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Satoshi's smiling eyes lingered on the mountain of groceries, his grin deepening. "I see… Perfect timing, too—Soma-kun cleared the trial. Quite something, really. With nothing but scraps and the squid tentacles he brought, he still made a dish that satisfied Fumio-san."
"So! To celebrate welcoming two new friends to Polar Star, we're throwing a party tonight! Shun-kun, you have to join us."
If Shun's memory served, Polar Star always held celebration parties in Zenji Marui's room…
Zenji's room was big and tidy—default venue for every get-together.
This time was no exception.
Shun glanced at the ingredients in his hands and nodded. "Alright. Since it's for us, I'll pitch in—let me cook a few dishes."
"Wonderful—can't wait to taste them." Satoshi's smile carried an extra shade of curiosity.
He truly wondered what kind of food this enigmatic newcomer—one who even he found difficult to gauge—would present.
"If you don't need a hand, I'll go round everyone up for tonight," Satoshi added.
"Mm. Please go ahead, Satoshi-senpai. I can handle things here." Shun nodded.
He needed a pocket of solitude to prep the haul and decide what to plate for the welcome spread.
Satoshi's smile stretched a touch warmer, as if approving that independent stance. He said no more, turned with his usual easy grin, and set off to inform the others about the "celebration."
Once again, the kitchen was Shun's alone.
He looked quietly at the piled ingredients.
For someone who had attained the realm of Shoku-gi, even the most ordinary produce could be turned into something sublime.
He wasn't planning any flashy banquet dishes—on the contrary, he preferred the fundamentals: homestyle fare that exposed the cook's true foundation.
After a brief think, Shun rolled up his sleeves and began.
Washing. Cutting. Marinating.
Every movement flowed, precise and rhythmic—not labor so much as a dialogue with the ingredients.
Another sign his Shoku-gi had deepened.
—[Time Skip]—
9:30 p.m.
Room 205—Zenji Marui's place—had ten or so gathered.
The air was rich with food aromas.
Everyone sat on the floor; a cloth spread in the middle held whatever people had brought.
There was Ibusaki Shun's smoked meat slices.
Daigo and Shoji had a mountain of mixed fried platters.
Ryoko poured the mellow rice wine she'd carefully brewed.
Even Soma had contributed—charcoal-grilled squid tentacles, the only ingredient he'd carried in, now blazing with aroma.
Of course, not everyone had brought food. It wasn't stinginess; some just hadn't wanted to come, but caved to Satoshi's relentless soft sell.
Like Megumi, sitting shyly near a corner, saying nothing.
Megumi, same ninety-second class as Yuki and Ryoko, was the most reserved—easily flustered, but deeply kind.
Back when he'd only watched the anime, Shun had liked Megumi; meeting her in person drew a few extra glances.
Just then Megumi raised her head and met his gaze.
His eyes were calm and deep—not curious or judgmental, but gentle, as if they could see straight to the heart.
"U-um…"
Color instantly bloomed across Megumi's cheeks. Like a startled little animal, she ducked her head, fingers knotting together, nerves jangling.
W-why is he looking at me? Did I do something wrong? Is my seat weird? What do I do, what do I do…
Shun took in her adorable flurry and couldn't help finding it a bit amusing.
Exactly like the Megumi he remembered—nervous but kind.
He didn't pointedly look away nor say anything to make it worse; he simply kept that mild, reassuring gaze.
Just then, Satoshi strode in—apron and all—pulling every eye.
"Huh? I did notify everyone, but it's just us?"
He skimmed the room.
Besides tonight's newcomers, Shun and Soma, there were the familiar faces: Ryoko, Yuki, and the shy Megumi Shun had spotted earlier.
Also Zenji, Ibusaki, Daigo, and Shoji.
Counting Satoshi, there were exactly ten.
"Well, this is a good crowd! Then, I hereby welcome Shun-kun and Soma-kun to Polar Star. The celebration begins—dig in and enjoy!"
With Satoshi's cue, the room sparked to life.
"Yesss! Finally! I've been holding back forever!"
Outgoing Yuki whooped, her chopsticks darting first for the grilled squid.
"Mm! Soma, this is great! Crisp char outside, springy inside!" she praised.
"Heh, one of my specialties," Soma grinned, then snagged a slice of Ibusaki's smoked meat. "Whoa—this smoke is unique! What wood did you use?"
"Cherry from the back hill," Ibusaki answered succinctly, eyes glinting beneath his bangs.
Ryoko made the rounds with her rice wine; the warm, full aroma mingled with the food, turning the room even livelier.
Even Megumi, stiff at first, got swept up by the mood—nibbling a piece of the mixed fry, eyes crinkling as she smiled.
Shun didn't rush to push his own dishes. He sat quietly, sampling here and there, gaze calm as it passed over friends lost in good food and good company.
Eventually, it was the incurably curious Yuki whose eyes drifted to the lidded bowls and platters Shun had brought.
…
(End of Chapter)
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