Chapter 51: A moment.

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Translated and Edited by: luccayn.

Common Honorifics:
-san: A polite suffix, but not excessively formal.
-kun: A common suffix among friends and younger people.
-chan: A common suffix among people you're close with, mostly used for feminine nicknames and girls, since it's cutesy and childlike.
-senpai: A common suffix and noun used to address or refer to one's older or more senior colleagues in a school, workplace, dojo, or sports club.

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I've heard a story like this before.

Fleas, those tiny insects, can leap up to 200 times their body height. However, if you put them inside a jar tall enough for them to jump out of and close the lid, something peculiar happens. Once the lid is opened, the fleas, which should theoretically be able to escape, can only jump as high as the jar’s height and fail to leave the container.

Hearing this story reminded me of the saying, “Environment shapes people.” Not just humans, but all living beings seem to impose limits on their own abilities due to their surroundings and preconceived notions. That's just how the world works, I suppose.

With that in mind, it may be no surprise that I, unrestrained by anything, can live my life pursuing my ideals without limits. As Tsukaji-san once said, whether you’re fortunate or unfortunate is merely a matter of perspective. What truly matters in life is what you choose to align yourself with.

…It's ironic, isn't it?

I was abandoned by my parents, drowning in debt, and cursed with a frail body. Yet, I can say with a straight face that I might actually be living in the most privileged environment in this world. Conversely, maybe those born with parents, money, and talent are the most unfortunate of all.

Life's a cruel joke, really.

“Hahaha! Shinji, your stories are always entertaining. For someone so young, you've got a strange kind of persuasiveness about you.”

“Thank you. I'll help myself to a cola, then.”

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Evening.

As usual, Tsukaji-san came by the shop, got drunk off his sake while listening to my ramblings, and left satisfied, swaying unsteadily on his feet. Three hours since we opened, and he was the only customer. Another quiet day for the shop.

“You can head home now.”

“Got it. Good work.”

And so, my shift ended early, having only worked half my hours.

The streets seemed relatively empty. Even at the supermarket, there was a good selection of discounted items left. Thinking it'd be fine to stock up on fresh ingredients since it was getting colder, I went ahead and bought as much high-quality food as I could carry.

Feeling pleased with my haul, I walked home swinging my shopping bag with a green onion poking out. As my phone buzzed in my pocket, I pulled it out to see an unexpected caller.

“Yo, Kakeru. How's it going?”

“Good! How about you, Shinji?”

“Feeling great! Just got a fresh new face today!”

“Haha, what does that even mean?”

Hmm. Maybe this joke doesn't work with first graders. I should probably look up what's trending with their generation.

“So, what's up?”

“Well… my mom and dad aren't home today.”

“Oh, that's lonely.”

Just as I replied, I arrived at a familiar fork in the road. Glancing over, I spotted Kakeru peeking out from a window. I waved, and he noticed, waving back enthusiastically with a big grin.

“And, um… I was thinking. I want to eat Shinji's cooking again!”

“Ah, I see. Alright. Just make sure you tell your mom, okay?”

“Yay! I'll come over with my sister after we get ready! Oh, and we'll bring some meat or something since you're broke!”

Then, with a “bang,” Kakeru shut the window and dashed back inside. Honestly, everything he does is so cheerful and adorable.

“Still, those two siblings really enjoy teasing me about being poor.”

The thought left me feeling oddly vexed. Calling me broke all the time, as if I weren't the luckiest person alive, makes me sound so pitiful.

“Alright then. Time to prove them wrong.”

I messaged Kakeru to come over in an hour and told him not to worry about bringing food. Then, I got to work in the kitchen. But, impatient as ever, the two of them showed up empty-handed not long after.

I opened the door, and Kakeru immediately exclaimed, “Wow!” as he sniffed the air and peeked into the pot on the stove.

“Sorry, Shinji-kun. This turned into a last-minute visit.”

“No problem. I'm pulling out all the stops, so enjoy yourselves.”

“Hehe, thanks!”

The ingredients were prepped and ready.

First, I filleted some horse mackerel for sashimi. Next, I used the pot and rice cooker to whip up some four-vegetable tempura and a beautifully rolled Japanese omelet. I stewed some meat and tofu with plenty of burdock root and prepared a bamboo shoot rice dish accompanied by sardine meatball soup.

All this, in just an hour. A promise kept.

“Whoa…”

Watching beside me, Tsukino, Kakeru's older sister, seemed utterly dumbfounded by my cooking skills. Come to think of it, judging by her reaction to the udon story Kakeru mentioned before, she's probably terrible at cooking herself.

“Well then, let's eat.”

“Let's eat!”

“Th-thank you for the food.”

During the meal, the Tsukino siblings reacted with exaggerated enthusiasm but didn't say much else. That was fine by me. I don't like people who ramble or lecture during meals. Seeing someone enjoy the food you've prepared is the greatest reward as a cook.

“This is so good!”

“Mmm! This one's amazing too!”

Their reactions were so in sync it was almost comical. Watching them, I thought about how family ties can make people so alike, even in the smallest ways, while I savored a bite of tofu soaked in a sweet, savory broth.

“Shinji, what's this spicy pickle?”

“That's store-bought.”

After finishing the dishes, I cleaned up while the siblings lounged, stuffed and content, giggling to each other. I turned my attention to my wardrobe, thinking it might be time to bring out a fresh shirt for the upcoming school trip.

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