"Hey, today a newcomer is joining our club. Apparently, it's a boy." - The cheerful senpai said
"No way. A guy trying to cook? I think it's just a rumor" - The skeptical senpai said.
"If it's really a guy, I hope he's at least clean and kind." - The hopeful senpai said.
"Alright, girls, the newcomer will arrive in five minutes. I expect all of you to behave." - Said the club president or Chief, with a stern tone.
"Hey Chief, you know who the newcomer is, right?" - asked the cheerful senpai.
"Yes, I do—and you'll all find out in five minutes."
"That's petty, Chief. Don't you agree, Edomae-san?"
"I'm kind of surprised to see you in the cooking club," - said the skeptical senpai, turning to me - "With all due respect, usually it's girls aiming to become maids for wealthy families or professional chefs who join this kind of club."
"I'm just interested in learning. I hope I'm not troubling anyone."
When I found out Tomoki-kun was applying to this club, I immediately joined too.
He's been getting more popular every day. I thought his interest was only in me—but I was wrong. He interacts easily with any girl who approaches him.
When I saw him chatting and laughing with Tachibana Himari-san, I felt a painful twist in my chest.
And I hated that I couldn't hide my frustration when speaking to him.
That day, I wanted to ask if he liked the idea of having multiple wives… if he liked Tachibana-san… if I was special to him.
But when I saw how tired he looked, I couldn't bring myself to ask. I didn't want to come off as some needy girl. I want to be a woman who brings happiness—not stress—to the person I care for.
Then he asked me to have lunch together. I was so happy.
That little time we shared under the sakura tree has become a special memory for me.
Later, he even asked what I'd wanted to talk about that day. He really is an attentive boy. But I had to come up with a new question, so I asked about the club.
Now, five minutes have passed. I'm a little excited to see him again.
"Everyone we have a newcomer in our cooking club."
"I´ll be in your care!" - he said.
I wonder if I'll get to try his cooking. I bet it'll be delicious.
But I also need to stay sharp—after all...
"Hey, it's a boy! If I'm not wrong, it's Morikawa-kun, right?" - said the cheerful senpai, excitedly.
"I can't believe my eyes. Maybe I need an ophthalmologist... or a psychologist" - muttered the skeptical senpai.
"And he's even good-looking." - added the hopeful senpai, stunned.
"Sorry about that, Morikawa-san. I'll definitely scold them later for their behavior." - the Chief said, flustered.
As expected, everyone's attention was already on him.
Usually, a boy would feel overwhelmed or annoyed with this kind of reaction. But...
"Don't worry, Chief. And yes, I'm Morikawa Tomoki. I may be inexperienced, but I hope we'll all get along."
"..."
Right. They're speechless. Meeting a guy like him is like witnessing Halley's Comet.
"Now, Morikawa-kun, today we're making a simple omurice. Is that okay with you?" - Chief asked
"... Sure."
"Is there anyone you want to pair up with?"
"Uhmm… well… Ayame-san, would you like to pair with me?"
I had hoped he would choose me, but I wasn't sure. I'm glad he feels safe with me.
"Hello, Ayame-san! Who knew we'd end up in the same club, haha. Talk about coincidence."
"You're right. Fufu ~ what a coincidence."
Sometimes I wonder if he's a bit of an airhead. It's pretty obvious I joined because of our lunch conversation. But I like that about him too.
"By the way, it suits you."
"Sorry? Oh… you mean the apron? Thank you!"
That caught me by surprise. It's just a regular apron, but he still complimented me. He really is kind.
"That too. But what really surprised me is your new hairstyle. The ponytail suits you."
"Tha—thank you!"
I forgot he sometimes drops unexpected lines like that. Tomoki-kun, are you like this with everyone… or just with me?
Anyway, it's time to cook. I'm kind of looking forward to seeing how he does.
"Ayame-san, do you know how to turn on this stove?"
...Well, I suppose that's expected from a beginner. I'm still new myself, so I'll ask the Chief for help.
...
"Morikawa-san, you don't need to scramble the eggs that fast." - The Chief warned.
"She's right, Tomoki-kun. Take it easy." - I added.
"Don't worry. This time I'll keep up with everyone else's speed!"
"WAIT—" - Chief and I both shouted, but it was too late.
SPLASH
"Sorry, everyone! I thought I'd gotten the hang of it."
I never expected Tomoki-kun to be hasty and impatient. Now that I think about it, during the interview day, he walked toward F-block instead of taking the bus.
Fufu~. I've discovered a new side of him.
"Everyone, let's start evaluating our dishes." - Chief announced.
As expected, even with a simple recipe, the senpais had made dishes with unique flavors.
And of course, Chief's omurice was amazing. No wonder she won the national culinary tournament. I should consider hiring her in the future.
"Now, let's evaluate our newcomer's dishes. Don't worry—we won't be harsh... except for one" - The Chief said with a calm smile.
They tasted mine first.
"Whoa, Edomae-san! Your omurice is delicious!" - Said the cheerful senpai.
"There's still room for improvement, but it's really good!" - Added the skeptical senpai.
"As expected of Edomae-san. Your talent knows no bounds!" - Said the hopeful senpai.
"With more experience, I bet you'll surpass even me." - Chief smiled warmly.
"I didn't know you could cook so well, Ayame-san! I can't stop eating!" - Tomoki-kun said with a big smile.
Hearing that from someone I like… it made all the effort feel worth it.
"Now, the last one... Morikawa-san..." - Chief said, hesitant.
Everyone tried his omurice.
"Hey, it's not that bad! I mean… it's bad, but not that bad. Haha… ha." - The cheerful senpai was clearly struggling.
"...Is this eggshell? I expected some mistakes, but this... exceeded expectations." - Said the skeptical senpai.
"If I add some sauce, maybe it'll... be okay." - The hopeful senpai mumbled desperately.
Their evaluations were harsh. They're professionals, so maybe their palates are more sensitive.
It couldn´t be that bad...
...
... It was bad.
Like chewing on charcoal mixed with sand.
I didn't know whether to be honest or try to comfort him. I didn't want to hurt his feelings, so...
"Tomoki-kun, thanks for the meal. I hope to try your next—"
"Morikawa-san, let me be honest. You should stop pursuing cooking altogether." - Chief cut me off.
"Not even to cook a simple meal?" - Tomoki-kun asked.
"The problem isn't just skill. You're reckless and impatient. Do you think you can master this in one day?"
She was right, to be fair. But this is what you expect with a newcomer, isn't it? Even the other members looked uneasy.
"Hey Chief, it's okay, you know? Even I've made blunders before."
"Putting high expectations on a beginner is not a good thing Chief."
"Actually, this could be a valuable experience for all of us."
"Sorry girls, but I won't change my mind. Morikawa-san, do you think cooking is a game? You need to fix your attitude and—."
"Hey, isn´t it kind bad?"
"Yeah... I don´t like where this is going."
"She's always serious about cooking, but this..."
For some reason, Chief started losing her composure. Did something happen? Regardless—I won't allow this to go on.
"...Are you going to stay silent? Well, I'll give you credit for awareness. But don't think you can just do as you please because you're a man."
"Hey, we should stop her now!"
"Shit!"
"This could ruin the club... Edomae-san?"
She said something unforgivable—especially here, at this academy.
I don't know what kind of expression I'm making right now…
…but I know it's not the face of the ideal "heroine" I wanted to become.