Disclaimer: It's a work of fiction and just having fun with my favorite SNS pairing

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Where is he? I looked about while the grill was getting to the right temperature.

After the matter with Aida Shion, my mind was preoccupied with his invite for tonight to watch his rehearsal.

I have no idea what Aida-san had in store for me, but I'm starting to find it…

Tiresome.

I know, I know, it is supposed to be a big thing to catch the eye of a celebrity, intentional or not; more so when they were the one who initiated it. Money, fame, and fortune would come naturally at their fingertips. Getting used to Preferential treatment, complimentary items, people trying to get in their good graces would get into anyone's head.

Therein lies the issue: they are used to things going their way.

I saw many examples of that while in service to Erina-sama…

Back to present, I looked around again, curious. Where is he?

It was odd that the usually responsible chef Yukihira, who lives and breathes to cook, was not back in time for the afternoon shift, causing us to be short handed. Looking at the line of tickets, my heart raced a bit. We only managed to keep it up by having me in the kitchen and the other two part timers took the front.

He was already gone when Aida-san left and must be with Fujiwara. I had assumed he would return in time like always. But the dynamics of their relationship have shifted, as if the "honeymoon" period has ended. That initial twinkle and enthusiasm had faded over time; I find myself sucking teeth at that, even though I trust he can look after himself, why bother continuing something that does not make you happy?

More than once I found him coming back moody only to spring back in the morning after breakfast. His passion in cooking should be credited for taking him out of his slump.

"Two orders of Yakisoba: one without shrimp, one without vegetables."

"Two orders of Yakisoba: one without shrimp, one without vegetables." I repeated back, acknowledging the order as I pushed the ticket into the queue. I took a deep breath to calm the nerves.

"One order of soup, One order of Yakisoba. I'll bring out the soup."

I took a peek at the order slip to confirm the soup was crossed out, "One order of Yakisoba.. Thanks." The part timers have taken the initiative to help where they can.

Without him in the kitchen, his absence is starkly apparent. I could barely keep up.

I can't give up, not just for the customers; Mitamura-san had entrusted us to run this place while he was busy with tomorrow's big festival.

Frustrating. Where IS he?

I used to take pride in myself in the theory of running a kitchen, until I was humbled by my experience in the stagiaire where we met with waves of orders in quick succession. I guess it was right that I need this posting here for more experience. These two weeks have taught me some lessons to manage the rush, but I'm just keeping up… I wonder how Yukihira managed to run his family restaurant by himself.

The pressure was building. Placing another order with its respective ticket at the pass, relieves it a little but I'm feeling it.

"Five orders of Yakisoba, two salads, three soups, one order of fries."

That was a huge order and I unconsciously sucked in a deep breath. I'm starting to plead here. Yukihira! where are you?

"Five Yakisoba, two salads, three soups, one fries, got it."

I looked to the side, Yukihira was putting on his apron. My first thought was to immediately tear him a new one and berate him for unprofessionalism. I held my tongue when I spotted his game face, gritting a steely jaw. "Sorry." he muttered, getting himself caught up with kitchen work.

That one word had the effect of cooling the frustration of his absence

The sorrow in his eyes brought up concern instead. He was vulnerable but hid it behind the façade of professionalism. Whatever happened with Fujiwara, it did not end well for him.

Either way, his presence in the kitchen had lifted the pressure and brought a wave of relief.

Well, there's no time to dwell on it: We have a restaurant to run.

With him, I have the feeling that everything will turn out fine.

"Miss Arato?' deep and gruff, that was the voice of Aida-san's chauffeur. He seemed like the type who is not a fan of idle chatter, just the type I think the private celebrity would prefer to be around.

"Yes?"

"I'm here to bring you to the rehearsal." he was expectedly to the point and factual. I had a feeling that was why he was here, his sharp words confirmed it.

Considering the options:

One one hand, I would rather not go as I wanted to speak with Yukihira to explain himself, being too busy in the evening service to talk.

