Chapter 237: Sonoka’s Motorcycle
"Then I'll leave it to you, Sonoka-senpai."
Sui smiled as he walked over, dragging his suitcase behind him.
"But, by the way, where's your vehicle, Senpai?"
He looked around but didn't see any vehicles that seemed to belong to her.
"Oh, mine is right over there."
Sonoka smiled softly and pointed to a pink scooter motorcycle parked by the side of the road.
*
Sui: "…"
Are you kidding me?
He had already sent away the special car from Totsuki, and now she was telling him that she was going to take him back on this small scooter motorcycle?
"Hey? Sui-kun, what's wrong? You look a bit odd."
Sonoka noticed his expression and asked curiously.
"Um, Sonoka-senpai, don't you have a car?"
Sui coughed lightly before asking.
"No, I don't. I don't have the money to buy one right now."
Sonoka stuck out her tongue sheepishly, looking adorably embarrassed.
"I opened Shunkatei with the prize money I earned from competitions during my student years, but the first few months didn't go well. I even lost a lot of money, so... my financial situation is still pretty tight."
As she explained, her face turned red, and she lowered her head in embarrassment.
"All right, I see."
Only then did Sui realize that Sonoka's financial situation wasn't very good. Considering she had only graduated less than a semester ago, it wasn't easy for her to run an entire restaurant on her own.
"But, Senpai, this little scooter doesn't seem to have enough space for both me and my luggage, right?"
He pointed out.
"Oh?"
It was only then that Sonoka noticed Sui's suitcase. Her face flushed even deeper as she stammered, "I-I'm sorry, Sui-kun! I didn't think about the luggage."
Sui was speechless again.
"But don't worry, Sui-kun! I promise I'll get you back safely. Please trust me!"
Sonoka's expression was serious as she tried to reassure him.
Sui: "…"
Why did she have to use the word "safely"?
Next, Sui climbed onto Sonoka's scooter, with his suitcase strapped to the back seat. Fortunately, he didn't have much luggage—just a few sets of clothes, and he had already finished the milk he'd brought with him.
"Sui-kun, hold onto my waist and be careful. Let's go."
Sonoka put on a small red helmet, turned her head, and smiled at him.
Sui: "...Okay."
He then put on his helmet.
And so, Sonoka set off slowly towards Totsuki with Sui on her scooter.
Sui sat close behind her, holding onto her waist. He was surprised by how slender and flexible her waist felt, despite her voluptuous figure. Her hair, fragrant and soft, fluttered in the wind, occasionally brushing against his face.
"Senpai, there's a small stream ahead. Please be careful."
Sui warned her.
"Don't worry, I'm a very good driver."
Sonoka responded confidently.
But then, Sui watched as she rode straight towards the stream.
Sui: "…"
"S-sorry! This is my first time carrying someone, so I'm a bit nervous."
Her voice trembled slightly, sounding almost tearful due to her nervousness.
Sui began to seriously wonder if he would make it back to Totsuki in one piece.
Fortunately, Sonoka gradually got the hang of it. Despite the scooter's unsteady movements, they slowly made their way towards Totsuki.
Due to the cramped seat and the suitcase strapped to the back, Sui found himself pressed closely against Sonoka's body.
Holding her slender, yet firm waist, he could feel the subtle, rhythmic movements of her well-endowed chest as she drove forward. His gaze fell on her graceful, snow-white neck, her round and cute earlobes, and the long, grayish-pink hair that occasionally brushed against his face, tickling him.
Sonoka's face turned crimson. She had never been this close to a boy before, and she could feel the warm breath from Sui's nose against her neck.
Sui, too, was feeling a bit awkward. With her soft and ample hips constantly brushing against him, it took considerable effort for him not to react. It would have been truly embarrassing if he did.
Amidst this awkward yet oddly intimate journey, Sui and Sonoka finally arrived at Totsuki.
"Thank you, Sonoka-senpai."
Sui got off the scooter and scratched his head.
"It's nothing."
Sonoka's face was so red it seemed blood might start dripping out. She bit her lip and spoke in a low voice.
"Sui-kun, I'll head back now. You're always welcome at Shunkatei. I'll keep the sous-chef position open for you."
She lowered her head, avoiding his gaze.
Although she was his senpai, they had grown close, almost like friends of the same age.
"I'll definitely visit when I get the chance."
Sui nodded and said, "Take care on your way back."
Shunkatei had gained some recognition, and after these few days, the staff seemed to be working more cohesively. There shouldn't be any problems.
"Mm."
Sonoka looked up, her face still blushing, but she smiled sweetly before riding off on her scooter.
After she left, Sui dragged his suitcase back to Erina's residence.
Meanwhile, Sonoka returned to Shunkatei, her cheeks still warm. She had never experienced anything like this before, and it left her feeling shy and a bit flustered.
"Chef, has Sui left?"
One of the chefs approached and asked.
"Yeah."
Sonoka nodded, calming herself, but still feeling a hint of disappointment.
After thinking for a moment, she hung a wooden nameplate with Sui's name on the deputy chef's board at Shunkatei.
Now, beside the wooden sign with her name on the head chef's seat, hung another sign with Sui's name on it, marking the position of the sous-chef.
Seeing the two nameplates side by side, a sweet smile spread across Sonoka's face.
With this, it felt as though Sui-kun was still there in the restaurant.
Although their time together had been brief—just four days—she would always cherish the memories of cooking together for the guests.
Sui-kun, you must come back soon.
Sonoka thought, her head tilted slightly, a gentle smile on her lips.
------
[A-N: Hey everyone! I need your support for my new book! If you're on the hunt for something fresh to dive into, check it out—it's an 'APOCALYPSE' theme! Your feedback and love would mean the world!]
------