Chapter 2

It’s delicious to say the least. Are you really the one who made this?

Yeah.

(...Seriously, have I repeated myself today? Do all adults only spit out the exact same reaction?)

I fell for his chocolate in just one bite, you see. I was the one who asked him to offer it here at the bar.

Of course, it's being presented simply as a sample for our guests since he doesn't hold a certificate.

–May I try some as well?

Yes, of course. Please go ahead.

Thank you. …Munch. Mm!? This is…! This flavor surpasses even that of Paris's finest chocolatiers!

No way, you’re exaggerating.

I adore it...! You! Won't you become my personal chocolatier!?

What?

Of course, name your price and I’ll pay it.

Wait…! You’re being way too pushy–

—Pardon me, madam.

……?

Since you now know the taste of his chocolate, might I invite you to try one of my cocktails as well? Here, allow me.

This is a “New York”.

W-Well then, I shall give it a try.

(...Even the way he swoops in to save me is way too smooth.)

Hold on, you’re pairing it with my chocolate?

That cocktail uses bourbon and lime juice.

You were looking for bourbon in the beginning, weren't you? And you added lime as a hidden touch in your chocolate.

So I thought that perhaps the chocolate you read about in that manga was modeled after this cocktail: “New York”.

...Are you sure you're not actually some kind of detective?

Fufu, no. Just a humble bartender. In cocktail language, a “New York” means—

“Adult Love”.

!?

…Well then, it's getting quite late. A high schooler should be heading home by now.

I've already called a taxi, so you head home first, Ushio. Thank you for indulging my whims today.

Wh… Hey, um—

…Ah, that’s right. If someday you do become a chocolatier… Then I'd like you to make chocolate for my bar when the time comes.

Before someone else claims you exclusively for themself.

!!

(I don’t know how to put it, but… Natsume-san’s seriously an adult.)

(I mean, watching me make chocolate and then guessing the cocktail it was based on? That's insane. And bringing up cocktail meanings–)

(Was it “Adult Love?” Adult… Eh? Wait?)

(So if Reito gave Ouji the chocolate inspired by that cocktail... Wait, does that mean what I think it means!? That author is seriously a genius!?)

(With his knowledge and the way he carries himself...... I guess that's the privilege of being an adult.)

…When it comes to stuff like that, I might be a bit jealous.