"We studied desserts together for a while. Perhaps it was a habit we developed back then, which is why our thought processes are largely the same."
After finishing his own dish, Okabe observed Momo Akanegakubo for a moment, understanding what Ao Kawasaki was referring to, and responded as if it were a matter of course.
"It really is the classic story of childhood friends in a love-hate rivalry! How did they end up as rivals after growing up together?"
"Wahahaha! I knew my guess was right!"
An unusual flush appeared on her cheeks from the excitement. Koi, who already shipped Okabe and Momo Akanegakubo, began to get worked up until she received a karate chop.
"A love-struck brain is a lost cause."
Looking at Koi crouching and holding her head, Ao Kawasaki helplessly facepalmed. Sometimes, she really felt that this girl's thought process was different from ordinary people.
"Indeed."
"I agree."
Aoi and Saki nodded in deep agreement.
"That should be enough time. The refrigerators under the imported workstations use the most advanced technology and can cool things down effectively in a short time. Go ahead and take out your desserts."
As Ao Kawasaki's voice fell, Okabe's expression froze for a moment. He then looked at Momo Akanegakubo beside him, and only after she gave a slight nod did he turn and return to his station.
As the two bent down and pulled open the refrigerator doors, a wave of cold air rushed out, followed by a faint fruity aroma that drifted to everyone's noses.
"Ooh! It looks so refreshing."
Looking at the dishes Okabe and Momo Akanegakubo brought out from the refrigerator, Aoi clasped her hands together, her delicate face filled with anticipation.
However, Okabe and Momo Akanegakubo didn't rush forward after bringing out their desserts. They returned to their respective workstations to begin the final decorating steps.
Lemon zest fell like snow, distributing evenly over the surface of the Lemon Bavarois, bringing a rich citrus fragrance that complemented its own flavor.
On the other side, Okabe's decoration was much more substantial. A layer of unevenly sized Oreo crumbs, followed by fresh mango pulp, looked exceptionally appetizing.
At this point, both of their dishes were complete.
"Let's cut them."
Ao Kawasaki stepped forward, coming between the two, and looked at their finished dishes.
"Swish—"
As her voice fell, Okabe raised his knife and sliced down. A complete Iced Mango Mousse was instantly cut into thirteen even portions, corresponding to the thirteen people present.
"Please, have a taste."
"What astonishing knife skills…"
Seeing this, Ao Kawasaki's pupils contracted slightly.
Because she had arrived a bit late, she hadn't seen Okabe handle the mango.
Now, seeing him slice a round mousse into thirteen even portions with a single movement—a number not a power of two—she found it incredible.
What exquisite control over a knife does that require?
"Do you need my help?"
"Yes."
Okabe tilted his head to look at Momo Akanegakubo beside him, who immediately nodded upon hearing his words.
The next moment, a white glint flashed before her eyes. Ao Kawasaki stared intently but saw nothing amiss as the Lemon Bavarois was instantly cut into thirteen even portions.
"Come on, let's see whose dish is more delicious."
Placing the two dishes before Ao Kawasaki, Okabe propped himself up on the table with one hand, looking at her with an offensive posture.
"Gulp."
A faint fruity aroma filled the air. Seeing Okabe's extremely aggressive expression, Ao Kawasaki couldn't help but swallow.
"Well then… let me have a taste."
Although she wanted to say something to tell Okabe not to be so arrogant, the words died on her lips. Ao Kawasaki turned her gaze to the Lemon Bavarois before her.
The silver spoon sliced down gently.
The pale yellow dessert was separated without any resistance. The cut surface was exceptionally fine, accompanied by a rich lemon fragrance.
She lifted the spoon to her lips. A refreshingly tart lemon aroma exploded the moment it entered her mouth, followed by a silky, cool texture.
"The balance between sour and sweet is just right, with a hint of milky fragrance in the aftertaste. Although it's a simple combination, it perfectly interprets the lingering charm of summer."
Ao Kawasaki squinted her eyes in pleasure.
In a daze, she found herself standing in a sunny lemon orchard. The warm sunlight brought a comfortable expression to her face.
All around were lemon trees laden with golden fruit, the air filled with the fragrance of citrus. Just breathing it in was invigorating.
Beneath her feet was a pale yellow frozen lake. However, the moment she looked down and noticed it, the lake lost its ability to support her, and her body plunged into it.
