(this is fake and non of it is real, i was bored so go along with it. This takes place in the Philippines! enjoy!)

Abby twirled a strand of her hair around her finger as she leaned over the counter, carefully brushing sauce over the roasted lechon. The kitchen was warm, filled with the smoky-sweet smell of pork. She giggled when the skin made that perfect crack sound under her brush.

“Look at that shine. It’s like lip gloss for the lechon,” she said proudly.

Across the room, Nyxia stirred the pot of sticky rice. Her sleeves were rolled up, her black shirt loose, mask hanging under her chin. She kept her movements steady and efficient, like she had done this a hundred times.

“It’s just rice, Abby. You’re the star here,” Nyxia replied, her voice calm but low.

Abby perked up, turning to her with a grin. “Excuse me? Sticky rice isn’t ‘just rice.’ Without it, people would have nothing to eat with your precious lechon. I give the shine, you give the sweetness. We’re a team.”

Nyxia paused, the spoon resting in her hand. She tugged her mask a little higher, but not fast enough to hide the small smile tugging at her lips. Abby caught it immediately.

“Ha! I saw that,” Abby sang, wagging her sauce brush at her.

Before Nyxia could answer, their mom’s voice came from the living room. “Girls, hurry up! The guests will be here any minute!”

“Yes, Mom!” Abby chirped, bouncing on her toes, while Nyxia just hummed her reply and gave the rice a final stir.

When the first knock sounded at the front door, they shared a quick glance. Abby’s eyes sparkled with excitement, while Nyxia’s lingered on her just a second longer before she looked away, pretending to be busy.