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It was no secret that Tsukasa enjoyed eating.
From his meticulously-packed luncheons, to grand celebrations of successful shows, or just the four of them simply going to the diner together—he would always have a content look on his face at the sight of food. When he had a particularly good dish, his eyes would light up, he would hold his chopsticks slightly tighter, and would chew with a beaming smile.
Rui, contrastingly, did not understand how the mundane task could make someone feel so elated. It was something he had to do for sustenance, in order to function, rather than for pleasure. Yes, he's definitely had good food, but the act of actually consuming it needed effort. He ate to live; unlike Tsukasa, who lived to eat.
The more important thing Rui had noticed after spending more time around Tsukasa, was how he reacted when people he loved cooked for him. When Toya had successfully made cupcakes for him, he was overjoyed. For his birthday, Saki's ginger fried pork brought him to tears.
Rui wasn't much of a chef himself. He had the luxury of his parents (and, occasionally, Nene's) to make every meal for him. However, to make Tsukasa happy, he'd open a Michelin-starred restaurant if it was required.
He also wanted to make something that would make Tsukasa feel such bliss.
And that is how Rui ended up in the kitchen, at 5am on a school day, attempting to make a bento for him.
Why the early time? It had to be as fresh as possible for maximum taste, and also before his parents woke up to make breakfast. Realistically, cooking alone with mediocre skills whilst it's still dark outside isn't the best idea, but he’s absolutely determined to make this perfect.
The dish of choice was, unsurprisingly, ginger fried pork. He wasn't trying to upstage Saki, it was just the best choice, he swears! Not only was it Tsukasa's favourite food, it was relatively simple to cook (according to his research). Also, the pork was perfect for him to meet his protein goals.
Before he does anything else, he makes sure to put the rice in the cooker. Roughly judging, it should be done by the time he assembles everything else.
Armed with an array of kitchen utensils, ingredients on the counter, and a YouTube recipe playing on his phone, the battle commences.
The first ordeal was concocting the sauce. Probably the easiest step, since it was just precisely measuring out things, and adding them to a bowl. Soy sauce in, followed by mirin, sake, and sugar. One of Rui's strengths, rather than arbitrary guidance like ‘salting to taste’. How were you supposed to know whether it was the right taste?!
Peeling and grating the garlic proved to be slightly more challenging. Dexterity was also one of his strengths, but when handling screwdrivers and soldering irons, not a kitchen knife. With a bit more effort, he eventually manages to succeed. The ginger and its juice joins the mixture.
Now, for one of the parts he was dreading. The enemy onion glares back at him from its place on the chopping board. He wanted to skip this bit entirely, but it was an integral part of the recipe. Tsukasa would want him to face his fears, and come out victorious. Rui warily unravels its skin, whilst keeping a look of disdain on his face.
Once free, he wields his sword, and strikes. The onion is quickly split into two halves. He's about to celebrate his triumph, but his opposition retaliates! It casts a spell, causing Rui's eyes to prick up with tears and vision to blur. He has to push through, for Tsukasa's sake. He cannot yield to a mere onion!
A half is grated into a pulp, which he adds to the sauce and sets aside. The remaining side is sliced brutally into mostly even chunks. He lets out a sigh of pure relief—now able to wash his hands and dry his eyes.
It was time to prepare the main star: the pork. Thankfully, it had come pre-sliced, so Rui didn't have to go through the pain of cutting meat. With a separate knife and chopping board (no cross-contamination would happen on his watch), he makes small incisions around the edges. To help it stay flat in the pan, according to the video.
The slices are briefly marinated with ginger juice and sake, then covered in flour. Perfectly ready to be fried. He places the pan on the stove, but debates at what heat to put it at. It says medium-high, so would that be directly between the middle and end of the dial?
Rui sighs, and puts it just a bit higher than that point. He didn't want to serve Tsukasa undercooked meat that would make him sick. Vegetable oil is placed in, and once he deems it hot enough, the meat follows.
Instantly, the thin pork slices create an amazingly appetising sizzle, and Rui arranges them so none are overlapping. The video then says to turn them over once browned, but how was he supposed to know when they were ready? He couldn't exactly see under the meat itself.
Rui rewinds the recipe slightly, but there's no recommended cook time. Maybe the description would have it—ah, there's written instructions on a separate website. He turns around to use his phone, clicking on the link. Meanwhile, the unattended pan starts to rapidly heat up; with a light smoky scent starting to emanate from it.
He's too engrossed in searching the webpage to realise, until—
The blaring sound of their fire alarm fills the room. Rui jolts, dropping his phone with a clatter to dash over to the stove. It's turned off as quick as he can, but the siren continues to ring out.
At this rate, he'll wake up the whole neighbourhood! He rushes to open the window for air circulation, trying to waft out the smoke.
Footsteps near the kitchen, and a voice shouts out, “Who do you think you are, trying to intrude into the Kamishiro residence?! I won't go down without a fight—” His father brandishes a broom in his hands, but stops in his tracks when he sees him. “Rui—?”
They both stand in awkward silence for a few moments, before he uses the broom to click the button on the smoke alarm to stop the sound.
