kozvme: ⊹ arupek (Default)


Nico:
―― Bianchi, you here?
... Hm, Bianchi?

Bianchi: A-choo! A-choo!!  
Uugh~... Don't come over here right now, sweetie~

Nico: Huh? You have a cold?

Bianchi: No, it's just that I can't stop sneezing and my nose is all runny.

Nico: That sounds like a cold alright.
Are you working? Why not head home for today?

Bianchi: Absolutely not. I really want to get this done by today...

Nico: .......

Bianchi: Hey, I'm really sorry, but you need to leave. I can't let you catch this.
My nose is all red... I don't want anyone seeing me like this…
Ah! You absolutely have to keep this from Jude, alright? If he finds out, it'll definitely turn into a whole thing.

Nico: …………



Bianchi: Aaachoo!!!
Geez... I can't seem to concentrate at all...
If only I could just finalize this design, the rest of the work would be so much easier...
 
Seriously, I look awful.
I need to buy my usual ointment on the way home… at least before the shop closes—

Nico: I'm back.

Bianchi: Nico, sweetie!? Why are you...
Nico: I made risotto.

Bianchi: Huh... Is that for me?

Nico: Yeah.
To be honest, I was planning to eat here to begin with...
Anyway, eat. Being hungry can be a real pain.

Bianchi: ... That smells wonderful. Alright, I think I'll take you up on that and take a short break.


 
Bianchi: Haah~ That was SO good... ♪

Nico: Your body warmed up, right? You stopped sneezing.

Bianchi: Yeah, thanks to you, I think I can push through a bit more.

Nico: That's not happening.

Bianchi: Eh?

Nico: You're done working for today, go home and rest.

Bianchi: I- I can't do that. I set a goal for myself.

Nico: Is it something that absolutely has to be done today?

Bianchi: That's...
Nico: For me, the worst thing is not being able to eat good food.

Bianchi: ? Yeah, I know that, dear...

Nico: Isn't the way you see 'beauty' a bit like how I see 'food'?
Is it really alright to keep sneezing and not be able to show your face in public?
 
Bianchi: ......

Nico: Sure, you're doing this job because you want to,
but if it stops you from being beautiful, wouldn't that hurt more than anything? 
Bianchi: ... You're right. I can't argue with that.

Nico: Prioritize getting better, then.

Bianchi: You're right... I don't think I can do my best in this state, anyway.
I can always make up for today’s delay once I’m feeling better, right?

Nico: Yeah.
I'll send you home, then.

Bianchi: Oh my, are you sure? You'll get hungry again, you know?

Nico: It's cool. I can just eat again.

Bianchi: Fufu, you're really a sweetheart.

Nico: ......
Oh, right. I forgot to give you this.

Bianchi: What is it? Medicine? Did you also get this for me!?
This is the one they sell at the herbal pharmacy I always go to!
Sweetie, I can't believe you care so much for me... Thank you――

Nico: I didn't get you this.
It's from Jude.
 
Bianchi: Huh?
 
Nico: He came to me while I was making the risotto and told me to give it to you.

Bianchi:  ......

Nico: And he gave me this ointment, too.
He didn't explain much, but you know what it is, Bianchi?

Bianchi: Haaah...
Yeah, this is the ointment I love to use when my skin breaks out. I was just thinking about what to do since I just ran out of it.
... How did he know?
Well, whatever. I did need it, and honestly, he really saved me.

Nico: You should thank him yourself then.

Bianchi: Will do...

Nico: Okay, let's go.

Bianchi: Yeah. Thank you.
I appreciate it, sweetie. Once I'm better, let me know if there's anything I can do to return the favor ♪

kozvme: ⊹ arupek (Default)


Bianchi:
――Thank you for helping with the Chocolate Mint Fair ♪ Thanks to all of you, it was a huge success.

Jude: Good work, Bianchi. It turned out to be another wonderful event.

Sage: 'Mint chocolate' was trending on social media for a while.

Nico: It's like you were an influencer.

Bianchi: Fufu, it's all thanks to everyone's help ♪
I also put more effort than usual into the marketing.

Sage: You do love mint chocolate, Bianchi-san~

Bianchi: Yeah, I just love that refreshing, cool feeling.
Nico: Heeh...
But I've never gotten mint chocolate from you.

Jude: ...... Now that you mention it, this is the first time for me too.

Bianchi: Well, that goes without saying. You don't force your preferences on people, do you?
I want to gift you something you really like.
 
Jude: Then why did you decide to go all‑in on the Chocolate Mint Fair this time?

Bianchi: Huh...

Jude: Did you really need to put in so much effort for this Chocolate Mint Fair?

Bianchi: ... Not really? I just thought it was a good opportunity when they offered me the job, so I decided to give it my best.

Jude: Is that really all?

Bianchi: Yes, that's all—
 
―― Rookie days.

