Chapter 228: Feelings Are a Consumable, Don't Waste Them
Because it was still a bit too early to begin the evening preparations for his restaurant, Ren decided against returning immediately. Instead, he chose to indulge in the bustling, chaotic energy of the commercial district, primarily to fulfill Cerberus's eager, tail-wagging wish to take purikura—Japanese sticker photos.
The arcade was an absolute sensory overload. The air was thick with the rhythmic thumping of electronic dance games, the sharp clatter of coin pushers, and the vibrant, flashing neon lights reflecting off the polished floors. Cerberus practically vibrated with excitement, her crimson eyes wide as she dragged Ren toward the glowing pink photo booths.
[Akarin's Note: Cerberus from Helltaker is a single soul occupying three separate bodies. She can seamlessly merge back into a single physical form with dog ears whenever she desires.]
Although the entire group was together, capturing everyone perfectly in the small, cramped confines of a photo booth proved to be an incredibly difficult task. Each tiny, brightly lit booth could comfortably fit a maximum of three people at a time. To ensure no one felt left out, Ren patiently assumed the role of the universal anchor, accompanying the girls for various photo combinations.
The physical proximity inside the booth was delightfully suffocating. First, Ren found himself squeezed between the three hyperactive bodies of Cerberus, bombarded by a flurry of peace signs and affectionate, dog-like nuzzling against his broad shoulders.
Next came a surprisingly intimate and elegant shot with Kirari, whose soft, refined curves pressed lightly against his arm as she smiled gracefully for the camera. Sayaka hovered anxiously outside the curtain, visibly burning with envy at the proximity.
With eight people constantly swapping in and out in various combinations, a single photo session stretched well over half an hour. The relentless, blinding flashes of the camera and the claustrophobic heat of the booth left Ren feeling slightly drained, yet his indulgent smile never wavered.
Stepping out of the booth for the final time, Ren held a thick stack of glossy, heavily-filtered sticker sheets. Lucifer, who had been leaning against a nearby racing arcade cabinet with her arms crossed, pushed herself off the machine. A smug, aristocratic smirk played on the Queen of Hell's ruby-red lips.
"You finally got what you deserved," Lucifer teased, her voice dripping with playful, condescending royalty. "Are you very tired, my dear servant?"
Ren rolled his neck, letting out a soft, satisfying pop of his joints. He thought for a moment before turning his dark eyes toward her.
"Actually, the photos themselves aren't bad," he replied, his tone casually nonchalant. "But I am a bit tired from all the flashing lights. Perhaps next time we all go out together, we shouldn't invite Lucifer."
Lucifer froze. Her crimson eyes widened to almost comical proportions. This was completely off her mental script; it was an entirely unexpected, devastating counterattack.
A delicate, furious flush of pink instantly dusted her pale cheeks as her immense demonic pride violently clashed with a sudden, painful pang of rejection.
"Ren!" Lucifer shouted, her voice pitching up in indignance as she stomped her foot against the arcade floor. "That's too much! You're the worst!"
Kirari covered her mouth, letting out a soft, elegant chuckle that sounded like chiming silver bells. Her sapphire eyes gleamed with razor-sharp amusement as she glided forward, her signature silver twin-tails swaying with hypnotic grace.
"Lucifer, that's exactly why you still need to mature," Kirari said, her tone smooth and patronizingly sweet. "To properly deal with Ren, you must never try to use those cliché, tsundere words. If you try to play hard to get..."
Kirari paused, casting a knowing, dangerous glance toward the handsome chef. "...It will only provoke Ren's mischievous side. He will happily call your bluff every single time."
Standing slightly to the side, Sister Courage nodded rapidly, her eyes wide. The beautiful Gourmet Inspector looked exactly like a diligent student feverishly taking mental notes in a masterclass on how to conquer a man's heart.
Ren simply chuckled at the exchange, stretching his arms above his head to loosen his stiff back muscles. "Don't mention it," he sighed, though a fond warmth lingered in his gaze.
"It's my first time taking such troublesome photos. Honestly, the flashes are more blinding than a flashbang."
He checked his wristwatch, noting the shifting angle of the afternoon sun casting long shadows outside the arcade entrance. "It's almost time to open the shop for the evening service now. Let's head back."
"Yes, yes, yes!" a chorus of eager, feminine voices cheered in absolute unison.
The most vocal and visibly excited among the group were Sakura Hibiki and Sister Courage. Hibiki practically bounced on her heels, her stomach letting out a quiet but ominous rumble. For the gyaru high schooler, the excitement was incredibly simple: she was about to eat mouth-watering, world-class food that was miraculously affordable, praised by a WGO First-Class Executive Officer.
