After Picking up a Runaway Girl From the Same University on My Way Home From Work, We Started Living Together in Secret - Chapter 21

After talking with Sadaomi-san, we gathered our things and left the house.

By then, it seemed the others had already gone out, as there were no shoes by the entrance.

There was an unusual atmosphere between me and Risa, and without much conversation, we headed home.

“…Risa, is there anything you’d like to eat for dinner?”

It came out so awkwardly that it surprised even me.

But if I remembered correctly, there weren’t any dinner ingredients in the fridge… or so I reasoned to myself.

Besides, they say you can’t fight on an empty stomach, right?

I glanced at Risa’s profile. Her usual composed expression had returned.

“How about hamburg steak?”

The unexpectedly childlike request caught me off guard.

Hamburg steak, huh… I hadn’t made it in a while, so it might be a good idea.

“Alright then, let’s make hamburg steak tonight. Should it be Japanese-style, Western-style, or with cheese inside? Braised is another option. I like all of them, but what about you, Risa?”

“I like demi-glace sauce. It’s what my mom used to make.”

…Could this be one of those nostalgic flavors?

And I’m supposed to make it now, right after hearing about her presumably heavy past?

It felt like a big responsibility, but since she requested it, I couldn’t refuse.

“Okay. But we might have to use pre-made demi-glace sauce.”

“That’s fine. I’m not particular about it. I think my mom used to do that too.”

“Do you want to wait at home, or—”

“I’ll come with you. I don’t want to be alone right now.”

Her hand grasped mine.

Our arms touched, close enough that I could sense her presence without even looking.

Her expression reminded me of the day I first met her.

Maybe it was that look on her face that made me unable to leave her alone.

“Let’s make the best hamburg steak ever.”

“Am I making it with you?”

“It’s a good chance to learn. I won’t force you, though.”

“…Alright. Teach me well, Sensei Minato.”

Risa said it playfully, and I shrugged before heading to our usual supermarket.

We quickly gathered the ingredients and went home to start cooking right away.

Risa changed into her casual clothes to avoid staining her outfit and put on an apron, standing ready in the kitchen.

Facing the ingredients laid out on the counter, she rolled up her sleeves with determination.

But the arms that extended from her sleeves were pale and thin, almost sickly so.

…I couldn’t help but think she needed to eat a bit more to fill out. Not my fault, right?

“So, am I a chef now?”

“More like an apprentice.”

“The road ahead is steep.”

“You’ve only just changed clothes, though…?”

Even though I knew she was joking, I couldn’t help but feel slightly baffled as we started cooking.

“Let’s go over today’s menu first. We’ll make hamburg steak with demi-glace sauce. For the sides, let’s add some color with carrots, potatoes, and green peas. And we’ll have consommé soup as well.”

“Bread or rice?”

“…You prefer bread, don’t you?”

“I’m fine with either, but if it’s rice, I like it a bit firm.”

“Agreed. Firm, but not with a raw center.”

I nodded firmly at her words.

We hadn’t planned on bread anyway, but it was good to know our preferences aligned.

“Still, it’s strange, isn’t it? Western-style hamburg steak with rice… it goes so well together.”

“Delicious food is justice. …Do you think we can make it tasty?”

“It should be fine since we’re making it together.”

“You should have more confidence, Minato. As someone who’s been eating your cooking for days, I can vouch for you.”

“…You’re right.”

It seemed I was a bit nervous since this was my first time teaching someone to cook.

Pulling myself together, we finally started preparing the meal.

First, I decided to let Risa handle chopping onions, one of the ingredients for the hamburger mixture.

After washing the onion and cutting it in half, I handed it over to Risa. Cutting round objects for the first time could be a little risky.

“Do you know how to hold the knife?”

“…Just hold it normally, and keep the left hand like a cat’s paw. I looked it up a bit.”

For someone who had just looked it up, Risa’s form was surprisingly solid.

…Was she that excited about this?

It was nice to see her so enthusiastic.

“Alright, then give it a shot. Finely chop the onion. It might be easier if you start with some rough cuts.”

“Okay.”

A short reply.

Her gaze was fixed firmly on the onion.

I thought she might be nervous, but it seemed she was just focused.

Carefully, Risa began cutting the onion.

The crisp sound of chopping filled the air as she steadily worked.

