Chapter 29: Food Education Commoner’s Edition

It had been about fifteen minutes since we left the school gates.

Even though Kurokawa-senpai is used to commuting by car, she hasn’t complained at all so far.

In fact, she seems to be enjoying herself. While her smile might be classified as eerie by general standards, I find it adorable.

Despite both of us being introverts, surprisingly, the conversation hasn’t stalled. Maybe switching the topic to a drama worked in my favor?

I wanted to delve deeper into the subject of curses, but I figured pushing too hard might backfire, so I changed the topic. It seems that was a good decision.

Still…

“What’s wrong, Kogoro-kun?”

“Ah, sorry. I was just thinking that I really like Senpai’s smile.”

“…”

I think I’ve got it figured out.

Senpai’s silence doesn’t mean she’s mad—it means she’s embarrassed.

Well, there might be times when she’s mad and silent, but not this time.

“By the way, Senpai, which place do you want to go to?”

“Which… place?”

“How should I put it? The cheaper one or the more expensive one?”

“…What’s the difference?”

That’s a tough question. Both places serve hamburgers, but I’ve only ever been to the cheaper one.

“The cheaper one is probably more popular among students. It’s not as cheap as it used to be, though.”

That’s about all I can say.

I don’t know much about the more expensive one. It’s just an assumption that fewer students go there.

“Does the cheaper one taste bad?”

I mean, that’s what you’d think, right?

Sure, some people say cheap burgers are bad, but I can’t agree with that. I’d want to flatten those people and bury them in concrete.

“If you look at it as cuisine, the more expensive one probably has higher quality. But as fast food, I think the cheaper one is better.”

Not that I’ve ever eaten at the expensive one. I’m totally bluffing here.

But the expensive one probably doesn’t feel like junk food. The menu gives off a health-conscious vibe.

“It’s like… that guilty pleasure of eating something unhealthy? The feeling that you’re eating something completely different from your usual meals, like a proper outing?”

“Hehe, let’s go with that one, then.”

I don’t know if my pitch convinced her or if she was just weirded out, but she agreed.

…Honestly, I pushed for it because I was scared to take her to a place I didn’t know. I hope this was the right choice.

Taking a lady from a wealthy family to eat junk food is one thing, but she also said she dislikes crowds. I’m guessing there’ll be at least ten students from our school there. Will it be okay?

“So this is a fast food place…”

She looks at the building like it’s some alien structure, and it’s endearing.

Honestly, I think the Kurokawa household is far more alien to most people.

“There’s another store from the same chain across the station.”

“Oh? What’s different about it?”

“Not much, probably, but I think that one’s newer.”

I don’t remember exactly, but it wasn’t there when I was in elementary school. Why open two so close to each other? Who knows.

“It looks pretty crowded.”

“Well, it’s near the station. Plus, our school is nearby.”

If I commuted by train, I’d probably come here all the time.

As it stands, I only stop by when I’m buying manga.

“I won’t force you, but…”

Just as we were about to enter, Senpai extended her hand.

What? Am I supposed to hold it? Why?

“…?”

I wasn’t sure, but I held her hand anyway.

As expected, her hand was cool to the touch, just like her appearance suggests. It might be refreshing in summer.

“Are you okay with this? Our classmates might see us.”

“I don’t see why that would be a problem. Let’s go in.”

Is she trying to show off that we’re a couple? Or is she just nervous about going into an unfamiliar place? Either way, I won’t ask.

That said, she’s acting strangely self-conscious. She’s worried about being seen by other students from our school.

Senpai doesn’t seem like the type to care about appearances. If anything, she’s the embodiment of living life on her own terms.

Could it be that she’s worried about me? Like, being with her might spark weird rumors or make me a target of bullying?

…Isn’t it a bit late for that? After the whole baby role-play incident with the class president, my school life is already over. I’ve got nothing left to lose.

“Hey, look at that…”

“It’s Diaper Boy Saka and the Curse Girl!”

Hey, I can hear you. If you’re going to gossip, at least lower your voice.

And seriously, how far has this “Diaper Boy” nickname spread?

