Usagi's POV:
"It's ready!" I announced, carefully arranging the dish and presenting it to Okami-kun.
"How does it look, Okami-kun?" I asked eagerly.
"Whoa! It looks so delicious and well-prepared!" he exclaimed, eyes widening with excitement. "What's it called?"
"Oh, it's a new creation of mine! I haven't named it yet, hehe~" I chuckled. "Go ahead, give it a taste!"
Okami-kun picked up the spoon, eyeing the dish with curiosity before taking a bite. As he chewed, his expression shifted—first thoughtful, then surprised.
"Whoa… this is actually really good!" he said, taking another bite without hesitation.
"Hehe~ really? I was kinda nervous about it," I said, watching him eagerly.
"Nah, you did great, bunny," he said, reaching out to ruffle my hair. "So, what are you gonna name it?"
"Hmm…" I tapped my chin, thinking. "Since it's sweet but has a little twist of flavors, how about Usagi's Special Delight?"
Okami-kun chuckled. "Sounds cheesy, but it suits you."
"Oi! It's my creation, so I get to name it!" I pouted, crossing my arms.
He smirked, leaning closer. "Fine, fine. But if it's your 'special delight,' that means I get to eat it all the time, right?"
I laughed. "Of course! I'll make it for you whenever you want."
At that, Okami-kun just grinned, taking another big bite. "Then I'm looking forward to it, chef Usagi."
"Hehe~ my cooking has improved a lot thanks to your mom's teaching," I said, then immediately froze. Oops… I shouldn't have said that—not after he just talked about breaking all ties.
But Okami-kun simply smiled, taking another bite. "Yeah, you really have improved. Now you pay attention to everything—the presentation, texture, taste… you actually care about every little detail."
"Right? A lot has changed in my cooking, hasn't it?" I said excitedly.
Okami-kun gave me a small, awkward smile. "Yeah… not just your cooking. A lot of things have changed since the day you started working under my mom."
Ahh… his eyes. I know exactly what he's referring to. Ever since that day when I said, I'll make lunch for you every day, so much has changed between us.
Flashback – Two Years Ago:
"Hehe, how is it?!" I asked excitedly as Okami-kun and Rentarou-kun took their first bite.
"Aahh, it's so yummy!!!" Rentarou-kun exclaimed, practically melting with happiness. Okami-kun nodded. "Yeah, it's really good."
Izumi-kun turned to me with a dramatic look. "Usaaaagi channnn! I've been watching this whole month—you always bring lunch for them! Can I have some too??"
Before I could answer, Mei jumped in. "Oi, don't you bring your own lunch? Doesn't your mom make it for you?"
Hina-chan smirked. "Yeah, and if only you had come a few minutes earlier that day when Usagi said she'd make lunch for them every day, you might've been lucky too. But too late now!"
"Aww, don't be so mean to him, guys," I giggled.
Izumi-kun clutched his chest like he was heartbroken. "Usagi-chaan, you're the only kind one here!" he fake-sobbed.
Hehe, it's been a month since we all started having lunch together. It's like our little daily routine now!
"Oh, by the way, what about that competition, Usagi-chan? Are you participating in it?" Mei asked while eating.
"Oh yes! I'm definitely going to participate in that competition, hehe~!" I said excitedly.
Rentarou blinked in curiosity. "What, what? Which competition, Usagi-chan?"
"Oh! My local market community is organizing a cooking competition for the 20th anniversary of the market!"
"Whoa, that's great! I bet you'll win, Usagi-chan!" Rentarou said with a big grin.
"Ahh, it's not going to be easy, you know! They've even invited a special guest and judge!" I said excitedly.
"Oh? Who is it?" Izumi-kun asked curiously.
"Oh, she's a very famous chef, known worldwide—Tsukiyo Kurokawa!"
The moment I said her name, Okami kun's eyes widened, and he just stopped eating. Rentarou kun, who was usually all smiles, suddenly had a more serious expression.
I blinked in confusion, and so did Hina and Mei. Izumi kun tilted his head and asked, "What happened, guys?"
"Uh... it's just..." Rentarou kun glanced at Okami kun before continuing, "Tsukiyo Kurokawa is Okami's mother."
"Huh?! What?!" Mei exclaimed in shock.
Izumi kun nearly choked on his food. "Wait, what?! The famous chef Tsukiyo Kurokawa is your mother?!" he asked, looking at Okami kun with wide eyes.
I turned to Okami kun, but his expression was hard to read—was it sadness? Regret? Pain? I knew his family had abandoned him, and now I felt awful for bringing this up. Ahh, what have I done?!
Okami kun gave a small, awkward smile and nodded. "Yeah... she's my mom. Haha... but we haven't talked in the last year or two."
His laughter was light, but his eyes... they carried a sadness so deep that no smile could hide it.
Hina tapped the table lightly. "Everyone, don't talk so loud while eating," she said, trying to ease the tension for Okami kun.
I glanced at him, wondering if I should just drop the topic, but my curiosity got the better of me. I want to know more about him...
"Uhm... Okami-kun, is there anything you can tell me about your mother? I'm really curious about what kind of person she is!" I asked. "I've always looked up to her and wanted to be like her!"
I didn't mean to bring up painful memories, but at the same time, I couldn't ignore my desire to understand him better.
"Ah, my mom?" Okami's smile this time was different—genuine, warm.
"My mom is an amazing chef, but more than that, she's kind, caring, and always polite to everyone. She loves cooking so much! She always says the best way to bring people joy is through a good meal. She really is amazing!"
His eyes sparkled with admiration as he spoke, a rare sight that made my heart ache a little. He definitely loves his mother…
"Ahh, I can't wait to see her in person!" I said excitedly.
Okami just gave a small nod, his expression unreadable.
Rentarou leaned forward. "Well, when's the competition, Usagi-chan?"
"Oh, it's the day after tomorrow," I replied.
"Whoa, that's so close! Have you decided what you're going to make?" Rentarou asked.
"Yeah, I want to make something sweet, but I haven't decided exactly what yet..." I admitted.
"Pancakes," Okami murmured.
"Hm?" I turned to him, a little confused.
His eyes met mine—heavy with emotions, like they were smiling and crying at the same time. "Pancakes... Mom always used to make them for me..." he said softly.
Then, as if realizing what he had just said, he quickly looked away. "Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to decide for you—"
I shook my head, cutting him off with a bright smile. "No, I'll make pancakes! Hehe, maybe it'll even increase my chances of winning!"
"Ah, but—" Okami started, looking unsure, but I cut him off with a big grin.
"How about you teach me how your mom used to make pancakes?!" I asked, eyes practically sparkling with excitement.
"Teach you? But you're already amazing at cooking… I'm nowhere near your level," he mumbled, scratching the back of his head.
I wagged my finger at him playfully. "Tch tch tch, Okami-kun, you don't get it! A great chef can make even simple dishes taste incredible, and I want to learn that secret! Who better to teach me than someone who's watched her cook up close?"
He blinked, taken aback. "Uhm… well, I guess I don't mind teaching…"
"Great! Then it's settled—we'll have a practice session at my place tomorrow!" I declared proudly.
"Huh?! At your home? But—" He started to protest, but I shut him down with a teasing smirk.
"No excuses accepted!"
He looked away, still hesitant, when Hina suddenly jumped in. "Oh, it's been a while since I last met your mom, Usagi. Should I come too?"
"Oh yes, definitely! How about all of you come over? It'll be fun!" I clapped my hands, already looking forward to it.