Ponytail and Protein Bars 10
“Um, are these long cookies?”
Chika peers into the Tupperware and says exactly what she sees.
“Close, but not quite. They might not look great, but these are protein bars.”
The ones sold in stores are neatly shaped like bricks or blocks, but Sōma’s are bent and squishy without a single straight line.
This 𝓬ontent is taken from freeweɓnovel.cѳm.
“I mixed together things like oatmeal and protein powder and baked them solid. They’re high in protein, with less fat and carbs.”
“Ohh…”
Chika curiously pokes at the protein bars while listening to the explanation.
“I’ve never made these before, so I had no idea about the taste or anything. I didn’t have the luxury to worry about their shape. I hope they turned out well.”
The critical difference between protein bars and the sweets he had made before was that this had to be made with ‘nutritional considerations’ in mind.
Protein bars are meant to be a low-calorie, convenient way to consume protein. No matter how delicious they are, they fail as protein bars if they are high in fats or carbohydrates and thus high in calories. You can’t just add sugar to make up for a lack of sweetness.
As a result, he faced challenges he had never encountered before.
“I’ve hardly ever eaten protein bars before, and though I’ve tried tasting them myself, I seriously couldn’t tell if they were a success or not.”
He admitted, clearly unsure of it himself.
“I’ve never had them either. Dad has never made protein bars for me.”
“That seems normal.”
Protein bars are a type of confectionery that falls outside the realm of patissiers and patissières.
“Just give me your honest opinion this time. No need for detailed analysis. Just tell me if it’s tasty or not, that’s enough.”
As he picked up a protein bar and brought it to his mouth, Chika nodded and took a bite.
“It’s a bit dry and crumbly. The texture isn’t bad, though. The crushed nuts add a nice crunch and should make it quite filling. Plus, there’s a gentle, natural sweetness. It’s not sugar. This is…”
Chika closed her eyes as if focusing her nerves on her sense of taste.
“Is this pumpkin?”
“Correct. That’s amazing.”
The scent should have mostly dissipated after thorough baking, yet she still pinpointed it correctly.
“It felt like it needed more sweetness when I first tasted it, but I couldn’t just add more sugar. So, I thought, why not add the sweetness of pumpkin instead? I’ve hardly ever used vegetables in confections, so honestly, I was pretty nervous.”
Pumpkin contains carbohydrates, so while it’s not as calorie-dense as sugar, it does add calories. However, it’s also rich in dietary fiber and vitamins. It seemed like the better option, considering the health benefits.
“Is this an original idea from Ichinose Sōma?”
“I did some research afterward and found tons of recipes for protein bars with pumpkin, though.”
The idea of using pumpkins came to him since it was October and Halloween was approaching.
“I realized I’m not cut out for making variations. Sticking to the basics is easier for me.”
Sōma said with a wry smile while reaching for a protein bar himself.
The subtle sweetness was nice. It lacked as a confectionery, but it had a healthy taste.
“It would have been perfect for a picnic.”
Chika said as she munched on a second protein bar and looked around the park.
“This is my first time in this park, but it’s quite beautiful. I realize there are still so many places I haven’t been to even though I’ve lived in the city since I was little.”
“Then how about we go on a park tour next time?”
“That sounds nice. How about we see how many parks we can visit in one day? There used to be a TV show like that.”
“If we’re running through them, sure.”
“Sōma-san, that’s mean!”
“Then let’s go by bike.”
“If it’s by bicycle, well, okay.”
“Let’s aim for a hundred kilometers.”
“My thigh muscles will go crazy! Or does Sōma-san prefer thighs that are pumped full of muscles?”
“Enough about thighs.”
He said with a look of exasperation while Chika giggled cheerfuly.
“Well, it’s about time to head back.”
After drinking tea, eating protein bars, and taking a good rest, Sōma slowly stood up from the bench.
However, Chika remained seated as if glued to the bench, showing no sign of wanting to move.
“I don’t want to run anymore.”
“You managed to run non-stop all the way here, so you’ll be fine.”
“I really don’t want to go through that pain again.”
“Then, how about walking?”
Chika whined, and a compromise was offered, but she still refused to stand up.
“Even just walking is tough when it’s five kilometers.”
“We have to get back, so it’s either running or walking.”
“There’s also the option to raise your right hand and hail a taxi!”
“Your mother would be appalled if we went running and then took a taxi back.”
When he commanded her to stand up with resignation, Chika began to rise reluctantly and then—froze like a statue.
“Chika?”
He called her name, puzzled by her strange half-risen halt, but there was no response.
Instead, she plopped back down on the bench.
“Piggyback ride.”
“What?”
“When I tried to stand, I realized I had still not recovered at all. I don’t think I can walk even a step. So please, give me a piggyback ride.”
She spread her arms wide like a child begging to be carried.
“What’s gotten into you all of a sudden?”
She was trying to walk just now, but then she suddenly became a stubborn child.
“Please, just give me a piggyback ride. I won’t move from here if you don’t.”
“A piggyback ride at our age is embarrassing for both of us. We’ll definitely get stared at.”
“I’m not embarrassed. So please, give me a piggyback ride.”
He thought it was a joke, but she kept insisting on a piggyback ride and wouldn’t stand up.
…Something was off.
Chika often whimsically makes demands from Sōma, who is the perfect target for her teasing.
However, it was unusual for her to ignore what others say and make such one-sided, selfish requests.
He observed her carefully.
Then, he noticed that her right heel wasn’t touching the ground.