“Are those two a thing?”

“They’re like a disaster couple. The Harbingers of Doom for the Reiwa era!”

Maybe it’s because we’re holding hands, but we’re drawing way too much attention.

What’s with “Harbingers of Doom”? Couldn’t they come up with something better? Like… wasabi and mustard mixed into an aurora sauce. Wait, what?

No, no, my thoughts are glitching because of how uncomfortable it feels to be the center of attention.

“Senpai, what are you going to eat?”

Even though I’m aware of the stares, the line’s short, so we should just decide quickly.

Lingering at the counter is too awkward.

“Eh? I have no idea…”

Of course, she doesn’t. I should’ve considered that. First-timers never know what to order at places like this.

This is exactly why I picked this spot, but I totally failed to think it through.

“Can you eat cheese?”

“Yeah.”

“Then a cheeseburger is a safe bet. If you’re not a light eater, I’d recommend the double.”

If you’re fine with cheese, cheeseburgers are always a reliable choice—that’s my philosophy. It’s like the tutorial stage of fast food.

“Alright, I’ll go with that… What drinks are there?”

“Soda, coffee, stuff like that. And for the set, you can choose between fries or chicken nuggets.”

This is such a surreal feeling.

Teaching someone how to order at a burger joint… it’s something I’d expect with my grandparents or much younger siblings, not a fellow high schooler.

“Uh… which one should I pick?”

“How about I get fries and you get chicken? We can share.”

“…Yeah, that works.”

Wow, this feels super high school. Sharing food? That’s pure youth right there.

The only other person who’s ever shared food with me is Kaede. Man, I really don’t have many friends.

“Next in line, please!”

Just as we finalize our order, it’s our turn.

To set an example, I step up to order first.

“Um… same set as hers… iced coffee for the drink… Oh, I can upsize it? Then large, please…”

Senpai’s turn follows, and her hesitant, awkward way of ordering is ridiculously cute.

Now, what should I do about the payment?

This is tricky.

While the idea that the guy always pays is outdated, I kind of want to cover it since I’ve got some spare cash from my last win at Chinchirorin.

The problem is figuring out what Senpai prefers.

Given her background, she might have a traditional mindset. Or maybe she’s the type who insists on treating because she’s the senior.

If she’s dreaming of a classic date, then I should probably pay, but…

“Do you take cards?”

“Yes, we accept the cards displayed here.”

“Alright, then please put both meals on this card.”

Oh, so she’s the type to pay. Great. I’d like my overthinking time back, please.

And wait, she has a card? How does a student even have one?

“Ah, thank you.”

Honestly, being treated makes me feel uncomfortable, so I’m not a big fan of it.

“It’s fine, this much is nothing.”

“Then let me pay next time.”

“…! Yes, please do.”

…?

Did she just look surprised? And then happy?

She’s not exactly unstable, but her reactions are hard to predict.

I feel like I’ll eventually step on a huge landmine. At least she’s not the type to chant curses at me like some others I know.

“Kogoro-kun, how do I use this ticket?”

“When your number shows up on that monitor, you go pick up your order.”

Oh well. For now, let’s just enjoy this.

As long as I’m with Senpai, even the mundane feels fun. She’s flustered just from holding a simple order ticket. I want to take her everywhere. Like to a conveyor belt sushi place, where I’d tell her the hot water dispenser is a handwashing station.

By the way, the fast food was a hit. She devoured those famously greasy and salty fries like they were gourmet.

She was so engrossed in eating that she didn’t bring up our drama conversation once. Instead, she kept talking about wanting to try every item on the menu or how she’d be fine eating burgers three times a day. Pure praise from start to finish.

And then I saw it: that playful moment where she licked the salt off her fingers.

Looks like this will be our go-to date spot for a while.

Even when I mentioned they do takeout, she replied, “I’d rather eat with you, Kogoro-kun.”

So it’s true. You know those anime scenes where the elegant, long-table-dining ojou-sama falls in love with instant ramen or cheap snacks? Turns out, that kind of thing really happens.