The icy water instantly enveloped her body, isolating her from the outside world. The momentary feeling of refreshment made Ao Kawasaki hum lightly.
"This deep-seated herbal freshness… besides lemon zest, you must have also added fresh basil leaves when you heated the milk."
Feeling the complex flavors on her tongue, Ao Kawasaki opened her eyes and looked at Momo Akanegakubo.
"That's right. The herbal freshness of basil can perfectly complement and enhance the refreshing tartness of lemon, making the lemon's aroma less one-dimensional and more layered."
Although it was a trivial detail, it required countless attempts to discover the synergy between lemon and basil.
This was something Momo Akanegakubo had discovered by chance a year ago while mentoring new club members.
"I see. I had no idea lemon and basil would taste like this together. I've learned something today. I'll have to try it next time."
Ao Kawasaki nodded slightly in agreement, a look of surprise on her face.
The use of lemon and basil was indeed not taught in textbooks. This was one of the benefits of being a judge—being able to absorb the experiences of club members.
"Additionally, Momo reduced the amount of gelatin in the Bavarois to make its texture closer to Italian gelato, a style that pairs better with summer."
Slightly shaking Bucchi's arm, Momo Akanegakubo explained her thoughts during the cooking process.
The Lemon Bavarois made this way far surpassed the original in both texture and taste, reaching a new realm.
Innovation doesn't necessarily mean adding many things. Sometimes, just a small change can give a dish new life.
Momo Akanegakubo's Lemon Bavarois was like a yellow knight holding a shield high, perfectly blocking out the sun that penetrates everywhere.
"The refreshing tartness of the lemon completely dominates the tone, but the richness of the cream gradually emerges in the aftertaste, perfectly neutralizing the acidity. You just can't stop eating it!"
"This texture! It's like eating a lemon-flavored cloud!"
"It's so refreshing. I'm eating a dessert, but it doesn't feel cloying at all."
The other club members also came forward after Ao Kawasaki's tasting, scooping the Lemon Bavarois onto small plates and showing expressions of intoxication as they savored it.
"I see. So your understanding of summer is 'beating the heat'?"
Okabe also picked up a plate and scooped a piece. As he tasted Momo Akanegakubo's dish, he muttered this to himself.
That was the feeling the dish gave him.
It was like playing games in an air-conditioned room on a hot summer day. That pleasant feeling was as refreshing as drinking a bottle of ice-cold lemon soda.
"Although beating the heat feels good, if you don't enjoy the sun in summer, if you don't experience nature firsthand, can you really call it summer?"
"When you talk about summer, it's about the sun, the chirping of cicadas, the earthy smell of soil and grass after the rain, the coolness of the evening breeze on a sweaty neck, and the sweet and sour taste of mango."
"Try my dish. Perhaps it can bring you a different kind of summer experience!"
Placing the mango mousse on a plate and handing it to Momo Akanegakubo along with a spoon, Okabe's eyes held a power that could stir one's heart, urging her to taste it quickly.
Seeing this, Momo Akanegakubo didn't hesitate. She scooped up the Iced Mango Mousse and put it directly into her mouth.
At the same time, Ao Kawasaki and the other club members also came forward, scooped up the Iced Mango Mousse, and closed their eyes to savor it.
"This feeling…"
A pure mango flavor swept through the mouth the moment it entered. It was the richness from the actual fruit pulp, followed by the incredibly bouncy texture of the mango jelly below.
With a slight press of the tongue against the palate, the cool, silky mango mousse melted on the tongue.
Then came the Oreo crumbs at the bottom. Because melted butter had been mixed in, it brought a wondrous texture that was both crispy and dense.
"Mango, Oreo crumbs, mango jelly, mango mousse, and the Oreo cookie base at the very bottom. This little Iced Mango Mousse has five layers of texture."
As she spoke, Ao Kawasaki scooped another piece, her gaze fixed on the cross-section of the Iced Mango Mousse, slightly lost in thought.
The next moment, a scorching and pure sunlight suddenly exploded before her eyes!
Feeling the coolness in her mouth, Momo Akanegakubo found herself no longer in a cool room, but instantly transported to a dazzling tropical beach.
"This is… Hawaii?!"