On the other hand, I had to speak with Aida-san on a matter that a text or phone call would be no different from the disrespect of ghosting someone.

I'll deal with Aida-san first. I can take the rest of the evening to speak with Yukihira in private.

I told the chauffeur to wait for a moment. I approached Yukihira who was busy cleaning the grill, a tap on the shoulder to call his attention, "I will be back in a bit."

He paused mid scrub, considering me for a moment, 'Where will you be going?" he seemed to have recovered over the course of the service. Although, the dredges of sorrow still lingered.

'Aida-san invited me to the rehearsal." I said matter-of-factly. Instantaneously, by his subtle body language, that vulnerability returned. At that moment, I really wanted to brush off Aida-san in favor of immediately pulling Yukihira aside for that talk.

But I got to resolve Aida-san as soon as possible. Just get it over with like ripping off a band aid: a fast one was better than a slow protracted one. "I just need to tell Aida-san something."

I placed a hand on Yukihira's forearm, "We will talk later." Our eyes met for a long moment. I promise, we will talk when I'm back.

He relaxed and nodded in response to our wordless communication. ...Thank you.

I turned and went off to follow the chauffeur, ready to face Aida-san. It was going to be simple: just tell him how I feel about him.

How should I phrase it?

"We're not compatible." Straight and to the point.

"Upon evaluation of our respective positions, I've decided to consider other options." professional but a standard response.

"It's not you; it's me." that is as cliché as "Let's just be friends".

"You're a great guy but…" I'll just let it trail off.

… I didn't realise that I was so against his affection that I am actually thinking of rejection phrases to use. It should be easy, I have been drafting rejection responses for a long time.

The car slowed to a smooth stop as we neared the venue and the door was opened for me.

"Arato-san?" a female with a staff lanyard typing on her phone received me, without missing a beat, she clipped, "Please follow me." The whole area was awash with activity as preparations were made with music blaring while they did their sound checks. Curious onlookers were milling just outside the cordoned off preparation area. I was ushered to a seat within the area, right in front of the stage where there was a male fiddling with a camera and a female observing the scene.

"Hey there," the lady greeted me as I got into earshot, raising her voice a little to get above the base music, giving a brief look over, "So you're from that new Mitamura restaurant?"

"How did you-"

She simply gestured to the logo at the middle of my shirt. Ah, I guess that slipped my mind. "I'm from the local newspaper," she flashed me her credentials at the end of her lanyard, "Masuda Akemi. I'm a journalist covering the fireworks festival." she considered me for a moment, "I love the buzz around Shinko Matcha; It's all the words on the street. What would you think if I were to write an article about it?"

I find it odd that the first thing this stranger does was to ask me for an interview. Then again, it wasn't odd for a journalist to look for their next article. "I don't think this is an appropriate time. "

She nodded, "I'll visit the restaurant tomorrow… May I get your name so I can look for you?"

I did not see any harm in it so I gave it to her and she responded with thanks. Frankly, I doubt it will be much of an interview being my last day of work. I could always reject it in the end but at least the option is there.

Just when I thought she was about to fire off another question, the music suddenly switched, drawing our attention to the stage.

And of course, the spotlight was on the one and only Aida Shion.

His eyes fell on me immediately and he let out a grin as he got to the grove of the music set. I have to admit, being at a live concert was an experience: the atmosphere was electrified with the strobing lights and vibrations from the sounds. In the mix of adrenaline and excitement, I can see why some people enjoy going to concerts.

Personally, I'm not the type to enjoy this kind of thing, though. I'm just here because of that person on stage. I got to give it to him: he does have stage presence and a great vocal control.

At the end of the set, the music dialed down for a quiet song. "Arato Hisako," you can imagine how wide eyed I became when I heard my name over the sound system, "I dedicate this song to you."

And so, raising celebrity Aida Shion kept his eyes on me as sang his heart out, without a dance routine.

I could barely register the lyrics of the song being I was too surprised to even notice how the journalist team beside me reacted to this turn of event. Aida-san got down the stage to stand in front of me. He then lifted my hand and held on to it as he sang.

