Chereads / Jikirukuto: Takoyuki Arc / Chapter 55 - Yuki’s Safe Zone - Her Apartment

Chapter 55 - Yuki’s Safe Zone - Her Apartment

Yuki finally stepped inside her apartment, closing the door behind her with a sigh of relief. The cool, quiet air and the familiar scent of her place immediately enveloped her, and she couldn't help but smile. It was as if she had just escaped a storm, and now, in her little sanctuary, she could finally breathe freely.

Yuki (murmuring to herself):

"Ahh, finally... my cave."

Her apartment was small but cozy. A single room with a compact kitchen, a futon bed, and just enough space for her to stretch out and relax. The minimalist decor reflected her personality—simple, practical, and designed to make her feel at home.

After closing the door, Yuki walked over to the couch, tossing her jacket onto the chair. She flopped down onto the couch for a few seconds, closing her eyes and letting the silence wash over her. The events of the day had drained her, but there was one thing that was gnawing at her.

Yuki (stomach growling loudly):

"Ugh... I'm starving. I swear, I just ate, but I'm still hungry. My stomach is like a bottomless pit."

Yuki rubbed her stomach in frustration. The snacks she'd devoured at the convenience store, the takoyaki, and all the karaoke bar munchies weren't enough to fill the void. Her body craved something more substantial—something healthy to balance out all the junk food she'd mindlessly eaten throughout the day.

She got up, stretching her arms, and headed straight for the kitchen. Her mind went over a few options. She wasn't in the mood for something complicated, but she needed something high in protein to make up for the crazy amount of carbs and calories she had consumed earlier.

Yuki (thinking to herself):

"Alright... let's see what we have here."

She opened the fridge and found a pack of chicken breast, some eggs, and a bunch of vegetables. Perfect. After a quick scan of the pantry, she pulled out some rice, olive oil, and a few spices. It was going to be a simple, protein-packed stir fry.

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Cooking Scene:

Yuki quickly got to work, chopping up the chicken into bite-sized pieces. She heated up a pan with some olive oil, the sizzle of the chicken making her smile as the familiar sound filled the small kitchen. She added garlic, onions, and bell peppers, stirring everything together as the delicious aroma began to fill the air.

She cracked a couple of eggs into the pan, scrambling them into the mix, and then tossed in the cooked rice. A dash of soy sauce and a sprinkle of pepper gave it the perfect flavor. She was making a simple chicken and vegetable stir-fry with eggs, which would give her the protein she desperately needed, and a bit of flavor to make it enjoyable.

Yuki (muttering as she cooked):

"Protein... good for my muscles... Need to balance all those snacks. This is a workout for my body. I can feel the gains already."

She gave herself a little pep talk, as if she were training for something. Even though she wasn't in the mood to exercise right now, she knew that eating well would make her feel better overall.

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Finishing Touches:

Once the stir-fry was done, Yuki dished herself a big serving and grabbed a glass of water. She sat at the small dining table in the corner of her apartment, looking out the window toward the lights of Shibuya in the distance. It was quiet now—no noise from the gyaru group or the chaos of Akihabara. It was just her, her food, and the stillness of her safe space.

Yuki (taking a bite and smiling):

"Not bad. It's exactly what I needed. Protein-packed and simple."

As she ate, she reflected on the day's events—the entrance ceremony, the chaotic karaoke session, the unexpected altercations, and her new friends. It had been a lot to process, but she was starting to feel like maybe, just maybe, she wasn't as out of place as she had thought.

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After Dinner:

Once her meal was finished, Yuki cleaned up quickly, tossing the dishes into the sink. She leaned against the counter, her stomach finally satisfied, and sighed in contentment.

Yuki (stretching again):

"Okay, I'm full. I think I can finally relax now."

She glanced at the clock—it was getting late, but she wasn't in the mood to sleep just yet. After all the excitement of the day, she felt a strange sense of calm. This was the quiet she craved, the peace she needed after so much chaos.

Yuki turned on her laptop, opened a streaming site, and began browsing through anime clips and meme compilations. For the first time in a while, she felt like she could unwind without any pressure.

The stillness of her apartment was a welcome contrast to the bright lights and noise of Akihabara. But she couldn't shake the feeling that maybe things were starting to change. Maybe high school wouldn't be as bad as she thought.

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End of Scene.