Yet another chapter full of cooking and bed problems.
The morning after. Another weird thing happened while the two were sleeping. Both had fallen asleep on Konatas bed after their excessive gaming session until late night. Kagami however was alone in the bed after waking up.
"Konata, why I am in your bed?" Kagamis memory was a bit hazy as she asked but didn't get an answer. She looked to the side and saw she was alone. "Konata? Where are you?" She then suddenly saw a little hand rising from the floor.
"I'm here Kagamin. By the way... god morning…" Konata was still half asleep.
"Uh yeah, good morning. So?" She quickly greeted back while staying on topic.
"So what?
"What is going on here, that is what!" Kagami already snapped a bit.
"Kagamin~, how am I supposed to know. I'm just lying here on the floor while you're in my bed and asking me something I didn't get because I was still sleeping while you started speaking. So… shouldn't I be asking you what's going on exactly?"
"I uhm… fair enough, I think. But even so, I don't have a clue either, I remember seeing you sleeping after we finished the game and I probably fell asleep on my own or something." Kagami gave a vague recollection of the last night.
"Yeah, that indeed doesn't really help."
"But on a side note, your bed is really uncomfortable. The floor is probably more comfortable in the first place so you lucked out." Kagami joked.
"Yeah, that's true. Hey, maybe that's the reason I ended on the floor."
"Sounds stupid but not unlikely, especially if it's you we're talking about."
"Oi." She shortly glared at her but continued. "Either that or you kicked me out of my own bed." Konata started laughing dryly.
"Hmm." Kagami actually started thinking about it.
"Kagamin~?!"
"Just joking Konata. I mean, I can't be sure. I can see it but I don't think so... Besides, you ended up on the floor the last couple days on your own."
"Pretty mean… But that's true and the last times I ended up there, it was the exact opposite of you kicking me out." Konata teased.
"Shut up, I told you that wasn't on purpose."
"But I really need a new bed. The day my dad comes back, I'll beg him for a new one."
"That's probably a good idea." Kagami agreed.
"Oho, I…"
"Don't even think of finishing your sentence." Another glare was shot at Konata.
"You're pretty lively in the morning, Kagamin~. I think I'll just go back to sleep until I can keep up with you…"
"We have to go to school. We even are already a bit late."
"Well, if I sleep her or in school doesn't make that much of a difference. Okay, you win and I'll continue in school."
"Totally hopeless." Kagami concluded their discussion.
…..
Same day, after school. Kagami and Konata were again in the supermarket near Konatas home.
"So, what are we doing today?" Kagami asked as they strolled through the market.
"Well… you're doing your miso soup thing. You're going to buy the stuff now and I'm going to get an inspiration for some other things to cook."
"W-Wait, I'm going to buy it on my own?"
"Sure, you remember the ingredients, right?" Konata had high expectations.
"Ehm yeah, I think so." Kagami stuttered.
"What's the problem then? Besides, that's only the start. Today I'm not going to help you at all with the soup so better be ready!"
"Ehh? You're really sure with that?" She really wasn't confident when it comes to the real thing.
"Kagamin~, I was never less sure with anything I did in my live before." Konata teased, mostly at least.
"Thanks for the honesty." Kagami pouted.
"Who wasn't confident in herself in the first place, Kagamin~?"
"Fine, shut up and get your stuff and I'll get mine. You're in for a surprise today!"
"I know that already, I just hope it's a good one." It was Konatas time for a mood drop.
"Go already!"
15 minutes later, both finished their shopping for ingredients.
"Got everything you need?" Konata asked as they met up.
"I think so, want to check?" Her voice wasn't that convincing.
"Nope." Konata bluntly answered.
"What? But what if…"
"Do you have everything or not, Kagamin~?"
"You're a pretty odd teacher."
"Well, I spent a lot time of with Kuroi-sensei."
"That explains a lot."
"Ehm Kagamin~, she's behind you!"
"W-What, I'm sorry sens… Konata, there is no one!" Kagami shouted after she turned around and checked her surroundings.
"But your face was brilliant."
"I should have killed you yesterday." Kagami pouted and Konata just started laughing.
"So, can we finally go now?" Konata asked after calming down.
"Sure, wait what are you going to make?"
"Fried pork cutlets. I can show you some stuff but I can't let you near a frying pan yet. Too dangerous for me, you and the kitchen."
"Oi!" Kagami hissed.
"Kagamin~..." Konata doubtfully looked at her.