The scorching sun poured down on her exposed skin without reservation, yet strangely, it wasn't unpleasant. Instead, it brought a warmth that seeped into her bones.
Beneath her feet was fine sand made of Oreo cookie crumbs, which gave a warm, tingling sensation.
But this feeling lasted only for a moment.
A golden sea of mango appeared before her. Golden waves surged, sweeping her in. A surfboard made of mango skin appeared under her feet, and she was freely riding the golden waves.
"If Momo's Lemon Bavarois is a yellow knight holding a shield high, completely blocking out the sun, leaving only a cool breeze…
Then Okabe's Iced Mango Mousse is a passionate summer surfer, riding the heatwaves with abandon, embracing the entire summer in the most exhilarating way!"
Feeling the rich flavors of the Iced Mango Mousse and the aftertaste it left in her mouth, Ao Kawasaki came to this conclusion.
One is evasion, the other is embrace.
The difference between the two was something even a layperson could clearly feel.
"Lemon is indeed more suited to summer, but the intense passion of mango better interprets the essence of summer. The impact from this direct expression is soul-shaking!"
Ao Kawasaki slowly opened her eyes, looked at Okabe with a complex gaze, and said these words.
Momo Akanegakubo still had her eyes closed, her fingers unconsciously tightening, squeezing the doll Bucchi slightly out of shape.
At this moment, she was standing in a golden sea of mango. The waves gently lapped at her ankles, bringing a perfectly cool sensation.
The feeling was too real.
The scorching heat of the sun and the coolness of the mango coexisted wonderfully around her, allowing her to appreciate the beauty of summer without being troubled by the sun's heat.
"You're right. Simply choosing to avoid it, one can't experience the true summer. Only by going outside and experiencing it firsthand can you say you've experienced the beauty of summer…"
Opening her eyes, Momo Akanegakubo's gaze held a hint of melancholy. She then looked at Okabe, already understanding the true meaning he had expressed in his dish.
Summer, you really have to be outside for it.
"Momo loses this match. A complete and utter loss. Although I'm not happy about it, a loss is a loss. Momo still has a lot to learn…"
She gently placed her spoon down.
Before anyone else could comment, Momo Akanegakubo conceded defeat. The difference between their dishes was clear. Okabe's understanding of the theme was more than a level higher than hers.
"If I'm not mistaken, Okabe-kun, you must engage in cooking duels often. This kind of on-the-spot experience isn't something you can get just by practicing hard."
As Momo Akanegakubo was lost in thought, Ao Kawasaki's voice suddenly rang out. She looked at Okabe and asked the question that had been on her mind.
If he didn't have rich dueling experience, he couldn't have come up with a dish that fit the theme so well in such a short time.
"When I was at home, I often had cooking duels with a friend. We've had two hundred and sixteen matches so far. I've won two hundred and lost sixteen."
Thinking of the duels with Erina Nakiri at Ryōzanpaku over the past three years, even though she kept losing, she never showed any sign of being discouraged.
Occasionally, when she won a match, she couldn't help but hold a celebration in her room, thinking she had finally surpassed Okabe, only to be thoroughly defeated in the next match.
This went on and on…
Three years have passed just like that.
It was precisely because of that experience that Okabe could perform so effortlessly in the current duel.
"That friend of yours… to be able to keep dueling with you after losing two hundred times, her love for cooking is undeniable."
After hearing Okabe's story, Ao Kawasaki spoke with a hint of emotion.
An ordinary person would lose their fighting spirit after three or four consecutive losses, but Okabe's friend could maintain her original intention after losing two hundred times and continuously challenge him. Such a thing was truly rare.
"You're talking about Erina, right? At Ryōzanpaku, only she is qualified to be your opponent and has a small chance of winning."
Momo Akanegakubo suddenly spoke up.
"Actually, there's also Hisako, but Hisako and I have competed twenty-three times, and she hasn't won a single match against me yet. It's been a few months since our last one."
Thinking of Hisako Arato, who looked unwilling to admit defeat every time she lost to him, a faint smile appeared on Okabe's face.
"Then that's it. It's no injustice that you lost this match, Momo. What you lack now isn't basic skills, but the flexible and adaptable thinking for battling others! I originally thought it was a bit early, but after tasting your dish just now, I feel it's about time. Starting today, you'll have two matches with me every week at night, using dishes with at least 30% originality."
