As Chiaki rises to the fore in this volume, the story becomes more meta. How could it not for a character who spends his life in books?

Chikai likes Ten, but he’s been digging his own grave by telling her about the girl he likes (TEN!), while she thinks he’s talking about someone else. She is so affected and impressed by his passion and dedication to another girl that it drives her farther away. (;_;)

He quotes Romeo and Juliet to her, but Ten, not being literary inclined, doesn’t understand that he’s telling her he’s suffering from unrequited love for her.

But when Chiaki puts down his books, we discover he has a natural aptitude for wooing.

Shortcake Cake, Vol. 4 is out now! Here’s a free preview!