Tanaka-san Is Cuter Than the Main Heroine - Chapter 35.5: Bonus

Bonus Scene: Tanaka-san Cooking (Behind-the-Scenes of Chapter 5)

“I’m home~”

It was just past 6 PM, and the sun was barely peeking out over the horizon.

After wrapping up club activities, I made my way back home.

As usual, the moment I stepped through the door, I was greeted by two things:

Mom’s cheerful “Welcome back!” from the living room, and the mouthwatering smell drifting in from the kitchen.

Sniff sniff.

This smell… it’s my favorite—karaage!

No way I was just gonna stand around doing nothing.

If I wanted a shot at that freshly fried goodness, I had to earn it.

Kicking off my loafers and stashing them in the shoe cabinet,

I dashed upstairs to change out of my school uniform.

Once I made sure it was hung up nice and neat so it wouldn’t wrinkle, I spun around and headed straight back downstairs.

“I’ll help out, Mom!”

From the living room, I called out and offered my services.

“Fufu. You’re not helping because you’re nice—you’re just here for the karaage, aren’t you? Honestly, such a little glutton! You can help, but wash your hands and gargle first, you mischievous little rascal.”

“Ah—!”

Of course, Mom had me completely figured out and laughed teasingly.

She even gave me a little poke on the forehead, and I could feel my face heat up as I shuffled off to the bathroom to wash up.

Once I’d cooled off and was finally cleared for kitchen entry, I spotted carrots, konnyaku, and a bowl of burdock root soaking in water laid out on the counter.

Judging by the ingredients, I had a feeling we were also making kinpira gobo tonight.

“Kinpira gobo?”

“Well, we could do mixed rice instead if you want.”

“Ooh, that sounds good too!”

“What are you talking about? The rice is already cooking, dummy. Too late now. I’ll handle the frying, so I’m leaving the rest to you.”

“Got it!”

I asked Mom to double-check, and yep—I was right.

Feeling my cheeks warm up again for some reason, I got to work on making the kinpira gobo.

First, I peeled the carrot with a peeler, then sliced it into thin strips.

Did the same with the konnyaku—nice and slim.

Took me about three minutes total.

Which… yeah, not exactly speedrun material.

If it were Mom or my older sister, they’d have finished way faster.

Still a long way to go for me.

I made a mental note to break my personal best next time, then tossed the sliced veggies into a frying pan with a little oil and turned on the heat.

Once the carrot and burdock root started to soften, I added the usual suspects: sake, mirin, and the rest of the seasonings.

At our house, we like things a bit on the sweeter side, so I tossed in a little extra sugar too.

(I wonder what kind of flavors Nakayama-kun likes…)

As I wondered what kind of flavors other families use in their cooking, a certain boy popped into my mind.

The boy I’ve been thinking about for a while now.

We only ended up in the same class after starting our second year.

Unlike the other boys around him, he always seemed a bit more mature.

Like he was keeping a step back from everything—

Cool and distant at first glance, but actually… super kind.

Whenever someone in class was in trouble, he’d quietly step in and help—never making a big deal out of it.

And that kindness extended to me too.

Even though there’s absolutely no benefit in helping someone like me…

He still does.

Seriously, what a rare kind of person.

With how sweet he is, he could probably even win over a Shikihime.

So when he chose to help me—even with girls like Haruno-san and Reno-chan right there needing help too—

I was honestly stunned.

Maybe that’s why…

Why I can’t help but think about him so much lately.

And because he does things like that, it makes me wonder—

Does he maybe… like me?

Even though I know I shouldn’t let myself think that way,

The thought keeps sneaking in.

(Ugh, I’m such an idiot. Like anything would ever happen with me—same as always.)

“What’s wrong? You suddenly look down.”

“Eh? Ah—no, it’s nothing!”

Oops. Not good.

My thoughts wandered too far down the wrong path and ended up worrying Mom.

Alright.

No more thinking about Nakayama-kun.

I quickly refocused and finished up the kinpira gobo.

And thanks to that, I earned a little reward from Mom.

But for some reason…

Even though the karaage tasted exactly the same as always—

It didn’t feel nearly as delicious.

SS – How the Harem Protagonists View Nakayama and Tanaka-san

In Nakayama’s Case

Kaisei Natsuse:

“What I think about Nakayama-kun? Hmm… I feel kinda bad that I can only come up with something simple, but—he’s just a really cool guy.

He seems like the type who’s not all that interested in other people, but he actually pays a lot of attention to what’s going on around him.

He even helps out classmates when they’re in trouble—like, stuff that even Haruno-san wouldn’t notice.

And he’s got this way of helping that doesn’t make anyone feel embarrassed or like they owe him.

I really wish I could do that too…

But whenever I try to help someone, it always ends up kinda awkward.

So honestly? I respect him a bit.

Also, we’ve got similar tastes, so he’s a great friend to talk with about games and manga.

The manga he recommended the other day? So good.

