"I suggest replacing the honey used in the cake with wild honey. Wild honey has a slightly bitter taste, which can better neutralize the sweetness of the cake and the flavor of the fruits."
Looking at the girl's expectant face, Hoshino Sora was silent for two seconds, then smacked his lips a few times to savor the taste, and finally gave his most sincere evaluation. His words made Akikubo Momo pause.
"Oh, I see. Then I'll experiment tomorrow."
"Even without changes, the taste is very good. Adding wild honey just suits my personal taste better. By the way, Akikubo-senpai, I currently have four extra tenth seat, and I'd like to give you one."
Seeing Akikubo Momo's somewhat downcast expression, Hoshino Sora immediately realized his mistake. She had clearly brought the cake over because she wanted his praise.
And he had only focused on her shortcomings, which seemed a bit insensitive.
"tenth seat? No need. I'll be graduating in less than a month. Let's leave this position for someone who needs it..."
"But no one is more suitable for this position than Akikubo-senpai. An Elite Ten for a month is still an Elite Ten."
He reached out and stroked her head. Although she was older than him, she clearly enjoyed this head pat, and a comfortable expression immediately appeared on her face.
"Let's eat first. The food will get cold if we don't eat now."
Looking at Hoshino Sora flirting with Akikubo Momo at the staircase, Erina Nakiri couldn't help but cough twice, then pointed at the dishes in front of them and said loudly. They had waited until all the dishes were ready before calling him.
The others hadn't touched their chopsticks either, just sitting there waiting for him.
Unbeknownst to them, Hoshino Sora had already become the head of the household at Yōbi Dormitory, something even Hiratsuka Shizuka hadn't expected, as she had been slacking off for a long time.
Dorm supervisor, dormitory manager.
To be honest, her power was not great. If someone listened to her, it was fine, but if they didn't, she had no way to deal with it. She couldn't possibly kick him out of the dorm, could she?
She didn't have that much power yet.
Watching Hoshino Sora sit down, surrounded by girls, Hiratsuka Shizuka took a sip of beer. As the young man picked up his chopsticks, the grand meal on the table finally began, and she immediately started eating her bar snacks.
A sip of iced beer, a bite of bar snack, this feeling was simply too refreshing!
To be honest, this kind of life where she could get paid without managing things and could also eat Totsuki Ten Elite cuisine, she really had nothing to complain about.
So, if Hoshino Sora was the backbone, then Hoshino Sora was the backbone. Anyway, she wouldn't lose anything. As long as she could accept this, she could live very happily in this dormitory.
Hiratsuka Shizuka thought this way and acted this way. Undoubtedly, she was a person of great wisdom, knowing what to choose and what to give up, and understanding boundaries, which was why she was so likable.
"Try this. It's an improved version of the blended chicken wings I made according to my method. See how it tastes."
"You can also try mine, freshly made vegetable mushroom soup, combining French and Italian cooking methods. I'm quite confident about the taste."
"Or try this, a combination of sashimi and Molecular Cuisine! It will definitely bring you a different and novel experience!"
"Still, drink some medicinal soup. You're like this every day, you must nourish your body well, what if you can't do it later?"
At these words, the entire room fell silent. Everyone's eyes were on Hisako Arato, who was holding a bowl of nourishing soup, meant to replenish the body.
Of course, there was nothing wrong with the nourishing soup. The key was Hisako Arato's last sentence. Hoshino Sora, instead of getting angry, smiled and walked directly behind her: "Tonight, I'll let you know if I can or not!"
As his words fell, Hisako Arato trembled, as if she had thought of something, her cheeks flushed intensely, and then she cast a 'pleading' look at Erina Nakiri.
"Erina-sama~!"
Erina Nakiri naturally received her gaze, but she pretended not to see it and looked away. Her action made Hisako Arato feel a bit desperate, a hint of pity in her voice.
"And everyone, tonight, I, Hoshino Sora, will let you know if I can or not!"
