"We're here!"

Kaitlyn looked around at the familiar feminine voice, continuing to stir two massive stockpots of broth as she did. Esme stood at her elbow, waving cheerfully as Elliot looked over the spread of ramen toppings that covered the long counter.

"Glad you guys could make it!" Kaitlyn grinned back. "Give me a bit. I'm still finishing up!"

"No problem! Let us know if we're in the way." Esme sniffed at the broth, her straight black hair hanging loose and long behind her. A rather fashionable knitted sweater enveloped her, its cream color seeming dark against her pale skin. "Ooh, it smells absolutely heavenly! It's making me hungry!"

Elliot's emerald gaze swept the room, his hands in his pockets and a flannel tied around his waist. The short sleeves of his white shirt showed off his wiry, fit frame well. "Huh. You weren't kidding about how packed it gets..."

He was right. Despite the fact that 5 PM was still a few minutes away, at least two dozen people had already gathered in the common room in anticipation of the meal. They filled the space's chairs and tables in small clusters of twos and threes as they waited. The buzz of their conversations filled the air with a steady din, and she heard Heather's distinctive lilt cut through occasionally as she got people checked in for their orders.

Kaitlyn turned back to the stoves and tasted the broth. Ok. That needs just a few more minutes before it's ready. I've got the noodles cooked and toppings ready to go, too. Just need to get the containers set out, give everything one last taste, and then? I think we're good to go.

As she finalized everything, Kaitlyn heard her roommate’s familiar greeting. "Hi! Welcome to Kate's Kitchen! What name's your order under?"

"Um…" She heard Esme's voice hesitate in response.

"Oh, they're with me!" Kaitlyn said distractedly as she set out a line of to-go containers. "Sorry about that, forgot to tell you. They're friends of mine from lab."

"Oh!" Heather beamed, her customer service persona evaporating in an instant. "Omigosh, nice to meetcha! I'm Heather!"

"Esme. And this is Elliot," the petite girl gestured to her companion.

As Kaitlyn kept a sliver of her attention on their continued conversation, she noted something strange about the interaction. Normally, people responded to Heather either by being bowled over or attempting to match her enthusiasm, especially on a first meeting. Yet her labmates seemed entirely unaffected by the blonde's bubbly juggernaut of personality. If anything, they seemed a little… standoffish?

At one point, she looked up and saw Heather's gaze linger on Elliot just a bit longer than might've been normal. She was sizing him up with an intensity she hadn't entirely expected.

Ah. Right. I totally forgot about that.

Since the concert hadn't happened yet, this would be Heather's first time meeting Elliot. Still, it seemed that Elliot was good looking enough without his band member status to catch the girl's eye.

Kaitlyn frowned slightly. That's… something I'll have to keep in mind, I guess. I don't want her to do the same thing she did on Alex's route. Though hopefully I can just talk to her and make it a nonissue again…

For the moment though, she wasn't entirely sure if she should say anything. It wasn't like she was on a romance path yet. Not that she wanted to curse Elliot to a bad Heather ending, of course. But if getting all of the endings was a requirement…

She shook her head. No, I'm not that desperate yet. I'll make sure to talk to her after. If I need to.

Her attention returned back to the conversation as she checked on the broth again. Heather seemed undeterred by the possibly lukewarm reception of the pair. "So, you guys are, like, in the same lab? Are you all bio majors then?"

Esme chimed in. "We are. Although, we're not technically in the same lab. Kate and Elli are. I work next door."

"You might as well be in the same lab, with how much you come over and bug us," Elliot joked.

"It's not that often! Professor Oliver keeps me quite busy, you know."

"So you say. You're free to jump ship at any time, though. Anna wouldn't mind, and Christa always needs more hands for planting and seed harvesting."

Esme shuddered. "No thanks. I'd rather work with my bacteria."

Another glance showed Esme standing a little closer to the ginger than normal, still maintaining her polite smile. Yet her body language and positioning seemed to interpose herself between Elliot and Heather almost protectively. It was subtle enough that Kaitlyn wasn't entirely sure if she was imagining the intent.

