The Bonds Forged Through Appetite (Reo and Kanon)
“This is going to be the best BBQ ever!”
Reo’s energetic voice echoed through the preparation area. Among the lively members of his group, the excitement was already at its peak. At the center of it all, Reo proudly held up his special bun for everyone to admire.
“Look at this bun! It’s so fluffy and perfect, right? The burgers we make with this are going to be amazing!”
Reo’s confident declaration was met with cheers and enthusiasm from the group.
“As expected from our leader, everything’s set up perfectly!”
“Let’s start cooking already! I’m starving!”
Kanon, standing beside him with a smile, nodded in agreement.
“You’re really amazing, Reo. I didn’t expect you to be so meticulous with the preparations.”
“Come on, who do you think I am? Today’s all about making unforgettable memories!”
In this cheerful atmosphere, ingredients were steadily arranged on the table—juicy beef patties, colorful fresh vegetables, rich slices of cheese, and even bottles of special sauces. Expectations continued to rise.
However, as time went on, the preparations became increasingly chaotic.
“Hey, can someone chop these vegetables?”
“Huh, me? But I was told to help start the fire…”
“Then who’s going to shape the meat patties? What’s the plan here?”
Instructions flew everywhere, but no one seemed to have a clear role. Even as Reo raised his voice in the center, most of the group was too engrossed in chatting to actually move.
“Come on, someone help! I can’t do all this by myself!”
“Wait a sec, let me take some photos for Instagram!”
“No, no, let’s figure out where to put the charcoal first!”
Though Reo’s voice grew increasingly irritated, the others continued their idle chatter as if ignoring him. Kanon, in particular, was engrossed in a conversation while holding a slice of cheese.
“Hey, Reo, what should I do? Should I slice the cheese or prep the veggies?”
“Uh… Wait, no, we need to get the fire started first!”
Reo’s response, tinged with anxiety, was drowned out by the growing chaos of the group. The table was cluttered with uncut vegetables and unshaped patties, and no one knew what they were supposed to do.
“Hey, there’s way too much meat! Which part are we supposed to use?”
“What’s the cooking order supposed to be?”
“Help me light the charcoal already!”
Everyone started doing their own thing, and the tasks became completely disorganized. The lively energy of the group was now working against them, leading to a total lack of coordination. Meanwhile, the quieter members of the group stayed on the sidelines, observing without offering help.
What had started as an exciting BBQ was quickly descending into chaos for Reo and his group.
“Hey, this is burning!”
“Wait, isn’t that still raw in the middle?”
What had been a fun and boisterous preparation devolved into one problem after another as the fire-starting and cooking began. The lack of clear task assignments was causing endless trouble.
“Wait, the fire’s too strong—the meat’s burning!”
“Someone adjust the charcoal! Wait, where’s the rest of it?”
Mismanagement of the charcoal led to patties being either undercooked or burnt to a crisp. Meanwhile, melted cheese dripped wastefully onto the grill, and many ingredients were rendered unusable.
“Hey, I cut the vegetables, but no one’s using them?”
“What do we cook next? I have no idea anymore.”
The lively energy of the group was now a hindrance, leaving them unable to work together effectively.
Reo stood in the middle, trying to give instructions, but his directions were vague.
“Hey, make the fire stronger! And someone grab the meat!”
But the group members, absorbed in their own conversations and activities, barely listened.
Among them, Kanon’s frustration began to build.
“This is a complete disaster, isn’t it?”
Muttering to a friend with a troubled expression, she began to feel dissatisfied with Reo. Despite his boastful promises of a perfect BBQ, he was showing no leadership.
“Reo-kun, what should I do? I’ve got nothing to work on.”
Kanon called out to him, and Reo, flustered and sweating, hastily replied.
“Huh? Oh, uh, wait, let me finish this first, and I’ll get back to you!”
However, even his attempts to tidy up were half-hearted, and the situation showed no signs of improving.
