Chapter 348: Ordering Food at Michiyo’s Restaurant

Aoki, seeing that, could only let out a resigned sigh, while Kurisu maintained her polite smile. Yet from the corner of her eye, Kurisu briefly glanced at Aoki—a glance that clearly carried a hidden meaning: we will talk later.

That look lasted only for an instant, no more than a fleeting spark, but it was enough to make Aoki feel as though something pressed heavily against his chest. Within those eyes lay both firmness and tenderness, an unspoken signal that an important conversation awaited him, even if Kurisu, for now, was deliberately choosing to avoid it.

Seeing that, Aoki fell silent. He restrained himself, holding back from giving any unnecessary reaction, though inside his heart stirred with a faint unease. Even so, Aoki ignored it for the moment and chose a seat beside Kuzan.

The movement was simple, yet it almost seemed like an effort to seek protection by the side of an old acquaintance—as if Kuzan could act as a temporary shield from Kurisu’s meaningful gaze. Witnessing that, Kurisu then sat directly next to Aoki, her graceful movements deliberate, carrying a clear intention: she had no wish to let Aoki hide from her.

They gathered around a round table—sturdy wood with a smooth polished surface that reflected the morning sunlight streaming through the restaurant’s glass windows.

The morning air was still fresh, carrying with it the faint scent of wood and the subtle fragrance of cooking from the kitchen. The atmosphere should have been calming, yet for Aoki it felt stifling, as he knew a serious conversation was inevitable.

Michiyo then pulled out a chair and sat down between Kuzan and Kurisu. Her movements were quick but full of cheer, like a host well accustomed to receiving all sorts of guests.

She patted her work skirt lightly to neaten it, then placed both hands atop the table. Her wide smile revealed just how genuinely delighted she was to be gathered with people close to her.

“Hey! Hey! Michiyo! You’re the owner of this restaurant, and we’re your customers, so get our orders ready,” Kuzan said with a face feigning annoyance, his raised eyebrows and sideward glance at Michiyo exaggerated in a theatrical manner. Yet his tone was lighthearted, unmistakably playful—there was no real anger behind it.

“Cih! I want to hear Aoki’s story too! Fine, so what do you all want to order?” Michiyo gave a small scoff, planting a hand on her waist while leaning forward slightly. The pose gave her the air of a boss unwilling to back down, though the amused smile playing on her lips betrayed her true mood.

“Give me rice with grilled fish. And to drink, just a glass of apple juice.” Kuzan replied swiftly, his voice steady as if he had long since memorized his favorite choice. Even as he spoke, his hand tapped lightly against the table, showing his enthusiasm.

“I’ll have rice with fried chicken. For the drink, I’ll go with iced orange juice,” said Aoki. His voice was calm but carried a hint of hesitation, as though his mind was still preoccupied with something other than food. His hand unconsciously brushed against his chin—an old habit of his whenever confusion clouded his thoughts.

“I’ll have the same as Aoki,” Kurisu then said, deciding to mirror his order. Her tone was soft, yet her eyes flickered briefly toward Aoki, adding another layer of unspoken tension between them. There was a silent undertone, something only the two of them could understand.

“Alright, the orders will be ready!” Michiyo nodded quickly, her eyes sparkling as though she had already memorized the list of orders with ease.

She promptly turned and made her way toward the kitchen. Her steps were light, producing the soft sound of heels against the restaurant’s wooden floor. From time to time, the aroma of steaming rice and sizzling spices drifted out from the kitchen, further warming the air in the room.

The restaurant’s atmosphere was tranquil. After all, it was still early in the morning. Sunlight filtered in through the wide windows, spilling onto the wooden floor and forming beautiful dusty streaks of light.

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