"Umm… it smells so tasty… Ezra…" Aeri said, leaning closer to the pot and taking a deep breath of the curry's aroma. Her eyes closed for a moment as she enjoyed the smell.
"You are just too hungry… that's why," I said with a sarcastic smile, stirring the pot slowly.
"No, I mean it," she replied in a serious tone, insisting she really liked the smell.
"Yes, yes, I get that," I said, exhaling as I stood beside her and continued steering the spoon in the pot.
I picked up the fresh cilantro, chopped it quickly on the cutting board, and put the chopped leaves into a small bowl so I could garnish the food later when everything was fully cooked.
Aeri stood silently beside me the whole time, not moving or saying anything. She just watched me work.
"Hmm? What are you standing here for?" I asked casually, glancing at her. It felt a bit weird to see her standing there so quietly without speaking.
