When I Helped Out At My Classy Classmate's Family Home, They Started Going All Out To Close In On Me From Every Angle. - Chapter 8: The Nail That Sticks Out Gets Hammered, But If It Sticks Out Too Much, It's Recognized—1

The Nail That Sticks Out Gets Hammered, But If It Sticks Out Too Much, It’s Recognized—1

May 4th. The second day of Golden Week.

While I was cleaning the kitchen in preparation for the lunch service, Gen-san looked at me with a furrowed brow.

“What’s wrong, Tetsu? You’ve got some pretty bad dark circles under your eyes.”

“Actually, I didn’t get much sleep…”

“Hey, hey, come on. Get it together. Taking care of your health is part of the job too.”

Gen-san tapped my shoulder as he scolded me.

“I’ll be more careful,” I replied, quietly sighing to myself.

What Gen-san said was absolutely right. I had no argument against it.

Even so, I just wished he’d understand this one thing. After all, my life with Ayame and Tsukimoto-san started without any preparation whatsoever.

Ayame, as expected, and Tsukimoto-san as well, both beautiful girls who could make anyone’s head spin. Living under the same roof with such girls—it’s impossible to stay calm. I was so wound up that I couldn’t fall asleep at all last night.

However, no matter how tired I was, mistakes were unacceptable. I couldn’t afford to inconvenience Gen-san and the others.

I slapped my cheeks to snap myself out of it.

“Let’s do our best.”

Shaking off the sleepiness, I resumed cleaning.

“Hey, Tetsu! Come here for a moment!”

“I’m coming!”

A little while after the lunch service started, Gen-san called me over.

I was in the middle of carrying dishes, so I placed them on a nearby counter and hurried to Gen-san.

“Is something the matter?”

“Want to taste this?”

Gen-san pointed to a pot on the stove.

Inside the pot was a clear broth, with the fragrance of dashi wafting through the air.

“Is this miso soup?”

“Yeah. Even though you’re just a part-timer, you’re working here. You should know the taste of ‘HanaMori’s,’ right?”

“That’s true.”

“Alright, here you go.”

Gen-san scooped some of the miso soup into a small plate and handed it to me.

I took it, said “Itadakimasu,” and brought the small plate to my lips.

The rich umami of the dashi spread throughout my mouth, and the fragrant aroma passed through my nose. The seasoning was light, but that’s exactly why I could savor the pure deliciousness of the dashi. It was elegant yet had a strong presence in its flavor.

It was perfect, no complaints. Truly top-tier quality.

However, I still felt a slight oddity.

“…Hmm?”

“What’s wrong?”

Gen-san, noticing my puzzled expression, tilted his head and asked.

I inquired.

“Is this the usual seasoning for the miso soup?”

“Of course. We can’t have any variation in flavor, right?”

“In that case, isn’t it missing just a little bit of salt? The miso soup I had here at the end of last month had a bit more saltiness.”

Gen-san stroked his chin as I pointed it out.

“Hmm, I see. So, how much salt should I add?”

“Well…”

I looked over at the pot where the miso soup was being made.

For this size, this should be enough.

I scooped just a tiny amount of salt from the container on the counter and placed it in the palm of my hand. It was barely a pinch.

“This should be about right.”

“I see.”

Gen-san grinned and took a taste of the miso soup from another small plate.

“My bad, you’re right. Just like you said. Thanks for the help, Tetsu.”

“You’re welcome. I’m just glad I could help.”

Gen-san added the exact amount of salt I had specified to the miso soup.

I was taken aback by this.

Even Gen-san, the head chef, makes mistakes sometimes? He seems to be a bit absent-minded, doesn’t he?

While I was pondering this somewhat rude thought, Gen-san muttered.

“—For a grandchild, you sure have good insight.”

“Grandchild? Did something happen with Ayame-san?”

“Don’t worry about it.”

Gen-san let out a hearty laugh.

Maybe something good had happened, because his face looked unusually satisfied.

Around noon, I was called by Gen-san again.

“Oii, can you make lunch for us, Tetsu?”

“Me?”

“Yeah,” Gen-san nodded.

“I heard from Ayame that you’re pretty good at cooking. I’d like to see just how good you are.”

“Alright.”

When I agreed, Gen-san pointed to a bowl on the prep counter. Inside, there were fish bones for several servings.

“That’s your main ingredient. Feel free to use any seasonings or garnishes you want.”

“Got it.”

“Well then, I’m looking forward to it.”

Gen-san showed his teeth in a grin and returned to his work.

I watched him for a moment and then focused on the task at hand.

“I can’t serve something bad.”

I couldn’t help but feel the pressure. After all, I was being tested by someone as skilled as Gen-san.

But at the same time, there was a sense of excitement. Being trusted and expected to deliver by someone like him was motivating.

Filled with energy, a smile spread across my face.

“Fish bones make a great stock. The flesh around the bones has a strong umami flavor, so…”

Carrying the bowl, I started planning what kind of meal I would make.

“Everyone, lunch is ready!”

I placed the completed meal on a tray and began distributing it to everyone.

“Gen-san, here you go.”

“Thanks.”

Gen-san took the bowl and smiled slightly.

“I see, a broth rice bowl.”

Just as he said, what I made was a broth rice bowl (ochazuke). It’s a quick meal, and the broth from the fish bones makes it perfect for this dish.

I scraped the flesh from the bones with a spoon and topped it with the ground fish. To add some color, I sprinkled some green onions as well.

Gen-san looked at the meal for a while, analyzing it, before grabbing a spoon.

“I’ll dig in.”

“P-Please.”

Gen-san scooped a bite of the broth rice and brought it to his mouth.

With my heart racing, I waited anxiously for his reaction.

After savoring the taste for a while, Gen-san showed a satisfied smile.

“It’s delicious!”

“Really!?”

“Yeah. The broth has no off-putting taste, and the seasoning for the ground fish is perfect. You’ve done a great job.”

“Thank you!”

I almost let out a victorious fist pump. It was hard not to, especially after receiving such high praise from Gen-san, the top chef.

I was incredibly happy! I could hardly contain my smile!

While I basked in the joy, Gen-san turned to the rest of the staff.

“Now then. What do you all think? Anyone have objections to ‘the plan’?”

“I have no objections. I think it’s a great idea.”

“Same here. With something like this, I don’t think anyone can complain.”

“Well, if Gen-san says so…”

Everyone who were asked gave their answers. While a few seemed hesitant, the majority seemed to agree with whatever “the plan” was.

“The plan”? What could that be?

Confused by the conversation between Gen-san and the others, I tilted my head.

In the midst of this, one of the senior staff glared at me. Their gaze was sharp like a knife, filled with irritation and hostility.

I tensed up.

Why are they glaring at me? Did I do something wrong?