Barbecue Class

A light tap landed on the back of her hand. It did not hurt, but it came so suddenly.

Spring and Autumn Equinox startled, pulling her hand back. When she looked up, she met Kitasan Black's amused gaze.

"Why are you so greedy?" Kitasan Black turned the skewers with her tongs, her tone faintly helpless. "You can't eat them yet. They're not fully cooked, and they're hot too. Be careful."

"I-I wasn't—"

Spring and Autumn Equinox's face heated up. She instinctively wanted to defend herself, but seeing the knowing look in Senior Little Kita's eyes, her voice trailed off. In the end, she gave an embarrassed smile and hurriedly tried to salvage things. "Then, Senior Little Kita, c-can I help? I promise I won't sneak any food!"

Kitasan Black looked at the dancing charcoal flames in the grill, then down at Spring and Autumn Equinox's upturned little face, written all over with anticipation. Those sparkling eyes were brimming with eagerness.

She hesitated for only a second or two before softening and nodding. "...All right. But be careful. Stay a little farther from the grill—it's very hot."

"Mm!" Spring and Autumn Equinox nodded vigorously at once.

"Come on, stand beside me. Don't face the smoke directly."

Kitasan Black had her stand slightly behind and to one side of her, then picked up a fresh skewer of chicken breast and steadily set it on the wire rack. Next, she picked up the long tongs.

Rather than handing the tongs directly to Spring and Autumn Equinox, she used her own hand to hold Spring and Autumn Equinox's, guiding her little hand to grip the handle firmly together with hers.

"Hold it like this, right here. It's steadier and takes less effort." Kitasan Black's voice came from above Spring and Autumn Equinox's head, gentle