Miyake Hinata and Shirase Kobuchizawa pinched their noses and each finished a durian. Half of their translucent souls drifted out of their bodies. Even though they tried hard to hypnotize themselves that durian was delicious, the brain could still simulate the corresponding taste of something one disliked, even if taste and smell were lost.
Having solved the passport issue, Jhin returned to his room, concealing his merit and fame. In front of Kita Ikuyo, he hugged the fragrant and soft Hitori Gotoh and lay down on the bed to sleep, almost making Kita think Jhin was about to engage in bed sports with Hitori Gotoh right in front of her.
The night passed without words. The next day, the three woke up to the rapid and ear-piercing sound of the alarm clock. After washing up and packing, they flew with everyone to Australia, then took a car to the port where the Antarctic scientific expedition ship was docked.
Upon arriving, Shirase Kobuchizawa and Shiraishi Yuzuki immediately changed into their orange-and-white jackets printed with "Antarctic Challenge," taking out the camera and tripod they had kept in their backpacks and setting them up.
They had originally agreed that Shirase Kobuchizawa would accompany Shiraishi Yuzuki to complete the "Antarctic Challenge" program recording. Who knew she was the type to turn into a jelly-legged weakling the moment she saw a camera lens?
"Mari... didn't you say Shirase was always cold and icy at school, looking like she feared nothing in heaven or earth?" Miyake Hinata raised one eyebrow, leaning on the camera, and pointed a finger at Shirase Kobuchizawa, who looked like a boiled, bright red lobster. "She's nothing like you described."
"Ahaha..." Tamaki Mari laughed dryly, scratching her cheek with her index finger. "Maybe it's because she doesn't have any enemies here."
There were quite a few people at school who mocked Shirase Kobuchizawa's dream of going to Antarctica, which was also the reason she always maintained an aura that kept strangers away.
Jhin stood on the deck of the expedition ship, holding Hitori Gotoh's luggage, and looked down. He saw Shiraishi Yuzuki and the others working hard to record the program's opening.
"Oh, they really are working hard."
"Working hard at what?" Kita Ikuyo walked up to him and asked.
"I mean Tamaki-san and the others. They're recording the 'Antarctic Challenge' program."
"!? Do... do we have to appear on TV?" Hitori Gotoh certainly didn't want to be filmed for a TV program and then be mocked by people all over the country. She secretly swore in her heart that as long as she saw Tamaki Mari and the others holding a camera, she would absolutely not take a step closer.
"Not just TV; it seems there will also be live internet streaming segments. But those should wait until matters reach the Antarctic base."
"They won't run over to interview me, will they?"
"Relax." Jhin gave Hitori Gotoh a reassuring look. "Any interview with you all would require my consent and yours beforehand. They won't force an interview."
Kanae Maekawa led everyone to their assigned rooms and then instructed, "Once aboard the ship, you will be treated equally as adults. You must think about many things for yourselves. If you really don't know what to do, you can find Jhin or me."
She also specifically instructed Jhin, Komine Sachi, Nijika, and Suou Amane to go to the kitchen to help in half an hour. There was a departure celebration tonight, and many dishes needed to be prepared.
Jhin solemnly grasped Kita Ikuyo's smooth, tender hands. "Kita, I leave Bocchi-chan to you!"
"Rest assured." Kita Ikuyo pretended to be nonchalant as she quickly pulled her small hands out of his palms. "I won't lose Bocchi-chan."
Jhin smiled faintly, saying nothing, and went out to find Nijika and the others to gather and help in the kitchen.
He really is insatiable, even though he already has so many girlfriends.
Kita Ikuyo sighed in her heart, then rallied her spirits to find Hitori Gotoh, who was huddled under the desk. "Bocchi-chan, let's go out for a stroll."
"No... there are so many strangers outside I don't know, and we have to work. I don't want to go out."
"But you can't stay under the table forever. What if you bump your head?"
"I'll just hide in Jhin's arms when he comes back. It's safe there." Hitori Gotoh felt complacent about her flawless plan.
"Even though his back is also quite nice..." Kita Ikuyo muttered softly, then forcibly dragged Hitori Gotoh out. "You'll get moldy if you stay here all the time. Let's go see Satania or Tamaki-san."
At the mention of meeting Kessoku Band fans, Hitori Gotoh wasn't as resistant and obediently followed Kita Ikuyo out the door.
"Yo, four great chefs, I've been waiting for you for a long time." Yumiko Samejima, wearing a headscarf and kitchen apron, greeted the four who arrived at the kitchen heartily.
"Only Jhin counts as a great chef." Nijika rolled up her sleeves. "Sister Samejima, what do we need to do?"
Being called "Sister" by a high school girl overflowing with youth made Yumiko Samejima feel significantly younger. The arc of her smile widened. "I've experienced your cooking skills before. This time, I'll be your assistant. The ingredients are all in the kitchen; make whatever you want.
"Ah, try to make dishes with large portions. After all, there are quite a few people at the celebration."
"Understood." Jhin tied on the apron Yumiko Samejima handed him and deftly pulled out a kitchen knife. "Then let's start with a curry suitable for all ages."
"I was just waiting for you to say that. I'll peel the potatoes." The thought of being able to eat the delicious food she had tasted at the mountain inn again made Yumiko Samejima prepare ingredients with full firepower.
"Sachi, we can't lose to Jhin either!"
"That's right, Ijichi-san. Let's do our best together."
"Mhm-hm."
The night drove the setting sun below the horizon. The deck of the Antarctic scientific expedition ship named "Penguin Manju" was brightly lit. The festive and noisy atmosphere dispelled the loneliness brought by the dark night.
Kanae Maekawa stood on the set-up stage, facing the sea breeze, microphone in hand. "Long time no see, everyone! I am Kanae Maekawa. Is everyone doing well?"
"Ohhh!!!"
"Three years have passed since the last voyage. Although I'd like everyone to introduce themselves again, we're all so familiar with each other, so let's fast-forward to the companion introduction segment!"
"According to their ideas, coming up next on stage are..."
"The Antarctic Exploration Group!"
"The Angel & Devil Group!"
"The Kessoku Band Group!"
"The Otaku Academy Group!"
As the girls went up on stage, a wave of enthusiastic cheers rang out from below. Kanae Maekawa shouted a reminder, "They are all high school girls full of vitality. I'll say the ugly words first: don't get any funny ideas about them. That is a criminal act! I repeat, that is a criminal act!"
"Actually, there is one more hidden character. The fact that every aspect of this operation's conditions is so good is all thanks to him, our biggest sponsor, the representative of Synapse Company—Jhin!"
The black-haired, blue-eyed boy walked onto the stage with a maturity and steadiness that did not match his age, taking the microphone Kanae Maekawa handed to him.
"Hello everyone, I am the Synapse representative, Jhin. Originally, I didn't want to appear in this capacity. After all, an hour ago, I was still wielding a spatula and stir-frying in the kitchen."
"By the way, Sister Samejima, did you steal and eat that portion of fried chicken that was made first? I clearly wanted to steal a bite myself first."
"I didn't! Don't you dare stain a person's innocence out of thin air!"
"Hahahaha!"
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