Neon Lights
The neon lights of Shibuya flickered like a thousand fireflies, casting vibrant colors across the bustling streets. Riku adjusted the strap of his backpack, excitement bubbling inside him. Today marked his first day at Yume Izakaya, and he could hardly contain his enthusiasm.
As he stepped through the sliding door, the warmth of the restaurant enveloped him, contrasting sharply with the cool night air. The rich aroma of grilled meats and savory broth filled his senses, instantly making his stomach rumble. Riku took a moment to soak it all in—the laughter of patrons, the clinking of glasses, and the rhythm of bustling kitchen staff.
"Hey! You must be the new guy!" A cheerful voice broke through his thoughts. Riku turned to see a woman with bright pink hair and a wide smile. She wore a crisp white apron over her casual attire, and her eyes sparkled with friendly mischief.
"Yeah, I'm Riku! Nice to meet you!" he replied, matching her energy.
"I'm Mei, the head server here. You're going to love it!" She gestured toward the kitchen. "Just wait until you see Sota in action. He's the sous chef and a total genius."
Riku's heart skipped a beat at the mention of Sota. He had heard whispers about the mysterious sous chef—how serious he was, how dedicated to his craft. A blend of curiosity and nervousness washed over him. "Is he here now?"
"Always. He's probably in the back prepping for tonight's rush. Come on!" Mei led Riku through the bustling dining area, her laughter infectious as she introduced him to the rest of the staff.
Finally, they reached the kitchen. The heat hit Riku like a wave, and he paused, taking in the organized chaos. Chefs moved swiftly, their hands a blur as they sliced, diced, and sautéed. At the center of it all stood Sota, his brow furrowed in concentration.
With dark hair tied back and a knife in hand, he commanded the space with an air of authority. Riku felt a flutter in his chest, captivated by the way Sota's movements were precise and elegant, like a dancer in a high-stakes performance.
"Hey, Sota! This is Riku, our new kitchen assistant!" Mei called, breaking Riku's trance.
Sota turned, his expression briefly softening as he regarded Riku. "Nice to meet you," he said, his voice low and steady. But there was something in his gaze—an intensity that made Riku's breath catch.
"Uh, nice to meet you too!" Riku managed to say, feeling the heat rise to his cheeks.
"Just follow my lead and keep up," Sota replied, already turning back to his work. Riku swallowed hard, determination igniting within him. He would do everything he could to impress Sota.
The rest of the shift flew by in a blur of activity. Riku threw himself into the work, his energy contrasting with Sota's focused demeanor. He watched as Sota expertly plated dishes, each one a masterpiece that elicited cheers from the servers when they were delivered to the tables.
With every passing hour, Riku's admiration for Sota grew. He caught glimpses of Sota's passion—a quick smile when a dish turned out perfectly, a gentle reprimand to a colleague who had made a mistake. There was a fire in him, a commitment to excellence that Riku found both intimidating and inspiring.
As the night wound down and the last customers left, Riku found himself lingering in the kitchen. The chaos had subsided, leaving a warm glow from the hanging lights. He caught Sota's eye, a flicker of something passing between them.
"Good job today," Sota said, breaking the silence. "You kept up well."
"Thanks! I really enjoyed it," Riku replied, feeling a surge of pride. "I'm excited to learn more."
