Chapter 236: The Dexterous "God Tongue"
Even though she was being led away by Hachiman, the girl was still a bit dazed. What she witnessed just now was the renowned Chef Shinomiya, who had battled a student to a draw in a Shokugeki, and the student was someone she hadn't even heard of before.
Although there were various reasons for the match result, the fact remained that it was a draw. What surprised her even more was Hachiman's cooking ability, the skill to erase the judges' taste memory of the opponent's dish.
What level of culinary skill is this? So, this guy deliberately held back when competing against me.
Thinking about this, Erina's gaze toward Hachiman became somewhat complicated.
Indeed, during their previous match, Hachiman had intentionally held back a bit. Given the vast difference between them, unleashing his full strength might have dampened Erina's enthusiasm for cooking.
Hachiman noticed Erina's peculiar expression and turned to look at her.
"Erina, what's wrong?"
Hearing his words, Erina snorted, turned her head away with a hint of anger.
"Hmph, you actually held back during the match. Do you really think so little of me?"
Seeing Erina displaying a bit of a temper, Hachiman felt somewhat helpless.
Sometimes, girls were truly unpredictable. If you don't hold back, they think you're too serious, but if you do, they feel underestimated.
However, for Hachiman at this moment, the girl's little temper tantrum wasn't much of a concern.
A faint smile played on the corners of his mouth as he slowly approached, cornering the girl against the wall.
"What are you doing..."
Watching Hachiman getting closer, Erina felt a bit flustered, but she maintained a stern tone.
Hachiman was used to Erina's reactions. He continued to approach slowly, and in the girl's incredulous gaze, he kissed her on the lips.
"Mmm..."
Erina managed to let out a muffled sound before the rest of her words were silenced by Hachiman.
Initially, the girl resisted a bit, but soon succumbed to the skilled kiss.
After what felt like an eternity, the sound of their lips parting, like the opening of a wine bottle, echoed as they separated.
"Huff... huff... you jerk, what was that all of a sudden?"
Erina gasped for breath, her face adorned with a charming blush, and she glared angrily at Hachiman.
However, her tone sounded more like she was throwing a tantrum.
"Because I like Erina, that's why I couldn't resist." Hachiman smiled casually.
In his own surprise, even though he didn't have much experience in kissing, being the "God Tongue" really made a difference. The feeling was, well...
There should be a chance to try this in a different place later.
Hearing Hachiman's almost confessional words, the girl was stunned. Somehow, in the depths of her heart, there was a hint of joy.
Humph, I won after all. Now, let's see how Alice dares to compete with me.
Although she thought so in her heart, being the proud person she was, Erina wouldn't admit it. She turned her head away, giving a light snort.
"Humph, I don't want you to like me. You can go like Alice."
Hearing Erina's words, Hachiman knew that the girl was being tsundere again. Even if he had thoughts about Alice in his heart, he wouldn't be foolish enough to admit it outright.
"Compared to Alice, I still prefer you, Erina," he said, approaching again with a look like he was about to kiss her once more.
Seeing this, Erina was taken aback and quickly pushed him away.
It was fortunate that no one saw them earlier, but if they were caught this time, she would be utterly embarrassed.
If they were to kiss, it should be done in a more private setting...
With these thoughts in mind, Erina shook her head vigorously, shocked at herself.
No, no, what am I thinking? How could I have such shameless thoughts?
Seeing her reaction, Hachiman was a bit puzzled.
"Erina, are you okay?"
"I'm... I'm fine. I need to go back. We have an assessment tomorrow." Saying this, Erina quickly left as if escaping from the situation.
Watching Erina's retreating figure, Hachiman smile.
It seems like the "training" still needs to continue gradually.
With these thoughts, he also left the scene.
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The next few days went smoothly. During the day, Hachiman acted as a guest lecturer, presenting several topics, eliminating some students, and also observing if there were any talents he could recruit.
In the evening, Hachiman joined Erina and others for dinner, occasionally engaging in playful banter with Erina and Alice.
Soon, Friday arrived, and Hachiman's lecture topics were completed in the morning. However, he didn't wander around aimlessly in the afternoon; instead, he arrived at the entrance of the Totsuki Resort.
Today was the day when the girls were coming to Totsuki Resort. Hachiman had already informed Shizuka earlier, and she agreed to bring the girls here after school on Friday.
Before long, a black sedan appeared in Hachiman's sight.
The car slowly stopped in front of him, and the door opened. A group of lively girls stepped out.
"Yahallo, Hikki, we're here!"
A familiar greeting sounded, and a pink-haired figure approached Hachiman.
"Hello, Yui." Hachiman greeted her with a smile.
"Umm... why does Onii-chan only talk to Yui-neechan? What about me?" Komachi's voice chimed in.
Hachiman chuckled and walked over to the little devil, ruffling her hair.
"How could I forget my cutest little sister?"
Feeling the warmth of Hachiman's hand, Komachi closed her eyes in contentment.
Watching this heartwarming scene, Yukino felt a bit envious, recalling her relationship with her own sister, her expression somewhat dimming.
Kotonoha showed a similarly envious expression, but her envy was directed at Komachi. She also wished to have Hachiman touch her head with such affection.
As for Utaha, she noticed Hachiman's favoritism towards Komachi, her gaze flickering with complex emotions.
Maki just glanced at Hachiman and Komachi while reading a light novel.
Saeko, on the other hand, remained indifferent, showing no interest in competing for attention.
The other girls had various expressions – Gabriel and Raphiel were exchanging glances, while Vignette and Satania were marveling at the grandeur of Totsuki Resort.
Just then, Shizuka parked the car and walked over.
"Kid, I've brought the girls to you. If there's nothing else, I'm leaving."
She didn't want to stay here. Ever since Hachiman kissed her, Shizuka felt a bit uneasy around him.
She knew she couldn't overpower him now. In case this guy went wild and tried to do something to her, she wouldn't even be able to resist.
So, to protect her long-preserved innocence, Shizuka decided to make a quick escape.