Taste Of Love - MatchaBlossom

3)

Kaoru sits at his usual table. He had returned to the restaurant, hoping to taste this new but familiar dish again.

As he receives his order, his disappointment grows. It's the same dish as always, not the unique creation he had come to anticipate

He tries to push away his disappointment, convincing himself that he was overreacting

Days turn into weeks, and Kaoru's attempts to visit the restaurant are constantly thwarted by his busy schedule

But finally, he manages to carve out time and returns, hoping for a change

As Kaoru places his order, he expects the usual, but to his surprise, the dish that arrives is different

It carries a familiar taste, invoking a sense of nostalgia that captivates him

Eager to express his appreciation, Kaoru requests to meet the chef. However, once again, he is met with excuses from the staff.

The waiter, unable to hide his discomfort, fumbles with a response
"I'm sorry, sir, but the chef is currently unavailable. He has been busy lately"

Suspicion tinges Kaoru's mind, but he lets it go, assuming it to be a mere coincidence

He continues to visit the restaurant, each time receiving a unique and delicious dish that sets him apart from the other customers

But as the weeks pass, impatience gnaws at Kaoru. He finds it increasingly frustrating that the chef seems to be intentionally avoiding him

Determined to meet the elusive creator of these remarkable dishes, Kaoru approaches Tatsuya, the manager, with a firm resolve.

"Tatsuya, I have been requesting to meet the chef for weeks now. I need to talk to him. Please, make it happen" he anxiously taps on the counter

Tatsuya, caught off guard by Kaoru's persistence, tries to explain the situation "Sir, I understand your frustration, but the chef is not here at the moment. I can't guarantee when he'll be available"

Kaoru's frustration boils over, and he expresses his dissatisfaction "Two weeks of waiting, and the chef still hasn't shown up? This is unacceptable. Tell him I will stay here until he arrives"

"Sir, that might not be a good idea. The chef has his own schedule, and we can't disrupt it like that"

But Kaoru remains stubborn, determined to meet the chef who has captivated his taste buds "I've waited long enough. Tell him I'll be waiting right here until he finally decides to show up"

Tatsuya sighs in resignation, knowing there's no convincing Kaoru otherwise. Hours pass, and as closing time approaches, Tatsuya approaches Kaoru with a mix of disappointment and concern.

"Sir, it's closing time. The chef still hasn't arrived. You should head home" Tatsuya tries to explain to the stubborn man

Kaoru's disappointment weighs heavily on him as he realizes the chef hasn't made an appearance. With a sigh of resignation, he decides to stand outside the restaurant, unwilling to give up on meeting the mysterious chef who has been crafting wonders for him

Kaoru stands outside the restaurant, shivering in the cold, when suddenly, a large jacket is placed on his shoulders. He turns around, startled, to see a towering figure behind him

Kojiro smirks as he raises his hand off Kaoru "Sorry for keeping you waiting.

"Kojiro?" He stuttered in confusion

"What's with the stutter? Getting shy, are we?" Kojiro teased him

"What?!? No! What are you doing here?" Kaoru was already frustrated

"You requested me, and here I am"

Kaoru's confusion deepens, his words stumbling out "I didn't... What are you- wait. Were you the chef?"

Kojiro grinned at the other "Ding, ding, ding! You got it right. Yes, I was the chef"

Kojiro's smile widens, and he confirms Kaoru's suspicion.

Kaoru's shock is palpable as the realization sinks in "That's why the food tasted so familiar! Why didn't you come when I requested you? You stupid gorilla!" Kaoru smacked Kojiro on the head

"Ow, that hurt" With a mix of pain and amusement, Kojiro rubs his head where Kaoru hit him "Come on, it's freezing out here. Let's go inside"

"You need to explain everything to me, Kojiro!" Kaoru exclaimed, not budging

"Don't worry, princess. I will. But let's discuss it inside" he smirked

Kojiro motions for Kaoru to follow him, leading the way into the restaurant. As they step inside, Kaoru was frustrated for answers from the chef who had been playing a game of culinary hide-and-seek

What was Kojiro's reason for doing this little prank? Will Kaoru get angry?

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