For a beginner, her hand movements seemed safe, and from where I stood, there wasn’t much to worry about.

As I watched her chop, she suddenly stopped.

I heard her sniffle softly.

“Risa? What’s wrong? Don’t tell me you’re hurt—”

“…My eyes hurt.”

She muttered with a voice that sounded like her heart was crying.

Tears were indeed streaming from Risa’s eyes, tracing her cheeks. Her profile revealed it clearly.

Come to think of it, onions do make your eyes sting.

“Sorry, I completely forgot.”

“It hurts. It’s unbearable. A living hell.”

“…Let’s take a break for now. Wash your hands properly, and don’t rub your eyes. The onion’s components can make it worse.”

“…Okay.”

Risa put down the knife and washed her hands, her eyes almost completely shut. Guilt filled me entirely.

“But your chopping looks good!”

On the cutting board, there were finely diced onions that Risa had managed to prepare, a little coarse but just right to add some texture to the dish.

“…Really? My eyes hurt so much I didn’t have the time to check.”

“Perfectly fine. I’ll handle the rest. Could you take care of preparing the hamburger steak mixture?”

“I can do that.”

…Though her eyes were barely open, was she really okay?

While letting Risa rest, I finished dicing the remaining onions needed for the mixture. It took me about half the time it had taken her. Once you’re used to it, it goes that quickly. Watching from beside me, Risa let out an amazed, “Whoa…!”

It was a little embarrassing, but not a bad feeling.

Next, I sautéed the diced onions. I offered to let Risa do this part since it seemed safe enough, but she adamantly refused. So, I quickly sautéed them until they turned a caramel color.

After that, I entrusted the actual mixture-making to Risa, who seemed full of motivation. But for the tricky part—cracking the eggs—I stepped in and neatly separated the yolks for her.

Into a bowl, we added ground beef, the cooled sautéed onions, egg yolks, breadcrumbs soaked in milk, and seasonings by eye. Risa mixed and kneaded it all with her freshly washed hands.

Though inexperienced, Risa’s focus was razor-sharp. It’s just mixing, so there shouldn’t be any room for error.

“If you’re ever unsure about something, let me know.”

Her response was a small nod. Watching her like that, I couldn’t help but feel it was endearing. Meanwhile, I worked on the sides, consommé soup, and demi-glace sauce.

At some point, Risa called out, “Is this okay?” to check her progress.

“Perfect. Now, let’s shape them and start cooking.”

“Isn’t this a huge responsibility?”

“Don’t overthink it. What’s important in cooking is the thoughtfulness for others.”

“…Thoughtfulness?”

“It’s something my mom always says.”

“…I see. I’ll do my best.”

Clumsily, Risa shaped the mixture into ovals. She carefully crafted two patties, and I cooked them in the frying pan.

The key was to lock in the juices as I cooked them to perfection, finishing with the demi-glace sauce before plating everything.

“And that’s it. All done.”

“Looks like the rice is ready, too.”

“Let’s eat while it’s hot.”

As always, we set the food on the table, marking the start of dinner.

“Risa, you go first. Since it’s your first time making this.”

I suggested this, thinking it would make for a nice memory, but Risa shook her head.

“This is the first meal I made with you, Minato. So, I want us to eat it together.”

“…”

I was at a loss for words.

My heart filled with a feeling I couldn’t describe.

Not just joy or happiness—it was something more profound.

If I had to name it…perhaps “cherished” would fit. The sincerity in Risa’s words resonated deeply.

…Honestly, I’m so easily swayed. This is ridiculous.

Risa just wanted to share the experience of tasting the first dish she made.

I told myself this, trying to keep my thoughts from straying into strange territory.

“…You’re right. Let’s do that.”

With that, we both cut into the hamburger steaks.

Clear juices seeped out. We each dipped a bite into the demi-glace sauce and simultaneously brought it to our mouths—

“—Delicious!”

Our voices overlapped.

We exchanged glances and chuckled.

“Minato, were you trying to cheer me up?”

“You noticed?”

“Sort of. The delicious meal and fun time helped distract me.”

“…You don’t have to force yourself to talk. Everyone has secrets, right?”

“Maybe, but after you’ve seen that much, it feels wrong not to share.”

“Well, why not finish this first? After all, Risa, you worked hard to make such a delicious meal.”

“…Alright.”