Noel had just dropped the grocery bags on the tiny counter when Luca, sleeves already rolled up and eyes gleaming with reckless determination, clapped his hands once and said:
"Today, I cook."
Noel blinked. "You... cook?"
Luca puffed his chest. "Absolutely. I'm a man of many talents. You've just never given me the chance."
"That's because you once tried to microwave soup… in a metal bowl."
"That was one time."
"It caught fire, Luca."
Luca approached the groceries like a seasoned chef—until he lifted a head of broccoli and frowned. "Wait,"Do you peel this?"
Noel sighed and leaned against the doorway, arms crossed. "Do you even know what you're making?"
Luca reached into the bag, pulled out a pack of rice, and grinned. "Yes. Rice. And… sautéed vegetables."
"Wow," Noel said, dry. "A full five-star meal."