"Okay, you're right." She quickly averted her gaze.
"Let's go then."
"Sure."
….
Back at home, both were already in the kitchen. Konata was watching Kagami preparing the ingredients for her miso soup.
Kagami cut the tofu, the bigger mushrooms and the leek, a bit unequal in the size but still okay. Afterwards she started to soak the kelp and seaweed in a bowl of water. The amount of dried ingredients she used was still a bit too much but she was nearer to the ideal amount. Kagami then put some water in a pot and started to let it boil. She afterwards added a handful of bonito and the soaked kelp. Just like Konata had explained it to her the other day.
"Man, it's getting pretty hot in here don't you think?" Konata suddenly asked after making a suspicious looking face.
"I think it's fine." Kagami asked
"You sure, weird."
"What was that." Kagami was thinking. 'Oh wait the broth is just supposed to simmer, not boiling.' She thought and earned a nod from Konata. 'Man she is good.'
10 minutes later, she filtered the kelp and the bonito out of the broth. She was about to add the mushrooms.
"You sure Kagamin~?" Konata out of nowhere asked.
"Uhm yeah, I think so, the mushrooms need longer. That's what you said last time, didn't you?"
"Sorry Kagamin, I can't answer that. Just putting a bit pressure on you." Konata teased.
"Wow you really are like Kuroi-sensei."
"Thanks."
"That wasn't a compliment. Not even close."
"I can't wait to show sensei the recordings of that."
"W-What?" Kagami turned pale.
"Just joking Kagamin~. Shut up and keep cooking."
"You're really cocky, aren't you? I think I have to kill you again!" Kagami teased.
Konata gulped because she really could be killed by the food and Kagami laughed a bit. She then proceeded with the soup. She added the mushrooms because she was relatively sure it was right. She added the leek, the tofu and the seaweed a couple minutes later. After adding the amount of miso paste she thought was right, she turned the heat down and started stirring the soup until the miso paste was completely dissolved.
"I-I think I'm done." Kagami said.
"Looks like it." Konata acknowledged. "Let it simmer a bit more and in the meantime, I'll quickly show you the basics of pork cutlets.
"Okay." Kagami nodded.
"First you set up a pan and fill with a good amount of oil so the cutlets can swim in it."
"Looks healthy." Kagami said, looking at her belly.
"Don't worry Kagamin~, it's fine every once in a while."
"Yeah yeah."
"Then you cut out some meat in thin slices, pound it a bit to make it more tender and coat it with floor."
"Okay." Kagami nodded as she took the steps in.
"Now you stir some eggs in a bowl and dip the meat in it. And as the final step, you cover it with bread crumbs."
"Doesn't sound that hard." Kagami noted.
"Because it isn't. Now we put cutlets in the hot oil but be careful not to splash any of it."
"That part on the other hand looks rather dangerous." Kagami took some safety distance to the pan.
"Well, it's a bit if you're not careful and that's why I'm doing it right now and not you. If you get better someday, I may let you try."
"When." Kagami announced. "When I get better, not -if- and you being careful? That's news to me." Kagami teased.
"That's the spirit, at least the first part. Anyway, if the cutlet gets this golden brown color, it's done and you can take it out. Then you get rid of the excess oil with a paper towel and cut it into stripes. If you want, you can add some shredded cabbage to the plate for decoration." Konata finished her explaining.
"Okay, I'm pretty hungry now." Kagami started and her stomach gave an approving noise. "Don't say anything now!" She quickly shouted and Konata giggled.
"Let's eat."
"First good idea from you today." Kagami teased.
"Oi!"
They started eating.
"Hmm." Kagami was a bit disappointed.
"Yeah, it's a bit salty." Konata added.
"You shut up! You haven't even tasted it yet, idiot!" Kagami snapped and got pretty angry.
"Kagamin~, I didn't but I was watching you. You may used four spoons of miso, which is the right amount but the amount of miso on the spoon was too much."
"Why didn't you say anything then?" Kagami was still angry.
"Because I told you that I'm not going to help you." Konata explained.
"You did help me with the temperature at the beginning!"
"What do you mean, Kagamin~? I felt just a bit hot, nothing more."
"You're a horrible liar." Kagamis anger started subsiding and Konata giggled a bit. "So, what did I do to you to deserve that."
"Nothing, but you have to learn from your errors, too and not just me explaining stuff. I bet you won't do it again."
"That's for sure." Kagami mumbled. "Still…"
"Just accept it and remember it for next time Kagamin~."
