[ Pramanix is so analytical on the octopus front when Joonghyuk is 100% sure everyone's cooking is subpar compared to his—but then there's some residual paranoia in being poisoned. Even when he doesn't need to worry about that, it's almost instinctual.
But her question strikes him in a way he didn't expect. The words that hang off his tongue is "I've always been alone," but for once he doesn't think that's true. Even when he's worlds apart from his comrades, he doesn't... Feel alone. It took him a while to get it through his head—a lot of lectures, battles, and watching a specific someone die in front of him then come back to life. They've gone so far.
... Why is the audience suddenly looking at him, expecting an answer? All he's doing is massaging the octopus pieces? He was sure they were watching Pramanix make fish stock. ]
I'm used to it.
[ It's the truth, though not at all reassuring.
Octopus takes a while to cook and the longer the better, so he adds a decent portion into the fish stock once he places a perforated divider in first. Shrimp can go in later since it cooks faster. Peppercorns? Leeks? Onions? Mushrooms? He puts those in, too. Also, kelp. The chefs start complaining that this will take too long... As they anticipated, but the aroma already wafting around is good? ]
no subject
But her question strikes him in a way he didn't expect. The words that hang off his tongue is "I've always been alone," but for once he doesn't think that's true. Even when he's worlds apart from his comrades, he doesn't... Feel alone. It took him a while to get it through his head—a lot of lectures, battles, and watching a specific someone die in front of him then come back to life. They've gone so far.
... Why is the audience suddenly looking at him, expecting an answer? All he's doing is massaging the octopus pieces? He was sure they were watching Pramanix make fish stock. ]
I'm used to it.
[ It's the truth, though not at all reassuring.
Octopus takes a while to cook and the longer the better, so he adds a decent portion into the fish stock once he places a perforated divider in first. Shrimp can go in later since it cooks faster. Peppercorns? Leeks? Onions? Mushrooms? He puts those in, too. Also, kelp. The chefs start complaining that this will take too long... As they anticipated, but the aroma already wafting around is good? ]
It's nothing worth pity.
[ Don't worry about him? It's okay. ]