She saw Heather's gaze flick between the pair, her eyes narrowing ever so slightly as she took in the change. Then, it felt as though some tension in the air evaporated. "Well, anyway, I'm like, sooo glad you could make it! It's always nice to meet Kate's friends! I've gotta go get some more orders sorted out. Kate, how much longer do ya think it'll be?"

"Hmm? Oh!" Kaitlyn blinked and checked the broth again. The deep, complex flavors of the soup exploded across her tongue, earning itself an approving nod. "Actually, we should be just about good! I'll start serving."

As Kaitlyn began dishing up the ramen, she considered what she'd just seen. Despite many loops of focus on people and improving her social skills, she was still by no means a master at interpreting subtext and the like. However, even she could tell that there had been a whole lot more to that conversation than words implied.

Maybe I won't need to talk to Heather after all. It seems like Esme might have that under control. At least, so long as Heather doesn't decide to go full psyop on Elliot…

It wasn't long before she had a whole slew of to-go soup containers filled with broth, noodles, and toppings. Heather didn't miss a beat, calling people over as soon as she was ready to fill their orders. The ravenous students chattered excitedly at the smell, each thanking her in turn as they took their ramen home or impatiently rushed to eat it right there in the common room.

If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

Once the initial rush had died down, Kaitlyn brought some ramen over to her friends. Heather took hers with an excited wiggle, continuing to converse with stragglers and confirm orders as they came in. Her labmates had taken a seat together at one of the common room tables as the room had emptied, chatting as they waited. She settled in across from them.

"Here you go. Sorry for the wait, hope it wasn't too long."

"Thank goodness," Elliot said in an amused tone. "Esme was looking at the people going by like a starving dog. I was starting to worry they'd get mauled."

Kaitlyn giggled as the raven-haired girl rolled her eyes and accepted her bowl. "Honestly, Elli… Thank you, Kate."

"Of course! Hope you like it."

As she pushed the second bowl toward Elliot, he raised a hand to forestall her. "No thanks. I don't want to waste it."

She raised an eyebrow. "Waste it? What do you mean?"

He simply shrugged. "I'm pretty particular about food. This kind of thing seems way too interesting for my tastes. I'll try it if you want, but…"

"Mmmmmmm!" Esme's sudden exclamation forestalled her response. "Kate, this is fantastic! Elli, you have to try it!"

"C'mon, Esme." He rolled his eyes. "You know how I eat."

"I'll finish it if you don't!" She insisted, eying his bowl greedily. "I had an early lunch, so I've got extra room."

Elliot chuckled, then picked up his bowl. "Alright. I suppose I can give it a shot."

As the ginger brought a spoonful to his mouth, Kaitlyn held her breath. She tried not to watch too intently as she waited for the verdict.

I know it's good. It might be one of the best dishes I made. But is it good enough for a picky eater?

As he swallowed, the guy gave an apologetic shrug. "...Still not my thing. Sorry."

Kaitlyn sighed, trying to keep the crestfallen look from her face. "That's ok. I'm just glad you tried it."

Some part of her had genuinely hoped that things would go differently. Her cooking had been one of her most reliable tools so far—not just for growing closer with male leads, but also for making friends and connections. What was she supposed to do without that?

He spread out his hands helplessly. "I'm sure it would knock my socks if I liked this kinda stuff. But I'm just not a fan. Thanks anyway, though."

Esme rolled her eyes. "Elli. I'm certain that we could put a legitimately gourmet meal in front of you and you'd turn your nose up at it being 'too weird.'"

"That's because gourmet food is weird. What's wrong with liking the simple stuff?"

…Well, at least I know I won't impress him that way, she sighed. Strike that option off the list. Unless… maybe I should try to make the best buttered noodles ever?

She paused. That was an idea for another day. For now, she would simply enjoy her admittedly excellent ramen.

***

Kaitlyn settled back in her chair with a long, contented sigh, an empty dish of creme brulee in front of her. The fact that little fragments of crust and custard still clung to its rim was a testament to her recently-developed restraint. Otherwise, she wouldn't have stopped until the entire thing was clean.

