Author's Note: I know that in Shinkenger, Takeru/Mako or Ryuunosuke/Mako are usually the popular pairings, but I decided to do a Genta/Mako for a try. Well...partly because I don't care who Mako ends up with (I prefer Chiaki/Kotoha, but there are millions of those fics...)

Genta came over to the Shiba mansion one day, planning to prepare some chirashizushi over there. As he headed to the kitchen, Mako suddenly appeared in front of him. Bowing slightly, she asked, "Genta, is it okay if you could…teach me how to…prepare chirashizushi?"

When Genta heard that, he was momentarily stunned. Yes, he had heard many horror stories of Mako's deathly cooking and its fatal consequences, but…asking him to teach her how to cook? That was a very huge responsibility.

"Ah…Mako-chan, you do know my sushi is plain, right?" Genta quipped.

"It may be plain, but at least it's edible," Mako chuckled, conscious of her ghastly culinary skills.

"Alright, I shall teach you, since we have time anyway," Genta scratched his head and nodded.

The next thing they knew, both Genta and Mako were standing in the Shiba mansion kitchen (with no kurokos standing guard; they felt safe with Genta there), everything laid out, ready to start.

Genta did and explained everything clearly. "This is like a different side of him," thought Mako, "Usually, Genta is loud and hyperactive, but now, he is calm and patient…"

"Here, Mako-chan, this is how you do it," Genta said as he lifted Mako's hand, helping her to slice some ingredient. Mako smiled to herself.

As Genta continued the whole process, Mako was in a daze of some sort; Genta had never seemed so mature, so manly…

Did she just have that impression of Genta?

Just then, her eyes shifted from the table to his face. She saw a drop of perspiration trickling down his forehead.

"He is working so hard," Mako thought as she lifted up a slender finger to wipe away that drop of sweat…

"Genta, come here now." Out of nowhere, Takeru suddenly appeared at the kitchen door, with his usual poker-face expression. Mako hastily put her hand down.

"Oh…sure, Take-chan," Genta reverted to his childish form, and put down the knife. "Mako, I'll be right back."

Genta headed towards the door, wiping his hands on the way there.

"Spoilsport," Mako scowled at the tall, stunning, yet cold Lord, and leaned on the countertop.