Bianchi: (Okay, that takes care of the Valentine's gifts for my family.
Now for the team... what should I get them...
Let's start with Sage.
He loves apple pie, so maybe chocolate apples?
I've heard about chocolate-coated apples that are getting great reviews for being both delicious and tart.
For Nico... quantity is the key, I guess.
That being said, giving him a bunch of cheap chocolate would be quite basic, so maybe an assorted chocolate box from a specialty shop.
Though he'll probably devour it instantly.
And Jude...
Anything is fine. Something heart-shaped would probably be the best choice, but I really don't want to do that.
I'll just get him something from a famous brand.
And last but not least...
Hmm, this is tough. What kind of chocolate does Robin even like?
Since he's so grown-up, maybe something with alcohol would work, but... I've never seen him drink...
But then again, giving him regular chocolate feels a bit...
Maybe I should just stick with my favorite, mint chocolate――)

Robin: Bianchi.

Bianchi: (What am I thinking, that's something only a few like...)

Robin: Bianchi?

Bianchi: Huh...


Robin: Hello there, Bianchi.

Bianchi: R- Robin!?

Robin: Haha, sorry. I didn't mean to startle you.

Bianchi: No worries, I was lost in thought...

Robin: Are you shopping for Valentine's too?

Bianchi: Yeah... Oh, wow, you bought a lot too.

Robin: Yes, I got a bit carried away.
Oh, perfect timing, actually. I was just thinking about what to get you, you're not that into sweets, right?

Bianchi: Yeah, I don't hate them, but...

Robin: Hmm, figures. I did see some super‑spicy chocolate meant for punishment games earlier, but that seems wrong for Valentine's.
 
Bianchi: I'd be fine with that ♪

Robin: No can do, I'd feel bad giving you that.
But if you have any other snacks you like, I'd love to gift you those.

Bianchi: Really? Then... could I ask for mint chocolate?

Robin: Mint chocolate?
 
Bianchi: Yeah, I can't get enough of that sweet, refreshing taste.

Robin: I get it. It surprised me at first, but it grows on you.

Bianchi: ...... Huh? You like it?

Robin: Yes. I wouldn't say it's my favorite, but I definitely enjoy it when it comes to chocolate.

Bianchi: I see. That's something not everyone can appreciate, but you're definitely one of the chosen ones, Robin ♪

Robin: ... So it seems.

Bianchi: Actually, I was also struggling with what to give you.
I thought about mint chocolate, but I didn't want to force my preferences on you…

Robin: Looks like I put you in a bit of a tough spot.
Alright, just give me whatever you want to give me from now on, Bianchi.
 
Bianchi: Are you sure?

Robin: Of course. I'll gladly accept what you hesitate to give Sage and the others.

Bianchi: My, how lovely!
In that case, I'll make sure to give you my favorite mint chocolate every year, Robin.

Robin: Sure, I'm looking forward to it.



Bianchi: ......

Sage: Bianchi-san, what's wrong?

Bianchi: It's nothing. Just reminiscing about the past.

Jude: ......
Bianchi: Well, I've got something to do, so I'll get going.

Jude: That paper bag... are you giving someone a Valentine's gift?

Bianchi: Yeah. It's for someone who likes mint chocolate ♪

kozvme: ⊹ arupek (Default)


Nico: (It's strange that I can't reach Billy.
Asking him directly is the fastest way to get updates... annoying, but still.)
 
Hm?

Gray: Haah... This time of year just makes me all restless...

Junior: I ain't that bothered, I guess. It's more like, I'm not used to it, so I don’t know what I'm supposed to do.
Back at the academy, I didn't care about Valentine's at all, and we didn't do Valentine's lives either.

Gray: F- For me, Valentine's events feel like something from another world…
But... now that I'm a hero, I can't really say that anymore...

Gray & Junior: Sigh...

Nico: Struggling with Valentine's Day?

Junior: !!??

Gray: Ni- Nico-san...

Nico: You're overreacting.

Junior: Anyone would freak out if you appeared outta nowhere!!

Nico: It wasn't out of nowhere. I walked here.

Junior: ... So what're you doing on this floor?

Nico: I need Billy. I want to check the progress on something I asked him to do, but, weird enough, I can't reach him.
You know anything?
 
Gray: I‑ I think Billy-kun went to see his dad today. That's probably why he's taking longer to respond than he usually does...

Nico: I see. Then I shouldn't bother him.

Junior: Oh yeah, that guy always replies super fast.

Gray: I know, right? It's amazing... I could never come up with replies that quickly...
 
Nico: Glad I figured out why Billy's unavailable.
So, are you two talking about Valentine's?

Junior: It ain't that big of a deal, though.

Gray: It's just that this time of year makes me restless... Like, what if everyone ignores me... I get this weird sense of unease...
And then I end up getting a lot, and I'm relieved it was all in my head...
But then, I start feeling anxious again and get stuck in this endless loop...

Junior: I don't get restless, but... seeing Jay get a ridiculous amount makes me think maybe I'm still not much of a hero.
... Some people still send stuff to my old man.
But, well, all that gets overshadowed once I read the passionate messages from my fans ★

Nico: Hmm.

 
Junior: You don't seem the type to care about that stuff, Nico.

Nico: Wrong.
When I was a rookie, I got jealous too.

Junior: What, seriously?

Gray: So you think about these things too, Nico-san.

