“You’re right!” The floodgates opened once more. This time, I didn’t bother restraining my laughter. When I finally managed to calm down, I grabbed onto Jiro’s bicep and squeezed gently. “Thank you. I need a good laugh to save me from a depression.”
“Well, I’m glad I could be your punching bag.”
“I’m serious. Thank you, even though I might have peed my uniform a bit.”
He shot me a sideways glance, trying to hide a grin. “You’re welcome. When’s the last time you laughed like that?”
“It’s been a while,” I admitted. “Not since…university.”
“With me?”
“Yes.” I chuckled. “You can be gullible and easy to tease.”
“I’m glad I have you to point out my quality traits.”
“I didn’t mean for it to come across as an insult. It’s sweet and adorable.”
“Keep talking like that, and I might start believing you.”
As we walked under the moonlight, memories of our time together crept in: walking side by side, holding hands, how I would snuggle into Jiro’s side, and how his voice comforted me back then. For a moment, I let myself relax.
“What are you thinking?” Jiro asked, breaking the silence.
“That for once, I feel calm.”
“That’s dangerous,” he said. “Good thing you’ve got someone watching your back.”
It felt like the right moment to ask the question nagging at me. “Jiro, why are you helping me?”
“I already told you. I think you’re the best chef here and deserve to win.”
“Thank you, but seriously, why? I feel like you’ve given me boilerplate answers each time.”
“You want to know why I’m being so nice to you after what happened in the past.”
“Yes,” I said softly, as if I were ashamed to admit that I’d broken it off with him.
Jiro sighed. “Look, I don’t hate you for what happened in the past. I’ve had a lot of time to reflect, and I know I was a piece of work back then. I’ve grown. I take life much more seriously now. And honestly, I’ve always admired your drive, your determination. You fight for what you want.”
“I had no choice. No rich parents. Actually, no parents.”
“But I think that’s what made you who you are today. The only thing I thought you lacked back then was confidence. But this, coming here, is pure determination. This is Akiko sayingI want this, and I’m taking it.”
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Who was this man telling me things that made me feel proud and my heart swell? Sweet words that made my knees weak and left me a little flustered?
Pull yourself together, Akiko. Remember why you’re here. Remember how the game works. Anyone could be a part of it, even Jiro.
I straightened up, cleared my throat, and threw my chin up. “You’re saying you honestly want me to win? There’s no agenda at work here?”
“No agenda,” he said firmly. “I mean it.”
“Okay, I believe you.”
“Finally.”
“But…”
“Here we go with thebut… Come on, bring it on.”
