After experiencing a scenario that seemed straight out of a novel, Bai Mo brought Kasugano Sora to the restaurant he had carefully chosen.
"Haruka Pavilion" — a Western-style restaurant opened by Yukihira Ginko, the Second Seat of the 89th Generation Totsuki Elite Ten.
To be able to establish such a restaurant less than two years after graduation, Ginko naturally had some real skills!
It's almost as if, in Totsuki Culinary Academy, the strongest member of the Elite Ten isn't the First Seat — but the Second.
After all, the First Seat has too many responsibilities and barely has time to focus on cooking! (Hot take!)
And as the Second Seat of the 89th Elite Ten generation, Ginko's abilities were certainly not to be underestimated.
Haruka Pavilion specializes in Western cuisine — to be more precise, Italian dishes.
And since there's no menu, the chef serves a custom selection daily. In short, you eat what they cook.
Bai Mo was no stranger to this type of dining.
So, after seating themselves, Bai Mo turned to Sora and asked,
"Sora, do you have any dietary restrictions or food allergies?"
"Not really~"
"That's good~" Bai Mo nodded. "Because I don't know what ingredients they'll serve today either, so let's just look forward to it~"
Hearing this, Sora also nodded and began observing Bai Mo's mannerisms.
After all, she had never been to such a restaurant even when her family was whole, let alone during the time she spent in foster care.
So now, she wanted to mimic her "brother" while dining — so he wouldn't lose face.
Appetizer: Three pan-seared scallops in butter. The rich buttery aroma combined with the freshness of the scallops produced a subtly irresistible fragrance.
The scallops were tender and smooth, offering a refreshing and sweet oceanic flavor.
When paired with butter, its richness and creaminess seeped into every fiber of the scallops, enhancing their umami and creating a luxurious mouthfeel.
This appetizer truly whetted one's appetite.
Watching Sora carefully poke her scallops with a fork and nibble them delicately, Bai Mo called over a server:
"Excuse me, can I get a small bowl and two pairs of chopsticks~?"
"Ah?"
Though the request was a bit sudden, the server quickly brought the utensils as requested.
Placing the chopsticks in front of Sora, Bai Mo smiled and said:
"If it's inconvenient, just use chopsticks. After all, what matters most about food is the taste, so use whatever's comfortable!"
"As for all those so-called 'Western dining etiquettes' — it's just a bunch of people trying to look special by creating elaborate procedures. Heh… Our ancestors were already emphasizing dining etiquette while they were still eating with their bare hands."
Seeing Bai Mo casually pick up a scallop with chopsticks and eat it, Sora hesitated for a moment, then smiled and started using the chopsticks as well.
Since her brother didn't mind, why should she worry?
And just like that, the two of them became a unique sight within Haruka Pavilion.
Next came the first course: classic Italian Lasagna al Pomodoro — Garfield's favorite dish.
Then the main course: rosemary grilled steak, accompanied by asparagus rolls and garlic spinach.
Following that was a simple but delicious pumpkin soup.
Finally, dessert: a lemon tart served with a side of panna cotta.
Watching the growing happiness on Sora's face, Bai Mo couldn't help but smile too. So it wasn't his imagination after all — food really is a great way to bring people closer!
As for the system's notification sound — Bai Mo ignored it. It was just some low-tier "green-grade" dish, nothing special.
"Are you full?"
"Mhm~ I'm full~" Sora replied happily. "I don't think I'll need dinner tonight~"
"That doesn't mean you can eat snacks for dinner though!"
Sora instinctively puffed her cheeks, but just as she was about to take back the expression, a hand reached out and gently ruffled her hair.
"Eat well, sleep well. That's how you grow up healthy!"
"Mhm~"
"That line I just said — I've always considered it one of my life mottos."
"?"
Seeing Sora tilt her head in confusion, Bai Mo smiled and explained:
"Move well, study well, play well, eat well, rest well — live a happy, interesting, and energized life! That's the Kame-Sen Style philosophy!"
"I hope you can live like that too, Sora~"
"Okay!" Sora nodded seriously.
If I can stay by my brother's side…
As she felt the warmth from the hand atop her head, tears silently welled up in the corners of Sora's eyes.
When… did she lose her will to live?
Was it when her father, mother, and older brother passed away?Or was it when she was bounced around like a ball between indifferent relatives?
During those days, her heart closed off again. She disguised herself, tried to fade into the background, and quietly took care of her younger brother — just to have a place to stay.
But when she found out she was going to be handed off to someone else again, Sora had already been thinking...
Maybe it's time I leave quietly.
Find a place to end it all.
And rest alongside her family.
But… why? Why make me feel warmth again?
Onii-chan… will you leave me again?