[Type text]
Bittersweet Recipe
"Okay class dismiss and please do not forget that you all be doing the project for the whole day individually so make sure you have everything you need for it."
Collective groans echoed throughout the classroom due of the reminder of the project tomorrow from their teacher. Normally, projects tend to be viewed as interesting, fun and good opportunity to make new friends, solidify any existing relationship or even just mess around due of the whole class being proactive in a project. However, that only occurs when the project is fun or exciting. This project however was not deemed to be fun nor exciting by the majority of the class except for some exceptions. This project involved culinary demonstration (or the lack of it) from each student as they will present their project to some guests who are coming in few days. In other words, everyone in this class was reminded that they will be cooking.
It was funny how majority of the class took this project negatively, how they think this could be the worse project they ever had; making excuses such as 'I never have cook in my life' or ' I do not need to learn cooking as I have someone else to do it' or anything else. Heck, there was someone in the class who ridiculously claimed they don't even know the term 'cooking'. Despite the apparent disdain for the project, there were some people who were actually excited for this project and one certain brunette was certainly brimming with excitement. To her, this was a good opportunity for her to try out some new recipes she had found out and to see if she hopefully wasn't blessed with her mother's uhh… culinary skills.
"Hikari-chan… I'm practically doomed." Hikari turned towards the source of bemoaned claim to see her blonde friend who had a comically despairing face as if he just found out that his life was meaningless.
"Oh? And why is it that you believe that you are, I quote 'practically doomed', my dear Takeru-kun." Hikari asked in an amused fashion as she quoted his words as a nod for his aspiration to be a writer.
"Oh my dear Hikari-chan, I am doomed because I am doomed to fail due of the astronomical injustice set upon by the universe as I am not bestowed upon with the blessing of culinary naturalness, technicality and passion!" While Hikari merely shook her head in slight amusement, the whole class was utterly consumed with laughter due of the sheer audacity and hilarity of Takeru's answer in a dramatic fashion as he even made a pose as while standing on chair as if he was asking God 'why have you done this to me?!"
"My god, Takeru, there was no need for that kind of performance that was surely is a blessing from the universe just for an answer." Hikari giggled while air quoted those words from Takeru as he merely shrugged while he got off from his chair just to be safe.
"Whether or not that performance was needed, which I am sure it was, my point still stands anyway. I'm going to fail this project because I can't cook." Takeru said dejectedly. . Hikari surprised how serious he sounds right now. It was a just a sudden complete 180. "Hell, I can't even make eggs anyway considering the last time I did, I nearly burned my house and after that my mom forbids me to cook anymore!"
"Oh come on, Takeru." Hikari said as she came over to pat his back to cheer him up while he just hunched over in pointless anguish. "First of all, that was just an accident anyway; you forgot to lower the flames while you were going to the toilet. Secondly, we still have today for preparation and practice anyway. I am sure you will be fine. After all, you are the digidestined who bears the crest of hope anyway. So don't give up on and hope for the best." Takeru looked up to face her, overwhelmingly grateful for her support and encouragement."
"Thanks, Hikari." Takeru responded. "You really know how to cheer anyone up when they feel in the dumps." Hikari gave him a big smile indicating that it was no problem. A lot of people, even those who were close with them, thought they would end up together due of how close they were when they were young and to the knowledge of few, how they had adventures together with their friends yet they don't see each other in a romantic fashion. Just someone who they hold dear to their hearts and cherish their deep, strong friendship they have. Besides, unbeknownst to anyone besides herself, her friend Miyako and possibly her brother, she had grown feelings for a certain someone who she also had adventures with.
"Well, I'll try to ask my mom to teach me how to make French toast; maybe I could serve them breakfast. At least I might get a decent grade because of it. As long I don't burn the house down that's it." Takeru sighed as he tried to come up with a plan. Hikari knew he wants to get good grades so he can get into the university he dreamed of going to for his career and Hikari was about to offer her help when...
"That aside, I do believe there's gonna be standout performances from some of the people. I think Kenjiro and Ayumi would do well. Oh! And Haru, she will give it her all due of her background, yeah." Oh, if only Takeru wasn't contemplating how would they cook their project while nodding and instead, aware of the consequences of mentioning the last girl's name. Any keen observers would notice the subtle yet distinctive changes occurred from Hikari. Her mouth clamped shut as if it was sewed together, her eyes lowered slightly, and the stiffness from her posture. If anyone tried to get any response, it is as if you expecting a statue to come alive. Takeru, confused by the lack of response from Hikari, looked up to her and was even more confused with how she is right now until he figured out why.
Oops... Takeru mentally gave him a slap in the forehead for forgetting how Hikari doesn't seem to be fond of Haru. Reasons why, he didn't know and couldn't think of any as Haru was known to be one of the most likeable person in the year, in fact she was one of the most popular students in the school, well admired by both the student body and the teachers. Heck he even thought that he would be really lucky guy if he went out with Haru, but he didn't considering he isn't looking for a relationship and he hardly knew her, he never even recalled one instance where they interact with each other.. But still… what is it in Haru that makes Hikari feel a bit on the edge he thought.
"It's all right, Takeru. You are right anyway, Haru would do well and give it her all because of how it means so much to her." Takeru was just taken aback the way Hikari responded with just a smile. He may think that it is all right but come on, he was one her closest friend. He can see that the smile was forced. Whatever 'conflict' she had with Haru must be serious if she behaved like this right now.
