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CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

I sat alone in the library, staring at a book on mukimono—the Japanese art of carving fruits and vegetables into intricate designs. It wasn’t unique to sushi chefs but was often used to elevate plating. I had a basic understanding of it: petaled flowers from carrots, roses from tomatoes, tall grass from cucumbers. Once, I’d even created a floral design in the cross section of a sushi roll. Nothing fancy.

As I flipped through the pages, I couldn’t shake the thought: Did Jiro have inside information about the next challenge? And if he did, why share it with me? He was my rival.

Reina’s words echoed in my mind. “The challenges are designed to be deceptively easy.”

I traced the edge of the page with my finger, my thoughts spiraling. If mukimono was part of the next challenge, it wouldn’t be as simple as carving pretty designs. There had to be more to it. But what did Jiro gain by pointing me to this? Did he genuinely not want to see me hurt, or was this another layer of the competition, a trap meant to trip me up?

The door to the library swung open, and Kenji burst in, startling me out of my thoughts. I nearly jumped out of my seat.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you.” He placed two bento boxes on the table and sat down beside me. “Lunch in the dining room was canceled. These were left outside everyone’s rooms.”

“Wow, time flew by.” I glanced at my watch. “Thanks for bringing mine. I didn’t realize how hungry I was.”

“No worries.” He popped the lid off his box and stuffed a piece of fish into his mouth. “Find anything useful?”

I slid the book across the table. “Mukimono. I think the next challenge involves this.”

Kenji raised an eyebrow, chewing thoughtfully. “So, whoever makes the fanciest flower wins?”

“Remember, the challenges aren’t what they seem. It probably involves carving something, but there’s more to it.”

“How do you know this is the next challenge? Did Reina talk to you again?” His tone sharpened. “If she did, I’m worried she might be setting you up.”

“It wasn’t Reina,” I said quickly.

“Then who? Wait…” He frowned, and his chopsticks fell out of his hand. “Jiro? You’re kidding me. That guy wants to watch you fail.”

“I thought so, too, but now I’m not so sure.”

Kenji shook his head as he resumed eating. “Don’t tell me you still have feelings for this guy.”

“Kenji,” I sighed, “this isn’t about feelings. We now know how dangerous the challenges are. Maybe he just doesn’t want anyone else to get hurt.”

“And you believe that? Akiko, people will do anything to win this apprenticeship. You can’t trust him.”

“Maybe. But I wouldn’t want someone else to get injured just so I could win.”

“That’s the difference between you and them,” he said. “You’re being naive if you think everyone feels the same way. Jiro’s playing you, Akiko. Be smarter.”

“Smarter? Did you just call me stupid?” The words stung more than I expected.

Kenji’s eyes widened. “That’s not what I meant. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that.”

“You better not have,” I said sharply. “It was a cruel thing to say.”

“I know.” His voice softened. “It won’t happen again. I promise.”

I sighed, letting the tension ease. “Look, this isn’t about everyone conspiring against us. Miyo knew when the first challenge was happening. It’s not a stretch to think Jiro came across some information too.”

Kenji leaned back, his brow still furrowed. “You think Reina’s feeding everyone information?”

“Maybe. Or maybe Jiro just got lucky. Either way, this is the best lead we’ve got.”

He exhaled, his shoulders relaxing. “You’re right. I’m sorry I blew up. I just…I don’t want you to get hurt.”

His hand brushed mine, his touch lingering. “Akiko, I like you, not just as a friend. I mean, I really like you. You don’t need to respond or anything, but I thought you should know.”

Kenji’s vulnerability softened my frustration. “One day at a time,” I said, leaning into his embrace.

Kenji kissed my forehead, his arms tightening around me. His warmth was comforting, but as he held me, memories of Jiro’s laugh, his teasing words, his touch, resurfaced. I pushed them down, forcing myself to focus on Kenji.

I stared at the book between us as his words lingered. My goals were clear in my mind. Winning this apprenticeship was everything. Relationships, whatever they might become, would have to wait.