The meal was a success, with the guests and hosts all enjoying themselves. Even Nakano Nino, who had been reluctantly critical earlier, had set aside her grudges and added Shiro Sakamaki on Line. Everyone was in high spirits, savoring the delicious food.
Shiro Sakamaki picked up the hairy crab tea bowl in front of him, steamed it, and dug in. The plump and sweet crab meat paired beautifully with the soft, mellow white seeds, and the salmon roe at the bottom enhanced the flavor, blending perfectly. The aromas and umami intermingled effortlessly, leaving everyone impressed.
Hinata Inui, the chef, lived up to her reputation as a top graduate from Tōtsuki Culinary Academy. Her skill was evident in every dish, especially this tea bowl.
Shiro Sakamaki had ordered nearly everything on the menu, with more than a dozen types of sushi alone. There were also traditional Neon delicacies such as hand rolls and sashimi scattered across the table.
"I've always wanted to come here," Itsuki exclaimed happily, her mouth full of grilled eel. "It's just that Nino never gives me enough pocket money."
Nino, who was carefully savoring the grilled eel, glanced up but didn't respond, continuing to enjoy the food.
Ichika, smiling at Shiro Sakamaki, teased, "I suppose even if Nino did give you money, you still couldn't afford this level of food, right, Shiro Sakamaki-kun?"
Shiro chuckled, "Well, going out to eat is about enjoying yourself, and worrying about the rest can wait. Let's just eat."
Nakano Yotsuba, who had clearly worked up an appetite during her club activities, kept stuffing sushi into her mouth with enthusiasm. "This Wen clam sushi is really good, Miku, try some!" she urged, offering a piece to her quiet sister.
Miku, as expected, remained silent, but she nodded in agreement, appreciative of the suggestion.
Shiro Sakamaki observed them all, amused by their personalities. One was a schemer, another proud, Miku was quiet like a literary girl, and Yotsuba was always full of energy. And Itsuki? Well, Itsuki was definitely the foodie.
"Shiro Sakamaki, your gaze is too rude," Itsuki playfully remarked, feeling a little self-conscious.
At that moment, the sliding door of the box opened, and a woman dressed in traditional Japanese attire entered with a warm smile.
"Good evening, everyone. I'm the head chef here, Hinata Inui. I hope you're satisfied with the food?"
Itsuki, in disbelief, gasped, "Wait... the chef herself made this? What a blessing!"
Yotsuba nodded vigorously, agreeing wholeheartedly, while the others, Ichika, Nino, and Miku, seemed less impressed and avoided eye contact with the duo.
"Yes, I'm very satisfied," Shiro Sakamaki said, admiring the dishes. "The clam sushi, for example, has a perfect balance of sweetness from the soy sauce and the refreshing citrus from the lemon zest. It's an adventure for the taste buds."
Hinata Inui, beaming with pride, replied modestly, "Thank you for your praise. It's been many years since I graduated from Tōtsuki Culinary Academy, but it's always wonderful to hear such compliments. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything—I'm always ready to create more dishes for you."
Shiro Sakamaki took the business card she handed him, glancing at it briefly before tucking it into his pocket. He didn't think much of it for the moment. Hinata had likely left the card in case they wanted to order from her again. Despite her humble demeanor, her culinary skills were top-notch.
The reason Hinata gave him the business card wasn't just polite—it was a way for her to secure a high-quality, returning customer after Shiro's large payment for this meal. Chefs appreciated being able to serve customers who truly understood and valued their craft.
Once the meal ended, the group wandered around the area, and Shiro Sakamaki found himself surrounded by the quintuplets, their diverse personalities on full display. Ichika, having received a phone call, mentioned she had to leave temporarily, and the group decided to end the evening's activities.
Since Shiro hadn't moved his belongings into the new apartment yet, they couldn't stay there, so they headed back to Sakurasou.
As soon as they entered, Misaki immediately pouted, a little upset. "Shiro-kun, why are you in such a hurry to move away? You're leaving, and now I have no one to play with!"
Her eyes were filled with exaggerated resentment, making Shiro Sakamaki's head throb in annoyance.
"Even if I move, you can always come over, Misaki," he replied, trying to ease the situation. "Sakurasou isn't far from my new place. If you want, I'll even pick you up when you come over. How about that?"
Mitaka Jin, who was silently observing the exchange, looked away, his emotions conflicted. He had been Misaki's childhood friend, and while he had feelings for her, his own low self-esteem made him believe he wasn't worthy of her. Instead, he had developed a relationship with Misaki's sister, treating her as a substitute.
Shiro sensed Jin's discomfort but didn't say anything. If Jin didn't make a move to fight for Misaki, he couldn't blame anyone else for stepping in.
Misaki, undeterred, grinned at Shiro. "Hehe, then it's decided. You'll pick me up when the time comes."
"Of course. To celebrate my new place, how about we play a fighting game?" Shiro offered.
"Yes, yes!" Misaki eagerly agreed.
With that, the two of them made their way to Misaki's room, where Shiro quickly set up the game console, and the evening continued with their usual gaming session.
Mitaka Jin stood at the door, looking at the closed door in silence. He opened his mouth to speak but ultimately said nothing, his heart heavy with unspoken words.
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