65 - The Privilege of the Future Bride

RAW

Haruto, the Tojo siblings, and Saki devoured the marshmallows from the large bag in no time.

As Ayaka and the others savored the s'mores, gazing contentedly at the campfire, Ikue approached carrying a slightly larger skillet.

“Mind if I use the fire?”

“Of course, go ahead,” Haruto replied, adjusting the fire and setting a grate over it to make cooking easier for Ikue.

“Thanks, Otsuki-kun.”

“What are you making, Ikue-mama?” Saki asked, her eyes filled with anticipation.

“Seafood paella.”

“Paella while camping? How fancy!”

“Hehe, once in a while, I like to remind everyone I can cook delicious meals too, as a housewife,” Ikue smiled at Haruto while heating olive oil in the skillet with onions and garlic.

Haruto, catching her playful glance, smiled back competitively. “Then I’ll have to make sure my cooking isn’t outdone.”

He took out another skillet, placing it next to Ikue’s on the grate.

“What are you making, big brother?”

“Ajillo.”

“Ajillo?” Ryota tilted his head, unfamiliar with the term.

“Just wait and see,” Haruto grinned, pouring some of the olive oil Ikue had used into his skillet.

Before the camping trip, Haruto had told Ikue and Shuichi that he would prepare dinner as a thank-you. He planned to bring all the ingredients, but Shuichi insisted, “We’ll handle all the food; just bring clothes and a sleeping bag.”

When Haruto mentioned making ajillo, Shuichi had chuckled and said, “Nice! So, wine, perhaps?”

Now, Haruto and Ikue cooked side by side. The garlic aroma wafted from Ikue’s skillet as she added rice and a seafood mix.

“Mind if I borrow some of that seafood mix later?”

“Of course. I’ll leave it here,” Ikue replied, placing it on a nearby table.

“Thanks.” Haruto peeled garlic, adding it to the olive oil-filled skillet.

“I’m looking forward to Haruto-kun’s ajillo,” Ayaka remarked, watching him cook.

“It’s really simple—just simmering ingredients in olive oil and garlic,” he replied, adding a chili pepper. Since Ryota would be eating too, he removed the seeds for a milder flavor.

Shuichi arrived with a tray of sliced baguettes. “Ayaka, can you toast these?”

“Sure.”

She arranged the bread between the skillets. Watching this, Saki smiled.

“Dipping toasted baguette in ajillo is the best.”

“Hey, Ayaka, can I have a piece now?” Ryota asked, eyeing the bread eagerly.

“Alright, just one. It’s better toasted with ajillo.”

She handed him a piece. “Yay!” he cheered, biting into it happily.

Haruto added broccoli, shrimp, scallops, and cherry tomatoes, seasoning with herb salt.

“The ajillo is ready.”

“The paella will take a bit longer,” Ikue noted, checking the covered skillet.

“Let’s start with the ajillo, then,” Shuichi suggested. Haruto moved the skillet to the table.

“Let’s eat!” everyone said, clasping their hands together. Ryota eagerly reached for the ajillo.

“Try it with bread, Ryota-kun,” Haruto advised, placing shrimp on toasted bread for him.

“Thanks, big brother!” Ryota beamed after a bite. “It’s delicious!”

Haruto smiled warmly. Saki dipped bread into the ajillo, topped it with garlic, and took a bite. “Mmm! Perfectly seasoned, Otsuki-kun!” She gave a thumbs-up.

Ayaka nodded, enjoying broccoli. “As expected, Haruto-kun.”

“Thanks, but it’s just simmering ingredients in olive oil,” he said modestly.

Ikue smiled. “Simple dishes are often the hardest to get right.”

“Saki teased, “Ayaka, you’re lucky to have so much of Otsuki-kun’s cooking.”

“It’s not just me—Ryota eats too!” Ayaka protested.

“I’d be jealous of Otsuki-kun’s future wife,” Saki whispered mischievously to Ayaka.

“Y-yeah...”

“You better claim that spot soon,” Saki nudged.

“Ugh…”

Ikue joined in, “That’s right, Ayaka. I’d be troubled if you didn’t.”

“Mom, this isn’t about you!”

“It is! Otsuki-kun’s summer job ends soon, right? After that, he won’t come anymore.”

“But...”

“I can’t live without his help now,” Ikue exaggerated jokingly.

“Mom, stop!”

Ryota, wide-eyed, blurted, “Is Ayaka going to marry big brother?!”

His shout startled Haruto and Shuichi, who had been engrossed in conversation.

“What?! No, Ryota!” Ayaka stammered, blushing.

“But Mom said so!”

Haruto looked confusedly at Ikue. “Oh my,” she smiled innocently.

“Mom, clarify that!”

“Hmm, our little Ayaka is growing up,” Shuichi mused.

“Dad, no!”

Saki whispered, “Haruto-kun doesn’t stand a chance…”

Haruto, bewildered, asked, “Wait, what’s happening?”

“Paella’s ready! Let’s eat,” Ikue diverted, leaving Ayaka sighing into the evening sky.

"Come on, let's eat the paella before it gets cold," Ikue said, trying to divert the conversation with a smile.

"Mom, you could've changed the subject a bit more smoothly..." Ayaka sighed, her exasperated murmur drifting through the summer evening air at the mountain campsite.