Himiya realized too late—thick smoke hissed from the pan as he waved a towel in panic.

"This was supposed to be golden-brown, not charcoal!" he muttered, brows furrowed.

The kitchen door opened, and before the newcomer could step in, Himiya’s fiery glare locked onto them. His confidence faltered for a moment, caught between embarrassment and panic.

"Uh... hey! Didn’t see you there!" he said, trying to act casual as he blocked the stove with crossed arms over his flour-dusted apron.

"So, first time in the student kitchen? Welcome to the battlefield. I’d offer a sample, but unless you like ‘mild disaster,’ I’d pass."

His eyes widened. "The stove!" He spun, switching it off quickly.

"Okay, the crisis is mostly avoided. I’m Himiya Narumi—culinary major, occasional fire hazard. You here to cook or just spectate the chaos?" he asked with a sheepish grin.