Next Day (Day of competition) – Usagi's POV:
The streets of Usaoyama Market were alive with energy as the annual anniversary celebration kicked off. Colorful banners swayed in the breeze, and the scent of delicious street food filled the air. Stalls lined both sides of the street, offering everything from handmade crafts to sizzling snacks.
A cheerful voice boomed from the stage in the center of the market.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to another great year of the Usaoyama Market Street Anniversary Celebration! We have an exciting day ahead, filled with live performances, fun games, and, of course, the much-anticipated cooking competition! So grab a snack, enjoy the festivities, and let's make this year's celebration unforgettable!"
The crowd cheered, and I felt a rush of excitement. This is it… my competition is today. I took a deep breath, gripping my bag of ingredients tightly. No pressure… just pancakes, just like yesterday…
Just as I was trying to calm my nerves, a familiar voice called out.
"Usagi-chan! Over here!"
I turned to see Rentarou waving wildly, practically bouncing in excitement. Mei, Hina, Izumi, and Okami-kun stood beside him, each carrying something—bags of snacks, drinks, and in Okami's case, a neatly folded apron.
"You made it!" I grinned, relieved to see them.
"Of course, we wouldn't miss it!" Hina said with a small smile.
"Plus, there's no way I'd pass up a festival with this much free food," Izumi added, already munching on a skewer.
Mei rolled her eyes. "We're here for Usagi's competition, not your bottomless stomach."
Okami-kun, standing slightly apart from the group, simply held out the apron. "For you. You'll need it."
I took it, feeling warmth spread through me. He even brought me an apron?
"Thanks, Okami-kun."
He nodded, his expression unreadable as usual.
Before I could say more, a voice crackled through the speakers.
"All participants for the cooking competition, please make your way to the main stage! The contest will begin shortly!"
I took a deep breath and turned to my friends. "Alright, wish me luck!"
"You don't need luck, Usagi-chan!" Rentarou grinned. "You've got skills!"
"Knock 'em dead," Mei said with a thumbs-up.
"Just cook like you always do," Hina encouraged.
Izumi dramatically wiped an imaginary tear. "Our little Usagi is about to become a legend!"
I chuckled, looking at Okami-kun for his reaction.
He met my gaze and simply said, "Do your best."
With my heart pounding and my friends behind me, I stepped toward the stage. Alright… let's do this!
The announcer's voice boomed across the festival grounds.
"Alright, participants! Here are the rules for today's competition!"
1. You must use only the ingredients you brought—borrowing from others is strictly prohibited.
2. The dish you registered with is the only dish you can prepare—last-minute changes are not allowed.
3. You have one hour to complete your dish, including cooking, plating, and presentation.
I took a deep breath, gripping my utensils tightly. I can do this… Just like we practiced.
Before I could fully steady my nerves, the speakers crackled to life again.
"And for Usaoyama Market's 20th Anniversary, we have a very special guest! A world-renowned chef, a respected name in the restaurant industry, and today's judge— Tsukiyo Kurokawa!"
A wave of cheers and applause swept through the crowd as Okami-kun's mother stepped onto the stage.
Instinctively, my eyes scanned the sea of faces, searching for him. Where is he? But… he wasn't there. Did he leave?
I didn't have time to dwell on it. The competition had begun.
Focusing on my pancakes, I carefully followed the steps Okami-kun had taught me, measuring each ingredient with precision. The air soon filled with a medley of enticing aromas, the festival buzzing with energy as contestants hurried around their stations.
.
.
.
.
1hr was about to finish as i decorate my plate
I barely had time to process the thought before the announcer's voice cut through the noise once more.
"Time's up! Everyone, step back and put your utensils down!"
I let out a shaky breath. Made it in time.
One by one, Kurokawa san sampled each dish, offering thoughtful feedback—kind but honest, pointing out strengths while gently suggesting areas for improvement.
And then, it was my turn.
She smiled warmly. "Pancakes, huh? And what's your name, dear?"
I straightened up. "Takahashi Usagi!"
Her smile widened. "Usagi? That's such a cute name."
With practiced grace, she cut a small piece, lifting it to her lips. As soon as she took a bite, her eyes fluttered shut, her expression softening as she pressed a hand to her cheek.
"This taste…" she whispered, almost to herself.
A long pause stretched between us before she finally looked at me again, her gaze filled with warmth.
