After about thirty minutes on the swaying bus, we hopped off at the stop just before the one closest to the park. Why the stop before? Simple: we had a detour to make before reaching our final destination.
With that, we each grabbed our luggage and started walking.
“Man, it really is convenient having a supermarket right at our fingertips like this.”
“Yeah. Being able to stock up on ingredients locally means we can head to the barbecue almost empty-handed. That’s a huge plus.”
“We can rent the grill and other equipment at the park, and the transportation was surprisingly smooth. I’m glad we found such a great spot so close by.”
“True. Though, calling us ‘empty-handed’ is a bit of a stretch considering the special stuff we brought ourselves.”
Yuji and I walked behind the girls, admiring the park's excellent location. It was quiet and suburban enough to feel like an escape, yet it was still reasonably accessible. I could see why it was popular. In fact, the sheer volume of cars and pedestrians heading toward the park proved it. Even though school was out for summer break, it was still a weekday...
After about five minutes of walking from the bus stop, we arrived at our first objective: a multi-purpose supermarket with a massive suburban-style parking lot.
“Alright, let’s grab the food quickly. A supermarket in a location like this is bound to have pre-packaged barbecue sets, so let’s just go with those.”
“Better to play it safe with a set than to spend forever picking out individual items.”
“I agree. The sets have more variety, and the price is usually a better deal anyway,” Hiiragi-san added.
From a purely financial standpoint, it didn’t really matter to us whether we bought a set or individual items. However, since Mika and the others were with us, I figured it would be easier on their consciences if we kept the costs down. Besides, we had our "special luxury ingredients" waiting in the cooler, so the priority here was quantity over quality. We were a group of hungry high schoolers; the first step was making sure everyone could eat their fill.
With that in mind, we headed straight for the meat department at the back of the store.
“Whoa, they really do have a huge selection here.”
“It’s the season for it. They’re probably targeting customers looking for one last hurrah before summer vacation ends.”
“You two, stop standing around being impressed and pick something already. Which ones look good?”
““...This one, maybe?””
Prompted by Hiiragi-san, Yuji and I scanned the display for a moment before pointing at the exact same product: a 1.5 kg platter of kalbi and loin.
The price tag read 3,500 yen.
“True, considering how many of us there are, we’ll need at least that much.”
“Let’s grab this variety set, too. It has chicken, pork, and offal. It’ll be a nice change of pace for the flavor profile.”
“Good point... and then there’s this.”
Nodding at my suggestion, Hiiragi-san reached for a large bag of sausages. You couldn’t have a proper barbecue without sausages. With those three items in the basket, we were done with the meat section.
I noticed Tatebayashi-san and Hino-san looking a bit pale as they watched the total climb, but I decided it was best to ignore it for now.
“Next is vegetables and seafood?”
“Vegetables, sure, but do we really need seafood? We have the stuff we brought ourselves, after all,” Yuji pointed out.
“You think so? I just thought... having only meat and vegetables might be a bit plain. What do you girls think, Hiiragi-san?”
Since we had our own stash of dungeon meat, Yuji argued we should skip the supermarket seafood. I thought variety was better, so I deferred to the girls. They shared a contemplative look before shaking their heads, and Hiiragi-san spoke for the group.
“I think we can skip the seafood this time, too. We already have the extra items, and I’d rather buy a few more vegetables instead.”
“Got it. No seafood it is.”
“Sorry about that, Daiki.”
“Nah, don’t sweat it. It’s not like I was dying to have shrimp or anything.”
Maybe I looked more disappointed than I felt, because Yuji patted my shoulder as if to comfort me. I appreciated the concern, but honestly, I wasn’t bothered at all. With that minor debate settled, we moved to the produce section and tossed a platter of pre-cut grilling vegetables and a few other items into the basket.
“Alright, does that cover the food?”
“Seems like it. All that’s left is the small stuff—paper plates, cups, drinks, and the like.”
“Don’t forget the seasonings and sauce. Eating unseasoned food would be pretty bleak.”
“Haha, definitely.”
Splitting up to gather the remaining supplies, we eventually met back up at the registers. We had managed to fill two whole baskets, but that wasn't a problem. As the clerk finished scanning, the final total flashed on the screen.
“That will be 9,862 yen. How would you like to pay?”
“Cash, please.”
“Certainly... I’ve received 10,000 yen. Your change is 138 yen.”
“Thank you.”
The moment the total was announced, Tatebayashi-san and the others looked genuinely stunned, but when I settled the bill with a perfectly calm expression, their faces shifted to a look of quiet resignation. Yeah, that’s the spirit. Don't worry about the cost, just eat.
We divided up the bags and left the supermarket behind.
A ten-minute walk brought us to the park entrance. It really was an incredible location. After a moment of admiration, we checked the directory map posted near the gate to get our bearings.
“Looking from the entrance, the Play Area is on the right and the Barbecue Area is on the left.”
“So we head left.”
“Wait, we have to stop by the management office at the back of the center first. We need to pay the site fees to use the area,” Hiiragi-san reminded us.
“Right. They handle the equipment rentals there, too. Let’s go.”
After confirming the office's location, we started down the park's walking paths. The place was teeming with people, making it immediately clear just how popular this spot was.
