"Then let's celebrate the success of the Grand Live!"
"Kanpai!"
To mark the end of our first Grand Live, the three members of my team—Rice-chan, Thank You, and myself—joined Hello-san for a celebratory dinner at a cozy conveyor belt sushi spot near the venue. Not a chain, but a place with real craftsmanship behind the counter.
Despite being minors, we clinked our mugs—mine filled with oolong tea, Hello's with something far stronger. She sipped with the confidence of someone who had earned it.
"You've got a faucet on the table," Rice-chan observed.
"Are you going to wash your hands?" Thank You asked.
"It's for hot water," Hello-san said, stopping them before they did something regrettable. "Don't wash your hands with it."
"Do you come to places like this often, Hello-san?"
"Sometimes. It's quick and easy when I'm alone."
I'd expected her to frequent stylish cafés or upscale restaurants. But clearly, efficiency mattered more than aesthetics.
"First time for rice," Rice-chan said.
"Me too," added Thank You.
Both were young ladies from well-off families. A humble sushi counter wasn't part of their usual world.
"It's my first time too," I admitted.
"Viola too?"
"I've barely eaten out before."
Eating out costs money. And I hadn't had much of that. Honestly, I couldn't even remember eating sushi—only vague memories from a past life.
"If you think about it… this might be my first time eating sushi."
"Eh."
"…"
They looked at me like I was a lost kitten. And maybe I was.
"Let's eat a lot today," Rice-chan said.
"I'll pour you some tea!"
"No need to fuss-"
Where do you even start ordering sushi?
"General, conger eel please!"
"Aiyo!"
Even here, the sushi was made by hand. Hello-san dove straight into bold flavors.
"Eat up, all three of you. It's your sister's treat."
"Then I'll start with squid and sea bream."
"Viola-chan, that's a strong combo."
As Hello's excitement grew, I decided to follow my cravings.
"I'll take one of everything, from edge to edge."
"Rice-chan… that's ambitious."
She was on a mission to conquer the menu. Despite her refined upbringing, Rice-chan's appetite was wild and unapologetic.
"Thank You, want to order like that too?"
"I can't eat that much…"
The sushi for Hello and me arrived quickly. The chef began crafting Rice-chan's mountain of orders, which she devoured one by one.
It felt like someone should just toss the sushi straight into her mouth.
"Sister, another big mug!"
"Hey."
Hello-san was already on her second beer. Impressive.
"If you hold back, you'll miss out," she said.
"True enough."
While Rice-chan powered through her feast, Thank You and I took our time, savoring the moment.