I stiffened at that.

…Seriously?

He lightly pulled on my hand, which I guessed was a cue for me to stand. Not wishing for this situation to be any more awkward, I pretended that it was all just for show while he continued to croon.

I wonder if this was already planned when he came for lunch. Maybe this audience interaction was part of the rehearsal? Maybe I was just the stand in. Or maybe even a prank?

Yeh… maybe.

It was really indescribable to hear words of romance from someone I barely knew. From the time we met until now, it has only been like, what, two weeks? I understand there was something called "love at first sight" but…

The song finally came to an end and he continued holding onto my hand. Between this bit he pulled and the public setting that he did it, I didn't really want to make a show of how I felt at that time..

Ignoring what's happening outside of us, I simply said four words

"We need to talk."

Finally arriving back at the shack later than I expected, or wanted. I walked into the living area, finding Yukihira there, waiting for me.

In an instant, the cloud above my head dispersed.

And he too, had brightened and sat up straight.

It looked like some alone time had lightened his mood. But, I know, under the surface, that he's hurt.

"Hey."

"Hey"

….

….

A pause, both thinking of how to start our conversation while I freshened up, delaying the discussion with my habit of washing hands and feet after entering our residential area..

It had been a long day in the kitchen; at any other time I would love nothing more than to take a hot shower and relax. Now, more than anything, Yukihira needed a friend.

He is my priority.

I took my usual seat at the table, beside him.

"How was the rehearsal?" he asked lightly to break the silence while pouring me a drink.

"It was alright." I smiled wearily, "Loud music isn't my thing though… but I got something interesting to mention: apparently we would be having an interview about our drink." I didn't want to bring Aida Shion into the conversation yet.

"Interview?"

"Yeh, I spoke with a local reporter at the rehearsal. It would be an opportunity to promote our brand."

Yukihira broke into a grin, "新幸 is starting to make its mark. Very soon, it shall take over the world!" I am pleased to see him lifting from his gloom. "And I'm sure it will."

"How are you sure?"

"It's half you, and half me: our creation, so of course it will be big!"

"...you know, such words may cause misunderstandings…"

"Huh? How so?" It didn't look like he realised what I was referring to. "It's a combination of both of our names."

I could not help but giggle in response to his obliviousness. Oh Yukihira, you can be too pure and innocent sometimes.

"Did anything else happen during the rehearsal?" Yukihira probed.

I hesitated for a moment while I thought about the best way to answer. "Actually...yes. He was…interactive."

"What do you mean?"

"There was a portion of the rehearsal when he got down the stage and held onto my hand for a song." There was a flash of emotion on Yukihira's face. Whether it was amusement, surprise or otherwise, I was unable to identify as I continued, "It was awkward for me."

Yukihira smiled sheepishly at that, "eh heh, yehhh, that would be awkward."

"You're rubbing the back of your head."

"Huh?"

"You're rubbing the back of your head. This means you really didn't think such a thing would be awkward!"

"But I- er, No?" He stretch the 'no' with uncertainty and -

"Now you're looking away!" I huffed incredulously, amused despite myself, "Yukihira, don't tell me that's the kind of thing you'd do?"

"Isn't it...I mean… come on, not that I'm on his side but isn't that something that was meant to be romantic?"

"Eww, no. This kind of grand gesture is not my style."

"Then what will be more your style?"

"Hmm," I haven't really thought of that. "I don't have anything particular in mind right now. For me,what's more important is whom I'm with and that it's in an intimate setting."

Yukihira considered my words, "so…'whom you're with'?" A slight eyebrow raise, "any one in mind?"

I laughed lightly, "How can there be anyone? Between work, school and the fact that I just rejected the first guy, a celebrity who had expressed interest in me?"

"You rejected him?"

Aida Shion was... unreadable. In a private area, he kept quiet as I spoke using what I think was a mixture of rejection phrases that came to me; Surprised as he was, he should get the message.

...at least I hope he did.

