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After Byakuya announced the upcoming party at the Hotel's Old Building, it was time to make the necessary preparations. This meant purchasing some missing ingredients at Rocketpunch Market. However, Teruteru was short on Monocoins to get everything he needed. He’d already tried searching for any spare coins hiding around with no success. His pride wouldn’t allow asking others to help him out a bit. It was his job to prepare the food—from start to finish!
As a matter of fact, this unusual currency had to be earned. He’d heard that Hajime was able to recently splurge his money on gifts after successfully raising some virtual pet. A rare variant, at that. This inevitably led Teruteru to having to explore the island to level up his own digital critter.
But walking around in circles, even if done for a good reason, was still pretty much torture…
Luckily enough, Teruteru’s brave sacrifice had paid off in the end!
Once the odd rabbit-snake hybrid reached adulthood, he was rewarded with a generous amount of Monocoins. Taking a moment to rest and refresh himself at the cottage, Teruteru was eager to continue!
Taking a big, metal shopping cart, he was ready for the upcoming shopping spree. Yet, Teruteru’s enthusiasm cooled down quickly. This supermarket didn’t give a damn about its products! Too many things were way past their expiration date. There was even mould on one of them. His internal horror was shared by a shocked exclaim coming from an aisle nearby.
“Unbelievable!” Echoed a soft, feminine voice. “To find it here, of all places!”
Teruteru quickly made his way over to the damsel in distress. “I know, right?! I almost passed away when I saw it myself!”
To his surprise, it turned out to be Sonia, with a wide smile beaming on her face.
“Truly? I was convinced these sweets were not imported to Japan,” she said. “Novoselic chocolate is well-known, yet this brand is more underground.”
Sonia stepped closer to Teruteru, pointing at the plastic bag she held in her right hand. He could neither read nor pronounce what was written on it, but it was definitely sweets of some sorts. A little white lie wouldn’t hurt, right?
“Oh, this happens to be my favourite flavour too~” he replied. “Would you mind handing it over to me for a moment? I’d like to check if it’s expired by any chance.”
“Likewise!” Sonia carefully gave it to Teruteru. “But of course, there you go! Do tell me if it is safe for consumption.”
He chuckled. “My pleasure, Sonia.”
Thankfully, there was some sparse English description on the bag. Paying attention to his English classes paid off, and he was able to decipher the most crucial information.
“Teruteru, would you happen to be in need of translation?” Sonia asked, tilting her head. “I know English can be challenging, let alone Novoselic. Simply voice your needs, and I shall deliver to the best of my abilities.”
“Ah, you see, this candy…” Teruteru stammered, returning it to Sonia. “It’s expired, by over two years. Sorry you had to find out this way.”
Her face fell, replaced with disillusionment. Sonia breathed in, before exhaling after a long moment. For a second, Teruteru swore that her eyes glinted in a dangerous way.
“I cannot accept this!” she exclaimed. “I wish to speak to the person in charge of this establishment!”
“You calling for the manager?”
The terrible monochromic bear materialised into existence, amused by Sonia’s request.
“Mr. Monokuma!” Sonia unintentionally raised her voice, yet remained polite. “What is the meaning of this? Why do such unacceptable products remain on the shelves here?!”
“Well, excuuuse me, princess! Of all the things you coulda complain,” Monokuma replied, “you have a problem with some old candy?! Ha! I’ll have you know that bears need to hunt for their food! We can’t just waltz in and—”
“Shut yer trap!” Teruteru interjected. “I ain’t payin’ for some low quality shit you’re sellin’ ‘ere! I’ve got people to please, you hear me?!”
“Sheesh, is this how you two are repaying my kindness?” he growled. “Fine! Then go out and get the food yourself! Now scram, shoo!”
Monokuma then promptly kicked out Sonia and Teruteru. Whilst Sonia was still trying to comprehend how that was even possible, Teruteru was attempting to pry the doors open.
“Ghhh, stupid bear! I didn’t waste my time and effort to not buy these ingredients!” He continued to struggle, but gave up in the end. “Darn it!”
“Uhm, maybe we could try apologising?” Sonia suggested. “If we are barred from entering, it will be quite problematic later on.”
Was he really going to grovel and hope that Monokuma would have pity on him? If it wasn’t for everyone’s sake, Teruteru wouldn’t even consider it.
“Heyyy, Monokuma!” Teruteru called, looking around. “We’re really sorry and want to continue our shopping! Pretty please?”
“I apologise for throwing a tantrum,” Sonia said. “That was incredibly unbecoming for me. I hereby promise to do better!”
“You guys do realise I heard your little scheming just now?” Monokuma pointed out over the intercom. “But whatever, I’ll let this slide… for now. Puhuhuhu!”
The doors were open once again, yet none of them dared to walk inside.
“...May I confess something, Teruteru?”
“Ohhh, a confession? Go on, go on.”
Sonia hesitated, rubbing her arm in thought. “I really wanted that candy… but if it is not possible, then…”
“I-I could try making it!” Teruteru clenched his fists in determination. “I’d just need to see the label again and I’ll be good to go!”
Obviously, he wouldn’t be able to make a perfect copy, though it’d be almost indistinguishable. Pastries weren’t his main thing, but Teruteru would still give it a shot.
“Ah, rejoice! Thank you, thank you so much!” Overwhelmed by joy, Sonia pulled Teruteru into a hug. “I am so happy I could almost kiss you, Teruteru!”
“A kiss would be nice, just sayin’~”
And a kiss on his cheek did he receive.
“See ya later!” Teruteru rushed inside, still madly blushing. “I’ll let you know when it’s done!”