Misaki tastes Yemeni food(part17)

Ahmed returned to the living room, carefully holding the wooden bowl,

As if it contained more than just food. (17)

Perhaps it held a homeland, a memory, and a part of his heart.

He sat quietly near Misaki, and extended the dish towards her.

Ahmed (in Japanese, with a warm smile):

"Here... this is Aseeda. A traditional Yemeni dish. It will give you some energy back."

Misaki hesitated for a moment, then took the small spoon.

She dipped it into the golden mixture,

And lifted it to her mouth... with slight caution, and a strange anticipation.

The first bite.

The world within her quieted.

The ghee, honey, and warm flour blended in her mouth,

Releasing a rush of tenderness in her chest, unlike any food she had ever known.

Her eyes widened in childlike wonder.

Misaki (in Japanese, looking at him slowly):

"This is... very delicious! Strange... but it's warm, as if I know it."

Ahmed chuckled lightly, watching her devour another spoonful.

Ahmed (proudly):

"I love to cook very much. I learned it from my mother.

I make many Yemeni dishes... and even some desserts."

He paused for a moment, then added in a quiet voice, gesturing to himself with a sincere smile:

Ahmed:

"I am Muslim, so I don't eat pork, and I don't drink alcohol.

And anything I prepare... will always be halal."

Misaki looked up at him again,

But this time, it wasn't just a look of curiosity.

It was a look of respect, and interest... and perhaps the soft beginning of admiration.

And between the third spoonful and her widening gaze,

A new friendship was being born... in the quiet of the evening,

And between two spoonfuls of Aseeda.