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[Note: Christmas is near, so I don't mind splurging on chapters.]
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"Mind your own business and keep peeling your squid," Yoshino waved her hand dismissively.
"Alright."
Still confused, Sōma shrugged and went back to peeling the squid.
"Please, don't scare the young ones," Masako reminded them gently, smiling.
"Haha, don't worry, Masako."
The whole kitchen burst into laughter, leaving Sui feeling quite helpless, while Megumi's face flushed with embarrassment.
She had no idea how everyone found out about the situation, and it made her feel shy and too self-conscious to face anyone.
"By the way, has the pork bone broth started cooking?" Masako asked.
"I'll take care of it," Sui volunteered, feeling a bit out of place as the only person without a task in the kitchen.
"Then I'll leave it to you, Sui-kun," Masako replied with a gentle smile.
As Sui began preparing the broth, Megumi instinctively moved closer to help. She was already accustomed to assisting him like this, having done so many times during their time at school. Whenever Sui cooked, she would quietly act as his capable and supportive assistant.
"Megumi, are the seasonings ready?" Sui asked, his tone natural and relaxed.
Hearing his voice brought back memories of last night, causing Megumi's cheeks to flush. But despite the lingering embarrassment, she calmly gathered all the ingredients needed for the pork bone broth.
As time passed, Megumi gradually set aside her distracting thoughts and focused on assisting Sui.
"Have the pork and chicken bones been boiled and removed?"
"Yes! They're ready. The kelp and dried shrimp are prepared as well."
"Good, I've drained the blood from the bones."
"Sui-kun, I've washed and sliced the apples, onions, and garlic."
Their seamless cooperation amazed everyone in the kitchen.
"What a perfect team. The two of them are as effective as five or six people working together."
"Absolutely. They'll definitely have a harmonious marriage."
"Of course, Megumi is so virtuous and sensible."
"It would be wonderful if they could stay here at Shōkeien Ryokan after getting married. Our restaurant would flourish with them."
Masako, too, watched the two working at the kitchen counter with a contented smile, her heart brimming with relief.
Soon, it was time to serve dinner, and the kitchen became a bustling hive of activity.
Sōma, Ryoko, and the others naturally stepped in to help out.
Sui and Megumi coordinated effortlessly, as if they had returned to their Totsuki Academy days.
"Megumi, are the eggs ready?"
"Yes, they're done. I've also peeled and deveined the shrimp. They're ready to be marinated."
Megumi had completely forgotten about the previous night's awkwardness. Her face now bore an expression of focus and dedication. She enjoyed this process of cooking alongside Sui, feeling a deep sense of happiness and fulfillment every time she quietly prepared what Sui needed and helped him create delicious dishes.
"Are the ten servings of shrimp omelets ready?"
A waiter came over to check on the order.
"Yes, they're ready. Please take them!"
Megumi brought out the steaming, fragrant omelets, smiling.
"Already done?"
"These two are amazing!"
"Yes, it would be fantastic if they could stay at Shōkeien Ryokan after they get married."
Everyone in the kitchen looked at the two with admiration.
Hearing their conversation, Megumi's face turned red. She couldn't help but steal a glance at Sui.
She had never thought about these things before. It was enough for her to silently assist Sui-kun and be a capable assistant.
But if they could truly be together, working at Shōkeien Ryokan in the future, maybe even raising a few children together, just the thought filled her with happiness.
---
Elsewhere, Erina sat with one hand resting on her cheek, biting the end of a pen. A shy and sweet smile would occasionally flash across her lips. No one knew what she was thinking.
"Erina-sama, Erina-sama?"
Hisako, who stood behind her, couldn't help but call out softly.
"Huh?"
Erina snapped out of her daze, realizing she was still sitting at the conference table. Dozens of people were watching her with curious expressions.
"Miss Erina seems a bit preoccupied today."
"Yes, this is the fourth time she's spaced out."
They whispered among themselves.
Erina's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and she wished she could disappear into the ground.
After the meeting, as they left the office:
"Erina-sama, you've seemed a bit distracted these past few days, and your mood has been fluctuating. Should I prepare some herbal medicine for you?" Hisako asked, following closely behind.
"No need."
Erina replied, slightly embarrassed.
"Erina-sama, are you missing Sui-kun?"
Hisako's eyes sparkled with mischief as she probed.
"No... Of course not!"
Erina's face turned bright red as she quickly tried to deny it. But after a brief pause, she lowered her head and quietly admitted, "Yes."
Hisako was taken aback. As someone who had grown up alongside Erina, she knew her friend's personality very well. Although Erina would often make excuses about Sui, Hisako could tell that she liked him a lot.
However, this was the first time Erina had openly admitted to missing Sui in front of someone else.
It seemed that during the exam period, their relationship had taken a significant step forward.
A gentle smile appeared on Hisako's face as she felt a sense of relief.
"You've only been apart for a few days, Erina-sama. Do you miss Sui-kun that much?"
She teased lightly.
Erina's face flushed even more, but she truly did miss him. It was hard to control her feelings even after just two days without seeing him.
"Sui-kun will be back soon," Hisako reassured her.
"Yes, I hope so."
A happy smile spread across Erina's face.
——
In a distant sea, a small island slowly sank beneath the waves.
Tohru let out a contented sigh, smiling happily as she waved her hand and shouted, "Let's find another island for more exercise!"
Elma said in a rather puzzled tone, "Tohru has been quite restless these past few days. It seems like she's looking for a way to release her energy."
"Yeah, because Sui hasn't been back for a while," Kanna added, her tone innocent and straightforward.