Chapter 241: Adding More Nutrition (1)
Seeing Hachiman approaching, Erina gave a slight snort. "Hmph, you, how come you're just getting here."
Although it may sound like complaining, the tone strangely resembles the playful banter between couples.
"Haha, sorry, sorry. Just wandered around, took some time," Hachiman apologized with a smile.
"Hmph, I'll forgive you this time. Come on, taste the dish I made." The girl pushed over a plate of Eggs Benedict she had just finished.
While to onlookers Erina maintained her usual air of arrogance, a faint sense of anticipation welled up in her heart.
Finally succumbing to the girl's hopeful gaze, Hachiman cut a piece of Eggs Benedict and put it in his mouth.
As the dish entered his palate, the rich layers unfolded. The gooey yolk, the tang of Hollandaise sauce, the crispiness of bacon, the sweetness of the pancake, and the subtle saltiness from the caviar powder – though the flavors were intricate, they didn't haphazardly blend; instead, they were distinct, showcasing the girl's impressive culinary skills.
Swallowing the bite, Hachiman smiled faintly. "Very good, Erina. The layers in the dish are distinct, and it looks beautifully done."
"Hmph, of course. Because I made it," Erina responded with a snort, wearing a proud expression.
Hearing his praise, Erina snorted softly, her expression turning into one of pride.
Observing the peacock-like girl, Hachiman shook his head, continued speaking.
"But there are a few points that could be improved."
He then proceeded to point out a few areas that needed refinement. Erina, devoid of her previous arrogance, listened attentively, resembling a diligent student in class.
While Hachiman may not possess the "God Tongue," his culinary skills are indeed commendable. Coupled with his discerning palate, pointing out a few minor flaws poses no challenge.
"All right, that's about it. Once you address these points, your dish will become even more perfect," he said, waving towards the girl.
"I'll be going now. Keep up the good work, Erina."
After observing Soma accumulating dozens of servings in a very short time, Hachiman chose not to disturb and silently left the scene.
As he walked away, Erina's gaze flickered, emotions stirring within her. However, she quickly suppressed the ripples in her heart and refocused on her cooking.
Although she had already surpassed the 200-serving requirement, it wasn't enough for her. Her goal was to have the highest overall servings.
Leaving Erina's stall, Hachiman resumed his aimless stroll.
Along the way, he spotted a familiar figure.
With black hair, an angelic face, and a devilish figure, it could only be Kotonoha.
Kotonoha was currently standing in front of a stall, her face displaying a conflicted expression.
Scanning the surroundings and not finding the presence of other girls, a mischievous smile appeared on Hachiman's lips. Silently, he approached Kotonoha from behind, wrapping his arms around her slender waist.
"Yah..."
Feeling someone embrace her, Kotonoha let out a surprised yelp. Before she could resist, she heard a familiar voice.
"Don't worry, it's me."
"Eh... Hachiman-kun."
Turning around, Kotonoha indeed saw the familiar face of Hachiman.
"Seriously, Hachiman-kun, don't scare me like that," the girl, with a gentle and pleasant personality, complained in a hushed voice after being startled.
"Haha, my apologies," Hachiman chuckled and then leaned down to lightly kiss her lips.
With this unexpected kiss, the girl's initial complaints vanished, and she even became a bit shy.
Witnessing this scene, the students at the stall and the customers waiting for their dishes around them felt somewhat uneasy, as if they had unexpectedly taken a bite of dog food.
"Why do I have to experience this just because I'm eating (making) a meal? What did I do to deserve this?" Especially for one student who had previously experienced Hachiman's unconventional methods.
In his view, Hachiman, who was roughly the same age as him, was already a chef comparable to graduates from Totsuki Culinary Academy. Adding to that, he had a beautiful girlfriend like Kotonoha. It seemed like Hachiman was winning at life.
Bitter lemons, oh, bitter lemons.
However, Hachiman paid no attention to their sentiments, keeping his head lowered as he looked at the girl in his arms.
"Is it just you, or where is Kokoro?"
"Kokoro and Komachi went to have breakfast together," Kotonoha spoke.
"I see." Hachiman nodded in understanding.
Ever since that beach trip, Komachi and Kokoro had become good friends. The two young girls exchanged contact information and often chatted, growing closer over time.
In Hachiman's eyes, it was likely because Komachi was initially the youngest among their group. Finally having someone younger around, she eagerly embraced the role of an older sister.
On the other hand, both of them being excellent younger sisters naturally provided many topics for them to chat about.
"By the way, what were you thinking just now?" Thinking about the conflicted expression on the girl's face a moment ago, Hachiman asked with curiosity.
Hearing this question, Kotonoha suddenly became a bit awkward.
"Uh, well... I was thinking about whether or not to eat this dish."
"I've just had some other dishes, and if I eat more, I might gain weight."
Hearing her words, Hachiman laughed.
"Haha, don't worry, Kotonoha. You won't gain weight because all your nutrients are going to the right places." He even shifted his gaze to the girl's prominent chest.
"Supplementing a bit of nutrition is also fine."
"Oh my... Hachiman-kun, you're something else."
Noticing Hachiman's gaze, Kotonoha understood the implication in his words, and a blush appeared on her face.
"I'm just stating facts, so Kotonoha, feel free to indulge in eating," Hachiman shrugged.
"Well... okay."
Hearing his words, the girl ultimately couldn't resist the temptation of the delicious food and took a serving from the stall.
This particular stall offered a dish similar to a silver codfish omelet roll. They lightly pan-fried the silver codfish, rolled it into an omelet skin made from eggs, pan-fried it again, and then cut it into small pieces, drizzling it with a special sauce.
As Kotonoha forked a small piece of the omelet and put it in her mouth, she squinted her eyes; the taste seemed quite good.
Looking at Hachiman beside her, the girl thought for a moment and then forked another piece, offering it to Hachiman's mouth.
"Hachiman-kun, ah..."
Seeing the omelet offered by the girl, Hachiman smiled slightly, opened his mouth, and took a bite.
Hmm, the taste is indeed quite good. The student who prepared this dish could be considered at a Level 3 culinary skill, standing above the average among all the students.
Just as the two were feeding each other, a dignified yet surprised female voice rang in their ears.
"Kotonoha?!"