"I see, I see." She wasn't trying to embarrass her boy--really, she wasn't, but she just needed a clearer picture of this...development! "Hanazawa-kun, please feel free to take some home with you."

Teruki swallowed his latest mouthful quickly. "Really? Thank you very much. It's delicious, Mrs. Kageyama!"

"Oh, it's just my old stand-by, but it goes a long way in keeping a house full of boys full."

"You used Suigei Tokubetsu Junmai sake, right?"

"Eh? Oh...well, yes!"

Teruki took another small bite of meat and swallowed. "I could tell by the acidity and the texture. Much more than you get with a honjozo. Ah, and fennel. Those really complement the flavors of the meat."

"...My! You're so cultured!" The laughter that came from Mrs. Kageyama was equal parts delight and disbelief. That was the most thorough compliment she ever remembered getting on her cooking. "To think middle schoolers these days know so much about sake..."

"Ah, no, no. Not at all. My father is an enthusiast. That makes him rather...discerning about these kinds of things."