Rice's POV
Rice: "..." Gulp.
Rudolf: "Big Brother bragged that this meal would be extravagant, but I never imagined it would reach this level…"
CB: "I mean, just look around. Everyone is glued to the table. And look at Brian's eyes—she doesn't even look that sharp during a simultaneous heat."
Narita Brian: "..." [A piercing, predatory glare]
B-Brian-san… she's actually a little scary. B-but, Oguri Cap-san and Special Week-san are staring at us too… It's just like last year. Everyone is watching so intensely, I can't relax.
Oguri Cap: "It looks… so delicious…" [Drool cascading like a waterfall]
Tamamo Cross: "Oguri, wipe your mouth, ya glutton! There's so much spit it's lookin' like a damn waterfall!!"
Special Week: "I-it's incredible… I just want one bite…!" [Clatter!]
Tokai Teio: "Spe-chan, no! I get how you feel, but you can't!" [Struggling to hold her back]
Silence Suzuka: "Stop, Spe-chan!" [Heaving against her]
Hachiman's POV
Hachiman: (Those three look like they're about to lose it… Brian's eyes are exactly like a raptor's stalking its prey. She isn't 'watching' us; she's marking us. Oguri has created a literal Niagara Falls of drool, and Spe… well, I hope those two can keep her pinned down.)
Rudolf: "It would be a waste to let it get cold. Let's dig in."
CB: "Right. Well then—itadakimasu!"
Rice: "I-itadakimasu!"
Rice's POV
I think I'll start with this seasoned rice. Big Brother said it was cod, right?
Rice: "…Munch… Mm?! Mmmph!!"
Rudolf: "!"
CB: "Mmm-hmmm~♪"
I-it's amazing… this rice is so good! Big Brother said he used white dashi to bring out the umami, but I didn't know it could taste like this!
Rice: "Big Brother, this rice is wonderful!"
Hachiman: "Glad you like it. The cod is seasoned well, so it's even better if you eat them together."
CB: "Hachiman, Hachiman! Is there any more of this quiche?!"
Hachiman: "Like I said earlier, you can have one second helping. I'll give you more then."
Rudolf: "Truly a 'delicacy of the highest order.' It's delicious, Brother."
Hachiman: "That's all that matters."
I can't help but reach for the other dishes! But why is it that I'm saving the steak for last? Is it because I don't want it to end?
(Note: People call this 'Last Elixir Syndrome,' even if the meaning is slightly different.)
Hachiman: "Anyway, I'm going to go start the cleaning. Let me know if you want those seconds."
CB: "Oka~y!"
Rice: "Oh, right!"
Special Week: "RRR-RRR-RICE SHA-WAAA-THUNNN!!" [Struggling with inhuman strength]
Rice: "Hyaah?! S-Special Week-san? And Silence Suzuka-san and Teio-san?!"
Teio: "N-nghhh… Spe-chan! You're way too strong right now!!"
Suzuka: "How is she still moving forward even with two of us holding her?! Spe-chan, what's gotten into you?!"
…W-wow. She made it all the way here even though two people were trying to stop her.
Hachiman: (Save that kind of power for the race track.)
Spe: "J-ju-ju-just wun bide!! Give me wun bide, pleade!! I'm beggin' you!!"
Rice: "U-um…" [Glances at Hachiman]
Hachiman: "Rice, it's your food, so do what you want. But keep in mind, if you give in, they might start coming at you one by one. Think before you act."
Rice: "Well… um… Then, how about this gratin soup—"
[CHOMP!!!]
Rice: "Hyaah?!"
Spe: "Id's sooo goood…!!" [Crying tears of joy]
Teio: "Whoa?! Huff… puff… Spe-chan, don't just go limp all of a sudden! That was dangerous!"
Spe: "Uuuugh… it's so tasty…" [Sobbing]
Suzuka: "It's no use. She's checked out."
I'm not sure if she was fully satisfied, but Special Week-san was hauled back to her seat by the other two. However, CB-san and the President were now being cornered by Brian-san and Oguri Cap-san. Last year they asked Big Brother for food, but I guess this year, they're coming for us…
--- Several dozen minutes later ---
CB: "Phew, I'm stuffed! But I think I can still go for more. How about you two?"
Rudolf: "Naturally. I'm still eating."
Rice: "Rice can still eat, too! I'll go tell Big Brother!"
Rudolf: "Yes, please do."
Rice: "Big Brother, seconds please!"
Hachiman: "Sure. Here you go, I've got them ready."
Rice: "You already had them prepared?!"
Hachiman: "I was watching you guys while I did the dishes. Besides, watching you all eat so heartily made me hungry. Mind if I join you?"
Rice: "Yes, of course!" [Beaming]
Ehehe, it's been since the Academy that I've eaten with Big Brother, so I'm really happy. Since coming here, we've been eating separately.
Hachiman: "Here, your seconds. Rice, I'll take the seat next to you."
Rice: "Mhm, please!"
Rudolf: "Are you eating too, Brother?"
Hachiman: "Seeing you guys enjoy it so much piqued my appetite. Besides, those three already got their 'one bite,' so they shouldn't be bothering us anymore."
CB: "But won't they come after you, Hachiman? Thinking you'll give them more?"
Hachiman: "I'll just tell them this is the last of it and turn them down. I only had enough for a taste test earlier, so I'm actually starving."
Rice: "Then Big Brother, won't that not be enough for you?"
Hachiman: "Nah, I'm just a human, Rice. I can't eat those insane quantities. I'm not a glutton."
CB: "Then Hachiman, want me to feed you?♪"
Hachiman: "That's bad manners, so I'll pass."
Rudolf: "Brother, if it's convenient for you, would you consider cooking for Mother and Father sometime?"
Hachiman: "I can't do something so bold for such a prestigious family, so I'll have to pass on that too."
Rice: "B-Big Brother… if… if we go home for the next break… could you maybe make something for my mother and father?"
Hachiman: "I'd be happy to. They've done a lot for me, so I can at least do that much."
CB: "Hachiman is always so soft on Rice, isn't he?"
Rudolf: "I suppose I could manage that much as well…"
Spe-chan's obsession was really something…
And the other two managed to sneak some for themselves, too.
-------------------------------
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