It's Always Like This

Come to think of it, we have four days off for the holiday. Do you all have plans yet?

Not really. I'm doing what you're supposed to do on a holiday: Absolutely nothing.

Oh, well, I guess I should've expected that.

What's that supposed to mean?

Nothing, just an observation! Heehee.

Uh, anyway! Wh-What about you, Yoshimi? Do you have plans?

I have to catch up on my missed classes...

I don't really have anything grand planned either. I bet there's lots of holiday events, so I was thinking about finding a dessert tour...

Hey!

...?

I... I-I...!

...?

N-Natsu? What's wrong, Natsu?!

I want to eat sweets.

You scared me! I thought something horrible happened!

N-Natsu, weren't we just eating at Cafe Mille-Feuille together?

NO! That's separate from this. I am at the prime of my growth, and a continuous dosage of sugar is necessary.

Where did she learn to speak like that...?

You're one to talk! You're the weird-talking queen!

...

Anyways. You want to go for round two? If you're up for it, so am I!

Yoshimi, what do you mean, "round two"? You sound like an old man again...

Wh-Who talks like an old man?! Take that back!

Round two, hm...

It's not the worst, but it could be better.

You want something with more flair! More romance!

Romance...? For dessert?

Of course!

Allow me to educate you.

The Adventure to Find the Legendary Dessert!

Now, now, break it up. Let's call it here for today's club activities.

Yoshimi, shall we go for that round two you mentioned earlier?

H-Huh?! Weren't you just telling me how that sounded old and whatnot?!

...

Bummer... It's been a long time since people offered their opinions, but not everyone was cooperative.

You were expecting cooperation?! After saying all of that just now?!

We're already done with the investigation. Hearing them out wasn't a bad idea, right?

Ehh...

There's a cave in the hills a ways from Trinity district!

Here we go...

It has subzero temperatures even during the summer, so they say you can see icicles all year long.

But the truth is...

the icicles are actually frozen sap from the roots of the maple tree growing above the cave!

It's basically thousand-year-old maple syrup! Aren't you super curious?

Where did you hear such nonsense this time?

What do you mean, nonsense? It was properly posted in the mystery section of Monthly Sweet & Gun. Do you want to see?

No! It was posted in the mystery section, Natsu! Think about it!

That's why we should go! It's a thousand-year-old maple ice cream adventure!

Nope, not going! Who would go along with that for their holiday?!

You really, really don't want to go? You're not the least bit curious?

I just told you! I have other events to attend, and Airi said she has to catch up with classes.

Well, the only one left...

Hey, don't include me in this.

I, too, have a busy schedule of doing absolutely nothing.

...She really means it.

See! Nobody can go.

No way... Really? No one is interested at all?

But there's maple syrup icicles? That's amazing! How can you ignore this call to adventure?

Well... If you want maple syrup, there's always the convenience store right over there.

I'm in shock!

Could it be...

Can this really be happening?

It can't be! How can high school girls in their prime be so absorbed in corporate events and...exams?!

Well, they are part of a high school girl's responsibilities, after all.

You know, I used to think Natsu was dramatic, but I'm realizing Yoshimi is just good at pushing her buttons.

I-I see... I see... Nobody cares and I didn't even realize...

*sniffle* *sniffle*

...

W-Well... Natsu, if it's that important to you...

W-Wait! No! Don't fall victim to her trap!

Hold your resolve! You know she does this every time!

Not this time, Natsu! You've miscalculated if you think we'll fall for your same old tricks!

*sniffle* *sniffle*

...

Hm, that's unfortunate. I really thought that would work.

Aha...haha...

See, look! She's always like this!!

Well, since things ended up like this, let's disband for today!!

Okay. I'll see you later, then.

Then, I'm off too. Bye.

...Hmm.

...

Wh-What is this? Why is she calling us in the middle of the night?

I-I don't know either.

I was about to go to sleep, but I got the call from Airi too...

Y-Yoshimi, Kazusa! Natsu... Natsu is...!

Natsu is...!!!

*sniffle* *sob* Help!!

Wh-What's wrong? Why are you crying, Natsu?!

Where are you right now?

That...maple cave...

Since nobody would come with me, I came alone.

I think I may have gotten a little lost, though.

Huh?

...

...

Help me... Help me, please!

Waaah! I don't know where I am!

Surely you wouldn't abandon your friend, would you?

Huh?

*sigh*

...

I guess we don't have much of a choice...

...You're killing me, seriously.