Chapter 14

"Why?"

"Do I even need to explain?!" Taiga slapped away Shinji's hand from Shirou's. "And stop making jokes like that! What if Shirou really takes it seriously and develops some strange interests?!"

"Huh? Strange?" Shinji scratched his chin, furrowing his brows in thought. "Didn't you teach us in class that love comes in many forms? How is it strange?"

"I don't recall ever teaching something like that!"

"Oh! I get it!" Shinji suddenly had a realization, knocking his palm with his fist. "Taiga-san, could it be that you're feeling lonely because Emiya is going to the Netherlands with me?"

Shirou sighed, exasperated. "No, I never said I was going with you. And I've become immune to your jokes."

"Who's lonely?!" Taiga retorted. "And call me Fujimura-sensei!!"

"No need to say more, sensei, I understand." Shinji raised his hand to stop her, then put on a tender expression. "Don't worry, sensei. One day, you'll find a hero who will protect you for a lifetime."

"Matou-kun, honestly, you change topics too quickly. It's hard for me to keep up."

"If you must know why..." Shinji smiled, his eyes narrowing, "It's because bananas are sweetest when they're about to rot."

"Huh?" Taiga was momentarily confused, then realization dawned, and her face turned red with anger.

"You little brat! Who are you calling a rotting banana?!"

Taiga locked Shinji in a chokehold from behind, gritting her teeth. "Sensei, I'm still a green apple! A very green apple!"

"Um, Taiga, that analogy is a bit..." Shirou awkwardly smiled.

"Shirou, do you think I'm a rotting banana too?!"

"No, that's not what I meant... Ah! Taiga, I'm still injured! Don't jump on me!"

Watching the three of them bicker in the small living room, a hint of envy flashed in Sakura's usually vacant eyes.

A hero who will protect me for a lifetime...

Sakura's thoughts drifted back to a distant past, where a small blue-haired boy stood proudly before her.

"Sakura, just wait. Once I learn those amazing skills, I'll definitely protect you from anyone who bullies you!"

"Amazing skills?"

"Yes, very amazing skills! But I can't tell you yet because it has to do with our family's secret."

That little boy eventually forgot all those words...

"So, what about dinner?" Shinji, still in Taiga's hold, suddenly asked.

This brought Taiga to a halt, and she looked over at Shirou.

"Yeah, what about dinner?"

Seeing both of them looking at him, Shirou sighed. "You two shouldn't react the same way about this. And don't forget, I'm injured."

Shinji sat up, resting his chin on his hand, and concluded, "So, we're going to starve tonight?"

Taiga nodded, mirroring his posture. "Unfortunately, it seems so."

"Taiga, are you learning bad habits from Shinji?" Shirou said after a long pause.

Looking at the table full of Chinese dishes, everyone, including Sakura, showed expressions of surprise.

After placing the final dish, Kung Pao Chicken, on the table, Shinji sat down and, seeing their surprised faces, asked, "What's wrong? Why the disbelief?"

"Shinji, you can cook?" Shirou still couldn't believe it.

"Are you really Matou-kun?!" Taiga questioned.

"So, what kind of impression do you all have of me?" Shinji retorted. "Anyway, yes, I can cook, but only Chinese food, and I haven't done it in a long time, so it might not be perfect."

"My goodness..." Taiga covered her mouth in shock. "I thought you could only make instant noodles. I didn't expect you to have such talent."

"Sorry to disappoint you, I can do more than instant noodles," Shinji replied sarcastically, passing bowls of rice to everyone. "But I won't be doing the dishes."

Sakura knew Shinji could cook. About five years ago, Zouken was inspecting spiritual sites nationwide, and their father was often staying in hotels, so that night, only the maids, Shinji, and herself were home, and the maids had gone to bed.

Late at night, unable to sleep, she heard footsteps in the hallway and curiously opened the door to see her brother, wearing an apron and carrying two plates of fried rice to the dining room.

He turned around at the sound, saw her, and asked indifferently, "Want some?"

So, it had developed from there. Due to inexperience, the fried rice wasn't perfect that night, but it was a cherished memory for Sakura.

Since then, whenever she heard footsteps late at night, she would quietly open her door.

And Shinji, as if accustomed to it, would always make an extra serving, improving the taste each time.

However, in the past year or so, such opportunities had nearly vanished. Shinji rarely came home, and their silent, introspective midnight snacks ceased.

Sometimes, Sakura would marvel at how versatile her brother was.

"This sweet and sour fish is amazing!"

Taiga's praise snapped Sakura out of her reverie.

"That's sweet and sour fish," Shirou corrected, slightly exasperated.

"I know this dish! It's green pepper beef! I've had it at Chinese restaurants."

"It's just green pepper and beef," Shinji muttered.

After dinner...

"Take care on your way home. And don't be late for tomorrow's club activities."

Standing at the entrance, Taiga wore a kind smile.

"What, you already knew?" Shinji sighed, rubbing his forehead.

"Of course, I'm the archery club advisor, after all. Don't skip club activities like you usually do."

"Don't worry. I'll stick with my whims until I completely lose interest. Goodbye, Taiga-san, Emiya."

"That's not reassuring. And call me Fujimura-sensei!!"