"What important guest?" Sui asked, curiosity getting the best of him.
"I won't tell you! Hmph!" Hinako stuck her tongue out at him playfully and snorted.
Sui: "..."
Why does it feel like she's acting like a child? he wondered.
"Sui, did you somehow upset Hinako-senpai?" Megumi whispered, tugging on Sui's sleeve. "She seems a bit mad at you today."
"I don't think so..." Sui replied, scratching his head in confusion. He couldn't recall doing anything that might have offended her.
Ono, overhearing, decided to ask directly. "Excuse me, manager, but who is this important guest?"
"It's Natsume Sendawara, one of the lead developers at the famous curry company, Hub," Hinako revealed with a small grin. "She called to reserve a table."
"Natsume Sendawara!?" Ono exclaimed in surprise. "She's a very strict food critic and holds immense influence in the culinary world."
"The 'Curry Queen' herself?" Megumi's eyes widened. "I heard that senpai Eizan once spent a fortune just to invite her as a judge for the Autumn Elections. Despite that, she didn't hesitate to give zero points to students she deemed unworthy."
Though Megumi wasn't present during that particular competition, she had heard tales about Natsume's harsh judgments.
"Ms. Natsume's opinion is crucial for the reputation of our restaurant, so let's do our best," Hinako said, clenching her fists in determination.
"Understood!" the staff responded in unison. Everyone knew this was one of the most important guests Kirinoya would host in the coming months. They were determined to ensure her satisfaction.
Megumi felt a wave of panic. She hadn't expected such a critical test during her internship. If she failed, it could lead to serious consequences, including possible expulsion from school for her and Sui.
But as she thought about how the head chef tonight would be the experienced Hinako, a graduate of Totsuki's top ten, Megumi began to feel reassured.
Soon, night fell.
At 7:30 PM, a woman entered the restaurant. She wore a white dress, her long, golden hair cascading down her back, exuding a noble and icy aura.
"Welcome, Miss Natsume," Ono greeted her warmly as he and the other staff bowed.
Natsume Sendawara nodded politely and proceeded to the reserved table. Her attendant followed behind, pulling out her chair.
In the kitchen, Sui quietly observed the "Curry Queen." Compared to her sister, Orie, Natsume Sendawara appeared more mature and cool. While their facial features were similar, their temperaments and hairstyles were vastly different. The most distinguishing feature between the two was the placement of their teardrop moles—Natsume's mole was under her right eye, whereas Orie's was under her left, with a darker shade.
"I've heard that Kirinoya, managed by Totsuki Ten alumnus Hinako Inui, has an excellent reputation among high-end culinary circles. I've always wanted to try it for myself," Natsume remarked as she removed her sunglasses and set them on the table with a faint smile.
"Welcome," Hinako greeted her gently. "What would you like to have this evening, Miss Natsume?"
"Hmm…" Natsume tilted her head, contemplating for a moment. "I think I'd like something with rice today. I've had too much Western food recently, so I'd prefer something simpler."
"No problem. Please wait a moment." Hinako smiled softly before turning to head into the kitchen.
Since the restaurant had been booked exclusively for Natsume, there were no other customers. With nothing else to do, Sui and the others watched from the kitchen door.
"Hinako-senpai, need any help?" Sui asked.
"No, I can handle it," Hinako responded stubbornly, her head held high, avoiding eye contact with Sui. "Miyuki, come help me with the side dishes."
"Got it!" Miyuki agreed quickly and rushed to assist.
"Looks like Sui definitely did something to upset Hinako-senpai," Megumi muttered with a sigh, growing worried for Sui.
About an hour later, Hinako had finished cooking.
The waiter served a beautifully plated salmon rice dish along with a side of tempura to Natsume Sendawara.
*
"Please enjoy your meal," Hinako bowed and said with a pleasant smile.
"The presentation is exquisite, and the aroma is tantalizing. I can't wait to try it," Natsume smiled, clearly pleased.
Afterward, as Hinako returned to the kitchen, Ono remarked with a grin, "Judging by her expression, it seems like she's really enjoying the salmon rice. I think we're in the clear this time."
The others nodded in agreement. Since Hinako had personally prepared the dish, they were confident there wouldn't be any issues.
"Really? But when I was making the scallop soup earlier, I think I forgot to remove the kelp. Oh, and I also didn't add the soy sauce," Hinako suddenly said, covering her mouth with a small smile.
Everyone: "..."
"If you don't take the kelp out, the broth will turn too thick, and without soy sauce, the flavor will be off," Ono said, his expression darkening.
"Ah, right... The dish is probably ruined," Hinako mused, her hand still covering her mouth as she smiled, looking oddly adorable.
Everyone was left speechless. Why is she smiling so happily?
"If Miss Natsume eats this, she's going to be furious!" Miyuki said, his face turning pale. "Manager, why don't you make another one if you know it's ruined?"
"Ahh, I'm so sorry! I only realized it after I handed over the dish," Hinako said, touching her cheek and sighing. "What a headache. I don't know what's wrong with me today. I keep getting distracted, thinking about other things."
"But since the manager seems so calm, there must be a way to fix it, right?" Kiyomizu asked hopefully.
"Nope, no way to fix it. I'm actually really worried about it," Hinako replied, her hands now cupping her cheeks, a soft blush creeping onto her face.
Once again, everyone was speechless. Despite her words, Hinako didn't look worried at all. In fact, she seemed... happy.
It was almost like... she was a girl in love.
At this realization, the group was stunned. Could it be that Hinako-senpai(Manager) had fallen in love? But with whom? She hadn't been around any new men lately...