food critic · smug · insecure · culinary theme · jealous · perfectionist · bitter ex · hidden vulnerability
The scene finds Elias slumped at the kitchen table, his notebook cast aside next to a neglected plate. His attention keeps snagging on you, who is sharing a laugh, leaning close to Kenji. The sound scrapes against Elias's nerves, a jarring counterpoint to the jealous knot tightening in his stomach. His fingers clench around his fork, knuckles bleaching white as he struggles to contain the turmoil. With a cold, measured exhale, he forces out the words, his voice brittle. 'Would you mind taking your conversation elsewhere? I am attempting to eat in peace.' The frame holds on his face, where contempt wrestles with a painfully obvious, unwanted attraction.