The Top Idol Next Door Can't Help But Crave My Guilty Pleasure Meals-Chapter 3Volume 2 .4 - Suzufumi no Bāka ①
ROUND 3 – Suzufumi no Bāka ① 4
“…And when I was crying at home after a fight with a classmate, Suzu patted my head and said, ‘No matter what happens, I’m on Rika’s side (with a determined look!)’, and that was just so cool~!”
“Oh my, Mamori-kun shows his dependable side in front of Kishibe-san, doesn’t he?”
“That’s right~! It’s those sudden displays of manliness that make my heart skip a beat~! Even these earrings, he gave them to me as a surprise birthday present. Suzu’s right cheek twitches when he’s keeping a secret, so I can always tell when he’s planning a surprise, but he’s totally unaware of it, which is cute~!”
It was good that Rika was getting along with Mikami sensei, but the situation with my embarrassing past stories being exposed needed to be stopped immediately.
Until Mom arrives, I should serve some tea and snacks to buy some time.
I casually moved to the kitchen to start preparations.
Given that my embarrassing past was being revealed in real-time, I didn’t want to take too long.
I opened the fridge, rummaged through the cupboards, unpacked boxes, and checked every food item we had at home.
There was a variety of ingredients available—meat, fish, vegetables, cheese—but what would be the most appropriate dish for the current situation?
Eventually, I came upon what I believed to be the right menu.
It wouldn’t take much time or effort.
☆ ☆ ☆
The cooking was done in no time.
I approached Rika, who was still incessantly eating crackers and spoke to her.
“Can I use those?”
On the tray I brought over, there were three kinds of spreads served in dishes, accompanied by various toppings.
Add crackers to that, and there’s only one item on the menu.
“How about some canapés for tea?”
Canapés, a staple of banquet cuisine.
It’s a popular simple French dish where thinly cut French bread or crackers are topped with ingredients.
It’s often served as an appetizer in French courses or paired with wine.
“Wow, they’re so colorful and stylish…!”
Rika’s eyes sparkled with excitement.
Instead of alcohol, I prepared a special sparkling water poured into champagne glasses containing frozen strawberries and blueberries.
“Go ahead and eat as much as you like.”
“Itadakimasu!”
The first choice Rika made was the avocado onion.
Mashed avocado mixed with garlic salt, lemon juice, mayonnaise, and finely processed onions.
Add some prosciutto on top and you’ve got yourself a fine feast.
The source of this c𝐨ntent is freeweɓnovēl.coɱ.
“Delicious! Crunchy crackers and a creamy avocado. The combination with prosciutto is unbeatable!”
Rika devoured it in just two bites.
Next up was the potato salad & tuna. A simple mix of convenience store-bought potato salad and non-oil canned tuna finished with a dash of black pepper.
She generously spread it on a cracker and took a big bite.
“This is good too! The ingredients are simple, but you just can’t stop eating when you put them on a cracker!”
“Try some sparkling water in between; it’ll refresh your palate.”
“Mmm, you’re right! There’s a subtle berry aroma!”
The impromptu feast seemed to be off to a good start.
However, another guest remained motionless.
“Sensei, please have some as well. There’s a lot.”
Despite her earlier indication of hunger, she didn’t touch the canapés or even the drink.
“I’ve reflected on a previous incident.”
“Huh?”
She was probably referring to an episode in the student guidance room in mid-May. I served Mikami-sensei a sandwich that day.
At first, she ate it with a smile, but she poured out the contents of her bottle, her face turned red, and she became talkative. It turned out that the drink was actually junmai daiginjo sake.
“I always try to be exemplary in front of my students. To have shown such an unsightly state…”
She covered her face with her hands like a sinner confessing past sins in church.
If I may say just one thing, I’ve already witnessed too much of your unsightly behavior.
It seems that humans are incapable of seeing themselves objectively.
“I’m sure I won’t be able to control myself if I indulge in such dazzling food. Your mother will be arriving soon, so I can’t let my guard down!”
Mikami-sensei declared with a firm tone.
Right after, the smartphone on the table flickered. It seems another message from Mom has arrived.
“…Oh.”
“What’s wrong?”
“I’ll read it out loud. ‘There’s been a big accident nearby, and the road to the apartment is closed. It would be very rude to keep sensei waiting any longer, so could you ask if we can change it to another day?’… that’s what it says.”
“Well, can’t be helped then!”
With a beaming smile, Mikami-sensei quickly agreed.
“It’s not a problem at all! I’m actually grateful for the consideration. Rescheduling two or three times is quite common, so could you please send my best regards to your mother?”
The switch is too quick. It’s almost as if she had been waiting for it to be canceled.
“…Yes, I’ve already replied. Then I’m sorry, but let’s call it a day for now…”
“Itadakimasu!”
Mikamisensei’s white hand swiftly reached for the canapés.
Her agility was that of a predator on the savannah.
“Aahhh… A decent meal for the first time in five days…”
She chose a canapé with shirasu(whitebait) and olive oil.
It was seasoned with yuzu pepper and pink pepper and garnished with olives.
The sight of her holding a cracker in each palm was like that of a wanderer in an oasis who had just been given a sip of water.
Eventually, she picked it up with her thumb and forefinger and gently brought it to her mouth.
Crunch- crunch- munch- munch-
“…Rosé wine.”
There it is. Mikami-sensei’s lecture on alcohol pairing with food.
