If Hodr were interested in Japanese culture, Izanami knew there would be a long way to go before he got familiar with all aspects, as even the art of plating food required its own full unspoken manual passed down throughout time. Of course, with reading materials nowadays that help with the learning process, watching the action would prove to be much more satisfying and rewarding. So Izanami picked up the chopsticks and gingerly lifted the delicate piece of simmered fish, placing it at the center of the bowl. “When the broth is poured into the bowl, the flesh will loosen a bit and bloom into a pretty shape.” When the fish was positioned in just the spot she wanted, she smiled and looked up momentarily, searching for her friend’s gaze. Quickly turning back to her work to avoid being distracted, she then moved on to place the mitsuba and the blossom side by side on the top of the fish, chopsticks still and breath held tightly, before lifting the ladle to pour the broth carefully from the side of the bowl. She was pleased with the result, and her heart almost skipped a beat as she wondered if Hodr would be, too. “Do you remember that time you tried to taste the greens used for garnishes during the cooking class?” She teased him slightly, eyes bended slightly in amusement at the thought of this fond memory. “I know you’re much more in touch with all this now. I couldn’t be more grateful.” With two hands, she placed the bowl before him, contents still as a pond, her head lowering slightly as a form of greeting. “Please enjoy.”