ODL – Chapter 13 – So You Have Revealed Your True Form

“Nice to meet you. I am Minase Mafuyu, Souma-kun’s imouto¹.” (Mafuyu)

“Eh…?” (Shizuka)

For the first time, the three of us took our seats at the unnecessarily large 4-person table in our house. Mafuyu-chan was sitting next to me, and Shizuka was seated across from me.

After Mafuyu-chan’s introduction, Shizuka compared my face and Mafuyu-chan’s alternately, with a question mark hovering over her head.

“Siblings…? But your last name… Is that a touchy subject?² You two don’t really look alike either.” (Shizuka)

Even though Shizuka looks puzzled, she managed to conjure up a strained smile.

“Well, of course. We’re not siblings.” (Souma)

“Huh?” (Shizuka)

Shizuka’s face twisted into a dumbfounded expression, clearly confused by the situation.

“We are not blood-related. So, our last names are different.” (Mafuyu)

“Hey, Mafuyu-chan, don’t make it complicated.” (Souma)

I tried to put a stop to Mafuyu-chan’s suggestive talk with a serious expression.

…Mafuyu-chan had given me the impression of being a cool beauty back in college, but considering her behavior at the supermarket earlier and now this, she might actually be a bit of an odd one…

“Mafuyu-chan is my childhood friend. We reunited at our university for the first time in ten years. That’s how we started talking to each other again.” (Souma)

“I look up to him just like a real onii-chan.” (Mafuyu)

Mafuyu-chan added that as if to provide further context. Her usual cool appearance and serious attitude made her strange statement a bit unsettling, causing Shizuka to be slightly taken back.

“S-So that’s how it is… Then, does that mean that I am the onee-chan³?” (Shizuka)

“Huh…?” (Mafuyu)

A tiny wrinkle formed on Mafuyu-chan’s forehead, like a fresh expanse of snow being disturbed.

“S-Sorry, just kidding! Um, I’m Rinjou Shizuka. I’m twenty years old. Ni-Nice to meet you?” (Shizuka)

“”…”” (Mafuyu & Shizuka)

…What’s with this atmosphere?

I hope both of them are okay. I brought Mafuyu-chan along because she’s composed, but did I maybe make a mistake?

◆

“Alright, I guess it’s time to start frying. Shizuka, did Hiyorin-san say anything?” (Souma)

“Yeah, she just replied saying she’ll be here soon.” (Shizuka)

“Got it.” (Souma)

I took a deep breath and readjusted my apron. It was 7:45 PM. The timing was just right.

“…? What’s wrong?” (Souma)

As I adjust my apron, both Mafuyu-chan and Shizuka start staring at me.

“Nnya, it’s nothing. Good luck with the cooking.” (Shizuka)

“I’m looking forward to it.” (Mafuyu)

“Okay…” (Souma)

I tilt my head and head towards the kitchen.

What was that… Maybe this apron doesn’t suit me after all. Was it a mistake to buy a flower-patterned one because I thought I wouldn’t show it to anyone?

“Souma-kun in an apron… Moe⁴…” (Shizuka)

“Hey, could you please not get all excited about my onii-chan without permission?” (Mafuyu)

“Come on, you’re not blood-related, right?” (Shizuka)

From the living room, I hear the voices of the two having a seemingly friendly conversation.

I was worried that they won’t get along well but it’s good to see that’s not the case.

“All right, let’s fry these up!” (Souma)

I coat the marinated⁵ chicken legs in flour and place them into the moderately heated oil.

After that, I lift them out momentarily and fry them again in higher temperature oil; that’s the key to achieving juicy frying.

“Souma-kun, Hiyori-san has arrived. I’ll go open the door.” (Shizuka)

“Got it, thanks.” (Souma)

Amidst the sizzling sounds of frying meat, I respond to Shizuka’s voice that comes through.

Shortly after, the footsteps of two people return.

“…” (Souma)

But then again, a real idol voice actress is in my house.

Feeling Hiyorin’s presence behind me, I tense up.

…No, no, I must concentrate on frying.

“Souma-kun, I hope I’m not bothering you too much.” (Hiyori)

“Ah, it’s fine! Please have a seat wherever you’d like!” (Souma)

Upon hearing Hiyorin’s voice, the chopsticks holding the fried chicken tremble slightly, making me almost drop it. That was close.

“…” (Souma)

I cleared my mind and focussed on lifting the fried chicken onto the wire rack, increasing the oil temperature, and then placing them back in.

From behind me, their voices are a bit distant, but I can hear the laughter of the three seemingly enjoying themselves.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Minase Mafuyu, Souma-kun’s imouto.” (Mafuyu)

“Ara⁶, Souma-kun had an imouto? You’re quite pretty.” (Hiyori)

“Nonono, that’s not true. She seems to be more like a sister-like presence.” (Shizuka)

“Hey, don’t butt in.” (Mafuyu)

“What’s with you? You’re acting quite cheeky for someone younger than me.” (Shizuka)

“Fufu, it seems like you two have already become friends.” (Hiyori)

“…” (Souma)

Hmm, I can’t actually hear it that well, but it seems like things are going well.

Both Shizuka and Hiyorin have jobs that put them in front of people (well, Shizuka is a bit debatable), so their skills in getting along with new people are reassuring. It looks like I can trust them to handle Mafuyu-chan just fine.

“All right, they’re done.” (Souma)

I swiftly took out the fried chicken and put them onto a plate.

For now, let’s take half of them, about 15 pieces. I’ll work on the second batch later.

“Everyone, sorry to keep you waiting! The fried chicken is here! Don’t worry if it isn’t enough, there is a second batch later.” (Souma)

I returned to the living room while carrying the plates and looked at Hiyorin.

As she notices my gaze, she smiles back at me.

“Souma-kun, you look quite cute in that apron.” (Hiyori)

“”!?”” (Mafuyu & Shizuka)

“Oh, um, really…? It’s nothing, really…!” (Souma)

Suddenly, my face feels hotter than when I was in front of the oil. To hide my embarrassment, I quickly place the plate on the table.

“They look so delicious!” (Shizuka)

“Ara ara, that’s amazing.” (Hiyori)

“…Onii-chan’s… cooking…” (Mafuyu)

The three of them show three distinct reactions to the fried chicken.

In any case, seeing them so excited warms my heart.

“The bowls and chopsticks are in the cabinet. If anyone wants miso soup, feel free to ask. I can make an instant miso soup.” (Souma)

…And so, the first dinner for the four of us begins.

TL notes:

Thanks for reading!

Yeah sure, friendly conversation. Well, Hiyori doesn’t seem to be the kind of person who makes enemies so I guess it’s just Mafuyu and Shizuka (or am I saying things too soon?).

Don’t ask me why the chapter is titled as it is. I have no idea why either.

There was a lot of talking this chapter, so I might have messed up some of the names for the dialogue.