Oh, the title?

‘Ever Since I Pushed My Bangs Up, I’ve Been Weirdly Popular for Some Reason.’

It just hits home, you know? Super relatable and funny.

Well—except for the part where the heroine is clearly head over heels for the guy, and he still doesn’t get it.

Like, come on. There’s no way you don’t notice that.

…Wait.

Why are you looking at me like that?

Did I say something weird?”

Mika Haruno:

“What I think about Nakayama-kun?

Well, to put it simply—he’s a guy friend.

He’s someone I can talk to as easily as I do with Kaisei.

Actually, since I’ve been getting a little nervous around Kaisei lately, Nakayama-kun might be the easiest person for me to talk to right now.

It’s kinda embarrassing, but…

I once asked him, ‘Don’t you like me?’

And you know what he said?

‘You’re not my type. But I’m really glad to have you as a friend.’

At first, I totally didn’t believe him.

But even after that, when we kept talking, I never once felt like he was flirting or trying to lead me on.

That’s when it hit me—

‘Oh, he really does see me as just a friend.’

I won’t lie, that kinda annoyed me!

But honestly, aside from Kaisei, he’s the first real guy friend I’ve had, so… it feels a little weird.

Oh, and lately I’ve even been asking him for love advice.

He’s helped me out with a bunch of stuff.

So yeah…

He’s honestly the best kind of friend.”

Rino Natsuse:

“Nakayama-senpai?

Sorry, I have zero interest in any guy who isn’t Onii-chan, so I really don’t know.”

Madoka Akizuki:

“Nakayama-kun? Hmm… I’d say he’s a cheeky underclassman.

I’m older than him, but he never shows me any respect.

And the way he teases me about Kaisei-kun? Yeah, not a fan of that.

But… well, I don’t dislike him.

Actually, I kinda like him a fair bit.

He’s one of the rare guys who doesn’t treat me like I’m special.

And even though he’s got a sharp tongue, deep down he’s serious and hardworking.

Honestly?

I wish he could switch places with our vice president.

That guy just stares at me all day and barely lifts a finger.”

Reno Fuyusara:

“Toru Nakayama? Who’s that…?

…

Oh, right. That harmless-looking guy.

Well, at least he doesn’t stare at my chest like the other guys.

So I guess he’s slightly better than the rest.

But beyond that?

Yeah—nothing special.”

In Tanaka-san’s Case

Kaisei Natsuse:

“Tanaka-san’s a really good girl. She’s serious, kind—

…H-Huh!? Why did I just get chills?”

Mika Haruno:

“Tanaka-san? She’s so sweet and pure-hearted.

I’ve never heard her badmouth anyone—not even once.

During our all-girls study sessions, if someone was having trouble, she’d help them out without a single complaint.

And honestly, she helped me a ton.

She explains things in such a clear, easy-to-understand way.

And the way she reacts whenever the topic turns to romance?

Adorable.

I can’t help teasing her every time.

Oh, and I gotta mention… yeah, those are big.

Probably even bigger than Reno-chan’s.

And they’re not saggy at all!

Super soft, and just… amazing.

Seriously, amazing.”

Rino Natsuse:

“Tanaka-senpai? Wait a sec—

Is she another girl trying to steal Onii-chan from me!?

…She’s not?

Oh. Then whatever. I don’t care.”

Madoka Akizuki

“What do I think about Tanaka-san?

Uhh… sorry, there are like a million Tanakas at our school, so I always mix them up.

She’s in the same class as Nakayama-kun?

Ohh, now that you mention it, her face does look kinda familiar.

Right!

She’s the student council president’s little sister.

Now I remember!

The president’s always going on about what a good girl she is—how proud she is, how smart she is, how great she is at cooking, and all that.

I just hope her personality’s not like her…

She was wild and totally impossible to deal with.

But when I talked to her the other day, she gave off a calm, gentle vibe.

So yeah—

I think she’s probably okay.”

Reno Fuyusara:

“Sumi—Tanaka-san? …Hmm. I think she’s a good girl.

She’s kind to everyone, works hard, and there’s something really delicate about her.

What? You think I know a lot about her?

Well… it’s not a big deal.

We just went to the same middle school. That’s all.”

SS – Tanaka-san and Her Friend (Part 1)

The way I, Mikoto Norimizu, first met Taa-chan was way back in our first year.

It happened during the very first seat shuffle, right after class assignments were announced.

By pure coincidence, we ended up sitting next to each other.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Sumika Tanaka. Looks like we’ll be neighbors from today. I hope we get along this year, Norimizu-san.”

“…Sure. Yeah, same to you.”

Honestly?

My first impression of her wasn’t great.

Though, to be fair, that wasn’t really Taa-chan’s fault.

If anything, the problem was me.

See, right before entering high school, I got backstabbed by this two-faced classmate who pretended to be all sweet and friendly—

That little witch nearly got my high school admission revoked.

So yeah… I was kinda dealing with some major trust issues back then.

