AUthor Notes: I injured my left elbow (dislocated) while working, so there might not be updates tomorrow or the day after. I appreciate your understanding
(Tl Notes: Don't worry, this is from a year ago so the schedule won't change. At least until 160.)
----
Moore, who had been somewhat forcibly brought along by the pair of Nikkes, arrived at the section where the former Counter's squad barracks were located.
'...Your bike... looks cool, doesn't it?'
'Thank you. This is it.'
As they approached one of the lined-up barracks, Moore's gaze fell on a motorcycle parked in front. He assumed it was probably their possession and complimented its form, to which the silver-haired one responded. Just before he could follow them inside, he noticed the presence of a stencil-style signboard.
[CAFE SWEETIE]
Was this their squad name, he wondered, while glancing briefly at the signboard? He then followed the two Nikkes inside the barracks.
'—Come in.'
The silver-haired Nikké in the leather jacket gestured, her chin tilted upward. Stepping inside the indicated room, he saw a figure lying on the sofa with an eye mask on, breathing softly.
'Prim, are you sleeping again? Big bro Commander, have a seat,' the Nikke with bobbed black hair, whose texture seemed smooth to the touch, sighed with a hint of exasperation. She gestured him towards the sofa.
Nodding, Moore took a seat on the vacant spot and shortly after placing his bag with his uniform and other belongings at his feet, the silver-haired Nikké in the leather jacket approached, carrying a mug in her hand. She extended it to him as if offering a drink.
"'...It's coffee. Drink up.'
'Ah, that's very kind of you...'
As he was offered the mug filled with steaming dark coffee, Moore quietly took a sip—
"────"
—Moore was left speechless in the worst possible way. His forehead creased with about three vertical lines. Swallowing the liquid that barely touched his tongue in silence, he placed the mug on the table and took out a cigarette from his suit jacket.
'...Can I---...?'
'No smoking here.'
'...I see.'
'More importantly, is it delicious?'
'...It has a unique taste.'
Though he asked about the possibility of smoking with a bitter expression, Moore reluctantly put away his soft pack in response to the answer he received. While he described the taste as 'unique,' his true thoughts were that it was violently sweet.
A violence of sweetness, to be precise. It was a flavor so violently sweet that it felt like it could dissolve not only his teeth but also his gums. He desperately wished he could ask for a sugar-free one next time.
The silver-haired Nikké in the leather jacket sat down on his right without leaving much space, staring silently. Moore felt increasingly uncomfortable today, and he could only resort to drinking the coffee, despite being assaulted by the overwhelming sweetness.
'It seems like an appropriate intake of sugar.'
'Yes... Do you always speak like that?'
As he tried to stay positive, the Nikké beside him tilted her head curiously, her silver hair swaying. She seemed puzzled by his consistent use of polite language since their encounter earlier.
"No, it's not that..."
"Then just speak normally."
She's quite assertive, Moore thought, finding himself silently commenting on her forwardness. She seemed to know he was the commander of the Counters Squad, but Moore had no recollection of meeting her or her companions before.
"...Where do you know me from?"
Moore asked. If he could speak normally, then it's easier for him. though he's also curious about whre she does know him from. In response, The Nikké seated beside him took out a handheld device and tapped a few times before showing the screen to him.
The screen displayed a photo taken in an elevator on their way north, with Anis linking arms with Moore. Her slender fingers slid across the screen, revealing another photo of him without sunglasses.
"Anis posted it in Tetra's group chat."
"...So, you know Anis?"
In that case, she, or they, were likely Nikkes manufactured in the Tetra line. While guessing, Moore picked up his coffee cup and reluctantly took a sip of the overly sweet coffee that almost numbed his taste buds.
"...So, is there something you want from me?"
"Your way of speaking is quite charming."
Setting down the coffee cup, Moore changed his tone as she had requested. Unexpectedly, a compliment came his way, leaving him at a loss. He took out the soft pack he had put away earlier and pulled out a cigarette, even though he didn't light it. He just wanted to taste the nicotine and tar for a moment.
"...Allow me to introduce myself again. I'm Captain Shaw Moore. As you know, I've been entrusted with the command of the Counters Squad and the Frontier Base Commander position."
