Beyond Asakura's expectations, Kita and Gokou Ruri got along quite well.
Or rather, from an observer's perspective, the scene of the enthusiastic and cheerful Kita constantly approaching Gokou Ruri, trying to build a good relationship, could already be considered a certain kind of bullying toward a gloomy and introverted otaku girl.
Asakura was actually quite happy to see this; after all, in his view, Gokou Ruri had some "closet geek" attributes, and it was practically unrealistic to expect a girl like her to take the initiative to approach a stranger.
In a sense, just like the "Kuroneko" title the girl usually calls herself, her nature is closer to a cat than a dog—when first coming into contact, she holds a considerable degree of vigilance and hostility toward everything in the outside world.
Of course, once familiar, it's a different story.
The fact that the barrier caused by this lack of trust could only be eliminated through a long period of interaction (and feeding) was well-proven by the process of Yuigahama Yui and Gokou Ruri becoming friends.
"This is chili pepper, this is Shichimi powder, this is Tabasco sauce..."
Acting as a senior in terms of part-time work, Kita Ikuyo was enthusiastically introducing Gokou Ruri to some seasonings commonly kept under the bar.
Seeing the two of them getting along harmoniously, to the point where a warm yuri atmosphere could almost be drawn in the background, Asakura couldn't help but feel very relieved.
"This is the Carolina Reaper." Kita Ikuyo continued.
"Why would such things be in a dessert shop?" Gokou Ruri complained calmly.
"The boss's personal hobby, I guess..." Kita Ikuyo answered somewhat uncertainly, "Probably..."
Gokou Ruri cast an inquiring glance toward Asakura.
The latter replied with a brilliant smile, causing the girl's head to fill with black lines.
It really was your doing, huh!
Upon learning that Gokou Ruri's shifts did not overlap much with her own and that it would be difficult for the two of them to meet during normal part-time work, Kita Ikuyo couldn't help but express her regret.
"Eh? Are today's rabbit dango actually left over?"
At this moment, the girl suddenly keenly noticed the snacks on the table.
"Regarding those..." Kawaragi Momoka said, "The boss specifically brought them out for Ruri-chan; they are not for sale. The ones for normal sale in the fresh-keeping cabinet were sold out over an hour ago".
"Ugh, if they sell out that early, I can't buy them at all even if I fly over right after school."
Immediately, the girl revealed a look of regret: "I still can't eat them today; as expected, that thing is a lie, isn't it".
"If you want to eat them, I can give these to you." Suddenly, Gokou Ruri expressionlessly pushed her portion of rabbit dango in front of Kita Ikuyo.
"Gokou-chan, don't you want to eat them?" The red-haired girl looked at Gokou Ruri in surprise.
"As the Kuroneko, I have long ceased to be troubled by carnal desires."
Gokou Ruri said with a slightly proud face.
In fact, as a member of the Magic Club, as long as they wanted, they could ask Asakura for snacks at the Club Room; at least for now, except for Yanami Anna, Asakura hadn't refused any Magic Club member.
"Really? Thank you, Gokou-chan!"
Facing Kita Ikuyo's smile, which was so brilliant it seemed to be glowing, Gokou Ruri showed an expression like a vampire being hit by sunlight.
Asakura watched this scene with great interest.
Speaking of which, when facing Yuigahama Yui, Gokou Ruri would occasionally show a similar expression.
As expected, this kind of sunny smile is truly a weapon specifically designed to target gloomy otakus.
Because the rabbit dango, the main product, were all sold out and other desserts were mostly gone, although it wasn't yet time for Rabbit House to close, there was actually not much work left in the shop. Compared to Kawaragi Momoka, who had been busy all day, Kita Ikuyo was much more relaxed; her main work, besides selling desserts, was mostly just cleaning up after closing.
After getting Asakura's permission, Kawaragi Momoka left the shop with her beloved guitar to go for a street performance.
Although it wasn't the first time he had watched the shop alone, Asakura still carefully explained the precautions for after-closing to her before finally leaving Rabbit House with Gokou Ruri.
"It's only now that I finally have a real sense that summer has arrived." The girl walking in front suddenly spoke.
"Is it because the weather has turned hot?" Asakura asked casually.
"Because if it were still winter, it would already be dark by this time."
Gokou Ruri raised her head to look at the sky, where brilliant evening glows dotted the horizon, dyeing the clouds with magnificent colors.
"True." Asakura followed her gaze to the sky and couldn't help but nod in agreement.
He actually wasn't very clear on the difference between evening glow and sunset clouds; every time he saw this kind of beauty, he could only sigh in his heart about how beautiful it truly was.
"Takuma-senpai hasn't had dinner yet, right?" The girl turned around, her back to the orange-red sky, looking at Asakura as she spoke softly: "If you don't mind, would you like to come to my house?"
"But aren't your parents at home today?" Asakura said.
Otherwise, the girl wouldn't have been able to leave her two younger sisters and stay at Rabbit House for so long.
"I don't mind." The girl stared at Asakura and said.
Asakura pondered for a few seconds and then slightly shook his head: "Better not".
"Then let me treat you to something at a family restaurant, is Saizeriya okay?" the girl asked again.
The corner of Asakura's mouth twitched into a smile as he reached out and lightly flicked the girl's forehead.
"Ouch." The girl clutched her forehead, her wine-red eyes looking at Asakura with some dissatisfaction.
"Wait until you get your wages before saying that." As the one paying the wages, Asakura said noncommittally.
"Then it's a deal." The girl said, as if seizing the opportunity.
"You really won't let it go, huh..." Asakura sighed: "Is there something on your mind?"
"No, it's just that since we met, I feel like I've always been troubling Takuma-senpai in various ways, but I haven't been able to do anything for you..." the girl lowered her head somewhat dejectedly, "So even if it's just a meal, I want to treat you to something..."
"...There's no need to go out and eat; when there's time, let me properly appreciate Ruri's cooking instead."
Since the girl had said so much, Asakura naturally didn't intend to refuse anymore; friends really shouldn't always be in a position of owing favors, otherwise the relationship between the two would only become more and more distorted.
"I will definitely make you satisfied." Hearing this, Gokou Ruri revealed a beautiful smile: "Please look forward to it~"
Even though she was backlit, the girl's expression when she spoke was so bright it was as if even the mole under her eye was sparkling.