Because Yukihira Soma was covered in the smell of surströmming (fermented herring) cans, the dorm supervisor, Fumio Daimidō, strictly ordered him to wash thoroughly outside before returning. Otherwise, the entire bathhouse of Polar Star Dormitory would reek of the foul odor!
Meanwhile, the vindicated Nakiri Erina, along with Yoshino Yuki, whom Bai Mo had introduced, left satisfied.
Thus, a world where only Yukihira Soma suffered was achieved~
And so, the group chatted and laughed as they cleaned up the dining table. As for the can of surströmming, they dug a hole and buried it—maybe it could nourish some flowers and plants.
After everyone else had left in high spirits, Bai Mo sought out Tadokoro Megumi, who was tidying up the kitchenware in the kitchen.
"U-um, Bai Mo-kun, did you need something from me?"
"Mmm~ I heard you were originally at the bottom of Tōtsuki's rankings. Though you're skilled at rural cuisine, you often get too nervous to perform at your best. Is that right?"
However, in response to Bai Mo's words, Tadokoro Megumi only blushed furiously and stammered, "T-too close, Bai Mo-kun!"
After pulling back from being barely a centimeter away from Megumi's nose, Bai Mo looked at her helplessly and said, "I believe that since you were able to join Polar Star Dormitory alongside Yukihira Soma and the others, you must have your own shining qualities!"
"So, to ensure that the chef I've chosen isn't eliminated by Tōtsuki's system, take this recipe book and study it carefully!"
With that, Bai Mo pulled out a booklet from his hand. Inside were recipes he had compiled over the years from tasting dishes all over East Asia and the world, all organized using his superhuman sense of taste.
"These recipes were all sorted out using my super taste. If you study them seriously, your skills will definitely improve!"
"As for your nervousness during competitions, the solution is simple~"
Leaning down, Bai Mo whispered something into Megumi's ear...
After saying this, Bai Mo turned and left without another word, leaving Tadokoro Megumi standing there alone, her face as red as a teapot, steam practically rising from her head.
Why are you blushing like a teapot?!
"B-Bai Mo-kun, y-you were just joking earlier, right?" Gathering her courage, Tadokoro Megumi called out to Bai Mo, who was nearly out the door. "Y-you wouldn't actually do that, right?"
"Who knows~" Bai Mo smirked at her. "After all, who could forget how big and white that duck was that day~"
"But..."
"No buts~ Just remember, Megumi, I'm a man with very strong possessive tendencies. So, make sure what happened before never happens again, okay?"
"E-erm... Actually, wasn't the problem last time that Bai Mo-kun didn't knock?"
"Well, whose fault is it that you didn't lock the door? Remember to lock it next time!"
"I-I will..."
Looking at the meek, flustered Tadokoro Megumi, Bai Mo felt a twinge of protectiveness. "Anyway, study the recipes I gave you. If you really get expelled, you won't be able to run away from me, got it?"
"I-I will..."
"Tsk tsk, seems like Megumi doesn't have much interest in me, huh~"
"N-no, that's not it! It's just that what Bai Mo-kun said was too, too..."
"Well, I'll be looking forward to it then~"
Watching Bai Mo's retreating figure, Tadokoro Megumi clutched the recipe book tightly.
To prevent that from happening, she absolutely could not be expelled!
B-but... if it's Bai Mo-kun, maybe it wouldn't be so bad...?
Mama! Megumi is standing at a crossroads in life again!
But this time, I can't ask you for advice on what to do!
It's all Bai Mo-kun's fault, that pervert~!
Of course, Bai Mo had no idea what Tadokoro Megumi was thinking.
After "guiding" her, he bid farewell to the Polar Star Dormitory members and left.
Although he had a room at the dorm, nothing beat the comfort of his own "doghouse." Besides, a cute little sister was waiting for him at home!
By the time Bai Mo got home, Kasugano Sora was sitting on the living room carpet, doing her homework at the coffee table.
Hearing the door open, she turned around happily and greeted him, "Onii-chan~ You're back!"
"Mm~ Sora, keep working on your homework. I'll go make dinner."
"Mm!" Kasugano Sora nodded eagerly but then hesitated. "Onii-chan... can you teach me how to cook?"
"Next time you come home late, I can make dinner first and wait for you~"
"Eh~" Bai Mo glanced at Sora's slender arms and delicate frame, then ruffled her hair. "I'm happy you'd think of that, but right now, your priority is to build up your health. Otherwise, you might not even be able to hold a kitchen knife properly."
"That's not true!" Kasugano Sora flexed her arm, trying to show off some muscle, but her fair, soft limbs showed no sign of strength.
"Hmph! I'm not so weak that I can't hold a knife! And aren't there simple dishes? Onii-chan, you can teach me those first!"
Seeing her stubbornness, Bai Mo finally relented. "Fine. Today, I'll teach you a simple cold dish—cucumber and mung bean sprout salad."
"Mm!" Kasugano Sora nodded excitedly.
Hehe~ Once I learn how to cook, Onii-chan can eat my homemade breakfasts!
And bento lunches, too~
Thinking back to her conversation with Akari and Kyōko earlier, Kasugano Sora resolved to improve her "girl power."
Otherwise, some random woman might swoop in and steal her brother away!
If that happened, wouldn't Sora be all alone again?
That must never happen!
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T/N:
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