Looking at the women gathered around the dining table, Hoshino Sora's voice revealed a hint of determination, then his gaze swept around. Most of the girls who met his gaze shyly lowered their heads.
Especially Hiratsuka Shizuka, her face was flushed intensely at this moment. She never thought Hoshino Sora would say such things in front of so many people. Did he really treat Yōbi Dormitory as his harem base?
Although, that wasn't wrong to say...
Such a handsome and excellent boy, very few girls wouldn't be moved when they saw him. At least her heart was racing intensely now, and being included in his words, her mind unconsciously began to wander.
As for Hoshino Sora's side, there were naturally shy ones, and also enthusiastic ones, with eyes full of anticipation.
Alice Nakiri and Yumeko Jabami were examples.
After hearing Hoshino Sora's words, a glint seemed to appear in their eyes. Especially Alice Nakiri, she had already sat beside him at some point, her small feet swinging under the table, looking very expectant.
"Then it's settled. Let's eat first."
Seeing everyone's reactions, Hoshino Sora nodded with satisfaction, then began to eat heartily. During this time, he gladly accepted whatever food anyone put on his plate, and also swept up all the leftover food that no one else could eat.
Soon, everyone was full and satisfied, showered, and went to bed.
Knowing that their presence would be awkward, Hiratsuka Shizuka and Kobayashi Rindo returned to their rooms early. Akikubo Momo, however, sat in the living room holding Buchi, seemingly lost in thought.
"Akikubo-senpai, aren't you going back to sleep?"
At this time, Akikubo Momo had already showered, wearing a lace nightgown, her whole body filled with the scent of shower gel, and her eyes held a hint of moisture.
Hoshino Sora walked over slowly, sat on the sofa, and greeted her with a smile. He was very fond of this cute loli in Yōbi Dormitory.
Although she was older than him, her whole being exuded an un-age-appropriate softness and cuteness. This temperament really attracted his youthful heart, giving him a feeling of having a younger sister.
"Sora, include me in tonight's activities too."
Looking at the young man's handsome face, after a moment of hesitation, Akikubo Momo finally went for it. She put Buchi down on the seat, stood up from the sofa, and embraced Hoshino Sora's head.
Then she kissed him.
And then...
"Akikubo-senpai, how about we go shower again?"
Unconsciously, Akikubo Momo had already been picked up by Hoshino Sora. She hung on him like a small koala, her eyes filled with an unreadable depth.
"Mm."
Hearing Hoshino Sora's question, Akikubo Momo gently nodded, then lay completely on his body, feeling both anticipation and nervousness.
"It's okay. I'm always very gentle with girls the first time. I'll gradually increase the intensity later. Akikubo-senpai, don't worry, I'll definitely give you a good experience."
Closing the bathroom door and putting his clothes aside, Hoshino Sora saw Akikubo Momo's nervousness and couldn't help but comfort her softly, his tone joyful, doing his best to dispel the unease in her heart.
"Mm, help me..."
After that, even the sound of the shower could not drown out the melodious singing from inside.
——————
In the following days, Hoshino Sora was idle at Yōbi Dormitory, while the third-year students became especially busy with graduation matters, usually out during the day and back at night, busy all day long.
The first-year and second-year students were relatively less busy. Besides classes, they had club activities every day, and everyone was lazy due to the upcoming spring break.
Hoshino Sora still accepted Food War challenges, but because he easily defeated Eishi Tsukasa, fewer and fewer people challenged him now. Those who came were mostly regulars.
Yukihira Soma, Kurokiba Ryo, and Hayama Akira occasionally challenged him. Alice Nakiri, Shiina Mahiru, Mito Ikumi, Yumeko Jabami... even Tadokoro Megumi would join in the fun.
Hoshino Sora naturally accepted his wives' challenges and fought them with all his might, also gaining a lot of reputation points. After this period of accumulation, he had long surpassed 100,000.