I did not wait for his response, leaving before he could say something to draw me in, making a beeline back to the shack. All the while my mind was how preposterous the whole situation was. I am not the type who prefers to be in the spotlight, which is one of the reasons why I find it comfortable to stand behind Nakiri-sama while she takes all the attention.

Naturally, that stunt Aida Shion pulled rubbed me the wrong way. Then there was the fact that he was so forward about his intentions, assuming that I would just obediently do whatever he wants. No, that's not for me. To be clear: there is a difference between a faithful assistant and being a pushover.

I was filled with indignation at that thought.

"In short, nothing did and nothing is going to happen between us."

Yukihira gave a tight lipped smile, sympathetic to my experiences. "I guess that's similar to what happened for me too… hey, regarding the afternoon shift, I'm really sorry for returning late today; it will never happen again."

On the professional side, I recalled the frustration and stress of running the kitchen by myself. Yukihira had just taken responsibility and apologised for his tardiness.

On the human side, I had forgotten that this was his first relationship. Of course this kind of thing would have affected him greatly.

I placed a hand on his, giving it a small squeeze for assurance, "Hey, it's alright." For the record, the irony of comforting Yukihira when I had just rejected someone not more than an hour ago was not lost on me. "You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to. I can understand how you feel."

Yukihira relaxed at my words. "I'm curious, how did you feel when you rejected him?"

"What do you mean?"

"Did you feel… Happy? Sad? Angry? Guilty? Or something?"

If I'm reading it right, I would assume Yukihira was still trying to understand from Fujiwara Yumiko's perspective of their break up. Fujiwara, you did a number on his psyche. "I just… had to tell him how things were going." I kept my answer neutral lest I stabbed my freshly dumped friend indirectly. "By doing so, it's best for both parties to carry on after."

"How do you think he took it?'

"Well, rejection usually hurts for the receiving end. So that's what is to be expected," my intention was to be sympathetic and understanding to Yukihira's emotional state. Now time to cheer him up and heal, "But it's up to the receiving party to face it. They can either wallow in self pity," a pause to let it sink in, "Or, they can choose to set it aside and look forward into the future!" I ended with an encouraging smile.

Yukihira took a moment to consider my words, eventually giving a nod, "yeh."

I let moment stretch comfortably before excusing myself to freshen up. "Hey, don't think too much about it and get some sleep, alright?"

"I'll turn in soon: Just want to sit here a little longer." That was what he said.

So I was a little amused that after my shower, I found him propped up by the nearby wall, like he usually does to relax. Sigh. That won't do; he might catch a cold. I thought as I turned off the lights to make it more conducive for sleeping.

Knowing it would be impractical to drag him to bed, nor having the heart to wake him up when he's already sleeping, I fetched his pillow and blanket from his room, intent to at least make him comfortable.

As I reached the blanket over his broad shoulders, I could not help but admire his facial features up close: His red messy hair fell over closed eyes, emanating a peaceful aura. His high cheekbones, full symmetrical lips, and sharp chin actually made him handsome.

Objectively! Objectively Handsome.

...Oh, who am I kidding, There's nothing wrong with admiring good looks.

At a whim, I sat next to him, relaxing and taking comfort in the moment of his presence while I reflected on the day.

Not that I would admit to him.

Yukihira suddenly shifted and would have fallen sideways to the ground… if my shoulder wasn't there to catch him. I was startled at first, to be sure, but the comforting scent of light sandalwood I had come to associate him with filled the air and I instantly relaxed, allowing him to continue sleeping as he were.

There's no busy restaurant to run, no pushy celebrities, no heartbreaking harlots… it felt like all bothersome matters fell away; it's just time to rest.

So that was how we ended up leaning onto each other, as I drifted into sleep.

A/N: Penultimate chapter of the first arc! Stay tuned to see how it ends!

I appreciate you following this story over the years as well as your motivating reviews! While i like nothing more than just writing all day, I've matters outside here to tend to. Nonetheless, as long as there's a healthy amount of interest, I'll continue writing!