Horikita Suzune's Breakfast (Happy Lantern Festival: Bonus Chapter)

Sunday morning, the faint chirping of birds from her phone slowly reached Horikita Suzune's ears as she slept.

It was time to get up. Horikita Suzune woke up on time as usual, but today was a bit special. As she turned off her phone alarm, she also saw a message from Ryuuen. Her good mood for the day ended before it even began.

"For breakfast, I want Red Bean Tangyuan and Horikita Suzune in a Sukumizu."

This wasn't the first time Ryuuen had verbally teased Horikita Suzune. Horikita Suzune didn't know how many times she had cursed Ryuuen as a pervert in her heart, but it still didn't change the situation. After complaining, she still had to take the Sukumizu and go to Ryuuen's dormitory to make him breakfast.

Ryuuen's tastes were eclectic; he liked Chinese, Western, and Japanese cuisine. He often requested dishes that Horikita Suzune didn't know how to make. Whenever Horikita Suzune said, "I don't know how to make that."

He would always give her a disdainful look and say, "Didn't you get full marks in home economics? I'm sure you'll learn quickly."

Under these circumstances, Horikita Suzune's cooking skills grew day by day, though she wasn't happy about it at all.

Opening the door to Ryuuen's room (Ryuuen had given Horikita Suzune a key), Ryuuen was, as usual, expending his excess morning energy by punching a sandbag.

"Good morning, Horikita."

"Good morning."

After a simple greeting, Horikita Suzune walked into the bathroom with her bag, locked the door, and began to change into the Sukumizu.

Ryuuen slept an hour less than Horikita Suzune, and that extra hour was spent exercising. His request for Horikita Suzune to wear a Sukumizu was just a whim because swimming classes were scheduled for next week, and Ryuuen was very interested in Horikita Suzune's swimsuit; he wanted to be the first to see it.

The Sukumizu is a relatively form-fitting garment, made of elastic material that closely adheres to the body's curves, showcasing a woman's graceful figure. Horikita Suzune wearing the black Sukumizu added a mysterious and sexy aura to her.

Horikita Suzune was in the kitchen wearing the Sukumizu. The garment accentuated her tall, slender figure, perfectly outlining every curve. The tight-fitting design of the Sukumizu made her look more charming and attractive, showcasing a unique sense of style.

While cooking, the Sukumizu seemed to become a part of her, perfectly matching her movements. Whether stirring ingredients, stir-frying dishes, or plating and decorating, the Sukumizu didn't restrict her movements; instead, it highlighted her elegance and professionalism.

Its smooth surface and sleek lines made the Sukumizu shimmer faintly under the light, adding a touch of mystery to the kitchen's atmosphere. The girl, wearing the Sukumizu, made Red Bean Tangyuan for Ryuuen. Even for such a simple dish, she demonstrated meticulousness and dedication to her cooking.

Although Ryuuen only asked for Red Bean Tangyuan, Horikita Suzune wouldn't just make that. Ryuuen, who exercised every morning, had a very large appetite for breakfast. Logically, one's appetite shouldn't be high after exercise, but Ryuuen always managed to eat a lot of high-calorie foods in the morning. So, the breakfast Horikita Suzune made for Ryuuen was always prepared in the quantity of a full meal.

After making the Red Bean Tangyuan, Horikita Suzune held a bamboo sushi mat and tightly rolled the rice and various ingredients together. Each roll required her utmost care and patience to create delicious sushi.

On the other side of the kitchen, Horikita Suzune began making Tempura. She used her clean hands to coat the ingredients in flour and egg wash, then fried them until golden and crispy, making them look mouth-watering. She took her time, slowly placing the ingredients into the hot oil, controlling the oil temperature and cooking time to make the Tempura even more delicious.

In addition, Horikita Suzune also prepared light and flavorful Miso Soup, as well as visually appealing and delicious Chow Mein, Lettuce Salad, and other dishes. She cooked each dish with focus, meticulously adjusting every seasoning, striving for the perfect taste and texture.