[Akarin's Note: Sakura Hibiki is the main protagonist of the fitness anime 'Dumbbell Nan Kilo Moteru?'. She is a high schooler at Kōyō Women's Academy who joins Silverman Gym to lose weight because she has a massive appetite and loves eating junk food.]
Sister Courage, on the other hand, was vibrating on a completely different, deeply romantic frequency. Her intense excitement stemmed entirely from Ren's casual, deeply domestic use of the phrase, "Let's head back."
To the fiercely single, hopelessly romantic Inspector, those simple words sounded exactly like a husband tenderly calling his wife home after a long day. Courage, who was currently drowning in the maddening depths of singlehood, was now completely preoccupied with heavily uncensored thoughts of romantic conquest. Her face flushed furiously as she imagined a perfect, domestic evening alone with the muscular chef.
Oblivious to the inspector's steamy daydreams, Ren turned his attention toward the silver-haired Russian girl. "Come to think of it," Ren began, tilting his head slightly.
"I just realized something. Gina, you've basically been glued to Hibiki's side this entire time. You two seem to have a genuinely wonderful relationship."
Gina beamed, puffing out her chest proudly. She waved her hand in a dismissive but highly affectionate gesture. "That's because I'm currently staying at Hibiki's house as an exchange student! Usually, it's just Hibiki and me lounging around at home, so I just naturally follow her everywhere I go."
Ren's expression softened into one of genuine approval. "That's really good," he murmured, his voice carrying a soothing, mature timbre.
"If you've lived alone for a long time, suddenly having a friend around 24/7 should be quite an interesting change of pace. You can help each other with daily chores, and even commute to school together. It's a precious bond."
Gina nodded repeatedly, leaning into the praise like a content cat, while Sakura Hibiki let out a long, helpless sigh. Though she rolled her eyes, the fond smile on her face betrayed her deep affection for her energetic roommate.
This marked the second time Ren had brought Cerberus down to the bustling city center. However, unlike their previous trip where they relied on public transit, their return journey was about to be significantly more luxurious.
Stepping out of the arcade and into the crisp evening air, the group was greeted by the imposing sight of a massive, custom-built luxury limousine idling perfectly by the curb. The sleek, obsidian-black vehicle gleamed under the twilight streetlamps, radiating an aura of absolute, terrifying authority. Sayaka stood sharply by the open door, her posture rigid and perfectly professional as she waited for Kirari to enter.
When Sister Courage saw the vehicle, she audibly gasped, her hands flying to her cheeks. Her seasoned eyes immediately calculated the staggering value of the custom armor and plush interior.
"Oh my goodness! Kirari-san, you are unbelievably rich!"
It was a gross understatement. As the absolute head of the Momobami Clan, the true power holder of Private Hyakkaou Academy, and the charismatic tyrant who started the high-stakes gambling craze, Momobami Kirari could not simply be described as merely "rich." She possessed a level of wealth and influence that defied normal mortal comprehension.
[Akarin's Note: Momobami Kirari is the main antagonist of the Kakegurui series. She is the 105th Student Council President of Hyakkaou Private Academy and the absolute head of the Momobami Clan, a powerful conglomerate of elite families.]
Sliding into the plush, custom-leather seats of the limousine felt like sinking into a cloud. The interior was massive, featuring soft ambient LED lighting, a fully stocked crystal minibar, and a soundproof partition separating them from the driver's seat.
As the heavy doors closed with a satisfying thud, completely sealing off the chaotic noise of the outside world, the limousine glided smoothly onto the bustling streets. The journey back to the residential district was a stark, relaxing contrast to the arcade.
Through the heavily tinted windows, they watched the neon city skyline gradually give way to quieter, more tranquil neighborhoods. The soft hum of the powerful engine was barely audible, allowing the girls to chat comfortably while sipping on imported sparkling water provided by a highly attentive Sayaka.
After a remarkably smooth ride, the limousine finally pulled up to the familiar street corner. The group piled out, stepping onto the quiet pavement just as the sun dipped completely below the horizon, casting a warm, golden-orange glow over the neighborhood.
They stood before the entrance of Ren's restaurant.
"Oh wow!" Gina gasped, her eyes practically sparkling as she took in the traditional yet impeccably refined exterior. "Is this Brother Ren's shop? It's so beautiful!"
The architecture was an elegant blend of warm wooden tones and modern, spotless lines. Soft, amber lanterns hung by the entrance, casting a welcoming, inviting light onto the stone path. Even from the outside, a faint, intoxicating aroma of roasted spices, sweet soy, and simmering broth seemed to be permanently infused into the very wood of the building, instantly making everyone's mouths water.
"Yes, yes!" Hibiki chimed in, practically vibrating with overwhelming hunger. "I never expected it to look like this! I honestly thought it would be a much wilder, rougher style!"
Hearing Gina and Hibiki's words, Ren paused with his hand on the polished wooden doorframe. He glanced back over his broad shoulder, an amused eyebrow raised.
