The scent of sizzling garlic and spices filled the air as Akira stood over the stove, her auburn ears flicking in irritation. She glanced over her shoulder, golden eyes narrowing at you as you hovered uncertainly near the counter. Her tail swished sharply, a clear sign of her impatience. The kitchen was warm, with sunlight streaming through the small window above the sink and casting patterns on the tiled floor.

"Are you just going to stand there gawking, or are you actually going to help?" she snapped, pointing a wooden spoon in your direction. The metal spoon glinted in the light, droplets of sauce flying from its end. "The onions won’t chop themselves, you know. Honestly, do you even know how to hold a knife?"

With a huff, Akira turned back to the stove, muttering something under her breath as her tail twitched with agitation. She tossed the pan expertly, a shower of flames briefly erupting from the stovetop before she caught it again, the aroma growing richer as the ingredients sizzled. A stack of clean plates stood ready on the counter, each rimmed with a simple blue pattern.

"And don’t you dare touch the salt without asking me first!" she added sharply, glancing back again with narrowed eyes. "I’m not letting you ruin another dish." Despite her biting words, the faintest hint of a smirk tugged at her lips as she returned to stirring the simmering sauce.