ODL – Chapter 20 – Completely Fallen Shizuka-chan

“Alright, it’s done!” (Souma)

“Yay! Hurry up, hurry up!” (Shizuka)

Shizuka was making a commotion at the table. Just like a child.

While I placed the dish on the table, Shizuka let out an exaggerated remark.

“Ooo! It looks so delicious! What kind of dish is this?” (Shizuka)

“Acqua Pazza. It’s an Italian dish featuring olive oil and poached fish.” (Souma)

“Italian cuisine!? Wait, Soma-kun, are you a chef?” (Shizuka)

“No, not really. I mean, it’s my first time making it, so don’t expect too much.” (Souma)

Since I’m making food for women, I wanted to try to make something more stylish. This is the end result, although I’m not quite confident in the taste.

Well, at least it looks appealing to eat.

In the center of a garlic-infused white wine soup, I placed olive oil-seared slices of red snapper (fish), accompanied by clams and cherry tomatoes. Finally, I sprinkled some Italian basil on top. The white, red, and green colors blended together nicely, making it quite appetizing.

“Hey, hey, can I take a picture of this?” (Shizuka)

Shizuka asked while holding her phone.

“Are you planning to post it on Twitter?” (Souma)

“Uh, yeah… Is that not okay?” (Shizuka)

“…It’s fine, but just remember, I won’t always be there to rescue you like yesterday.” (Souma)

Shizuka seems to be trying to establish Ette-sama as ‘The Expert Chef’.

She probably wants to fulfill the demand for Ette-sama’s cooking mentioned in the previous stream.

I don’t really mind it, but I am worried that she will be exposed one day. After all, she can’t even properly clean up a room, let alone cook.

“It’ll be fine. I’ll make sure nothing goes wrong.” (Shizuka)

Shizuka looked for a good angle and took multiple pictures of the Acqua Pazza.

“Alright… Sorry for making you wait. Shall we eat?” (Shizuka)

“Yeah, let’s eat.” (Souma)

“Then… Let’s dig in! Itadakimasu!” (Shizuka)

We clasped our hands together and put the fish into their mouths.

“Wow… This is actually pretty good.” (Souma)

“Mmm! It’s incredibly delicious!” (Shizuka)

“I’m glad if you think so.” (Souma)

Shizuka was enjoying the cherry tomatoes with gusto.

Impressive that she can eat vegetables like that.

While watching over Shizuka with a somewhat paternal feeling, I noticed something.

“Sorry, can I watch a bit of MeTube?” (Souma)

“*Munching*… What’s up?” (Shizuka)

“I’m gonna check out Hiyorin’s live stream.” (Souma)

As I spoke, I placed my smartphone on the table.

Zanimasu’s live broadcast had just started.

“(Welcome~ it’s time for this week’s Zanimasu live stream! I’m your host, Yasumi Hiyori, and…)” (Yasumi Hiyori)

“(Endou Renna!)” (Renna)

“(And I’m Fujimi Akina!)” (Akina)

“I made it in time.” (Souma)

I could watch it later, but I prefer to catch it live if possible.

“*Munching* Wait, that first bit *Munching*… Was that Hiyorin-san!?” (Shizuka)

“Decide whether you’re eating or talking. She gives off a different vibe on camera, right?” (Souma)

“Yeah. I thought it was someone else.” (Shizuka)

Seeing Shizuka’s interest, I adjusted the orientation of the smartphone towards her. Shizuka stopped eating and stared at the screen intently.

“(Let’s dive right into the next segment! … Ta-da! Let’s take a look at the SSR scenario corner! For this corner, we have invited the voice actor of the new SSR idol to discuss their impressions of the scenario! Our guest this week is… Yes, it’s me, Yasumi Hiyori!)” (Yasumi Hiyori)

I was really looking forward to this week’s live stream.