"Why would you guess it's a wild style? Do I really seem like the kind of person who likes a chaotic, wild aesthetic?"
"Well, yeah!" Gina exclaimed, pointing a finger at his imposing, heavily muscled physique. "Because Brother Ren is a hardcore fighter!"
"Generally speaking, people like that usually prefer a more unrestrained, free, and completely wild environment. Your shop, Brother Ren, seems a bit too delicate and artistic for someone who punches people for a living!"
Ren thought for a moment, letting out a soft chuckle that rumbled deep in his chest. "Actually, that's a common misconception," he explained, pushing the doors open to let the girls inside.
"Most professional athletes and martial artists usually pay a tremendous amount of attention to their quality of life in private. They have to be highly disciplined."
Ren motioned for them to enter the pristine dining room. "That includes Kaolan-san, whom you admire so much. Despite his terrifying reputation in the ring, Kaolan is exceptionally particular and refined about his daily life and surroundings."
[Akarin's Note: Kaolan Wongsawat is a major character from the Kengan Ashura and Kengan Omega series. He is the Thai God of War, an undisputed heavyweight boxing champion, and a master of Muay Thai.]
Gina nodded slowly, absorbing the newly acquired trivia about her idol with wide-eyed fascination.
Ren smiled, walking past the polished dining counters toward the back hallway. "Let's talk about martial arts later. For now, go ahead and find a seat."
"Once I change into my chef's uniform, you girls can place your orders."
He paused, glancing at the WGO inspector. "Sister Courage, you can sit with Lucifer and the others, or all seven of you can just push some tables together and eat as one big group."
Sister Courage blinked, snapping out of a deeply romantic daydream. A look of profound confusion washed over her beautifully made-up face.
"Eh?" Courage asked, tilting her head. "Doesn't Mr. Ren eat dinner with us?"
Sakura Hibiki also nodded vigorously, her blonde twin-tails bouncing. "Yes, yes, Brother Ren! Aren't you going to join us at the table?"
Lucifer, who had already claimed her usual premium seat at the counter, crossed her arms gracefully under her generous chest. She spoke with a casual, almost pitying tone.
"It's officially opening hours now," the Queen of Hell declared smoothly. "So Ren's personal dinner time is basically over. That's because Ren is a cursed individual."
Hearing this highly dramatic statement, both Kirari and Sayaka exchanged knowing glances. They perfectly understood the chaotic daily routine of the shop and chose to remain elegantly silent, hiding their amused smiles.
Sister Courage, however, possessed no such insider knowledge. Her face drained of color as a horrified expression contorted her features.
"Eh?!" Courage practically shrieked, her hands gripping the edge of the table. "A curse?! What kind of dark, terrible curse?!"
Cerberus, having successfully re-merged into a single, silver-haired girl with twitching dog ears, tilted her head innocently.
"It's just a funny rule of the universe," Cerberus said with a bright, fanged smile. "Whenever the shop is open and the master... I mean, whenever Ren tries to sit down and eat his own dinner, customers immediately flood in. So his dinner always gets interrupted and completely ruined."
Three pairs of eyes—belonging to Courage, Gina, and Hibiki—widened in perfect, synchronized disbelief. A unified gasp of realization echoed through the dining room.
Ren blatantly ignored the dramatically surprised group. He let out a long, weary sigh and walked straight into the back room to change into his crisp, pristine white chef's uniform.
Sister Courage stared blankly at the hallway where Ren had vanished. She slumped slightly into her chair. "Are you absolutely sure this is a mystical curse and not just incredibly bad luck?"
Kirari rested her chin on her intertwined fingers, a mysterious, dangerous smile gracing her lips. "About that particular question, it's best just to accept it. Ren himself says it's as accurate as a magical curse, so let's just treat it as one."
The Student Council President then shifted her piercing sapphire gaze toward the WGO inspector. "But Sister Courage, I must admit, I didn't expect you to be surprisingly bold."
Courage jumped slightly, her cheeks flushing a deep shade of crimson. "Eh? Why do you say that, Kirari-san?"
Sayaka stepped forward slightly, adjusting her glasses as she faithfully translated her President's teasing. "I believe the President is pointing out the fact that you've been thoroughly researching Ren's personal affairs all day today."
When they heard this, Sakura Hibiki and Gina instantly turned to look at the beautiful Executive Officer. Mischievous, teasing smiles crept onto the high schoolers' faces as they fully realized the older woman's massive, undeniable crush.
Sister Courage buried her face in her hands, letting out a pitiful, muffled whine. "You young girls just don't understand," she whispered, her voice dripping with the heavy, agonizing despair of a successful woman pushing past her prime.
"You don't know the sheer pain of being single. It hits especially hard when you lie awake at night and realize you're rapidly running out of time to find a suitable boyfriend..."
