Chapter 161
At this moment, it wasn't just Minami Kotori; even Honoka and Umi had been completely conquered by the sheer deliciousness radiating from the dish before them.
The essence of that flavor flowed through their taste buds and into their bloodstream, slowly circulating to every single corner of their bodies. It was as if the very cells in their forms were instinctively screaming with joy. This was the pinnacle of culinary bliss—the kind of extreme pleasure that could only be crafted by truly exquisite cooking, felt deeply by both the soul and the body of the diner.
Compared to Minami Kotori, whose movements were elegant and sweet as she ate, Honoka's manner of eating beside her couldn't exactly be called polite. She held the bread firmly, taking bite after energetic bite. Her eyes had already narrowed into thin slits from the overwhelming sense of happiness.
"Uuuu... it's so good!"
"This is honestly the most delicious toast I've ever had in my entire life."
"Mineo-oniichan, your cooking skills are seriously incredible."
"If I could eat your food every day, I'd be so happy that I'd never be able to leave..."
"Heehee, just thinking about a life like that makes me look forward to it so much."
Umi also turned her gaze toward Mineo at that moment.
"Is this... is this really the level of Mineo-kun's cooking ability?"
"Are you... perhaps actually a professional chef? The stuff they sell in pastry shops can't compare to your skill at all..."
Honoka glanced at Umi and spoke up with a delighted grin:
"The sweets you usually eat are made by my mom. My mom's skills are good, sure, but if you eat them too often, you get a bit bored of them. But the food Mineo-oniichan makes has such a much richer texture. This is stuffed toast with seven different types of flavors—the taste is just phenomenal!"
Seeing Honoka's blissful expression, Mineo shifted his attention back to Minami Kotori. Meanwhile, Kotori, who had been secretly watching Mineo out of the corner of her eye, quickly looked away in a startle when she realized he was looking back at her.
Observing this, Mineo smiled and asked:
"Am I really that scary?"
Hearing Mineo's words, Minami Kotori panicked and immediately tried to explain herself.
"No... no... Mineo-oniichan gives off a very gentle impression.... you're very easy to talk to...."
"Then why did Kotori look away the moment you saw me? I thought I'd frightened you."
"No, no, I... I just...."
Minami Kotori wanted to explain, but after stammering for a long while, she couldn't manage to voice a clear reason.
A faint pink blush decorated her porcelain-white face, and in the end, she could only lower her head. She muttered something unintelligible while giving a series of slow, shy nods.
Right then, however, Honoka's phone rang. She picked up the call and spoke a few words to the person on the other end. Ten or so seconds later, Honoka stood up with a slightly regretful expression.
"Mineo-oniichan, my mom has to go out to handle some business, so she asked me to come home early to watch the shop. I actually wanted to stay with you longer today, but now I'm forced to..."
"Since it's urgent, you should head back quickly. I'll walk you guys part of the way."
Because they had to leave soon, Honoka and the others finished off Mineo's handmade dish with record speed.
After that, they all left the restaurant and boarded the electric train to head home. A few dozen minutes later, Mineo accompanied Honoka and the others until they arrived in front of Honoka's house.
Honoka looked at Mineo and offered an invitation:
"How about Mineo-oniichan comes inside as a guest! My family will definitely give you a warm welcome. Oh, by the way, my dad is a chef too! Maybe he could even ask you for some cooking tips."
Checking the time, Mineo replied:
"I won't visit today. I'll come for a formal visit in a few days. Kotori, Umi, are you two heading straight home? Or..."
Hearing Mineo's question, Umi spoke up:
"I plan to rest for a bit at Honoka's place and help her watch the shop. Kotori, what about you?"
"Me?"
Kotori glanced at Umi, then at Mineo. She gently bit her thin lip before speaking:
"I won't go up. I'm going to walk with Mineo-oniichan for a little while; there are actually a few things I wanted to consult with Mineo-oniichan about."
At Kotori's words, Honoka instantly shot her a teasing look, which made Kotori's face turn bright red. Mineo, seeing that everyone had made their decision, said with a smile:
"Well then, since Kotori has something to ask me, I'll walk with her for a bit. It just so happens there's something I need to take care of with Kotori later anyway. Honoka, Umi, I'll be at your school tomorrow on time to cheer you on. You two have to give it your all tomorrow."
"Yes! Thank you, Mineo-oniichan!"
"Oh, wait, Mineo-oniichan! Wait a second, there's something I want to give you!"
As if suddenly remembering something, Honoka hurriedly ran inside the house. Not long after, she came running back out carrying a lunch box. Even though it was a short distance, because she had run so fast, she looked a little out of breath.
"Mineo-oniichan, this is for you!"
Bending over to catch her breath, Honoka handed the lunch box to Mineo.
"These are some sweets I took from the shop! Even though they're definitely not as delicious as Mineo-oniichan's, they still taste pretty good! So I wanted Mineo-oniichan to try them."
"Are these sweets specially for me? Thank you, Honoka. In that case, I'll accept them without hesitation."
Mineo took the sweets, then smiled and said:
"Go on inside and mind the shop; don't keep your mother waiting too long. Honoka, Umi, see you tomorrow!"
"Yes, Mineo-oniichan, see you tomorrow!"
Honoka waved her small hand adorably at Mineo, and then Umi also straightened her skirt and gave Mineo a polite bow.
"Mineo-kun, see you tomorrow...."
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