32 YOU CAN'T LIE

Ginnan remained silent. He thought Nana would explain further but she didn't. He waited a little longer just to make sure.

("Son?")

"Uh... yes, Auntie."

("I thought you had disappeared somewhere.")

"Ah haha... sorry."

("No problem,") said Nana. ("Oh, may I know... you can cook?")

"Eh? Cook?"

("Yes.")

Ginnan stroked the nape of his neck. "Um... a little bit."

How could he say he's used to it in the kitchen too, right?

("Then shall I tell you Renji's favorite food when he was a child?")

"Eh?"

("I usually cook him the menu when he starts to lose his appetite.")

Ginnan believed he could as long as he was directed. He glanced briefly at Renji's sleeping face before nodding. "Yes, Auntie."

("I'll guide you to the cooking as well. So when he's awake, you can give him his food.")

"You mean, Auntie?" Ginnan was confused. Nana's voice was heard with a smile.

("I'll turn it off first, then I'll call you via video call.")

"E-Eh?!"

("Do you mind?")

Of course! Video calls? Doesn't that mean the woman will see what he looks like? Unexpected.

"No, but... but..."

("I need your help,") interrupted Nana ("My son will not recognize the dishes made from my recipe if you cut the ingredients as you please. I will guide you well. Don't worry.")

That's not the problem! But Ginnan didn't dare refuse anymore. He nodded. "Yes, Auntie."

("Good. Now look for an apron in the kitchen. Then put your cellphone in a safe place,") said Nana. Renji's exact instructions, only more subtle. ("And don't forget to wash your hands.")

"Okay."

Ginnan began to enter into a new world that one day he was difficult to realize. He cooks and restrains himself from being flustered every time. On the phone screen, Nana remained calm giving instructions. But Ginnan was sure, as he focused on stirring the curry sauce in the pot, Renji's mother was watching his stature with a meaningful smile.

What?

Why?

Did she think he was her son's lover?

"Auntie, thank you…" Ginnan said. And Nana said the same thing before closing their video call. To be honest, Ginnan didn't understand, why in the world there was this kind of mother like Nana. He thought that figure would only exist in BL novels or comics, but when he got to this point, his former thoughts turned upside down in an instant. "Oh my… this food smells so good…"

Ginnan looking at the Indian curry which Nana said was Renji's favorite dish as a child. The curry was thick. Covered in a yellow gravy-like mush and decorated with garnishes of cinnamon and young broccoli. Nana said that Renji had been invited to travel to India in the past. To the house of Deby's ex-husband, his name is Sameer.

At that time, little Renji finished the curry until his plate looked very clean. Nana admits that she didn't see how much Renji ate, but Sameer said that Renji never showed the happiest smile except when he chewed the high spiced food.

Ginnan took a deep breath. "Hope he likes it," he said. Then took off the apron and went to Renji's room to wake him up.

Ginnan hasn't changed clothes yet. And he didn't care what Renji would say about the smell of the kitchen coming from him. But honestly, he was surprised when the man suddenly opened his eyes and glanced at him.

"Eh? You haven't slept yet?!"

Renji looked at him from head to toe. "Why your cheek?

Ginnan's reflex immediately rubbed his cheek with his left hand. "Eh? Cheeks?" and indeed there is a little sauce splattered there. "Oh… this…"

"Did you just cook something?"

Ginnan looked at his tray. "It's nothing," he said. A calm look on his face but his toes pressed silently inside the floor slippery. "Mn, you haven't eaten yet, have you? You said you wanted to try something."

"What's that."

While smiling wryly, Ginnan approached. Nana said Renji was very picky when it came to food. He didn't like it, he would spit it out. And if possible, Ginnan didn't want to see his work treated like that. "It's curry. It might make you feel better."

Ginnan placed the tray next to Renji and immediately backed away. His face was shaking, especially when Renji woke up. The man looked at the tray, then at him. "Where do you know this curry from?"

DEG

"…"

Renji emphasized his question. "I had a runny nose not long ago. I can't smell anything. But you can't lie to me. Where do you know about this curry?" he asked again.