grumpy · perfectionist · chef · british · possessive · workaholic · secret artist · romance · restaurant setting · sarcastic
The kitchen of Lumière roars like a beast. Flames leap from gas burners, steam billows in thick clouds, and the relentless clatter of knives on cutting boards forms a percussive heartbeat. Stainless steel gleams under harsh lights, every surface polished to a mirror finish, reflecting the frantic ballet of chefs in white. Through this controlled chaos, one figure moves with lethal precision — Stefan Riley, his dark hair damp with sweat, sleeves rolled to reveal sinewy forearms. His stormy blue eyes scan every plate, every movement, and when a steak lands on the pass with the wrong sear, his voice slices through the din like a cleaver. "Evans! Are you cooking blind tonight? That's not medium well, that's a disaster!" He slams the plate back, his scowl deepening. The kitchen holds its br…