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Walking arm-in-arm, Saki finds a warmth in her chest watching Honami talk about the bakery she found. For months, they’ve stopped at her go-to Apple Pie spot like clockwork, but Honami hasn’t stopped mentioning how much she wants to visit this new place since her mom brought home a hand pie for her from their Autumn seasonal menu. Autumn is almost over, so it’s now or never.
Saki enjoys her snacks too, but not nearly as much as Honami for her to describe the desired dessert in such detail: fresh apples with a bright flavor preserved with just the right amount of lemon and sugar, coated with a blend of cinnamon and cardamom and baked in a perfectly flaky and butter crust—Ohh, now she’s really excited to try it!
Stepping inside the bakery doors, they’re fronted with a warmth to match the sweet aroma they could smell from a block away. While they wait in line, Honami not-so-subtly peeks over the shoulders of others in line to see what’s in the display case.
Saki tugs on her coat and whispers. “Hona-chan, we have to wait our turn.”
She laughs and it sounds the way caramel smells. “Alright, alright…”
Pulling out her phone to pass the time, Saki sees that nobody’s responded to her message taking baked goods requests. Oh well, it’s their loss!
“What should we get for Ichika-chan and Shiho-chan?” Honami asks.
Saki huffs, “Why should we get them anything! They’re the ones who said they’re too busy to go out with us.”
“It would be nice to bring something for them at practice.”
“Yeah… I guess… but they didn’t even answer my text.” Seems like a fair enough reason.
“Saki-chan…” Honami tilts her head down with a soft smile.
Saki hides a grin in her thick, fluffy scarf. “Yes, Hona-chan?”
“Be nice to them, they’re working hard.”
“Okaaay,” her voice is muffled in the scarf.
The clerk calls the next group forward, allowing them a full view of what they have to offer. They’re getting at least three of their apple hand pies, that’s a given, but they’ve got all sorts of fruit desserts: raspberry tarts, pumpkin cupcakes, even pear pies like the apple ones. Visiting this bakery after dinner was her only saving grace from not buying one of everything.
Saki picks out a few cookies to share and a pear pie for herself in addition to the pies for Honami. When they approach the register, Honami already has her wallet out, but Saki sticks an arm out in front of her.
“Wha—”
“I’ve got this!” She got paid by the cafe yesterday, so it’s the perfect opportunity to spoil her girlfriend if only just a little bit.
“But I’m the one who wanted to come here…”
“It’s like you said! I’m being nice to Icchan and Shiho-chan, but also to you too! You’ve been working hard lately, so I want it to be my treat.” Saki drops a couple of thousand yen on the tray before Honami can retort. She receives her change, and with a quick bow of her head, they’re on their way with a bag filled with pastries and cookies in hand.
“You didn’t have to do that…”
Saki shifts the bag between her hands to take Honami’s into her own. “I know~ I wanted to though.” She beams at Honami's bright and smiley cheeks.
“Thank you, Saki-chan. At least let me carry the bag for you.”
“I’ve got that covered too.” Honami looked at her with partially pleading eyes. “Unless you really want to carry your apple pies, then I guess you can take it.”
As they walk back to the station, Honami eagerly awaits the chance to eat their treats—Saki feels her excitement with her through the squeeze of her hand and the thrumming of her heart at the sight of Honami’s smile. That was probably the best 2960 yen she’s ever spent.