The Top Idol Next Door Can't Help But Crave My Guilty Pleasure Meals-Chapter 2Volume .5 - Ugh...

ROUND 2 – “Ugh…” 5

What emerged from Emoto-san’s bag were two types of containers.

First, Emoto-san handed Yuzuki a plastic cup with a lid. Inside were cherry tomatoes, broccoli, and roughly chopped cucumbers.

“Pour some non-oil Japanese-style dressing, shake the cup well, and the seasoning will evenly coat everything, creating a satisfying taste even with a small amount.”

A shake salad, huh? I’ve seen those sold at convenience stores and cafes.

And in the other container, there were oatmeal rice balls and meatballs, both bite-sized and skewered for easy eating.

That was Emoto-san’s prepared menu.

While the visual flair and healthiness catch the eye, what should be noted is the convenience.

The salad ingredients are chunky, so they can be eaten with just a pick, without the need for chopsticks or a fork.

“We idols must be able to quickly and efficiently take in nutrition in any situation, as there won’t always be a table or flat surface available.”

Having set a punishment for the loser, Emoto-san seemed very confident.

Her menu had a good balance of meat and vegetables.

“Start with the salad. It’ll help moderate your blood sugar rise.”

“…Itadakimasu.”

Yuzuki stabbed a peach-colored pick into the broccoli and brought it to her mouth, followed by the cherry tomatoes and cucumbers.

The crisp, pleasant sound echoed through the gazebo.

“How is it? Tasty?”

Emoto-san looked on with hopeful eyes.

The next moment, I saw something unbelievable.

Void.

Or perhaps emptiness, the cosmos, infinity, the concept of ’emptiness’ in Buddhism.

All light had vanished from Yuzuki’s eyes. It seemed that ‘healthy’ didn’t resonate with her hungry self.

“…”

Like a robot, she moved only her mouth mechanically, without using any facial muscles.

“Yuzuki must be so moved that she’s lost for words. Does this mean I’ve already won?”

Emoto-san was completely oblivious to her ‘younger sister’s’ distress. Rather, she was utterly convinced of her own victory.

Yuzuki chose the oatmeal rice ball as the second choice. It seemed to be mixed with white sesame seeds and hijiki seaweed.

A popping sound could be heard from inside her mouth.

“…”

I was almost impressed by how much Yuzuki could suppress her emotions as she remained silent.

“The texture of the white sesame seeds and hijiki makes for an interesting accent, doesn’t it? The seaside flavor covers the mild taste of the rice ball.”

Emoto-san’s nose was held high in pride, almost outshining Pinocchio.

Was it extreme positivity, or was she simply oblivious to her surroundings?

“…But in the end…!”

Just then, a faint glimmer of light returned to Yuzuki’s eyes.

It was no wonder, considering the last side dish was meatballs, dressed in black vinegar and glistening in the sunlight.

The reason for Yuzuki’s rising excitement hardly needed explaining.

“I’ve been looking forward to this meat! Itadakimasu…?”

With each chew, Yuzuki’s expression darkens for some reason.

As far as I knew, she didn’t dislike the sourness of black vinegar.

“……”

Ah, Yuzuki had reverted to her robotic state. Worse yet, the pace of her chewing had slowed significantly, and a complete shutdown seemed imminent.

It was unthinkable for Yuzuki not to enjoy meat.

She had devoured a hamburger just the other day like a member of a hunting tribe.

Suddenly, a possibility dawned on me.

“Emoto-san, may I try one as well?”

“Are you also drawn to the lunch I’ve made? Please, go ahead.”

Taking her up on the offer, I popped a meatball skewered on a pick into my mouth.

I instantly understood the subtle reason behind Yuzuki’s expression.

“Is this… okara?” (TN: tofu dreg, leftover solids from making tofu.)

As if she had been waiting for the question, Emoto-san snapped her fingers with a look of pride.

“Spot on! I’ve used tofu and egg whites as binders in addition to the okara, so it’s not crumbly and easy to eat, right?”

The strong flavor of the black vinegar sauce seemed to cleverly mask the simplicity of the okara. Plus, it was low-calorie to boot.

She had adhered to her concept while achieving high quality.

But still,

“If you like it, I’ll be happy to make it for you anytime.”

“..okay…”

No good. Yuzuki’s morale was completely shattered.

“T-then, it’s my turn now!”

I couldn’t bear to watch her any longer. I had to restore Yuzuki’s spirits as quickly as possible.

Emoto-san’s lunchbox was clear in its intentions, and there were no significant demerits to the lunchbox itself.

If this were a cooking showdown on a TV program, she might well have a chance of winning.

But Emoto-san was mistaken. The judge was not a chef from a three-star restaurant or a gym instructor, but Sasaki Yuzuki, a junk food lover.

I would seize this opportunity to show her. The sight of Yuzuki enjoying her favorite food.

I unfolded the napkin and opened the lid of the disposable bento box.

“This is the lunch I prepared.”

“…♥”

I didn’t miss the instant change in Yuzuki’s eyes.

If we were to compare the richness of colors or the variety of items, my lunch was no match for Emoto-san’s. But there is a saying: simple is best.

I had absolute confidence in this one dish.

“Sorry to keep you waiting, Yuzuki. Today’s lunch is a beef kalbi bento!” (TN: Short rib)

Yuzuki, who had been emotionless like a machine until a moment ago, now wore a face brimming with anticipation.

Whether at gyudon chains, diners, and family restaurants, various cuts like loin, skirt, thigh, and fillet are available for yakiniku. However, the ultimate partner for white rice is none other than kalbi.

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The abundant fat of the kalbi, which can sometimes be a flaw, is something that white rice can handle any amount of.

Pure white grains become more alluring and elegant when coated with juicy oil.

The preparation is the epitome of a ‘masculine’ meal.

The meat is boldly stir-fried in a sauce made of soy sauce, sugar, sake, sesame oil, and grated garlic and ginger, then served over white rice.

Finish it off with a sprinkle of white sesame seeds.

It’s the so-called ‘Immoral Meal’ in direct opposition to Emoto-san’s ‘Moral Meal’.

It’s like a showdown between a hero and a villain.

And in the battle between good and evil, it’s not always certain that justice will prevail.

Just as the concept of a dark hero exists in movies and American comics…

Some people are just… inevitably drawn to the path of evil…