Chapter 50

Synopsis
The help that Saikawa and the chairwoman provided during the midterms makes Ryuuichi realize just how grateful he is for everything they've done for him and Kotaro. Though he doesn't believe there's any appropriate gesture to convey his feelings of gratitude, Ryuu tries his best by cooking dinner for everyone one night with Kotaro's help.

Long Summary
Ryuu's teacher hands the students their midterm exam results, and he congratulates Ryuu for scoring the top of his class. He also expresses surprise towards Hayato's good scores, as Hayato does not usually do well unless he tries. Ryuu is relieved to receive his high scores, and he thinks about Saikawa and the chairwoman, as they had helped him focus on studying. He feels guilty for troubling the two and resolves to show his gratitude for their help.

At the daycare center, Ryuu asks Usaida what Saikawa likes. Usaida says that he would not know, but Ryuu points out that they are good friends. As the children overwhelm Ryuu as they try to style his hair and Kotaro draws with crayons, Usaida explains that they have only gone out for drinking once and even admits that he does not know Saikawa's age. He asks Ryuu how old Saikawa is, but Ryuu also admits to not knowing Saikawa's age. Kirin finishes styling Ryuu's hair as Ryuu explains that he would like to cook dinner in Saikawa's place to thank him and the chairwoman for helping him during the midterm exam period, but he has no idea what Saikawa likes to eat. Usaida compares Ryuu's wish to cook for Saikawa to how a daughter would cook for her mother. Ryuu says that he simply wishes to show his appreciation. Kotaro shows Ryuu what he has written, and he sees that Kotaro has written his name. Ryuu tells Kotaro to write his own name next time, but Usaida points to an entire stack of papers with Ryuu's name written on them, much to Ryuu's surprise.

Usaida jokes that asking Kotaro what he likes is way easier. He asks Kotaro what he likes most, and Kotaro immediately responds with his older brother. Ryuu interrupts, saying that he wants to know what Saikawa's favorite food is, not Kotaro's. Kotaro feels depressed after hearing this, but Ryuu assures him that he is really happy that he is Kotaro's favorite. The children excitedly jump onto Ryuu, saying that he is their favorite as well. The children knock Ryuu over, and Ryuu falls back, but his head lands on a pillow. Ryuu opens his eyes to see that Saikawa has placed a pillow on the ground right before Ryuu fell in order to catch him. Saikawa notes that he likes Ryuu a lot too, and Ryuu is surprised by his sudden appearance. Saikawa hands Ryuu an apron, explaining that he has come to return the apron that Usaida had lent him. Ryuu thanks him and holds the apron, but remembers his conversation with Usaida. Ryuu nervously asks Saikawa how long he has been listening into the conversation, and Saikawa recalls hearing Kotaro say that Ryuu is his favorite. Saikawa kneels to Kotaro and seriously asks him what number he is ranked at, and Kotaro simply points to Saikawa and calls his name. Saikawa seems to understand Kotaro and tells him that it is an honor.

Taka suddenly brings up Saikawa's favorite food, but he mispronounces a word and confuses Saikawa, who thinks about algae. Taka announces that Ryuu wants to know his favorite food, causing Ryuu to become flustered and try to cover up Taka's mishap. Usaida quickly makes up a story, saying that they were talking about their favorite things and the things that Saikawa likes came up. Usaida jokes at Taka that he does not like broccoli, and Taka struggles to pronounce "broccoli" correctly. Kirin says that she likes the pickled radish that her mother makes, and the Mamizuka twins say that they like milk. Usaida shares that he likes pig feet, and he proceeds to ask Saikawa what his favorite food is. Ryuu stares at Saikawa, who touches his chin in contemplation. He then starts to ramble about scallop terrine, oyster confit, pan-seared freshwater prawn, lamb grilled in escargot butter, creme brulee, creamy milk sorbet, and other dishes that Ryuu cannot keep track of. Saikawa recalls that at his grandmother's, he had dishes such as pain de campagne, but Ryuu only becomes more confused. Saikawa looks at his watch and excuses himself, apologizing for spending too much time and making the chairwoman wait.

