Vol. 2 Chapter 89 – The Sea, Popular Types, and a Luxury Resort (13)

“You must be tired. Here, I brought you some meat.” (Komiya)

As I was resting, exhausted from dealing with the group of girls, Komiya-kun brought me a paper plate piled with meat.

“Ah, thanks…” (Reiya)

“Still, Kageyama a little while ago was so popular with the girls, it was almost enviable.” (Komiya)

Komiya-kun said with a laugh, eating his own share of meat from a plate.

“Can you really call that being popular…?” (Reiya)

“Nah, that was definitely popular. Asahi-san was super jealous, you know.” (Komiya)

“Wh-whoa… if she hears you, I’m scared of what’ll happen later…” (Reiya)

Over there, Hikaru was yelling, “Uryaaa!” as she threw a huge piece of meat onto the grill.

Even though there's some distance, she undoubtedly has good hearing, so the thought of 'what if' is terrifying. (Reiya)

“Haha, my bad, my bad. But it didn’t feel bad, did it?” (Komiya)

“Well… yeah, it didn’t feel bad, but…” (Reiya)

I confessed my honest feelings without trying to hide them.

That said, it wasn’t so much that I was happy because many girls relied on me, but more that it felt like my existence was being acknowledged.

“Anyway, you’re seriously good at cooking. This meat is so well-marinated, it’s delicious.” (Komiya)

Saying that, Komiya-kun popped a bite-sized piece of meat he’d picked up with his chopsticks into his mouth.

I followed his example and ate a piece of the meat he’d brought me.

It wasn’t the kind that you could bite through effortlessly; it was red meat with a satisfying chewiness.

With the first bite, the rich umami of the meat and the mellow flavor of the marinade spread throughout my mouth.

“Yeah, this is definitely delicious.” (Reiya)

It was tasty enough that I couldn’t help but praise my own work.

“Right? The guy who can make this is gonna be popular.” (Komiya)

“You were pretty skilled at getting the charcoal lit too, Komiya-kun.” (Reiya)

“I was in the Boy Scouts back in the day. Starting a campfire is a piece of cake for me.” (Komiya)

Komiya-kun said proudly, rolling up his sleeves.

Beyond him, Hikaru was yelling, “Uryaaa!” as she doused a giant piece of meat with spices.

“Also, it’s kinda weird to keep calling you by your last name. Is it cool if I call you Reiya?” (Komiya)

After a short silence, he brought it up.

“Eh? Ah, yeah… of course, that’s fine…” (Reiya)

“Okay. Then, I’ll call you Reiya from now on. You can call me Shuu, too.” (Komiya)

“O-okay… then, Shuu it is…” (Reiya)

Even though it should have been no big deal since we’re both guys, I somehow felt as embarrassed as when I first called Hikaru by her given name.

Over there, Hikaru was yelling, “Uryaaa!” as she flipped a giant piece of meat.

But I'm really glad I came today. (Reiya)
The place is great, I got to enjoy all sorts of activities, and I even made a friend. (Reiya)
And above all, getting to see Hikaru in her swimsuit again was the best. (Reiya)

“Reiya-kuun! My meat is ready!” (Hikaru)

As I was vaguely savoring my happiness, Hikaru called out, waving her hands high above her head.

“She’s calling me, so I’m gonna go over.” (Reiya)

“Alright, guess I’ll head back too then.” (Shuu)

We stood up from our chairs and walked together to rejoin the others.

Hikaru was skewering the grilled meat on a large metal skewer and, churrasco-style, saying, “Please, help yourselves,” as she carved it for everyone.

“Asahi-san, can I have some too?” (Shuu)

“Of course! Here you go! Please, help yourself!” (Hikaru)

Hikaru skillfully shaved meat onto the paper plate Shuu held out.

I waited behind him to get my share next.

“Mph… this has a wild flavor too, it’s delicious.” (Shuu)

Shuu, who got his portion first, took a bite and gave his review.

“Right? I’m using special spices from America, the home of barbecue, that my dad brought back as a souvenir!” (Hikaru)

Hikaru puffed out her chest proudly, still holding the skewer of meat aloft.

Perhaps it was cooked perfectly, as the fragrant aroma of the meat wafted all the way here.

Combined with the synergistic effect of her being the one who made it, my mouth was already watering.

I took a step forward, holding my paper plate, as if to say, “Hurry up and give me some too”—

“…Hm?” (Reiya)

When Hikaru saw my face, she started carving the meat onto a plate that was on a nearby table.

Is she securing her own portion first? (Reiya)

I waited a little longer.

Still, all things considered, I really managed to relax today, both mentally and physically. (Reiya)
Maybe because she's in front of a large group of friends, Hikaru is more reserved than usual— (Reiya)

“Here you go! I’ll feed this to you myself, Reiya-kun! Say aaah!” (Hikaru)

More reserved than usual… hmm?

I tilted my head in confusion as she offered a piece of meat, picked up from the plate, towards my mouth in front of everyone.