Chapter Text
~~10 Years Ago~~
Y/n wiped the counters of the cafe in long, slow strides. The longer she took cleaning, the longer she had before her parents would make her do her homework. That was one of the benefits of living above her parent's shop, there was always work to do to distract her.
Work and customers.
At the booth in the corner there was a boy who came in often. Most of the kids from her high school and the high school near them would come in. The food was good, and cheap enough. She had noticed him before, a few times even, already tall for his age. Y/n had heard once that he was a basketball player, which checked out.
She whipped her head back to the counter as he turned towards her. God. That was really embarrassing. Maybe homework was the better option. She was groaning in her head when she saw he had stood up. After a deep breath, she walked over and took his plates with a small smile, more to the table than to him.
"It was really good. Thanks." His voice was a lot softer than she expected. Sure, he was skinny, and she hadn't expected a big boom, but there was something comforting about him. Maybe it was just the compliment. She grit her teeth and finally made eye contact.
"No, thank you." She stacked the plates and glasses on her arm, but waited for a second to see if he would say anything more before leaving the booth. Hoping he had more to say.
"You could actually be a chef."
"Oh. Thanks."
She had never thought of it like that. Sure, she was cooking in what was technically a professional kitchen every day, but to be a chef? That word made it feel like a real job. Not just something she did for her parents and their customers. A career.
By the time she reached the kitchen it dawned on her that she hadn't responded too well. She was too deep in thought.