Haruko meticulously sliced the first fish into delicate sashimi, arranging the pieces artfully on a plate filled with ice, a perfect appetizer for the two men. She then turned her attention to the other side dishes. Though Shinya had eagerly volunteered to help with washing the rice and steaming it, Haruko made the wisest decision of the evening when she politely declined, especially when he pulled out the dish soap.
"So, how many people will be joining us tonight?"
Since Kogimi had taken charge of informing others about dinner, Haruko hadn't yet confirmed the full guest list.
"Aside from myself and Shinya, two others will be coming," Kogimi explained, making sure to soften the situation. "It's just that everyone has such different schedules, and we rarely get a chance to gather."
"I see…" Haruko nodded thoughtfully.
Haruko gently picked up a fresh fish, the blade of her knife gracefully gliding over its flesh. Each slice she made was as delicate as a work of art. The vibrant red fish meat spread out on the white cutting board, translucent and perfect, resembling a sculpted masterpiece. Her movements were elegant and practiced, each piece of sashimi thin as a butterfly's wing, preserving the fish's natural color and texture. She carefully arranged these exquisite slices on a plate filled with ice, the fish seeming even more enticing against the cold backdrop. The fresh taste of the sea, paired with the delicate texture, made each bite of the sashimi a pure and exquisite experience, as if one could taste the very essence of the ocean.
It seemed the evening's meal would mostly feature cold dishes, considering that Miss Shimo had clearly stated her preference for chilled foods.
"Don't worry," Shinya said, his voice filled with assurance, "I know someone who was so upset at not being able to eat fish that they nearly sulked."
Thinking Haruko might be disappointed, he approached her and affectionately ruffled her hair, as an older brother might. Haruko smiled in response.
Living in this apartment had truly been a blessing. Though her work wasn't exactly easy, it was the kind of work she loved. More importantly, Shinya and Kogimi both showed her kindness and consideration in their own ways.
"By the way, is there anything you two would like to eat?" she asked, her tone gentle.
"Meat!" Shinya replied without hesitation. When he saw her raised eyebrow, he quickly amended, "Ah, but I eat anything, really! I'm not picky!"
In contrast, Kogimi's response was more measured and polite.
"The pork stew you made last time was absolutely delicious, Miss Haruko. It has that 'home-cooked' taste, as the saying goes."
"You're too kind, Kogimi!" Haruko laughed, serving a plate of cold appetizers, though she had purchased them from the supermarket. If she had the chance, she would prefer to make her own pickles. "But no seconds for Shinya!"
"That's unfair!" Shinya exclaimed, his voice tinged with mock grievance as he shot Kogimi a look of reproach. Kogimi, after expressing his gratitude to Haruko, completely ignored Shinya's pained expression.
"Once Shinya shows half the thoughtfulness Kogimi does, then maybe I'll think about giving him a second helping!" Haruko teased.
Truth be told, this was only a jest. While seafood would be the main dish, she was also planning to prepare Japanese fried chicken pieces, especially for Shinya. However, frying chicken required a bit of time, and she couldn't rush the process.
After steaming the rice, Haruko cracked several eggs. Though the city's eggs were large, they lacked the freshness of the eggs from her family's farm, and they had to be kept refrigerated.
"I'll help you," Shinya offered, a hint of eagerness in his voice. Haruko instantly grew cautious. Seeing her wariness, Shinya awkwardly continued, "I may not have much experience in the kitchen, but I'm good with my hands. Just tell me what to do, and I'll follow your instructions."
"Well, in that case, I'll help, too. I may not be an expert, but I have a little more kitchen knowledge than Shinya," Kogimi said, rising from his seat.
"Sit down!" Shinya barked, his voice sharp. "Do you want to set the kitchen on fire again?"
Haruko paused, realizing why Shinya had insisted she bring her keys: to prevent a repeat of whatever kitchen disaster had happened before. Apparently, the kitchen had been burnt once already.
"Shinya, could you please cut the chicken breast into small pieces for me?" she asked, retrieving a smaller knife from her collection. Though the blade was small, it remained sharp, and she warned him, "Be careful not to cut yourself."
"Don't worry," Shinya said with a grin, "I'm not the sentimental type, and I don't sugarcoat things, but I can at least be useful in the kitchen."
Though Haruko had been exhausted from the day's shopping trip with Shinya, which had taxed her already limited mental energy, she couldn't help but feel touched. It was rare to find a man willing to help out in the kitchen these days, and while Shinya had caused her quite a bit of trouble, she appreciated his effort.
But…
But Shinya was just so cute! She couldn't resist teasing him!
"Hmm~ I wonder if Shinya is only helping out because he wants to eat meat," she mused.
"Hey! Haruko, that's a bit much! Do I really look like the type who's obsessed with food?" Shinya huffed, turning away with a mock frown.
Haruko quickly apologized, "Sorry, sorry! I was just kidding! Don't be upset. How about I make you some fried chicken pieces?"
To her surprise, Shinya's shoulders began to shake. Ah, so he was pretending to be angry!
"Looks like you don't actually want fried chicken, huh? I'll just skip the chicken cutting then," Haruko teased.
"I want it!" Shinya exclaimed eagerly.
"Well, well, if you sincerely wish for it, maybe Haruko-sama will grant you the fried chicken you desire," she said, raising an eyebrow.
"Okay, okay, Haruko-sama! I want the fried chicken!" Shinya replied, practically begging.
"I want it, too!" Haruko grinned.