Trouble magnet (part2)

Following a brief rest in the nurse’s office, Ryota returned home, his heart filled with an uneasy sense of apprehension. He wasn’t entirely sure what caused him to feel that way, but he couldn’t shake off the sensation that something was amiss.

Maybe?

Yeah, it had to be Sato’s fault! Speaking of which, Ryota couldn’t help but notice that Sato had been following him silently on the way back home. He found the behavior odd. Having just left school, he had to turn and look at his friend in confusion.

“Hey, why are you following me?”

Sato scratched the back of his head, his eyes darting around nervously. “I... I can’t just ignore my bro, you know? Plus, I have to ensure you are okay, especially after what happened earlier. You were feverish, man.”

“That’s a bit extreme, don’t you think?” Ryota sighed, a mix of annoyance and gratitude washing over him. “You really know how to create unnecessary drama, don’t you? But thanks, I guess.”

With a chuckle, he resumed walking, allowing his friend to tag along.

Upon reaching Ryota’s house, they entered through the front gate. The house exuded a unique charm, seamlessly blending elements of tradition and modernity. The exterior was adorned with a slanted roof and a wooden facade, complementing the natural surroundings with its understated elegance. The worn tiles of the shady path leading to the front door reflected the warm glow of the late afternoon sun, creating a welcoming ambiance.

As they crossed the threshold, a cool breeze whispered through the air, carrying with it the subtle fragrance of rain and fresh grass. The leaves of nearby trees rustled in a gentle dance, lending a serene atmosphere to the surroundings.

Guiding Sato through the hallway, Ryota led him deeper into the house. The interior, a seamless blend of traditional and contemporary design elements, captivated the senses. Sliding doors adorned the spacious rooms, their elegant frames inviting exploration and providing glimpses of different areas throughout the house. The walls, painted in soothing neutral tones, created a serene backdrop for the carefully curated decor.

As they moved further inside, the atmosphere shifted, enveloping them in tranquility. Soft lighting, emanating from strategically placed paper lanterns and modern fixtures, bathed the rooms in a warm and inviting glow. The combination of polished wood and tatami mats added texture and traditional touch to the room.

In the living room, a low, sleek coffee table sat at the center, surrounded by plush cushions and comfortable seating options. Minimalist artwork adorned the walls, capturing scenes of nature and evoking a sense of calm. A carefully placed bonsai tree graced one corner, its delicate branches adding a touch of nature’s beauty to the room.

Ryota turned to Sato, breaking the silence. “My parents are still at work, so we have the house to ourselves until late at night,” he explained, a slight smile playing on his lips. “Make yourself at home.”

Sato’s eyes lit up with a mischievous glint as he immediately headed for the kitchen. He swung open the refrigerator door and peered inside, humming a cheerful tune under his breath. His gaze scanned the shelves, taking in the assortment of beverages. He stopped, reaching for a carton of yogurt, and a sly grin spread across his lips.

“It’s like a foodgasm!” he exclaimed. “We have all the yumminess in the world!”

“Mmm, let’s see what we have here,” he continued, disappointment tingeing his voice. “No eggs? How am I supposed to make my famous egg fried rice?”

Meanwhile, Ryota, feeling a sense of exhaustion weighing him down, decided to retreat to his room. He made his way through the hallway and entered his personal sanctuary. With swift movements, he undressed and jumped into bed, seeking solace and rest after a long day. He closed his eyes, hoping to drift off into slumber.

However, as Sato’s singing voice grew louder and louder, Ryota found himself unable to find peace. The cheerful melody permeated through the walls, interrupting any chance of tranquility. Ryota sighed and rubbed his temples, growing slightly annoyed. He was about to stand up when Sato finally appeared in the doorway, carrying a bowl of soup and wearing a mischievous grin.

“Ta-da! I present to you my culinary masterpiece!” Sato proclaimed, placing the bowl of soup on Ryota’s bedside table. “This vegetable soup, my friend, is a winner. It could secure a victory in any cooking contest!”

Ryota raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Sato’s sudden confidence in his cooking skills. He took a moment to observe the aroma wafting from the bowl, the steam dancing upward, carrying with it a comforting fragrance. His curiosity got the better of him, and he picked up the spoon, taking a cautious sip of the soup.

To his surprise, the flavors exploded in his taste buds. The soup was a harmonious blend of hearty vegetables, herbs, and spices, warming his insides with each mouthful. His initial skepticism gave way to a wide smile as he savored the delightful concoction.

“You made this in just a few minutes?”

“I knew you’d love it! I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve when it comes to cooking.” Sato grinned, clearly pleased with himself.

As he looked around the room, he noticed the number of shelves filled with mystery books. “You know, I’m always surprised by the number of mystery books you have, Ryota. Your room is like a detective’s lair!”

Ryota didn’t answer the remark. Instead, he shifted his attention back to the bowl of soup before him, taking another spoonful. The savory flavors danced on his tongue, providing comfort and nourishment. He ate the soup slowly, savoring every bite as if trying to extract every ounce of satisfaction from the culinary creation.

Sato’s grin widened. He leaned back in his chair, pulled out his phone, and playfully remarked.

“Are you sure you didn’t overuse your brain and catch a cold from all that detective work?”

Ryota paused for a moment, his spoon suspended in mid-air, as he processed the joke.

“Hey, at least we solved the case this time. It’s a once-in-a-blue-moon occurrence that we’ll probably never experience again.”

As Ryota uttered those words, Sato was already navigating to the camera app. He started taking selfies, making a series of exaggerated facial expressions. Click after click, he captured his playful antics, not paying much attention to his surroundings.

With a hint of indifference in his voice, he replied, “Well, I hate to burst your bubble, but you’ve only discovered half of the truth behind the solution, my friend.”

“…”

For a second, Ryota regretted ignoring a coincidence that seemed too good to be true because he had followed his hunch.