You can’t wait to get to class today. Ever since Asahina gave you that homemade bento last week, you haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. The flavors, the textures, the way each ingredient was carefully and thoughtfully prepared — it was a revelation. You had no idea Asahina was such an amazing cook. Come to think of it, you realize you don’t know that much about her at all, despite sitting next to each other all year. She’s always been quiet and a bit mysterious. But after tasting her bento, you’re determined to get to know her better. Who knows what other hidden talents she might have? The bell rings and you hurry inside, hoping today might be the day Asahina surprises you with another delicious bento. You take your seat, turn to her and smile. “Ohayo, Asahina-san!” Here we go
Brief Summary of Previous Chapters
If you’ve been following Asahina-san’s story so far, you know she’s
had a rough time. In the first chapters, Asahina-san was bullied by her
classmates for bringing homemade bento to school. The bullying got so bad,
she stopped eating lunch altogether.
In chapter 3, her teacher and new friend Ono-kun noticed she wasn’t eating.
Ono-kun offered to share his bento with Asahina-san and complimented her cooking.
Slowly, Asahina-san started making and eating bento again.
By chapter 4, Ono-kun introduced Asahina-san to the “Bento Lovers Club” full
of students who also make and enjoy bento. For the first time, Asahina-san felt accepted
and like she belonged.
Now in chapter 5, Asahina-san’s confidence is growing. She tries out a new recipe she found
online for oyakodon, a popular dish of chicken, egg and rice. Her bento turns out perfectly.
At lunch, Asahina-san shares her oyakodon bento with the Bento Lovers Club.They all love it and ask for the recipe.
Asahina-san feels proud of her accomplishment and is excited to make more new recipes to share.
Things are really looking up for Asahina-san. Her love of bento and cooking helped her find good friends.
Most of all, Asahina-san learned to believe in herself.
Asahina Makes a Special Bento for the Main Character
When Asahina finds out it’s your birthday, she insists on making you a special bento. You try to tell her not to go through the trouble, but she won’t hear of it.
The next day, she shyly presents you with a large, decorated bento box. “I hope you like it,” she says with a smile. Inside, you find:
- Colorful onigiri rice balls stuffed with your favorite ume plum filling.
- Grilled mackerel fish filets seasoned with just a touch of soy sauce and ginger.
-Tamagoyaki – sweet rolled omelet slices.
-A variety of fresh, crisp pickled vegetables like cucumbers, cabbage and radish.
- For dessert, anko sweet red bean paste and fresh fruit.
You’re touched by how much care and thought she put into making all your favorite homemade Japanese dishes. She even carved your initials into one of the onigiri!
“Asahina, this looks amazing! Thank you so much, you really didn’t have to go to all this trouble for me.”
She blushes. “I’m just glad you like it. I wanted to make you something special for your birthday.”
It’s the best bento you’ve ever had. Asahina’s cooking is delicious, but it’s made even better by the care and feelings behind it. You feel so lucky to have her in your life.
The Main Character Savors Asahina’s Homemade Bento
Asahina’s homemade bento is simply irresistible to you. The variety of dishes crammed into the compact box is a feast for your eyes and surely your taste buds.
A Treat for All Your Senses
Each bite of the tender braised beef, sweet tamagoyaki, and crunchy pickled vegetables evoke memories of home cooking. The aromas wafting from the bento instantly transport you back to family dinners. Even the cheerful cherry blossom pattern adorning the bento box elicits feelings of comfort and joy.
Enjoying this lovingly prepared meal in the company of your charming desk neighbor makes this a perfect moment. As you savor each morsel, your heart swells with gratitude for this small act of kindness that has brightened your day. Though you may not have the courage to confess your feelings just yet, Asahina-san’s bento speaks volumes about the care and affection you share.
Asahina Shares Her Motivations for Making Bento
Asahina shares that she started making bento lunches for you to express how much she cares.
She wants to support you
Asahina explains that she notices how hard you work and study. She wants to support you in her own way by making you homemade bento lunches. Asahina hopes her bento gives you energy and brightens your day. She puts thought into each component to make it nutritious and delicious.
Asahina’s kindness and thoughtfulness motivate her bento making. She enjoys finding new recipes to try and perfecting her technique. Her goal is simply to make you happy and cared for. Asahina’s bento lunches are made with love and fueled by her desire to support you in achieving your goals and dreams.
The Main Character Expresses His Gratitude and Appreciation
The main character expresses deep gratitude for Asahina-san’s kindness and thoughtfulness. After enjoying her homemade bento, he thanks her profusely.
You tell Asahina-san how much you appreciate her taking the time to make you a special lunch. Her bento was not only delicious but beautifully presented. The flavors of each dish complemented each other perfectly.
“Asahina-san, thank you again for the wonderful meal. Your bento was amazing and made my day so much brighter. I feel very fortunate to have a friend like you.”
Asahina-san smiles warmly at your heartfelt words. She is happy to hear that you enjoyed her homemade cooking. “You’re very welcome! I’m glad I could do something nice for you.”
You feel a rush of affection for your sweet and caring friend. Asahina-san is always thinking of small ways to make you happy and lift your spirits. You hope that someday you can return her kindness and thoughtfulness. For now, you simply say “Thank you, Asahina-san. For everything.”
Conclusion
And so there you have it, the thrilling conclusion to Asahina-san’s bento adventures. You’ve gone on an emotional journey with Asahina-san and her friends, experiencing the ups and downs of their daily school lives and relationships. Though things didn’t always go according to plan, Asahina-san showed that with perseverance and the support of good friends, you can achieve your goals. Her bento escapades brought her closer to her crush and led to new friendships along the way. While this chapter of the story comes to an end, Asahina-san’s journey is just beginning. Here’s hoping she continues to spread kindness through her cooking and brings more people joy with her delicious bentos! What adventures await Asahina-san and friends next? I guess we’ll have to wait for the sequel to find out!