"So, we passed?" Megumi asked in surprise.
"That's right. Being able to handle the pressure of working at a high-end restaurant like Kirinoya and contributing your skills is proof of your excellence. You've successfully completed the first stage of your field training," Alyana confirmed with a nod, then turned to Sui. "Especially you. Becoming head chef and creating dishes for the menu in just four days? Impressive."
"Thank you for the compliment, examiner," Sui responded with a polite bow.
"You'll be informed about your next internship location tomorrow," Alyana said with a smile before getting into her car and driving away.
"Where was she even watching us from the past few days? I didn't notice a thing," Megumi sighed as they returned to the restaurant.
"Was that the auditor?" Ono asked curiously as they walked in.
"It seems like it," Miyuki remarked, nodding.
Hinako sat quietly, having anticipated this outcome since the morning.
"Yes, Sui and I passed," Megumi confirmed.
"Really? That's wonderful!" Although parting ways with Sui and Megumi was bittersweet, Ono and the rest of the staff were genuinely happy for them.
"Let's throw a farewell party tonight!" Hinako suddenly suggested with a smile.
"Sounds good!" Everyone agreed without hesitation.
Surprisingly, Hinako closed the restaurant early for the party, which was unusual. There was still an hour before closing time, and she rarely shut the doors early unless absolutely necessary. Even though they had only worked together for four days, she clearly had developed a fondness for Megumi and Sui.
The party was lively, with everyone talking and laughing.
"Haha, make sure you both keep up the hard work at your next internship!" Ono laughed as he poured Megumi a glass of sake. "Of course, Sui will be fine, but don't fall behind, Megumi!"
Megumi drank the sake in one gulp, only to cough and choke slightly, her face turning red. Still, she nodded determinedly. "I'll work hard!"
Though unsure of what challenges awaited her at the next internship location, she was determined to pass no matter what. She couldn't help but glance at Sui. If she failed and got expelled, wouldn't that mean she'd never see him again?
After a few more drinks, Hinako began to feel the effects of the alcohol. Holding Megumi's hand, she started crying, "Megumi-chan, I don't want to say goodbye. What if you face cruel chefs or rude customers? You'll definitely suffer."
Everyone was speechless. Despite being known as the "Queen of Mist," feared by her peers, in moments like this, Hinako was just a vulnerable woman with a tender heart.
Megumi, overwhelmed by the outburst, hurriedly comforted her. "Hinako-senpai, don't worry about me! I'm stronger than I look!"
"Wahh, and Sui-kun too," Hinako cried as she grabbed Sui's hand, her tear-streaked face looking pitiful. "You'll probably be targeted by some awful woman, and then… you'll be tempted by money and power!"
Sui was speechless for a moment. Was she talking about Natsume?
"Haha, manager, you don't need to worry. Sui is not the type to fall for something like that," Ono said with a laugh.
After some reassurance from the group, Hinako finally stopped crying, though she continued to sob quietly. She was saddened by the thought that it might be a long time before she saw Sui and Megumi again.
The party lasted late into the evening, but since Sui and Megumi needed to leave for their next internship early the next morning, everyone didn't stay up too late.
Eventually, Ono and the others said their goodbyes, leaving only Sui, Hinako, and Megumi in the restaurant.
Megumi, having drunk too much, was completely passed out on the table, unable to move.
Sui glanced at Hinako, who was also drunk and visibly unsteady. "Hinako-senpai, should I help you upstairs to rest?" he asked.
Hinako nodded slightly, not refusing.
Sui gently picked her up and carried her upstairs.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her face against his chest, too embarrassed to look up, yet strangely content. There was a sense of warmth and satisfaction in being close to him like this.
It wasn't the first time Sui had been in Hinako's room. He navigated to her bedroom with ease, gently laying her on the bed. He then helped her remove her clogs.
"Hinako-senpai, do you want me to take off your socks?" Sui asked.
"Yes, please," Hinako replied in a soft, blushing tone.
As Sui carefully removed her socks, revealing her delicate white feet, Hinako's cheeks flushed even more. The feeling of her feet in his hands sent a strange tingle through her, making her heart race.
Suddenly, she felt a wave of sadness wash over her. She remembered that she might not see Sui again after this, just like how she had parted ways with Kojiro in the past. The thought made her tear up, and she began to sob quietly.
Sui felt a pang of heartache. Even though Hinako was almost thirty, in moments like this, she seemed like a fragile girl at heart.
"Are you sad about Megumi-chan and me leaving?" he asked gently.
Hinako nodded, biting her lip, her eyes red with tears.
"We'll see each other again soon. Don't worry," Sui reassured her, patting her head as though comforting a child.
But as soon as he did it, he felt a bit awkward, realizing that Hinako was actually eleven years older than him.
"Mm," Hinako murmured, her tears easing as she smiled sweetly, her face lighting up like a little girl's.
Sui was momentarily stunned by her gentle smile. Without thinking, he leaned in and kissed her softly on the lips.
As soon as the kiss ended, Sui regretted it. She was not only his senpai but also his former lecturer. What had he done?
Hinako's face turned bright red.