In the end, Hiratsuka Shizuka left with complicated feelings.
When she departed, she even took two bento boxes with her.
But before leaving, she explained to Shirase why she'd brought up Kojima Kana's name.
Inside, Shirase felt nothing—just the urge to laugh.
He couldn't help imagining how Kojima Kana would react if she learned she was the final straw that convinced Hiratsuka-sensei she needed to lose weight.
Knowing Kana-nee, he guessed she'd puff herself up and smugly snort, "Nee-san has never worried about managing her figure. My body's already perfect—no need to diet!"
Shortly after, Hayama Hayato finally arrived, and just as Shirase expected, Miura Yumiko was with him, looking thoroughly displeased.
Shirase politely pretended not to notice.
Hayama sniffed the dishes, genuinely surprised. "Seems your cooking skills are pretty impressive?"
"You haven't even tasted it yet—how would you know?" Shirase shot back.
"My nose never lies," Hayama said with a smile.
They didn't talk much more—just briefly discussed the upcoming match before Hayama took Miura Yumiko and left.
...
Days flew by, and soon it was Wednesday.
Since Kojima Kana hadn't gone out shopping after work these past few days, Shirase hadn't been in a hurry to activate [Free Hosting].
Instead, he balanced training and study as usual. The soccer club's new members were also improving fast—physically and mentally.
At the very least, during club activities, they no longer panicked whenever strong opponents came up.
However, Shirase could clearly see the club captain was under a lot of pressure. The clearest sign was that, over the last three days, the clubroom suddenly had more fruit…
The captain obviously hoped that offering perks would help keep the team's atmosphere friendly.
Fortunately, he came from a well-off family—a true next-gen heir—otherwise, what high schooler would have that much allowance to splurge on fruit?
Today, the last period in the afternoon was home economics, and students could choose between sewing or cooking and desserts.
Classes 1-A and 1-C had home ec together, and naturally, the Nakano quintuplets stood out.
Interestingly, Isshiki Iroha had squeezed into their little group, whispering happily. At this rate, they'd soon become the "Nakano Sextuplets."
Hayama Hayato didn't partner with Shirase this time, clearly realizing he needed to pay more attention to Miura Yumiko's feelings.
As Shirase whisked eggs alone, Nakano Itsuki came over, eyes blinking rapidly, not even trying to hide her expectations.
Shirase glanced back. "Want some?"
Nakano Itsuki said earnestly, "I'll help you taste-test."
"Oh, so you want to eat."
"You don't have to say it so bluntly." Itsuki shot him a reproachful look. She was a girl, after all—he could at least give her a little face.
Shirase kept whisking. "There's no free lunch—take over whisking for me."
"Alright!" Itsuki eagerly rolled up her sleeves.
Shirase's cooking had her completely enchanted. Just as Nino had said, the sisters were gradually defecting from Nino's faction to Shirase's camp.
Nearby, Isshiki Iroha glanced over and teased, "Nakano Nino-san, you're not going too?"
"Nope." Nino, who'd chosen to bake cookies, snorted. "I've known for a while that Itsuki's a traitor."
Nakano Miku immediately retorted, "Isn't that just a matter of personal taste? Why call someone a traitor over it?"
"Oh, I almost forgot. You're a little traitor too." Nino eyed her sideways. "If I recall, you secretly stashed some of the cookies Shirase brought last time."
"I didn't 'stash' them—I planned to savor them slowly," Miku said firmly.
"So you're still a little traitor."
"…"
Miku puffed her cheeks and fell silent. She couldn't argue against her conscience—she truly thought Shirase's cooking outclassed even Nino's.
Nino, by contrast, stayed composed. Ever since Shirase mentioned he'd be asking her for cooking advice, she'd felt perfectly at ease.
You could say she was sleeping soundly on both ears.
Watching this, Isshiki Iroha sighed inwardly—Nakano Nino-san was surprisingly mature.
If Nino had heard that, her pride might've soared sky-high.
While the girls chatted, Nakano Ichika quietly slipped over to Yukinoshita Yukino's side.
"Need something?" Yukinoshita, who usually kept to herself, turned to face her.
Ichika smiled. "Shall we pair up?"
Yukino narrowed her eyes. "You're Nakano Ichika-san, right? I don't recall us being acquainted."
"But from now on, we are."
"Hm?"
Yukino wasn't easy to fool. From Ichika's flickering eyes, she immediately guessed the girl had some ulterior motive.
But since they weren't familiar, Yukino couldn't pin down her intentions. She could only answer, "As long as you don't drag me down, I'm willing to team up."
"Oh? Yukinoshita-san is that strict?" Ichika feigned surprise.
"I simply don't want to waste unnecessary time while cooking," Yukino replied evenly. "Wasting time is shameful."
"I see. Then I'll be in charge of cheering you on," Ichika nodded.
Yukino's wrist stiffened. She turned slowly to Ichika's charming smile and asked, hesitant, "You can't cook?"
"Nino can. Shirase can," Ichika replied evasively.
Yukino pressed her lips together. Is this someone coming to mooch off my effort?
Just then, Ichika asked, "The results for this week's quizzes are out, right?"
"Yes. I asked Kirisu-sensei," Yukino said. "Shirase-san made significant progress. He's currently in second, ahead of Hayama Hayato."
"Hm? How did you know I was going to bring up Shirase?"
"Because I use my eyes to observe and my brain to think."
"Impressive, impressive." Ichika narrowed her eyes. As expected, Yukinoshita-san is tricky—hard to approach.
She was deeply curious about Shirase's earlier line: "Yukinoshita Haruno would be a perfect role model for you." That was why she'd taken the chance today to slide over.
But judging by the current situation, the path to friendship wasn't exactly smooth sailing.
Ichika thought for a moment, then suddenly said, "Shirase's cooking is incredible, whether it's regular meals or desserts."
Yukino's hands kept moving, waiting for the rest.
Ichika finally revealed her aim. "I'm curious—who's better: the genius girl, or Shirase?"
Yukino frowned slightly. "You came to me just for that?"
"Not exactly. I was just curious on a whim." Ichika's casual manner was pure Uchiha Sasuke—someone who decided on a whim he might as well stand above the world.
---
T/N: i wanted more yaoi...
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