"All right, let's dig in, itadakimasu."
"""Iitadakimasu!"""
After the encounter between the royal family and the convenience store, we finally began to enjoy the main event, our bento boxes.
What should I start with? I could go straight for the main attractions like the fried chicken or the mini hamburgers, but I'm not a child anymore. I can't just dive in with enthusiasm; it would be embarrassing.
So, the correct choice here is pickles. It's the moment to calmly prepare my taste buds for battle.
I skewered a vibrant paprika pickle with a small pick. When I put it in my mouth, a refreshing vinegar and sweet aroma spread. The crunchy texture was satisfying.
Hmm, I actually like side dishes like this. I think women who can prepare these kinds of dishes are truly wonderful.
Is this broccoli also pickled? No, it seems to be dressed with sesame oil. This is delicious too.
"Kanami, this is really delicious. You're skilled at making bento."
"Oh no, you're too kind with your words."
"Really? I definitely couldn't make something like this."
Boiling and throwing it together would be the extent of my cooking skills.
"It's really delicious, Kanami-san! While warm rice is delicious too, there's a different kind of deliciousness in this bento!"
Lisha, holding an onigiri, said with genuine delight.
But hey, aren't you focusing a bit too much on the fried chicken and hamburgers, Lisha-san? Is it okay for a saint who values simplicity to indulge like this?
Next to us, Souji was also enjoying his side dishes.
"Indeed, this is delicious. And it's amazing that it has flavors specifically tailored for Japanese people. When you think of America, it's all about sandwiches and fruit, right?"
"Y-yeah, I see."
That's not too far from the truth. Even in Asteris, if it's a short-distance trip, the bentos were somewhat similar to that.
Now, let me attack the main course.
The fried chicken and mini hamburgers have already cooled down, but thanks to the flavorful seasoning and careful preparation, they are still tender and very tasty.
Is this onigiri mixed with salt or sesame? Its simple flavor is satisfying.
"Umm, it's still delicious."
"Senpai, senpai."
"What's up, Hinata?"
Are you done eating already?
Hinata reached out and handed me something.
"This is a return gift from the bento you gave me earlier."
"Oh, are you sure? Wait, Hinata, you made a bento too?"
"Well, since we're on a special train trip, I thought it would be better than buying something at a convenience store."
Hm, truly a high-spec girl. It seems like she has completed her cooking skill tree as well.
"Is it okay if I take it?"
"I got one too. It's nothing fancy."
"Wow, thanks!"
What I received from Hinata was the bento lid and the various side dishes on top of it. There was beef-wrapped carrots, a cream cheese and kamaboko sandwich, and a Western-style shrimp and okra salad.
Since it's a special occasion, I should try one of these beef-wrapped carrot skewers.
Beyond the sweet and savory meat, there's still a satisfying crunch from the carrot. This is really delicious. The slight spiciness is from the mustard, and it's well done.
"Oh, Yuusuke-san, what's that?"
"It's a return gift from Hinata. Do Lisha and Kanami want to try it too?"
"Is that okay? We'd love to!"
"Thank you very much."
The two of them also picked up Hinata's side dishes.
I decided to try the kamaboko next. This kamaboko had been smoked, and it wasn't just a simple cream cheese sandwich. This is delicious too.
It's delicious, but... how should I put it?
"Everything here feels like it's meant to be paired with alcohol."
"What's wrong, Senpai? Do you have a problem with the delicious bento that your cute junior made?"
Words fell onto my head along with something else. I'm sorry; that's my bad.
"No, everything is delicious. You're amazing, Hinata-san."
"That's perfectly fine; that's how it should be."
It's true that everything is delicious, but... it all seems like something you'd eat with alcohol, doesn't it? Even a cute and fashionable girl like her can reveal her true nature as a drinker hidden beneath her elegant appearance.
Personally, I don't mind girls who say, "I don't like bitter things, so I'll have a Cassis Orange," or "I love Kahlúa Milk." But I also like girls who say, "When it comes to alcohol, it's beer or highball, right?" with a serious expression.
Anyway, there's something refreshing about not putting on a facade.
By the way, when it comes to circle drinking parties, Hinata is the type who doesn't hide anything. She's fully committed to playing the role, and it wouldn't be surprising if her well-worn disguise transformed into a youkai cat soon. They say gods reside in all things, and there are probably other entities that can inhabit them as well.
What Hinata dropped onto my head, seemingly unintentionally, was a travel magazine about Izu.
The pages were worn from repeated readings, and bent bookmarks were sticking out.
Out of curiosity, I opened the bookmarked page, and what caught my eye was the headline: "Plan Your Unforgettable Summer Date in Izu! The Ultimate Date Spots for You Two!"
It seemed to be a feature on date spots in Izu.
Ahhh, breathtaking spots with a view of the sea and night scenery, leisurely cafes for a date, and even the perfect confession spot and timing guaranteed to win over the person you like.
I often wonder if the location and timing of a confession really affect its success rate. If anything, the more you prepare, the more nervous you become, and your words may fail you.
"Hey, Senpai, what are you looking at?"
"You handed it to me, didn't you?"
"Stop it! Hand it over quickly, or I'll accuse you of sexual harassment!"
Seriously? But Hinata is quite the girl. She checks things like this. She's probably the type to say, "Choosing a confession spot is absurd. If you can win them over, it doesn't matter where."
As I thought so, a slender, white fingertip reached out and pinched my cheek.
"Aren't you thinking something rude?"
"No, I'm not."
"Don't misunderstand. My friend who has boyfriend lent it to me when I told them I was going to Izu."
I see, it's that kind of story. I didn't expect Hinata to get excited about a trip and check out date spots. Besides, I've never heard any rumors about Hinata having a boyfriend.
Wait a minute. Knowing Hinata, it's not impossible, is it? A secret relationship between underclassmen, hidden from the senior's view. That's a common story.
"I see, I see. Yeah, that's a possibility."
"Why are you looking at me as if you understand everything? Those are the eyes you have when you don't understand anything!"
"That's not true. Come on, these date spots are nice, right? I did quite a bit of research back when I was dating."
"Nobody's asking for those stories."
Oh, I thought it was a pleasant topic, but Hinata's gaze suddenly turned colder.
Certainly, I also find it boring when seniors brag about their love life or yawn loudly.
While we were chatting about that, a significant change occurred in the view outside the window. A series of man-made structures rushed by at an alarming speed, and in their place, the sea, a mixture of deep blue and white, swayed. The otherworldly scenery we glimpsed earlier was beautiful, but this was surprisingly no less captivating.
No, it wouldn't have been as moving if I had just been looking at it. The scenery shifting to the sound of the train is something that can only be seen on Earth.
"Wow..."
"..."
Everyone's attention was drawn outside the window.
Lisha and Kanami, in particular, had remarkable reactions. Lisha clung to the window, her eyes sparkling, and she watched the waves shimmering in jade. It was her first time seeing the sea, as she had mentioned.
I wonder how this vast ocean looks to her.
When I first stepped outside Centraris, I was overwhelmed by the majestic nature and the overflowing energy of life. I couldn't even speak. Perhaps Eris, who was with me at the time, felt the same way.
But now, there's no way to confirm that.
In the midst of the gruesome God-Demon War, I want to leave something radiant for her. When everything is over and these become memories, I hope she'll think, "I'm glad I met them." Though it might be a selfish desire of mine.
The sea, shimmering alongside the azure sky, didn't offer an answer.
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Donate me
Support Me with USDC
(ERC20)
Support Me with XLM
(Stellar Lumens)