落とし穴番外：女神が新たる道へと踏み出す (Part2)
"Yes, yes. Hifi, pouting like that won't change anything. Come on, let's eat. Dig in."
"Indeed. Let's eat."
Taizo and I said our piece and began our dinner. Tonight’s menu was stir-fried vegetables, miso soup, and rice. Hmm, a reliable, standard meal. I can handle just about anything when it comes to technology, but cooking is the one thing I’ve always been terrible at.
"Oh? Is something wrong, Comet? Was it not to your liking?"
"No, I was just impressed by how you always manage to prepare such a careful meal, Hifi. For me, it’s hard to put so much effort into something that just disappears the moment you eat it."
That’s right—it feels such a waste to have something I’ve poured my heart and soul into vanish so quickly. Perhaps it’s a trait unique to someone like me, who creates things, to want them to last a little longer. As I pondered my own desires, Hifi answered my question.
"I apologize for giving you the same answer as always, but I can do my best because there are people who eat my food with a smile. That includes Taizo, of course, and you as well, Comet."
"Yeah. Thanks. Ah, that’s right. You always used to cook for everyone in the 'Betu-Ken' group, too."
Along with a sincere feeling of gratitude, I felt a wave of nostalgia for the past. Hifi’s response hasn't changed in all this time. She cooks because it makes someone smile. To me, that is a dazzling, overly pure answer. And it is a path that feels infinitely far away.
"However, it’s not as if you are incapable of cooking, Comet. I can manage a little bit myself, after all."
"Ah, well. It’s not that I *can't* do it, I suppose."
If I couldn't cook at all, I would have starved to death long ago, before the others in the group could have cut me down. After all, Hifi couldn't look after me every single second of the day. I can make the bare minimum required to stay alive. That’s all. It’s just for nutritional replenishment; I’ve never found any joy in the act of cooking itself.
"Well, it just means I’ll never be like Hifi, no matter how hard I try. Which is only natural."
"You’re making such a big deal out of just cooking."
"It’s not a big deal at all. Look, it’s the same as when Hifi accidentally destroys a game with a 'miracle.' People have their strengths and weaknesses."
"My goodness. Saying things like that... if you don't change, how will you ever cook for someone you love?"
"Me, cooking for a man I love... huh. Ah..."
Ugh, no. I can’t imagine it at all. For some reason, the image that popped into my head was Yuki diligently cooking a meal for me. Well, in reality, whenever Hifi isn't around, I usually end up being taken care of on his end. That’s how it is in the real world.
"You really are hopeless."
"It’s a bit late to talk about boyfriends when I’m a corpse, isn't it? The only person I can even imagine is Yuki."
"Haha. Indeed, if it were Yuki, he’d probably accept even Comet without a second thought."
"Though, he probably wouldn't need Comet. Aside from her technical skills, she can't even handle a simple meal."
"Grr... That’s actually starting to annoy me. Fine! If you’re going to go that far, I’ll learn how to cook!"
"Oh? Comet, cooking?"
Anyone can follow a recipe if they can read and understand the words. Cooking is just like science or magic. There’s no way I can’t do it.
"Wait, you aren't counting 'pour hot water and wait three minutes' as cooking, are you?"
"Do you take me for a fool? But, Hifi, I have a condition for you as well."
"Eh? What is it?"
"Since you’re making me do something I’m bad at, shouldn't you try to overcome your weakness at games?"
"...Impossible."
"It is not impossible! Do it! The deadline is one week! I’m going to clear it properly and we’ll have an official battle!"
"Ehh!?"
"Hahaha. That doesn't sound bad, does it? Why not take this opportunity to learn games? I’ll help you. Besides, you might be able to understand Comet better that way."
"Eeeeeh!?"
Perfect. I’ve got Taizo on my side. He’ll handle the support on his own. Yes, I’ll train my main forces in preparation for the big day! I’m going to absolutely crush Hifi!
Hifi has finally entered the game hell. And above all! The additional stage for Pokémon starts on the 17th! I can’t wait! Comet is beyond excited!