Besides the necessary Food Wars in the afternoon, the rest of the time was spent opening his shop in Sanhe Street in the evening. Although his life was monotonous and repetitive, Hoshino Sora was happy because he could always create new and delicious dishes.
With the aim of learning, he tried different dishes every day, occasionally replicating some he was good at, but more often focusing on research and innovation.
One day, feeling a bit tired of this kind of life, Hoshino Sora and Tadokoro Megumi took a week off from Far Moon. He wanted to fulfill the promise he made to her that day at 'Tsukikage'.
"The weather is really nice. Spring is coming, the snow is melting, everything is reviving, blue skies and white clouds. Compared to big cities, the countryside environment is indeed better."
Sitting on the train to Shoeien, looking at the scenery outside the window, Hoshino Sora couldn't help but exclaim. The further north they went, the clearer the weather and the more serene the environment. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, they arrived at the simplicity of the countryside, and it actually felt pretty good!
"Mm, I'm getting a little nervous."
"What are you nervous about? I should be the one who's nervous, right? After all, I'm going to meet my in-laws. Is this considered an ugly daughter-in-law meeting her parents-in-law?"
Hearing Tadokoro Megumi's words, Hoshino Sora complained voluminously. Although he was the Ten Elite First Seat, commanding influence at Far Moon, when it came to visiting in-laws, he was just an ordinary boy.
"It's different. I haven't told my family about Hoshino-kun yet. Now that I'm suddenly bringing you back, they'll definitely ask a lot of questions. You'll know how terrifying it is then.
But don't worry, my family is very kind. They definitely won't make things difficult for a son-in-law. If they do, I'll take you away immediately."
With her head resting on Hoshino Sora's shoulder, Tadokoro Megumi spoke softly. Although she was complaining, her tone showed no impatience, and her voice was gentle and pleasant to listen to.
"Anyway, no matter what happens, as long as we face it together, all difficulties will be resolved!"
Looking up at the ceiling, Hoshino Sora said softly, seemingly giving himself confidence.
"I think so too. Next stop, get off."
"Understood."
Nodding, as the train slowly stopped, Hoshino Sora and Tadokoro Megumi got off with their large and small bags. As soon as they got off, they saw Tadokoro's mother waiting for them at the station.
"Mom, I'm home."
Seeing her mother, Tadokoro Megumi immediately dropped her luggage and ran up to her, her voice filled with a hint of excitement.
"You only called when you were already on the train. You really know how to act first and report later."
Looking at Tadokoro Megumi running towards her, Tadokoro's mother complained sharply, then looked at Hoshino Sora, her eyes suddenly lighting up.
"You must be Hoshino Sora, the one Megumi mentioned on the phone earlier. Auntie will help you with your luggage. You must be hungry after such a long journey, right? Auntie will go back and make you something delicious!"
As she spoke, Hoshino Sora's luggage was already taken by Tadokoro's mother, who had quickened her pace to approach him. Without waiting for his consent, she walked towards home, displaying a warm and hospitable demeanor.
To be honest, the first thought that popped into Tadokoro's mother's mind when she saw Hoshino Sora was: "Unworthy, completely unworthy."
She didn't know what methods her daughter had used to bring such a handsome guy home. She truly was her daughter! She had her demeanor from back in the day!
"I can do it myself, Auntie. This isn't heavy."
Looking at the enlarged version of Tadokoro Megumi in front of him, Hoshino Sora quickly walked to her side, wanting to take back his luggage. Letting his mother-in-law carry his luggage on their first meeting would make him seem somewhat thoughtless.
"It's okay. If you keep trying to take it from me, Auntie will get angry! Since it's your first time in our small town, go and explore, relax. We may not have much here, but the scenery is beautiful. Every year, tourists from other places come here especially for it.
And our family runs an inn, so you don't need to worry about accommodation. Let Megumi tell you the specifics, after all, it's a matter for you two young ones."
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