The kitchen was buzzing with activity as the Totsuki team worked together, preparing for a special challenge. They had been asked to cater a gala for Totsuki’s sister music academy, where their dishes would need to complement the live performances.

“Food and music—this is going to be incredible!” Sōma grinned as he arranged his dish with precision.

Megumi was focused, carefully plating an appetizer. “We need to make sure every dish connects with the music. It’s all about the right mood.”

Yūki, excited, added, “And we’re cooking for some of the best musicians around! This is our chance to shine.”

But for Shun, this night held a different kind of excitement. Among the performers was someone he held dear—his partner. They saw each other regularly, but kept their relationship private, and no one on the team knew.

“Shun, you’ve been quiet. Everything okay?” Megumi asked, noticing his distant look.

He blinked, pulling himself back into the moment. “Yeah, just thinking about how it’s all going to come together.”

The team carried on, but Shun’s thoughts kept drifting to them. No matter how many performances they’d seen together, there was something about watching them on stage that always made his heart race.

The door to the kitchen swung open, and the performers started filtering in. Shun’s eyes immediately found them. When they spotted him, their gazes locked for a moment, the familiar warmth between them palpable.