"Such a sweet and comforting flavor… Somehow, it feels quite familiar."
Did she recognize it? Did it remind her of Okami-kun?
My heart pounded as I watched her reaction. She didn't just taste it—she felt something. She knows.
I glanced at the crowd, searching again, but Okami-kun was nowhere to be seen. Why did he leave?
Kurokawa san composed herself, setting down the fork. "This is a wonderfully balanced dish, Takahashi-san. The texture is light and airy, and the sweetness is just right—not overpowering, but comforting. And the presentation…" She glanced at the neatly stacked pancakes with fresh berries and a delicate drizzle of honey. "Simple yet elegant. You understand that food isn't just about taste but also how it's presented and the emotions it carries. Very well done."
A mix of emotions swirled inside me—pride, relief, and something deeper, something I couldn't quite name. "Thank you, Kurokawa san."
She gave me one last look, as if trying to place a missing puzzle piece, before moving
As Kurokawa san finished tasting all the dishes, the announcer took the mic again.
"And now, Tsukiyo Kurokawa san will announce today's winner!"
My heart pounded as I glanced at them. Rentarou-kun was barely staying awake, leaning on Hina-chan for support. Mei was dragging Izumi back from a food stall, scolding him for wandering off. But... Okami was still nowhere to be seen.
Kurokawa san took the mic, first thanking everyone for inviting her and complimenting each contestant's dish. Then, with a warm but composed smile, she finally announced—
"And today's winner is… Mr. Yamamoto!"
For a moment, my mind went completely blank. I lost?
I had expected to win. I had practiced so hard, and Okami-kun had put so much effort into teaching me. Yet… I had failed.
I looked at them —Hina-chan and Mei looked shocked, Izumi had finally stopped stuffing his face, and Rentarou was still trying to process the result.
The award was given, and the competition wrapped up. One by one, the participants started packing up their stations. I did the same, my movements feeling heavier than before.
As I made my way backstage to leave, I suddenly heard a voice.
"Usagi Takahashi! Here, dear!"
I turned to see Kurokawa san gesturing for me to come over.
I hesitated for a second but quickly walked up to her. "Yes, ma'am?"
She studied me for a moment before asking, "Takahashi-chan, may I ask—who taught you to make those pancakes?"
I blinked, then smiled. "Oh! Okami-kun taught me! He was really patient and explained everything step by step."
Her expression didn't change much, as if she had already expected that answer. But for a brief second, a small smile crossed her lips before it faded into something… more complicated.
"I see… Okami—do you mean Okami Kurokawa?"
I nodded. "Yes! Okami Kurokawa, your son. He taught me everything. He even told me to focus on presentation since he said you really care about that." I let out a small laugh. "I thought it would raise my chances of winning, but I guess I still have a long way to go, huh?"
She chuckled softly, shaking her head. "No, Takahashi-chan. Your pancakes were truly wonderful."
"Still, Okami-kun probably makes them better. He learned directly from you, after all," I said playfully. "He must know the secret to making them taste amazing!"
Kurokawa san let out a light laugh, but then her expression softened as she said, "Secret?"
She looked at me with gentle yet knowing eyes. "The secret ingredient is you, Usagi-chan."
I tilted my head, confused.
She smiled. "No matter what dish you make, the secret ingredient is always you. The one cooking isn't just adding flour, eggs, and sugar—they pour their heart, feelings, and sincerity into it. Your pancakes were made with care, and I could taste that. It's just that…" She paused, glancing away for a moment. "When I tasted them, I got lost in many thoughts and emotions… Perhaps that's why I couldn't judge your dish fairly. I was uncertain of my own feelings."
I stared at her, feeling like there was more she wanted to say. But before I could ask, she simply gave me a kind smile and patted my shoulder.
"You did wonderfully today, Takahashi-chan. Never doubt that."
Even though I hadn't won, somehow... her words made me feel like I had gained something far more important.
Kurokawa san suddenly tilted her head slightly and asked, "By the way, Takahashi-chan, how do you know Okami?"
"Oh! The thing is, we go to the same college! I'm in management studies, but we're still friends. Oh, and Rentarou-kun too! You might know him—we're all friends!" I grinned. "We don't get much time to hang out, but during lunch break, we always sit together. I even make Okami-kun and Rentarou-kun a lunchbox! Hehe~"
I didn't stop talking, excitedly rambling like a fangirl talking about her favorite band. But suddenly… her soft smile disappeared. Her expression hardened, and in a firm, serious voice, she said—
"Don't."
