The Dinner

Mia remained motionless on the bed for a moment, her brows furrowed as she recalled Fran's last words. She let out a deep sigh before getting up, still annoyed by their exchange. Her bare feet touched the cold floor as she made her way to the kitchen, where the aroma of a simmering dish filled the air.

Upon entering, she found Cid with his back to her, busy in front of a saucepan. He turned around when he heard her approaching and flashed a satisfied smile.

— Ah, there you are! Perfect timing, I've almost finished preparing dinner. Get ready to be amazed, he said proudly.

Mia raised an eyebrow but said nothing, simply crossing her arms as she observed him. A few moments later, Cid brought two steaming plates to the table. He sat across from her and, with a dramatic gesture, handed her a fork.

— Go ahead, taste it. You'll see, it's a masterpiece.

Skeptical, Mia speared a piece and brought it to her lips. As soon as she tasted it, she immediately spit it into her napkin, coughing slightly.

— This is… good?! she exclaimed, her eyes widening in sarcastic surprise. — Cid, seriously, what is this supposed to be?

— What?! Cid protested, visibly offended. — It's perfectly edible! You just don't appreciate fine cuisine, that's all.

Mia set her fork down and stared at him incredulously.

— Me? I don't appreciate fine cuisine? Cid, this has no flavor. Or rather, it has too much, and not in a good way. What exactly did you put in this?

— Ingredients, obviously! he retorted, crossing his arms. — You know, cooking is an art. There's no need to follow strict rules.

Mia pinched the bridge of her nose, trying to contain her frustration.

— Okay, listen. I'm going to redo this meal, but this time, you're going to watch and take notes. Because trust me, next time, you'll be on your own.

Cid opened his mouth to protest, but Mia silenced him with a firm gesture before standing up. She began pulling ingredients from the cupboard, placing them on the counter with confidence.

— Come on, up. Watch and learn, she said, leaving him no choice.

Pouting, Cid reluctantly stood beside her, arms crossed, muttering under his breath, though she completely ignored him. Mia carefully prepared a simple but flavorful meal, explaining each step patiently, even though she could tell Cid wasn't taking it entirely seriously.

When she finished, she placed a plate in front of him.

— Here, taste this, she said with a smirk.

Cid eyed her warily before taking a bite, ready to make a snide remark. But as soon as the flavor hit his tongue, his eyes widened in surprise.

— This is… really good, he murmured, unable to hide his amazement.

— I know, Mia replied, feigning indifference as she sat down beside him to eat. She ate calmly as if nothing had happened, while Cid remained silent, visibly embarrassed.

Once the meal was over, Mia got up to clear the table and headed for the sink. Cid, who had been watching her in silence, frowned.

— What are you doing? he asked, surprised.

— Can't you see? I'm doing the dishes, she replied with a shrug.

Cid seemed caught off guard, searching for a response, but he simply watched her before turning on his heel and leaving the kitchen.

Mia, an amused smile on her lips, continued washing the dishes, her mind already occupied with what she would say to Fran when she saw him again.