He had to admit, this was probably the best thing he could cook

He had to admit, this was probably the best thing he could cook. It didn't even look half bad, with its cut out crust and bubbling filling. Unable to resist holding it up to take deep whiff, he sighed happily. It was probably never as good as she used to make, but he was pretty sure he'd gotten close. It had always been a favorite of Ryou's, anyway.

"That looks delicious, Kagami!"

He almost dropped it, having been a bit absorbed in his thoughts that he hadn't noticed her walking up behind him. Cradling the tray carefully, he set it down on the counter. Yumi opened one of the drawers to take a knife out. Slicing carefully, she placed a piece on a plate.

"Your apple pie is the best" she claimed, "I'm sure even Tendou-san would agree!" She started to walk out.

"Ah! W-wait…" He hadn't thought she'd offer some to him!

"What is it?" She was frowning at him in concern at the kitchen door. Sheepish at her concerned look, he tried to relay his feelings to her.

"I mean…well…Tendou's got some…discriminating tastes. My pie is pretty simple..."

It's not that he felt the pie was anything but good…but Tendou was very critical of cooking and this recipe was…very close to his heart.

"I'm not as good a cook as you and Hiyori…he'll probably really dislike it…"

But she was already walking out the door. Not up to feeling making a big show of stopping her, he peeked over the counter as she plopped the plate in front of Tendou with a flourish. His expression was one of amusement and curiosity.

Nervous, but feeling silly about hiding, Kagami stepped out of the kitchen. Wiping down already clean tables, he glanced over as Tendou scooped up a bite-sized bit into his mouth. Momentarily forgetting that he was "cleaning" Kagami paused, still stooped over a table, watching for Tendou's reaction.

He certainly was taking his time chewing that small bite, Kagami thought.

Tendou's eyes widened. Kagami tensed.

Picking up his napkin, Tendou wiped his mouth. Then, without another word or look, left.

"Tendou-san?? Is something wrong?" Yumi followed him out the door.

"Haaaa, it's like I thought!" Kagami sagged into a nearby chair, pouting. He knew it!

"I wonder what's wrong? He looked kind of pale…maybe he…actually dislikes apple pie??" Yumi had picked up the forlorn plate and walked up beside him. Kagami stared at the abandoned slice of pie for a moment before grabbing it and the fork.

"Kagami??"

"I don't care, but I'm not letting it go to waste!" Kagami gobbled it down.

It was…as delicious as he remembered.

He already felt better about Tendou's snubbing. Yumi watched him a bit nervously. He finished it and grinned up at her. She returned the smile, seeming a bit relieved that Kagami wasn't taking it too badly.