Fortunately, Asahi had possessed the foresight to prepare enough rice for dinner and tomorrow’s lunch, so there was plenty for him and Fuyuka to share.
“Thanks for the food,” they both said in unison.
They grasped their spoons and scooped some curry into their mouths. The level of spice was quite mild, and the rich flavor quickly spread across their tongues. Although it wasn’t homemade curry, it was pretty appetizing nonetheless.
“It’s quite delicious,” Fuyuka said after she’d savored the initial spoonful. Clearly, she appreciated the cooked meal.
“Thanks.”
Asahi braced himself, just in case she was about to break out into another waterworks show like she had three days ago, but—thankfully—nothing of the sort happened. They both enjoyed their meal without incident. Then again, it had been a touch awkward on account of the silence that persisted the entire meal. The only thing that could be heard was the sounds of their spoons clinking against the dishes.
Asahi finished way before Fuyuka, and, wanting to avoid the awkwardness of waiting on her to finish her meal, decided to return to solving his math problems to kill some time. He moved to the sofa near the table and placed his notebook on the coffee table in front of him. Just a few hours ago, these equations had felt like an impossible task. Now, thanks to Fuyuka’s guidance, he was more than prepared to take them on alone. What method should he use for the first problem? He quickly dove in. At least, that’s what he’d hoped to do—his mind was still sluggish from the hearty curry he’d just polished off. It was impossible for him to actually concentrate on the task at hand.
“Your cooking is very good, Kagami.”
Wait, she’s the one initiating a conversation with me? Did I hit my head during the meal or something?
Fuyuka didn’t seem to be the type of person who minded silence, like the situation they were currently in. The fact that she struck up a conversation was unthinkable for Asahi.
When did she decide to start calling me by my surname? All she’s ever referred to me as is ‘you’ until now. I know that’s how she’d normally address me, but I kinda have a bad feeling about this...
“I’d like to think I’m pretty good at it. Gotta thank my parents for that.”
“Your parents, you say?”
“My dad’s a chef, and my mom’s a patissier.”
She gasped slightly in admiration and looked his way. He didn’t think he’d said anything outrageous just then—so what brought about the reaction? He didn’t see any reason for it in his parents’ occupation.
“Does that mean that you also wish to become a chef in the future?”
“Maybe, maybe not. I haven’t decided yet. When I was little, I really wanted to be one. My parents encouraged me a lot, too. But now, I wouldn’t particularly mind following another path.”
“And your parents didn’t say anything about it?”
“Well, they definitely seemed disappointed that I was thinking of other options, that’s for sure.”
Fuyuka directed her gaze toward him, focusing on him rather than her food. She seemed very engrossed in the conversation now, and Asahi noticed her concerned expression.
“But the only thing they actually said was that I should do whatever I feel I want to do.”
“Your family seems very supportive.”
“I’m still thankful that they taught me how to cook, at least. Otherwise I’d be a bum who couldn’t make anything for himself.”
Asahi wasn’t exactly the talkative type, either. He was taken aback at himself—there hadn’t been many times where he’d been as engaged in a conversation as he was then. Maybe it was because his mood had lifted at the thought of being a part of the rare event. Or maybe it was because, for whatever reason, she seemed rather downtrodden, and he wanted to lift her spirits somehow. It was common to talk with others in one’s daily life, but talking to the Ice Queen was not. Something about that moment in particular intrigued him and drew him in; he wanted to be a part of it.
They continued to chat for a while about this and that—methods for making curry, things that must be noted when storing it, their studies, and so on. This continued right until Fuyuka had finished her meal.
“Hopefully we’ve been able to silence your tummy.”
“Thank you for the food.”
Asahi tried to joke around a little, but she ignored his gag and pierced him with her trademark icy stare. He realized that messing around was probably not the best idea just yet.
“You can just put your dishes in the dishwasher.”
“Very well,” Fuyuka answered along with a nod. She quickly gathered her spoon, plate, and glass, then headed toward the kitchen.
Hopefully now we’ll be able to study without any issues, Asahi hoped as he waited for her to return.
“Hey, Himuro—”
Asahi was going to propose a short 10-minute break before they resumed studying so the food wouldn’t hinder their concentration, but he was interrupted by noises coming from the kitchen. He could make out running water, as well as the clanging of cutlery being shuffled about.
“What are you doing?” Asahi asked as he made his way toward the kitchen.
“I’m cleaning the dishes,” she retorted in an incredulous tone, as if it was the most obvious thing for her to do.
Asahi peeked over at her. She was wearing rubber gloves as she brandished a sponge in one hand and a plate in the other. It was clear as day what she was doing, but he still felt awkward watching her wash his dishes.
“I can do that later; don’t worry about it,” he spoke up, although what he had really wanted to say was, “Why would you push yourself to do that?”
“I won’t allow that. It’s the very least I can do,” she replied.
“Well... okay. That would really help.”
He’d only known her from the small handful of interactions within the past two days, but he knew by now that arguing with her over something like that would be wasted effort. He let it be—the best thing to do would be to give in and let her do the dishes. It was a win-win situation for him, either way, so why not?
“... And what are you doing, exactly?”
“Just watching you clean the dishes,” Asahi answered. He tried to imitate the same incredulous tone she’d used just a few moments ago.
She briefly stared at him with a puzzled expression, but quickly turned around and ignored him in favor of completing her self-assigned task.