The dumplings Croissant brought back were already delicious on their own. After being pan-fried to a golden crisp and infused with the aroma of oil, they were completely elevated to another level!
It even made Sora consider whether she should try adding some of Croissant's special chili sauce.
It would definitely be amazing.
"Is something wrong? Is it not to your taste?"
Seeing Sora looking like she was contemplating life, Shirou thought she did not like today's meal.
"No, no, it's just so delicious that I am thinking about whether to add chili… mgh—"
Before she could finish, Sora quickly put down her chopsticks and covered her mouth. She had spoken too fast and bitten her tongue.
"You okay? I will go get the chili sauce for you."
Seeing her reaction, Shirou handed her a glass of water before heading into the kitchen to grab the chili sauce Croissant loved so much.
"Hmm… I remember this being really spicy. Just a little should be enough, right?"
Shirou recalled how, during yesterday's dumpling party, Croissant had fed him one completely drenched in this sauce. At the time, he genuinely thought his tongue was going to die.
He poured a small amount into Sora's dipping bowl and mixed it evenly.
He did not use any himself, after yesterday he was still a bit traumatized.
He was not afraid of spicy food, just afraid of this chili sauce.
"...Hiss."
Just thinking about yesterday made him suck in a breath. He quickly carried the sauce out and handed it to Sora.
"Hm?"
Sora looked at the bowl he suddenly shoved into her hands, a bit confused by his urgency.
"Cough… be careful, it's really spicy."
Noticing her reaction, Shirou coughed awkwardly and explained.
"Pfft—hahaha!"
Hearing that, Sora immediately remembered yesterday how Shirou had been tricked into eating a chili-covered dumpling and then rushed into the kitchen in distress.
It was the first time she had ever seen him make that kind of expression.
And today's embarrassed look was also a first.
Although they had not known each other long, Shirou had already been taking care of them for nearly a month. What Sora usually saw was the "househusband" Shirou, the one who cooked three meals a day, cleaned, did laundry, and kept everything in order.
Yes, up until now, that was almost the only side of him she had seen.
Moments like this where he showed a more natural side were rare.
Though part of that was also her own personality. She could not get familiar with people as quickly as the others, especially since Shirou sometimes gave off a "keep your distance" vibe.
"I'm not afraid of spicy food! It's just that Croissant's chili sauce is especially strong!"
Seeing Sora laugh so hard, Shirou could not hold back anymore.
But by saying it like that without adding—it sounded more like he was trying to cover something up.
"Not that… pfft, give me a second."
Watching him desperately defend himself, Sora felt that this version of Shirou was actually easier to approach.
To her, Shirou felt a bit like Texas, he was usually calm and indifferent, only showing his true self at certain moments or to certain people.
"Though I guess… you are the 'cool on the outside, warm on the inside' type?"
Sora thought for a moment before putting her impression into words.
"Feels like someone's said that before…"
Shirou paused, thinking.
Maybe… Issei?
One of the few people he had been close to at school and also the student council president.
"Ah! I do not mean you should change or anything. Just go at your own pace. You are still recovering, after all there is no need to rush."
Realizing his situation, Sora quickly added.
In the eyes of Penguin Logistics, Shirou currently carried a whole pile of nicknames:
"Mysterious guy who appeared out of nowhere,"
"Amnesiac,"
"Knife enthusiast,"
"Secretly savage,"
…and more—all things they came up with while chatting during deliveries.
But there was one title everyone unanimously agreed on.
It suited him perfectly—
…but absolutely could not be said in front of him.
After all, the Apple Pie Incident with Exusiai was still fresh in their minds. No one wanted to get "punished" by Shirou.
After all, he spoiled them endlessly, he satisfied all their food cravings, nagging a little when they messed around, then quietly cleaning up after them.
He bought discounted groceries, kept everything spotless, and managed everything flawlessly.
He was basically—
cough cough nope, can not say it.
If it slipped out, they would be doomed.
"It's fine. Hurry up and eat, fried dumplings do not taste as good when they get cold."
Shirou let out a breath of relief and changed the subject.
If he ever found out about that nickname, he would absolutely start strictly controlling their diets.
Less Pocky, less apple pie, fewer desserts, fewer drinks—
A healthier lifestyle is good for the body, after all.
"Alright. Good thing I came back early, or I would have missed this."
Sora lightly dipped a dumpling into the chili sauce and took a bite.
With the added spice, the flavor became even richer. She quickly finished the entire plate.
Afterward, she helped Shirou clean up and brought the dishes to the sink.
"Hm? Shirou, did something happen today? Were you attacked?"
Sora noticed the coat hanging outside, it was full of holes and burn marks.
"I ran into a fire. Only my clothes got damaged."
Shirou casually replied while wiping the table, leaving out the part where he ran into the flames.
"Is that so…"
Sora felt something was off, but did not press further. Instead, she changed the topic.
"But that is your only coat, right?"
"Yeah, but it's fine. The weather's getting warmer anyway. I will just buy a new one when I have time."
"That's true… have you considered getting a Penguin Logistics uniform jacket from the boss?"
Sora thought about his financial situation and suggested it.
"A uniform jacket?"
Shirou paused, recalling how everyone at Penguin Logistics wore black-and-white jackets with the company logo.
There seemed to be different styles, and supposedly the Boss assigned custom ones to familiar employees. Regular staff just wore the standard version.
"Yeah, just a basic lightweight jacket. I think the standard one is free."
Sora tried to recall, hers had been custom-made, so she was not too familiar with the standard version.
"Then I will take that one. As long as it blocks wind and sun, it's fine."
Hearing it was free, Shirou had no reason to refuse.
After all, the weather was getting warmer. He could always get a thicker coat next winter.
Besides, he was still growing, most clothes did not even last him a year.
So there was no need to be picky.
As long as it worked, that was enough.