"How so?"
Sui was momentarily stunned and asked, "How did Sonoka-senpai know the bento was made by a girl?"
"Because it's so delicately and beautifully prepared."
Sonoka smiled warmly as she brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "A boy wouldn't make such an elegant lunchbox. It must've been prepared by a thoughtful girl."
"I see."
Sui nodded, recognizing the truth in her words. As a cook, he understood the care and intuition that goes into food preparation.
"But, Sonoka-senpai, why did you say... that the girl must like me?"
He asked, curious.
"Well, just look at the food. It's not only exquisite, but there's a variety of dishes."
Sonoka's eyes sparkled as she continued with a sweet smile. "There are only five sushi pieces, but each one is different: tuna, salmon, and various tempuras—shrimp, tofu. The girl clearly put a lot of thought into it."
In a typical bento, the sushi would usually all be the same. But in this one, each piece was distinct, which meant the person making it went to the trouble of preparing several different kinds of sushi and tempura. It was a level of effort that went beyond casual care.
Could it be that Hinako-senpai really likes me?
Sui thought about it but still found it hard to believe. Although their relationship had grown somewhat ambiguous, going beyond the normal dynamic between senpai and kohai, they hadn't known each other for very long.
Even during their time at the training camp, he was just one of many students in her eyes.
"What's she like, this girl?"
Sonoka asked with a teasing smile, clearly interested in the topic. "She must be very gentle and considerate, right?"
"Yes, she's indeed a very kind and warm person. Though she's older than me, she has a youthful and playful spirit."
Sui thought for a moment before replying.
He had a strong fondness for Hinako, who not only had a beautiful appearance and gentle demeanor but also an innocence that made her endearing. Of course, there were times when her mischievous side came out, like during their card games.
"Ah, she's older than you?"
Sonoka asked, surprised.
"Yes."
Sui nodded.
"So, Sui-kun, would you be open to dating someone older than you?"
Sonoka inquired, almost nonchalantly, but with a hint of interest.
"I don't mind."
Sui shrugged.
"Really?"
Sonoka's smile softened, and she seemed pleased by his answer.
"By the way, Sonoka-senpai, have you ever been in love?"
Sui asked suddenly.
"No."
Sonoka's face flushed immediately, clearly flustered by the question. "I just graduated this year. While I was at Totsuki, I focused solely on cooking."
As Sui enjoyed the bento Hinako had made, he realized just how much care she had put into it. Each bite was delicious, and the variety made it clear that she had gone out of her way to prepare something special.
"Senpai, would you like to try some?"
Sui asked, offering to share the meal.
"Really? Are you sure?"
Sonoka hesitated.
"Of course."
Sui smiled as he picked up a piece of sushi and handed it to her.
Though Sonoka was three years older than him, they got along as if they were friends of the same age.
She leaned over and took a small bite.
"It's delicious!"
Sonoka's eyes widened in surprise and admiration. This kind of quality couldn't come from just anyone. Perhaps it was prepared by one of Sui's senpais from Totsuki?
She thought to herself.
Just then, a chef walked in and, noticing Sui feeding Sonoka, paused awkwardly before quickly excusing himself.
Sonoka's face flushed once more. Realizing how intimate the scene looked, she stood up abruptly and said, "I should go have my meal now."
With that, she quickly left the kitchen, clearly flustered.
Sui, for his part, was thoroughly satisfied with the bento Hinako had prepared. It was so good that even after finishing it, he still felt a bit unsatisfied.
After lunch, with the afternoon free, Sui decided it was time to try creating a Western dish. He hadn't forgotten the mission given by the system—to create a signature dish that would earn a spot on the menu at the restaurant where he was interning.
Sui had always been talented in the kitchen, and over the past few days, Sonoka had taught him everything she knew about Western cuisine without holding anything back.
His proficiency in Western cooking had now reached an impressive level.
With yesterday's ideas fresh in his mind, Sui set to work.
"Sui-kun, are you cooking something?"
Sonoka's curious voice called out from beside him.
"Yes."
Sui nodded. "I want to make a Western dish and, if it turns out well, serve it to the customers in the restaurant."
"That sounds great!"
Sonoka smiled warmly. "I'd be happy to offer any advice you need."
"Thank you very much, Senpai."
Sui replied with a grateful smile as he began to cook.
He carefully sliced the duck meat into diamond patterns, making precise cuts to allow the seasoning to penetrate deeply.
Sonoka, standing beside him, watched in quiet amazement. The uniformity of the cuts was astonishing—each slice was the same size, as if measured with a ruler. Though it seemed like a small detail, it spoke volumes about Sui's knife skills.
Even though they had never competed directly, Sonoka had always believed she was more skilled than her kohai. But watching Sui's precision, she began to feel a twinge of doubt.
How could a first-year have skills that surpass even those of the top graduates?
For a moment, Sonoka found herself mesmerized by Sui's focused expression.
Before long, the duck meat was fried to a perfect golden brown, the aroma rich and mouthwatering.
Sui then coated the duck with taro paste mixed with duck oil and placed it in the oven to bake.
Just then, a chef entered the kitchen and said, "Head Chef, a customer has arrived."
"Right, I'll be there."
Sonoka snapped out of her daze and quickly left the kitchen.
Since the duck still needed time to roast, Sui decided to follow her out to see the guests.
To his surprise, they were all familiar faces.