Chapter 249: Yukina Calls Karina

On the left side of the table, a wide round plate holds three pieces of spicy grilled fish.

A layer of dark red seasoning covers almost the entire surface of the fish.

The seasoning looks coarse and textured, made from crushed bird's eye chilies, shallots, candlenuts, and a bit of burnt brown sugar around the edges.

There is a strong smell of charcoal—the distinctive scent of fish grilled over real embers, not a modern gas grill.

The skin of the fish is slightly charred, crispy at the fins and tail, providing a visual sensation that suggests a richness of flavor.

The sweet soy sauce used forms a sticky layer on the surface, slowly melting when it comes into contact with the heat of the fish, creating tempting dark spots.

The grilled sambal clings to the gaps in the flesh, which looks almost flaked off.

In front of each chair, there is a bowl of white rice.

The grains of rice are perfectly fluffy, tender, and stick together like carefully formed cotton balls.

Steam from the rice rises gently, mingling with the aroma of other dishes and filling the air with a sense of peace, like a warm hug in the morning.

Three clear glasses are neatly placed, slightly dewy from the cold water just poured.

A tall glass teapot with a metal lid sits in the center of the table, soft steam clinging to the inside of the teapot, forming fine lines like morning dew.

And there, at the side of the table—stands Yukina.

Where Yukina stands still, her back straight, hands folded in front of her stomach.

Yukina's black hair flows straight down to her waist, shimmering in the sunlight.

Yukina's dark brown eyes gaze at Reiji with a gentle yet calm expression, like a soldier who has just completed a sacred duty.

Yukina's face is free of makeup, but clean and fresh, with slightly flushed cheeks from the heat of the kitchen.

The white apron Yukina wears has a few oil stains, a sign of her hard work since morning.

"Sir," Yukina says softly, her voice then low but clear, almost like a whisper of wind among the glass cups.

Reiji freezes.

Reiji's mind goes blank for a few seconds.

Reiji's eyes then glance at the table, and then he turns to Yukina.

Reiji's lips are sealed, but the look in his eyes changes—admiration, surprise, and... a bit of confusion.

"...Did you prepare all of this?" Reiji asks in a voice that is almost choked.

Where Reiji doesn't even realize his left hand is slowly clenching, as if trying to hold back a sudden wave of emotion.

Yukina nods slightly. "Yes, Sir. I tried to wake you up earlier... but you didn't wake up. So I decided to start cooking."

The atmosphere suddenly falls silent, only the sound of the wind from the window can be heard gently passing by, shifting the thin curtains hanging over the kitchen.

Reiji then exhales softly.

Reiji feels... quite happy.

There is a strange warmth flowing slowly in Reiji's chest—a feeling that has long been lost since the departure of his parents.

Waking up to find someone has prepared food for him... makes Reiji feel as if he has a family again.

Reiji then glances to the left—toward the narrow wooden stairs leading to the second floor.

"So... have you woken Karina?" Reiji asks softly, in a gentler tone.

Yukina shakes her head. "Not yet, Sir."

"I intended to wake Miss Karina after the food was ready."

"Would you like me to wake her now?"

Without waiting for an answer, Yukina slightly bows and begins to walk toward the stairs.

Yukina's steps feel light, like a shadow.

Yukina's dress sways gently with her movements, leaving behind the scent of floral soap and a faint yet real trace of tranquility.

Reiji simply watches Yukina ascend, not uttering a word.

Reiji's hand now touches the back of the chair.

Reiji's breath is soft, as if he doesn't want to shatter this rare peaceful moment.

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