“... What are you doing up? And more importantly, why did you nearly burn down the house?” Rui's father questions, rubbing sleep from his eyes.
“I was making lunch.” When that answer doesn't convince him, Rui adds on, “... For Tsukasa-kun.”
The kitchen is in mild disarray—what once was neatly organised had flipped in his panic. He speaks up tentatively, approaching the stove. “By yourself…? When was the last time you ever cooked something? Here, let me help—”
“No.” Rui says harshly, wincing as the words come out wrong. “Sorry, what I mean is, I have to make it myself. It has to be special, Dad…”
Rui tidies the burnt remains off the pan; using a tissue to dispose of them in the bin. There was thankfully still another portion to be cooked, he'll just have to manage without a lunch for himself.
His father takes a hesitant look at him, and then the kitchen, before yawning, “Okay. I'll trust you, Rui. You're capable of a lot, but just try not to get distracted again?”
Rui nods in acceptance, and then is interrupted by a ruffling of his hair. “I'm certain you'll do great, and he'll absolutely love it. I'll go back to sleep now, so good luck.”
And with that, he's left alone again. Time for the second attempt. Oil goes back in, then the meat. They're quite thinly sliced, so it shouldn't take that long to sear, which he had surmised from the earlier incident.
Chopsticks flip a slice over. It wasn't fully browned, so he'll let the others cook for a few more seconds. Eventually, they're all an appetising golden-brown colour. Rui transfers them to another plate, then throws in the onions from earlier.
Who knew sautéing onions took this long? It feels like he's been pushing them around for hours—he now has immense respect for those who put in effort to caramelise them fully. A while later, they look somewhat translucent, so he decides to let the pork and sauce join them.
Rui admittedly wasn't one to eat breakfast, but the sight and aroma was making his stomach growl in anticipation. After two minutes, the heat is finally turned off, and he takes a moment to admire his creation. The meat and onions gave off such an inviting scent, surrounded by the amber liquid. He'd actually managed to make something edible, and even palatable-looking!
The rice cooker dings right on time, so he scurries over to open it; perfectly fluffy rice to pair with the pork. Now, he just had to assemble everything.
He rummages through the cupboards to find a royal-blue bento box, and rinses it out. In one section, the rice. In another, the ginger fried pork. Rui frowns when he notices the last empty compartment. Ideally, he should make another side dish to put in.
Cabbage salad would be the best pairing, wouldn't it? Does he really want to go through preparing another vegetable, though? No, that's not the mindset he should be having. Besides, he'd get extra praise from Tsukasa if he did include it. Rui quickly finds and shreds part of a cabbage into fine slivers, then fills the last section and closes the lid.
Done.
Rui had successfully made lunch.
How people do this everyday, he wonders. He's frankly exhausted just from cooking this simple dish. It was just nearing 6am, which means he could sneak a quick nap in before he had to get ready for school. Before that, Rui sends a quick text to Saki.
‘Please make sure Tsukasa-kun doesn't bring lunch today. Thank you.’
Hopefully, she won't question it.
The lesson before lunch had been P.E., which was honestly amazing. Tsukasa would be exhausted, then Rui would let him refuel with his cooking. He's been anticipating this moment all day—not listening in class in favour of playing out scenarios in his head.
Though, when he turns to look next to him, Tsukasa's already fully dressed in his uniform, when Rui's barely just putting on his shirt.
“You know, Tsukasa-kun, lunch isn't going anywhere. We're still relatively early,” he jokes, watching him throw on his bag.
Tsukasa's eyes drift back up to his face, and he laments, “About that—a teacher asked me to run a few errands, then I have to patrol the corridors in the second half. I'm sorry, Rui, you'll have to eat without me!”
With that, he waves, and hastens out of the changing room. Rui's hand tightens around the button that he was currently fastening. He couldn't eat lunch today, of all days? Just his luck.
He starts to formulate an alternative plan in his head. There was a way, but would it work...?
After all this effort, he wasn't about to let this opportunity slip away.
In the last five minutes of break, he stands outside their classroom door, waiting for Tsukasa to show up. Once he rounds the corner, he spots Rui, and dashes over. So much for no running in the corridors.
Tsukasa chides, “Rui! Why are you dawdling outside, class is about to start—”
He interjects, firmly clutching his wrist. “Tsukasa-kun. Let's have lunch.”
“Now? Lunch's just finished, though—” He starts to protest, before Rui starts marching with him in tow. “Wait, where are you dragging me—?!”
“We can't skip class, I can't be known as a truant! Unhand me at once, Rui!” Tsukasa cries, unsuccessfully attempting to squirm out of his grip.
Eventually, they make it to their destination. A secluded part of the courtyard, away from any potential foot traffic of teachers. Tsukasa disgruntledly sits down next to Rui.
“Do you have a good reason as to why we're skiving, instead of in lessons like we're supposed to be?”
He opens his bag, pulling and cradling the bento box. “You haven't eaten all day, Tsukasa-kun. How do you expect to make it through last period?”
