The shop owner took one look around and let out an “Ah!” Then he slapped his thigh in frustration.
How could there be so few participants?
Had something gone wrong?
Well, it was too late now.
Might as well start the competition.
He went over the rules once more: There were thirty donuts in total.
The time limit was ten minutes.
The person who ate the most donuts within the time limit would win.
The prizes for first, second, and third place were 100,000 yen, 50,000 yen, and 30,000 yen respectively.
After explaining everything, the owner gave the signal.
The competition officially began.
Touma glanced to his left.
The middle-aged woman was clutching two donuts at once, desperately stuffing them into her mouth while occasionally glancing in his direction.
She was clearly here to compete seriously.
Then he looked to his right.
Sumita Mana was leisurely savoring her donuts one bite at a time, looking as though she was simply enjoying herself.
She was probably just here for the free food.
Further to the right, Misumi Hatsune slowly ate her donut while secretly sneaking glances at him.
Why was she looking at him?
Touma found it strange.
She wasn’t targeting him, was she?
Their eyes met.
Misumi Hatsune suddenly remembered that she had casually taken off her sunglasses earlier.
She hurriedly put them back on in a panic.
I took them off out of habit while eating…
I wasn’t recognized, was I…?
Touma was puzzled, but he withdrew his gaze and continued eating his donuts normally.
Getting second place shouldn’t be a problem.
However, when the competition ended, something completely unexpected happened.
With one minute still remaining on the clock, Sumita Mana had already finished all thirty donuts.
She took first place.
As a result, Touma was pushed down to third and only received the 30,000 yen prize.
As expected of the woman known as Miss Donut.
Once the donuts were gone and the prize money was collected, the three of them left, leaving behind only the shop owner, who had suffered the greatest loss.
“I’m so full.
This is my first time eating so many donuts all at once.” Sumita Mana stretched as they walked down the street.
The next moment, her expression changed slightly.
“Um, could you wait a moment?
I need to use the restroom.
I’ll be right back.” With that, she hurried off.
Only Touma and Misumi Hatsune remained.
“Misumi-san, are you in Osaka because of an event?” Touma started a conversation.
“Mm.
Sumimi has an event here over the next couple of days.” Misumi Hatsune nodded.
Then she continued, “By the way, how did you and Mana meet, Asai-san?” “We met by chance.” Touma answered.
“I heard you’re a fan of Mana’s.
Which of her songs do you think she sings the best?” Misumi Hatsune pressed further.
Touma: “…” “I like all of them.
I don’t have a favorite.” He answered on the spot.
Misumi Hatsune’s eyes narrowed.
Something felt off.
“Then which song do you think best represents Sumimi?” Touma: “…” “I think they’re all representative songs.” He replied.
“I think the song that represents Sumimi the most is ‘Here, the world!’.
What do you think of it, Asai-san?” “It’s a great song.” Touma answered.
Half a minute later, when the girl beside him stopped speaking, he realized his cover had probably been blown.
Turning around, he saw the blonde girl slowly remove her sunglasses.
Her fair face was tense, and her deep purple eyes scrutinized him.
“As expected, Asai-san, you’re not actually a fan of Mana at all.” Misumi Hatsune began questioning him.
“Doesn’t being a looks fan still count as being a fan?” Touma asked in return.
Misumi Hatsune touched her chin.
“…I suppose it does.” The next second, she realized something.
“Wait, does that mean the only thing you’re interested in is Mana’s appearance?” Touma didn’t answer.
Misumi Hatsune continued staring at him.
More than ten seconds passed.
Seeing that the boy remained completely indifferent, she finally couldn’t hold it in anymore.
“If you’re approaching Mana with bad intentions, I’ll stop you.” Touma was speechless.
Who exactly was approaching whom?
Still, he had no intention of arguing.
“Suit yourself.
If you can keep an eye on Sumita-san, that would actually be great.” Misumi Hatsune replied firmly, “I’ll be watching you.” Now that she had exposed him as a fake fan, her guard against Touma had risen considerably.
She even regarded him with a trace of hostility.
“Just don’t stalk me.” Touma reminded her.
At that moment, Sumita Mana returned with light footsteps, looking much more refreshed.
Seeing the unusually quiet atmosphere, she looked confused.
“Did something happen?” “Nothing, Mana-chan.” Misumi Hatsune smiled and shook her head.
Touma, however, said the exact opposite.
“Something did happen.
Your partner seems to have a problem with me.
She thinks I’m approaching you with bad intentions.” Touma always believed in saying things clearly.
Besides, he happened to be rather good at reporting people to their faces.
Both Misumi Hatsune and Sumita Mana looked surprised.
The two exchanged awkward glances.
Just then, a ringtone broke the silence.
“Sorry, I need to take this.” Sumita Mana answered her phone and quietly spoke with the person on the other end for a few moments.
After hanging up, she turned to Touma with an apologetic expression.
“I’m really sorry, Asai-kun.
Something urgent came up with Sumimi, so Ui-chan and I have to leave first.” “It’s fine.
I just remembered I have something to do as well.” Touma replied.
“Then let’s say goodbye here.
See you next time, Asai-kun.” “Mm.
See you.” Touma nodded.
The two groups then went their separate ways.
Back at the hotel, Misumi Hatsune asked curiously, “Was the Sumimi event moved up?” Sumita Mana folded her arms and puffed out her cheeks, saying nothing at first.
Seeing that, Misumi Hatsune looked rather embarrassed.
About half a minute later, Sumita Mana finally spoke.
“The call was from someone else.
It had nothing to do with work.” At that point, Misumi Hatsune understood exactly why Mana had done what she did.
She didn’t dare say anything.
The phone call had been a coincidence.
Leaving had been intentional.
After Touma had said those things, there was no way the three of them could have comfortably continued shopping together.
Another half minute passed before Sumita Mana sighed.
“Ui-chan, Asai-kun is a really, really kind person.
He doesn’t have any bad intentions.” Misumi Hatsune, however, disagreed.
“But he’s really just a fake fan of yours, Mana-chan.
He doesn’t even know a single Sumimi song.”