In her kitchen, the aroma of rice, seaweed, and soy sauce permeated the air, creating a rich Japanese ambiance. With her nimble fingers, Horikita Suzune prepared each ingredient with exquisite detail, showcasing the essence and charm of Japanese cuisine.

Finally, Horikita Suzune set a table full of colorful, fragrant, and delicious dishes.

"Delicious," Ryuuen commented, sitting at the dining table.

"You haven't even eaten yet. You're so fake," Horikita Suzune said, not accepting Ryuuen's compliment. She sat opposite Ryuuen and took a bowl of Red Bean Tangyuan. Unlike Ryuuen, Horikita Suzune needed to maintain her figure, so she didn't eat much for breakfast; a bowl of Red Bean Tangyuan was enough.

"I wasn't talking about the food; I was talking about you," Ryuuen said, picking up his chopsticks and starting to eat.

"I know I'm beautiful, but please put away that lustful gaze of yours." Horikita Suzune rolled her eyes. Ryuuen's words were truly stupid and disgusting. Even though she had heard them many times, at this moment, they still affected her appetite, making it impossible to eat.

"Hahaha!" Ryuuen was delighted to see Horikita Suzune's disgusted expression. His good mood for the day began with teasing Horikita Suzune.

Horikita Suzune could tolerate Ryuuen partly because of their previous agreement, and partly because Ryuuen only talked big; he never laid a hand on Horikita Suzune in the room. However, if one had to say, Ryuuen's gaze had probably already scanned Horikita Suzune from head to toe, but it was all just appreciation.

Ryuuen's interest in Horikita Suzune as a person was far greater than his interest in her body. He was very curious what kind of person Horikita Suzune would become under his "training."

After finishing the table full of breakfast, Ryuuen changed his clothes, and Horikita Suzune washed the dishes in the kitchen.

Leaning against the kitchen doorway, Ryuuen teased, "Horikita, if it weren't for your awkward personality, you'd definitely make a good wife and loving mother."

"Thanks, but rather than a good wife and loving mother, I'd prefer to be an excellent career woman." Horikita Suzune chatted with Ryuuen while washing dishes. Although their relationship wasn't good (as Horikita Suzune believed), basic conversation was possible. Or rather, Ryuuen was the person who talked to Horikita Suzune the most in this school, though most of the time Ryuuen was just teasing her.

"You didn't deny having an awkward personality, though."

"I do have self-awareness, Ryuuen. Don't you? Should I tell you what kind of person you are?"

"No need, it's just going to be some derogatory terms."

"So you do have some self-awareness."

Horikita Suzune finished washing the dishes and could leave, but Ryuuen blocked the kitchen doorway. "Tell me one of my good qualities, and I'll let you go."

"None," Horikita Suzune answered very straightforwardly. Although she was only wearing a school uniform, she didn't feel shy standing next to Ryuuen; instead, she confidently displayed her figure.

"How heartless. How about this: I'll tell you one of your good qualities, and then you tell me one of mine, how's that?" Looking down at Horikita Suzune's thin lips, Ryuuen also wanted to know what good qualities he had in Horikita Suzune's eyes.

"Fine," Horikita Suzune knew that if she didn't agree, he would pester her for a while. Ryuuen never gave up until he achieved his goal.

"Beautiful," Ryuuen blurted out.

"Shallow." Horikita Suzune's eyebrow twitched, but the slight curve of her lips revealed her inner joy. Being praised was always pleasant, and even Horikita Suzune wanted to be recognized. She had always followed in her brother's footsteps precisely to gain his approval.

"Shallow isn't a good quality of mine. Choose another one." Ryuuen was not satisfied with Horikita Suzune's answer.

"Perverted."

"Perverted?" Ryuuen was full of question marks. "Is being perverted a good quality?"

"Yes," Horikita Suzune answered very confidently.

Realizing that Horikita Suzune was deliberately teasing him, Ryuuen didn't pursue it. He smiled helplessly and let Horikita Suzune go.

"I want fish for lunch."

"Still in Sukumizu?"

"Still in Sukumizu."

"Pervert."

"Being a pervert is also a good quality."