Chapter 1

"So why are we going to our place again?" Nora asked from the passenger's seat of Kazuma's car. "We've been eating out almost every single day and if we're not at some restaurant we're at my parents' house. So I thought it was time to try something different."

"Well what other options are there? We're two single guys, it's either eat out or mooch off of someone else."

"I was thinking that I'd make dinner tonight." Kazuma said pulling into the driveway to their condo. "You? Cook? I'd rather just have leftovers." Nora replied. "Hey, I'm a good cook." Kazuma said taking the groceries out of the trunk. "Whatever. What did you buy anyway?"

"You'll see when I'm done."

"Fine. I have some work I have to do anyway." Nora said heading towards his room. "I'll let you know when it's done." Kazuma said depositing the groceries on the kitchen counter. "Thanks." Nora called back before he closed his bedroom door. "Right. Time to get to work."

0o0

"Nora, can you come out here."

"What took you so long? I thought I would have to break into my stash." Nora said exiting his room. "Wait. Don't look." Kazuma said, covering Nora's eyes. "What's going on? Are..are the lights off?"

"Yes, but there are candles."

"Okay, but why are they off?" Nora asked confused. "Because they're an unnecessary distraction."

"They're a distraction?"

"Yes. Now have a seat and keep your eyes closed." Kazuma said helping Nora take a seat at the table. "Will I be able to open my eyes when the foods at the table and I can eat?"

"No." Kazuma said setting two glasses of wine at the table and taking a seat next to Nora. "I really want you to taste the food I made. I've seen the way you eat and it seems that you're doing just that, eating. I want you to savior the flavor and just enjoy it, okay?" Nora was reluctant at first but in the end he nodded his head in agreement. Kazuma smiled, happy that Nora was willing to participate, and picked up the first dish. "Okay, tell me what you think of this." Kazuma said placing the food besides Nora's lips. "It's good." Nora said biting into it. "That's not what I meant. What does it feel like? What can you taste?" Kazuma asked also taking a bite. "It's..It's smooth but it also has a bit of a crunch to it. I can taste an underlying saltiness to it. What is it?"

"It's my own little version of rice balls with a dash of parmesan and a dash of salt."

"That was delicious. I can't wait to taste what's next."