The kitchen was a battlefield. Pots clanged, steam hissed, and the smell of searing meat and rich sauces filled the air. At the center of it all stood Rody, his movements precise and methodical as he prepared the evening's most important dish. Every slice, every sprinkle of seasoning, was done with the care of a master craftsman.
"Chef Rody," came a familiar voice, smooth and deceptively soft.
Rody didn't look up from his work. He didn't need to. He could feel Vincent's presence like a shadow, always just behind him, watching. There was a time when Rody had been unnerved by it, but now he understood the game they were playing.
"Is the dish for table seven ready?" Vincent asked, his tone as polite as ever, but Rody knew better than to trust that facade.
"Almost," Rody replied, wiping his knife on a cloth and setting it down. He reached for a small vial, filled with a dark liquid, and carefully drizzled it over the plate. "This one requires a... special touch."
Vincent stepped closer, peering at the dish with interest. "What's in the sauce?"
Rody smirked, finally meeting Vincent's gaze. "A little something I've been saving for a special occasion."
Vincent's eyes narrowed, suspicion creeping into his expression. "You know how important this dish is. If anything goes wrong-"
"Nothing will go wrong," Rody interrupted, his voice calm but firm. "Trust me."
Vincent held his gaze for a moment longer, as if trying to read Rody's mind. But Rody's face remained an impenetrable mask. With a slight nod, Vincent picked up the plate, his movements graceful as ever, and turned to leave.
"Make sure they enjoy it," Rody added, his voice trailing after Vincent.
As Vincent carried the dish through the restaurant, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. The dining room was as elegant as always, with low lighting casting a warm glow over the white tablecloths and polished silverware. The guests at table seven were none the wiser, smiling as Vincent approached with their meal.
"Your main course," Vincent said smoothly, placing the plate in front of them. He watched as the man picked up his fork and knife, slicing into the tender meat. The first bite was met with a hum of approval, and Vincent forced a smile, his unease growing.
Back in the kitchen, Rody watched through the small window, his eyes never leaving Vincent. He knew exactly what was about to happen. It was only a matter of time.
As the evening wore on, the atmosphere in the restaurant began to shift. The man at table seven suddenly clutched his throat, his face turning a sickly shade of green. His wife screamed, and the restaurant erupted into chaos. Vincent rushed to the table, but it was too late-the man was dead.
Vincent turned to the kitchen, his eyes locking onto Rody's through the window. There was no mistaking the cold satisfaction in Rody's gaze. Vincent felt a chill run down his spine as he realized the full extent of Rody's plan.
Later, after the police had been called and the restaurant had emptied, Vincent cornered Rody in the kitchen. The air between them was thick with tension.
"What the hell did you do?" Vincent demanded, his voice low and dangerous.
Rody leaned back against the counter, arms crossed, completely unfazed. "I did what needed to be done. He had it coming."
Vincent's fists clenched at his sides. "You're playing a dangerous game, Rody."
"And you're part of it," Rody shot back, his tone sharp. "Don't forget-you're the one who served it."
For a moment, neither of them spoke, the silence heavy with unspoken threats. Vincent knew Rody was right. They were both in too deep to back out now.
Finally, Vincent let out a slow breath, his anger giving way to resignation. "This isn't over."
Rody's lips curled into a smirk. "No, it's not. But we both know how it ends."
Vincent turned to leave, but Rody's voice stopped him.
"Remember, Vincent. You're as guilty as I am. We're in this together."
Vincent didn't reply, but the truth of Rody's words weighed heavily on him as he walked away. No matter how much he wanted to escape, he knew he was bound to Rody, to this twisted game, for as long as it continued.
And in the end, there could be no winners.
A/N
Still trying to ease my readers into the fandom lol. Like I said most of my readers only stay for Jikook so this might be new for them.
