I really hadn't had this special grilled meat in a long time!
Maybe I was hungry, but why did this grilled meat seem even more tender? Could the owner have improved the recipe again? Well, ever since my vacation began, the village had accelerated its reconstruction. The place had probably been closed for a while.
With nothing else to do, the owner might have worked on the recipe.
Rubbing his stomach, Chiba looked at the empty takeout boxes that had held enough for roughly five people, and that thought crossed his mind.
What should I make next?
I still feel about sixty percent full.
With that satisfied thought came another.
"Full?"
At that moment, Asuma spoke from across the table with a faintly amused smile.
Hmm? Why does this guy look like his scheme succeeded?
Hearing that, Chiba instinctively looked at Asuma, his brow furrowing slightly as suspicion rose in his heart.
"Yeah."
Still, he did not hesitate and simply nodded.
"Heh heh."
Then, as Chiba lowered his gaze, Asuma suddenly chuckled. The ill intent he could no longer conceal spread across his seemingly honest face along with his smile.
Uh...
Chiba's mouth twitched.
Asuma... did he set me up? After that twitch, he vaguely sensed something.
No! Could it be—? Then, as his gaze shifted slightly, Chiba suddenly caught sight of something from the corner of his eye. His body stiffened, and a thin sheen of sweat appeared on his forehead.
Could it be that this grilled meat...
Since when had Asuma become so good at scheming against people? Chiba had already seen through Asuma's purpose.
"Ha... accepting gifts puts you at a disadvantage, and eating someone's food leaves you indebted. Go ahead, what do you want me to help you with?"
After a string of thoughts flashed through