"Pleased to meet you. We are Café Sweetie. I'm Sugar, and that one is Milk. The leader, Prim, is sleeping."
"Yo,I'm Milk. Nice to meetcha."
Moore felt surprised as he had assumed the silver-haired Nikké, or rather, Sugar, was the leader. He kept his surprise from showing on his face.
"...So, getting back to the point... Do you have something to discuss?"
"Yes. More like we want to consult with you."
While gently shaking the cigarette held between his lips, Moore gestured to Sugar to continue. Observing Moore's actions, Sugar and Milk wondered if he desperately needed a smoke. In reality, he was becoming quite the heavy smoker, or rather, he might already be one.
"I heard there's extra land at the frontier base. Is that true?"
"Well, yes, there is... What's your point?"
"We want to open a cafe."
"...A café?"
Moore echoed the word Sugar had mentioned, receiving a nod in response. The idea of a café at the frontier base seemed mismatched and odd at first glance.
But, if he thought about it, Andersen, the Deputy Commander, had expressed his desire for comprehensive care for the Nikkes upon their transfer to the frontier base. Moore interpreted this as physical and mental care, so if setting up a café contributed to the welfare system, Moore wouldn't object.
However, there were issues to consider.
"...The base commander's authority can permit it, but... What about the construction costs? And are our Nikkes going to like this coffee? These are the two main problems."
Moore casually addressed construction issues, but it was more complicated than it sounded, involving geological surveys, measurements, and other complications. Even if he granted permission, resolving these issues wouldn't happen overnight.
However, Sugar's response was unexpected.
"It won't be a problem. We, Café Sweetie, will cover the construction costs. If needed, we'll contact Mighty Tools. We've already drafted the blueprints."
"...You've prepared thoroughly. I'm impressed."
"Yep. Sugar here wants to ride her Black Typhoon bike, so she said she wants to open a café at the frontier base."
"...A bike?"
"Ark is small. She can't ride as freely as she wants to."
Sugar's agreement with Milk's statement confirmed her love for speed. Sensing that, Moore couldn't help but worry if this would lead to noise issues.
"...As for the coffee flavor, that won't be a problem either. We, Sugar, Milk, and Prim, will be selling different types of coffee."
"If there's variety... well, I guess it won't get boring. ...We can work out the details after seeing the site. Let's continue this conversation there."
Sugar nodded slightly, stood up, and motioned with her chin for him to follow. He thought she could have just spoken, but Moore got up from his seat as well.
"Milk, I'm counting on you to stay here."
"Yeah, be careful out there."
"...Are you going to the frontier base right now?"
"Is there a problem with that?"
"No, there isn't, but..."
Preparing for the upcoming visitor—a commendable act of readiness—wasn't common in this place. He reluctantly nodded and, after tossing the unsmoked cigarette into his slacks pocket, picked up the mug that had been sitting on the table, swallowing the lukewarm coffee in one go. His face turned bitter instantly. He picked up the bag he had brought and followed Sugar.
As they stepped outside the dorm, she straddled her beloved motorcycle and started the engine. The internal combustion engine roared, and a fierce exhaust note echoed from the exhaust pipe. Sugar tossed a full-face helmet at him.
"Put it on. Get on."
"...Uhm..."
—In a suit?
Moore's gaze questioned her abrupt decision, but she merely urged him to ride tandem with her, as if asking, 'Is there a problem?'
He reluctantly put on the helmet, wondering how many cc this bike had. Sugar sat on the seat, leaving space behind her for him.
"Hold on."
Once again, reluctantly, he wrapped his arms around Sugar's slender waist. As soon as he placed the bag containing his uniform and shoes in the small gap between them, she twisted the throttle, revving the engine.
Then, gripping the clutch lever and pressing down on the gearshift pedal, the bike shifted into first gear.
"So fast!?"
"Hold on tight."
Shouldn't first gear be much slower...? Ignoring his own suspicion, Sugar and Moore, accelerated like a gust of wind.
-----
Author Notes: Sugar is my Oshi
(Tl Notes: reference to Oshi No Ko. Ai...)
