It was busy evening when the restaurant lights dimmed to a warm golden hue and the chatter of customers filled the air. The clinking of glasses, the hiss of pans, and the scent of garlic and rosemary danced through the open kitchen window.

Leo, a charming young waiter with a quick smile and quicker comebacks, navigated the dining room like it was his stage. Behind the pass stood Kael, the head chef—stern, focused, and devastatingly handsome in his crisp Black coat. His brow furrowed in concentration, fingers moving with confident precision.

“Order up!” Kael's deep voice rang out as he slid a plate onto the counter. Leo sauntered over, and leaned in just a bit too close.

“You made the grilled salmon look extra pretty tonight,” he said, eyes glinting with mischief.

Kael didn’t even look up. “You mean like you?” he replied smoothly, his lips twitching into the smallest of smirks.

Leo's face flushed, but he recovered quickly. “Flirting with the staff again, Chef? Isn’t that against the rules?”

Kael finally glanced up, eyes softening. “You’re not just staff.”