Because of that, I totally put my guard up around Taa-chan, who just screamed “goody two-shoes” from every angle.

So my greeting came out super cold.

Ugh.

Total black mark on my record.

If I could go back in time, I’d slap my past self for being such a jerk to her.

“Okay!”

But even then, Taa-chan didn’t seem bothered in the slightest.

If anything, she looked genuinely happy that I’d responded.

So cute.

And after that—probably because she didn’t have many friends either in those early days of high school—

Taa-chan kept coming up to talk to me on the regular.

“Um, do you know which elective you’re planning to take?”

“And what exactly are you gonna do with that info?”

“Well… it’s kind of embarrassing, but I don’t really know anyone else, so I was hoping I could take the same class as you.”

“Art.”

“Got it, music class then. Thanks so much!”

“HOW did you get music out of that!?”

During short breaks…

“Would it be alright if I ate lunch with you?”

“I’m heading to the cafeteria right now, though.”

“Perfect! I’ve always been curious about it, so I’d love to tag along.”

“You need a meal ticket to eat there, you know. What about that bento you’re holding?”

“I’ll eat both! I may not look like it, but I’ve got a bottomless stomach.”

“…Sure you do.”

During lunch break…

“Do you want to pair up with me for the activity?”

“Why me? Don’t you have closer friends?”

“Well, they already paired up with each other… So you’re the only one I can count on, Norimizu-san. See?”

“Geez… fine, I’ll partner with you.”

“Yay! Thank you so much!”

Even during class…

“I’ll carry half of that.”

“It’s fine. Don’t you have club activities now?”

“Oh! You remembered. Yeah, I do, but I’m also on key duty today, so I need to stop by the staff room anyway. Just figured I’d help out on the way.”

“Uh-huh. How thoughtful of you.”

She always picked just the right moment to talk to me—carefully, like she didn’t want to push.

And she helped me out, too.

But me?

I was stubborn and couldn’t be honest.

So I just kept taking her kindness for granted.

“Hey, don’t you think Norimizu-san has a really bad attitude?”

“Right? Even though Tanaka-san is helping her out, she doesn’t even say thanks. It’s like she just expects people to help her. I seriously can’t stand her. You think so too, right, Tanaka-san?”

One day after school…

I’d forgotten my textbook, so I headed back to the classroom—only to catch some girls on cleaning duty badmouthing me.

And among them… was her—Taa-chan.

I froze.

And turned away before I could hear any more.

‘I was just being nice to you, and now you think we’re friends? Puh-lease. You, my friend? Yeah, right. You’re just our convenient little scapegoat whenever we mess up. Anyway, see ya~ Make sure you take all the heat for us!’

I was so scared.

Even though part of me knew better, deep down…

I still wondered if Taa-chan might be just like that fake “nice girl” who almost ruined my life before high school.

And the thought that she might say something like that about me—

It terrified me.

“I don’t think that’s true.”

“Huh?”

Just as I was about to leave the classroom, I heard Tanaka’s soft voice speak up—and my feet stopped on their own.

“Sure, Norimizu-san might sound a little cold when she talks, but… when I’m struggling to answer in class, she always helps me out. And when I help her with something, the next day there’s always juice or snacks on my desk. She does say thank you—in her own way. So… she’s not as bad as you two think. Actually, I think she’s really nice. Why don’t we all try talking to her sometime? I’m sure you’ll see what I mean.”

“R-Really? Gosh… I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have badmouthed her without even knowing her.”

“Yeah… I just got mad because I thought she never thanked you, even when you helped her out. But if she does, then… maybe you’re right. Maybe she really is a good person.”

She could’ve just stayed quiet.

Could’ve gone along with her friends and saved herself the trouble.

She could’ve looked the other way—like most people do.

But she didn’t.

Even knowing it might put her at odds with her group…

Taa-chan still chose to stand up for me.

“…Ugh. I’m the worst.”

That made me so happy I could cry.

But more than that…

I felt miserable and embarrassed for ever doubting someone as kind as her—and for making her walk into that mess because of my own fears.

So I made a decision.

I’d stop being scared to trust people.

I’d try believing in friends again… like I used to.

“Morning, Taa-chan.”

“Good morning, Norimizu-san. …T-Taa-chan!? W-Where did that come from all of a sudden!?”

“Ahaha, well, I’ve been thinking about stuff. I decided I wanna be real friends with you, Tanaka-san. So I thought I’d try calling you by a nickname. Was it… weird?”

“No, not at all! I love it! It makes me super happy! Um, then… can I call you Mikoto-chan?”

“Sure, go ahead.”

And just like that, the next day…

I gathered my courage and took a step closer to her.

I might’ve gone a little overboard and brought back my middle school energy, but Taa-chan didn’t question a thing.

She just smiled—

And accepted me with open arms.

From that point on, we got even closer—until we could finally call each other true friends.

And ever since then, we’ve been going strong.