A/N: I've edited this chapter at least 40 times, but I felt really bad for not updating for such a long time.

It was originally longer, but I decided to cut off a part of it and use it as the next chapter instead.

"What?!"

Hanako, Minami, and Shadow immediately rushed to Misaki's side, worried eyes following the brown-eyed girl as she paced back and forth.

"What happened?" Questions flew rapidly from Misaki's lips. After a few minutes, she suddenly stopped pacing, a pensive look on her face. She glanced at Rin for a moment. "I think I have an idea. It's not the best, but it's all we've got on such short notice." Misaki stared at Rin once more as she listened intently to the person on the other side. The boy squirmed under her intense gaze.

After another minute of answering questions, Misaki ended the call and glanced around at the concerned looks of those around her. "Sorry for losing my composure and worrying you, but I really must get this room clean within twenty minutes. My ride will be here by then." Misaki turned her attention to the blue-eyed boy across from her. "Rin-kun, I need to ask a really big favor of you."

"What's going on Misa-chan? Don't leave us in the dark!" Hanako protested, Minami making a sound of agreement as Hanako tugged on her arm impatiently.

"My grandmother is in a bit of a pinch right now. The head cook is having her baby. Her husband, another cook, is taking care of her. One of our part-timers has a full day of classes at the university today and can't make it to work. Four of our servers went out to dinner together yesterday, three of which called in sick due to food poisoning, so we're assuming the last has it as well since he won't answer his phone.

"Even with calling in those who have the day off, the kitchen is still understaffed. And today is going to be one of the busiest days we've had this year due to all of the reservations. There are four large parties, numerous anniversary reservations, and one reservation with specific requests for a proposal." Misaki stopped to catch her breath, having rambled on in her panic.

"And so that leads me to the favor. Rin-kun, would you please help cook at my grandmother's restaurant?" Misaki bowed low, her hands clenched tightly in front of her.

Hanako and Minami gaped in surprise. Misaki never asked for help, especially from people she didn't know very well. She didn't even let them help as servers because they were "not experienced or properly trained." Was she really that desperate for help today?

Something clicked in their minds and the sisters threw a proud, knowing smile at each other. Misaki really was trying to change. So, they decided to give a 'small' push.

"Come on Rin-kun! Just agree already! You've got a pretty girl asking you to cook for her!"

"Surely you wouldn't so cruelly reject Misaki in her time of need."

"The fact that she's even asking for your help is an honor. She never asks for help! Never ever!"

"Not even we, her close friends, have been asked for help. You should be honored. And to get a chance to work at such a highly rated five-star restaurant without being a professional is an even greater honor."

"Of course, you'll have to get Granny's approval first. Though I'm sure Misa-chan was gonna tell you that beforehand."

"Be warned. Himawari-san is a very meticulous food critic. However, that is expected of one who runs a five-star restaurant."

By this point, both Rin and Misaki were red-faced. "Stop it, you two! Y-you're scaring Rin-kun!" Misaki shouted. Everyone could tell she was really trying to stop them from further embarrassing her, not Rin. "I-in any case, will you please do me this favor, Rin-kun?"

"Didn't I just tell you I'd be there for you if you ever needed help?" Rin asked sarcastically, though he couldn't help the grin that spread across his face. "Of course I'll help!" His face was still rather pink, but his eyes shined with sincerity.

Misaki bowed again. "Thank you so much, Rin-kun. My grandmother and I are very grateful. Now, I really must get this room clean quickly. The car will be arriving soon." She immediately started moving about the room, snatching trash up at a rapid pace.

"Misa-chan, just take Rin-kun and go!" Hanako grabbed Rin's collar with one hand and pushed Misaki towards the exit with the other.

"We can take care of your cleaning duty. The management of the restaurant is a far more pressing matter," Minami urged.

Misaki dug her heels into the floor and turned back towards the group. "Absolutely not," she protested. "This is my responsibility. I organized this event, so I must clean up after it. I will not simply shove my responsibility on others."

