The Bonds Forged Through Appetite (BBQ)
In front of the school gate, students gathered one after another. Carrying their bags, they chatted cheerfully while congregating around the bus, creating a lively morning atmosphere.
Subaru and his group arrived a bit early to check their preparations. Yuto carried a large backpack along with several heavy shopping bags in his hands.
“Kiritani-kun, are you sure you can carry all that? It looks really heavy…”
Subaru asked with concern, but Yuto replied with a confident smile.
“Not at all! This much is just part of my training.”
To prove his point, Yuto effortlessly adjusted the bags he was holding, exuding an air of confidence that others naturally relied on.
“Wow, Kiritani-kun, you’re so strong!”
A nearby female student voiced her admiration, and another quickly chimed in, “Kiritani-kun, you’re so dependable~!”
Watching this from the side, Subaru glanced down at his own arms, feeling a small pang of insecurity.
“Maybe I should start building my strength too…”
Eventually, the bus departed, and Subaru settled into a seat in the middle. He ended up sitting next to Yuto, while Maria and Chiharu sat directly in front of them.
“Hey, Kiritani-kun, you carried those bags like they were nothing earlier. What kind of training do you usually do?”
Subaru asked curiously, and Yuto grinned.
“Me? I just do regular weight training at the gym. About three times a week, I guess. I also go running, but recently I’ve been focusing on squats and bench presses.”
“Wow, that sounds serious. I’ve been thinking about working out more too. If you don’t mind, I’d love to tag along sometime.”
Subaru said, a little shyly, and Yuto immediately nodded.
“Of course! Beginners are totally welcome. You’ll pick it up in no time, Subaru. Let’s train together and crush it at the next event!”
Subaru’s face lit up at the suggestion, and the two eagerly discussed fitness as the bus continued its journey.
Meanwhile, at the back of the bus, Reo and Kanon were having a lively conversation.
“Hey, Kanon, today’s burgers are going to be the best ever!”
Reo declared proudly, and Kanon chuckled softly in response.
“Oh? But Reo, can you actually grill the meat properly? I don’t want it burnt, okay?”
“No problem! Leave it to me, and it’ll be perfect!”
Reo puffed out his chest confidently.
“Besides, I was thinking we could spend some time alone today.”
Kanon looked surprised when Reo leaned in and whispered to her, but her expression soon shifted to curiosity.
“We’re always in the spotlight, but wouldn’t it be nice to relax somewhere quiet for a change? Let’s find a spot with a good vibe.”
“Fufu, Reo, you’re really bold. Well, since we’re here… I guess it wouldn’t be so bad.”
Kanon turned her gaze away, slightly embarrassed, though her words carried a hint of excitement.
Observing the pair, their classmates exchanged subtle glances.
“…So Kanon-san really does like Reo, huh?”
“Yeah. I mean, I’m jealous, but it’s still kind of surprising…”
“Don’t you think they’re a bit too obvious? Just watching them is exhausting.”
While murmurs spread among the students, Reo and Kanon remained blissfully unaware, lost in their own world.
The bus soon entered a winding mountain road surrounded by lush greenery, signaling that they were close to their destination. Subaru double-checked their bags to ensure nothing had been forgotten.
“Subaru, you seem well-prepared. But if anything’s too heavy, just let me know anytime.”
Yuto offered with a reassuring smile. Subaru responded in kind, “Thanks, that’s really helpful.”
The bus arrived at the barbecue spot, surrounded by peaceful yet invigorating scenery. One by one, the students got off the bus, and the preparations for the BBQ officially began.
At their designated spot, Yuto took the lead, unloading the bags and clapping his hands to gather everyone’s attention.
“Alright, let’s divide up the tasks!”
His commanding tone naturally drew Subaru, Maria, and Chiharu’s focus.
“Honestly, I’m not great at cooking. But if it’s starting the fire, leave it to me!”
Yuto declared confidently and immediately assigned himself the task.
“Also, I think we’ll need more charcoal. I’ll grab some from the teachers’ area—it’ll be a good chance to stretch my legs.”
“I’ll help you out.”
Chiharu offered with a gentle smile.
“Perfect! Yasaka, you seem good with detail. If you help fine-tune the fire, we’ll be all set.”
Watching them work together so naturally, Subaru and Maria exchanged smiles.
“Alright, Sorano-kun and I will handle the cooking.”
Maria volunteered with a cheerful grin, and Subaru nodded.
“Got it. Let’s start with the prep while the fire gets going.”
“I can’t wait to get started.”
Maria retrieved a container of ingredients from their luggage.
“This seafood mix for the ajillo is still frozen. Using it as an ice pack? That’s smart!”
Maria said, impressed, as she examined the thoughtful preparation.
Opening another container, she found meat pre-marinated in shio koji for churrasco and widened her eyes.
