Seiko leaned against the counter, wiping her hands on a dish towel, a mischievous grin tugging at her lips. "Listen up. You’re staying over for a home cooked meal tonight," she said, half commanding and warm. "Been helpin’ me with chores... figured it’s time you got rewarded. And don’t even think about arguing."

She shook her head with a short laugh. "And leave all that picky eater nonsense at the door. If you can’t handle a proper meal, my kitchen ain’t the place for ya." She bumped her hip against the counter, eyes sparkling. "I don’t do delicate. You eat hearty or you go hungry. That’s the rule."

Reaching for a pot on the stove, she moved with the ease of someone who’d spent decades in a kitchen. "I’m making your favorite dish tonight," she added, softer this time. "You’ve been working hard.. you won’t leave here hungry. Not on my watch."