Being a fan. The concept was distant and strange to Touka Kirishima. She could never understand why humans would so fervently worship people who had no connection to their own lives.
But at this moment—no, from the moment she had first tasted Ryohei's cooking—Touka had become his most devoted fan.
And now, seeing this unbelievable spectacle before her, Touka felt the small heart in her chest begin to beat uncontrollably, a powerful, wild rhythm.
She could hear her own heartbeat, like a drum pounding in her ears, clear and strong. Her left eye, the one not covered by her bangs, was as deep and blue as the ocean. She looked up at the figure in the pure white chef's uniform, and her eye began to shine with a light as brilliant and hot as a star.
A powerful, soul-shaking tremor ran through her. This had nothing to do with romantic love. It was another, purer emotion. If she had to give it a name, it would be… faith.
Ryohei was already a ray of light in her life, her only salvation. And now, that light, that salvation, had shaken her to her very core in this incredible way.
In that instant, Touka understood what it meant to be a fervent fan. And in that same instant, she surpassed them all.
"Yusa, I'm leaving the outside to you," Ryohei said, stepping down from the chair with a satisfied smile.
"Mhm, leave it to me," the graceful, Yamato Nadeshiko-like Yusa replied with a gentle laugh, patting her chest.
Ryohei then turned to her younger sister. "I'm counting on you too, Koōri. I'll make you something delicious after we close up." He needed two people outside—one to pack and sell, and one to handle the money. He was temporarily conscripting Koji into service. Otherwise, they'd be overwhelmed inside.
"Mm~," Koji looked up at him, her big black eyes shining, and nodded with a delighted expression. She had been treated to a staff meal that afternoon and, like her sister, had been instantly captivated. Her affection score for the handsome chef was shooting through the roof. She was already looking forward to his promised treat.
Pekola brought a towel from inside and quickly wiped down the chair Ryohei had stood on. Minos followed with a large basket of plates and spoons, which she placed on the chair. Poporon brought a bag of takeout containers and chopsticks and tied it to the basket. The Miracle Comet Fried Rice would first be served to the initial wave of dine-in customers, and then sold for takeout in order of the queue.
"Here," Yurine said, handing the cash box, already pre-filled with change, to Koji. She gave the little girl's head an affectionate pat. Koji closed her eyes in enjoyment.
Inside the restaurant.
"So, how did I do?" Lucoa was already seated at the leftmost stool of the bar. Hearing Ryohei's footsteps, she leaned back lazily, lifting her left eyelid to look at him.
"You were perfect," he said, reaching out and gently guiding her head to sit up straight again. The power of a world-class being was terrifying. Her presence was so overwhelming it was hard to look away.
"Well then… Heian-kun," Lucoa said with a cheerful smile, her voice a bewitching onee-san tone, "now please reward me… vigorously!"
Ryohei's expression turned complicated. "Shouldn't the word be 'properly' in this situation? Please use the correct adjective."
"I think 'vigorously' is much better," Lucoa replied, holding up a pale, slender finger. "I was once a god who managed and disseminated culture. You can trust my choice of words."
A god who managed and disseminated culture? Which one? Jashin-chan, who had followed Ryohei inside, wondered. She couldn't be sure. Oh well, too much effort to think about it.
"I feel like you're just messing with me," Ryohei said. The first customers would be coming in any second. He didn't have time to banter with her and headed for the kitchen.
"Ah…" Lucoa watched him go, a "you caught me" expression on her face.
Soon, the first customers began to enter the restaurant, each carrying a plate of the Miracle Comet Fried Rice. They were seated according to their place in line, either at the counter or in one of the small private rooms.
When he had leased the restaurant, Ryohei had also had Yurine apply for a merchant account on Tabelog, one of Japan's most popular restaurant review and reservation platforms. Once it was approved, customers would be able to make online reservations for the counter seats or the various private rooms.
"Chef Ryohei, is it okay if I live-stream?" Airi, the streamer, who had snagged the last seat at the counter, asked with an expectant look after eating her fried rice.
"Hm? Sure, as long as you don't disturb the other customers," he replied, a little surprised.
"Okay! Arigatou!" Airi said excitedly. She turned on her stream again. "Mina-san~, the Cooking Immortal has given me permission to stream~," she whispered, giving a peace sign to the camera. "I'm so hungry and I really want to eat, but first, Airi is going to show you all the menu~."
She pushed her plate of fried rice aside slightly, picked up the high-quality menu from its stand, and opened it for the camera.
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