Chapter 12: A Family Feast
Behind the kitchen counter, Akishin handed out aprons to Hikigaya and Hayama, putting them to work on the final prep. As Hayama washed the vegetables, he asked, "Chishima-sensei, don't you find it exhausting? Working as a teacher and running an Izakaya at the same time?"
"I manage. I've got plenty of free time, so don't worry about me." Akishin's hand moved with such blistering speed that the knife became a blur. In less than ten seconds, a plain carrot had been transformed into an intricate flower.
Hayama's eyes widened. He'd only seen knife skills like that from high-end sushi chefs in luxury hotels.
"That's... incredible."
Hikigaya nodded in silent agreement. He'd seen stuff like this on cooking shows, but even the TV chefs didn't seem as effortless as Chishima Akishin.
Akishin waved it off. "It's nothing special. Just the result of doing the same thing over and over again."
And he meant it. In his "training space," Akishin had practiced his cuts until his hands were a mess of scars. Every time he got cut, the System would heal him, and he would start all over again, repeating the motion until it was perfect.
The physical wounds were gone, but the memory of the pain remained.
It was a mental grind. In fact, after reaching the Master level of cooking, Akishin had briefly spiraled into a mental breakdown, nearly driven to the edge by the sheer repetition of pain.
The System could fix his body, but the psychological toll was something he had to carry alone, hidden behind his calm exterior.
Hayama watched Hikigaya tend to the simmering broth, then turned back to see Akishin cooking with an almost artistic flair. He asked with a smile, "Hikigaya-kun, you and Chishima-sensei seem to get along well. Did you know each other before this?"
"No."
Hikigaya glanced at Hayama. "I only met him yesterday."
"It's true, we're fresh acquaintances," Akishin added as he reached for an onion. "Yesterday was my first day. I saw Hikigaya-kun sitting all by his lonesome in the park, so I struck up a conversation and invited him over."
Hikigaya shot Akishin a look. He really didn't appreciate his lack of a social life during PE being broadcast like that.
"So, Hikigaya-kun was a special guest invited specifically by Chishima-sensei?"
"That's right."
Akishin diced the onion, set it aside, and pulled fresh beef from the fridge. The blade danced again, producing slices so thin they were practically translucent.
Internally, Hikigaya felt a small spark of satisfaction. He was the "special guest," unlike Hayama, who was just a plus-one brought along by Shizuka.
The three of them continued to chat as they worked, the atmosphere surprisingly harmonious. Hayama and Hikigaya were constantly floored by Akishin's expertise, especially when it came to the Sashimi.
Akishin even demonstrated a technique where the fish was sliced so precisely that it could still "swim" for a moment when placed back in the water—a display that was as haunting as it was impressive.
Meanwhile, in the living area, the silence was deafening. Yukino was buried in a book with a cat motif, Miura was scrolling through her phone with an annoyed pout, and Shizuka was simply basking in the calm, tea in hand.
The tension only broke when Hayama began carrying the dishes into the room.
"Yumiko, the food's here. Help me out with these."
A powerful, savory aroma immediately filled the space. Shizuka's mouth watered; the scent was even more intoxicating than the last time.
"Okay... coming! Careful, Hayato!"
Miura scrambled to her feet, taking a ceramic pot from Hayama's hands. The smell hit her full force as she peeked inside.
It was a vibrant mix of green onions, carrots, and tender beef in a clear, tangy broth that made her stomach growl instantly.
The dish was Sour Soup Beef.
Miura's family was well-off, and she'd eaten at her fair share of high-end Chinese restaurants in Japan. She'd had this dish before, but the aroma coming from Akishin's pot was in a completely different league.
Hikigaya brought in the next tray. Yukino stood up to take it from him, their fingers brushing for a split second. Hikigaya felt a surge of awkwardness, and Yukino stared at him for a beat before her attention was stolen by the plate.
The Sashimi was arranged to look like a bird taking flight over a bed of ice, decorated with tri-colored flowers. Cold mist rolled off the edges of the plate like miniature clouds.
Yukino had eaten meals prepared by Michelin-starred chefs. This Sashimi, at least in terms of presentation, didn't lose to any of them.
"Alright, let's eat."
Akishin entered last, carrying a large tray with seven more dishes. In total, nine different plates adorned the table. Every single one looked and smelled like a masterpiece.
Shizuka looked at Akishin, her voice a bit hopeful. "Chishima-sensei... do you happen to have anything... alcoholic?"
"It is an Izakaya, so of course, but..."
Akishin gestured toward the four students.
Shizuka followed his gaze, and her face immediately fell into an expression of pure disappointment.
Without looking up from the table, Yukino spoke. "Hiratsuka-sensei, we are all minors. It is highly inappropriate for you to be drinking in this situation. It's bad for your health, and more importantly, you have to drive us home. Unless you're looking to be arrested?"
"...I get it."
Shizuka had no comeback for that. She let out a heavy sigh and picked up her chopsticks.
Akishin took the head of the table, with Shizuka opposite him. Hikigaya and Yukino sat on the left, while Hayama and Miura took the right.
Akishin smiled at Shizuka's defeat and gestured for everyone to dig in.
Shizuka immediately went for a slice of beef. The moment she tasted it, a look of pure bliss washed over her face.
The four students followed suit.
"It's... good."
A faint blush crept onto Yukino's cheeks as she continued to eat with uncharacteristic speed. The flavors were bold, leaving a deep impression on her palate.
Hachiman watched Akishin, his mind racing. He realized then that Chishima Akishin was no ordinary man. He made a mental note to bring his sister, Komachi, here sometime.
"Hayato, this is seriously amazing!"
Miura was beaming as she enjoyed the Sashimi. Hayama nodded, both of them clearly having a great time.
Even Yukino had a small, genuine smile on her lips. Truly, delicious food had a way of bringing happiness to anyone.
Shizuka watched the scene, her mind drifting to Haruno's words. The Yukinoshita family certainly had their issues, but for now, the coldness seemed to have melted away.
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