Sōzoku Shita Sofu no Ie no Urayama ni Danjon ga Dekimashita

My Fated Person (5)

I rode the train to school with Shiraishi-kun, Misato-chan, and Aoyama-kun—the four of us together.

During lunch break, Aoyama-kun joined us from the neighboring class, and the four of us sat together, chatting while eating our lunches.

Then, Takasugi-kun came over, trying to act all friendly, saying something about “sharing some side dishes.”

I couldn’t help but feel offended.

Was he making fun of my lunch? The lunch our mom wakes up early every morning to make with love, all while working and raising me and my brother?

I’ve never once asked anyone for their food. Not ever.

I wish he’d just leave me alone.

…

When school ended, the four of us took the train home together.

And then… I accidentally called him “Takuya-san” on the train.

Of course, Misato-chan didn’t miss it.

She gave me a sly look and said, “Huh. Ohhh, really now…” while staring at my face.

Flustered, I turned my face away.

But thankfully, Misato-chan didn’t press any further.

She’s the kind of girl who can read the room.

When she started dating Aoyama-kun, she made sure to tell me properly.

But… I hadn’t told her anything yet.

Uh-oh.

I really need to call her tonight and explain...

…

Takuya-san always eats Mom’s cooking while saying, “It’s so good, seriously!”

That made me decide—I want to learn to cook from Mom.

So I gathered all my note-taking supplies, prepping to write down all her recipes.

I even got out the measuring cups and set everything up perfectly.

And then… Mom just started throwing in ingredients by eye!

Apparently, it’s second nature to her now.

“Hey!” I protested.

She stuck out her tongue and said, “Oops, sorry!”

“Geez, Mom…” Laughter echoed through the kitchen as we stood there together.

Calling by First Name with “-san”: When the main character accidentally calls Shiraishi “Takuya-san” in public, it’s a major giveaway. In Japanese culture, using someone’s first name—especially with an honorific like “-san”—implies intimacy. For teenagers, this is often a big deal and can hint at a romantic relationship.
Homemade Lunch Significance: In Japan, bringing a homemade bento (lunch box) to school is common, and it often reflects care from one’s family. Takasugi’s offer to share his food could seem generous on the surface, but given the emotional weight behind her own lunch, it comes off as insensitive or even condescending.
Cooking by Eye: Many experienced home cooks in Japan (like the protagonist’s mother) cook by “mebuntan” (目分量)—rough, eyeballed measurements—which can be frustrating for someone trying to write down precise recipes. It's a classic family kitchen scene that shows the contrast between generations.