Compared to the evil path system, the pure love system, though embarrassing in many ways, does produce high-quality and effective items.
Chisato's original cooking skills could be summed up in one sentence:
The taste might not be great, but it won't kill you.
He could handle the basics like cooking rice or frying eggs and bacon, but anything more complicated was beyond him.
However, after gaining the "Beginner Cooking" skill, his cooking abilities improved dramatically.
Maybe not world-changing, but definitely a huge step up.
Just watching him slice green onions with a knife—chop, chop, chop—was a real pleasure.
The way he flipped the pan with precise movements felt like he was performing a graceful magic trick.
Combined with his undeniable charm and handsome face, anyone watching would wonder,
Is this guy cooking, or putting on a show?
Kazusa had seen Aunt Ohara cook before, but her cooking didn't hold their attention like this.
His cooking was way more interesting than those TV shows.
The "homemaker" trait often seen in women is irresistible to some men. But the reverse is also true.
Kazusa, though not fully aware of it, had always lacked care growing up. Deep down, she couldn't resist guys who could cook and take care of a household.
They made her feel secure and safe.
"It's done."
Chisato turned off the stove and brought the plate of fried rice over. He looked back at Kazusa for approval.
"Want to eat here?"
"Yeah."
It smells so good. More importantly, he made it.
Kazusa nodded, her excitement barely hidden.
Bring it over already!
Chisato placed the fried rice in front of her and handed her chopsticks and a spoon.
He didn't have the habit of watching people eat, so he turned to clean the cutting board and pots.
This gave Kazusa the chance to finally drop her pretense. She eagerly scooped up a spoonful of the perfectly cooked fried rice, blew on it, and took a bite.
Delicious!
She quickly took a second bite, then a third, eating faster and faster.
By the time Chisato finished cleaning and turned around, he saw Kazusa gracefully wiping her mouth with a napkin.
The plate was spotless—except for a bit of oil, there wasn't a grain of rice or green onion left.
Even though he had cooked a small portion, considering she was a girl, she had eaten it way too fast.
Didn't she burn her mouth?
"There's strawberry milk in the fridge," Kazusa said as Chisato took the plate away.
"I don't drink that, thanks."
"I wasn't asking you to drink it. Could you get it for me?"
"…Kazusa."
"Yeah?"
"This is your house. I'm the guest."
Chisato reminded her of their roles.
"Don't be so polite. You can treat this place like your own home."
Maybe because the fried rice had hit the spot, Kazusa was in a good mood. She even smiled slightly, making a rare joke.
Don't worry, it's not about treating it like my home. It will be my home eventually.
Chisato opened the fridge, grabbed the strawberry milk, stuck a straw in it, and handed it to her.
Kazusa sipped the milk while watching him wash the plate and put it in the cupboard. The two of them then returned to the living room.
"Alright, now that you're full, let's start studying," Chisato announced.
Kazusa lazily slouched on the couch, pretending not to hear him, her gaze wandering to the window.
"Don't think ignoring me will get you out of it."
Chisato walked over and stood in front of her.
Kazusa reluctantly brought her eyes back to him.
"I'm not trying to avoid it. I just ate, and I'm too full to study right now."
"So?"
"At least give me some time to rest before I start. I'll be more productive that way."
Kazusa argued her case.
"That sounds reasonable, but I refuse. Do you know what time it is? It's almost ten o'clock, and the day is slipping away. There's not much time left to waste."
Chisato grabbed her backpack, pulled out some textbooks and worksheets, and placed them on the table.
Kazusa mumbled under her breath, "Well, that's because you showed up late."
Chisato looked at her.
"What did you say?"
"Nothing. Let's just start."
Kazusa gave up resisting, thinking the sooner she started, the sooner she could finish.
Afterward, she planned to get back at him during their piano lesson.
"Alright. Since your grades aren't great, don't try to do too much at once. We'll take it step by step."
Kazusa remained calm up to this point.
"Today, let's keep it simple. Focus on Japanese and world history. Complete two sets of practice exams for these subjects."
"What? Two sets?"
Kazusa looked shocked, as if he were out of his mind.
"There's no way I can finish two sets at once!"
"I didn't say you had to finish them all at once. Do one set, take a ten-minute break, then do the second set."
"That's still impossible for a normal person!"
"Don't be so dramatic. Most students manage just fine. Why can't you?"
Ignoring her complaints, Chisato placed the worksheets and a pen in front of her.
Grumbling about him being a "demon," a "bookworm," and how "nobody teaches like this," Kazusa reluctantly picked up the pen and stared at the frustrating questions.
"I've put the reference books here. If you get stuck, look them up. By the way, where's your bathroom?"
"Out of the living room, the second door on the right."
"Alright, get started. I'll be right back."
"Got it, geez. You're so annoying."
Kazusa waved him off, her good mood from earlier completely gone.
After Chisato left, Kazusa quickly sat up, pretending she had been working hard the whole time.
Are you a little kid or what?
Chisato walked over and glanced at her paper, noticing that not a single question had been answered.
"Once you really focus, you'll realize studying isn't so hard. Before you know it, you'll be done."
"Easy for you to say."
Kazusa sighed deeply, forcing herself to look at the questions.
Chisato casually flipped through a textbook, occasionally glancing up at her.
The atmosphere between them was peaceful and harmonious.
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