"Yeah yeah…" Kagami was still upset.
"Besides..." Konata finally tasted the soup. "It's not that bad. Wait, I have an idea." Konata stood up.
"What is it? Didn't you say that you can't save it if you add too much miso?" Kagami was looking at her.
"Yeah, normally that's true but it's not way too right now so this might at least help." Konata said while grabbing some sugar and adding a bit to the soup. "Try again now."
"Wow, that's better." Her face brightened up. "I mean you still can taste it a bit but it's way better than before."
"Yep but just remember using the right amount the next time and if you're not sure always use less and add a bit later."
"I will." She firmly nodded. "But your pork cutlet sure is something else. It's just perfect." Kagami got a bit jealous.
"It's pretty easy. I would say you can't really do anything wrong with it but the last days proved me wrong, so I can't use that sentence anymore."
"You really can be cocky if you want to." Kagami mumbled.
"Yeah, I bet it's weird to stand on the other side. Being lectured and stuff." Konata teased.
"It's irritating and I don't like it."
"I for one think it's pretty funny." Konata laughed.
"Really? I'm pretty sure you're forgetting something there." Kagami suddenly started grinning.
"And what would that be?" Konata asked out of curiosity with a hint of fear.
"We still have homework to do today."
Silence.
"And I think I'm trying your teaching methods today."
More silence, Konata was shocked and her face was pale.
"Konata? What's wrong, you look like you saw a ghost?" Kagami had fun.
"Kagamin~! You're way crueler than I could ever be." She started pouting.
"Why? Because you have to do your own homework?"
"Well... I uhm... Shut up, Kagamin~." Konata mumbled and Kagami started laughing.
"Talk about turning tables, huh? Kagami was still laughing.
….
Later that time while doing homework
"Kagamin~, really I can't handle it anymore. My brain can't handle this stuff." Konata whined.
"Geez, why can't you handle a bit homework?"
"Because it's exhausting and it sucks."
"But when it comes to anime and manga you're the most active and passionate girl I know and from my point of view, it's way more exhausting than homework could ever be."
"That's different, Kagamin~."
"Ah, I see, doing homework exhausts you because you don't like it?"
"Urgh." She was spot on.
"Hah!" Kagami said. "You really are something else."
"I know that I'm special!" Konata cheerfully agreed.
"That wasn't really a compliment. Besides, this isn't good for your future."
"Stupid future. It's far away anyway." Konata pouted again.
"It's not that far. We're already in our second year in high school. What are you going to do if I'm not around you anymore?" Kagami asked.
"Hmm." Konata said and Kagami saw Konata getting a bit sad after hearing that.
"At least to help you with your homework, I mean." Kagami quickly added.
"Kagamin~?"
"What is it, Konata?"
"Ah, nothing it's okay?" Konata quickly changed her mind.
"Okay, well let's stop the homework for now and stop talking about that. I'm also a bit tired." She felt like she had to change the subject for some reason.
"Yay!" Konata immediately cheered up as she stood up and tackled Kagami in a deep hug, causing her to fall over.
"H-How about we talk about your hugging? How about you stop it?" Kagami muttered, however she also started blushing a bit.
"Kagamin~, I know you like it." Konata teased.
"I-I don't!"
"How about that, Kagamin~? If you stop blushing every time I hug you, I may think about it."
"F-Fine! That's easy." Kagami said without any sign of getting less flustered.
"Ha, you're pretty easy to read."
"You're on to talk." Kagami answered. "Let's do something else for now."
"Sure, we still have to finish the game we started yesterday until next Tuesday."
"Why?"
"Kagamin~, I didn't expect your memory to be that bad."
"Shut up. Wait, you're talking about the sequel of the game, right?" Kagami remembered it after thinking a bit.
"Exactly."
"Sorry, I don't save all the useless wisdom you teach me."
"Kagamin~, you were the one who started the sequel talk. Besides, yesterday you seemed to be looking forward to it." Konata pouted.
"I uhm… Man, I think your influence is ruining me. Start that stupid game now."
"And you and I both know that you love it." Konata teased.
"Shut up, shorty." Kagami smirked at her.
"Oi!" Konata got a bit upset.
They started the game and as usual, the two were making great progress. Exactly like last night, they fell asleep on Konatas bed because she insisted on doing one more checkpoint even if it was already too late. Konata had a listless sleep and was moving quite a bit. Kagami then unknowingly, because still asleep, took action against it.
