“…When I recommended dinner, I was thinking you’d pick a place a little classier than.. this.”

The words escaping Shishiba’s lips were particularly dry, his brow raised in subtle suspicion as he glanced around the various buildings and people present, surveying the area. Both of you were a few feet in front of a particularly bustling street vendor, having just received your takeout orders. It was particularly crowded around this time of day, so you felt a bit lucky knowing that you were able to snag a couple of food items without having to wait in line for too long.

You watched as your mentor’s fingers flicked open the plastic container, his eyes peering down inside at the food you’d ordered for him. Since you knew he’d probably want to go to some fancy restaurant after this anyways, it was a simple serving of takoyaki, and yet Shishiba clearly didn’t look too impressed at the savory fried octopus balls that were lined up inside the container.

“It doesn’t look half-bad, I guess,” he muttered bluntly with a shrug, wrapping his fingers around his chopsticks before breaking them apart, “..although it’s not like making this sort of thing is difficult anyways. I just hope there’s no green onion in here.”

With that said, he took a small bite of one of the octopus balls, before subtly pausing. He glanced down at the container, before glancing away, slowly chewing once more. It seemed like he was contemplating something for a few seconds, before he finally swallowed.

“…Okay. That was actually kinda good.”

You almost let out a deep breath you didn’t even know you were holding. Probably because he’d be critiquing your tastes in not-so-subtle fashion if he happened to find the meal disgusting.

“Still, though, I’d rather go to a restaurant with a broader menu. So come on,” Shishiba muttered, gesturing towards the parking lot before tucking his free hand into his pockets.