#alko+

"It's been a while since we made beef stew together hasn't it, Guo-chan?"

"...it really has."

Throughout the colorful fresh produce aisle of a supermarket within Nijigao City, the two founding members of RifeStriders hummed as they checked their ingredients. Alko couldn't help but chuckle as she gazed at some of the radishes she had picked up. "I mean, when was the last time we cooked together?"

"...last week." Guozi Vinh merely nodded, her eyes gazing upon the chunks of beef that they had placed in their cart.

"Yeah, thought so. We don't do this a lot anymore," the brunette huffed and puffed, placing the vegetables into their cart. "It's usually me who's in charge of cooking dinner." she sighed, a small smile forming on her face. "We used to do this all the time back at the hospital, remember?"

"...of course I remember." Guozi sighed, refusing to look into Alko's eyes. "I made you instant ramen and other dishes with noodles...the best I could at least."

"Yeah...but it was better than the regular hospital food at least! I really don't like bad mouthing people, but...well..." Alko winced. "Their food wasn't that good..."

"I'd rather eat uncooked noodles instead of eating that again," Guozi immediately hissed, pushing the cart down the aisle.

"...but you always eat uncooked noodles when there's nothing to eat...?"

"I know."

"...Alright," Alko merely shrugged, walking behind her friend. "Your beef stew is the best though, Guo-chan. I'm glad you're making it again!"

Although her expression remained stoic, Guozi's dull eyes seemed to sparkle. "...thanks. I...I tried to make it as close to my mother's as I could."

"And it's the same with every other dish you make," Alko chuckled. "The love and effort you put into it is clear as day! Especially since I've been eating it ever since we met~!"

"...I'm glad you enjoy it."

Alko merely entangled Guozi's hand within gloved hand. "I always will." she chuckled. "Being with you for so long has made everything sparkle again, Guo-chan. I'm glad we met."

Although Guozi didn't stop, she gently squeezed Alko's hand.

"...me too."

"Oh, and we're not buying any more instant ramen for you. We have enough."