Chapter 10:Hiroshi's Warm Embrace and Culinary Mastery

I attempted to dismiss the unnecessary thought that had momentarily captured my mind, and I entered the house. Hiroshi was already in the kitchen, tying an apron around his waist. As I observed him, I couldn't help but be struck by how professional he appeared while cooking. The precision with which he cut the spices and his fluid movements as he moved around the kitchen gave him an air of culinary expertise.

His concentration was evident as he focused on the meal he was preparing. The rhythmic sound of the knife against the cutting board filled the air, harmonizing with the gentle hum of the refrigerator. The warm, inviting aroma of the ingredients spread throughout the room, further igniting my anticipation for the meal to come.

There was something inherently appealing about watching Hiroshi cook. The way he interacted with the ingredients and the care he put into every step revealed a side of him I hadn't seen before – a side that spoke of dedication, skill, and a deep appreciation for the art of cooking.

"um is there something i can help with?" i ask him as i admiring his culinary skill.

Hiroshi glanced at me with a warm smile. "Of course, Hanako. You can start by rinsing the vegetables. They're right there in the sink."

I eagerly moved to the sink and began rinsing the fresh vegetables under the cool stream of water.

As I worked, Hiroshi's voice filled the air again, guiding me through the process. "Once you're done, you can start by heating up the wok. I'll show you how to properly sauté the vegetables for the stir-fry."

His patient instructions and the rhythmic sounds of his cooking utensils against the wok formed a soothing melody.

I finished rinsing the vegetables and moved to the stove, taking in Hiroshi's guidance as I heated up the wok.

As the wok started to warm, Hiroshi stepped behind me, his warm breath sent shiver down my spine as he placed his hand over mine on the spatula. He guided my movements with a fluid grace, demonstrating the art of sautéing. The proximity between us was closer than before, and I could feel the warmth of his body radiating through the thin fabric of our clothes and the beating of his heart.

His voice, a soft murmur in my ear, sending shiver down my spine as he continued his guidance. "See how the wok should be hot enough for a sizzle when the vegetables touch it," he explained, the words creating a delicate harmony with the sizzling sounds that filled the kitchen. "Now, gently stir the vegetables, keeping them moving for even cooking."

With his guidance and his presence so close, I followed his instructions, my heart beating in sync with the rhythm of our movements. The fragrant aroma of the vegetables mixed with the subtle scent of his cologne, creating a sensory experience that felt both surreal and exhilarating.

Hiroshi skillfully placed his other hand on the wok handle while still holding the spatula with me. He demonstrated the technique of tossing the vegetables, achieving a perfect crispness. Afterward, he walked over to the kitchen counter to retrieve a plate, setting the vegetables aside. "Now let's cook the tofu until it becomes golden brown," he instructed, his voice a calm presence in the room.

Adding oil to the warm wok, he added a cube of tofu, and I began to stir it as per his guidance. In the midst of cooking, I couldn't help but steal a quick glance at Hiroshi. His face was adorned with a gentle smile as he watched me, and our eyes met. A sudden rush of warmth flooded my cheeks, and I quickly refocused on stirring the tofu, my heart skipping a beat in response to his smile.

As I continued to stir the tofu, Hiroshi's warm hand brushed against mine, and he gently took hold of the spatula, his other hand firmly on the wok's handle. "Let me guide you," he said softly, his voice sending a delightful shiver down my spine. We were so close that I couldn't help but steal a glance at him. His gaze locked with mine, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. My cheeks flushed with warmth, and I quickly averted my eyes, feeling flustered by the intensity of the moment. How could I possibly concentrate like this? It was as if my heart was echoing in the small kitchen, and I hoped he couldn't hear its rapid beats.

Taking a deep breath, I attempted to refocus on the task at hand. The tofu needed my attention, after all. But even with my efforts, it was difficult to ignore the proximity between us, the feel of his hand guiding mine, and the allure of his gaze. My stirring movements became a bit more erratic, a result of both nervousness and the intoxicating presence he exuded.

Hiroshi's patient voice once again filled the air, guiding me through the process. "You're doing great, Hanako. Just keep the tofu moving in the pan. It's all about achieving that perfect golden brown."

His encouragement helped steady my nerves, and I forced myself to concentrate on the task. The sizzling of the tofu, the sound of our synchronized movements, and his gentle guidance created a harmony that seemed to drown out everything else.

Finally, Hiroshi's voice came again, breaking the spell. "That's perfect, Hanako. You've got the hang of it." He stepped back slightly, allowing me to continue on my own. The space between us felt strangely empty after his touch, and my heart yearned for the closeness we had shared.

As Hiroshi worked on preparing the spices and the stir-fried vegetables, I continued to focus on ensuring the tofu turned that perfect shade of golden brown. The kitchen was filled with the delightful sizzling sounds of the cooking ingredients, and the aroma that wafted through the air was truly satisfying.