The once-enthusiastic group was beginning to lose interest.
“This isn’t working anymore, is it?”
“Reo’s just giving orders and not doing anything himself, isn’t he?”
At the height of the chaos, Hiyori-sensei rushed over with a concerned look. She quickly assessed the scene and then took a deep breath, her expression softening into a kind smile.
“Everyone, can you quiet down for a moment?”
Her voice wasn’t particularly loud, but it carried clearly through the commotion, gradually calming the group. The students stopped what they were doing and turned to her.
“Let’s start by figuring out what the problem is.”
Clapping her hands lightly, Hiyori-sensei addressed them with a gentle gaze. “How’s the fire? Is it lit? Has someone been assigned to handle it?”
“Um… I was going to do the fire, but the charcoal is damp and it won’t light at all…” one of the boys said apologetically.
“I see. Then let’s handle the fire first. Damp charcoal won’t work, so find some dry pieces and gather small twigs or paper to help it catch.”
Reassured by her calm yet precise instructions, the boy replied, “Got it!” and got to work.
“Next, let’s organize the ingredients. We need someone to cut the vegetables and someone else to shape the patties. Assigning roles is the most important step.”
Following her words, the students began exchanging looks and slowly started coordinating their efforts.
Reo stood a step back, arms crossed, watching the scene with a conflicted expression.
“Why is it that as soon as Sensei shows up, everyone listens?”
His muttered words, tinged with jealousy, reached Kanon beside him.
“I’ve been giving instructions too. Why didn’t anyone follow me?”
Reo glared at Hiyori-sensei’s back with a hint of frustration as she efficiently organized the group. Her steady leadership seemed to sting his pride.
Gradually, the chaotic atmosphere settled, and the students began working on their assigned tasks. The sound of sizzling patties and chopping vegetables replaced the earlier clamor.
The fire was finally stable, and the grilling area became more organized. The students managed to assemble their burgers with the prepared ingredients. Though some were misshapen or unevenly filled, by the time the ingredients ran out, everyone held their handmade burgers and looked relieved.
“Well, we managed somehow…”
Reo sighed, standing in front of the charcoal grill with his arms crossed. His voice carried more relief than accomplishment.
“The burgers were good, but… if you had led us a little better, it might have gone more smoothly.”
Kanon’s quiet comment came as the group was finishing the cleanup. Her voice was low enough that the other students didn’t hear, but Reo, standing beside her, caught every word.
“…Are you saying I wasn’t leading properly?”
Reo frowned at Kanon, but she avoided his gaze, turning her eyes elsewhere.
“That’s not what I meant, but… maybe you could’ve brought everyone together better, before Sensei had to step in.”
Reo didn’t respond to her words. Instead, he looked down, clenching his fists slightly.
Once the cleanup was finished, Hiyori-sensei helped gather the collected garbage bags and carry them to the car. As the students started heading home, a stern-looking male teacher approached her.
“Michino-sensei, may I have a word?”
At his tone, Hiyori-sensei looked up, a bit apprehensive.
“Regarding today’s BBQ, don’t you think it could’ve been more organized? The students seemed overwhelmed by the confusion. You’re their homeroom teacher, aren’t you? You need to take more responsibility for your students.”
His words were sharp and critical, lacking any gentleness. Several nearby teachers looked away uncomfortably.
“I’m sorry… If only I’d noticed sooner…”
Shoulders slumped, Hiyori-sensei replied softly, her expression clearly showing her regret. However, she quickly straightened up and bowed.
“Next time, I’ll prepare more thoroughly to ensure the students can enjoy themselves.”
At her response, the teacher nodded lightly. “I hope so,” he said curtly before walking away.
As the students gradually dispersed, Hiyori-sensei sighed quietly while rearranging the trash bags. Though her figure seemed tired, there was also a hint of calm, as if she were relieved. The lively BBQ day was coming to a quiet close.