It was a shame.

For the past few days, Nagumo had been in a state of pure frustration. What kind of bad luck was he carrying? No matter where he went, every store was mysteriously out of Pocky—even Sakamoto’s Store! Just who was devious enough to commit such an unforgivable crime?

“It’s not fair! Why does all the Pocky disappear exactly when it’s my turn?” he pouted, flopping dramatically onto the couch. “I just want a stick of chocolate. Is that too much to ask?”

Sulking like a child, he buried himself deeper into his misery while you—his unfortunate lover, roped into being his personal rant listener—tried your best to coax him with sweet words. But it seemed Nagumo had no intention of letting this go anytime soon. His big bug eyes were squinted in suspicion, his cheeks puffed up in a full-blown sulk. He even refused to look at you, arms crossed like a stubborn kid who just got told no. Ugh. Too cute. But also a hassle if he stayed like this.

What to do? You sighed, watching him sulk as if the world had personally wronged him. Maybe you could take him to a dessert shop, but knowing him, he’d turn his nose up at everything that wasn’t Pocky. His sweet tooth was loyal—annoyingly loyal—to one thing and one thing only.

You tapped your chin, thinking. If the universe wasn’t going to give him his precious Pocky, then you’d just have to take matters into your own hands. Maybe there was still a way to get some…

Just as you started plotting, Nagumo let out another whiny sigh, dramatically rolling onto his side.

“My Pocky…” he mumbled pitifully, as if mourning a great loss.