Innocent Words of Little Yuka

As the three sat down to eat, and while Izumi Kotomi was serving rice, Yui Yuigahama curiously asked as she looked at the two dishes, "Kotomi, what are these dishes called? I've never seen them before."

"Shredded Potatoes and Stir-fried Eggs with Tomatoes. They're simple home-cooked dishes from China. Give them a try—they're delicious!" Kotomi said while placing the bowls of rice on the table and explaining.

Due to her habits from her previous life, Kotomi often made Chinese home-cooked dishes.

For Yui Yuigahama and her little sister, Yuka, being Japanese, this was their first time seeing Chinese home-cooked food.

"Chinese home-cooked dishes? Like Chinese cuisine?! I've seen some on TV before. I didn't know you could cook Chinese food, Kotomi," Yui said, her eyes lighting up with curiosity.

Yui had once seen a Chinese dish—Mapo Tofu—on a food show.

The vibrant colors had made it look incredibly appetizing, like the perfect dish to go with rice.

Ever since, Yui had been wanting to try Chinese food, especially Mapo Tofu.

Kotomi, sensing Yui's curiosity, made up a quick excuse. "I enjoy eating Japanese Chinese cuisine, so I learned how to cook a few simple dishes over the summer break."

"Can you make Mapo Tofu?" Yui asked eagerly.

"Of course," Kotomi replied without hesitation.

Even without the cooking skill from the system, she already knew how to make it.

In her previous life, after losing her parents, Kotomi had to work part-time to pay for her education and living expenses. But as a second-year middle school student, where could she find a job?

She ended up washing dishes in a restaurant. The pay wasn't great, and the hours were long, but it provided a stable income, so at least she didn't have to worry about running out of money.

During her time working in the kitchen, a kind, older chef, feeling sorry for Kotomi's situation, taught her how to cook many dishes. The chef would often say, "If you know how to cook, you'll never go hungry."

It was during that time that Kotomi learned to cook several dishes, including Mapo Tofu.

"So… Kotomi, could you teach me sometime? I've always wanted to try Mapo Tofu, but I don't know how to make it," Yui said quietly, almost bashfully.

Although Yui asked for lessons, Kotomi could tell that what Yui really wanted was to eat the dish, but she was too shy to say it outright.

Kotomi smiled and teasingly said, "It's a secret recipe—I don't share it with anyone. But if you just want to eat it, I can make it for you."

"Really!?" Yui's excitement was clear. Learning wasn't the point—she just wanted to eat Kotomi's Mapo Tofu.

"Once your grades improve after the monthly exams, I'll make it for you."

"Hmm… I have to wait until after the exams? Well, fine. I'll treat it as a reward for doing well. I'll definitely work hard to get a good score!" Yui declared with newfound determination.

"That's the spirit!"

As Kotomi and Yui discussed Mapo Tofu and exam scores, little Yuka was already happily munching on her rice and Stir-fried Eggs with Tomatoes, using her small spoon.

"Yuka, is it good?" Kotomi asked.

"It's delicious!" Yuka replied without a second thought, grinning widely with her little white teeth.

"I'm glad you like it."

"Izumi-nee-chan, your cooking is the best in the world! You should just marry into our family, so I can eat your cooking every day!"

Hearing this, Yui, who had just taken a bite, blushed bright red.

"Yuka! What are you saying? You can't talk to Kotomi like that—it's rude!" Yui hurriedly scolded her.

But Yuka, with her big, innocent eyes, turned to Kotomi, looking confused and asking, "Izumi-nee-chan, aren't you going to marry my sister?"

"Yuka, just eat your dinner," Yui said, her face turning even redder, then nervously sneaking a glance at Kotomi out of the corner of her eye.

What kind of feeling was this?

A little worried, but also curious about how Kotomi would react?

Kotomi simply smiled warmly and gently patted Yuka's head. "I'm glad you like my cooking, Yuka. It makes me happy."

"But Izumi-nee-chan, you still haven't said if you'll marry my sister… I get it! If you won't marry her, then I'll just have to grow up and marry you myself!" Yuka said with sudden determination, looking as if she had just made up her mind.

Both Kotomi and Yui were left baffled. What did she mean by "I get it"?

"I'll grow big and tall and marry Izumi-nee-chan!" Yuka declared seriously.

Why does it have to be me marrying into the family?! Kotomi almost coughed up blood at that, feeling both amused and speechless by the thought.

"Yuka!"

Yui was so startled by her little sister's bold declaration that she nearly fell out of her chair. Annoyed, she tapped Yuka's head lightly with her finger.

What do you mean she will marry Kotomi?! If anyone's going to marry her, it'll be… Ahem! Yui's face flushed red as the thought unexpectedly popped into her mind.

It's all Yuka's fault! She's the one who started all this nonsense!

Yui tried to come up with excuses for herself.

…

After dinner, they wrapped up a portion of the meal for Mrs. Yuigahama, covering it with plastic wrap. Yui insisted on doing the dishes herself, telling Kotomi to relax.

Kotomi realized it was getting late and that she needed to get home. She grabbed her bag and headed for the front door to put on her shoes.

As she stepped outside, the sky had already turned completely dark.

"Seven o'clock already…" Kotomi muttered, glancing at her phone as she walked.

Since the street was lit by streetlights, she didn't need to use her phone's flashlight mode.

Just a few steps away from Yui's house, Kotomi heard a familiar voice behind her.

"Hey, Kotomi, good evening~"

"Is that you, Megumi?" Kotomi recognized Kato Megumi's voice right away and turned around to see her walking up behind her.

"Megumi, what are you doing here?" Kotomi asked, a little puzzled.

After all, Yui's house was far from the Kato residence.

Megumi smiled faintly and lifted two grocery bags she was holding.

"The cleaver at home broke, so I went to the supermarket to buy a new one, along with a sharpening stone. I also picked up some soda and snacks."

One of the bags contained a shiny cleaver and a sharpening stone, while the other held sodas and snacks.

Kotomi recalled that there was indeed a 24-hour supermarket nearby.

The two girls walked side by side on their way home, and with Megumi's company, the slight unease of walking in the dark faded away quickly.

"Even though I know you've arranged to tutor Yui, staying out this late isn't exactly safe, you know?" Megumi teased, leaning closer as if to spook Kotomi. She lowered her voice and whispered near her ear, "Careful, you might get snatched away by some bad guys~"

"Don't worry, it's just one hour of tutoring each day. Today, I just happened to stay for dinner at her house."

"Oh, I see."

Megumi's smile widened slightly.

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