AUthor Notes: I injured my left elbow (dislocated) while working, so there might not be updates tomorrow or the day after. I appreciate your understanding
(Tl Notes: Don't worry, this is from a year ago so the schedule won't change. At least until 160.)
----
Moore, who had been somewhat forcibly brought along by the pair of Nikkes, arrived at the section where the former Counter's squad barracks were located.
'...Your bike... looks cool, doesn't it?'
'Thank you. This is it.'
As they approached one of the lined-up barracks, Moore's gaze fell on a motorcycle parked in front. He assumed it was probably their possession and complimented its form, to which the silver-haired one responded. Just before he could follow them inside, he noticed the presence of a stencil-style signboard.
[CAFE SWEETIE]
Was this their squad name, he wondered, while glancing briefly at the signboard? He then followed the two Nikkes inside the barracks.
'—Come in.'
The silver-haired Nikké in the leather jacket gestured, her chin tilted upward. Stepping inside the indicated room, he saw a figure lying on the sofa with an eye mask on, breathing softly.
'Prim, are you sleeping again? Big bro Commander, have a seat,' the Nikke with bobbed black hair, whose texture seemed smooth to the touch, sighed with a hint of exasperation. She gestured him towards the sofa.
Nodding, Moore took a seat on the vacant spot and shortly after placing his bag with his uniform and other belongings at his feet, the silver-haired Nikké in the leather jacket approached, carrying a mug in her hand. She extended it to him as if offering a drink.
"'...It's coffee. Drink up.'
'Ah, that's very kind of you...'
As he was offered the mug filled with steaming dark coffee, Moore quietly took a sip—
"────"
—Moore was left speechless in the worst possible way. His forehead creased with about three vertical lines. Swallowing the liquid that barely touched his tongue in silence, he placed the mug on the table and took out a cigarette from his suit jacket.
'...Can I---...?'
'No smoking here.'
'...I see.'
'More importantly, is it delicious?'
'...It has a unique taste.'
Though he asked about the possibility of smoking with a bitter expression, Moore reluctantly put away his soft pack in response to the answer he received. While he described the taste as 'unique,' his true thoughts were that it was violently sweet.
A violence of sweetness, to be precise. It was a flavor so violently sweet that it felt like it could dissolve not only his teeth but also his gums. He desperately wished he could ask for a sugar-free one next time.
The silver-haired Nikké in the leather jacket sat down on his right without leaving much space, staring silently. Moore felt increasingly uncomfortable today, and he could only resort to drinking the coffee, despite being assaulted by the overwhelming sweetness.
'It seems like an appropriate intake of sugar.'
'Yes... Do you always speak like that?'
As he tried to stay positive, the Nikké beside him tilted her head curiously, her silver hair swaying. She seemed puzzled by his consistent use of polite language since their encounter earlier.
"No, it's not that..."
"Then just speak normally."
She's quite assertive, Moore thought, finding himself silently commenting on her forwardness. She seemed to know he was the commander of the Counters Squad, but Moore had no recollection of meeting her or her companions before.
"...Where do you know me from?"
Moore asked. If he could speak normally, then it's easier for him. though he's also curious about whre she does know him from. In response, The Nikké seated beside him took out a handheld device and tapped a few times before showing the screen to him.
The screen displayed a photo taken in an elevator on their way north, with Anis linking arms with Moore. Her slender fingers slid across the screen, revealing another photo of him without sunglasses.
"Anis posted it in Tetra's group chat."
"...So, you know Anis?"
In that case, she, or they, were likely Nikkes manufactured in the Tetra line. While guessing, Moore picked up his coffee cup and reluctantly took a sip of the overly sweet coffee that almost numbed his taste buds.
"...So, is there something you want from me?"
"Your way of speaking is quite charming."
Setting down the coffee cup, Moore changed his tone as she had requested. Unexpectedly, a compliment came his way, leaving him at a loss. He took out the soft pack he had put away earlier and pulled out a cigarette, even though he didn't light it. He just wanted to taste the nicotine and tar for a moment.
"...Allow me to introduce myself again. I'm Captain Shaw Moore. As you know, I've been entrusted with the command of the Counters Squad and the Frontier Base Commander position."
