Temptation of a Tropical Night - Episode 2
Shizuru: Phew... It's cold in here.
Noah: Welcome. Looks like you're all together today.
Lance: Yeah, I thought I’d drop off the investigation materials you asked for and cool off with everyone while I'm here.
Here you go.
Noah: Thank you. I'll check it out, and feel free to relax as much as you like.
Shizuru: Is the VIP room available?
Noah: Oh, The VIP room is currently—
Rui: …… (enters the VIP room)
[ —Inside the VIP room]
Koki: ...The flavor is bland.
Leon: Indeed, it could definitely use a bit more kick. Maybe try adding some spices?
Or should we just add a bit more salt to sharpen the flavor…?
Koki: Definitely needs salt.
Leon: Oh?
Well if it isn’t Rui-sama, welcome. Unfortunately, the VIP room is currently—
Shizuru: Hey Rui, don't just walk in without checking if it’s available first.
Rui: I can't stand wearing a mask in this heat.
Koki: …..
Shizuru: (takes mask off) Oh? It’s rare to run into you here. Sorry for the trouble our little tyrant caused.
Leon: No worries at all! Actually, if you don’t mind, I’d love to hear everyone’s opinions as well.
I was just asking Koki-sama to try out the new menu and give us some feedback.
Lance: Oh, there’s pizza. I think I'll take you up on that and have a slice.
Leon: As expected of Lance-sama! You found the pizza right away! Please, help yourself.
Lance: I’ll dig in.
……
Hmm... I’m thinking the dough and sauce might not mix well. What do you think, Koki?
Koki: ...Crispy dough would bring the whole thing together better.
Lance: I agree with him.
Leon: Understood…!
Lance: Want some too, Leader?
Rui: No thanks.
Koki: …..
Rui: …..
Shizuru: ...Um, can I have a bite too?
Koki: ...Tch, why are you all acting like it's normal to just hang around here?
Shizuru: Oh, come on, it’s fine. You’re here to give some advice, aren't ya? It’s great that you’re taking it seriously and helping out.
It’s kinda touching to see a lone wolf like you develop social skills without anyone noticin’.
Koki: …There’s always a price to pay.
Noah: Since you’re helping out despite being busy, I promised to give you "something" in return.
Shizuru: Something in return?
Leon: It’s this habushu liqueur we have here! [1]
It’s extremely rare and hard to find... I had quite a hard time getting it this time.
Rui: ....Come to think of it, I once got a super rare, region-exclusive snack too.
...But how do you always manage to get your hands on these?
Lance: I’m also interested in the network and distribution routes the butler manages.
Leon: Oh, I use all sorts of methods!
Shizuru: Oh, I'm curious about the ordering process too. Noah-chan, ya got any idea about it?
Noah: No, I don’t know much about it either. But he always manages to get his hands on whatever he wants.
Shizuru: Impressive.
Koki: ….
…If there’s nothing else to taste, then I'm leaving.
Shizuru: Oh, the lounge isn't open yet, right? How about staying here a little longer and relax?
Koki: …I’ve got some troublesome prep work for tomorrow.
Shizuru: I see.
Koki: ….
Shizuru: Oh... Well, see you around.
Koki: …Tch. (leaves the VIP room)
Leon: Oh, I almost forgot to give him the liqueur...!
I’ll head back after sending Koki-sama off, so Noah-sama, please feel free to relax with everyone of Slam Days.
Noah: Got it. Alright, see you later.
Shizuru: He just clicked his tongue at me…
Lance: Don’t worry about it too much.
Noah: Um... could it be that you and Koki-san don’t get along well?
Shizuru: …Seems like it?
Noah: You seemed to be talking normally, but there was this slight awkward vibe. And it felt like Kaiba-san was being extra considerate too.
Shizuru: Hmm, it’s more that he might be uncomfortable around me... or maybe he just doesn’t like me.
Rui: Even if he doesn’t, it’s not like it’s a big deal.
Shizuru: Hm…
Noah: Rui-san, you didn’t talk to Koki-san at all, did you?
Rui: There’s nothing to talk about.
Noah: Is that so….
Lance: Oh, I see. Maybe Noah doesn’t know about it.
Our leader, Shizuru, and Koki. These three were all classmates during their time at the Academy.
Translation Note:
[1] Habushu (ハブ酒) is a liqueur based in Okinawa that uses a venomous snake inside the bottle, and also Koki’s favorite liqueur.
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