With a look of 'I knew it,' Ao Kawasaki looked at Momo Akanegakubo, who was standing not far away with her head down in silence, and said these words.
Original desserts.
This is a path every pastry chef must walk.
Developing something from scratch isn't realistic. Most people's first original dessert is developed on the foundation of their predecessors.
It might just be a small change, replacing matcha with cocoa, or mousse with ice cream, or puff pastry with a tart base.
These seemingly minor replacements and additions are like a domino being pushed over, creating a chain reaction that can bring incredibly surprising flavor changes to a dish.
"Two cooking duels a week…"
"Momo understands. Thank you, President!"
Hearing Ao Kawasaki's words, Momo Akanegakubo nodded solemnly, then turned her gaze to Okabe beside her and said, "Next time, Momo won't lose again!"
"I look forward to your performance next time."
Looking at the girl with her little head held high, tightly hugging Bucchi, looking serious, Okabe couldn't help but reach out and pinch her cheek.
"I feel like you're not taking Momo seriously. But forget it. With Momo's current strength, it's normal for you not to take her seriously."
Awkwardly enjoying the warmth on her cheek, Okabe's large hand felt magical, making her want to sink into it uncontrollably.
"Actually, I am taking you seriously. After all, you're not an ignorant person, Momo. I have to keep working hard to avoid being overtaken."
Looking at Momo Akanegakubo's enjoyable expression, Okabe spoke with a hint of teasing.
"Okabe-kun, since it's a rare occasion for you to be here, why don't you stay? Spend the afternoon in our Sweets Research Club and experience our club activities with Momo."
Looking at the harmonious Okabe and Momo Akanegakubo, and thinking of the dish he had just presented, Ao Kawasaki had the idea of recruiting him into the club.
Okabe is now in his first year of junior high. If he were willing to join the Sweets Research Club, it would guarantee the club's glory for at least another six years, or even take it a step further!
However, a direct invitation would be somewhat abrupt, and he would likely not agree. Therefore, Ao Kawasaki decided to let him experience it first before inviting him.
Besides, with so many pretty girls in the Sweets Research Club, wouldn't it be easy to handle a boy just entering adolescence?!
After all, the male-to-female ratio in the Sweets Research Club was an astonishing 2:8!
"I just enrolled today, so I have to take my luggage to the dormitory. There are still many things to handle. I'll come visit again when I have time."
Looking at the eager expressions of the girls around him, Okabe felt a bit overwhelmed and waved his hand to refuse.
"I see. It is indeed busy at the beginning of the school year. Then come back when you have time."
Ao Kawasaki nodded slightly in understanding. She could see Okabe's resistance, so she didn't intend to force him to stay, just smiling and exchanging a few pleasantries.
"Then I'll take my leave."
Seeing the other party relent, Okabe immediately prepared to leave.
"I'll walk you out. You just arrived at Tōtsuki and probably aren't familiar with the environment here."
Watching Okabe prepare to leave, Momo Akanegakubo exchanged a glance with Ao Kawasaki. After getting a nod, she immediately followed him, leaving the Sweets Research Club together.
"Then I'll trouble you."
Seeing Momo Akanegakubo follow him out, Okabe didn't refuse. Soon, the two disappeared down the corridor.
"This year's freshmen are truly incredible. I wonder how many such formidable characters there are. If there are too many, Tōtsuki is really going to change…"
Looking in the direction Okabe and Momo Akanegakubo had left, Ao Kawasaki muttered to herself.
Regarding this.
Okabe, the person in question, was unaware.
At this moment, he and Momo Akanegakubo had already left the Sweets Research Club building and were heading towards Polaris Dormitory according to the map.
Along the way, as they passed teaching buildings and other areas, Momo Akanegakubo would patiently introduce them, telling him where to go for daily classes, explaining every detail thoroughly.
Okabe also listened patiently, committing her words to memory. The two walked and stopped, and soon they arrived in front of a villa that looked somewhat dilapidated.
Withered vines, old trees, evening crows.
Vines with slightly yellowed ends wrapped around the building's walls.
The black iron fence was also covered with vegetation, looking like a building that had been abandoned for who knows how many years, the kind of haunted house you'd see in a horror movie.
"The environment here is so bad…"
Momo Akanegakubo held Bucchi up to her nose, seemingly wanting to block out the smell of dust. It was hard to imagine such a building existing at Tōtsuki in such a poor state.
