DISCLAIMER:
Everything elaborated here about Japanese food and culture is based on personal research. Some details may differ from authentic traditions or practices. If you notice any inaccuracies, please feel free to share corrections in the comments—I'm open to learning and will update accordingly. Thank you!
INT - Late Night in the Library - 6:30 PM
Back in the library, the table was covered in open books. Night had fallen, and they only had a few minutes left before closing time.
"Okay, let's just settle on a Kaiseki Ryori ten-course meal," Ice announced, fingers flying across his laptop keyboard.
Kaiseki Ryori—a traditional Japanese multi-course dining experience—showcases seasonal ingredients and the artistry of culinary presentation. Each dish is served with elegance and harmony, typically including appetizers, soup, sashimi, cooked dishes, rice, and dessert. It is cuisine not just for the stomach, but for the soul.
"Okay!" both Lia and Rika chimed in enthusiastically, barely listening.
Off to the side, Fire was deep in her own thoughts, typing away on her laptop with quiet intensity.
"Start suggesting items for each course," Ice said, eyes fixed on his screen.
The girls snapped to attention, flipping through pages in the books scattered around.
His tone had shifted—firmer now—but he didn't seem to notice. "The drink is usually liquor," he muttered, scanning a page about Japanese alcohol. "I'll allow it for this project. Any ideas?"
The girls looked at him blankly. Fire, still lost in her own task, didn't respond.
Ice let out a deep sigh. "Let's go with plum liquor. Next—appetizers." He turned to them again, this time with a piercing stare that brought them back to reality.
This group is a mess, he thought. I understand Fire—she's new—but these two? How are they even passing this class? He had to hold back from yelling.
Panic set in as Lia and Rika began throwing out suggestions.
"Pickled greens... and maybe orange vegetables? For color and presentation," Lia said, voice wavering.
"Maybe... marinated seaweed salad?" Rika added, pointing to a photo in her book.
"Alright, we'll use both," Ice confirmed.
The girls exchanged a high-five in celebration. Meanwhile, Ice exhaled deeply. He was exhausted. "Soup next. How about a clear dashi broth with seasonal vegetables—spinach, leeks, enoki mushrooms?" He glanced at them.
"Sounds good!" Rika nodded.
Lia followed with a silent thumbs-up.
They're just agreeing to everything to finish quickly, Ice thought. Do they really expect me to do all the work?
Then he noticed Fire again—still quiet, still typing, clearly in her own world. He turned to her. Their eyes met, and she gave a sheepish smile, like a kid caught sneaking snacks.
Without a word, Ice reached out his hand, gesturing for her laptop.
His expression was unreadable, but the tension in his eyes said enough. Reluctantly, Fire handed over the device.
Ice scrolled through her screen. Organized recipes, neat formatting. She had clearly been working hard. A sticky note on the side read:
"Best food tastes like home."
She broke the silence. "I was actually thinking of Ichiju Sansai. It's simpler than Kaiseki, but it feels more... homey."
"Kaiseki's better, though," Lia said quickly.
"Yeah! We've gotta go all out," Rika added, excitedly.
Fire smiled awkwardly. That was exactly why she hadn't spoken up earlier. "You're right. It was just a thought. When I visited Japan, the Kaiseki courses were always amazing."
But Ice wasn't listening. He kept reading. Simple dishes, yes—but there was something genuine about them.
"I went to Japan too! This restaurant had the best food ever," Rika pointed at a photo.
"I've never been," Lia sighed. "Now I'm jealous... I want to try everything!"
Fire smiled quietly, trying not to feel embarrassed.
"Let's do this one." Ice suddenly pushed Fire's laptop into the center of the table.
"Eh?" Fire blinked.
"Isn't it boring? Just rice and vegetables?" Rika leaned closer.
"I agree..." Fire reached out to pull her laptop back, but Ice caught her wrist.
His eyes narrowed in warning.
"It's what locals eat," he said calmly. "Ichiju Sansai is a balanced everyday meal—often served in homes or cafeterias. Since our project's theme is food around the world, wouldn't it be more authentic to explore the everyday experience, not just the fancy one?"
That surprised everyone—even Fire. Ice was nodding slightly, as if just realizing it himself.
"It's a lot simpler than the 10-course meal," Lia admitted. "But I've never heard of some of these ingredients."
"We'll have to check suppliers either way," Ice replied. "Kaiseki's more popular, but this one's more meaningful."
"I'll get them!" Fire said quickly—then paused, catching her enthusiasm. "I mean... it just so happens I'll be in Japan this Friday. I can bring the ingredients."
"Perfect. The more authentic, the better." Ice's eyes had a glint of challenge now.
The girls exchanged looks. Clearly, Fire's idea had won him over—and that spark in his eyes meant they had no choice but to agree.
Despite herself, Fire felt responsible. She was the one who started this.
Eventually, the library lights flickered. Time to go.
Outside, the campus was quiet. Streetlights flickered to life, casting a gentle glow on the path ahead. The three girls walked together, with Ice trailing behind—tired, quiet, eyes half-shut.
"You're heading this way, right? Want to walk with us?" Lia asked.
"Yeah, we're practically neighbors," Rika added.
"I'd love to," Fire said, pouting slightly, "but I'm going the opposite way."
"That's a shame. Be careful, okay?" Lia said warmly.
"I wish I knew where Ice lived," Rika whispered with a giggle. "I'd totally walk in the wrong direction."
Fire held back a laugh. She didn't dare provoke the "Ice monster."
Trying to steer the mood, Fire turned to him. "Hey Ice, aren't you heading to the parking lot for your ride?"
"No. Broken," he replied flatly, walking ahead.
"Which way are you going, Ice? We could walk together," Rika asked.
Lia and Fire froze in surprise. Ice didn't even flinch.
His attitude toward girls was terrible. Fire nearly facepalmed.
"Can't. I need to walk her home," he said, pointing at Fire.
All three girls went stiff.
Seriously, Ice? That's not how you say it... Fire thought, flustered.
"You don't need to," she tried to recover. "You can walk with them—"
"Can't. Mom's been nagging me to walk you home," he yawned.
Cute—no, not cute!
The other girls were now eyeing Fire, who shook her head furiously.
What's wrong with you, Ice!?
"Let's go. I'm sleepy," he mumbled, rubbing his eyes.
Before she could protest, he gently grabbed Fire's wrist and started walking. She stumbled forward, stunned, while Lia and Rika watched in shock.
"Ice!" she yelped.
He didn't reply. He just wanted to sleep.
Next chapter:
What starts as a sleepy walk home turns into chaos when a van screeches to a stop—and Ice and Fire are suddenly abducted by masked strangers. Bound, blindfolded, and thrown into the back of a van, the two are swept into what seems like a dangerous crime. But something doesn't add up. No bruises. No yelling. Just... oddly polite kidnappers and the smell of soy sauce?
When the blindfold comes off, the truth is even more ridiculous than expected.
And someone is definitely getting punched for this.