Chapter 35: He is the Man I Like!
"Wow! This fish is incredible!"
"The freshness, the tenderness—I almost swallowed my tongue!"
Sōma and the others were wide-eyed in amazement as they savored the catfish.
Yoshino let out a louder cheer. "Sui-kun, you're amazing!"
Megumi's eyes sparkled with admiration as she stared at Sui.
Everyone then dove in, happily eating together.
Sui picked up his chopsticks and joined in, standing off to the side as he ate.
The group of eight gathered around the steamer, relishing every bite. Sweat beaded on their foreheads, but they were too engrossed in the food to stop.
Eventually, the meal turned into a friendly competition to see who could eat the most.
Kobayashi Rindō easily won, eating enough for two people by herself. Yoshino came in second, which left Sui deeply impressed. The power of female foodies is terrifying!
Even the usually prideful Erina ate more than expected.
Despite their best efforts, the group could only finish half of the fish—it was just too big.
"Phew, I can't eat another bite," Megumi sighed, wiping the sweat from her brow. "I don't think I'll need dinner tonight."
"Really? You still can't keep up, Megumi, but I can keep going!" Yoshino teased, her cheeks still stuffed with fish.
"Haha, I'm not giving up that easily!" Sōma joined in, his stomach bulging but his competitive spirit undeterred. His face looked exaggeratedly full, almost comical.
"You youngsters think you can out-eat me? That's impossible!" Rindō laughed heartily.
In the end, everyone collapsed onto the ground, full to the brim.
"Hey, Megumi, your skin looks brighter and smoother. Is it just me?" Yoshino asked, suddenly noticing.
"Huh? Really?" Tadokoro quickly covered her face, surprised.
"Come to think of it, Ryoko, your skin also seems to be glowing," Yoshino added, glancing at Ryoko Sakaki.
"Could this be because of the fish?" Rindō asked, also curious.
The girls exchanged puzzled glances, clearly intrigued by the idea.
Even Erina had a contented, happy look on her face.
Sui, knowing it was the radiant complexion effect from the dish, walked over to examine the remaining fish. Feeling a little distressed at the leftover portion, he asked, "So, who's taking the rest home?"
"I am!" Yoshino Yuuki immediately raised her hand. "I'm taking it for a midnight snack."
"You can still eat at night?" Sui asked, shocked.
"Of course," Yoshino replied seriously. "You can't let such delicious food go to waste!"
Her resolute eyes stirred something in Sui. What dedication!
"I want some too!" Rindō chimed in enthusiastically.
The remaining fish was divided among the group, and everyone ended up with a fair share.
"You know, we could turn this leftover fish into another dish," Tadokoro Megumi suggested thoughtfully.
Even Erina quietly stashed some fish away when she thought no one was looking.
"Wait, Erina, are you taking some home too?" Sui noticed and asked in surprise.
"N-No! I'd never do something so shameless!" Erina quickly hid the take-out box behind her, flustered.
"You're not taking it for its beauty benefits, are you?" Sui teased, suspicious.
"Th-That's ridiculous! It's not for beauty!" Erina stammered, blushing furiously at having her intentions exposed.
"Hey, Sui, come here for a second." Rindō suddenly called him over, speaking in a mysterious tone.
"What's up, Senpai?" Sui asked curiously.
"How did you manage to catch that giant catfish?" Kobayashi Rindō glanced around furtively, like she was about to share a secret.
Sui: …
"That's classified," he replied bluntly.
"Don't be stingy! I'll even pay you for the info," she pleaded, shaking his arm playfully.
"Nope."
"Come on, Suiiii!" she pouted, but Sui remained firm.
Before they could continue, Erina's cold voice cut through from behind. "What are you two scheming about over here?"
"Eh? Erina-chan, are you jealous?" Rindō asked in surprise.
"Jealous? Of what? Don't be ridiculous! I... I'm not jealous!" Erina stammered, flustered again.
"Erina-chan, why don't you ask your boyfriend to sell me one of his catfish?" Kobayashi grinned, nudging Erina playfully.
"Who... who's my boyfriend?! I have nothing to do with him!" Erina's face flushed so red it looked like she might burst, hurriedly denying everything.
Just then, a voice interrupted them. "Your name is Sui Mizushima, right?"
It was Eizan, who had suddenly approached.
"Yes, Senpai. What can I do for you?" Sui asked.
"Why don't you come work for me? Provide ingredients like this catfish regularly. I'll make sure you're well compensated," Eizan proposed. As a businessman with a sharp eye for opportunity, he had already recognized the commercial potential in Sui's food.
"Oh? You want me as your employee?" Sui chuckled.
"Exactly." Eizan nodded confidently.
"How about you become my employee instead? My Rare Food Research Institute could use someone like you," Sui replied with a calm smile.
"Hmph!" Eizan's face darkened as he sneered. "You don't know a good opportunity when you see it."
"Hey, Eizan, what are you trying to do to my dear Sui? I'm warning you—he's the man I like!" Rindō stood protectively in front of Sui, hands on her hips.
Eizan quickly changed his tone and smiled. "It's nothing, forget it. Since he's not interested, I'll drop the matter."
But behind his glasses, a cold glint flashed.
"Don't worry, Sui. With me around, Eizan won't dare make a move," Rindō reassured him, patting his shoulder like a big sister.
Sui: "…"
Why Does He Feel Like He's Being Kept?
"I say, could you not stand so close to me in public?"
Erina gritted her teeth and spoke in a low, irritated tone.
"Don't be so uptight, Erina-chan. I'm just chatting with your boyfriend."
Kobayashi Rindō responded with dissatisfaction.
"He's not my boyfriend!" Erina yelled, her pride flaring up.