That night, Hinako Inui came to Satou's room again, and the two chatted while playing poker.
Hinako Inui obviously loved snacks, carrying a bag of Kaki no Tane with her, and crisp crunching sounds came from her mouth.
"Satou, do you want some?"
Hinako Inui smiled slightly, then took out a piece of Kaki no Tane and put it into Satou's mouth.
Although it was called Kaki no Tane, it actually had no relation to persimmons. It was a traditional Japanese snack made from rice, only its shape resembled persimmon seeds.
After yesterday's events, their relationship had become much closer, and Hinako Inui would even make gestures of feeding him snacks.
"But Satou, it seems you've lost again."
Hinako Inui covered her mouth and laughed happily, then a thoughtful expression appeared on her face, "Hmm, what should I make you do this time?"
Satou was a bit speechless. He didn't expect Hinako Inui's poker skills to be so excellent, completely different from Erina Nakiri's amateur level.
And every time he lost, Hinako Inui would always make him do some strange things, such as saying he was a 'loser dog' three times in a row, or drinking chili water.
"By the way, this time, I'll make you do thirty push-ups."
Hinako Inui thought of something, her eyes suddenly lit up, and then she smiled and watched Satou do 003 push-ups on the floor, seemingly enjoying seeing Satou suffer.
"I didn't expect your poker skills to be so excellent, Hinako-senpai."
Satou finished his push-ups and said somewhat helplessly, secretly deciding that after he went back, he would definitely torment Erina Nakiri in poker.
"Because I play cards with everyone every afternoon when I have nothing to do."
Hinako Inui smiled, saying in her unique cute tone.
"By the way, Satou, are you hungry? Shall I make you some supper?"
Hinako Inui stood up and then asked, "What do you want to eat?"
"Anything."
Satou said.
However, he was also looking forward to Hinako Inui's cooking. One had to know that at Kirinoya, to eat Hinako Inui's dishes, one needed to make a reservation at least a week in advance, unless they were important guests.
And now Hinako Inui was personally cooking for him alone, which was not a treatment ordinary people could receive.
There was a small kitchen in the room. Although the cooking utensils were simple, they were enough for making simple dishes.
Not long after, a pot of fragrant chestnut rice was cooked.
"Satou, come and have a taste." Hinako Inui smiled and scooped a spoonful of chestnut rice, bringing it to Satou's mouth.
Looking at the gentle face in front of him, and seemingly able to smell the faint body fragrance from her, Satou felt a strange sensation in his heart, then let her feed him a bite.
The sweetness of the chestnuts and the rice perfectly blended together, tasting sweet, refreshing, and very delicious.
"Is it good?"
Hinako Inui asked with anticipation.
"Mm. It's very delicious."
Satou praised.
"Then have some more."
Hinako Inui smiled slightly, obviously very happy, and scooped another spoonful of chestnut rice to his mouth.
Even she herself didn't realize that their actions were a bit too intimate, already exceeding that of ordinary friends, and not quite like siblings.
Satou also had a strange feeling, feeling that his relationship with Hinako Inui was a bit subtle.
Logically speaking, Hinako Inui was more than ten years older than him, an upperclassman, and had also served as his guest Instructor, making her his senior. However, he had touched her feet and even kissed her, so their relationship had long surpassed that of a typical senior and junior.
Moreover, Hinako Inui also didn't seem to treat him as a mere junior.
Just like that, the two finished the chestnut rice from one pot.
Hinako Inui's cheeks were flushed, clearly realizing that they were perhaps too close; generally, only couples would do such things.
Satou also had this feeling.
"By the way, Satou, what do you eat every day at Chunguo Pavilion? Western cuisine?"
As if to break the ambiguous atmosphere, Hinako Inui suddenly asked.
"That's right."
Satou nodded and said, "Actually, I'm not quite used to Western cuisine. I still prefer the oriental taste of rice."
"Is that so?"
Hinako Inui nodded.
Suddenly, Satou noticed a grain of rice on Hinako Inui's lips, so he instinctively reached out and removed the grain of rice for her.
Feeling Satou's fingers touch her lips, Hinako Inui's cheeks immediately flushed, and she lowered her head.
She touched the spot Satou had just touched, and couldn't help but recall the feeling of Satou kissing her last time, a strange sensation welling up in her heart.
"It's getting late, I'll be leaving now."
Hinako Inui said softly, her cheeks flushed.
"Mm, I'll walk you out."
Satou nodded and then escorted her to the hotel entrance.
The next day, Satou had just finished breakfast and was about to leave when he unexpectedly met Hinako Inui at the door.
Satou was a little surprised and asked, "Hinako-senpai, why are you here?"
It was early in the morning, shouldn't Hinako Inui be opening her shop? Why was she at his room door?
"Um..."
Hinako Inui hesitated for a moment, then handed him a bento box and said, "Yesterday, Satou, you said you weren't used to Western cuisine, so I specially made you a bento."
"Thank you."
Satou took it, feeling that Hinako Inui's concern for him had exceeded a normal relationship.
"Mm, then work hard during your internship today too!"
Hinako Inui smiled slightly, then stood on her tiptoes and, with a little effort as usual, patted his head.
"Okay."
Satou was suddenly a little dumbfounded.
Chunguo Pavilion's business today was even better than yesterday, and almost every customer who came to taste the food praised it endlessly.
Seeing that the restaurant had officially gotten on track, Kikuchi Sonoka was very happy.
"Satou, it's time to eat."
After the peak dining period, Kikuchi Sonoka smiled at Satou and said.
"Oh, no need, I have a bento today."
Satou said, then took out Hinako Inui's bento.
"Eh? Bento? Was it made by Satou's girlfriend?"
Kikuchi Sonoka asked curiously.
"No."
Satou thought for a moment and said, "It was made by a friend."
He didn't mention Hinako Inui.
"Really?"
Kikuchi Sonoka glanced at the exceptionally exquisite bento and said, intentionally or unintentionally, "The person who made the bento seems to like Satou very much."
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