When My Younger Brother Stole My Girlfriend, I Began Living Together with My Beautiful Childhood Friend Almost As If We Were Married - Chapter 22

Episode 22: Closing at the Izakaya

We spent a good two hours singing karaoke and thoroughly enjoying ourselves.

Now, it’s about time, and we decided to have one last meal together before parting ways.

So, all of us got into Reina’s car and headed to the place we agreed upon after the discussion.

“―And that turned out to be us.”

Mikage, carrying towels for everyone.

My suggestion was accepted, and the four of us ended up at the Izakaya Mido.

I thought it might be a bit of a nuisance to have four people without a reservation, but since it was early in the week and there weren’t any particular reservations, they accommodated us easily. That was a real relief.

Mikage seems a bit hesitant, but since he’s smiling, I want to believe it’s positive.

“The yakitori here is delicious. I’m on a mission to spread the word.”

“What are you saying? You’re all repeat customers.”

“Oh, didn’t you come here once, Yuma?”

“I brought him here~. He was so impressed by the yakitori, just like Mi-chan said.”

“I see.”

“Oh, it’s so nice! The salad and… these chicken wings are on the house!”

With the loud laughter of the master, five hundred yen worth of chicken wings were placed in front of all of us.

“Old man, you’re doing it again.”

“Don’t nitpick! It’s all about delighting the customers at a small izakaya like ours!”

Even without this kind of service, I think the taste alone could keep customers coming back. It’s a shame there aren’t more customers here.

But as it stands, it’s like a hidden gem that only we know about, and there’s a part of me that wants it to stay that way.
Now then, shall we order?

“What will everyone have?”

“Is it okay if I order alcohol?”

“Oh right, Mi-chan turned twenty. It should be fine.”

“I’ll have oolong tea, since my birthday is still a few days away.’

“Us too.”

“Right. Three oolong teas and…”

“Cassis orange!”

“One cassis orange, and then bring us the yakitori recommended by Mika.”

“Got it. Your order is noted.”

Mikage went into the kitchen and soon came back with drinks for everyone.

Each of us raised our glasses and clinked them in the center.

“Cheers!”

We all drank it down in one gulp and quenched our thirst vigorously.

It felt like a gathering of typical university students, and the atmosphere was getting high. We might even be getting tipsy.

As we chatted lively about today’s bowling, the smell of grilled chicken arrived.

“Here you go. Our recommended yakitori set.”

“I let Mikage try his hand at grilling. Tell us your honest opinion.”

The master laughed as he patted Mikage’s shoulder.

I’m looking forward to it. Let’s see how good Mikage’s skills are.

I took a negima skewer and popped the meat into my mouth along with the green onions.

“Mmm!”

Our voices harmonized.

Mikage seems a bit embarrassed, so let’s shower him with more feedback.

“This is just as good as the master’s yakitori!”

“The grilling is perfect. The slightly charred flavor is addictive.”

“Next time, we’ll bring Satchan and Momiji too.”

“Is the sauce a bit thin? But the taste is still great!”

“Indeed, Hayato, you, the best customer, have a good eye. Take notes, Mikage!”

Even though he says I’m the best, I think I have just been here maybe once or twice more than the other three.

Next, when they grilled pork belly with salt, the seasoning was exquisite, and the flavor of the meat and salt spread throughout my mouth.

“The salt is perfect.”

“Sorry, but this might be even better than the master’s salt.”

“Really? Thank you.”

“This is strict! Shall we start marketing ‘Tare’s Father, Shio’s Son’?”

He said it jokingly, but it might actually be a good idea. I can’t say for sure, though, because I’m not familiar with that area.

From now on, let’s have Mikage grill with salt.

As we continue to enjoy other yakitori dishes on the plate, when it starts to run low, Yuma orders more.

“Another oolong tea, please. Also, tsukune skewers with sauce and pork belly with salt.”

“Oh, I’d like another oolong tea too. And I want to try this beef tendon stew.”

“Mikage~. I’ll have two tsukune skewers with sauce too.”

“Sure thing! Just a moment.”
“Wait, I want an oolong tea and some tempura shrimp too!”

“Got it!”

After placing our additional orders, we finished our remaining drinks and bit into the chicken wings.

The flavors of the meat juice and garlic burst out, confirming once again that all the meat dishes in this restaurant are delicious.

“I want to come here endlessly.”

“I get it! I wouldn’t mind having this every night!”

“Yu-kun, that would mess up your nutritional balance.”

“Even Hayato. Occasionally, it’s okay to indulge, but you should also try the dishes I make with nutrition in mind.”

“Of course. Reina’s home-cooked meals are delicious too, so I’m really grateful.”

“You’re like a married couple, huh?”

At the retort from Misaki and Yuma, Reina and I blushed.

It seems like we’re going to end up in a common-law marriage rather than just living together, but I feel like it might happen sooner than later.

There are various formalities, but I feel like I could get married right now if I wanted to. It’s amazing how quickly things have changed, considering I said not so long ago that I couldn’t get married right away.

After that, Mikage brought us our drinks, and the dishes we ordered arrived.

The timing of serving when we finished the salad was perfect. The additional dishes we ordered were just as delicious.

Since we drank too much during the day, ordering this much is making us full.

After Misaki ordered ochazuke as the finishing touch, let’s call it a night.