The sun streamed through the windows as the smell of freshly brewed coffee filled the kitchen. Kazuki was in his element, flipping pancakes with practiced ease while the sizzling sound of bacon added a rhythmic backdrop to his movements. Aoi, still groggy from sleep, wandered into the kitchen rubbing her eyes.
"Onii-chan, what's that amazing smell?" she asked, her voice a mix of curiosity and excitement.
"Breakfast," Kazuki replied without looking up, expertly sliding a golden-brown pancake onto a plate. "Take a seat. It's almost ready."
Aoi grinned and plopped down at the kitchen island. "You're like a professional chef, Onii-chan. Why don't you cook all the time?"
Kazuki smirked. "Because if I did, you'd get spoiled and start demanding five-star meals every day."
Aoi stuck out her tongue. "I'm already spoiled, thanks to you."
Just as Kazuki set down a plate of pancakes in front of her, the doorbell rang. Aoi looked at him questioningly. "Who could that be so early?"
Kazuki shrugged. "Go check. It's probably Shizuka."
Aoi hopped off her stool and skipped to the door. As expected, Shizuka stood there, looking radiant as ever, holding a small bag of something.
"Good morning, Aoi!" Shizuka greeted cheerfully. "I brought some fresh fruit for breakfast."
Aoi waved her in. "Come on in. Onii-chan's on a cooking spree."
Shizuka's eyes lit up. "Kazuki's cooking? Lucky us!"
As Shizuka entered the kitchen, she caught sight of Kazuki, who was now plating scrambled eggs and arranging them next to the bacon and pancakes. His sleeves were rolled up, and he looked focused but relaxed.
"Good morning, Shizuka," Kazuki said without looking up. "Take a seat. Breakfast is served."
Shizuka giggled as she set the bag of fruit on the counter. "Look at you, so serious about cooking. You're amazing, Kazuki."
Aoi, already munching on a pancake, chimed in with her mouth full. "I keep telling him he should open a restaurant."
Kazuki glanced at her. "Chew before you talk, Aoi."
Shizuka laughed, taking a seat beside Aoi. As they began eating, the conversation turned lively. Aoi regaled Shizuka with exaggerated tales of Kazuki's "superhuman" cooking skills, while Kazuki occasionally corrected her with dry remarks.
At one point, Aoi leaned in toward Shizuka with a mischievous grin. "You know, Shizuka, Onii-chan's cooking might be his secret weapon. If he ever wanted to win someone's heart, all he'd have to do is make them breakfast."
Kazuki shot her a warning look. "Aoi..."
Shizuka blushed slightly but smiled. "Well, he doesn't need to. He's already won mine."
The room fell silent for a moment as Shizuka's words hung in the air. Aoi's eyes darted between the two of them before she burst into laughter.
"You two are so sappy!" Aoi teased, waving her fork around. "It's like I'm living in a rom-com!"
Kazuki sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Aoi, just eat your breakfast."
After they finished eating, Aoi took it upon herself to do the dishes, claiming it was her way of "paying back" Kazuki for the meal. Meanwhile, Kazuki and Shizuka moved to the living room to relax.
As they sat on the couch, Shizuka leaned her head on Kazuki's shoulder. "Thanks for breakfast, Kazuki. It was perfect, as always."
Kazuki smiled softly. "I'm glad you liked it."
Aoi peeked around the corner, her hands still wet from the dishes. "You two better not get too cozy in there!" she called out.
Kazuki leaned back and smirked. "You're just jealous you don't have anyone to be cozy with."
Aoi gasped dramatically. "Onii-chan! How could you say that?"
Shizuka giggled, her laughter filling the room. "Don't worry, Aoi. You'll find someone someday."
"Yeah, yeah," Aoi muttered, disappearing back into the kitchen.
As the peaceful morning continued, the three of them enjoyed each other's company, filled with lighthearted banter, teasing, and warmth. It was a moment they'd all remember, a snapshot of happiness in their otherwise busy lives.