"Excuse me, is this Polaris Dormitory? It feels like an abandoned building. Did I go to the wrong place…?"
Just as Momo Akanegakubo was lamenting the poor environment at the entrance, a voice filled with doubt and a hint of disbelief sounded from behind Okabe.
"So… This should be Polaris Dormitory. Are you also a student assigned to this dorm?"
Okabe turned his head to look. A brief look of astonishment appeared on his usually calm face. He was about to call out his name but stopped himself just before the words came out, feigning an inquiry.
The person before him had striking red hair and a noticeable scar on his forehead. Although his appearance was youthful, he could still be recognized as a young version of the Medicine King.
"Yeah, my dad sent me over. I heard this is a school with the fundamental purpose of teaching cooking. It's a bit strange, hahaha."
Soma Yukihira casually patted Okabe's shoulder and laughed foolishly.
"There are quite a few schools of this type in the world. It's probably to give chefs without connections a chance to compete fairly."
"I'm also a member of this dormitory. My name is Okabe, and my family lives in Shibuya. I'll probably be your roommate for the next few years. Please take care of me."
With a confident and generous smile on his face, Okabe extended his hand to Soma Yukihira.
"Soma Yukihira. My family runs a small diner."
Seeing this, Soma Yukihira didn't act coy. He shook his hand while introducing himself.
"It's getting late. Let's go in."
Because he was delayed at the Sweets Club for a long time and then walked around the school for a bit, by the time he arrived at Polaris Dormitory, the sunset was already in the sky.
"Is this really our dorm? The surrounding buildings are all luxurious. Why is only this one so dilapidated…?"
Hearing Okabe's words, Soma Yukihira came back to his senses and looked at the building before him again, his voice full of suspicion as he compared it to the coordinates on the map.
"According to the map's directions, this is undoubtedly Polaris Dormitory. Although I'm also very shocked, let's go inside and take a look first."
Although he was puzzled why Soma Yukihira had enrolled three years early—could it be a butterfly effect from his transmigration?—Okabe wasn't going to think too much about it. Right now, he just wanted to quickly pass the dorm's entrance trial, take a shower, and sleep.
As for the ingredients needed for the trial, he could just use what Erina Nakiri and the others had left over. Running down the mountain to the supermarket himself was too energy-consuming.
More importantly, by the time he got back to Polaris Dormitory, he would probably miss dinner.
"Let's go in together, Momo."
Thinking of this, Okabe looked at Momo Akanegakubo standing beside him and called out to her.
"Mm."
Although she was a bit reluctant deep down, the thought of being outside alone was even more terrifying, so Momo Akanegakubo nodded. However, she reached out and grabbed the corner of Okabe's shirt as they went in, clearly still a bit nervous.
Soon, the three of them stood at the villa's entrance.
Pushing open the heavy main door, what greeted them was darkness. Okabe cautiously poked his head in but didn't see a single living person.
"Strange… how come there's no one inside?"
Walking a few steps inside, a big question mark appeared in Okabe's mind.
A spacious front hall, a chandelier hanging from the ceiling, a short and wide staircase ahead, and above that, the main hall and a spiral staircase leading to the second floor. Okabe could barely make these out from the Sunset shining in from outside.
"It's so creepy. We must have gone to the wrong place. This is just a haunted house!"
As Soma Yukihira's voice fell, Okabe could clearly see Momo Akanegakubo forcing a smile.
She was still a young girl, after all, with a natural fear of the unknown.
"Hey, is anyone here?"
Considering that Yuki Yoshino and the others hadn't enrolled yet, the current Polaris Dormitory was completely unknown to him as well. So Okabe resorted to the simplest method, shouting loudly into the interior.
The sound echoed in the empty front hall, and he could even hear a faint echo, but there was no response.
"Looks like there's really no one here?"
Soma Yukihira next to him scratched his head and also raised his voice: "Excuse me! Is anyone here?"
Just as his voice fell, in the shadows behind the main hall, a tightly closed wooden door creaked open a slit.
"Who's so noisy? It's not time for the welcoming yet…"
A low, displeased female voice, as if her sweet dreams had been disturbed, came from the crack in the door.
