Bruce's control over his own strength, sharpened by the title he earned a few days ago at Vaelith's place, and reinforced by his surgically trained precision, made delicate tasks far easier for him than for Sophie.

This isn't to belittle Sophie's own control; she had trained from a young age. But when it came to simple, mundane tasks like cracking an egg, Bruce was simply more familiar and naturally steadier than she was.

He decided to guide her properly this time. He had assumed she'd only need a little help after watching him cook, but clearly, she needed more guidance than expected.

Sophie stood in front of the counter with determined eyes, like someone preparing for a grand challenge rather than a simple meal.

Bruce stood beside her, amused but ready to help. He watched as she dropped the shell and picked another egg.

"First," he said, "crack the egg."

Sophie picked up one of the giant Vitalis Heron eggs, it looked almost comically large in her hands, and tapped it gently against the bowl.

Nothing.

She tapped harder.

Still nothing.

Bruce chuckled. "It's thick. Try hitting it a little higher on the shell. Here,"

He stepped closer behind her, placing one hand lightly over hers.

His other hand rested softly near her waist, close but respectful, enough to guide her movements.

Sophie's breath caught for a second from the closeness.

He angled her hand slightly.

"Right here," Bruce said softly. "This part cracks first."

Sophie followed the pressure, tapping again,

Crack!

The shell split perfectly.

She turned her head slightly, smiling up at him with bright, proud eyes. "I did it."

Bruce nodded, smiling back. "Good."

She poured the yolk into the bowl, and Bruce handed her the fork.

"Now mix it. Not too slow, not too fast. Just steady."

Sophie started whisking.

Bruce watched for a moment and shook his head.

"Alright, alright… come here." Bruce stepped behind her again, this time placing his hands gently over hers as she held the fork to whisk the eggs.

Her breath hitched. He didn't comment.

He guided her slowly, his chest lightly touching her back, his voice close to her ear.

"Relax your wrist… like this."

"Mhm… okay…" she whispered, her cheeks pink.

Every small movement brought them closer, their bodies brushing softly, sharing warmth, sharing breath.

Bruce's presence around her felt strong and reassuring; Sophie's warmth felt soft and grounding.

When she finally got the whisking motion right, Sophie looked over her shoulder at him, smiling proudly.

"See? I'm learning."

Bruce met her gaze, his voice low.

"I can see that."

Their eyes lingered, too long, too warm, too soft.

Realizing how close they were, Sophie quickly turned back to the bowl, hiding her flustered smile.

"A-Alright… next step!" she declared, trying to sound composed.

Bruce chuckled quietly behind her observing it.

Bruce folded his arms, leaning casually against the corner.

"Looks good," he said.

Sophie smiled, maybe a little too proudly.

"This isn't hard at all."

"Mm. Let's wait until you reach the frying part," Bruce teased.

She narrowed her eyes playfully. "Are you saying I'll fail?"

Bruce shrugged. "Most likely."

She gasped dramatically and hit his shoulder lightly with the fork handle, but she was smiling the whole time.

Bruce laughed.

"Okay okay," he said. "Show me your confidence. Pour it into the pan."

Sophie held the bowl, but as she moved, the heavy egg mixture wobbled unexpectedly, she nearly spilled it.

Bruce instantly stepped behind her, one hand steadying hers, the other supporting her waist so she wouldn't lose balance.

Their bodies aligned naturally.

Her back pressed lightly to his chest.

His breath brushed the side of her neck.

Sophie froze.

Not from fear, from the sudden wave of warmth that washed down her spine.

Her fingers tightened around the bowl instinctively.

"You good?" Bruce whispered, voice low.

"…Y-Yes," she said softly.

But her heartbeat was anything but steady.

Together, they poured the mixture into the pan.

The soft sizzle filled the room.

Bruce didn't immediately step away.

He stayed close behind her, watching the omelette cook as Sophie held the spatula carefully.

"Okay," she whispered. "I think it's doing fine."

Bruce pointed at the edges. "You see that part? You need to loosen it before flipping."

Sophie concentrated while Bruce guided her hand gently.

Their fingertips brushed. Her breath softened. The air warmed.

The moment was accidental yet intimate,

the kind of closeness that made silence feel meaningful rather than empty.

Bruce shook his head, but his lips curved slightly. "Let it get that golden colour before flipping it. Don't rush it...."

She rolled her eyes. "Don't rush it? Says the man who carried me home in under five minutes."

"That's different," Bruce murmured with a chuckle knowing she was just teasing him, he added. "You're… special."

Her cheeks flushed instantly.

She almost forgot about the omelette,

which started burning on one side.

"Ah!! Bruce, flip it!"

"No, you flip it," he corrected.

Sophie didn't protest, she grabbed the pan handle with determination. "I can handle this."

Bruce leaned on the corner. "I believe in you."

She inhaled dramatically, then jerked the pan upward...

The omelette flew beautifully into the air.

~swoosh~

Time slowed.

Bruce's eyes widened.

Sophie's mouth dropped open.

The omelette flipped…

Perfectly…

Then missed the pan by a full ten centimeters.

But Bruce was observing, he can't let such perfect omelette go to waste by a little amateur error in flipping.

He moved forward, her ass pressed against his crutch but Bruce was focused... He laid his palm over hers and quickly shifted it backwards for it to land perfectly.

And then it happened, the flipped omelette landed perfectly on the pan...

For a second, Bruce forgot they were cooking. The warmth of her pressed to him lingered... But Sophie's excited gasp snapped him back

Sophie was filled with excitement as she looked at the finished product a perfect golden omelette crafted by her very hands. She looked as if she had just successfully saved the world.

Sophie gasped again.

"Bruce! Bruce did you see that?! We did it!"

He smirked. "You did it."

Sophie looked at him, really looked, and her smile melted into something tender. "Only because you were beside me."

For a moment, neither of them moved.

***

A/N:

5 chapters will be released this time tomorrow.

Tomorrow is a new month, so please let's support the book by buying the privilege tiers right from the start.

Thank you all so much for the support so far, and happy December in advance!

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