Animeverse Kitchen: My Culinary Journey Begins with Glowing Food! Chapter 77: Cupid's Arrow!

A week flew by in the blink of an eye. The house had beco much livelier with its two new family mbers. Of note was the fact that, after being fed by Ryohei only twice, Beto was now more affectionate with him than anyone else. This greatly puzzled Yurine, who fed him far more often. She eventually ca to the conclusion that Beto, with his sensitive nose, could tell that Ryohei was the one who made the delicious food, and therefore showed him more favor.

Soon, it was lunchti.

"That slls amazing!"

Yurine, just ho from her classes, was greeted by a unique and incredibly tempting aroma the mont she opened the door. It was a comforting and complex scent of rich dashi stock, sweet soy sauce, and savory chicken, all mingling together. The fragrant steam drifted from the kitchen, teasing her taste buds and making her instantly want to devour whatever was making that wonderful sll.

She quickly kicked off her orange, round-toed shoes, slipped on her indoor slippers, and walked briskly into the living room.

"I'm ho~."

"Welco back. Go wash your hands, lunch is ready," Ryohei called out from the open kitchen, wearing his apron.

"Okay."

Minos, who was leaning against the kitchen counter, grinned at Yurine. "We're having Oyakodon for lunch today!"

"Mhm, I guessed as much," Yurine said, placing her bag on the coffee table and heading for the washroom. Oyakodon was a famous and beloved dish in Japan, and one of her personal favorites.

Soon, four steaming, glowing bowls of Oyakodon were placed on the dining table. A bed of fluffy white rice was covered with tender pieces of chicken and soft, simred onions, all bound together in a rich, semi-cooked, glowing golden egg custard, garnished with fresh mitsuba. The glossy sauce slowly seeped into the rice below, releasing an incredible aroma.

"Itadakimasu!"

Without much fanfare, the group sat down and began to eat.

Minos scooped up a large spoonful and brought it to her mouth. The mont it entered, she was stunned. The umami-rich, slightly sweet dashi sauce, the incredibly tender chicken, the creamy texture of the perfectly cooked egg, and the fluffy rice all combined into a single, harmonious bite of pure comfort.

The chicken was so tender it practically lted the mont she chewed, releasing a wave of savory flavor. The sweetness of the onions and the fresh, slightly peppery taste of the mitsuba provided a perfect counterpoint. It was a gentle yet profound flavor…

Whoosh—!

The handso chef suddenly transford into Cupid, flapping his little white wings. He drew his bow and fired a pink, heart-shaped arrow. It flew straight and true, piercing Minos's heart.

And so—

Her heart began to beat wildly, a drunken blush spreading across her cheeks, as if the entire world had suddenly beco brighter and softer.

"..."

"Whoa—!" she finally exclaid, after inhaling half the bowl. "This is so delicious! So amazing! I'm completely in love!"

Yurine just looked at her. Well, at least it's the food she's in love with…

Next to her, Jashin-chan nodded in agreent, her mouth full. "I'm in luff too," she mumbled. "The chiggen is sho tender it ltsh in your mouf! Effery bite ish a perfect tecshture! It'sh sho good you jusht can't shtop!" She tilted her chin up, her face a mask of pure bliss.

Yurine, too, was deeply in love with the dish. Her favorite comfort food had always been Omurice, but now Oyakodon was tied for first place. "It really is super delicious~," she sighed, taking a sip of her iced Calpis.

Outside, Beto had his head buried in his own pet bowl, wolfing down his food just as eagerly.

When they were almost finished eating, Yurine seed to rember sothing. "Heian-kun, I have so good news~."

"Hm? What is it?" Ryohei asked, his curiosity piqued. Jashin-chan and Minos also looked over.

"The business permit and the food sanitation manager certificate have been approved," she said, a hint of pride in her voice. "I stopped by the public health center before coming ho from school. I have them in my bag."

"That's fantastic news," Ryohei said, his eyes lighting up. With those two docunts, they could officially open the restaurant. He had been expecting them to co through any day now. He nodded. "Alright then… tonight will be our last night with the food stall. After that, let's focus on opening the restaurant together!"

"Mhm."

"We're finally opening the shop?" Jashin-chan said, excited. She was about to beco an official sous chef!

"Should we have a drink to celebrate?" Minos suggested cheerfully.

"Sure, why not," Ryohei agreed. Yurine, who had no more classes that day, was also on board. Jashin-chan certainly wasn't going to object.

With the decision made, Minos stood up and went to the liquor cabinet. "Let's drink the bottles I brought from the Demon World." She took out the bottle of "Water of Life" that had been sitting in the cabinet for days, just waiting for an occasion. It was finally ti to enjoy it.

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