College Freshman

Chapter Seven

...

There was an enjoyable ambiance in the room as a content silence engulfed the kitchen, a sense of ease and camaraderie filling the air. The familiar clinking of utensils and the gentle hum of the stove created a harmonious symphony of culinary activity. The aroma of cooking food filled the kitchen, creating an intoxicating blend of flavors in the air.

Raven wore a content smile on her lips as she stood over a cutting board, her hands moving with grace and precision as she chopped up mixed greens. The crisp sound of each chop resonated in the room, a rhythmic melody in tune with her peaceful demeanor.

Feeling his own enjoyment, Garfield stood over the stove, a feeling of accomplishment washing over him as he added the pasta to the boiling water. The steam rose from the pot, enveloping his face with warmth and he couldn't help but let out a satisfied sigh. With practiced hands, he reached for the spices, measuring out the perfect amount and carefully stirring them into the simmering tomato sauce.

Their movements synchronized, an unspoken understanding flowing between them. They moved rhythmically, each aware of the other's presence without needing to exchange words. It was a dance of culinary collaboration, a silent conversation that spoke volumes.

Occasionally, Garfield stole a glance at the person beside him, admiring her finesse and appreciating the way she effortlessly maneuvered around the kitchen. He found himself entranced by her presence, captivated by the simple act of cooking together.

"Okay, try this." Garfield said, a glimmer of excitement in his eyes as he held out a spoonful of sauce.

Raven set down her knife, giving Garfield her full attention as she delicately took the spoon and brought it to her mouth. As the flavors danced on her taste buds, an annoyed sigh escaped her lips. "Fine. You can cook." She admitted, a reluctant smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

"I told you." Garfield grinned, his eyes beaming with pride.

In hindsight, he should have turned his attention back to the stove and continued cooking, but Garfield found himself unable to tear his gaze away from Raven. Their eyes locked in a silent exchange, a world of unspoken emotions swirling between them. The unspoken connection hung in the air, charged with unexplored possibilities, momentarily breaking only by the bubbling sound of the spaghetti water boiling over.

Startled, Garfield snapped back to reality, his instincts kicking in as he quickly rushed to the stove, his hands lowering the burner to prevent any further mishaps. The sizzling water subsided, but the residual warmth remained, mirrored by the flicker of playfulness in Raven's eyes.

Her smile lingered on her lips, a hint of teasing dancing in her gaze. "Now, don't let the compliment go to your head just yet." She gently criticized.

Garfield snicked playfully. "I know you're just looking for a reason to criticize, but in the end, there will be no denying that you like my cooking." He retorted, a playful challenge in his tone as he reached for a kitchen towel to wipe up the water.

Despite the smile on her face, Raven shook her head disapprovingly, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Here, let me help you before you make things worse." She said, grabbing another towel and joining him in cleaning up the spilled water. As their hands unintentionally brushed against each other, a jolt of electricity surged through Garfield, causing him to momentarily freeze in place.

Ceasing his movements, Garfield swiftly turned back to face Raven, his cheeks flushing hot and his heart suddenly racing in his chest. The room seemed to shrink around them as the tension between them grew palpable. He couldn't tear his eyes away from her, his gaze locked on her calm expression, searching for any hint of the emotions he himself was feeling.