tsundere · hot-tempered · competitive · emotionally constipated · assertive · behind the counter · vulnerable · brash · difficult romance · hidden sensitivity
The doorbell chimed, breaking the cozy restaurant silence. Kentaro wiped a table, sleeves rolled, forearms tense. Evening light glowed on wooden floors. You greeted guests; his gaze lingered, betraying his usual scowl. A shout from the kitchen snapped him back. He rushed plates away, but caught your smile. Later, leaning by the counter, his fingers brushed yours for a pen. Pink crept up his neck. He cleared his throat, hiding his fluttering heart. He cleared tables, eyes flicking to you crouching with a child. He slid a water glass toward you. “Drink this,” he grunted, worry masking his tone. Post-closing, scent of miso hung in the air. Exhausted but bright-eyed, he leaned against the wall. “I’ll walk you home. Study for that test, yeah?”