Chapter 66 - The Big Cinema
Hayato, who was teased by Haruki, quickly escaped to the kitchen.
Today's main menu was Banbanji, a dish made from cooked chicken breast.
In a large pot, the meat was boiled together with sake and spring onions, then cooled, lifted with hands, and thinly sliced onions, carrots, radishes, cucumbers, tomatoes, and shiso leaves were added.
For the sauce, finely chopped spring onions and ginger were mixed with sesame paste, soy sauce, mirin, and chili paste.
Actually, there were many things to be cut and it was quite complicated.
However, Banbanji, when finished like this, was a special dish that was fresh and spicy, perfect for the summer season. In addition, it was low in fat and high in protein, suitable for a diet program.
Then, Hayato also made Chinese-style soup with wakame and beaten eggs for tonight's dinner.
"Ittadakimasu. Oh, Onii, there's no tomato in my bowl, right?"
"If you find one, just put it in my bowl."
"Mmm~ it's so delicious. But, huh, there's no rice today?"
"There's leftover packaged rice."
"I'm on a diet, so it's fine without rice today."
While Hayato and Himeko ate as usual, Haruki emitted a negative aura all by herself.
"Aaah..."
"Hey, Onii, what's wrong?"
"Oh, that... well..."
Himeko whispered quietly.
Without waiting long, while Hayato was cutting ingredients, Haruki was assigned to help with various things.
Asking for help to wash the rice, but suddenly she pressed the heater button.
Asking for help to replace the vacuum cleaner filter, but accidentally her hand slipped.
Asking for help to run the washing machine, but she forgot to put in the detergent.
Although she tried to help with the household chores, she often made common mistakes. Since long ago, Haruki was skilled in various things. It could be seen from her everyday appearance as a honor student. However, in reality, she often lost motivation and made mistakes.
(It seems like when she played a new game in the past, she was too excited and often died in the early stages)
Hakuto remembered that and made a hoarse sound.
Seeing Hayato's state, Haruki shrugged her shoulders even more.
"A-uh, how is it today? It's my first time making it, is it tasty?"
"...sad"
"Oh, I see, it's sad."
Usually, she would respond with a tsukkomi.
But this time, after finally returning to normal, this was what happened.
Hayato also sighed in frustration.
Meanwhile, Himeko looked at Haruki with a small smile, nodding as if she understood.
"Yeah, yeah, I understand. That's why I gave up quickly."
"But Hime-chan is younger and a little sister. I'm the same age as him, you know?"
"Oh, Haru-chan, that's the problem."
"So I have to try... It will taste better, so I can't stop, right?"
"Exactly."
"What are you two talking about?"
An incomprehensible conversation began, followed by two girls nodding at each other.
Although Hayato didn't fully understand, there was something more important that he had to say.
"Hey, do you have free time on the next holiday?"
"Mmm, the game update is still far away, but I have a stack of games, manga, and anime that I need to finish. Lately, I've been visiting Hayato's house often, so everything is piling up."
So that meant there were no plans. However, Haruki's face looked very serious, making Hayato confused if it was a joke or not.
"Oh, is that so... Well, if you're not busy, I was thinking of going somewhere."
"Eh, going out. I'll definitely go, let's go!"
"Oh, o-okay, is that alright?"
"Yeah!!"
She was very enthusiastic.
The previous feeling of sadness seemed to disappear just like that. She even looked radiant and leaned forward on the dining table.
This was a drastic change. However, for some reason, Hayato felt a feeling that he had felt before.
(Ah, I see...)
When they were still young, during the time they lived in Tsukinose.
Haruki was often seen sad and depressed.
Now, Hayato could guess that it might have been because of her family situation.
However, at that time, Hayato didn't know anything. He just wanted to play together and see her smile.
So, that's why. It was something simple.
He scratched his head hard, regretting not inviting her earlier.
"So, Hayato, where should we go? Oh, do you know any good places?!"
"Oh, actually... not at all. In fact, I don't know... Haruki, do you know any good places?"
"Uh, I, as someone who prefers staying indoors, umm..."
"Alright, I see..."
They wanted to go out and have fun, but they didn't know where to go or how to do it. That was the chaotic situation shown by Hakuto and Haruki.
However, their faces were filled with smiles as they planned to go out.
It was strong evidence of their strong bond.
(Oh, right...)
When Hayato remembered, he wanted to open the notes on his phone to look at some places recommended by Mori before.
Himeko raised her hand seriously and said,
"I want to go to the cinema."
"The cinema? Is there a movie you want to watch, Himeko?"
"758 people."
"Huh?"
"There's a big screen and there are 758 seats that can accommodate so many people at once. Hey, are you interested?"
"Are you kidding! Are you saying that more than half of Tsukinose's population can watch at the same time!"
When talking about movies in Tsukinose, basically they only rented or watched through online streaming at home. It was something they did at home.
Moreover, the only nearest cinema was a small theater that was only slightly bigger than a school classroom and was a two-hour drive away by car.
So, for Hayato and Himeko, a cinema that could accommodate half of Tsukinose's population was something completely new and caught their attention.
"I want to see how big it is! I want to go at least once!"
"Yeah, if it's that big, we should see it at least once. Is that okay with you, Haruki?"
"...Eh, ah, yes, I'm fine with that,"
"Hey, do they sell popcorn there?"
"More than that, there's an interactive experience... 4D... There are various types, but what does it mean?"
"..."
While Hayato and Himeko became more excited discussing the cinema, Haruki looked confused and surprised, as if she realized her mistake and wrong assumptions.
"...Of course, Hime-chan is coming too, right?"
"Of course, Haruki. What's wrong with that?"
"It's nothing, it's fine,"
Saying that, Haruki smiled faintly.
Translator: Janaka