"Pleased to meet you. We are Café Sweetie. I'm Sugar, and that one is Milk. The leader, Prim, is sleeping."
"Yo,I'm Milk. Nice to meetcha."
Moore felt surprised as he had assumed the silver-haired Nikké, or rather, Sugar, was the leader. He kept his surprise from showing on his face.
"...So, getting back to the point... Do you have something to discuss?"
"Yes. More like we want to consult with you."
While gently shaking the cigarette held between his lips, Moore gestured to Sugar to continue. Observing Moore's actions, Sugar and Milk wondered if he desperately needed a smoke. In reality, he was becoming quite the heavy smoker, or rather, he might already be one.
"I heard there's extra land at the frontier base. Is that true?"
"Well, yes, there is... What's your point?"
"We want to open a cafe."
"...A café?"
Moore echoed the word Sugar had mentioned, receiving a nod in response. The idea of a café at the frontier base seemed mismatched and odd at first glance.
But, if he thought about it, Andersen, the Deputy Commander, had expressed his desire for comprehensive care for the Nikkes upon their transfer to the frontier base. Moore interpreted this as physical and mental care, so if setting up a café contributed to the welfare system, Moore wouldn't object.
However, there were issues to consider.
"...The base commander's authority can permit it, but... What about the construction costs? And are our Nikkes going to like this coffee? These are the two main problems."
Moore casually addressed construction issues, but it was more complicated than it sounded, involving geological surveys, measurements, and other complications. Even if he granted permission, resolving these issues wouldn't happen overnight.
However, Sugar's response was unexpected.
"It won't be a problem. We, Café Sweetie, will cover the construction costs. If needed, we'll contact Mighty Tools. We've already drafted the blueprints."
"...You've prepared thoroughly. I'm impressed."
"Yep. Sugar here wants to ride her Black Typhoon bike, so she said she wants to open a café at the frontier base."
"...A bike?"
"Ark is small. She can't ride as freely as she wants to."
Sugar's agreement with Milk's statement confirmed her love for speed. Sensing that, Moore couldn't help but worry if this would lead to noise issues.
"...As for the coffee flavor, that won't be a problem either. We, Sugar, Milk, and Prim, will be selling different types of coffee."
"If there's variety... well, I guess it won't get boring. ...We can work out the details after seeing the site. Let's continue this conversation there."
Sugar nodded slightly, stood up, and motioned with her chin for him to follow. He thought she could have just spoken, but Moore got up from his seat as well.
"Milk, I'm counting on you to stay here."
"Yeah, be careful out there."
"...Are you going to the frontier base right now?"
"Is there a problem with that?"
"No, there isn't, but..."
Preparing for the upcoming visitor—a commendable act of readiness—wasn't common in this place. He reluctantly nodded and, after tossing the unsmoked cigarette into his slacks pocket, picked up the mug that had been sitting on the table, swallowing the lukewarm coffee in one go. His face turned bitter instantly. He picked up the bag he had brought and followed Sugar.
As they stepped outside the dorm, she straddled her beloved motorcycle and started the engine. The internal combustion engine roared, and a fierce exhaust note echoed from the exhaust pipe. Sugar tossed a full-face helmet at him.
"Put it on. Get on."
"...Uhm..."
—In a suit?
Moore's gaze questioned her abrupt decision, but she merely urged him to ride tandem with her, as if asking, 'Is there a problem?'
He reluctantly put on the helmet, wondering how many cc this bike had. Sugar sat on the seat, leaving space behind her for him.
"Hold on."
Once again, reluctantly, he wrapped his arms around Sugar's slender waist. As soon as he placed the bag containing his uniform and shoes in the small gap between them, she twisted the throttle, revving the engine.
Then, gripping the clutch lever and pressing down on the gearshift pedal, the bike shifted into first gear.
"So fast!?"
"Hold on tight."
Shouldn't first gear be much slower...? Ignoring his own suspicion, Sugar and Moore, accelerated like a gust of wind.
-----
Author Notes: Sugar is my Oshi
(Tl Notes: reference to Oshi No Ko. Ai...)
