Chapter 253: Perhaps This Is What Being OP Feels Like
The next morning, Hachiman and the girls arrived at the restaurant for breakfast, coincidentally meeting the members of the Polar Star Dorm who were also having breakfast. The training camp had successfully concluded, and after breakfast, the students were going to take the bus back to school.
Upon seeing Hachiman, Soma greeted him, "Hey, good morning, Hikigaya."
"Good morning, Yukihira-kun, and everyone from the Polar Star Dorm," Hachiman nodded.
The members of the Polar Star Dorm also nodded in greeting. However, noticing the group of girls around him, the members of the Polar Star Dorm had different expressions on their faces.
Observant girls like Ryoko and the others had already noticed that some of the girls were looking at Hachiman with affectionate eyes, leading to some speculation.
It seems Hikigaya is quite popular.
On the other hand, the male students discreetly revealed envy in their eyes. After all, from an outsider's perspective, Hachiman was now the epitome of success.
After exchanging greetings with the members of the Polar Star Dorm, the group found two larger tables and sat down. Each person ordered several dishes. Looking at the girls, Hachiman spoke, "So, where do you want to go next? We have some time; we can have lunch and then head back."
"Well, um, Onii-chan, how about we prepare to go back after breakfast?" Komachi suggested quietly.
"Why? Don't you want to play a bit more?" Hachiman was puzzled. Usually, this little girl was the most energetic, so why did she lose interest after just one day?
"Hehe, actually, I came here to experience what a hotel that costs 80,000 yen per night is like. Now that I've experienced it, I don't know what else to do," Komachi said somewhat embarrassedly.
"And besides, even though the scenery here is nice, there's a lot lacking in terms of activities. It feels a bit uncomfortable."
Indeed, the entire Totsuki Resort, while occupying a considerable area, was somewhat remote, nestled close to the mountains.
Though it showcased picturesque landscapes not typically seen in the city, even the most beautiful scenery can become monotonous after a while.
For those accustomed to modern urban life, leaving the bustling city could be a bit unsettling.
"Exactly, this place lacks entertainment. It's better to head back to Chiba in the afternoon for some shopping and maybe singing karaoke," Maki voiced her agreement.
Not only her, but other girls nodded in unison.
For girls, topics like shopping, singing, watching movies, and enjoying desserts were always indispensable.
Hearing this, Shizuka's eyes lit up, and she added, "Sure, heading back earlier is good. We have school tomorrow, and there are other things to take care of."
After all, they had already experienced the Totsuki Resort; now, they just wanted to return.
Lately, Shizuka had been on edge, fearing that Hachiman might unexpectedly make some "indecent" moves.
If someone else witnessed it, that would be okay—after all, they wouldn't know her. But this time, all the students were from the same school, aware of her status as a teacher. If Hachiman were to make any "indecent" moves and others saw, she wouldn't live it down.
Seeing this, Hachiman shrugged.
"Alright, since you all want to head back earlier, I don't mind. Let's finish breakfast and get ready to depart."
"Okay!"
Hearing his words, the girls responded, and breakfast was served by the waitstaff. Everyone began enjoying their morning meal.
After breakfast, the girls returned to their rooms to pack, while Hachiman waited for them in the lobby.
Just then, the members of the Polar Star Dorm also came down with their luggage, and not only them, but many graduates were also seen preparing to leave.
As expected, quite a few graduates had already approached the small group from the Polar Star Dorm, attempting to recruit members.
Especially Soma and Megumi, they were surrounded by three or four graduates.
Unfortunately, it didn't seem very effective.
Soma, without much explanation, declined the invitations from the graduates, stating he still had his family's restaurant to run.
The other members of the Polar Star Dorm did not respond immediately; after all, they had received Hachiman's invitation earlier, and they needed to consider.
However, things were different for Megumi. The usually not good at refusing girl became hesitant and stammered when surrounded by the graduates. She even sought help from Soma with her eyes.
Just as Soma was about to speak up, the voice of Dojima echoed.
"Haha, didn't expect you guys have already started."
And accompanying him, the Vice Chef, Hitomi Sena, also persistent, extended another invitation to Soma.
"Yukihira-kun, won't you reconsider? With your skills, you could make a name for yourself even at Totsuki Resort."
Unfortunately, Soma's response remained unchanged.
"I appreciate the invitation, but I want to continue cooking at my family's restaurant. Though it's not a large restaurant, it's something my dad and I have been managing together, and I find it hard to let it go."
"Even though I don't know where my dad is right now, someday I'll earn his approval and become someone capable of supporting the Yukihira restaurant."
Hearing this, Hiromi's face showed a hint of regret, but he didn't insist any further.
"Well, if that's the case, I won't press you. But if you change your mind, Totsuki Resort will always welcome you."
At this moment, Dojima, who was standing nearby, spoke with a smile, "By the way, Soma, if you happen to see Joichiro, that guy, give him my regards."
"I will, Dojima-senpai." Soma also nodded with a smile.
This puzzled the members of the Polar Star Dorm a bit. Did Dojima and Soma's father know each other from before?
As for the identity of Soma's father, besides a few who attended the private Shokugeki, no one else knew for the time being.
Though curious, they refrained from asking directly, planning to inquire privately later.
After giving instructions to Soma, Dojima noticed Hachiman nearby.
"Hikigaya-kun, are you also getting ready to go back?" he asked.
"Yeah, Dojima-senpai. This stay and training session has concluded, and I've completed the task entrusted to me by Chief Nakiri. So, I'm planning to head back today," Hachiman nodded.
"After all, I'm still a student, and I have classes tomorrow."
Upon hearing this, Dojima burst into laughter.
"Haha, looking at Hikigaya-kun's culinary skills, it's hard to imagine you're still a student."
"I feel the same way. Being a student is such a hassle, especially with all the studying," Hachiman shrugged, looking innocent.
Seeing him like this, the surrounding graduates were somewhat speechless.
He knows he's a student, and yet, his culinary skills surpass theirs. It makes them feel like they've wasted their years.
Thinking about Dojima's mention of Hachiman's achievements in other fields, the graduates sighed inwardly.
Perhaps this Is what being OP feels like.