The aroma of freshly cooked ingredients wafted through the kitchen as Kazuki carefully tended to his dishes. He was determined to make the perfect dinner for Shizuka, who had just arrived and greeted him with a cheerful smile.
"Something smells amazing!" Shizuka called out, poking her head into the kitchen. "Kazuki, you're a lifesaver!"
Kazuki looked over his shoulder and smiled. "I promised, didn't I? Just wait—this is going to be the best dinner you've had all month."
Just as Shizuka took a step forward, Aoi suddenly appeared beside her, crossing her arms and giving her a pointed look. "Don't get too excited. It's not like onii-chan is cooking *just* for you, you know."
Shizuka smirked, catching Aoi's competitive tone. "Oh? I don't mind sharing... but I'm sure Kazuki would want me to have the first taste. Right, Kazuki?" She flashed him a charming smile, clearly amused by Aoi's reaction.
Kazuki sighed, sensing the tension building. "I didn't realize I'd have a whole audience for this."
Aoi scoffed, sidling up to him. "I just want to make sure she doesn't eat *all* of it. You wouldn't do that, right, Shizuka?"
Shizuka leaned against the counter, resting her chin on her hand. "Oh, don't worry. I'll be polite. Though... I might end up needing a second helping, especially if it's as good as it smells." She gave Aoi a playful wink, enjoying the back-and-forth.
Aoi rolled her eyes but shot back with a mischievous grin. "Well, maybe I'll just keep an eye on the food... you know, just to make sure no one's stealing any extra bites before dinner."
Kazuki chuckled, watching the two go at it. "You two do realize that dinner's going to be ready at the same time for everyone, right?"
They both looked at him with determined expressions, and he realized that no amount of reasoning would lessen the rivalry between them tonight.
While Kazuki continued stirring the sauce, Shizuka took a step closer to him, brushing her hand against his arm. "By the way, Kazuki," she said with a soft smile, "thank you for going through all this trouble for me."
Aoi immediately huffed, "Excuse me, he didn't go through *trouble* just for you, Shizuka! He'd have done this even if you weren't coming!"
Shizuka shot her a look. "Is that so, Kazuki? Am I not special enough to get a little extra effort?"
Kazuki paused, glancing between the two. He chose his words carefully, smiling in an attempt to keep the peace. "You're both special, okay? So let's not start a war in the kitchen."
Aoi gave a triumphant grin. "See? He's just a good big brother. Nothing more!"
Shizuka chuckled, rolling her eyes. "Sure, sure. A very good big brother…" She winked at Kazuki, making him nearly drop the spatula.
The banter continued until Kazuki finally announced, "Alright, the food's ready. You two better get to the table!"
Aoi and Shizuka followed him out of the kitchen, still exchanging amused glances. As they sat at the table, they shared one last look, each wearing a competitive smile. Kazuki, caught in the middle, could only hope the food would distract them—at least until the next round of this playful rivalry.