kscans

Chapter 60 -

# Corner of Lament

My ulterior motives had been burning, but by the time the teacher finished her explanation and we moved to the practical part, they had completely disappeared.

"I had this casual impression that chicken rice was something simple," I said.
"Me too," replied Hikaru.
"Right?"

I'd imagined it was just roughly chopping ingredients, tossing them into a frying pan, stir-frying them nicely, adding rice, mixing in ketchup, and voilà! Done! Something like that?

"It's nothing like that at all..."

Currently, I was preparing the base for ketchup rice. Sautéing vegetable oil and garlic over medium heat until they just started to color, then adding onions, celery, and carrots. After cooking them until soft... let's see, next was adding ham, bouillon, and tomato puree...

"Ah, Satou-san, you forgot to turn up the heat."
"Ugh... you're right, you're right."

Was I supposed to cook off the acidity of the tomatoes?
Damn, there's so much to do... Couldn't we just pour regular ketchup over rice? Is that not good enough?

"Well, I suppose all this careful preparation is what makes it delicious," said Hikaru.
"...That's true."

It was tedious, but the effort was worth it for delicious food. I tried to think positively. This was fun in its own way, after all.

"—It's looking good now. Let's add the tomato ketchup and bring it to a boil."
"Ah, Sensei."

The teacher peeked over my shoulder to offer advice. Let's see, ketchup, ketchup... is this enough?

"By the way, this finished sauce can also be used for pasta and other dishes, so it's quite versatile."
"I see."

We were only making enough for chicken rice today, but it would be wise to prepare extra at home. Freezing the surplus would make the next day's meal planning a little easier.

"It would definitely work as a base for Napolitan pasta."
"Napolitan, huh... I liked the super-simple version my mom used to make."

Not this elaborate sauce-making process, but more like carelessly sautéing sliced wieners and onions, tossing in pasta, and generously pouring in ketchup by eye.

"Fufu, the familiar taste of home cooking is something special, isn't it?"
"Yes, indeed."

But still... oh no, my dormant ulterior motives were flaring up again. It's not my fault. It's the teacher's fault for making my heart race with that elegant smile.

"Now let's lower the heat and simmer for about ten minutes, stirring occasionally."
"Got it!" Hikaru and I responded in unison.
"What good responses. Well then, I'll be off. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask."

With that, the teacher went to check on other groups.

"Ahh... this is nice..."
"Satou-san, your face looks embarrassingly slack."

That's because the flames of motivation had been stoked even higher. The tedious work no longer bothered me. I could tackle the cooking with a cheerful mood.

Finally, it was time to eat. Hikaru and I looked at each other, scooped up some of the omurice with our spoons, brought it to our mouths, and both widened our eyes at the same moment.

"Delicious! This is incredibly delicious!!"
"All that hard work was worth it!"
"Yeah! This is what homemade cooking is all about!!"

I've eaten higher quality professional omurice before. It was delicious, of course. The professional version was definitely superior in taste. But this was more satisfying. As Hikaru said, it was because we had worked hard to make it.

"I should make this for my mom and sisters sometime," said Hikaru.
"And I need to make this for the company president to assert my dominance."

After that, both Hikaru and I fell silent. We just kept shoveling food with our spoons.

"Ahh... that was good, really good."

Not just my stomach, but my heart was full too.

"Hmm?"

As I was patting my stomach, I felt something odd. Tilting my head, I reached into my apron pocket and felt paper. I hadn't put anything in there...

"What?!"

It was a memo. It said, "If you're interested, would you like to meet tonight?" along with contact information. I widened my eyes in surprise and looked at the teacher.

"..."

The teacher smiled and nodded. I controlled my inner excitement and nodded back in acknowledgment. Then, acting casual, I took out my smartphone and sent a message to the contact information I had memorized. "How about 8:00 at XXX?" The other party seemed to understand my intention, replying shortly after with "No problem."

(—My time has come, truly come.)

This era could be named after Satou, that's how big this wave is.

"Hikaru, are you free after this?"
"Yes, I am."
"Then let's hang out for a bit."

After leaving the cooking class, I took Hikaru out to town. It was partly to kill time, but more to release my excitement. It might be selfish to drag him along, but it's no fun alone. So I asked Hikaru to keep me company.

"Ah, Satou-san. It can wait until later, but could you help me with my training...?"
"Of course, I don't mind. Actually, training first would be better. Let's train for two or three hours, then play a bit before heading home."
"Thank you very much."
"Don't mention it."

We spent time training and playing until around 6 PM. When invited for dinner, I reluctantly declined, saying I had plans. I returned home briefly, showered, rested a little, then dressed sharply and headed to the meeting place.

(Oh crap, did I keep her waiting?!)

I had arrived early—about 20 minutes ahead—but the teacher was already at the meeting spot. I messed up...! But it's fine. I can recover from here. I quickly composed myself and started walking slowly. The teacher noticed me, brightened up, and walked toward me.

(Hehehe...!!)

My ulterior motives were accelerating uncontrollably. But I made sure to keep them submerged in Tokyo Bay of my heart.

"Good even—"
"I never expected to see you in a place like this."

Huh?

"It's been a while, Satou-kun. I'm glad to see you're doing well."
"...Pardon?"
"Eh?"
"Eh?"

The teacher and I exchanged bewildered looks.

"...Satou-kun?"
"Um, have we met somewhere before?"

When I said that, the teacher made a bitter face and sighed deeply. Then,

"...You didn't realize? It's me—no, it's 'me.' Suzuki. It's Suzuki."

Su-zu-ki...?
After taking a moment to process this information,

"Ah, ah, ah..."

I collapsed to my knees. And then, banging my fist on the ground, I cried out:

"You... you... you're SUZUKIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!!!"

Damn it, getting my hopes up! Getting my hopes up like that!!