Chapter 49:
Spice of Life
As the afternoon arrived, Rika's eyes perked up as she noticed Yuni, the magenta haired girl from the other day walk in. She was wearing a typical middle school uniform and naturally had her hair styled in twin tails like before.
"Hoh, we got another repeat. So here for an after school snack?" Rika grinned.
"Are you alright miss?" Yuni asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just can't cook for a week that's all. But no need to worry, ole Col Masaru's the one that makes your chicken anyway."
"Well get better soon. In addition to the chicken, I want egg rolls and a small desert for the triplets."
"Alright. Guess I'm the take-out waitress for the week," Rika smiled as she turned to holler the order to the kitchen.
...
As Yuni happily gazed at the food, Rika walked over and gazed at it.
"Wanna try one with a little spice?" Rika offered.
"Sure, do this piece!" Yuni smiled.
Rika then whipped a bottle of spice out of her breasts and sprinkled some of its contents on the chicken.
"It's a mystery spice everyday, so whether it's good or bad, all depends on you and the spice," Rika grinned.
"A mystery roulette? Sounds intriguing," Yuni said as she took a bite.
"Wow, it got a little sour. Hmm, could it be amchoor?" Yuni asked.
"Not bad. You know your flavors," Rika smiled.
"The mango taste gave it away. I kind of like the original more though."
"No worries. This was just a little culinary mad science."
Yuni then happily left as Hina arrived. Hina was still dressed in her standard attire and elicited many looks from patrons.
"So this is your place. I felt I should at least give my patronage before I'm shipped out to America," Hina said.
"So you really are going to America? Guess I'll-"
"No! No cooking for a week! No exceptions!" Matcha glared.
"Did something happen?" Hina nervously asked.
"Yeah, her doctor said she needs to take it easy. If she tries to cook, shave all her hair off on the spot!"
"And what if I don't mind?" Rika smirked.
"Masaru would say no."
"Then let me hear it from him. Hey Masaru! Want your girl to cook and go bald?"
Masaru immediately emerged and glared at Rika.
"No. You're not cooking."
"What if I'm willing to go bald to cook for a friend," Rika pouted.
"Er- please don't. I'd prefer you don't look like your sister did," Masaru stuttered.
"Heh? You like me with hair?" Rika cooed.
"Y- Yes. I- It looks good on you," Masaru blushed.
"Well sorry Hina, hair's off limits so someone else'll have to cook you a farewell meal," Rika smiled.
"Oh well. Well, I think you're more suited to rocking the ginger locks rather than the chrome dome anyway," Hina smiled as she playfully ruffled Rika's hair.
"If she's out, then how bout you cook me something, Matcha?" Hina asked.
"ME!? Uh-"
"Come on. You're perfectly fine, and I've wanted to try your cooking."
"Fine. Guess I'm handling this," Matcha sighed.
"In that case, you will prepare a meal for us too," Mochi declared.
She was garbed in a middle school uniform from an all girls school and accompanied by a girl with long chestnut hair wearing the same type of uniform as her.
"Wow, your sis works in a fancy place. Hope her food tastes just as fancy," the girl cooed.
"This is Bianka. She's what you consider a friend," Mochi grumbled.
Bianka surveyed the scene before waltzing up to Rika.
"Damn girl, you got some smooth sexy legs," Bianka cooed.
"*Sigh* Bianka, do NOT flirt with the staff," Mochi growled as she dragged Bianka towards a table.
"She just gets jelly when I woo other girls besides her," Bianka called out.
"BIANKA! WHAT NONSENSE ARE YOU SPOUTING!?" Mochi fumed as her face went red with embarrassment.
"Wait, are those two-"
"No, they're just friends. Bianka has confessed numerous times, but Mochi's turned her down each time. Heck, I'VE had to turn Bianka down multiple times," Hina grumbled.
"Oh, so she's just a flirt. Ugh."
"Well, at least she just keeps it to flirting. She'll also step in line if you threaten to send her older sister after her."
"Huh? Well thanks for the tip."
...
Matcha arrived and helped serve the food to Hina's group with Mimi.
"Damn, this place is full of cuties. Hey hot manager, you got one of those punch cards? Cause I think I'm gonna be a regular," Bianka called out.
"Sorry, but we don't currently offer that service, though I'd recommend you stop embarking on the path of harassment, I have your sister's number," Rika threateningly smiled.
"Prove it, flash your phone," Bianka dared.
Rika froze as Bianka began to grin.