“I can manage just fine, Rui. I've survived much worse on an empty stomach,” That statement receives a glare from the other. “Besides, I overslept today, so I didn't get to make lunch.”
He'd have to thank Saki later for that, whether intentional or not.
Rui hesitantly offers the container to Tsukasa. “Here. You should eat.”
“Is it full of vegetables? Is that why you're offering it to me?” He skeptically eyes it, before taking it with both hands.
“It's nothing of the sort, Tsukasa-kun,” Rui diverts his gaze, suddenly feeling slightly shy. “Open it, if you may.”
Tsukasa slides the lid off, taking a long look at the contents, then at Rui. “Ginger fried pork…? Did you—make this for me?”
“Is it that unsightly, that you could tell? Here, you don't have to eat it—” He attempts to take it back.
Tsukasa pulls away just in time, objecting, “No, no—! Definitely not, I was just surprised, Rui. It looks incredibly appetising, almost on par to my spectacular luncheons. I'll take the first bite now.”
As he brings the chopsticks up to his lips, Rui observes his reaction. What if he had severely overestimated his skills, and it was terrible? What if the pork was burnt, or worse, undercooked? He braces for the complaints, but they never come.
Instead, Tsukasa lets out a long hum of pleasure, savouring the familiar flavour. His eyes are closed shut in delight, and when he opens them, Rui swears he can see tears forming.
“Rui—! I didn't know you were such a good cook, this is truly phenomenal, remarkable, sensational!” he praises enthusiastically. “Even that one impolite English chef would marvel at this!”
“Do you mean Gordon Ramsay?” Tsukasa nods in between bites, so Rui laughs lightly. “He's Scottish, but your enthusiasm was there. Though, I doubt your words are fully warranted.”
“Of course not, you know I only give out commendations if I truly mean it,” Tsukasa firmly replies, wiping at his eyes, “It's absolutely delectable, I'm holding back not to finish this all right now! Have you not tried it for yourself yet?”
Rui thinks, before calmly stating, “I haven't. I only made one portion for you.” He decides not to tell him about the earlier incident.
“So, you haven't eaten either, and you were scolding me!? Rui, I implore you to have some.” he demands rather than suggests.
Rui looks at him in disbelief. “... You're offering to share your food with me?”
“Hmm? Is it that surprising?” Tsukasa questions, tilting his head.
‘Yes, it is. You've always rejected my advances before, even when Emu-kun graciously tried to help me.’ is what he wants to say, but reins himself in. He needs to seize this chance.
“No, no, it's not, don't worry,” Rui's about to take the box into his own lap, but stops when he sees chopsticks approaching his mouth.
Tsukasa's hand is placed under them, in case the piece of meat falls. “... What? Are you going to eat or not?”
His eyes flicker between his face and the food repeatedly. Out of everything he had imagined, this was definitely not on the list. Was he really offering to feed him?
Had he actually started a house fire in the morning, died in it, and went to heaven?
… It certainly seems like it. The way Tsukasa is looking at him is nothing short of angelic. He cautiously opens his mouth, and bites down.
Ah.
Rui finally understands his sentiment.
The pork is slightly charred in some places, the sauce isn't exactly the right consistency, and Tsukasa had managed to slip a piece of onion into the bite. However, just being fed by him is enough to erase all those issues. All of the individual actors’ flavours meld into one performance in his mouth. He finds an unconscious smile starting to tug at his lips—a warm feeling bubbling up in his chest.
Once he finishes chewing, Rui speaks up, “It's good. There could still be a few improvements, though.”
“Well, you'll have many more chances in the future to hone your skills,” he comments. “I wouldn't be opposed to being your taste-tester.”
“I'll hold you to that, Tsukasa-kun.” he beams at him.
They both finish up the bento (only Tsukasa touches the salad) in relative silence, occasionally letting out noises of contentment.
“You know,” the blond says, “I still haven't forgiven you for pulling me out here. Do you not even have any dessert to offer me?”
Rui shakes his head regretfully. “I should've included something sweet to finish with. That would've fully completed the whole meal. Baking is more scientific than cooking, so I should be better at that…”
“It's okay, I have an idea.” Tsukasa shifts closer, trying to hold in his laughter from the other boy's seriousness.
“Where do you plan on getting that from? I don't expect you to manifest a cake out of nowhere. Since it's lesson time, the cafeteria's out of bounds—”
He's swiftly interrupted by the feeling of soft lips on his own. Was this his idea of dessert!? Rui can taste the sweet glaze on him from the ginger fried pork, and it's absolutely intoxicating. Scratch being fed by chopsticks, this was the ultimate way to enjoy food.
Rui knocks the empty container out of the way, supporting himself on his knees to gravitate down towards Tsukasa. He hungrily licks up any contact he can get; going back in for seconds after they pull apart. The shorter grins into the kiss with equal passion.
It's safe to say that both of them enjoyed the meal.
Later, when Rui gets home, his father speaks up from his place in the kitchen. “How did it go, Rui?”
“It was great,” he sighs dreamily. “I'm waking up early to make lunch for the rest of my life with him.”
“I always knew you could do it—wait, what!?”