Sweet Distractions

The sound of sizzling filled the kitchen as Kazuki focused on the pan in front of him, expertly flipping a piece of golden-brown fish. The smell of food filled the air, rich and savory, and he hummed to himself as he worked, glancing occasionally at the various dishes he had lined up on the counter. Cooking had always been a relaxing ritual for him, a way to unwind after the day's routines and keep his mind sharp.

He was so focused that he barely noticed Shizuka as she slipped into the kitchen, her footsteps light and her eyes mischievous. She stood there for a moment, watching him, her crimson eyes gleaming as she took in the scene. It was rare to see him so absorbed, but it was a sight she loved — Kazuki in his element, skillfully moving between ingredients, his brow furrowed in concentration.

Without warning, she tiptoed up behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist and leaning her head against his back. He stiffened for a moment, then relaxed, recognizing her familiar touch.

"Shizuka," he said, slightly amused but focused on his cooking. "Can't you wait until I'm done? I don't want us to end up with a burnt dinner."

She pouted, her grip tightening around him. "Oh, come on. You know you love my company."

He chuckled, flipping the fish one more time. "Is that why you're clinging to me like I'm about to disappear?"

"Exactly," she said, her voice low and teasing. "Can't risk you slipping away from me."

Kazuki shook his head, though he couldn't help but smile. Shizuka's warmth pressed against him was familiar, comforting, though there was a certain boldness in her embrace that had him slightly off-balance. She often did this — sneaking up on him, testing the boundaries of their friendship with gestures that lingered just a little too long or glances that held a touch more warmth than he was used to.

Shizuka moved closer, resting her chin on his shoulder as she watched him cook. "You're amazing at this, you know? Sometimes I think you'd be happier running a little cafe than going to class every day."

"You think so?" he asked, a smile tugging at his lips.

"Mm-hmm," she murmured, inching closer until her cheek was brushing against his. "But I'd be your only customer, obviously. I'd be there every day."

Kazuki rolled his eyes but didn't move away. "Somehow, I don't doubt that."

She leaned even closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "I mean it, Kazuki. You'd be my personal chef, and I'd be… your most devoted customer." Her arms tightened around him, her fingers lightly tracing circles on his chest.

"Shizuka," he murmured, trying to stay focused on the stove, though he could feel his pulse quicken slightly. "You're not going to distract me from finishing this meal."

She let out a quiet, playful laugh. "Oh, really? I don't think you'd mind a little distraction."

With that, she lifted herself slightly on her toes and pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek. The touch was warm, lingering just long enough to make his heart race, though he tried not to show it. She pulled back, watching him with an impish smile, as if daring him to react.

Kazuki cleared his throat, his eyes fixed resolutely on the food in front of him. "You're… really in a mood today."

"What, am I not allowed to show affection for my dear best friend?" She grinned, moving around to face him directly, blocking his view of the pan. She looked up at him, her eyes filled with a playful, almost daring light. "Besides, I think you secretly like it."

He exhaled, struggling to keep his composure. Shizuka had always been bold, but today, she was testing the limits. And despite himself, he couldn't deny the effect she had on him.

He glanced down at her, meeting her gaze. "Maybe I do."

For a moment, her confident smile faltered, and a light blush spread across her cheeks. But she quickly recovered, tilting her head with a grin. "Good. Then I'm doing my job right."

Kazuki reached around her, taking the pan off the stove to avoid any actual culinary disasters. "You know, if you keep this up, you're going to end up without dinner."

Shizuka laughed, leaning back with a shrug. "That's a risk I'm willing to take."

Despite her teasing, Shizuka eventually settled down and allowed him to plate the food. She watched him intently, her gaze following his every movement with a warmth that went beyond mere friendship. When he finished, he turned to her, gesturing toward the table with a slight smile.

"Shall we eat, or are you still planning to interrupt me?"

She tilted her head, as if in deep thought. "Hmm… I guess I can save the interruptions for dessert."

He chuckled, leading her to the table where they finally settled down to eat. As they shared their meal, Kazuki felt a familiar warmth settle over him, a contentment he only ever felt with her. In the midst of their laughter and playful banter, he realized that this — the teasing, the closeness, the comfort — was what made his world feel whole.