Wandering Throughout Worlds (Yami no Matsuei)

Food Critic Tsuzuki and Chef Enma AU

"That fool!"

The kitchen staff winced in terror at the sound of their executive chef's exclamation. Keeping a safe distance away, they saw the man running through the kitchen and went inside of Konoe's office. At least, they didn't have to deal with the death glare Enma gave them during the daily dinner rush whenever they slowed down. Not their fault that they needed to take a breather.

All of them knew the reason for Enma's fury: Tsuzuki Asato's article.

Growing curious, Watari shuffled closer to the door and kept himself out of view. The door remained open for them to overhear or see the show. Everyone made their way over and picked their side of the door. Watari and the higher ranking kitchen staff dared to hide beside the open door while the others picked the blind spot.

As Enma went through his rant, the staff tried hard not to laugh. After experiencing the end of Enma's patronizing ways, they loved overhearing the man breaking down in hysterics. Ever since Tsuzuki Asato hinted about going to their restaurant, they waited with bated breath to see how Enma handled himself. Safe to say, Enma didn't disappoint in his rudeness.

Outside of the kitchen, Enma presented a charming and sexy front. None of them disputed Enma's well sculpted face and fit body. The man inspired crushes throughout their staff and crushed them when anyone spent any extended amount of time in his presence.

Exasperated, Konoe rubbed his temples. "Enma, please, you are not barred from criticism."

Sous chef Watari bit the inside of his cheek from voicing his appreciation. Ever since he rose up the ranks in the kitchen, he tolerated Enma's holier than thou attitude. He applied to the restaurant because of Konoe, not Enma. Konoe previously worked for the Japanese royal family kitchen and became well respected throughout the country. A traditional Japanese chef who loved sharing his knowledge of his craft.

Enma on the other hand, treating them all as if they still resided in culinary school.

Enma slammed his hands onto Konoe's desk. "Konoe! That idiot doesn't know what he's talking about! He gave that rookie Kurosaki Hisoka a high ranking! The brat hasn't been in this industry long enough to have taste buds!"

Wakaba huffed under her breath. "Kurosaki-kun was at least respectful enough not to insult the food critic when he served him his food. Even amateur chefs know better than to patronize anyone. He didn't even recognize Tsuzuki Asato until Konoe introduced him."

Terazuma snorted and nudged Wakaba's side.

Konoe narrowed his eyes. "I read the review myself and I quite agree with many of his points. He didn't sugarcoat his overall experience and didn't nitpick on unnecessary points. He is an actual critic who enjoys his meals. Enma, this should have been a wakeup call for you."

Enma gritted his teeth and breathed through his nose. "A wake up call to what?"

"To the fact that you need to humble yourself. You are an incredible chef; I wouldn't have left my kitchen in your hands had I not thought so. Yet, your cooking has changed. Attitude aside, your cooking has turned mechanical and cold. Tsuzuki has an invasive palate and noted that immediately. Being a world renowned chef is far from the notoriety and the prestige." Konoe placed his hands on his lap. "You have let the five star ratings get to your head. Get humble and work on yourself."

Xxxxxxxxxxx

Finding Tsuzuki Asato's online presence was simple enough. The man operated his own social media accounts and ran a blog. There were hints on the district he lived in and made sure to include a thrilling post about moving apartments. He became distracted through the high quality photos of the food Tsuzuki ate on a daily basis. From the simple fruit patterned plates, he predicted Tsuzuki made his own meals at home. Of course, a food critic had to know how to survive on his own meals.