Following that, a woman with a dark purple ponytail, sharp eyes, and an extraordinary presence poked her head out of the room. She was wearing light yellow pajamas with a Spanish rice grain print, looking at the three people at the door with an impatient expression.
"You're mistaken, Kakizaki-senpai. Today is indeed the new students' enrollment day."
A gentle voice came from behind a door on the second floor. Okabe and the others looked over and saw a tall, curvaceous young woman with smooth, waist-length cherry pink hair walk out.
Noticing their gazes, the pink-haired girl showed a gentle smile.
"Huh? Today is the new students' enrollment day?… How troublesome…"
Hearing what the pink-haired girl said, Taki Kakizaki scratched her head in annoyance and picked up the receiver next to the room.
"Auntie Fumio, there are new people at the dorm."
"I'm already here. I'm not deaf to such a loud voice."
Fumio Daimidō strode over to Okabe, Soma Yukihira, and Momo Akanegakubo.
"You are the new students, Okabe and Soma Yukihira, right?"
"I'm the dorm manager here, Fumio Daimidō. From now on, you can call me Auntie Fumio, the 'Maria of Polaris'."
Standing on the stairs and looking down at the three people before her, Fumio Daimidō put one hand on her hip, stating their identities while introducing herself.
"As for the one next to you… could it be a resident from another dorm who wants to live here but didn't get a spot?"
As her voice fell, Fumio Daimidō looked at Momo Akanegakubo, who was standing and waiting beside Okabe.
"I'm just accompanying him. I don't plan to stay here."
Hearing Fumio Daimidō's question, Momo Akanegakubo tightened her grip on her doll, Bucchi.
"I see. Then, what ingredients did you two prepare?"
Looking at Okabe, whose arm was being held by the girl, and the girl's subtle gaze that avoided looking at her surroundings, Fumio Daimidō nodded and then turned to Soma Yukihira standing beside them.
"Huh? What ingredients?"
Soma Yukihira looked confused. Okabe stood to the side without saying a word.
"Isn't it obvious! It's the unique skill trial for moving into Polaris Dormitory!"
"First, anyone who wants to move into this dormitory must make a dish. Only those whose cooking is approved can successfully move in."
"Second, the judging will be conducted by the dorm manager."
"Third, there are no restrictions on the ingredients brought."
Hearing Soma Yukihira's words, Fumio Daimidō's brows furrowed slightly, and she repeated with a serious expression.
"I never heard about that! I didn't prepare any ingredients at all! How about you, Okabe? Did you bring any? If you did, do you have any extra to lend me first?"
Soma Yukihira's expression was subtly frantic. He then looked at Okabe as if he had found a lifeline.
"I didn't either."
Okabe shook his head slightly, his gaze scanning the scene. With such a commotion, why hadn't Erina Nakiri and the others come out yet?
Could it be they didn't come here? That shouldn't be right. Even if they didn't come, they would have sent a message to let him know.
"So you two are forfeiting without a fight. You young people really don't pay any attention to the information on paper. The three who came earlier were the same. It was clearly written in the dorm notice, but they didn't even bother to look. They should be on their way back from buying ingredients now. You probably won't make it in time."
With a look of 'I knew it,' her words filled with criticism for the current generation of young people, Fumio Daimidō shook her head and sighed with regret. For people like them, only a little hardship would teach them a lesson.
"Erina and the others didn't bring ingredients either? That doesn't sound like Hisako's style. Could it be they were too busy chatting on the way…?"
Hearing Fumio Daimidō's words, Okabe showed a surprised expression, then looked at her and said, "There should be leftover rice and eggs in the kitchen, right?"
"There are, there's some leftover rice from lunch. But a simple fried rice won't pass my trial, you know. This isn't a cooking class at school."
Hearing Okabe's words, Fumio Daimidō said with a smile that wasn't a smile.
Trying to bribe her with a simple fried rice? This guy was underestimating the skill trial!
____
New Story: Stardew Valley: What Do You Mean They All Became My Servants
🔥We're handing out that '25% bonus' that makes your wallet smile. 😄
✅ Jump 40 chapters ahead of the public release!
✅ Get access to special perks and news!
Help smash these goals:
🎯 100 Powerstones = +1 Bonus Chapter (for everyone)
🚀 180 MEMBERS = +5 extra chapters (for all stories)!
👻 P - Walnutchan