I blinked. "Sorry, ma'am?"
She looked straight into my eyes, her voice unwavering. "Don't get close to Okami."
My stomach dropped. What?
"You are very skilled and have great potential," she continued. "Don't get involved with him—it might ruin your life."
I froze. Did I hear that right? How could a mother say that about her own child?
I swallowed, forcing a small smile. "I... I can't do that, ma'am."
Okami-kun's face flashed in my mind—his awkward yet warm smiles, the way he always looked out for everyone, even when he acted distant.
"I can't do that," I repeated, my voice firmer this time. "Okami-kun is an important friend of mine. He's kind, he's caring, and I don't know what you mean by 'ruining my life'… but the Okami-kun I know would never do anything to hurt his friends."
For a second, her unreadable expression wavered. Her eyes flickered with something—surprise? Confusion? Sadness?
Then, she looked down, and a small, almost bittersweet smile appeared on her lips. When she looked back at me, her gaze was softer.
"…Yeah. Sorry. I have no right to decide that for you."
I let out a relieved breath and laughed. "Ahh, you sound just like Okami-kun, ma'am! He said the same thing before! Like mother, like son! Hehe~"
She chuckled, shaking her head. "Is that so?"
Then, after a brief pause, she looked at me thoughtfully.
"Takahashi-san, would you like to work at my restaurant as an intern chef?"
I froze.
"…Huh?"
She smiled. "Would you like to train under me? Of course, no pressure—take your time to think about it."
My brain stopped working for a solid three seconds.
I blink, completely frozen in place. Did she just say…?
"I… I'm sorry, what?" I manage to stammer.
Kurokawa san chuckles. "I'd like you to work as an intern chef at my restaurant. Your cooking has potential, and I can see the passion behind it. With proper training, I believe you could refine your skills even further."
My heart pounds in my chest. This is… huge. Kurokawa san is a renowned chef, and she's offering me—a total amateur—an internship at her restaurant?
"…Huh?! HUH?!!! Y-Your restaurant?! You mean the famous Yui No Aji?!"
She nodded. "Yes. Will you?"
I felt like I had just ascended to heaven.
Still, one thought lingers in my mind—Okami-kun.
I swallow hard, suddenly remembering his absence. Would he be okay with this? What would he think?
Kurokawa san must notice my hesitation because she gently adds, "You don't have to decide right away. Think about it, and let me know when you're ready." She hands me a neatly folded card with her contact details. "I'll be expecting your call."
I take the card, gripping it tightly. "Thank you, Ma'am. I'll think about it."
She smiles. "Good. I hope to see you in my kitchen soon, Takahashi-chan."
With that, she turns and walks away, leaving me standing there, still trying to process what just happened.
Did… did I just get scouted by a world-famous chef?!
I watched as Kurokawa san waved at me before getting into her car. My heart was still racing as I stared at the business card in my hand. Did that really just happen?!
Just then, Rentarou, Mei, Hina, and Izumi arrived together.
"Oi, Usagi-chan, were you just talking to Okami-kun's mother?!" Rentarou asked, eyes wide.
"Yes! She actually guessed that Okami-kun was the one who taught me how to make the pancakes, hehe~" I grinned.
"Whoaa, no less from one of the world's best chefs!" Izumi said, impressed.
"What did she say?" Mei asked curiously.
I held up the business card like a trophy. "Oh, she gave me this and asked if I wanted to work as an intern at her restaurant! Hehe~"
"WHAT?!" Rentarou practically shouted.
"That's so cool!!" Izumi added.
"No less from Usagi-chan," Hina said with a small smile. "Congratulations."
"Thanks, hehe~" I laughed, feeling giddy. But then, a thought crossed my mind. "By the way… where's Okami-kun? I haven't seen him since his mom went on stage."
Mei hesitated for a second before sighing. "Oh… he said he shouldn't be there and left."
I blinked. "What?"
"He left the moment his mom's name was announced," Rentarou added.
I felt a small pang in my chest. He didn't want to be here… because of her?
I looked down at the business card in my hand, my fingers tightening around it.
Just what happened between them…?