"Not too often," Kimiko whispered back quickly. "Maybe he's distracted?"

She flashed her a quick wink then started feigning interest in examining a set of bamboo cooking utensils she didn't remember seeing before. She listened attentively to the new girl's revelation about her cooking abilities. She brightened noticeably at the mention of cookies which quickly gave way to sympathy as Misaki brought up her parents.

"I bake sweets, too! Cookies, cakes, candies... Oh, and actual meals. I like Western cooking, especially. I can make some traditional things, too." She beamed at Misaki. "You're in a great place to learn. And I agree with you about independent girls needing to know how to cook. Boys, too," she added a little more quietly.