The sun on the second day of the cultural festival was even brighter than the first, and by just ten in the morning, Sobu University's campus was already bustling with people.
Okabara Kyogumichi and Shiina Mahiru's gun-shaped taiyaki stall had just been set up, and the rich milky aroma wafted far, drawing frequent glances from passing students.
"We need to make more cheese-filled ones today; many people missed out yesterday," Mahiru said, tying on her apron and pouring freshly mixed batter into the molds, the metal molds clinking crisply.
A bit of flour clung to her forehead, making her look like an adorable little kitten.
He was placing chocolate chips into the molds as "bullets" and nodded with a smile at her words: "No problem, we prepared double the cheese today."
No sooner had he spoken than a familiar laugh was heard.
Natsume Takashi walked over, holding a folder, followed by a plump, round fat cat, who was Nyanko-sensei.
"Okabara-san, we're here!" Natsume waved in greeting, his amber eyes exceptionally clear in the sunlight, "Tanuma told me yesterday that you had very special taiyaki here, so I specifically came to try it."
The cat poked his head out from Natsume's arms, sniffing vigorously with his nose, his round eyes instantly lighting up: "So fragrant! Much better than the taiyaki from the convenience store!" (The cat's words were telepathic; others couldn't hear them and would only think he was a chubby "big orange" cat.)
"You've come at just the right time, the first batch just came out of the oven," he said, picking up a steaming rifle-shaped taiyaki and handing it over, "Try it, it's cheese-filled."
The cat didn't wait for Natsume to act, eagerly jumping onto the stall, his paws clinging to the edge of the plate, his eyes fixed longingly on the freshly baked taiyaki: "Give this great one the biggest one! I want the chocolate-filled one!"
"Sensei!" Natsume tried to pick him up helplessly, but the fat cat nimbly dodged him.
"It's okay, let him try it," he said with a smile, picking up another pistol-shaped taiyaki and placing it on the plate, "It's on me."
The cat immediately snatched the taiyaki and ran to a nearby bench, devouring it ravenously, purring contentedly, his broken bell clinking with his movements.
Natsume shook his head helplessly at his appearance, then picked up the rifle taiyaki himself and took a bite, his eyes instantly widening: "So delicious! The crust is crispy, and the cheese stretches!"
"If you like it, have more," Mahiru said with a smile, handing him another, "Natsume-san is Okabara-san's friend, right? I often hear him mention you."
Natsume scratched his head a little shyly: "I also often hear Okabara-san talk about Shiina-san, saying your cooking is very delicious."
As they were talking, Kawasaki Saki and a few classmates from the basketball club walked over.
Saki raised her eyebrows, seeing the lively scene in front of the stall: "It seems the word-of-mouth from yesterday was good; I specially brought my teammates to support you today."
"Give me five cheese-filled ones, the biggest rifle-shaped kind!" the basketball club captain shouted heartily, "Make up for all the ones we didn't get to eat yesterday!"
He and Mahiru quickly got busy, the taiyaki sizzling on the griddle, the aroma growing richer and richer, attracting more diners to stop and queue.
At this moment, Kitagawa Marin walked over from the adjacent manga club stall, holding several manga books, and her eyes lit up when she saw his stall.
Today, she was wearing a cute Lolita-style dress, adorned with lace trim on the hem, looking completely different from her usual school uniform attire.
"Okabara-san!" she walked to the stall, her cheeks slightly flushed, "I wanted to come yesterday but never found a chance. They said your taiyaki is very special…"
"Want to try one?" he said with a smile, picking up a freshly baked sniper rifle-shaped taiyaki, "This one has a scope, and it's chocolate-filled."
Marin carefully took it, took a small bite, and her eyes instantly curved into crescent moons: "So delicious! And the shape is super cool! I didn't expect you to be so amazing, not only can you sing, but you can also make such special taiyaki."
Her praise made him a little embarrassed, and just as he was about to say something, he heard a rapid patter of footsteps.
Hori Kyoko ran over, holding her younger brother Hori Souta's hand, with a thin layer of sweat on her forehead.
"Okabara-san! I finally found you!" Kyoko said, catching her breath, "Souta heard from his classmates that there are gun-shaped taiyaki here, and he insisted on trying them."
Little Souta looked up, his small face eagerly watching the taiyaki on the griddle: "Big brother, I want the one that looks like Ultraman's weapon!"
"Okay, I'll make you the biggest one," he said with a smile, taking out a mold and specially making an exaggerated "rocket launcher" taiyaki.
The cat, having finished his portion, wobbled back, rubbing against his pant leg and whimpering: "Give this great one another one! That last one was too small!"
"You've already eaten two," Natsume tried to pull him away, but the fat cat stubbornly refused to move, sprawling on the ground.
"It's okay, add another chocolate-filled one," he said with a smile, making another one and handing it to him.
Seeing the cat instantly revive with full energy, he couldn't help but exchange a smile with Natsume.
Laughter rose and fell in front of the stall, and sunlight streamed through the gaps in the awning, falling on everyone's faces, warm and bright.
Mahiru watched him chatting and laughing with his friends, and the corners of her mouth unconsciously curved into a gentle smile.
In a busy moment, she quietly slipped a chilled towel into his hand and whispered, "Wipe your sweat."
He took the towel, his fingertips brushing against her cool ones, and his heart warmed.
The afternoon sun grew warmer and warmer, and the line in front of the stall never shortened.
He and Mahiru were busy, but they enjoyed it.
Occasionally, when he looked up, he could see Natsume patiently wiping the cat's mouth, Saki and her basketball club classmates taking photos with their taiyaki, Marin carefully taking pictures of the taiyaki's shape with her phone, seemingly posting on Line, and Kyoko playing "shooting games" with her younger brother.
These friends from different worlds gathered together because of a special taiyaki, forming the most vivid scene of the cultural festival.
He picked up a freshly baked taiyaki, took a bite, and the crispy crust and rich filling melted in his mouth, the sweet taste filled with happiness.