The night had deepened into something velvet and golden, the stars reflecting in the calm waters of the lake as the traveler and the chef lingered on the balcony, wrapped in stolen kisses and soft laughs.
But just as the warmth between them began to settle into something tender, a voice floated up from the path below—smooth, mocking, and far too amused.
"Well, well... looks like the chef finally found someone to taste more than his food."
The traveler's brows knit together as they turned toward the source. A stranger stood just beyond the garden's stone archway, leaning against the gate with arms crossed and a teasing smirk on their lips. Their eyes gleamed like they knew far more than they should.
The chef tensed slightly but didn't move away. "You're a long way from where anyone wants you," he said coolly, though there was a flicker of something in his eyes—something unsettled.
The traveler glanced between them, sensing an old tension, thick and unfinished.
The stranger stepped forward a little, the lamplight revealing a sharp-featured face with an aura of mischief. "Relax, I'm not here to ruin your fairytale," they said, gaze now locked on the traveler. "Just wanted to see who finally got him to drop his guard."
The traveler tilted their head, voice calm but curious. "And what makes you think he's dropped anything?"
That earned a laugh. "Oh, darling. I've seen him colder than a glacier when others tried. But now?" They gestured to the closeness, the energy between the chef and the traveler. "Now he's melting. Must be something special about you."
The chef stepped protectively closer to the traveler, jaw tight but composed. "Enough."
But the damage was already done. The traveler's heart raced—not from doubt, but from the fire now stirring inside. That stranger's words had lit a new flame, a desire to prove that what they shared wasn't fragile—it was undeniable.
They looked up at the chef, their voice soft but laced with challenge. "Is it true? Am I the only one who made you melt?"
The chef didn't answer with words.
Instead, he pulled them in, holding their gaze for a single breath before pressing a kiss that wasn't sweet—it was deep, intense, and claiming. One that said: You're the only one. No one else ever got this close.
Behind them, the stranger scoffed and walked off with a knowing grin. But neither of them noticed.
They were far too lost in the heat of their own firestorm.
*** Alright Darlings , here's a little peek behind the curtain about that mysterious stranger:
---
His name? Kael.
A traveler once—like your traveler now. Years ago, he wandered into the chef's little world, stayed long enough to leave a mark, and then disappeared with no goodbye. There had been something between them back then—an ember that never quite caught fire, maybe because Kael was too wild, too restless.
The chef never talked about it. Buried it in spice and smoke.
But now, Kael's back.
Not because he wants to rekindle anything… but because he senses something real blooming between the chef and this new traveler. And Kael? He can't resist poking a flame to see how bright it burns.
He's not here for love. He's not even here to ruin anything. He's just… chaos personified. A ghost from the chef's past who likes to test limits, stir the pot, and vanish into the night.
But he'll be watching. From the shadows. Maybe waiting for the moment the fire really roars.