Once the tofu had achieved the desired color, Hiroshi combined it with the stir-fried vegetables, delicately adding the spices. I followed his instructions, gently stirring the mixture to ensure the tofu remained intact. As the flavors melded together, the scent that enveloped the kitchen was utterly mouthwatering.

Hiroshi's voice broke through my concentration, his words like a gentle reminder of our task. "I'll go prepare our plates at the dining table." With that, he gracefully moved to the cabinet to retrieve some plates, leaving me to continue my stirring.

As I stirred the mixture, my thoughts began to drift back to the moments we shared in the kitchen. The warmth of his guiding touch lingered on my skin, and the memory of our closeness played in my mind like a soft melody. I shook off the thoughts, reminding myself to focus on the task at hand, and continued stirring the mixture.

After a few more moments of stirring, Hiroshi returned to the kitchen, plates in hand, and set them on the counter. We carefully transferred the beautifully cooked stir-fried vegetables and tofu onto the plates. Hiroshi's approving smile as he looked at the finished dish filled me with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

"Great job, Hanako. You're quite the chef," he praised, his words touching my heart in an unexpected way.

I returned his smile, feeling a sense of camaraderie and connection that went beyond the pretense of our engagement. "Well, I had a great teacher," I replied playfully.

Hiroshi chuckled, his eyes holding a warmth that seemed to mirror my own feelings. "It was a team effort."

As Hiroshi and I settled at the dining table, the plated stir-fried vegetables and tofu looked enticing, and my stomach rumbled in response. I couldn't help but notice that there was also a bottle of beer on the table. My curiosity got the better of me, and I asked with a hint of amusement, "There's a beer?"

Hiroshi's smile was warm as he replied, "Yes, beer can be quite refreshing after a meal. Do you enjoy it?"

I placed the plate on the table and took a seat across from him. "Ahh, yes, a little," I admitted with a sheepish smile, recalling the occasional social gatherings of my former fiancé where I had tried beer before and ended up getting a bit tipsy even after just a few glasses.

Hiroshi's eyes twinkled as he responded, "Well, let's enjoy our meal and see how well you handle it."

As we dug into the delicious stir-fried dish, the flavors were even more exquisite than the aroma had suggested. Hiroshi's culinary skills truly shone in every bite, and I couldn't help but express my appreciation. "This is amazing, Hiroshi. You're a fantastic cook."

Hiroshi's smile held a touch of pride, but his humility was also evident. "I'm glad you like it. Cooking has always been a passion of mine."

As we continued our meal, I found myself stealing quick glances at him. The way he ate and moved seemed oddly familiar, like a distant memory tugging at the edges of my mind. It was as if we had shared meals together before, although I couldn't quite pinpoint where or when. This strange feeling of nostalgia stirred within me, adding a layer of intrigue to our current situation.

Our conversation flowed effortlessly as we enjoyed our meal. We talked about various topics, from our favorite foods to our hobbies and interests. I discovered that he also liked visiting beaches, not to swim but to enjoy the breeze and look for answers. He didn't reveal what answer he had been searching for, and I didn't press him for details since he didn't seem inclined to share. However, the thought of him seeking answers added a certain depth to his character that intrigued me. There were still things I didn't know about him, and the realization tugged at my heart.

After we finished eating, there was a moment of hesitation regarding the beer. Eventually, I decided to give it a try, and as Hiroshi had mentioned, it indeed provided a refreshing aftertaste. Although the world felt a bit wobbly, I enjoyed the sensation of relaxation it brought. As always, Hiroshi insisted on washing the dishes alone, despite my repeated offers to help.

As Hiroshi finished washing the dishes, he walked towards me and gently suggested that I head to the bedroom. "Looks like you can't hold your liquor," he said with a playful smile, his face close to mine, our eyes locking once again.

"Hiroshi, since when did you become two?" I asked, momentarily seeing two of him due to the effects of the beer. He paused for a moment, looking at me, and then burst out laughing.

"Let me guide you to your room," he said, his laughter still lingering in the air. He gently lifted me, his hand secure around my waist, and I found myself standing with my hand resting on his shoulder. "Where are we going?" I asked, feeling a mix of amusement and confusion.

"To your room. You'll be applying to our headquarters tomorrow, remember?" he reminded me, guiding me through the familiar corridors.

"Yeah, I almost forgot…" I replied, my voice trailing off as sleepiness began to take over.

Hiroshi carefully laid me down on my bed, making sure I was comfortable. He tucked me in with a blanket and smiled down at me, his gaze warm and caring. "Rest well," he said softly.

I managed a sleepy smile in response.

He brushed a strand of hair away from my face, his touch gentle, and his voice soothing as he whispered, " Sleep now."

With that, I let myself succumb to the drowsiness that had overtaken me. As I drifted into sleep, the warmth of his presence remained with me, soothing me into a peaceful slumber.