“Wow, to think so much preparation was already done… Sorano-kun, you’re amazing.”
“Well, it makes things easier on-site and helps avoid mistakes. Should I start skewering the meat?”
Subaru deftly took out long skewers and began threading the meat with care. Maria watched his precise movements with fascination.
“So this is churrasco… Skewering the meat and grilling it over coals really gives it a unique, exotic vibe.”
“Yeah. Cooking it over charcoal gives it a smoky flavor, and everyone can adjust how it’s cooked to their liking.”
Subaru continued threading the meat evenly, paying close attention to the thickness.
“Can I try?”
Maria hesitated briefly before reaching out, and Subaru handed her a skewer with a smile.
“Of course. You’re probably better at this than I am.”
“Fufu, thank you. This kind of task is surprisingly fun.”
Maria carefully skewered the meat, her smile reflecting her enjoyment. Her newfound enthusiasm was refreshing, and Subaru couldn’t help but smile along with her.
Together, they prepared the churrasco skewers, while Maria also brought out vegetables for the ajillo. “Just simmering these with olive oil? That’s so simple!” she said excitedly.
As they worked efficiently, Yuto and Chiharu appeared in the distance, carrying extra charcoal. Subaru’s group was making steady progress.
“Alright, let’s get the fire going!”
Yuto rolled up his sleeves with determination.
Placing the charcoal on the ground, he arranged fire starters quickly as Chiharu spoke hesitantly.
“Kiritani-kun, is it okay to just pile the charcoal randomly?”
“No, if you stack it randomly, it won’t light properly. Watch this.”
Yuto stacked the charcoal in a pyramid shape, placing fire starters in the center. When he lit it, flames roared up.
“This setup lets air flow better. Then, you adjust the amount of charcoal to create high-heat and low-heat zones. See? This side’s for high heat, and that one’s for low.”
Yuto explained as he adjusted the setup, and Chiharu nodded in admiration.
“Kiritani-kun, you’re not just strong—you really know your stuff.”
“Haha, well, I enjoy outdoor activities.”
Yuto smiled shyly. Watching him, Subaru thought to himself how much he wanted to be someone as reliable as Yuto.
Once the fire stabilized, it was time for Subaru and Maria to start cooking.
Pouring olive oil into the ajillo pot, Subaru added seafood and vegetables. The sizzling sound and rich aroma quickly filled the air.
“This smells amazing!”
Maria’s eyes sparkled with excitement.
“That’s the magic of ajillo. The oil draws out the flavors of the ingredients.”
While Subaru explained and adjusted the heat, Maria began placing buffalo wing chicken pieces on the grill.
“Grilling chicken is already delicious, but this sauce really takes it to another level.”
Maria smiled contentedly, and Subaru replied, “It’s tricky to get the doneness right, but as long as you take your time, it’ll turn out great.”
Next, they placed the churrasco skewers over the coals. Fat dripped from the meat, sizzling and releasing a mouthwatering smoky aroma.
“This smell is incredible!”
Yuto exclaimed, and Chiharu added with a smile, “Just the smell is enough to make me hungry.”
Just then, Hiyori-sensei approached.
“Wow, this smells delicious! Let me take a look.”
She watched their cooking with interest but soon hurried off to help another group struggling with their fire.
The ajillo was the first dish to be completed. As everyone took a bite, the rich seafood flavors spread delightfully in their mouths.
“This is amazing!”
Yuto exclaimed enthusiastically.
“The ginger and thyme in the oil are the key ingredients.”
Subaru explained, and Chiharu remarked, “This aroma is so refreshing. It’s lighter than garlic and so easy to eat.”
Next, Maria tried a buffalo wing, nodding in satisfaction.
“Eating with your hands really feels special. And this spicy sauce is so addictive!”
“It’s nice not worrying about manners—you can just enjoy the food.”
Subaru said, and Maria let out a soft laugh.
Then Yuto took a bite of the churrasco and exclaimed with excitement.
“This is incredible! The meat is so tender and juicy, and the saltiness is just perfect!”
“Marinating it in shio koji makes the meat tender. I’m glad it turned out well.”
Subaru replied confidently, and Maria smiled as she praised him. “This is absolutely fantastic. You’re amazing, Sorano-kun.”
After finishing with a refreshing lemonade, Subaru suggested one final dish.
“Let’s make pasta with the leftover ajillo oil.”
They quickly boiled some pasta, tossed it into the pot, and mixed it with the flavorful oil. The seafood aroma became even more pronounced.
“This is amazing too!”
Yuto exclaimed enthusiastically, devouring a large serving. Chiharu smiled and added, “It’s great that nothing went to waste.”
Laughing together, everyone enjoyed the meal they had planned and prepared themselves, fully satisfied with their teamwork and creativity.