After experiencing the kind of scene straight out of a novel, Bai Mo led Kasugano Sora to the restaurant he had chosen—[Haruka Tei], a dining establishment opened by Kukui Sonoko, the former second seat of the 89th generation of Totsuki Academy's Elite Ten.
For someone who had graduated less than two years ago to already open such a restaurant, Kukui Sonoko was clearly no ordinary chef. It was almost like how, in Totsuki Academy, the strongest member of the Elite Ten wasn't necessarily the first seat—but the second. After all, the first seat had too many responsibilities to focus solely on honing their craft! (A bold claim!)
As the second seat of her generation, Kukui Sonoko's skills were nothing to scoff at.
Haruka Tei specialized in Western cuisine—more specifically, Italian dishes. Since the restaurant didn't have a fixed menu, the daily offerings were entirely up to the chef's discretion. In other words, you ate whatever was served.
Bai Mo was no stranger to this kind of dining experience. After settling into their seats, he turned to Sora and asked, "Sora, do you have any food allergies or ingredients you can't eat?"
"Not that I know of~"
"Good." Bai Mo nodded. "Since we don't know what the chef will serve today, let's just enjoy the surprise."
Sora gave a small nod and quietly observed Bai Mo's mannerisms. She had never been to a restaurant like this, not even when her family was still whole—let alone after being passed around in foster care. She wanted to mimic his dining etiquette to avoid embarrassing her "brother."
Appetizer: Three seared scallops in butter. The rich aroma of butter paired with the fresh, briny sweetness of scallops created an irresistible allure. The scallops were tender, smooth, and carried the crisp freshness of the ocean. When combined with the creamy, nutty depth of butter, every bite was a harmonious blend of flavors that perfectly whetted the appetite.
Watching Sora carefully spear a scallop with her fork and take small, delicate bites, Bai Mo waved over a waiter. "Could we get a small bowl and two pairs of chopsticks, please?"
"Ah?"
Though the request was unexpected, the waiter quickly complied, bringing the requested utensils.
Placing the chopsticks in front of Sora, Bai Mo grinned. "If using a fork is awkward, just use chopsticks. The point of food is to enjoy the taste—so eat however feels most natural! All those fancy Western dining rules? Just pretentious nonsense made up by people who wanted to feel special. Hah! Our ancestors were practicing dining etiquette while those guys were still eating with their bare hands!"
Seeing Bai Mo casually pick up a scallop with his chopsticks and pop it into his mouth, Sora hesitated for only a second before following suit with a small smile.
If her brother didn't care, why should she?
And so, the two became an unusual but charming sight in the refined atmosphere of Haruka Tei.
The first course was a classic Italian lasagna—the kind Garfield the cat would love.
The second was the main dish: rosemary-roasted steak, served with asparagus rolls and garlic sautéed spinach.
Next came a simple yet flavorful pumpkin soup.
After finishing these, the final course arrived—a lemon tart paired with a serving of panna cotta.
As Sora's smile grew brighter with each dish, Bai Mo couldn't help but mirror her expression. His instincts had been right—food really was the best way to bring people closer.
He ignored the system notifications chiming in the background. At most, they'd just be for some low-tier green-grade dishes.
"Full?"
"Mhm~ I'm stuffed." Sora giggled. "I don't think I'll need dinner later~"
"That doesn't mean you can just snack instead of having a proper meal!"
Sora instinctively pouted, but before she could retract the expression, a hand gently ruffled her hair.
"Eat well, sleep well—that's how you grow up healthy and strong."
"...Mhm."
"You know, I've always lived by a certain motto."
Sora tilted her head curiously.
Bai Mo grinned. "Train well, study well, play well, eat well, rest well—live a happy, fulfilling, and energetic life! That's the essence of the Turtle School's philosophy."
"I hope you can live like that too, Sora."
"...Mhm."
If it means staying by your side, Brother...
The warmth of his hand on her head made something inside her tremble.
Tears welled up in the corners of her eyes.
When had I lost the will to live?
Was it when her father, mother, and brother died? Or when she was tossed between relatives like an unwanted burden?
During those days, she had slowly shut herself away, fading into the background—only to force herself to care for younger foster siblings, just so she'd have a place to stay.
And when she learned she was being sent to yet another foster home, she had already decided…
Maybe I should just disappear. Find a quiet place to end it all. Then, after death, I can finally rest with Father and the others.
But why…
Why did you have to make me feel this warmth again?
Brother…
Will you abandon me too?