Chapter 6. People's Remains? Two Generous Ladies

The moment Rize tasted that steak—

She knew clearly that this piece of meat was more delicious than any "meat" she'd ever eaten before!

That texture, that richness, that flavor—

It was intoxicating!

In just seconds, her cheeks flushed, and her legs instinctively pressed together, rubbing slightly.

Gulp~!

One bite led to the next, and she immediately ate a second piece!

If they weren't in a restaurant—

She felt like she'd grab the entire steak with both hands, tear into it with her teeth, chew, and swallow like a beast.

But her last shred of reason told her—

This was a public place. Don't lose control.

One piece. Two pieces. Three. Four.

Rize looked utterly "gone" as she devoured piece after piece!

This was a thick-cut steak—even fully cooked, it was about as thick as a standing coin!

From a distance, Kasumigaoka was speechless.

This was way too lacking in... grace.

Was her expression like that when she had it?

No way… please no!

Before long—

Rize had finished her entire plate.

Only then did she snap back to reality and stare at the empty plate in shock.

Did I just eat human food?

Or rather… "people's remains"?

That was her first thought.

But she quickly dismissed it.

Why? "The taste difference is astronomical."

Beef is beef. The quality of the meat has a huge impact on taste.

Just like how even someone with slightly sensitive taste buds can distinguish between chicken, duck, beef, or lamb with their eyes closed.

So Rize was certain—this was beef.

She'd eaten beef before, but always spit it out. Still, she remembered the texture—it just tasted awful.

So what the hell was going on here?

Rize was stunned.

She looked toward Hayashi in the distance.

Hayashi had just finished mixing three glasses of lemon tea—one for himself, one for each of the two women.

He handed one to Kasumigaoka first.

She looked up with a smile. "I didn't order anything, Hayashi-kun."

"Today, the chef's in a good mood—it's on the house."

With that, Hayashi turned and brought a glass to Rize as well.

Clink.

Rize looked at the lemon tea, then glanced at Kasumigaoka, who was already sipping hers.

She picked up the glass and took a cautious sip.

The sour taste made her eyes squint.

"So sour~"

It was the first time Rize had ever tasted sourness.

"How strange… but it's good."

Hayashi leaned against the bar, glanced at the completely cleaned plate, then asked Rize:

"How was it, customer?"

"Absolutely delicious. Thank you for the meal," Rize replied, gently putting down the tea and speaking in a soft, elegant tone. "My name is Kamishiro Rize. That was the most delicious… meat I've ever had."

"I'm Hayashi. Thank you for the compliment." He smiled and collected the plate.

Now came the part he hated most—washing dishes.

Hayashi thought for a moment, then decided to leave it for later tonight.

He also started considering whether he should hire someone to help keep the place clean.

But that could wait—this wasn't a normal restaurant, and he couldn't just hire anyone. Ordinary people might just end up… gone.

Just then, as Rize finished half her lemon tea, she suddenly spoke up again.

"Um, Hayashi-san, could I have some dessert too?"

"What would you like?"

"Anything is fine. As long as it's made by you, I'll like it."

"Uh… alright."

Ignoring the sudden glance from Kasumigaoka, Hayashi turned and walked into the kitchen.

Once she saw him enter the kitchen, Kasumigaoka sneakily shot Rize a glare.

What do you mean "as long as it's made by the chef, I'll like it"?

She'd never said anything like that!

This shameless woman!

She looked gentle and refined, but was clearly the complete opposite!

Still, Rize's senses were sharp. Even without looking at Kasumigaoka, she knew the girl had just secretly sent a wave of hostility her way.

Rize smiled quietly.

Ah… young love.

It was so rare for her to see something like this.

But between love and food—Rize preferred food.

More accurately, she sought food as a way to avenge and vent the pain of her tortured childhood.

In the kitchen—

Hayashi took out the sakura mochi he hadn't finished earlier and made another portion, then brought it out.

Under Rize's expectant gaze—

He set down the plate and invited her to try it.

Rize took a bite, showing an expression like, I knew it, before fully succumbing to the bliss of flavor.

There was no doubt.

Rize had already deduced—

It wasn't the food itself that was special.

It was who made the food.

So… what did he put in it?

Did he mix in his own blood?

Or perhaps… other bodily fluids?

Whatever it was, it tasted amazing.

Rize carefully savored every last bite of the dessert.

By then, it was already late at night.

Kasumigaoka glanced at the time and began packing up her things.

"I'm heading home, Hayashi-kun. See you after school tomorrow."

She left a wad of cash on the bar.

Yes, a whole wad.

Hayashi glanced at it—it had to be at least several tens of thousands of yen.

He sighed. "I told you, this isn't some shady shop. There's no need to give that much."

Honestly, it kind of felt like he was being kept or something.

Kasumigaoka Utaha smiled. "Then just treat the extra as a deposit. I won't give you anything next time."

That's what she said...

But usually, the only time she didn't give anything was when she forgot her wallet.

"Alright," Hayashi accepted the money. After all, there was no reason to refuse it.

If a customer thought the food was that good and wanted to show appreciation, then sure—he totally deserved it.

Since there were no other customers, Hayashi personally walked Utaha to the door.

He looked out at the quiet streetlamps and the few sparse silhouettes passing by.

Even though it was a safe district, Hayashi still felt a bit uneasy. So, he patted her shoulder lightly, leaving behind a bit of energy—to help him locate her if needed.

Then he said, "May the wind be at your back."

"Mhm." Utaha waved and walked off.

Back inside the shop—

Kamishiro Rize stood up and also said, "Thanks for the meal. Time to settle the bill, Chef."

"?" Hayashi accepted the money but found it a bit odd.

She's not trying to chase after Utaha… right?

Rize didn't seem like the type to eat women.

In the end, Rize also gave him quite a bit extra.

Hayashi looked at her. Rize smiled and explained, "Just think of the extra as a deposit. I'll be back again."

"..." Hayashi shook his head and returned the extra cash.

He explained, "Too much of a hassle to keep track of. Let's talk again after you've come a few more times."

Rize left shortly after.

As she walked away, her gaze lingered on Hayashi's silhouette locking up the shop—full of hunger and desire.

"You really are hard to resist, Chef-kun."