"Look Hikari, I didn't mean to mention about her. While I don't know what is exactly going on but I'll make it up to you. Let's just forget about Haru and I'm pretty sure she won't-"
"Hello there, Hikari-chan!" Speak of the devil and she will come, Takeru inwardly groaned. Yet despite both party turned to around to see this newcomer, she look anything but devil-like. Hell if anything, she looked like an angel Takeru thought. Long brown hair messily tied up in a ponytail, reaching down her shoulders. A slim and slightly petite figure would suggest she may be fragile yet based on her light yet perfect tanned skin and the more obvious feature of a sports bag clung onto her, it would be safe to say she was very active in sports and can take care of herself. Her smile, so infectious and showed those pearly white teeth and her soft looking pink lips that just waiting to be kissed. However, the most distinctive features were her eyes; it was full of life, brimming inside those emeralds like fire and finally, her whole personality. She wearing her heart on her sleeves would be an understatement, this girl was as genuine and bold anyone could never even tried to be, you could say her skin is her heart. She would never lie and would say stuff that some people would be really uncomfortable just because how she feels. Some may say she may lack a bit of tact or manners and tend to act before think but to most, she speaks out truly from her heart.
Seeing this girl unfortunately reminded Hikari of that certain someone. He has that same infectious smile and the irresistible lips that she found it almost impossible not to just grab him and kiss them, that whole personality where he everything he ever done was from his heart and those eyes. Oh those eyes… so full of courage, passion and life, you can't help it but feel as if you can truly see his heart in those eyes. While thinking of him would make her feel giddy and happy, this occasion wasn't. As soon as she thought of him, she noticed how these two were so similar. That… was one thought she definitely wasn't happy about, as she remembered the history with this girl.
"He-Hello there, Katsuraki-san" Hikari politely responded to her while trying to fake a smile. She was so disappointed with her behavior yet it was so difficult. She unfortunately saw Haru as a rival despite how she hates having any conflict with anyone.
"Oh come on, Hikari-chan~!" Haru have a small but devilishly adorable pout that Takeru or anyone would find it overloaded with pure cuteness. "I thought we are at the first name basis! Calling me Katsuraki-san it's like saying I am a married woman with a husband and 2 kids, like my Mom!" Haru giggled at her joke and so did Takeru and to a slightly lesser degree, Hikari.
"Well, if you can call her Hikari-chan~" Takeru teased Hikari on how Haru said her name while also trying to ease this subtle yet definite tension inside Hikari. "And are on first name basis, may I also have the honor to be in the first name basis with you too, Katsura – Oh, I mean Haru-chan~"
"Hahaha, oh man Takepon! That was a good one!" Wait, Takepon?! Did she call me TAKEPON?! Takeru thought. Oh god, whatever comment on how cute she is and how she looked like an angel, Takeru wished he could take it back. This girl was so similar to one of his close friend who just loves to tick him off by purposely saying his name wrong." As long you can make those French toast and along with other essential pieces for a perfect breakfast well, then I will think about it."
Haru winked at Takeru as she knew he felt embarrassed that his idea for his project was heard loud and clear by not just her but also other classmates as there are evidences of snickers were heard after Haru mentioned about the French toast. Hikari felt the need to end this interaction so she needed to remind Haru about how they must go now to prepare their project.
"Katsuraki-san, I think we should all go and prepare our project now. We don't want to be pressured on the day now do we?" Hikari almost imagined patting her herself in the head for making that perfect excuse to go when she saw Haru nodded in agreement.
"Yep, but we still have time to converse you know. Like, what food you gonna make because I'm gonna make this traditional meal that my dad taught me but I am gonna add some of my own signatures like…" Oh damn it; it didn't have the desired effect Hikari wished for as she knew Haru was right. There was still some time before they need to go. Oh she hated how she's acting like this, this wasn't like her. Looking at Haru enthusiastically rambled on about what she going to do for the project; she knew how this meant so much to the excited girl.
"Oh Hikari, we have to go now! The others texted me saying they are already waiting.'' Yes, yes, YES! Oh bless you Takeru and the others "Ok Takeru, let's get our things now."
"Oh sorry guys, didn't mean to take your time" Haru apologized realizing that she forgot how there are chances of other people waiting for the two. "But yeah, don't forget any important stuff and wish you all good luck!"
Both Hikari and Takeru also replied their thanks and were gathering their stuff and headed to the classroom exit when…
"Oh wait, Hikari – chan!" Hikari turned around in confusion as why Haru wanted to call her at the last minute. "I don't know what is going on with you as you seem troubled so…"
Hikari was beyond shocked as Haru bowed down then looked her with a guilty expression and fidgeted as she felt she had done something horrible. "I am sorry for the trouble I may have caused you. I hope it doesn't ruin our friendship."
Oh god, Hikari truly hated herself at that moment. This girl didn't' directly do any harm to her and Hikari knew that she always had good intentions. She really had to defuse this situation.
"You haven't done anything bad, Haru and I am sure our friendship won't be ruined if there is something" Hikari smiled at the sight of seeing Haru lit up, knowing that they are still friends. Despite that, she felt incredibly guilty as there was something going on because of Haru and she truly hoped that it won't ruin any friendship that she may not have initially thought of before with Haru or anyone else that could be involved.
Hello I am EZS. Before I say anything, I do not own the rights of Digimon franchise itself.
Now, this is my very first fanfic so I was really excited and got a perfect idea for this story. I already planned out how the story goes but what I did not expect was that I may need to make chapters for this story as I was originally planning this story to be a one-shot. However, at least I can have more time to write out each chapter and correct any errors. Another thing I want to say is that English isn't my first language but I grew up in an international environment when I was young. Any grammatical errors, awkward prose, wrong tone or anything please point it out as I want to make sure the next time I update, I won't make a lot of errors.
Nonetheless, I would truly be grateful if any readers who read this story rate this and review this as I want to improve my writing abilities before I write out new stories. Any ideas or suggestion please PM me.