[Akarin's Note: Courage and Rantabi are First-Class Book Masters (Inspectors) for the World Gourmet Organization (WGO) from Food Wars!.]
Lucifer, an immortal demonic entity with an infinite lifespan, naturally couldn't comprehend this mortal anxiety regarding biological clocks. Moreover, she essentially already had a partner in the form of the frustratingly handsome chef in the next room.
Kirari, however, found the human struggle endlessly fascinating. "Is that so?" she asked curiously, tilting her head.
"Sister Courage, is it really that difficult for you to find a boyfriend? You are undeniably gorgeous, well-educated, and you seem to have an incredibly successful career."
Sister Courage let out a heavy, depressed sigh that seemed to carry the collective weight of a thousand failed blind dates.
"That's precisely the root of the problem," Courage lamented, tracing anxious circles on the polished wooden tabletop. "Because of my high status, I simply can't force myself to look down and settle for ordinary men."
She held up her fingers, counting off her impossibly strict criteria. "Since I'm a First-Class Executive Officer for the WGO's Gourmet division, the absolute first thing I look for in a partner is someone with transcendent cooking skills. Someone who can actually satisfy my highly refined palate."
Courage raised a second finger. "Then, he needs to have a gentle personality and an exceptionally good temper."
"I also strongly prefer someone younger, who has the boundless energy to spend quality time with me. And lastly, his appearance and physique must be ruggedly handsome and pleasing to the eye..."
Kirari smiled, instantly spotting the massive, glaring flaw in the inspector's logic. "So, that very first condition already poses an insurmountable roadblock on your path to finding a partner, doesn't it?"
The silver-haired heiress chuckled softly. "A chef who possesses the immense, world-class skill required to satisfy the palate of a WGO First-Class Executive Officer is almost never a young person. They are usually stubborn, elderly veterans who have spent decades locked in high-pressure kitchens."
Sister Courage nodded dejectedly, her perfect posture crumbling in utter defeat. "Exactly! You hit the nail on the head!" she cried out.
"Not to mention the personality and temper issues! The rare young chefs who are talented enough are always impossibly arrogant. They act like they're invincible culinary gods and are completely uninterested in holding a normal, affectionate conversation."
She buried her face in her hands again. "As for spending time with me? Forget it."
"High-end chefs are chained to their restaurants. They have absolutely zero free time..."
Sakura Hibiki listened to the rant, her eyes wide with newfound understanding. She spoke with genuine sympathy.
"Wow, Sister Courage... I originally thought that only girls with poor living conditions or bad personalities couldn't find boyfriends. I never expected that being too good and successful would make it just as difficult."
Sister Courage nodded gloomily, her aura dark and depressed. "Exactly! My colleague Decora and I are not short on money at all, so we don't demand any economic support from a man. Yet, we still can't find boyfriends to save our lives."
She looked up, a sudden, fervent light igniting in her teary eyes as she glanced toward the kitchen doors where Ren had disappeared. "Now, we're getting busier and busier, with less and less free time. But luckily... incredibly luckily, we met Mr. Ren!"
Kirari's smile widened into a knowing, predator-like grin. "That is very true. Ren has completely exceeded expectations in all aspects."
"He's undeniably skilled, ruggedly handsome, incredibly gentle, and he's also someone who isn't short on money."
The President leaned forward, her sapphire eyes locking onto Courage's desperate gaze. "Speaking of which, Sister Courage, I have incredibly high hopes for you."
Sister Courage looked at Kirari with a wildly surprised expression, her heart skipping a heavy beat. She then nervously shifted her gaze toward Lucifer, fully expecting the Queen of Hell to unleash a territorial, demonic rage upon her.
Instead, Lucifer just flinched slightly. The white-haired demon casually looked away, a faint, embarrassed blush painting her cheeks as she twirled a strand of hair around her finger.
"Don't look at me," Lucifer muttered defensively. "I can't control what Ren does."
"That's great!" Courage practically squealed. Her previous depression instantly vanished into thin air, replaced by a blazing, unstoppable inferno of romantic motivation.
Kirari just smiled, her expression softening into something surprisingly genuine and profound.
"Love is a consumable resource," Kirari murmured, her voice carrying a soft, haunting melody that instantly commanded the attention of everyone at the table.
"So, don't waste it impulsively on the wrong people, or you'll slowly exhaust your soul and lose the very ability to love entirely."
Kirari's gaze drifted toward the warm light spilling from the open kitchen, a profound fondness shining in her eyes. "But, if you truly find someone you like... someone who meets every single one of those impossible standards, you must be brave. You must go for it with everything you have."
She turned her warm smile back to the stunned inspector. "That's exactly what Ren told me back then, when I was lost. And now, I am passing his wisdom on to you."
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