The evening sky glowed with fading light, streaks of sunset barely touching the earth below.
Hayashi sat on the couch, lazily flipping through TV channels, though his attention wasn't on the screen at all — it was in the kitchen, where Touka was busy washing vegetables.
It wasn't that he was overly concerned about her; it was more disbelief that she'd volunteered to help in the kitchen. Usually, he was the one who did everything — shopping, cooking, cleaning — so maybe she just felt guilty about eating for free and wanted to contribute a little.
Still, he couldn't help feeling a bit nervous. After all, her last "attempt" at cooking had been an actual death trap. If he hadn't had the Horse Talisman's healing powers, he might've died on the spot.
Meanwhile, Touka seemed completely oblivious to his concerns, focused entirely on rinsing and preparing ingredients. Just imagining her helping — even a little — with tonight's dinner brought a faint, proud smile to her lips.
"I'm done with the prep. You can start cooking now," she called, wiping sweat from her forehead.
"Alright, leave the rest to me. Go take a break and get ready to enjoy the meal." Hayashi stretched and walked over to take her place.
When he saw the cutting board, he blinked in surprise. The ingredients were perfectly prepared—thin slices of meat cut evenly and neatly.That actually took some skill.
"Not bad at all," he said, impressed.
Touka crossed her arms with a triumphant little hum. "Hmph, see? You didn't expect that, did you?"
"Honestly, no. I thought you'd be terrible with a knife, but this is pretty good."
A blush crept across her pale cheeks. "I… help out at the café sometimes—cutting up ingredients for storage."
Hayashi fell silent."Cutting things for storage?"
Yeah, he didn't even need to ask what kind of "ingredients" she meant.
He sighed inwardly. Maybe she was more practical than he gave her credit for.
Refocusing, Hayashi picked up the knife and got to work. Touka didn't leave; she stood by the counter, watching with open curiosity.
Taking a deep breath, Hayashi focused.
"Domain expansion—Ninefold Stir-Fry Technique!" he muttered dramatically, slapping the counter.
Soon, the air filled with the mouthwatering aroma of sizzling food.When the cooking was done, four steaming dishes lined the table: Pepper Steak Strips, Bamboo Shoots with Pork, Celery Stir-Fry, and Yu Xiang Pork.
He looked them over with pride. "Still got it. The great blade never dulls."
"They look delicious," Touka murmured, her eyes gleaming. Even though, as a ghoul, human food didn't exactly smell pleasant to her, she'd learned that the worse it smelled, the better it tasted.
Moments later, Hayashi set the dishes on the table.
"All done. But before you eat, you still have to—"
Before he could finish, she reached out and took his hand, intertwining her fingers with his. The gesture caught him off guard.
Feeling that familiar warmth flow between them, Touka's body trembled slightly before she eagerly picked up her chopsticks. She ate delicately but quickly, eyes closing in contentment after every bite.
Hayashi watched her quietly, glancing at their joined hands, then back at her happy expression. He couldn't help thinking, "She's gotten way too comfortable with this."
In no time, she'd completely cleared the table—nothing left but a few streaks of sauce.
"Perfect clean plate. You'd make an environmental ambassador," he joked.
"How's the taste?"
"It's amazing. Better than any restaurant I've been to." Her eyes sparkled with excitement, like a cat that had just discovered something wonderful.
"As long as you like it," he said, smiling faintly.
Together, they cleaned up the table and dishes.
Then Touka spotted the pack of chewing gum and asked eagerly, "Can I have this now?"
"Go ahead," Hayashi said, chuckling at her childlike anticipation.
She tore the wrapper and popped it into her mouth, her face lighting up as the sweet flavor spread.
"Since dinner's done," Hayashi said, "why don't you try the sandals I bought?"
"So soon?" she asked, blinking.
"Well, if they don't fit, we can still exchange them. Better check before it's too late." His expression was the picture of sincerity.
"…Okay," she said softly.
She slipped off her slippers and hesitated before lifting one delicate foot."Can I put them on the table?"
"Sure. It's clean anyway."
Feeling his gaze, she bit her lip, her cheeks flushing. "Don't stare so much…"
"I'm just checking the size," he said, pretending to be serious.
She sighed and slid her small, pale foot into the sandal.Her ankles were slender, her skin soft and fair; her toes looked like tiny pearls in the light.If she was beautiful before, this only made her even more so.
"How is it? Does it fit?"
"It's perfect. Really comfortable," she said, wriggling her toes with delight. She stood and took a few steps, laughing softly. "It feels so soft—like walking on clouds."
Her cold, elegant face glowed with childlike joy. Then, realizing how she must look, she coughed and quickly sat back down, hugging a cushion.
"Thanks… really," she said shyly.
"No problem. As long as you like them."
He checked the clock—it was already 10 p.m. Time to head home before he missed the last train.
Just as he stood to leave, Touka's quiet voice stopped him.
"It's late… you should stay here tonight."
"It's fine," Hayashi said lightly. "There's still a train. I'll be home in half an hour."
"You didn't understand me."
She raised her head slightly, her eyes gleaming with emotion. Before he could react, she grabbed his wrist and pulled him down onto the couch.
He blinked in shock—her face was inches from his, beautiful and intense.
"I'm not asking you," she whispered, her cheeks bright red. "I'm telling you. Stay here. With me. Don't go."