Chapter 430: Confession?

The other chefs wore similarly envious expressions. 

"That old fox Hojō!" they thought. Although he had no son, he had managed to secure an outstanding son-in-law, which made everyone jealous.

For decades, the most prestigious restaurants in town had been competing with one another, none managing to overshadow the rest. But this balance might soon shift. Everyone had just witnessed Sui's incredible talent. Once he marries Miyoko and takes over the Hojō-ro, with his exceptional skills, it was certain that the Hojō family's restaurant would rise to new heights, leaving all of them behind.

"If only I had a beautiful, capable daughter," they mused.

In the past, they had all teased Hojō for not having a son. But now, no one dared to make such jokes. 

He might not have a son, but he had an excellent son-in-law!

Chef Hojō couldn't help but burst into laughter, pride swelling in his chest as he saw the envious faces of his fellow chefs. Today was a day of great triumph for him, and he couldn't be happier.

"I say, when are you going to let those two get married and hand over the Hojō-ro?" Tomita Hiroshi teased, giving Chef Hojō a hearty slap on the back.

The others leaned in slightly, eager to hear the response.

Chef Hojō, who had been in such high spirits just moments ago, suddenly felt a tinge of gloom. He had no idea when the two would get married! Judging by their progress, they seemed only marginally closer than casual friends. Of course, he couldn't admit this out loud now. Instead, he chuckled and said, "Well, the sooner the better. It would be perfect if they got married right after graduation."

At that moment, Miyoko, who was walking over with Sui, overheard the conversation. Her face turned scarlet as she stomped her foot in embarrassment. "Father! What are you talking about?" she shouted, flustered.

Chef Hojō's face flashed with a trace of embarrassment, and he let out an awkward laugh.

Sui, equally exasperated, said, "Uncle, if there's nothing else, I'd like to head back to Totsuki now."

It was getting late, and the tsundere girl had already called him several times, wondering when he'd return.

"Leaving already? Totsuki doesn't have evening classes, right? Why don't you stay the night and go back to school with Miyoko tomorrow?" Chef Hojō suggested, trying to prolong Sui's stay. "I believe the room next to Miyoko's is still vacant. You can sleep there tonight."

Hearing her father offer Sui the room next to hers, Miyoko blushed even deeper. She quickly looked away and mumbled hesitantly, "Well, it's true that the room next to mine is empty. If you don't mind, Sui, it's no problem."

"Yes, Sui! Stay and have dinner with us at Hojō-ro tonight," added one of the Hojō-ro chefs. "We haven't had the chance to thank you properly yet."

The chefs were immensely grateful to Sui. Thanks to him, Hojō-ro had shone brightly today, and their future business was sure to flourish because of it.

Sui scratched his head, clearly embarrassed by all the attention. "I really should head back," he said.

Chef Hojō, still hoping to help his daughter get closer to Sui, insisted, "Are you sure? You don't have anything urgent back at Totsuki, do you? It wouldn't hurt to stay the night."

But Sui remained firm. "I really should go."

Seeing his determination, Chef Hojō sighed in defeat, giving his daughter a meaningful look. "Miyoko, why don't you walk Sui to the station?"

"Okay," Miyoko nodded, and the two of them left for the subway station together.

As they walked, Miyoko suddenly said, "Sui, thank you so much for everything today."

Sui smiled warmly. "It's no big deal. I was also curious about the event, so I thought I'd come and take a look."

When they reached the entrance of the subway, Miyoko still hadn't shown any intention of parting ways.

"Miyoko, aren't you staying here tonight?" Sui asked, surprised.

Blushing, Miyoko stammered, "I thought about it and decided to return to Totsuki after all, so I don't have to wake up early tomorrow."

Sui nodded. "All right, then."

They took the subway together, and after a two-hour ride, they finally arrived back at Totsuki.

"See you tomorrow," Sui said, waving as they parted ways.

"Wait..." Miyoko called out suddenly, stopping him in his tracks.

Sui turned around, looking at the normally confident and decisive Miyoko, now hesitating with a shy expression.

A light blush colored her cheeks, and her violet eyes darted away as she spoke in a soft voice, "Sui, do you... still have any of those pets like Megumi's? I really like them. If it's possible, could you give me one?"

Sui found her request odd, noting that the usually lively and athletic Miyoko now resembled a timid girl confessing her feelings to a Senpai.

Wait... was this Miyoko's way of confessing?

Sui felt a sudden headache. He hadn't even sorted out his situation with Megumi, and now this? But Miyoko was still waiting for his response, eyes filled with hope. Refusing her outright would make things awkward.

"Yes, I have a few left," Sui finally replied. "If you'd like one, I can bring it to you tomorrow."

"Really? That's great!" Miyoko beamed, her face lighting up with a bright smile. "See you tomorrow, Sui."

With that, she waved goodbye and hurried off, her long, slender legs carrying her swiftly away.

Sui watched her until she disappeared into the school building before heading back to his own place.

As he approached his door, he spotted Blissey waiting for him outside, looking around anxiously. 

The moment the little creature saw him, it chirped excitedly and ran back inside.

"Hey, is Sui back?" came Erina's cheerful voice from behind the door.