SS ー Baker's Birthday (2024)

[graysheep]

The person who showed up
while I was enjoying a quiet drink at the far end of the bar counter was―
 

"Hi, Baker! Why are you drinking all the way at the back? That's so depressing. And so dim and dark from poor lighting, too."

"Is that you, Egg? I'm fine where I am."

"Okay, okay... So, care to explain what that cocktail is for? Is that your dessert?"

"You tell me."
 

Unable to stand our antics,

Master whispered to Egg its name: One More For The Road.

Egg typed something on his phone, a knowing expression on his face.
 

『Listen up, Tequila, Vanilla: Baker is already eating dessert. Without regard for what's coming!』

 

"Are you talking behind my back in a group I’m in?"

"I'm deliberately saying all that where you can see it!"
 

Soon afterward, Tequila responded.

 

『Are you serious!? I'm about to pick up the cake—』
 

It sounds like four grown men are going to eat cake.

Do I even dare try to eat the cake Tequila ordered?
I somehow recall even eating Russian takoyaki on one of my birthdays.
 

"Don't worry, I can still keep going."

"Wouldn't it be better if you texted Tequila, who's on the other side of the screen, rather than telling me?
Please, Master, give this guy a piece of your mind as well!"
 
'It's your birthday after all', Master giggled.
I've never asked Master his age, but he's probably 10 years older than us.
 

"I'm no longer at the age where I'm into birthday parties, though."

"But we still want to celebrate it!"
 

Tequila must have been spamming stickers in the meantime, given how the notifications kept coming.

Vanilla seems to be around too, as the reads number amounts to 3.
 

『Cake picked! So, where do we meet?? Vanilla's?』

『Hah? Don't even think about it.』
 

And with that, Vanilla finally responded.
 

"Hey, Baker, is my place okay with you? I've already finished putting up the decorations, actually."

"You've got it."
"I got this~"

 

Egg instantly shared the map URL with the others.

 

"Okay, Baker, I'll go first and catch you later. Master, I'll be back when I'm not in a rush."

After he left, the counter was once again filled with silence.

"Sorry for the ruckus."

Master let out his usual laugh.

"I'll drink this and be off for the day."
 

Upon saying that, I was stopped from paying.
Master said it was my birthday present, but I ordered it as a reminder to myself.

 

Don't look back and regret the path you chose.

One More For The Road......
 

Be careful not to get addicted to the overly sweet atmosphere.

I guess I'll get some salted nuts to snack on on my way to Egg's.
 

Happy Birthday, BAKER.