"Are you indecisive on your beverage, dear?" I ask. Kumiho Cookie's been on the same area on the menu for quite some time now, and I'm only assuming she is staring at the drinks.

"Yes, quite so," she responds. "I'll be honest, I typically order the juice, but I wouldn't want to get drunk when I'm with you. I think I'll play safe and get water..."

"I appreciate you considering that! I'm also planning on getting the water, none of the over drinks sound like something I'd like."

"Well, I guess I'll get water too, then...!"

The waitress arrives soon after. We take our orders for our drinks (and entrées, since we both had them decided), and hand back the menus. 

 "I do hope this meal is to your satisfaction," she says.

"I'm sure it will be...!" Kumiho Cookie says to her, before letting out a playful giggle. She then turns her head to me and says, "Anyway, allow me to continue what I was saying earlier."

"Of course, dear!" I reply.

"Thank you. I just wanted to say that we've been talking about me a lot. I want to focus on you today~"

"R-really? Are you sure?"

"Of course~"

"...That's so kind of you!" I feel my cheeks begin to get red. Nobody ever really wants to talk about me, and I wasn't expecting Kumiho Cookie to be much different! ...Admittedly, I'd be embarrassed if she knew that made me feel so warm, but I'm not gonna be forced to tell her, right?

"Is there anything specific you'd wish to learn?" I ask.

"Well, yes, but... I wish to save that request for later. But I will ask now, why did that question make you blush so?"

...Well shit, I guess I have to tell her now! There goes that!

"Well, none of my other friends ask much about me, so it caught me off guard when you did," I explain. "It just made me very happy and... warm." 

Kumiho Cookie's eyes widen after hearing that. "That's nice to hear~" she says. 

"I suppose I'd better speak now!"

I continue to speak about myself for the duration of the dinner. Kumiho Cookie doesn't interrupt me one time. I already rarely ever don't feel happy, but this was the most I've felt in years! It's interesting because even when I mention talking about "Practically anything," I never even lumped myself into that. I didn't know that I'd be so happy talking more about myself, but... her just letting me speak about myself for a near hour felt so... wonderful!

But now, I remember she did mention something... We've ordered our desserts by now, so I fear I won't have another chance to remind her, so I'd better mention it now.

"Now," I start, "I remember you did say there was something you wanted to ask of me! What was that?"

"Oh, right," she exclaims in response. "I was simply wondering about something. I've only ever seen you happy... What, if anything, upsets you?"

"...Oh! That's a simple question! If a monster interrupts something I'm doing or poses a threat or my equipment, that'll get my gears grinding quite a bit!"

"What if someone attacks a friend of yours?"

...What? I... That... was sudden. I've never been in a situation where I'd have to deal with that... How would I react? I'd likely lose my shit and try to fight them, and the angrier I am, the better I fight, so... But still... I don't want to think about what the situation could be where they'd get attacked... I never even considered it a possibility until now... Is this foreshadowing?

What if this happens to Kumiho Cookie? What the hell would I do then?! Why am I thinking about this?! I do genuinely care about her, but... No, no... Calm down, Cherry Blossom Cookie. This doesn't mean anything for the future...

"Do you mind if I... don't answer that question?" is the only response I could conjure up.

"Oh... Not at all," she says. "If you don't wish to answer, I'd never make you."

"Thank you... Now, let's end this on the high note we've been on!" 

"Indeed, let's~"

And so we did. As dessert arrived and left, and as we paid the bill, we continued to talk positively. However, I could not quite get my mind off of the question... 

As we're leaving the establishment, Kumiho Cookie asks me, "Cherry Blossom Cookie, may I... I'm unsure how to phrase this, but... may I have tomorrow to myself?"

"Of course, dear!" I reply. "Just because we're friends doesn't mean we have to do something together at every possible moment!" 

"Oh, okay, thank you...! Also, thanks for not asking why!"

"No problem! Do you want me to drive you home?" 

"I can make my way home myself, thanks!" She transforms into her marshmallow form. "I don't get tired while running like this."

"Ah, right! Well, goodbye then!" 

Kumiho Cookie nods and runs off. ...Sigh. I can't help but still consider what could happen... What if it happens tomorrow, and I'm not there to help?

...I'll plan something. I hope I won't embarrass myself...