Chapter 17 - Her Favorite Steamed Buns

The next morning, Ayami got up early even though it was weekend. She groggily sat up from the bed while rubbing her eyes, as her gaze landed on the phone placed on top of the bedside, ringing non-stop.

<5:30 AM>

Ayami scratched her long black messy hair as she removed the blanket covering her body. She somehow made her way to the bathroom with her body swaying.

"…Sleepy…" She mumbled to herself as she stared at the shower, with droopy eyelids. She lazily took off her clothes and took a cold shower to wake herself.

After showering, her whole body is awake. She changed into a warm oversized gray sweatshirt with a hoodie on it, while for the bottom was a pair of black sweatpants, and a pair of maroon sneakers.

She first blow dried her hair before tying it up into a ponytail. Ayami wore a thick round glasses with black rim and a gray cap. Then she pulled her hood on top of the cap.

It took her thirty minutes to prepare.

After looking at the mirror, she smiled at herself. Nobody should be able to recognize her from afar.

Then after that, she took out a small backpack and stored her phone, wallet and some devices.

And now, it was time!

Today, she was planning on scouting the area where it was possible for the trio to meet secretly, as after blackmailing them, there was a high possibility of them moving to another place.

Ayami went out of her dorm and shivered after feeling the chilly morning breeze of January. It was a bit dark outside and the sun have not risen yet.

"Cold…!"

Ayami hurriedly went back to her dorm to get her gray checkered muffler that she wrapped around her neck, a black overcoat and a black gloves. Ayami looked at the mirror, her clothes only consisted of dark colors.

Maybe she could shop later for clothes.

After making sure she was warm enough, Ayami went out again.

She let out a deep breath on her hands, which sent warmth to it. Then after locking her dorm, she jogged outside outside the academy, which took her about half an hour.

A bit tired from her jog, she panted for a bit before regaining her steady breath. She took out an ID card while she cheerfully greeted the guards standing by the gates.

"Good morning!"

The guards also greeted her back, but there was a weird look on their face.

"Is something wrong?" Ayami asked.

"No, Miss. It's just that, it's unusual to see another student leaving this early. Can you tell us, why you are going this early?" The guards politely asked, as they were afraid to offend somebody from a prestigious family.

"I wanted to eat some steamed buns because, you know, whenever I try to buy it, it was already sold out. So I'm heading there early." Ayami explained.

The guards nodded their head. The guards looked at her ID before giving it back to her and letting her pass.

"Alright, you may go."

Ayami walked past the gate and headed towards a street, not far away from her school. The streets were still empty and desolate as people were still waking up and preparing. She put her hands that were trembling slightly on her pockets as it was too cold.

Then, after a while of walking, she stopped in front of a small eatery with a plain signboard.

<Bon Bon Eatery>

It brings back her memories on the time where she accidentally discovered this eatery, when she was graduating. At that time, she was filled with stress from the couple and her schoolworks, so discovering this eatery made it feel she found a hidden gem.

The eatery served a variety of dishes that was mouth-watering and will make you come back for more. She fell in love with their steamed buns with variety of flavors and chicken broths.

Ayami walked inside with a smile on her face. The atmosphere inside was warm and ambient, with a relaxing music playing in the background.

She felt nostalgic, like she went back to the past. Oh wait, she literally went back to the past.

"Welcome." She was greeted with a warm smile by an employee. Ayami nodded her head and walked towards the counter.

She ordered her favorite pork steamed buns and a warm chicken broth to dine in, while also adding red bean steamed buns and coffee milk steamed buns and a hot chocolate, for take out.

After that she waited for her order and paid over the counter. She took a seat on one of the empty tables, while taking off her coat, muffler and gloves. She also took her hood off, but didn't remove the cap.

As she sat down, she suddenly realized the presence of a familiar person, happily eating a variety of foods on the table.

"Kayden?" Ayami spatted out after recognizing who he was. The other person stopped eating to look at the person who called out to him.

"Isn't this my junior? Wow, you look so different that I almost didn't recognize you." Kayden cheerfully greeted her. He beckoned her over his sit. "Come, join me for breakfast."

"Ah? That's your whole breakfast?" Ayami walked towards him and sat on the opposite chair, as she looked at the food that was on his table. It was too much for a single person to eat.

"Yes. Then please help yourself." Kayden offered a delicious looking dish. Though Ayami wanted it, she must refuse out of courtesy. "No, thank you. I already ordered, so…"

"Here's your order, ma'am." The employee placed the pork steamed buns and chicken broth in front of her. Her take-out order was placed a brown paper bag while the hot chocolate was separated.

"Well, if you think that is not enough, you can help yourself with mine."

"Since you insist, then I won't decline." Ayami happily spoke. Free food? Sure, why not?

They started to dig into their food. Ayami bit into the pork steamed buns. She felt the softness and meaty pork of it as she bit into it. It felt like it was melting inside her mouth. Then she scooped the chicken broth and brought it into her mouth.

Ah~ It was still the same taste!

Ayami ate with delight, a smile slowly appeared on her face as she continued to eat, completely forgetting the presence of the other people.