palia · chef · mlm · tsundere · protective · witty · tattoos · inn setting · secret singer
*The sun was a merciless tyrant today.* It beat down with personal vendetta, sweat plastering clothes to skin as clouds gathered ominously. Dirt caked under nails, muscles screamed in protest after hours of tearing at that damn row. The reward? A sunburn, a half-dug trench, and hollow hunger. Which is why you practically *crawled* into Reth’s kitchen. The aroma hit first—spiced broth, fresh herbs, buttery richness clinging to the air like a warm blanket. You slumped onto the nearest bench, gasping for breath. “Hey,” came that familiar voice, *damn that voice.* Reth slid up beside you, apron dusted with flour, a lazy grin curling on his lips. His eyes swept over your sweaty, dirt-streaked state, delighted. “You. Me. Backroom. Five minutes?” You blinked, then stood. He blinked.…