Akane was rushing around in the open kitchen at home. She was wearing her school uniform with an apron over it, her sleeves rolled up to reveal her slender arms.
“I’ll have dinner ready in no time, so Saito, could you take care of cleaning the bath and changing the trash bags?”
“Got it. What’s for dinner tonight?”
“Fish,” said Akane.
“Fish, huh…” Saito slumped a little, and Akane narrowed her eyes.
“Got a problem with that?”
“No complaints…but I was just wondering when steak might finally make an appearance,” said Saito.
“I’m not cooking you steak.”
“But you asked me all about how I like it prepared…” Saito was stunned.
“Wait…were you actually expecting me to make it for you?” It was Akane’s turn to be stunned.
“Of course I was! You even asked me how I liked the sides prepared—I figured you were planning to make my favorite.”
“Oh…really?” murmured Akane, her curled hand resting near her mouth. Her cheeks were faintly flushed. “Well, I actually don’t mind you expecting things from me…”
“Huh?”
“N-nothing!” Akane waved her hands as if to dissipate what she had just said, then crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes at Saito.
“You’ve got a childish side, don’t you?”
“Nah, not really,” denied Saito.
“Oh, please. Getting all sulky just because your favorite steak still hasn’t shown up? Poor thing.” Akane giggled teasingly.
“Tch…” Saito clicked his tongue, feeling his whole body grow warm. Akane’s smug expression was infuriating. When it came to food, he was at a disadvantage—her cooking was just that good.
Humming softly, Akane spun around lightly and untied her apron.
“You know what…I guess I’ll take responsibility.”
“Responsibility…?” Saito blinked in confusion, only for Akane to point directly at him.
“For Saito, the man who so clearly craves my cooking, I’m saying I’ll go buy the ingredients for a steak dinner—so be grateful.”
“Right now? I could go get them for you instead,” suggested Saito.
“You’d probably mix up steak with, like, tissues or something,” said Akane.
“That’s way too big of a mistake! I can tell the difference between meat and paper goods, you know.”
Akane frowned, a wrinkle forming between her brows. “I don’t trust you…you’re the kind of guy who calls protein shakes ‘cuisine.’”
“Protein shakes are cuisine!” protested Saito. That was the one thing Saito refused to back down on.
“Just wait here. I’ll be right back.”
“I’m coming too. It’s already dark out—it’s dangerous for a girl to be walking alone this late.”
“H-huh?! Why are you suddenly treating me like some delicate flower? What are you planning?” Akane took a step back, eyeing him suspiciously.
“I’m not up to anything. I just need that steak to make it back safely. I’d be in trouble if it didn’t.”
“You’re more worried about the steak than me?! Just how badly do you want it?!” said Akane.
“I’d die for it,” said Saito.
“…Do whatever you want,” Akane replied coldly. Despite her words, a soft smile tugged at the corner of her face.
Saito and Akane left their house together. After Saito locked the door, the ever-cautious Akane tugged on the doorknob several times to be absolutely sure it was locked.
The residential streets, now cloaked in nightfall, were quietly alive with the breath of human life. Though no one was outside, the sounds of simmering pots and chatting families drifted out of various houses. The fragrant aromas of home-cooked meals wafted through the air, making Saito’s empty stomach growl.
“I really like this time of day,” said Akane.
“Why?”
“It just feels so warm and peaceful… It makes me miss going home to my parents. It’s nostalgic, you know? It reminds me of when I was little, looking forward to my mom’s cooking,” Akane spoke fondly, her voice full of warmth.
“I see. Personally, I don’t really like it that much,” said Saito.
“Why not?”
“It’s just not a world I belong to.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Beats me,” said Saito with a shrug.
“Don’t give me that. I’m asking you a question, so answer me properly.” Akane wasn’t going to let this slide.
“Are you interested in me or something?” asked Saito.
“N-no!” Akane turned her face away sharply. “Not at all.”
But I want to know a little more about you too, Akane, thought Saito, watching her out of the corner of his eye.
He had first noticed that feeling when Akane came down with a high fever. Saito recollected the very incident that made him feel as if he was holding a book that was about to close. He felt a pull—he wanted to read more, to see what was inside what could be called The Book of Akane. That feeling didn’t quite rise to the level of affection, but it certainly wasn’t hostility. Even now, learning that Akane liked cozy, domestic moments—it intrigued Saito.
Not that I could ever say that out loud to her though.
He glanced sideways at Akane, who was puffing out her cheeks in frustration. If he said he wanted to know more about his longtime rival, she’d definitely think he was being creepy. Driven by fear, Akane would probably barricade herself in her room.
The two of them walked out of the residential area and onto the main road, surrounded by heat and exhaust fumes. They then slipped into a side street. A few people passed by—some with hoods pulled low, others carrying strangely large bags. Even ordinary people who wouldn’t stand out during the day looked suspicious under the cover of night.
By the bike racks in front of the supermarket, a rugged-looking man was squatting and smoking. He wore a tank top over his muscular frame, his beard unkempt and scruffy. A sign nearby clearly read No Smoking, but he didn’t seem to care in the slightest.
See…it really is sketchy at night. Dealing with people like that was a waste of time, Saito thought. As he tried to steer Akane away and head into the store, he heard her reprimanding the man.
“Hey! The sign says no smoking here. Can’t you read?” Akane marched forward, practically picking a fight.
“Wha—?!” Saito tried to stop her, but of course, Akane was already too far gone.
“The hell’s your problem, brat?” The man scowled, as Akane jabbed a finger at him. “Cigarette smoke doesn’t just affect the person smoking—it’s bad for everyone around you. This area has families with kids, you know. What are you even thinking? Put that cig out. Right now.”
“Damn brat, mouthing off like that… You looking to get killed?” The man’s eyes flared as he spat a glob of foul saliva onto the ground.
“I-I won’t be intimidated by some savage threat.” Akane glared back, unflinching.
Saito couldn’t help but feel conflicted. He remembered when Akane threatened him in her low, menacing whisper, saying she was going to kill him if he told anybody in class that they were married. There was no doubt in his mind that she meant every word.
“It’s my life—I’ll do whatever I want, wherever I want!” growled the man.
“If you’re that desperate to live like trash, why don’t you go bury yourself under a volcano where you belong?!”
The man was absolutely furious. It really looked like he was on the verge of throwing a punch. Akane stood her ground, firm and unwavering, her fists clenched in defiance. But she was clearly scared—her knees were trembling.