's the plan?"
"Secret barbecue. Let's go pick ingredients."
"Haha, I'm in!"
They moved fast—buying meat, spices, and tools. Back at the truck, Peach Waves lit the charcoal, fanned the flames, and laid out skewers.
The sizzle of meat and the rising aroma filled the air.
Tazuna, reading quietly nearby, caught a whiff and frowned. She marched over.
"Ladies! You can't barbecue in the yard. At least use the kitchen!"
Gold Ship's eyes widened. She spun around and vanished like a bolt of lightning.
Peach Waves was left alone, blinking.
"You traitor! Thick eyebrows, big eyes—and you run at the first sign of trouble?! What happened to our strong friendship?!"
"Miss Peach Waves, did you hear me?"
"Ahaha—yes, yes! I'm putting out the fire now!"
She doused the flames, hopped into the food truck, and rolled out of the yard.
At the entrance, Gold Ship peeked around nervously. When she saw Peach Waves emerge safely, she rushed over.
"Peach Waves! I was about to lead a rescue mission! You escaped the Green Devil on your own!"
Peach Waves shoved her off.
"You ditched me! Some beloved friend you are!"
"It was a tactical retreat! Don't be fooled by appearances!"
"Let go! I can't breathe!"
"Okay, okay—I'll help. Let's go!"
Gold Ship climbed aboard, grinning.
"Is she really this shameless?"
Back in the kitchen, Peach Waves explained the food truck setup. Together, they grilled their first batch of skewers.
The aroma wafted through the air, catching the attention of two familiar figures.
"Oguri, weren't we getting sushi?"
"Shh. I smell something better. Follow me."
They traced the scent to the canteen, peeking through the glass.
"It's Peach Waves! She's cooking something amazing!"
"Forget the fat-reducing meal. This smells divine."
They slipped through the open door, drawn by the irresistible aroma.
"Yo! Oguri and Tamamo—what brings you two here?"
Peach Waves greeted them with a surprised smile.