Nico: Yeah, because Jude and Bianchi were on my team, and they always had these huge piles of chocolates stacked up. They still do.
Seeing them get that much, I couldn't help being a little jealous.

Junior: Ah.........
 
Gray: I- I see...
 
Junior: But Marion had tons of fans too ♪

Nico: Yeah.
But why are you acting all proud?
 
Gray: Did you do anything about it back then, Nico‑san...?
 
Nico: Sort of. Well, Bianchi did something for me.

Junior: Bianchi?

Nico: Yeah. I think it was when I saw how much chocolate they got――


 
Nico: How nice...

Bianchi: Huh?

Nico: I'm jealous you get so much chocolate.

Bianchi: Oh, that.

Nico: There's another meaning?

Bianchi: Of course. In fact, most people mean the other one.

Nico: I just want to eat a lot of chocolate.

Bianchi: Oh my, in that case, a little creativity will make your wishes come true right away.

Nico: ? What do you mean?

Bianchi: Fufu ♪ If we bring out your cuteness, it'll be easy.

Nico: Hmm.

Bianchi: How about it? It only takes a tiny bit of effort.

Nico: As long as it doesn't involve costumes.

Bianchi: That's a shame.
But fine, we can keep it simple this time.

Nico: What are we doing?

Bianchi: We're going to film you eating chocolate ♪ Lots of it, of course.
 
Nico: ...... That's it?

Bianchi: Yes. That alone is sure to get a ton of buzz ♪


 
Nico: And it did blow up. The next year, the amount of chocolate I got shot up.

Gray: W- Wow...!

Junior: You went viral just by eating chocolate? That's wild...

Nico: So you two should upload a video of yourselves eating chocolate.

Junior: That ain't the point right now!!

Gray: I think he means we should make a video that shows our charm, with Valentine's in mind...

Nico: Yeah.
If both of you show your best sides, you'll get more chocolate.

Junior: That I can do. Maybe I'll express my appreciation for the chocolate with my guitar?

Gray: What should I do... I feel like I might trip over my words, but maybe I'll try recording a thank‑you video...
Nico: Good luck, both of you.

Junior: Yeah!
 
Gray: Yes!
kozvme: ⊹ arupek (Default)


Jude: Hmph, so they all ran away. What a boring bunch.
 
Mozzarella boss: Oi, you...
 
Jude: Hm? Even after all those bullets, you're unharmed?
 
Mozzarella boss: You were my shield... Honestly, you saved me.
How about becoming my bodyguard from now on, you can keep being my bullet shield?! I'll pay you well!
 
Jude: From fall guy to human shield, huh. Not sure if that's an upgrade or not.
 
Mozzarella boss: ... They're probably the same.
No! Forget bodyguard! How about becoming my right-hand man instead!?
 
Jude: I'm not planning to be anyone's right-hand man except Bianchi.
 
Mozzarella boss: ... Bianchi?
 
Nico: Sorry to keep you waiting.
 
Jude: Nico? How was the situation at the event?
 
Nico: It was fine. Bianchi and Sage handled it well.
 
Jude: That's Bianchi for you. Oh, how I wish I could have seen that valiant sight.
 
Nico: ... You really saved me this time, Jude. Thanks.
 
Jude: It's fine. I had some fun too.
And if you want to thank anyone, thank Bianchi. They're were the one who asked me to help.
 
Nico: I'll do that later.
 
Jude: Well, if we're done here, there's no point in sticking around. Let's hurry and help with the preparations.
 
Nico: Got it.

Mozzarella boss: W- Wait...! What is this Bianchi!? Another family!?
 


Jude: Ahh, this is the best. Valentine's should always be mint green. 

Bianchi: Hm? Weren't you excited about that 'Bloody Valentine'?
 
Jude: Not that excited. The Bloody Valentine was okay, but I still prefer Bianchi's chocolate mint Valentine.
 
Bianchi: Is that right? I'll give you this, then.
 
Jude: No way, is this...
 
Bianchi: My chocolate mint creation. You went all out for Nico's sake today, so consider it a reward.
 
Jude: Bianchi's Valentine chocolate! I'll treasure it forever!
 
Bianchi: No, eat it before it expires.
 
Sage: Hehe, so happy for you, Jude‑kun.
 
Jude: Yeah, this is fantastic. Thank you, Valentine's Day.
 
Bianchi: You're so dramatic.
 
Sage: Nico, aren't you hungry?
 
Nico: ... Starving... I'm so hungry I can't move...
 
Sage: Haha, I figured. You've been using your ability a lot today.
That's why I prepared something for you ♪
 
Nico: This smell...
 
Sage: Yep, it's apple pie ♪



It's the usual recipe, but I shaped it to make it easier to eat. Enjoy as many as you want.

Nico: Thanks for the food...
*Munch, munch*... So good...
 
Sage: Hehe, I'm glad. It was worth the effort.
 
Nico: Sage.
 
Sage: Yes?
 
Nico: My family's mess has been taken care of. Thanks for waiting for me.

Sage: Mm. Good job ♪


To Chapter 12 | End.

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