"Ouch!" Konata shrieked while forcefully leaving the bed and hitting the floor. "I knew it, Kagamin~!" Konata shouted as her head made contact with the floor.
"What's your... problem Konata?" Kagami yawned. "Be quiet, I want to sleep."
"Oh really? That's nice!" Konata hissed while raising her voice even more.
"What's going on? And why are you on the floor again?" Kagami asked while still more or less sleeping.
"YOU! That's what going on. YOU just kicked ME out of MY bed!" She showed no sign of calming down.
"No, I didn't."
"Oh, I see. So there's a third person in my bed who used his foot to kick me out?" Konata was getting sarcastic through her anger.
"Ehm no..." She was getting cornered.
"So it was you, huh?!"
"I don't know but even if I was, it wasn't on purpose."
"What now?"
"I'm sorry, now go to sleep again, I'm tired!"
"So that you can kick me out again or what?" Konatas anger started subsiding a bit and it became more of a pout.
"Well, you can sleep on the floor if you want."
"Kagamin~, that's my bed, you know?"
"Bad for you but I'm not moving an inch so make your choice." Kagami answered after she finally found a comfortable space on the bed.
"Wow, a sleepy Kagamin~ sure is moody and unreasonable."
"*yawn* Like you're any better right now. Make your decision now and sleep!"
"Okay, the bed, thanks to you, is warmer so prefer that one. But if you kick me out, my revenge is going to be bad, really."
"Yeah yeah, hurry up, I want to finally sleep again and besides, you already threatened me with revenge and nothing happened." Kagami teased.
"Don't worry Kagamin~, I haven't forgotten. I'm just waiting for a perfect opportunity. I don't want to waste it!"
"Sure, I'm looking forward to it. Now shut up and sleep or I will shut you up. How often do I have to repeat myself?!"
"Okay, Kagami-sama."
"Don't stretch it." Kagami said while falling asleep.
…
The morning after. Kagami didn't kick her out anymore.
"A sleeping Kagamin~ is sure special. First she kicks me out of my bed and now she doesn't let me go." Konata said while trying to loosen the grip from Kagamis arm.
"See Konata, I didn't kick you out again." Kagami teased while slowly getting awake without realizing the situation yet again.
"Yeah, it's more like the opposite right now. You sure are warm."
"You too, wait what?"
"You're doing it again." Konata said. Kagami looked down and immediately stood up.
"W-Why is this always happening?" Kagami mumbled to herself or so she thought.
"Like I would know that. At least I admit that I want to hug you and you're going all secretive and stuff."
"S-Shut up. It's not like I'm doing this on purpose."
"You sure?"
"Y-Yes, of course I am. I would love to see what's happening when I'm sleeping." Konata started grinning after hearing Kagami say that.
"Well.." She started. "I could install a camera and we can check it out the day after."
"After thinking about it, I would rather not. Coming from you, I'm sure that this wouldn't end very well."
"You're still mean as always, Kagamin~." Konata pouted once more.
"I just have trust issues when it comes to you Konata."
"Like that's any better."
"With the games you normally prefer, I have every right for having them."
"Your insulting sure is top notch this early in the morning already." Konata said. "Besides, the whole scene is you fault. Maybe I should have trust issues, not that I dislike it..." Konata teased.
"I-I... shut up. We're getting late for school if we don't stop now." Changing topics was Kagamis favorite thing to do.
"Fine and now we're changing the topic again, huh? You're pretty hard to handle in the morning." Konata teased.
"And you're pretty hard to handle 24/7. You're a lot of trouble on a very small room."
"Oh, now is my height also into it? Well at least I can eat what I want and whenever I want." Konata was rather upset by now.
"Oi!" Kagami was also a bit angry. "Well, I guess we're both not really a morning person, huh? Let's go to school now."
"Okay, Kagami-sama." Konatas mood was easy to fix.
"Stop that!" Kagami hissed. However, both started laughing after a couple seconds.
"Good that nobody can see us."
"Yeah, but I guess we would be funny to watch, Kagamin~."
"More like embarrassing."
"Most of the time, that's the same, it just depends on the person and the point of view."
"Shut up."
And with that, their stupid little morning bantering was over and they got ready for school.
.
Konata sure doesn't have it easy but I'm also sure she wouldn't change any of it right now. Even though living with Kagami really is dangerous on various levels.
How long will it take Kagami to cause the first causality with her cooking? Her family will be involved next time so the chances are high but Konata should be the most cautious as she's prone to disaster caused be Kagami.