Kouga entered the kitchen, only to stop dead in his tracks. His eyes widened in horror.
The "meal" Kiana had prepared… was pixelated. Literally. Blocks of distorted color floated and shimmered on the plate like something out of a corrupted video game.
"…How in the world is that even possible?" he muttered under his breath.
Steeling himself, he sat down, picked up the chopsticks, and took a single bite.
For one dreadful moment, he swore his body instinctively triggered Kamen Rider Chalice's undead resilience just to keep him alive. His soul trembled on the edge of oblivion.
"…?" Kiana skipped into the room, cheerful. "So, Kouga-senpai, how is it? Be honest!"
Before he could answer, Mei leaned over curiously, eyes widening at the strange shifting colors on the plate. Kouga panicked, immediately shoveling the entire dish into his mouth with reckless abandon.
"…!" Mei's jaw dropped as Kouga forced down the last bite.
Kiana's smile faltered. "H-Hey! That was for everyone to share!"
Kouga coughed lightly, forcing a reassuring smile even as his stomach churned. "It's… good. Really."
Kiana pouted. "You didn't have to eat all of it! I wanted Mei-senpai to try too…"
Sensing her disappointment, Kouga sighed. "…Fine. I'll make something fresh to make up for it. But it has to be my best, alright?"
Kiana perked up, though she still puffed her cheeks. "Promise! And next time Mei has to taste mine!"
With that, she stomped off to the living room, leaving Kouga slumped against the counter, quietly regretting every choice that led him here.
Just then, Mei peeked back in. Her eyes softened when she noticed a smear of Kiana's "food" still stuck on Kouga's cheek. Without a word, she reached out with her handkerchief, gently wiping it away.
Kouga blinked, a little flustered. "Mei—wait—"
Before he could stop her, she lifted the faint smear to her lips, tasting it out of habit.
"…!" Mei's expression twisted instantly. A wave of nausea hit her, and she covered her mouth.
Kouga quickly grabbed her shoulders. "Mei! Are you alright?!"
She shook her head, pale but smiling faintly. "…I'll live. But—thank you, Kouga-kun. For… protecting me."
Kiana's voice echoed from the living room—
"Don't forget, Kouga-senpai! Best meal ever! I'm counting on you!"
Kouga sighed. "…I'm doomed."
The next day, Kouga stood in the kitchen with a serious look on his face. "Kiana," he began, crossing his arms, "I've decided—it's time I gave you a proper cooking lesson."
Kiana blinked at him, surprised. "Huh? But you already said my cooking was good yesterday!" She puffed her cheeks proudly.
Kouga suppressed the urge to shudder at the memory. "…Maybe. But if you learn properly, you'll be able to make something Mei will really enjoy."
At that, Kiana froze. Her eyes lit up with determination. "Wait—you mean I could make Mei-senpai a meal she'll love?!"
Kouga smirked. "Exactly."
Kiana slammed her fists on the counter. "Alright then! Let's do it! I'll become the greatest chef ever—just for Mei-senpai!"
From the dining table, Mei had been quietly watching. A small smile touched her lips, but Kouga noticed the way she fiddled with her hands.
"What's wrong?" he asked gently.
Mei hesitated before speaking. "…Could I join as well?"
Both Kouga and Kiana blinked. "You… want to cook too?"
Mei nodded softly. "I never really learned. At home, the maids and butlers always handled the meals… and lately, you've been the one cooking, Kouga-kun. But I don't want to rely on others forever. I'd like… to cook for you both, too."
Kouga's expression softened. "Of course. You're welcome anytime."
So the three of them spent the evening together in the kitchen.
Kiana, despite her enthusiasm, somehow got stuck trying to properly crack an egg—half an hour in and she was still battling it like a mortal enemy.
Meanwhile, Mei improved at an incredible pace. What began as a barely edible mess gradually transformed into an actually tasty dish. She smiled proudly as Kouga gave her a nod of approval.
The kitchen was lively that evening. Kouga stood by like a stern instructor, arms crossed, while Kiana and Mei worked side by side.
"Remember," Kouga explained, "cooking's about balance. Too much of anything ruins the dish."
Mei nodded firmly. "Understood, Kouga-kun." She moved with quiet focus, carefully slicing vegetables into even, precise cuts. Each motion was practiced, disciplined—like her sword training, but with a kitchen knife instead.
Kiana, on the other hand, was humming cheerfully as she dumped ingredients into her bowl. "Balance, huh? Then I'll just make it extra sweet! Mei-senpai loves sweet things, right?"
Kouga froze. "…Wait. What did you just add?"
"Sugar," Kiana replied innocently, holding up a bag and shaking it like it was a prize.
Kouga pinched the bridge of his nose. "Kiana… we're making miso soup."
"Yeah, but if it's sweet, Mei-senpai will smile more!" Kiana said proudly, eyes sparkling with confidence.
Mei paused mid-stir, looking between the two. "…Kiana-chan, I don't think miso soup is supposed to taste like dessert."
Kiana's face dropped. "…Eh? It's not?"
Kouga let out a long sigh. "Just—keep going. I'll handle damage control later."
Meanwhile, Mei continued her dish quietly. She tasted it with a spoon, adjusted the seasoning just a little, then plated it neatly. When she presented it to Kouga, he blinked in surprise—it actually looked restaurant-quality.
"This is… impressive," Kouga admitted. "You're picking this up fast."
Mei blushed slightly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "It's thanks to your guidance. And… I want to get better. I want to make meals for both you and Kiana-chan."
Kiana immediately wrapped her arms around Mei from the side, nearly spilling her sugar-filled miso soup. "See, Kouga! Mei-senpai doesn't care if my food is a little… different. She'll still love it!"
Kouga glanced at the suspiciously sparkling soup bowl and muttered, "Yeah. Different is one word for it…"