When Hachiman went to borrow a knife for peeling potatoes, he passed by these lower-year students and spoke to a black-haired girl who was washing potatoes.
It had to be said, good-looking people looked good in anything.
The girl was slender, with her sleeves rolled up to reveal snow-white wrists. Wearing an apron, she gave off an air of cool competence.
She was Yukino, someone Hachiman knew well.
She had been assigned to Group 1, and she already had a foundation in cooking. She had even once been Hachiman's teacher when he was learning to cook, so it was perfectly natural for her to come familiarize herself with the competition as a Group 1 participant.
However, Yukino's expression seemed somewhat grave. The four companions working with her promptly pulled themselves together, as though worried about angering her.
But Hachiman did not think she was angry.
Because her gaze occasionally fell on the apron she was wearing.
The aprons used by the students had all been purchased and distributed by the school. There were only two styles, but both featured little dogs.
Yet they could not go without aprons.
So this was rather unfriendly to students who preferred cats.
"Ah..." Yukino had just been sighing over that matter.
But she quickly heard the boy's voice as well.
"It is unfamiliar cuisine, but if you have mastered the fundamentals of cooking, you should be able to complete it by following the steps instructed by the teachers," she replied.
"And Hachiman, are you participating in this activity because you intend to compete when the time comes?" Yukino asked.
She must have noticed that Hachiman was also wearing a cap and apron.
"No." Hachiman shook his head. "I'm the leader of Group 5, so I probably won't be competing personally."
"Hmm... then why are