Chereads / Aeon Enigma / Chapter 88 - CHAPTER 87: Culinary Cadence

Chapter 88 - CHAPTER 87: Culinary Cadence

After their serene journey through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kaito and Aria found themselves at "ステーキおおつか" (Steak Otsuka), a quaint haven for meat enthusiasts. The aroma of sizzling beef wafted through the air, enticing their senses as they entered and settled at a cozy table. The ambiance exuded a blend of culinary anticipation and the warmth of shared moments.

As they perused the menu, Kaito turned to Aria with a curious gaze. "What will you order?" he inquired, eager to explore the culinary delights that awaited them. Aria, her eyes scanning the menu thoughtfully, replied, "Let me see the menu first."

The menu, a culinary tapestry showcasing an array of tantalizing options, held the promise of a delightful gastronomic adventure. Aria's decision crystallized as she settled on the Roast Beef Set A. The description painted a picture of perfection – meat taken from the round, served rare with a delicate sear, and boasting the delectable qualities of lean, low-fat beef. Priced at ¥2,200, it promised a culinary journey into the world of savory satisfaction.

Kaito, inspired by Aria's choice, opted for Roast Beef Set B, a mirror image of culinary excellence with its round-sourced meat, rare serving, and a hint of searing to enhance the flavors. Like Aria's selection, it bore the price tag of ¥2,200, aligning their choices in a symphony of culinary harmony.

The gastronomic symphony did not end there, as Kaito's culinary curiosity extended to the Short Plate Beef Bowl Set. This Wagyu beef, derived from the short plate, promised a sweet taste and tenderness that would surely elevate the dining experience. Coupled with a special sauce designed to complement its natural flavors, this additional choice, too, bore the price tag of ¥2,200.

With their choices made, the waiter approached, ready to transcribe their culinary desires into a symphony of flavors. Aria, articulating her order with a graceful assurance, and Kaito, embracing a fusion of tastes through his selections, awaited the imminent delight that would unfold on their table. The prospect of savoring premium cuts of beef, prepared to perfection, elevated their culinary escapade into a shared experience that transcended the mere act of dining.

The air in "ステーキおおつか" (Steak Otsuka) was filled with a tantalizing blend of scents – the savory aroma of expertly cooked beef wafting through the cozy establishment. As Kaito and Aria sat at their table, the atmosphere was charged with a sense of culinary anticipation, their orders having been meticulously conveyed to the kitchen.

The minutes stretched into a brief interlude of quiet expectancy. Kaito, with a sidelong glance at Aria, couldn't help but comment on her intriguing choice. "Interesting choice," he remarked, his words laced with curiosity about the culinary preferences that defined her palate. Aria, with a graceful smile, acknowledged the sentiment with a simple, "Thank you."

As the prospect of their gastronomic adventure unfolded, practical matters surfaced. Aria, perhaps humorously, shifted the focus to a matter of logistics. "You'll be the one to pay the bills afterward, right?" she inquired. Kaito, pausing for a moment, responded affirmatively, "Yes, I will. It'll cost ¥6,600." The acknowledgment of the impending responsibility was met with a courteous, "Thank you," from Aria, to which Kaito responded with a cordial, "You're welcome."

The exchange, brief yet laden with a subtle dance of politeness, settled into another pocket of silence. The anticipation lingered in the air as they awaited the culmination of their culinary journey.

Time, a patient companion in the realm of dining, moved steadily forward. The silence between Kaito and Aria became a canvas upon which the shared experience of waiting for a meal painted its own unique hues. Their quietude, punctuated only by the ambient sounds of the restaurant, allowed the imminent arrival of their orders to take center stage.

Finally, the moment arrived. The waiter gracefully approached their table, carrying a tray adorned with plates that bore the promise of culinary excellence. Aria's Roast Beef Set A, with its rare, lightly seared perfection, was placed delicately before her. Kaito's choices – the Roast Beef Set B and the Short Plate Beef Bowl Set – were arranged with equal finesse. The waiter, a silent maestro orchestrating the culinary ballet, left their table with a courteous nod.

The tableau was complete, and Kaito and Aria, their eyes now fixed on the delectable offerings before them, prepared to embark on a journey of taste and companionship. The sizzle of the beef, the subtle fragrance of seasoned perfection, and the shared anticipation framed this moment as more than just a meal—it was a celebration of flavors and the camaraderie that unfolded at a table set for two.

The symphony of culinary delight unfolded as Kaito and Aria delved into the carefully prepared offerings before them at "ステーキおおつか" (Steak Otsuka). The tender aroma of succulent beef permeated the air, creating an ambiance that spoke of gastronomic indulgence.

As Kaito uttered the simple yet inviting words, "Let's eat," the duo embarked on a culinary journey that transcended the mere act of nourishment. Kaito, savoring the flavors of his Roast Beef Set B, found himself immersed in the delicate balance of rare, lightly seared perfection. Across the table, Aria, engrossed in her Roast Beef Set A, echoed the sentiment.

The clinking of utensils against plates harmonized with the ambient sounds of the restaurant, creating a cadence unique to the shared experience of dining. Kaito, ever the courteous companion, took a moment to inquire about Aria's culinary satisfaction. "Are you liking this?" he asked, his gaze shifting from his plate to the woman seated across from him. Aria, with a genuine smile, responded, "Yes, the food is delicious."

The exchange became a testament to the mutual appreciation they shared for the culinary craftsmanship that had manifested in their chosen dishes. "I think the same," Kaito concurred, his affirmation underscoring the shared pleasure they derived from the delectable offerings before them.

Resuming their culinary exploration, Kaito ventured into the Roast Beef Set A and the Short Plate Beef Bowl Set. Aria, too, returned to savoring the nuances of her chosen Roast Beef Set A. The restaurant became a haven of taste, where each bite unfolded a narrative of flavor and texture.

The atmosphere, now punctuated by the interplay of conversation and the culinary melody, exuded a warmth that extended beyond the physical confines of the dining table. Kaito and Aria, two souls connected by the simple joy of a shared meal, reveled in the harmony of flavors that bound them together in this moment of communal indulgence.

As their culinary journey continued, the conversation intertwined with each bite, creating a tapestry of shared experiences that transcended the immediate act of eating. The clinking of cutlery, the whispered praises for the chef's expertise, and the mutual enjoyment of a well-prepared meal wove together a narrative that celebrated the intersection of food and companionship.