"Cool?" Bunta repeats as he grabs a dish towel and starts mopping up the water around the toaster. Even without looking back at Yukimura's expression, he knows the man well enough to know his ego wasn't ready for that hit right on the heels of setting off the smoke alarm. Kids were brutal!

"What're you saying? Yukimura-kun's the coolest person you know. He's even cooler than me."

"You're not cool."

"Sure I am. We're all cool in this house."

"Nuh-uh..."

"Ah, I see. It's not cool to make pancakes with whipped cream and sprinkles and strawberries."

"Those are cool. You're just not."

"But how can I not be cool when I do such cool things?"

"Because you're old!"

Bunta bursts into laughter. "You think so? Well, everyone must seem old for you. But people can get much, much older than I am."

Spill cleaned, the towel is dropped in the sink, and Bunta fills the coffee maker to start a brew. "Anyway, let's try cinnamon toast in the oven. Eggs and sausage on the side. Yukimura-kun--"

He looks back in Yukimura's direction, and all at once, the night prior comes rushing back to mind, bringing a light blush to his face. That kiss...

Well, nothing he can focus on right now. They'll have to follow up on that later. But his voice is a bit softer with the smile he sends back to him.

"Eggs the usual way?"