[The enormous portions this cake is being served out in does not escape the notice of the cafe staff or its patrons, who are now hate-watching this happy birthday bash and whispering amongst themselves. Imagine the diabetes.]

Oh? I see, so it is a warm coastal town... [Matoba's eye flutters shut for a moment as he nods, a peaceful expression crossing his face.] My hometown is quite warm most of the year, as well. We still experience snows in the wintertime, but it is pretty humid even then.

Ice cream is one of the few respites from those humid summers. Haha, when I was your age I would have practically an ice pop a day, even on school days.

[He happily scoops a big piece of cake into his mouth, listening to Chongyun talk about his affliction. All this trouble, to ward off ayakashi... If Matoba was honest, even if it was its own sort of prison, it was still a step up from his own. Guaranteed safety, in exchange for Chongyun's freedom. But at least he had that much.]

[With a small sigh, Matoba represses away the jealous thoughts. It was no good... The grass was always greener, he supposes.]

Perhaps you should try living in the mountains. [He grins.] --Joking... Well, it would be easier to manage, but I suppose relocating an entire clan is nearly impossible.

...May I ask, Chongyun-kun? It is your aura which repels ayakashi, isn't it? Perhaps it is selfish of me to say so, but I suppose I don't see what's so bad about letting it run free.

[If it could repel even that monster...]