The Bonds Forged Through Appetite (Determination)
While soaking in the lingering atmosphere of the barbecue, Subaru and his friends cleared the empty plates.
Yuto raised a plate high and expressed his gratitude.
“Man, that was amazing! Sorano, Amane, Yasaka, thanks so much!”
“Seriously, this is the best barbecue I’ve ever had!”
Chiharu added, her face lighting up with a big smile.
“If you enjoyed it, then it was worth all the effort.”
Subaru chuckled awkwardly, and Maria smiled in agreement.
“It was worth all the preparation, wasn’t it?”
In the midst of this warm and relaxed atmosphere, Chiharu suddenly seemed to remember something and spoke up.
“By the way, Amane-san, how did you become close to Sorano-kun? I never saw you two talking last year.”
At this question, Maria looked momentarily surprised but quickly turned her gaze to Subaru. Subaru, looking a bit uneasy, began to explain.
“That story… well, it goes back to when Kanon dumped me.”
With those words, the atmosphere shifted. Yuto and Chiharu’s expressions turned grim, while Maria’s became complicated.
“Huh, dumped? What do you mean?”
Chiharu frowned as she pressed for details, and Subaru, though hesitant, continued.
“Actually, I was dating Kanon… but then Reo started hitting on her, and she responded to him. That’s how I got dumped.”
At those words, Yuto clenched his fist tightly, and Chiharu also seemed unable to contain her anger.
“Unbelievable! Both Reo and Kanon are the worst!”
“Seriously, who does something like that?”
But Subaru raised his hand calmly to stop their outburst.
“No, getting angry won’t help. I was upset at first, but… honestly, that’s not the whole story.”
Chiharu furrowed her brows, sensing there was more to Subaru’s words.
“Not the whole story? What do you mean?”
After a brief pause, Subaru explained.
“Kanon said things like, ‘Subaru, you’re too kind.’ Or, ‘I want more excitement,’ and ‘You don’t feel dependable.’ In the end, I was just ‘the kind guy’ to her. That’s all.”
His words brought a tense silence. Maria looked at Subaru with a pained expression, while Chiharu and Yuto were clearly indignant.
“Excitement? Breaking up with a guy like Sorano? She’s the one who’s wrong!”
Yuto raised his voice, and Chiharu joined in just as passionately.
“Exactly! A kind person like Sorano-kun is rare!”
Subaru gave a wry smile and waved his hands as if to calm them down.
“Thanks. But I’ve realized something. Just being kind isn’t enough. I need to become someone more dependable…”
Subaru’s eyes held a newfound determination as he spoke.
“That’s why I want to prove her wrong. I want to show that I’m not just ‘the kind guy.’ I want to grow and become someone better. That’s how I feel.”
Moved by his words, Yuto clenched his fists tightly and nodded firmly.
“That’s the spirit! Sorano, I’ll help you out. Leave the workouts and training to me!”
Chiharu immediately raised her hand.
“I’ll help too! I’ll give you advice on fashion, hairstyles, and grooming so you can become even more attractive!”
Maria added with a gentle smile.
“I’ll support you too. Let’s do this together, Sorano-kun.”
Surprised for a moment, Subaru looked at them all and then broke into a smile.
“Thanks, everyone. I’m really grateful. Knowing you’re all here for me is so reassuring.”
“Alright, let’s start planning the training then.”
Yuto grinned, lightly clenching his fist to move things along.
“Sorano, what kind of physique are you aiming for? Do you want to be super muscular, or more lean but toned?”
Subaru thought for a moment before answering.
“Hmm… I don’t want to be super muscular, but I’d like to look healthy and fit. I want to be strong and dependable.”
Yuto nodded with satisfaction at his response.
“Got it. So we’ll balance strength training and cardio, like combining sit-ups, push-ups, and running.”
“Sit-ups and push-ups, huh? I’m not sure if I can keep up, but I’ll do my best.”
Though slightly anxious, Subaru replied with determination.
“Don’t worry! I’ll do it with you, so let’s have fun while we’re at it!”
Yuto patted Subaru on the shoulder with a confident laugh.
“So, what about the fashion and grooming side of things?”
At Yuto’s question, Chiharu responded immediately.
“First, we’ll change your hairstyle. A trip to the salon can transform your look.”
“A salon, huh…”
Subaru’s expression turned awkward as he looked away.
“What’s wrong? Do you not want to go to a salon?”
Chiharu asked curiously, and Subaru hesitated before replying.
“It’s not that I don’t want to, but salons feel kind of intimidating. I don’t know how to ask for what I want, and I feel self-conscious about people staring…”
Hearing this, Chiharu smiled kindly.
“Don’t worry, Sorano-kun. I’ll go with you. I’ll help you decide what to ask for and even talk to the stylist for you.”
“E-Even if you say that…”
Subaru still seemed hesitant, but Chiharu continued her persuasion.
“Going to a salon won’t just improve your looks—it’ll boost your confidence. Think of it as a chance to try something new.”
When Subaru still seemed reluctant, Chiharu sighed but smiled and made a firm decision.
“Alright, I’ll make the appointment for the next day off. We’re going together. It’s settled!”
“Wait, but…!”
Before Subaru could finish his protest, Chiharu nodded in satisfaction.
“With this, the first step is complete! Sorano-kun, be prepared!”
Overwhelmed by Chiharu’s momentum, Subaru could only nod reluctantly.
Watching this exchange, Maria’s expression darkened for a brief moment.
“Yasaka-san… You really care about Sorano-kun. That kind of bold yet dependable personality… I’m a little envious.”
Though thinking this, Maria quickly put on a smile and spoke cheerfully.
“With a new hairstyle and some exercise, Sorano-kun, I can’t wait to see the new you. You’ll definitely be wonderful.”
Embarrassed, Subaru scratched his head, feeling grateful for his friends’ support.
Finally, Yuto proposed an idea that suddenly came to him.
“Hey, how about we start calling each other by our names? It’ll make us feel even more like a team.”
“Our names…? You mean dropping the formalities?”
Surprised, Subaru asked back, and Yuto grinned.
“Exactly! Subaru, Chiharu, Maria—just call me Yuto!”
Blushing slightly, Chiharu nodded.
“Alright… Subaru-kun and Yuto-kun, then. That sounds nice.”
Maria also smiled and agreed.
“I’ll do that too… Yuto-kun and Subaru-kun. Using names feels more casual.”
Still a bit unsure, Subaru nodded.
“Okay. I’ll call you Yuto… but Maria-san and Chiharu-san are fine for me. I’m not ready for dropping honorifics yet.”
And so, their bonds deepened. With his dependable friends by his side, Subaru took his first steps toward a new challenge.