Ryuu slumps over in defeat, thinking that Taka and Usaida had even taken the opportunity to learn about Saikawa's favorite foods, but he still has not learned a single thing. Usaida figures that Saikawa likes French cuisine, but he also admits that he did not understand anything that Saikawa had said. He reassures Ryuu that Saikawa will appreciate the thought that he is putting into his cooking attempt, but Ryuu feels as though he is making a mistake by trying to take the place of a talented chef like Saikawa. Usaida comments that since Saikawa remembers his grandmother's cooking, he must enjoy home-cooked meals.

That night, Saikawa presents a grand feast full of foods that Ryuu and Kotaro enjoy, such as corn soup, curry, and pizza, to congratulate Ryuu for scoring well on his exams. Ryuu notices that even though the two have not mentioned their favorite foods, Saikawa has succeeded in adjusting the meal to their preferences. Saikawa asks Ryuu if the food is not to his liking, but Ryuu immediately stutters and denies this. He blushes as he says that he and the chairwoman have taken good care of him and Kotaro. Ryuu, who cannot bring himself to share his plan to cook dinner for the two, simply says his routine "itadakimasu."

As Ryuu and Kotaro sleep, Ryuu dreams of the day when he and Kotaro first arrived at the estate and academy. He remembers carrying Kotaro to the chairwoman's office and the chairwoman's strict instructions. Ryuu reflects on his promise to become a babysitter, and he remembers that he used it as a bit of an excuse to stay here, but now, he has a different purpose and role in the household. But before he can finish his thought, Ryuu wakes up to see Kotaro nibbling on his finger, and Ryuu panics. Kotaro groggily calls the chairwoman's name, but Ryuu reminds him that he is now sleeping with his brother since his exams are over. Kotaro shares about his dream, where he, Ryuu, Saikawa, and the chairwoman were eating together. Ryuu smiles and thinks to himself that Kotaro, since he is still young, must believe that Saikawa and the chairwoman are part of a normal family.

Ryuu holds Kotaro as he approaches the chairwoman and Saikawa that morning. He requests that he be in charge of making dinner for tonight in order to express his gratitude towards the two for helping him during the exam period. He stutters as he admits that he cannot cook any of the French dishes that Saikawa enjoys, confessing that he can only make things such as curry. The chairwoman begins to ask Ryuu if he will worry about things like this for every test, but Ryuu compares this occasion to a daughter cooking for her mother on Mother's Day so that the family can enjoy eating together. Ryuu blushes as he feels that he is being selfish, but Saikawa recalls that Kirin says things like this when she is playing house. He says that the chairwoman can play the role of the father while he, the mother. Ryuu wonders what he feels about that image, but Saikawa smiles as he says that it is an honorable position. The chairwoman rustles her newspaper as she gives Ryuu permission.

Ryuu and Kotaro pick up ingredients at the supermarket, and Ryuu buys scallops, prawns, and potatoes to add to the curry, as per Saikawa's preferences towards seafood. Kotaro enthusiastically helps prepare the dinner by washing the potatoes. Ryuu tears up as he chops the onions, and Saikawa offers to help, but the chairwoman stops him. Kotaro picks up a curry brick, but Ryuu immediately stops him, telling him that it is not chocolate. Kotaro holds out his hands towards the ladle, and Ryuu sees that Kotaro wishes to serve the curry.

Ryuu looks at his curry dish, but he feels as though the dish is quite humble compared to those made by Saikawa. Ryuu blushes as he assures the chairwoman and Saikawa that they do not have to force themselves to eat the curry if they do not want to. The chairwoman notes that it does not taste too bad, and Saikawa, who addresses her as "Father," suggests that she praise them more honestly, causing the chairwoman to demand who he is calling "father." Saikawa compliments the dish, and Ryuu feels rather embarrassed. Saikawa then tells Ryuu that if he is ever asked what his favorite food is, he will respond with "curry," and shows Ryuu his empty bowl. Ryuu admits that he is embarrassed, but he also notes that he is proud that he received praise.

The other children eagerly ask to try Ryuu's curry, but Ryuu becomes flustered, saying that it is only normal curry.

Characters In Order of Appearance

 * Ryuuichi Kashima
 * Hayato Kamitani
 * Usaida Yoshihito
 * Kotaro Kashima
 * Taka Kamitani
 * Kirin Kumatsuka
 * Takuma Mamizuka
 * Kazuma Mamizuka
 * Midori Sawatari
 * Saikawa Keigo
 * Morinomiya Youko