Chapter 1833 Price of being too popular
?1833 Price of being too popular
As soon as Sawano finished speaking, they all turned around to look behind them. There, other college students popped out from somewhere.
Most of them are carrying folded long tables and stools to be set up in this wide, open clearing.
We parted in the middle to give way and as expected, they started putting those down – without setting them up. They’re definitely going to let us do it.
Not long after that, a few more college students appeared carrying small, portable stoves, cooking utensils, dishes, bowls, spoons, and chopsticks.
And obviously, there’s another group bringing in the food supplies. Meat, vegetables, trays of eggs, sacks of rice, and other condiments to be used in cooking are dropped in front of us.
Even without explanation, everyone was already expecting what they would say next.
“To commemorate this day and before we separate you from each other, you boys and girls are going to cook breakfast for yourselves.”
“You have ten minutes to send representatives.
Given that there’s a lot of you here, we’re expecting at least ten from both sides to handle the cooking. Some of you should be capable enough to cook simple dishes, right?”
“Those who will step up as representatives need not worry as the others won’t be idle. They’re also going to do something and not just wait for the food to reach their tables. They will fetch water, set your dining areas, and help wash or cut the ingredients.”
Sawano took a step back after saying all that. Shiina then took over to add more information about the task.
“We’ll be monitoring you and helping out depending on the situation. But with more than 100 of you here, we’re expecting that you’ll be cooperating with each other. Enjoy the moment and have fun eating something you all worked hard for.”
Shiina scanned her eyes around us and put on an encouraging smile. Then, with their explanation done, they all took a step back to let us start discussing amongst ourselves.
Since it would be a joint effort between boys and girls, we both turned to each other’s group while separated by the tables and chairs that had yet to be set up.
At first, no one was saying anything, they’re all trying to gauge the situation.
I also didn’t want to stand out a lot so I simply looked on.
In any case, I still acted amiable and did the same before nodding at the girl from Class 2.
Before long, the guy from Class 4 stood next to me and introduced himself, “Onoda, right? Sorry for making you do this. I’m Kobayashi.”
“It’s fine. I’m probably paying my dues for being too popular.”
“T-that... seems to be right.” He awkwardly laughed at my response.
Now with the five of us stepping up, I brought the guy to meet up with the other three in the middle.
Of course, we didn’t step on the piled-up tables and stacked stools that we had to set up. We took the same spot where the camp managers were standing earlier.
Kanzaki immediately went to my side and we formed a circle to discuss.
As I expected, it was the Class 3 President who first spoke up, owing to her cheerfulness, “Heh. I didn’t expect Onoda-kun to call us out like that. And here I thought I would be off the hook.”
“Umeda-san, that’s rude.” The Class 2 President interjected, calling her out. They’re probably acquaintances as the girl, Umeda pouted at her.
“You can tell me your grievances later, Umeda-san but I can’t do this alone, no? I’m not at all familiar with everyone.”
“Oh. For sure. But you, we all know about you. You’re quite a hot topic. I’m also curious how everyone is gushing out for you.” Umeda smirked and took a step forward. Maybe to look at my face closer.
Seeing that, Kanzaki immediately stepped out, blocking her, “Umeda-san, we’re not here to discuss Onoda-kun, are we? We have to select representatives. I can volunteer to be one, what about you three?”
Umeda meaningfully smiled at Kanzaki but she didn’t push it. She took a step back and nodded. “I will volunteer too if Onoda-
kun here will. And before you can ask me if I’m capable, my family owns a small eatery. I’m quite skilled at the kitchen.”
Alright. This girl was somewhat interesting but at the same time, she smelled like trouble.
With that kind of declaration, Kobayashi and the Class 2 President looked at each other, possibly thinking of the same thing. Are they going to volunteer as well or not?
In any case, it looks like I won’t be able to step out of this situation anymore...
With Umeda setting her eyes on me and Kanzaki possibly wanting to do this task with me... my answer soon came naturally, “Sure. I used to live alone so I also know my way in the kitchen. Only on simple dishes though.”
“Great! Then I’m onboard!” Umeda rejoiced, making Kanzaki perplexed and the other two at a loss of words.
That’s three. Even if all of us volunteered, we still had to fill our numbers up. We’re going to cook for hundreds, it won’t be an easy task.