My Romance Simulation with Them

But that was something he made for himself when he was in Nango. Strictly speaking, it wasn't included in 'RikoRiko's' recipes at all, and it was a non-sale item that didn't have a price.

What should we do?

Just as Nishiki Chizuka was somewhat at a loss, unsure how to answer—

"No problem, sir. Everything will be arranged shortly. However, I hope you are prepared that our prices are a bit high. A set meal is priced at approximately 6,888 yen."

"Six thousand eight hundred and eighty-eight?! Toki-kun, you—uh-uh!"

Putting aside why Nango suddenly wore the chef's clothes, the outrageous pricing alone made Nishiki Chizuka's eyes widen in surprise.

She was about to say something when Nango covered her mouth the next second.

"Nearly 7,000 yen for a set meal?"

Nango's words made Akasaka Kazuya hesitate as he entered the store.

Because this is far too expensive.

Even if he just randomly went to an izakaya and ate and drank his fill until he was full, it would only cost him around seven or eight thousand yen.

A set meal here costs 7,000 yen...

He opened his mouth, intending to refuse.

But as the enticing aromas wafting from the kitchen filled his nostrils, the words of refusal that were about to come out of his mouth inexplicably turned into: "Alright. Then I'll trouble you, General."

However, after saying that, he clearly regretted it—why did he suddenly agree?

"Well?!"

It actually sold?

Chizuka Nishiki was equally surprised; her eyes widened, clearly unwilling to believe that 6,800 yen had suddenly been deposited into her account.

She was pulled away by Nango Toki in a daze, and then, in a similarly daze, a plate was shoved into her head. She then served food to Akasaka Kazuya in front of her in a daze—forgetting even to say 'Enjoy your meal'.

Meanwhile, Akasaka Kazuya paid no attention to Nishiki Chizuka's mental state.

After all, he had spent 7,000 yen on a set meal, so he had to see what it was like.

Already somewhat hungry, he simply lowered his head and glanced at the dishes in front of him.

The translucent shrimp rolls are garnished with a small handful of seaweed flakes, and the braised tofu has a slightly tempting brown hue, making one's mouth water.

But setting all that aside, what attracts him most is probably the exquisite rice soup placed in front of him.

Garnished with bonito flakes and chopped green onions, the broth is rich and whitish, with Arctic surf clam meat sinking at the bottom.

Exquisite and compact, it evokes an indescribable sense of fondness.

Looking at this dish, which was far too exquisite for a café like Riko Riko, Akasaka Kazuya's heartache at losing 7,000 yen dissipated slightly.

At the same time, the rich aroma also arouses the most primal desire to eat.

He couldn't resist holding the small bowl of rice soup and taking a sip of the broth.

Then--

Akasaka Kazuya was stunned.

An indescribable deliciousness surged onto the tip of the tongue as the savory broth entered the mouth, and at the same time, a warm feeling that could not be described in words rose abruptly in the chest.

This is a feeling that is difficult to describe in words.

A warmth that comes from the heart, and a fresh flavor that slowly unfolds on the tip of the tongue.

This was something that Akasaka Kazuya could clearly feel.

Not only the exhausted body, but also the mental fatigue seemed to be soothed away invisibly.

The constant pressure from work, the wife's sulking and resentment...

She had originally considered giving up on her life.

In the face of this magical dish, everything else seems insignificant.

Perhaps I should never have been so cowardly and compromising in life.

A small act of warmth, like a flame, ignited a torch in his weary heart.

Kazuya Akasaka closed his eyes, and tears welled up involuntarily at the corners of his eyes.

Only Chizuka Nishiki, standing beside him, opened her mouth, somewhat bewildered, as she looked at his seemingly 'completely elevated' appearance.

no...

It's just a meal.

Why is this person in front of me getting so worked up? Tears are even streaming down their face?

Chapter 96. Which timeline of Nango is this? (4000 words)

Chizuka Nishiki had never thought of that.

Why do guests who come to eat sometimes have tears in their eyes and a serene expression, as if their whole being has been purified at that moment?

Is it really necessary to make such a fuss over a meal? How long has it been since you last ate?

Chitsuka Nishiki scrutinized Kazuya Akasaka repeatedly, a thought suddenly occurring to her.

She thought of the most likely reason.

Could it be because the other party spent 7,000 yen, but the food Nango made was only so-so, and he was trembling with heartache...?

Believe it or not, that's actually quite possible.

If she were to spend 7,000 yen on a simple rice soup like a sucker, she would probably be heartbroken and unable to breathe, her eyes filled with tears.

Thinking of this, Nishiki Chizuki opened her mouth: "Guest, you..."

"..." Akasaka Kazuya.

Akasaka Kazuya didn't speak either. He was still immersed in the deepest emotions and happiness in his heart, so he simply waved to Nishiki Chizuka, interrupting her from continuing to speak.

Then he lowered his head and quietly savored it.

It was only then that he realized the quiet environment of 'RicoRico' was indeed quite nice.

This allows him to quietly savor the food in front of him.

He picked up the shrimp roll next to him and took a bite.

The shrimp meat inside was incredibly fresh, and beneath the batter, there were even carefully prepared crab roe granules.

The gentle, delicate sensation made him exhale comfortably.

It was as if all the grievances and negative emotions of the past few years were exhaled with this one breath.

The joy and happiness of childhood.

The confidence and high spirits of youth.

The current state of decline and despondency in middle age.

With an almost reverential attitude, I finished each bite of the food in front of me, feeling the emotions surging in my chest.

Akasaka Kazuya couldn't help but think.

Why have I become the way I am now?

Family?

Or is it the pressure of the workplace?

Maybe there are.

But perhaps the biggest feeling is one's own cowardice and humility when facing these things.

They dared not take a step forward, much less resist.

Under Chizuka Nishiki's watchful gaze, he stood up and bowed deeply to the other person, causing Chizuka, who had been paying attention to him, to become flustered.

"Thank you, you are a wonderful chef and your cooking is wonderful."

"Hey?!"

Chizuka Nishiki opened her mouth wide.

No?

Let's have a meal.

Is it really necessary to bow? Is it really necessary?

Does this mean it's delicious?

Chizuki Nishiki, who has been in the industry for more than six months, is completely baffled.

Chizuka Nishiki has seen plenty of guests who are happy eating and drinking.

But this was the first time she had ever seen someone bow to her after a meal like this.

The key is--

Nishiki Chizuka stared at the 10,000 yen the other person had placed on the table, her mouth agape, wanting to call out to him as he turned to leave:

"Hey! Sir/Madam! I haven't given you your change yet!"

"It's okay, I'll come again."

The other person smiled nonchalantly, turned around, and left.

"what?"

What's going on here?

Will you come again?

No... even if you come again, I might not recognize you.

And what does it have to do with me giving you change if you come back again?

Chizuka Nishiki had no idea what had happened. She opened her pink lips and called out several times, but received no response. In the end, she could only watch the other person's back disappear from her sight.

"What's going on...? This is all..."