Hanako sighed and let go of Rin's collar, causing the boy to fall to the ground gasping for air. "Whatever, oh noble Misa-chan. You're just too stubborn to argue with."

"… So all you have to do is prepare a quick meal for grandmother to sample. If you get her approval, you can help out. I assure you that it is not as easy as it sounds. As Hanako-chan said, my grandmother is a very refined food critic. I suggest you prepare something that you feel particularly confident about," Misaki said. "I'll have to leave you with my grandmother while I get changed into my work clothes and help the other workers prepare for the day, but I'll be there as soon as I finish. What happens after that will depend on my grandmother's verdict. Do you have any questions?"

Rin shook his head, a determined gleam in his eyes. He was already thinking about what to make to impress someone who could possibly be a tougher critic than Ucobach. This was a cooking challenge he was looking for.

Rin didn't have much time to think, however, because they arrived shortly after Misaki finished speaking and he was rushed inside. From the brief glance he got of the outside of the restaurant, he could already tell it was high-class. Inside, the feeling of awe only increased. Marble floors, huge crystal chandeliers, a large sea of decorated tables were a few of the amazing decor he saw at first glance.

Misaki regained his attention when she tugged him up one of the elaborate staircases to the fourth floor. "My grandmother's office is the room in the back. Just go straight down this hall. It'll be the only door at the very end. She's expecting you, but knock before you enter. I'll probably be back by the time you finish." She was gone before he could say anything.

As Rin approached the office, an embarrassing thought crossed his mind. 'I've only known her for a few weeks and I'm already meeting her family.' Now even more nervous, Rin awkwardly adjusted his school tie and knocked.

"Come in." The voice was stern and commanding. The authority it held was very intimidating. And that was saying something considering the monsters he'd encountered as an exorcist-in-training.

Slowly, the raven-haired teen pushed open the large oak door and entered. The office looked nothing like he had expected; it was very plain in comparison to the restaurant and hallway he had just passed through. The floor was covered with a cream carpet that contrasted nicely with the gold-accented burgundy walls. There was a table on the right side of the room with various ingredients, cooking supplies, and appliances on it. In front of him there was a large wooden desk and chair where Misaki's grandmother sat and two large chests on the floor beside the desk. Behind the desk, there was a medium-sized window that overlooked the city. Despite being the next city over, Rin could still see the outline of True Cross Academy in the distance.

Then, his eyes turned to the elderly woman before him. She wore a simple lavender kimono with faint green flowers. Her face seemed youthful, with very few traces of wrinkles. Her graying hair, styled into a tight bun, was the only sign of her age. Stern chocolate brown eyes were focused on him as he took in his surroundings.

"You are the boy Misaki recommended, yes? The one named Okumura Rin?" The question sounded more like a statement, but Rin nodded anyways, surprised that she knew his name. He didn't hear Misaki tell her on the phone earlier.

Seeing Rin's surprised expression, the Himawari elder explained. "Misaki sent me a text when you arrived to inform me about you. Your name is very familiar. I'm assuming that you must be one of the children Shiro took in." She stood and made her way towards Rin. "Putting that aside for now, allow me to introduce myself. I am Himawari Kaede, Misaki's grandmother and the proprietor of this restaurant." The kimono-clad woman bowed slightly. Rin scrambled to copy the motion after a moment of confusion.

"Misaki told me that she has already explained what you are to do. However, I neglected to tell her that I added an extra task. Not only are you to prepare a dish of your choice, but also a Teppanyaki dish using Kobe beef. [1] As it is a difficult dish to prepare, I have provided instructions for you on the table. This dish is one that, should you pass my test, you will be preparing repeatedly throughout the day. Many of the customers that made reservations had ordered their meals at that time and this dish is common among all of the pre-orders. So, it is imperative that this dish is particularly delicious." The woman motioned towards the table of supplies. "You have forty minutes to prepare both dishes. You may begin."

[1] Teppanyaki is a style of Japanese cuisine that is cooked using an iron griddle. Kobe beef is a very expensive, highly prized meat.