Leon turned back to Mira. She was carefully arranging the remaining slices of cake onto small plates, softly humming a tune she didn't even realize she knew.
He simply stood there, watching her. She noticed his gaze and tilted her head.
"What?"
"Nothing." Leon smiled faintly.
"I just..." He paused, his eyes softening. "...missed seeing you."
Mira laughed awkwardly. "We met this morning."
"I know."
"And you still missed me?"
"Yes." Without the slightest hesitation.
She shook her head, unable to suppress a smile.
"You're impossible."
"I've been told that."
Picking up a fork, she cut a small piece of cake and held it toward him.
"Here."
Leon obediently leaned forward and took a bite. Mira watched him expectantly, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Well? How is it?"
He didn't answer. Instead, he took another bite, then another. Before long, nearly half the slice had disappeared.
Mira blinked. "You could at least say something."
Leon finally swallowed and looked at her.
"It's delicious."
"Really?" He nodded.
A bright smile bloomed across her face.
"Today I wandered around the mansion and wasn't interested in anything. Books made me sleepy, television felt boring... I didn't know what to do."
She looked down at the cake. "Then I walked into the kitchen."
Her eyes lit up. "I don't know why, but the moment I saw all those ingredients, I felt motivated."
She gestured with her hands as she spoke. "My body just... moved on its own. I didn't have to think. It was like I already knew what to do."
She looked at him with innocent curiosity. "Leo... do you think I loved baking before?"
For a brief moment, Leon fell silent. An unfamiliar ache tugged at his heart.
So... this wasn't because of him. She hadn't baked the cake out of remembered affection. It was simply a forgotten piece of herself resurfacing.
He gently hid the disappointment behind a smile. "Maybe."
"Maybe you mastered it from a recipe book."
Mira immediately lifted her chin proudly. "I knew it."
"I'm just naturally talented."
Leon chuckled softly. "Hmm... My Mira is the smartest." His gaze lingered on her with quiet affection.
He cut another piece of cake and held the fork toward her. "Your turn."
Mira leaned forward to take a bite.
Halfway through, she suddenly froze. Her brows knitted together.
"Wait..."
Leon instantly lowered the fork.
"What happened?"
She pressed a finger against her temple, deep in thought.
"I feel like..."
"...I'm forgetting something important."