Standing before the Japanese restaurant called "Kirinoya," Sogo Doma instantly felt like there was no saving him. His image as a slacker would probably be permanently ingrained now, leaving him looking rather dejected.
Utaha Kasumigaoka was delighted—after this, Sogo-kun definitely would not tempt her with bento again. Utaha Kasumigaoka was absolutely not craving that bento. She would cast off her maid identity, then launch a proper attack on Sogo Doma.
With that resolve, Utaha Kasumigaoka stepped into Kirinoya. "Hello, I'm Utaha Kasumigaoka. I made a reservation. May I ask if Chef Inui has time right now?"
Sogo Doma had always been mentally resilient. By the time he followed Umaru into the restaurant, he no longer cared, because he had already found an excuse for himself. For example: "Umaru, chefs have their limits, but Oniichan's journey lies among the stars and the sea..." That should be enough to muddle through, right? Right!?
The moment they entered, Hinako Inui, who had been smiling as she spoke to Utaha Kasumigaoka, suddenly changed expression.
"Sogo Doma!?"
Utaha Kasumigaoka: "?_?"
They knew each other too? Just how many people did this guy know?
Having long guessed what was going on, Sogo Doma simply went: ╮(╯3╰)╭
That was why he had not wanted to come to a restaurant run by a former Elite Ten member. The circle was too small, and there were too few people in it. Every little thing and...
"Miss Hinako, long time no see."
"You came together?" Hinako Inui suddenly asked Utaha Kasumigaoka.
"Yes. Is something wrong?" Utaha Kasumigaoka was somewhat puzzled.
"So that's how it is. No wonder someone asked me to personally take action today. Sogo Doma, you arranged this, didn't you!? Are students no longer enough for you? Have you started reaching out to your seniors now?" Hinako