Makoto chewed and swallowed contentedly. "Mm. Perfect, Haru! Thank you so much!"

Haru blushed faintly. Makoto's adorable appreciation for his cooking made him so shy every time.

"It's nothing special..." Haru hopelessly tried to cover up a tiny smile tugging at his lips.

Makoto laughed, obviously enjoying it when Haru got so flustered like this. "I think it is."

Haru couldn't argue anymore and just sat down at the table to taste some of the squid he made to see if it was indeed perfect. He took a bite. It was pretty good, he supposed, not any different than how he usually made it. But Makoto acted like it was the best thing he'd ever eaten. In fact, Makoto did that to anything he made. Makoto's reaction would've made the average person think that everything Haru made was actually intricately crafted by the hands of angels.

Haru wondered... Did Makoto actually like his cooking? Or was he just lying to spare his feelings? But if Makoto lied about his cooking... Then what else has Makoto lied about? His artwork? His swimming? Did Haru do things that actually bothered Makoto but he remained silent to keep the peace?

The thought disturbed him massively.

Luckily, Haru came up with a plan to wring the truth out of him.

The next day before Makoto came home from university, Haru prepared a devilish meal. He started out with normal rice and curry. He then added every horrible ingredient he could think of: garlic, cilantro, horseradish, mayonnaise, black pepper, hot sauce, and an excessive amount of salt. Haru knew that if Makoto said this meal was good, he was definitely lying. Haru winced just from smelling it.

Makoto came home and immediately gave Haru a giant hug and kiss. After a while he sat down at the table wearily. Haru set down his evil concoction on the table and dished some out on Makoto's plate.

"It's a new recipe. Tell me what you think, honestly."

Makoto smiled and agreed. He then excitedly proceeded to try Haru's new dish. Haru knew he saw a glimpse of shock in Makoto's eyes when he took a bite, which Makoto immediately covered up with a pleasant expression and tried to keep from gagging. Makoto struggled to swallow, but after he finally choked down the disgusting substance, he gave a signature smile. "It's really... unique!" He laughed nervously.

Haru frowned. He was dodging the question. "Do you like it?"

Haru could make out a bead of sweat forming on Makoto's brow and he was fidgeting.

"Do I like it?" Makoto repeated anxiously. "It's... It's... perfect Haru! Thank you for making it... You go to so much trouble for me." Makoto tilted his head to the side with another radiant smile. The idiot even went to take another bite.

Haru stopped him and pushed the bowl away.

"Makoto you baka! That's not a real recipe! I wanted to see if you would lie to me and you did!" Haru accused and crossed his arms to show his discontent. "What else do you lie about, then?"

Makoto's green eyes went wide and he recoiled from the sudden change of events. "I-I didn't... Lie... I think everything Haru makes is perfect." He said in a small voice. "Makoto! You cannot say you honestly think this," Haru motioned to the rancid curry. "Is perfect! Just admit it! You lie to make me happy!" Haru huffed, on the verge of tears.

"I'm not lying!" Makoto said desperately. "Honestly!" But his voice suddenly softened. "I-I just... I shouldn't judge what Haru makes or does... Because... He's too good for me..."

Haru's teary sapphire eyes widened. Is that really how Makoto felt?

"I'm grateful that Haru does anything for me... I really don't know why you put up with me... So I shouldn't complain... I'm sorry Haru..." Makoto rubbed the back of his neck and stared at his feet, obviously feeling guilty after his scolding.

Haru sighed and gave in, sitting down on Makoto's lap. Haru softly nudged Makoto's chin up to look him in the eyes. Haru regretted doing so after meeting Makoto's kicked puppy eyes.

"I'm sorry, Makoto. I didn't mean to be so harsh... I just want you to tell me the truth, okay? Forget all that nonsense about not deserving me because it's not true; If you don't like something I do or make or whatever, then just tell me. It would make me much happier." Haru stroked Makoto's cheeks with the pad of his thumbs.

Makoto nodded distantly. "I'm sorry." He said in a small voice. "I haven't ever lied about anything else except that, though. Everything else Haru has made is perfect! I promise!"

Haru rested his head on Makoto's collarbone, scoffing slightly. "Thank you, Makoto. But... that's not true."

Makoto smiled gently and rested his arms around Haru's shoulders. "I think it is."

Haru rewarded him with a kiss on the cheek, to which Makoto blushed and his stomach grumbled. "Maybe we should go out to get something to eat, ne?" Makoto hesitantly suggested.

Haru smirked and headed to the kitchen and came back with a dish of Makoto's favorite beef curry.

"This one is untainted."

Makoto's eyes lit up and he laughed softly. "Haru-chan really is perfect." He said quietly.