"Awesome?" Asuka blinked, her expression blank.
She turned to Toru Kazama, staring at him intently. "Am I really good at cooking?"
Toru nodded earnestly. "Even though I haven't tasted the food yet, your chopping and stir-frying skills were miles ahead of my mom's!"
Mineko Kazama: o(▼皿▼メ;)o
Toru's bluntness landed like a slap. Mineko's face darkened slightly, but she said nothing.
Realizing his mistake, Toru panicked and quickly added, "O-of course, Mom's cooking is also great!"
Asuka raised an eyebrow but didn't comment. She turned back to the ingredients for Coca-Cola Chicken Wings, expertly preparing them while maintaining her focus.
"Mineko-san," Asuka asked without looking up, "Have you steamed the rice?"
"Yes, it should be ready by the time your dish is finished."
"Good."
With that, Asuka resumed cooking, her movements calm and precise. Knowing they wouldn't be of any help, Mineko and Toru busied themselves setting the table in the living room.
Suddenly, the doorbell rang.
"Who could that be?" Mineko muttered as she headed toward the door. She turned to Toru. "Did you invite someone over?"
Toru shook his head. "Nope. My friends and I planned to meet tomorrow. I'll check."
As he opened the door, a round, potato-headed boy burst in like a hurricane.
"Hi, Kazama~!"
Toru recoiled in horror. "Shinchan?! What are you doing here?"
Nohara Shinnosuke darted forward, wrapping himself around Toru like an overly affectionate octopus. "I missed you, Kazama~!"
"Hey!" Toru shivered violently.
Taking full advantage, Shinchan expertly located his old slippers in the shoe cabinet. As he was about to dash into the living room, his sharp eyes landed on an unfamiliar pair of elegant low-heeled shoes.
"Oh?"
Shinchan paused, kneeling at the entrance as he carefully picked up one of the low-heeled shoes. Turning back to Toru, he asked, "Kazama, do you have a guest?"
"Shinchan! That's so rude!" Toru snatched the shoe back, placing it carefully on the floor. "Yes, we have a guest. And you—go home already!"
"Aww, Kazama, don't be so mean~!"
Shinchan put his hands on his hips, tilted his head, and wriggled his bottom in his trademark bizarre dance.
The commotion was loud enough to reach the kitchen, where Asuka was busy cooking. Hearing the unmistakable sound of children's antics, she briefly paused but quickly returned to her work.
"Shinchan's here, isn't he?" Mineko, who had just finished setting the table, stepped into the entranceway.
"Hello, Auntie!" Shinchan immediately stood to attention, his demeanor switching to one of mock politeness.
Mineko smiled. "Shinchan, did you come to play with Toru? Have you had lunch yet?"
"No, Auntie. I haven't eaten," Shinchan replied, his eyes wide and innocent.
Mineko glanced at the clock. It was nearly half past one. Knowing Shinchan's family habits, she suspected he had simply wandered over without any plan.
"Well, we're about to eat. If it's okay with Asuka, you can join us," she said gently.
"Really?! Thank you, Auntie!" Shinchan's face lit up, his voice brimming with excitement.
Mineko entered the kitchen to inform Asuka.
"I don't mind," Asuka replied calmly. "The Mapo Tofu and Coca-Cola Chicken Wings are large portions. It's good to have someone else help finish them."
"Great. Let me know if you need any help."
"Understood."
Mineko returned to the living room to set Shinchan's place, while the boy was busy pestering Toru with his endless chatter.
Meanwhile, Asuka stirred the chicken wings in the pan. The golden wings sizzled as the slightly sweet cola caramelized in the hot oil. The rich aroma wafted through the house, drawing Shinchan and Mineko to a standstill.
"Hey, Kazama," Shinchan said, his voice low with awe.
"What is it?" Toru asked, still entranced by the scent.
Shinchan swallowed hard, then whispered, "What kind of food are you cooking? It smells amazing!"
"It's Coca-Cola Chicken Wings," Toru replied without hesitation.
"Chicken Wings?" Shinchan's eyes lit up like stars as he bolted toward the kitchen.
"Sister, sister, sister!"
Asuka had just finished plating the Coca-Cola Chicken Wings when Shinchan came skidding to a stop in the kitchen doorway.
"Hello."
"...Hello?" Asuka blinked, confused by the boy's sudden freeze.
"Are you okay, kid?"
"Big sister!" Shinchan suddenly exclaimed. "My name is Shinchan! I'm five years old and in the Sunflower Class at Futaba Kindergarten! I hate green peppers and carrots, but I love curry rice and natto!"
"Wait, Shinchan." Asuka, unfazed, handed him the plate of chicken wings. "Lunch is ready. Can you carry this out to the living room?"
"Sister! Let me handle this! You go rest in the living room—I'll take care of everything!" Shinchan declared, his red ears betraying his flustered excitement.
"Are you sure you can manage?"
"Of course!" Shinchan puffed out his chest. "I help my mom with housework all the time. This is easy!"
With exaggerated care, Shinchan carried the plate out of the kitchen, walking as if balancing a priceless treasure.
"Shinchan?" Mineko asked, puzzled. "Why are you carrying the plate? Where's Asuka?"
"Don't worry, Auntie! Big Sister is resting. I've got this covered!" Shinchan grinned proudly.
Mineko and Toru exchanged skeptical glances, but they couldn't deny the charm of Shinchan's enthusiasm.