"I may be a flirt, but I'm a genius flirt. I'm in the top 5 in my grade," Bianka snickered.
"She is being truthful. She is ACADEMICALLY intelligent," Mochi glared.
"Hey, I've got street smarts too. Onee-sama drilled everything into me."
"Then stop flirting or I will dial her. I DO have her number."
"Geh, alright, alright. I'll stop," Bianka grumbled as she began eating.
"Mmm, this is good Matcha," Hina complimented.
"Thanks, I'm not the most skilled here, but it scrapes by," Matcha embarrassingly smiled.
"No need to be humble, it tastes good," Mochi stated.
"I'm not sure how I feel hearing that from you, sadly," Matcha somberly sighed.
"And you said I'M the one lacking street smarts. You pale against me in matters regarding the heart," Bianka grumbled as she shoveled food into her mouth.
"I'm quite knowledgeable on cardiovascular-"
"Love! And don't try and pretend I'm talking about fish! Love! Like I Love you, that kinda heart stuff."
"Psychology then? I believe I'm well versed in that am I not?" Mochi glared.
"Well, maybe not in regards to your own family sadly. Food's great Matcha. I know ya feel Mochi's just saying it to make you feel good, but it's good."
"Bianka, I know YOU'RE trying to make me feel better. Mochi, it's fine. I know I'll never be at your level. Give it to me."
"*Sigh* I'm at no liability if you become depressed and refuse to come to work..."
...
Matcha sunk to the ground in tears as Mochi finished her critique.
"Wow, who knew you could put Gorman Randy to shame," Rika shuddered.
"Are you the Myouchi girl who refused to pursue cooking?" Itsuki asked as she walked over.
"WHOA! What happened to you!?" Bianka gasped.
"An incident."
"And you still get to cook?" Rika glared.
"The same doctor you have said I was fine to cook. It's probably better than me sitting around doing nothing."
"Not like I don't want to do anything."
"To answer your question, yes. I am Mochika Myouchi, and I have decided to become superintendent general instead of becoming a chef," Mochi stated.
"Admirable, but your culinary spirit still lingers. That rant of yours is proof of that."
"I would prefer it not. If you're going to goad me into being a food critic, then I will decline, Miss Makihara."
"Y- You know who I am!?"
"I recognize your voice. I also saw video footage of your father's rant, and subsequently, the reason why your head is bandaged."
"I-"
"I mean you no harm. I'm am just displaying my observational skills. Though I suppose as an apology for offending you, I'll allow you to make me a dish to critique."
A smile immediately lit up on Itsuki's face as she ran back to the kitchen.
"And that is my psychology mastering in work," Mochi smirked.
"Heh, you're smiling too. Thanks for making me look stupid," Bianka smiled.
"I'm glad things will still be lively even when I go abroad. Don't worry, I'll be sure to come back. Gotta try your food when Mo-chan gets out," Hina smiled as she paid the bill and began to leave.
"Got a flight to catch?" Rika asked.
"Sadly yes. Hope my passport's enough to get me through security without issue. You wouldn't believe how hard it was for me to get a new one," Hina smiled as she waved goodbye.
...
Itsuki trembled as Mochi finished her rant.
"Well, I guess it wasn't as long as mine, though I'm shocked it was still so long," Matcha grumbled.
"It's fine, I want to know how to improve my cooking. Thank you Myouchi-san, I'll treasure your advice," Itsuki bowed.
"It was merely a service on my part," Mochi replied as she and Bianka left.
"Bianka, is your sister out of the country?" Mochi asked.
"She's about to be I think, why?" Bianka asked.
"Because I tried calling her almost 4 nights ago, yet was unable to even get through."
"Huh, she did mention she got a new phone, but I just assumed she kept the SIM card."
"Is she still in town?"
"Not sure. Think she said she was moving out today or tomorrow. Guess she's got a big case or somethin."
"Hmm, I sure hope it's a case."
"Relax, Onee-sama's a badass ass kicker, and she's hot and smart. She even makes me a bit jealous with how easily she can hook guys and girls."
"Though she does that for her job, not because she's a flirt like you."
"She could easily land a guy for real though. Guess she's more focused with cleaning the streets of crime."
"If so it's admirable. Reika-san keeps finding ways to raise my respect for her," Mochi smiled.
...
"Why was I not told there was a world renowned food critic here!?" Masaru glared.
"Technically she isn't. Well she'll probably come back. Matcha can always speed dial her," Rika shrugged.
Please log in to leave a comment.