Chapter 21

Ari raised her hand and called out, "Kale!"

He stood outside her door and looked at her while she waved for him to wait.

Kale could have just jumped over the door, but sure, he will wait.

She ran over wearing slippers, opening the door for him.

Ari was wearing an oversized white hoodie and gray sweatpants, her hair a little bit messy in a bun.

"H-hey," she said panting a bit as she met his eyes.

He nodded slightly.

She noticed a ray of coldness emitting from them but it disappeared in a flash as he saw her.

Now he only looked a bit tired.

She shook her head, noticing his clothes.

He was wearing a black shirt, half its buttons were open, showing much more of his body and she could finally see his necklace. Strangely enough, it was a black and gray skull padlock.

His shirt was tucked into black pants with a nice-looking belt, and his left hand was in his pocket with a black watch while his sleeves were rolled.

His right hand held the black case with his long fingers. Her eyebrow rose as she was pretty curious about what was inside.

"Oh, yes. Come in," she made way for him.

He walked, waiting until she closed the door for her to lead the way.

Ari locked her hands in front of her, for him not to see her fidgeting anxiously.

This was the first time someone else would enter her house other than her father.

Her mind began to wander.

Luckily she got up back then to check the bag, otherwise, she wouldn't be able to face him.

Before long she was in front of the house, opening the door and inviting him in.

Kale didn't waste time and took off his shoes before walking further.

Ari hurriedly gave him some slippers. But he didn't even try them on and stared at her quietly.

She embarrassedly took it back. There is no way they would fit.

"But you are going to be cold..."

"It's okay. Kitchen?" He asked.

"Oh, right over there," she pointed with her small hands.

"Thank you," he walked over, finding the bag of groceries, he placed the case next to them.

Ari sat in one of the high chairs on the kitchen counter. "What's in there?" Her curiosity had the better of her.

"You will see," he said as he opened the bag, taking out a pack of fettuccine, a variety of Italian pasta quite similar to tagliatelle.

Then a little bottle of mixed dried herbs, garlic powder, and parmesan cheese.

He turned around and walked to the fridge while she stared at him pouting since he won't say.

"Can I?" He asked with his hand on the handle.

"Oh, yes."

He opened the fridge, looking for the chicken breasts and butter he brought. "I am hoping you have salt and black pepper," he said as he closed the door.

He was saying this on purpose, wasn't he?

"The small cabinet on your right," she said with a cold tone.

He put everything on the kitchen counter in front of Ari.

"What are you making?"

"Just pasta," he answered.

I can see that pf, she said in her mind.

Kale opened his case, and a series of beautiful knives lined up in front of Ari.

Gorgeous, I wouldn't dare cook with them, she thought.

Little did she know that it was Kale who made them.

Her eyes suddenly fell on the tools next to the knives, especially the mallet.

Hmm, just cooking tools, right? She reassured herself.

He took out that same mallet and a normal-sized knife.

"Pans and stuff?"

"The cabinet below."

Kale, after preparing everything in front of him, started taking off his rings and watch.

Why is even that such a beautiful sight, unconsciously thought Ari.

Before long her eyes fell on this man, fully focused on his cooking.

He took out some papers, placed the chicken breast, seasoning it with his nice fingers. Salt, pepper, garlic powder then the mixed herbs, then the mallet, gently flattening.

He took out the griddle pan, laced it with oil before placing down the chicken, flipping it to the other side after a few minutes, and finally removing and covering it with foil to rest.

He opened the pasta pack, throwing his fettuccine into the salted boiled water he prepared.

After a few minutes, he took cups of pasta water into a separate pan, then added the butter on low heat.

He added later the pasta, allowing it to finish cooking in the sauce while adding the parmesan cheese little by little.

Ari didn't take her eyes off his tall figure, his calm eyes, his veiny hand holding the pan, and the other stirring vigorously as the sauce turned creamy and smooth after he seasoned it again with salt.

He turned, taking out his black knife and slicing the rested chicken beautifully.

Finally, he plate up the pasta, topping it with the chicken graciously with his hand, and last but not least, topping it again with the sauce and a bit of parsley and black pepper.

He put the plate in front of Ari, who was drooling ever since her eyes fell on the creamy sauce.

"Thank you~ I will eat well."

"Enjoy," he turned to wash the dishes.

Ari already started eating, "MMM!" she hummed savoring her food.

She finished while he was still cleaning. "Thank you again."

Suddenly she was reminded that he didn't have any, "I am sorry I am gonna ask this until I finished," she was pretty embarrassed about it, "But why didn't you make some for yourself?"

"I am not in the mood, next time," he took the plate to wash it.

Next time? Hmm...

"Since when did you learn how to cook?"

"I was twelve." He learned how to kill way before that.

"Wait, twelve?" Ari's eyes widened.

Kale was nonchalant about it, "Yeah."

"Why?"

"Because I looked up to my father doing so."

"Oh," she paused for a moment. This may be a good time to ask about his family. "Did your father cook for you often?"

"He always did."

"Hmm, what about, your mother?" She was pretty reluctant to ask this question.

"She enjoys his cooking."

"Oh," she nodded her head, picturing the scene, "So your father is the one who takes care of the house?"

"No, only cooking. He doesn't let anyone near his kitchen, even her."

"He must enjoy cooking."

"He does."

"So, you look up to him?"

"I do."

"What about your mother?"

"Of course, they are both amazing." Kale was cleaning his hand with a towel, while turning to look at Ari.

"Ehem," she coughed and looked away, acting as if she was readjusting her posture on the seat.

She raised her head and he was still looking at her.

"You must really idolize your parents."

Kale was quiet for a moment. You will be doing the same when you meet them, he thought.

"Aren't you the same, with your father?" He asked.

Ari froze, breathing heavily, she let out a genuinely warm smile, "Yeah, I do."

"You seem to know a lot about me, it's scary," she spoke her thoughts unconsciously. Realizing that, she raised her eyes to meet his, apologetic, "I am sorry, I..."

"I understand, don't worry. It must have been hard letting me inside your house with all those thoughts."

Her eyes widened, "I am," she could barely smile, "trying."

Kale sighed, "Here," He raised his hand and purple flames appeared for a second, making a small gold ring appear in the air.

"I made it gold, it will look good on your skin," he said.

"What do you..."

"Try putting it on first."

Ari couldn't question more as his eyes were calm but his deep voice was a little domineering.

She took it, it was the size of her little finger, so she placed it in her right hand.

It had a little purple gem in it's center, it looked too beautiful.

"Does it have anything to do with your powers?" She couldn't help herself but ask since it was the same color.

"Yes."

"What does it do?"

"It will protect you. Imagine that you don't want me to approach you."

"What?" She raised her eyes.

Kale raised his hand, slowly approaching her face. "Try."

"Oh-okay."

She focused.

ZZZ THUD!

Kale's hand was pushed away with steam coming from his fingers.

"Oh my, I am sorry!"

"It's okay. With this no one can approach you, it will also stop any projectiles coming at you."

Her eyes focused on the ring. She found it very hard to breathe, "Why did you give me this?" She raised her eyes to meet his.

"In case, I am not by your side."

Ari's breathing slowed down. Her heartbeat pulsated briefly faster.

Those eyes of his...

"I wouldn't, want that," she blurred out.

Their eyes didn't leave each other.

"Me neither," his deep voice rang sweetly in her ears.