Chereads / Aeon Enigma / Chapter 61 - CHAPTER 60: Culinary Revelations

Chapter 61 - CHAPTER 60: Culinary Revelations

In the vibrant district of Shibuya, Tokyo, Enishi and Haruka strolled through the bustling streets, their conversation laced with an air of intrigue. Enishi, always composed, queried Haruka about their intentions. "Will you set it up here?" he inquired. Haruka, with a mysterious agenda in mind, responded affirmatively, albeit with a caveat. "Yes, but not yet. I still got a few more things I want to do before this," Haruka revealed, leaving the specifics veiled in uncertainty. Enishi, seemingly unfazed, acknowledged his partner's decision with a simple "Okay."

Meanwhile, back in Yokohama, the group comprising Kaito, Aria, Ryouichi, Yuki, Sakura, and Hikari found refuge in a welcoming restaurant. Seated around a table, Hikari took charge, distributing menus to each member. Her brisk directive, "You better be quick when ordering. The faster you order, the faster the food will arrive," set the tone for a lively dining experience.

As the group perused the menus, their preferences varying from savory steaks to Japanese delicacies, the waiter arrived promptly. Ryouichi and Yuki, aficionados of hearty meals, opted for steaks, while Hikari chose the intriguing ランプとトモサンカク. Kaito, Aria, and Sakura, in a harmonious culinary choice, ordered カマンベールとマッシュルームのアヒージョ alongside steaks. Ryouichi, with a penchant for freshness, added a twist by ordering 5 グリーンサラダ.

Upon confirming their selections, the waiter sought finality with a poised "Is that all?" Ryouichi, demonstrating both precision and camaraderie, responded with an additional request. "We want 4 Coca Colas and 2 lemonades," he declared. The waiter, adept at multitasking, diligently noted down the order, nodding in acknowledgment before gracefully departing.

With the anticipation of a delectable meal ahead, the group settled into the restaurant's welcoming ambiance. Laughter and conversation flowed freely, weaving a tapestry of camaraderie that transcended the recent trials of battle. As they awaited the arrival of their chosen dishes, the atmosphere buzzed with the promise of not only culinary delights but also the shared moments that would etch this night into the annals of their collective memory.

Amidst the welcoming ambiance of the restaurant, Ryouichi, the congenial spirit of the group, couldn't resist teasing Hikari about her dining habits. With a playful glint in his eyes, he remarked, "I thought you would order half the menu, haha." Hikari, quick-witted and equally playful, responded with a mischievous grin, "I thought of doing it." Ryouichi, momentarily taken aback, sought clarification, asking, "Seriously?" Hikari, ever the joker, promptly quipped, "No, I'm just kidding," leaving an air of amusement hanging between them.

Sakura, however, appeared lost in her thoughts, a pensive expression adorning her face. The recent encounters with formidable adversaries, Haruka and Enishi, lingered in her mind, adding an introspective note to the otherwise lively atmosphere. Her silence spoke volumes, a testament to the depth of her contemplation.

Kaito, in contrast, expressed unbridled excitement for the forthcoming culinary experience. His enthusiasm bubbled to the surface as he declared, "I'm quite excited, I want to eat the food and enjoy it as much as possible." Aria, ever supportive, offered a reassuring affirmation, stating, "I'm sure of it."

However, a moment of confusion unfolded between Kaito and Yuki, leading to an amusing exchange. Kaito, sporting a blank expression, directed his inquiry to Yuki with a simple, "Eh?" Aria, catching the drift of the situation, intervened with a lighthearted dismissal, saying, "Never mind."

As silence settled upon the group, a palpable anticipation hung in the air. The restaurant, a backdrop to their camaraderie, echoed with the quiet hum of conversation and the distant clinks of cutlery. Each member of the group, in their unique way, seemed to be immersed in the collective expectation of the imminent feast. Seconds turned into moments, yet nobody broke the quietude, their shared anticipation manifesting in the unspoken agreement to savor every morsel of the forthcoming meal.

The group's animated chatter found a new focal point as Kaito, eager to dispel the lingering quietude, marveled at their surroundings. "This place is actually really beautiful," he remarked, his eyes wandering appreciatively over the restaurant's decor. Ryouichi, taking the opportunity to share a bit of his culinary wisdom, responded with a confident, "I told you, the restaurants I pick aren't just aesthetically pleasing, but their menus are also excellent. Once you taste what you've ordered, you'll be amazed."

Aria, sharing in Kaito's anticipation, cast a conspiratorial glance in his direction and whispered, "I think we'll actually love the food." Kaito, echoing her sentiment, replied, "Absolutely. If Ryouichi says it, then it must be true." Ryouichi, the culinary connoisseur, affirmed, "It is true. Just be patient; they don't take too long."

Sakura, who had been quietly contemplating, finally joined the conversation. "You've piqued my interest now," she declared, a spark of curiosity in her eyes. "I'll wait patiently for the orders to arrive." Her measured words conveyed a sense of readiness to savor not just the food but the experience that awaited them.

The atmosphere in the restaurant, now filled with lively exchanges and shared anticipation, took on a warm and convivial tone. The muted sounds of conversations from neighboring tables, coupled with the gentle clinking of cutlery, created a pleasant backdrop to their camaraderie. Each member of the group, in their unique way, added to the collective energy, contributing to the building excitement that lingered in the air.

As the group continued to share anecdotes and exchange banter, the prospect of the impending meal became more than just a culinary adventure. It transformed into a shared moment, a respite from the challenges they faced outside the haven of the restaurant walls. And so, with the promise of delectable dishes on the horizon, they settled into the comforting embrace of companionship and the anticipation of culinary delights yet to unfold.

Ryouichi's attention shifted from the lively conversation to the sleek device in his hand. His smartphone, a portal to the digital realm, seemed to beckon him with possibilities. Uncertainty played on his features as he gazed at the familiar icons adorning the home screen. It was a moment of contemplation, a brief pause in the midst of their restaurant gathering.

Closing the device, Ryouichi's eyes sought out Yuki, a reliable ally in both the physical and digital realms. A simple request left his lips, "Can you carry my smartphone for me?" Yuki, with her characteristic calmness, responded with a serene "Okay." She reached out, gracefully accepting the device from Ryouichi's hand. The smartphone found a new home snugly nestled in the left pocket of her pants.