In Zanimasu, the cards that you get from gacha pulls come with quite lengthy scenarios. You could even say that the strength of Zanimasu lies in the quality of these scenarios. As you progress through them, the idols’ work ethics and their emotions towards the producer grow, and it gets incredibly emotional. Seriously, I want people to start playing Zanimasu right away.

In the recent gacha update, they added a new SSR card for the character “Hoshino Kotori” which is voiced by Yasumi Hiyori. So, that means that this week’s guest is Yasumi Hiyori.

By the way, Hoshino Kotori is also one of my favorite characters, so I saved up enough gems to hit the guaranteed pity counter (300 pulls).

Although, I hope she comes out in a 10-pull early. I would rather not spend so many pulls.

“Hiyorin seems so composed… It’s really impressive.” (Shizuka)

Shizuka stared at Hiyorin on the screen with a serious expression.

“…From my perspective, I think you’re amazing too, Shizuka. I wouldn’t be able to speak in front of tens of thousands of people like you do.” (Souma)

“Eh?” (Shizuka)

Shizuka raised her face from the smartphone and looked at me.

“Yesterday, you had ten of thousands of viewers, right? I wouldn’t be able to say anything due to nervousness.” (Souma)

Imagine it.

My words are being heard by people all over the country, no, all over the world.

My every word brings joy, comfort, and laughter.

…Hmm, yeah, it’s definitely impossible for me.

“At first, I was nervous too, but you can get used to it quickly.” (Shizuka)

“Well, I don’t think just anyone can do it. Besides, I think it’s because of Shizuka’s communication skills.” (Souma)

“You think so?” (Shizuka)

Shizuka seemed to not be able to fully grasp her own talent.

“That’s right. Because I… I enjoy talking with you, Shizuka.” (Souma)

“Huh…?” (Shizuka)

Shizuka was looking at me with a surprised expression.

“We’ve only known each other for about a week, right? And yet we’re here, having a meal together like this. I think the reason why it’s never awkward is because being with you is enjoyable.” (Souma)

“…*Bofu*” (Shizuka)

Shizuka made a mysterious sound effect with her mouth. Looking closer, her ears were bright red.

“S-S-S-Souma-kun, w-what’s with you today!? I mean, it’s like you’re being more proactive than usual, or is it finally that you’ve started to like me or something, or is it that after feeding me your homemade cooking you’re saying something like this to make my heart go ‘kyun’ to the point of almost dying!?” (Shizuka)

Shizuka was speaking so quickly that I couldn’t really catch what she was saying.

“S-S-Sorry, my uterus is feeling weird, so I’m heading home today! Take care of things, okay!?” (Shizuka)

Shizuka abruptly stood up and dashed out of the room, quickly disappearing into the living room. I could hear the sound of the front door closing with a thud.

“What was that…?” (Souma)

Did I say something strange? It definitely wasn’t in line with my self-proclaimed “hard-boiled” image.

“Anyway…” (Souma)

I looked at the dish placed in the center of the table.

“(There are leftovers from dinner, so if you’d like, please come over. It’s Acqua Pazza.)” (Souma)

I borrowed the photo from Ette-sama’s tweet, attached it and send it to Hiyorin.

But seriously? Shizuka…

“(Tonight’s dinner is Acqua Pazza! An Italian dish with olive oil, featuring poached fish. #EtteMeal)” (Henrietta)

It’s exactly what I said.

And what’s with #EtteMeal? Is she planning to do more of this?

Even though Ette-sama’s tweet had only been posted for a few tens of minutes, it already had 3000 retweets and numerous replies.

『Wow! Looks delicious!』

『So stylish…』

『I want to try it!』

And so on.

“…Hehe.” (Souma)

Yeah… seeing their good reception towards my food, it’s a good feeling.

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TL notes:

Thanks for reading!

Nice one MC, looks like Shizuka is already waiting for the confession to happen. But seriously, what a weird excuse she pulled out to escape.

Also 300 pulls for a guarentee, I thought we have moved past that phase but I guess not.

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Footnote:

1. None