Chapter 76: Five-Star Steak And Noodles

They played in relative silence, save for Kane’s occasional commentary on strategy and Cyrus’s rare grunt of acknowledgment.

Kane’s character died spectacularly three times before he finally mastered the timing on a particularly brutal jump sequence.

"There!" Kane pumped his fist as his avatar collected the final crystal. "Told you I’d get it."

Cyrus had cleared the same level on his first attempt but said nothing.

The credits rolled across the screen, accompanied by triumphant orchestral music that felt oddly fitting for their small victory.

Kane stretched, his shirt riding up slightly as he reached toward the ceiling. "That was fun. I should probably head to bed though—early day tomorrow."

He started to rise from the couch, but Cyrus’s hand shot out, fingers wrapping around Kane’s wrist.

"Wait."

Kane froze, amber eyes dropping to where Cyrus held him. The grip was firm but careful, as if Cyrus was afraid Kane might bolt.

"I’m hungry."

The admission came out quieter than intended, almost vulnerable.

Kane blinked in surprise.

"Oh. Okay." He settled back onto the cushions. "What would you like to eat?"

Cyrus’s thumb traced an unconscious circle against Kane’s pulse point, feeling the steady rhythm beneath his fingers.

"I don’t know."

The silence stretched between them, filled with possibility and uncertainty.

"What do you want for supper?" Cyrus asked finally, his crimson eyes searching Kane’s face as if the answer might unlock something neither of them was ready to name.

Kane’s fox ears twitched forward, catching the subtle shift in Cyrus’s tone.

"I could check the kitchen and see if I can cook up something." He gently pulled his wrist from Cyrus’s grasp, feeling the lingering warmth of the dragon’s touch.

Cyrus followed Kane out of the game room, intrigued by this unexpected offer.

The kitchen gleamed under soft recessed lighting, all stainless steel and dark granite countertops. Kane headed straight for the pantry, pulling open the tall cabinet doors.

"Let’s see... fancy teas, imported spices, about six types of olive oil—" He rummaged through shelves of imported goods and gourmet ingredients.

"Ha! Jackpot!"

Kane emerged with several packages of instant ramen, but not the cheap kind college students survived on.

These had elegant packaging with Japanese characters and came in sturdy boxes rather than flimsy plastic.

"Even the instant noodles here are extra fancy," noted Kane.

Kane turned to the refrigerator and whistled at the contents.

"There’s a beautiful ribeye in here." He pulled out the vacuum-sealed package, examining the marbling.

"How about some steak and ramen?"

Cyrus’s eyebrows rose slightly, the closest thing to surprise Kane had seen on his face.

"That would be... acceptable."

Kane grinned. He set the steak on the counter and rolled up his sleeves. "One fancy midnight snack coming right up."

Cyrus leaned against the kitchen island, watching Kane work with quiet fascination.

The fox spirit moved with effortless confidence, seasoning the steak with practiced hands before setting it in a hot pan. The sizzle filled the kitchen as Kane simultaneously prepared the ramen.

Steam rose from the stovetop, carrying the rich aroma of searing meat and savory broth.

Kane’s tail swished contentedly as he worked, and Cyrus found himself oddly mesmerized by the domestic scene.

"Perfect timing," Kane announced, slicing the steak into thin strips that glistened pink in the center.

He arranged the meat over two bowls of steaming ramen, the rich broth dotted with green onions and sesame oil. Kane carried both bowls to the dining table.

"Behold—five-star instant ramen with wagyu topping."

Cyrus took his seat across from Kane, studying the artful presentation.

Kane picked up his chopsticks and dove in, slurping the noodles with unabashed enthusiasm.

The combination of tender beef and rich broth made him close his eyes in satisfaction.

Cyrus lifted his own chopsticks more deliberately, testing the temperature before taking a measured bite.

The flavors were surprisingly harmonious—simple yet refined.

"So." Cyrus set down his utensils after a few bites. "What is our arrangement now?"

Kane paused mid-slurp, noodles dangling from his lips before he sucked them in. He swallowed and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.

"Well, Commander Qi still has me assigned undercover. So, officially, I’m still your assistant." Kane speared a piece of steak with his chopsticks.

"But I’m hoping he’ll let me take on some smaller cases too."

"I mean, don’t get me wrong—Veyr Corp is nice and all. But I do miss the field work."

Relief flickered in Cyrus’s chest, but he maintained a neutral expression.

"That seems... reasonable," Cyrus said carefully, returning to his bowl.

"Speaking of which," Cyrus said, setting down his chopsticks. "I traded the Midnight Chalice to Madam Xiu for the screaming shard."

Kane looked up from his bowl, amber eyes curious.

"The shard is now in high-security containment at Veyr Corp."

Kane’s chopsticks froze halfway to his mouth, noodles dangling precariously.

"Wait, what? You already handled that?" Kane blinked rapidly.

"But we just got back from the cathedral this morning. When did you even have time to—"

"Madam Xiu arrived at my office two hours after I requested a meeting." Cyrus reached for his water glass. "The exchange was completed by noon."

Kane stared at him, mouth slightly agape.

"That’s... incredibly efficient."

Cyrus finished the last of his ramen and set his chopsticks down.

"Thank you for supper." He stood, collecting both empty bowls. "It was... good."

Kane is flattered by the compliment and even more surprised as Cyrus rinses the dishes in the sink.

"I’m heading to bed." Cyrus dried his hands on a kitchen towel, his crimson eyes meeting Kane’s briefly.

"Do you have any plans tomorrow?"

Kane shook his head, still seated at the table. "Nothing scheduled. Why?"

"I’m taking a day off tomorrow." Cyrus folded the towel with unnecessary care. "Since I’m still your boss, officially, you should join me."

The statement came out more commanding than intended, but Kane’s face brightened with genuine interest.

"A day off? You?"

"Even dragons require rest occasionally."

"Fair enough." Kane grinned, collecting their empty bowls. "What did you have in mind?"

"You’ll find out tomorrow." Cyrus headed toward the hallway, pausing at the threshold.

"Sleep well, Kane."