After ten minutes, a table freed up. Yukiko led her parents and the middle-aged man to it. "What do you want to eat?"
"Didn't you say Lin-kun's great at Chinese cuisine?" Mr. Fujimine smiled. "Let's have a few of his specialties. We want dishes he makes himself—your cooking, we're tired of."
"Dad, the shop's busy! Shuichi doesn't have time to cook just for you!" Yukiko huffed. "I'll decide—three curry rice portions!"
She hurried off before they could respond.
"That girl!" Mr. Fujimine gave a wry smile.
"Feeling what it's like to lose a daughter?" Mrs. Fujimine teased.
The middle-aged man, watching their banter, looked envious, then gazed out the window, lost in thought.
As Yukiko's parents, the Fujimines deserved special treatment despite her protests. Hayashi Shuichi whipped up two dishes: dry-fried shrimp and sweet-and-sour pork. Japanese palates shy away from spice, so these sweet-tangy dishes, top-ranked in Japan's Chinese cuisine, were safe bets.
He called Yukiko to deliver them.
She stared at the tray. "Why're you being so nice to them?"
"They're your parents. It's only right," Hayashi Shuichi urged. "It's just two dishes. Take them over."
"Fine," Yukiko sighed, grabbing the tray and heading to their table.
Hayashi Shuichi didn't know her parents' true intentions, but Yukiko did. Serving these dishes might make them think he was currying favor with his "in-laws," leaving her no way to explain…
Sure enough, Mr. Fujimine frowned at the dishes. "What's this? Didn't you say curry rice?"
"I ordered these for you," Yukiko said quickly, adding, "It's coming out of my pay, so you don't owe anything."
"Really?" Mrs. Fujimine looked skeptical.
Mr. Fujimine took a bite. "Mmm, tastes great—better than big restaurants."
"Let me try," Mrs. Fujimine said, digging in. "Impressive. Lin-kun's cooking is top-notch."
"Of course Shuichi's cooking is great!" Yukiko beamed with pride.
"We're not praising you!" Mrs. Fujimine snapped. "Why so happy?"
"I-I'm part of the izakaya too!" Yukiko, realizing her slip, grabbed the tray and fled to the counter.
Her parents exchanged amused smiles.
On Saturdays, Hayashi Shuichi extended hours. But by 11:30 p.m., it was closing time. Only the Fujimines and their friend remained. Hayashi Shuichi approached to greet them, Yukiko trailing with a grimace.
"Uncle, Auntie, did my dishes suit your taste?" he asked.
"Excellent. Your Chinese cuisine beats Chinatown's," Mr. Fujimine praised.
Mrs. Fujimine, ignoring Yukiko's pleading look, said pointedly, "Lin-kun, Yukiko's not young anymore. We can't meddle too much, but you should be careful, especially with… safety. You understand?"
She meant taking precautions in their relationship. Yukiko, aware of her parents' concerns, flushed red.
Hayashi Shuichi, misinterpreting it as concern for her late-night commute, assured, "Don't worry, I'll look after Yukiko."
Mrs. Fujimine, thinking he got it, nodded. "Good. After you graduate, you can—"
"Mom!" Yukiko cut in. "It's late. You should go!"
"We're waiting for you," Mrs. Fujimine said, glaring, but the interruption reminded her of their other purpose. "Oh, Lin-kun, we came for another reason too."
"Please, tell me," Hayashi Shuichi said politely. "If I can help, I will."
"This is Otomo Hiroshi, our friend and a screenwriter," Mr. Fujimine introduced. "Half a year ago, his girlfriend vanished. He needs your help to find her."
"Missing person?" Hayashi Shuichi frowned. "Was it reported to the police? They're better suited for this."
"I reported it the day Mio disappeared," Otomo sighed. "Six months later, no news."
"Besides the police, Hiroshi's hired detectives, but no luck," Mr. Fujimine added. "Lin-kun, if you have time, please help."
"I'm free next weekend," Hayashi Shuichi said. "If that works…"
"Next weekend it is," Mr. Fujimine decided for Otomo. "No pressure, Lin-kun. Ayako and I won't hold it against you either way."
"Please," Otomo said, bowing and leaving his contact info before departing.
"Hiroshi's a well-known screenwriter," Mrs. Fujimine noted. "Helping him could benefit Yukiko's acting career."
With that, the Fujimines left with Yukiko.
Hayashi Shuichi sighed in relief, about to call the others to clean up, when Eri glared at him coldly.
"What's wrong?" he asked, confused. "I didn't upset you, did I?"
"What did Yukiko's mom mean by that?" Eri demanded.
"Just concern for Yukiko's safety after work," he said casually. "Normal for parents."
"Sounded off to me," Eri said, face darkening. "More like she's worried about becoming a grandma too soon!"
"Grandma?" Hayashi Shuichi laughed. "That's ridiculous."
"How's it ridiculous?" Eri snapped. "She said, 'After you graduate, you can…' What was she implying? And why did Yukiko cut her off?"
(End of Chapter)
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