I N N O C E N C E (Shu Sakamaki)

Chapter 33

"I'm pretty sure that's not how it works." Manami pointed down at the pan, as she looked up at Ruki with curious eyes. "It says in the recipe-"

"I didn't ask for your input." Ruki was starting to get frustrated with her nagging.

Manami closed her mouth, as she took a step back and leaned against the counter, watching Ruki try to fry some calamari.

Today was his day to look after her while the brothers went to school. Manami found him working the kitchen and since she had nothing better to do, it would only be natural for her to join in on the 'fun.'

Of course she can't say that she was staying with the Mukamis because she liked them better than Sakamaki, but the atmosphere was definitely easier to adapt to. The reason for that, were the brothers.

They felt like a family, and that's something Manami found fascinating. Why were the Mukami brothers so much closer than the Sakamaki brothers, who on top of being blood related, lived with each other long than these half-bloods? What is it that drives our bonds with each other?

Maybe vampires and humans aren't so different after all?

"This is so weird..." Manami mumbled, as she didn't notice herself bite her finger.

Ruki gazed at her for a moment, before bringing his attention back to the pan.

"I thought this was going to be eventful... but since you are not letting me do anything, I will go."

Manami said, attempting to untie the apron.

"I didn't dismiss you."

She looked up at the vampire whose eyes were still fixated on his cooking.

"So what would you like me to do?"

Ruki thought for a moment.

"You ask a lot of questions."

Manami raised her eyebrows, which Ruki caught with the side of his eye. He was curious to know a little more about the Eve which they had brought into their home.

"Fine, I'll sit then." She said, taking a seat on the kitchen counter, only to receive a glare from Ruki.

"Get off."

"Okay." She jumped off.

Ruki watched, as she squatted down and planted herself on the floor, crossing her legs and leaning her back against the counter.

He groaned in slight irritation.

"Get up."

"As you wish." She sighed, and stood up.

Ruki watched as she brought her hands behind her back, and stared up at him emptily, but also somewhat innocently.

Cute.

Ruki's eyes widened a bit, as he quietly cleared his throat, but not enough for Manami to notice.

"You are unbearably stubborn." He said, deciding to ignore her staring and instead, get on with the dead seafood on the pan.

"I am doing what you are telling me to." Manami said, a bit smugly while keeping her usual calm and unbothered character.

Ruki gritted his teeth slightly, his mind was focused on the girl who was purposely trying to get on his nerves to get her way.

It's not like this was his first time babysitting her. It had been already two whole weeks since they brought her into the house. This was the fourth time he had to spend a day with her without the presence of his brothers. Weirdly, he preferred it that way anyways.