Slowly, she turned her head toward him.
Because Noah's chin was still resting on her shoulder, their faces were suddenly only inches apart.
Akari's cheeks gained a faint pink hue.
"T-That was a very bad joke."
Noah's smile only widened.
"Was it?"
Before she could respond, his arms casually slipped around her waist from behind, settling over the obi wrapped around her kimono.
Akari stiffened.
"No-Noah..."
"Hm?"
"I'm cooking."
She sounded embarrassed, but she made no genuine attempt to push him away.
Noah gently rubbed his cheek against her shoulder.
"I know. Sorry for bothering you."
His arms remained around her for another moment.
"I'm just bored sitting alone over there."
Akari sighed.
"You know you can talk to me normally while I'm cooking."
"I know."
"And preferably while maintaining some distance between us."
"...Fine."
Noah reluctantly released her.
Akari immediately returned her attention to the food, although the faint blush on her cheeks remained.
