"Tofu is a bit like a sponge. Sweet, bitter, salty, spicy, savory -- it doesn't matter what you use, it takes up the taste of it," Miku explained patiently. Ah, she hoped the Buddha and Kanon were listening to her quiet prayer for serenity in this. "The tofu in kitsune-udon is a bit sweet to start out with, and then gets a little bit of savory with the dashi in it."

Miku felt a streak of electricity run through her at the thought of Alessa bothering Steve. Protectiveness, maybe? "We're fine," she answered. "And even if something isn't fine, we at least have each other to talk to about it."

As if to combat the chill of being around Alessa, the warmth of being near Steve made her chest ache. "Why do you ask?" she couldn't help the slightly suspicious raise of her eyebrow.