It's ok. I don't have to scrounge for every last crumb.

As she basked in the happiness of a full stomach, Philip appeared to clear the table. "Was everything to your satisfaction?"

"Of course!" She gave him a slight grin. "I wouldn't insult Scarra's cooking and say otherwise."

Philip didn't respond, instead inclining his head slightly as he presented her with the check. "Here you are. As always, there is no rush."

Kaitlyn reached forward to accept it, looking over her bill. It was a little below average this time, likely because she'd picked a pasta dish as opposed to one of the more expensive entrees. The savings were slightly offset by the addition of another appetizer, but still.

I don't know if I'll ever stop worrying about prices like this. It just feels so wrong not to.

Her head came up at the sound of someone clearing their throat. To her surprise, Philip was still standing at the table's end and looking at her. "If I may be so bold, I would like to make a comment before you pay. There is no need for you to leave a tip."

Kaitlyn simply stared at him for a moment, her mouth hanging open in surprise. At this point, she'd visited the restaurant a number of times, enough to become a regularly recognized customer. Despite the fact that she'd left an absolutely massive tip for Philip each time, the guy had never once mentioned it. Not until now.

Not that I ever expected him to. That's totally something that he'd just not talk about, what with his professionalism and all.

"Why not?" She couldn't help but ask.

The server shook his head and lowered his voice. "Your generosity has already been orders of magnitude greater than is reasonable. Regardless of your financial situation, I would presume there are better uses the money could be put to than this. Additionally, the debt I've incurred by accepting these gifts is already greater than I can possibly repay, and I cannot in good conscience continue to accept such gifts without having done anything to deserve them."

"You do deserve it!" Kaitlyn protested. "Besides, it's not a gift. It's a tip. For… being an awesome server."

He smiled thinly. "Whatever your standards are for acceptable restaurant service, you should raise them. My performance is certainly undeserving of such a disproportionate reward. Even if they are offerings made from pure goodwill, however, I still cannot continue to accept them."

He spoke firmly, leaving no room for debate or argument. Even his eyes had hardened with steely resolve. And Kaitlyn could understand why.

"...It's not pity money, if that's what you're worried about," she began, sighing. "I wouldn't do something like this just because I felt sorry for someone, or because I want you to owe me. I just… want to do it."

"Why?"

"I…" She glanced up to see his barely hidden suspicion before letting her gaze fall back to the table. "It's because… you remind me of someone. Someone who I knew a long time ago. He… helped me out a lot when I needed it. But he's gone now. So… the least I can do is help someone else like he helped me. Pay it forward a bit, you know?"

Philip stood silently for a long moment. The sounds of conversation and clinking plates filled the empty space between them. After a while, Kaitlyn worried that she might have truly overstepped. But eventually, he spoke.

"You remind me of someone, too."

Her body went still. Hesitantly, she chanced another look up at her old tutor. His expression seemed softer now. Not much, but just enough to take the edge off of his cold demeanor.

"...Thank you. Know that you are under no obligation to continue this behavior."

With those final words, Philip turned and walked away. Kaitlyn stared after him uncomprehendingly.

What was that? Did he… did he remember?

She shook her head. It was impossible to tell. Even if he did remember something, though, there was no telling what it was exactly. Perhaps it didn't have to do with her at all.

Looking at the check once again, Kaitlyn straightened in her seat. Well… I'm pretty sure that wasn't a flat-out rejection at the end. That's what I got from his reaction, at least. Hopefully that means he won't mind the tips in the future, either.

With only the slightest bit of hesitation, she once again left a massive tip as she left. Hopefully, she'd read him right and the guy would continue to accept them. If not… well, hopefully he'd use what he had, at least.

With a final wave goodbye, Kaitlyn left the restaurant and braced herself for the long hike back to the dorms. Luckily, it wasn't late enough for the temperature to have dropped too far. She was still grateful for her jacket though.

I don't know if I want him to remember. But if he does… I think I'd be happy about it.