Scene 4

Food

Unwrapping the silver aluminum foil that contained his dinner, Asakura Yoh could hardly contain his excitement. It had been a total of fifteen minutes and twenty-three seconds since he had ordered his dinner from the menu. His eyes darted to the plate, seemingly enamored by its glorious appearance, something he would be unable to achieve with his level of culinary expertise.

In short, Yoh was hungry. Very hungry.

"Who said you could eat, my food hasn't arrived yet. Put down your knife and fork! Have you not learnt any table manners?" a loud commanding voice boomed from his front. There she was, always reprimanding him for his little mistakes.

"Sorry Anna…" Yoh obliged hesitantly, sinking into his chair.

Of course she could wait! I haven't eaten anything since morning. All because I spilled leftover soup onto the floor…

Sighing, Yoh decided that he could wait, leaning against the comfort of his brightly colored chair. He looked out the window, noticing people walking by, all soaked up in their own little worlds.

What did I look like to everyone else? Would they remember me? What are they thinking about? Life? Friendship? Love?

"Yoh." Her voice brought him out of his trance, with him turning to face her.

"I'll be eating at home. Apparently they ran out of clams. "She spoke, her expression unwavering beneath his gaze.

"Why not order something else? I'm sure you'll find something you like." Yoh replied, as he reached out to grab the menu from the corner. Her hand stopped him.

"Forget it. I've already taken a second look. I knew we shouldn't have eaten out." Anna muttered, before sighing under her breath. Lifting a finger to pull back a loose strand of blonde hair, she looked at Yoh, motioning at him to go on without her.

"Guess you'll be eating alone tonight. See you back home." As she stood up to leave, Yoh wanted to say something, or do something to stop her. But he didn't, as usual. Cause things were always like that.

Watching her leave the diner even without glancing back at him, Yoh sighed and smiled sadly. He picked up his knife and fork, hoping that it would be worth the wait. It sure looked delicious, his black pepper chicken bento, with his favorite spring onions and a large chunk of meat, covered in thick and rich black pepper sauce.

Cutting a small piece before putting it into his mouth, Yoh began to frown. It wasn't nice at all. Not because it was too cold, or because the meat was too dry, but because he was eating alone. Without her.

Pulling out the cash for his meal, before placing it on the table, he hurriedly left to catch up to his fiancée.

"Anna! Wait up!" Yoh shouted as he ran to catch up to her.

"Weren't you supposed to be eating? What are you doing here?" Anna asked, with a slight turn of her head. She wasn't surprised though, because she knew Yoh would follow her everywhere.

"I didn't want to eat it anymore. It didn't taste that nice. Your cooking is better." He smiled, scratching the back of his neck, hopeful that he would not be punished for wasting food.

Of course, Anna knew the real reason why he didn't want to eat there. But some things were better left unsaid.

Blushing faintly at his casual compliment, she nodded her head, continuing her walk home together with him.

"Do you want me to cook for you?" Anna asked, not wanting to seem too nice.

"You…do you want to?" Yoh replied, touched and shocked at her kind gesture.

"Baka. You and I both know I'm the only one who cooks edible stuff in this household. If not me, then is Amidamaru going to cook for you? Besides, I haven't eaten dinner myself." She calmly spoke, secretly happy that Yoh received her gesture positively.

Chuckling, Yoh dug his hands into his pockets, embarrassed at his stupid question. Still, he knew Anna meant well, she just didn't want it to seem like it.

"Thanks, Anna. You always do what's best for me." Yoh whispered, looking down at the ground while he spoke.

Anna heard it of course, with a deep red flushing her cheeks.

Glad you know Yoh, glad you know.