After walking for a bit, we reached an open clearing where a modern two-story building roughly the size of a convenience store stood. This had to be it.
“Is that the management office?”
“Looks like it. Only one way to find out.”
As we approached, we saw a sign by the door that read "Park Management Office." Nailed it. We stepped inside, but since no staff were visible, we called out toward the reception window.
“Excuse me? Is anyone here?”
No reply. Is it really empty?
Just as I was about to call out again, louder this time, Yuji tapped my shoulder.
“Hey, Daiki. There’s a call button right here.”
“Eh? Oh, you’re right... ‘Please press for assistance.’ I see.”
It was tucked away behind a decorative ornament, making it hard to spot from a distance. I grumbled inwardly about the poor placement as I pressed the button.
A dozen or so seconds later, I heard footsteps hurrying down the stairs from the second floor.
“Ah, sorry about that! Sorry to keep you waiting. How can I help you?”
The man who rushed down was a middle-aged guy in a blue work jacket—likely the administrator.
“Oh, uh, hi. We’d like to use the Barbecue Area... and we need to rent a set, too.”
“Using the grounds? Certainly. Please fill out the necessary information on this form.”
“Sure.”
I took the binder and began filling out the "Barbecue Area Usage Application."
“Regarding the rental, we have two options: a Small Set for 2–4 people and a Large Set for 6–8. Which would you prefer?”
“The Large Set, please.”
“Understood.”
While I worked on the paperwork, the administrator went over the contents of the rental set with Yuji. It came with all the essentials—grill, charcoal, ground sheets, and so on—so borrowing one set covered everything we needed. It was surprisingly comprehensive.
Finishing the form in a couple of minutes, I handed the binder back.
“Here you go.”
“Thank you, let me just check... Yes, everything looks correct. Since the fees are prepaid, I’ll take the payment now.”
“How much do we owe?”
“The usage fee is 100 yen per person, so that’s 700 yen for the seven of you. The Large Barbecue Set is 3,000 yen, bringing the total to 3,700 yen.”
“Here’s 4,000.”
“Received.”
With the payment settled, the administrator led us out of the building to a nearby storage shed to pick up our gear.
“Here is your Large Barbecue Set. It’s quite heavy, so please be careful while carrying it.”
“Thanks.”
“Also, here is the key for the water faucets in the Barbecue Area and your usage permit. Please return them along with the grill when you’re finished.”
“Got it.”
“Well then, have a safe and enjoyable barbecue.”
The administrator gave a polite bow and headed back toward the office.
Alright, time to hit the Barbecue Area.
When we arrived at the designated zone, several groups were already mid-feast. The air was thick with the mouth-watering scent of grilled meat, making my stomach growl instantly. This place was a localized hunger trap.
Maybe we should have arrived a little earlier...
“Smelling this makes me realize just how hungry I am...”
“No kidding... let's get moving.”
“Yes, let’s start immediately.”
““““Agreed!””””
Spurred on by the delicious aromas surrounding us, we hurried to our assigned space and began to set up. We split the labor: Yuji and I handled the grill and fire, while the girls took care of the ground sheets and tableware.
“Alright, the charcoal stack looks solid. Yuji, I’m lighting the starter.”
“Go for it.”
As soon as I touched the flame to the starter, it flared up and began heating the coals. After a few minutes, the fire spread, and the charcoal itself began to glow. It would have been great to have a fan or a blowpipe, but since we didn’t, Yuji and I took turns using paper plates as makeshift fans to keep the oxygen flowing. After fanning for a while, the charcoal turned a uniform ashy white. We finally had a steady heat. Man, lighting charcoal is a workout.
Once the coals were leveled out and the mesh was placed on top, we were officially ready to cook.
“Everyone, the fire’s good to go!”
“Good work, Kokonoe-kun, Hirose-kun.”
““““Good work!””””
It seemed they had been waiting specifically for the fire, because the moment I made the announcement, they all turned to us with grins that were half-appreciation and half-“finally.” I sensed a bit of the latter, but I decided to let it slide.
“Now that we’re set up, let’s start with a toast. Kokonoe-kun, Hirose-kun, what are you drinking? I’ll pour.”
“Oh, uh... I’ll take tea for now,” I said.
“Tea for me, too,” Yuji added.
“Got it. Mika-chan, pass me that bottle of tea.”
“Coming!”
With Hiiragi-san handing us our cups, everyone was finally armed with a drink. The stage was set.
As the one who organized the event, the responsibility of the toast fell to me. This was bad. I hadn't prepared a single word... what was I even supposed to say? I looked around desperately for a way out, but the expectant gazes of the group gave me no room to run. Fine, I’ll just wing it!
“Ahem! Uh, first off, thanks to everyone for coming on such short notice. I’m really happy we could all get together for a barbecue like this. And, um, well, uh... Argh, forget it! I can't think of anything clever! Anyway, let's just make some great memories for the end of summer vacation! Everyone, cheers!”
““““““Cheers!””””””
Abandoned by any sense of eloquence, I let out a reckless, red-faced shout to finish the toast. Everyone laughed or gave a wry smile as they clinked their cups... Hah. Wait, that’s weird. Why does this tea taste a little salty?
Giving a speech on the spot is harder than it looks.