As I spoke, I glanced at the children who were eating watermelon seeds. These seeds were very small, while the teeth of these kids were relatively large, as you would expect from chipmunks. Chewing properly on every single watermelon seed with their big teeth would be very troublesome.
However, the children thoroughly worked through every individual seed, moving their mouths minutely and tirelessly. It seemed that they enjoyed the sensation of chewing itself, not just the food. I was sure that none of the watermelon seeds in their mouths retained their original shape.
“Oh, good point.” Techi looked slightly shaken. “Yeah, if you don’t have the shell outside, the seed can’t sprout… I see… Right, it should be impossible for the seed to germinate if you crush it with your teeth…”
Seeing her reaction, I realized that Techi had been terrified of the watermelon seed myth even now as an adult. She’d likely heard the rumor when she was a child, and the fear had been planted in her. Because it was the irrational fear of a child, she’d never thought about the logic or facts around it.
She’d eaten watermelons before she heard the rumor but had never thought about removing the seeds. Ever since, she’d been haunted by the thought, but she’d been liberated from her fear right at this moment. That was my guess at least.
Techi remained somewhat on edge for a while, but she let out a small sigh and gathered her wits. Then, she picked up one of the watermelon seeds on the large platter and popped it into her mouth before chewing it thoroughly. She swallowed.
“That’s it, huh?” she muttered under her breath.
The watermelon seed she’d been terrified of for all her life turned out to be nothing significant once she actually tried eating it. It was just that—a watermelon seed. That was probably what she meant by her comment.
Regaining her usual casual attitude, she lightheartedly ate one watermelon seed after another, just like how she usually nibbled on senbei crackers and other snacks.
I’d chosen to make watermelon seeds into a snack for no particular reason—it had been a whim. However, if Techi was able to take a step forward and overcome her fear because of it, I was elated that I’d managed to help.
I placed a hand on my chin. “I have to say though, I never knew that even you have things you’re scared of, Techi. You dealt with creepy bugs without batting an eyelid, so I was convinced that nothing could intimidate you. On the topic of scary things, summer is the season when people like to do tests of courage, right? Just wondering, is there anything else you’re scared of? Like ghosts or spirits?”
Narrowing her eyes, Techi sent a frosty look in my direction. She didn’t look like she was angry; she was slightly displeased, as if to say, “Why would you even ask that?”
Puffing out her cheeks, she replied offhandedly, “I suppose I’m scared of manjū and your cooking, Mikura.”