Chiaki appeared in the kitchen doorway, her voice soft. "Finished talking? I'm all done out here—ready when you are."
Rina turned to her and nodded. "Alright, let's go."
Chef Yamada watched them with the quiet fondness of an elder, hands tucked into his apron. "Be careful on your way."
They stepped outside the restaurant. For a moment, Rina paused and glanced toward the window. "Isn't Yamada-san heading home for a break?"
Chiaki replied in a quiet tone, "He's resting inside. Didn't go back at noon."
Rina nodded, and the two walked side by side down the quiet street. Their steps were slow, the air between them peaceful. Conversation came in brief, comfortable exchanges.
Then, Rina's phone buzzed. She checked the screen, and a faint crease formed between her brows.
"I'm not heading home yet," she said, slipping the phone back into her pocket. "I want to walk around a bit—get to know the area. I'll head to the restaurant later on my own."
Chiaki nodded. She could tell something had shifted in Rina's mood but didn't pry. "Take care, alright?"
Rina gave a small nod and turned away, answering the call as she walked off. Her figure disappeared quickly around the corner.
Chiaki's gaze lingered on the street corner where Rina had vanished, her thoughts momentarily drifting. She had vaguely overheard part of the conversation between Chef Yamada and Rina in the kitchen, which sparked a curiosity about this woman's past. Both Rina's background and the reason she chose to come to this place were shrouded in mystery, like a fog she couldn't quite pierce.
But Chiaki shook the thoughts away. Whatever Rina's past, it was hers to keep. All that mattered was the promise: stay for a year, take over the kitchen, and give Chef Yamada a well-earned retirement. That was enough.
With that in mind, Chiaki turned and made her way home.
At 4:45 p.m., she returned to the restaurant. The scent of vegetables and miso greeted her as she peeked into the kitchen—Rina was already there, working beside Chef Yamada. The counter was lined with fresh ingredients for the dinner service.
Chiaki leaned casually against the doorframe and teased, "I thought you'd still be wandering out there."
Rina glanced up with a playful look. "Worried I'd run off, or get lost?"
Chiaki shrugged, lips curling into a faint smile. "Maybe both."
Chef Yamada chuckled, wiping his hands. "Enough chatter. We're prepped—time to open."
Chiaki didn't argue. She turned back into the front room and flipped the wooden sign on the door from Closed to Open.
Dinner service was much slower than lunch—only a handful of tables, maybe a dozen orders in total. Rina moved with practiced ease, flawlessly repeating dishes she had learned earlier. When unfamiliar items popped up, she simply stepped aside, watching Chef Yamada's every move with sharp focus. Occasionally, she'd ask a quiet question or nod in understanding.
By 10 p.m., the last customer had gone, leaving the kitchen in a state of gentle disarray. Cleanup was all that remained.
While wiping down the counter, Chef Yamada glanced at Rina with clear approval. "You've exceeded every expectation."
Before Rina could reply, Chiaki stepped into the room, grinning. "Yamada-san, I've never heard you praise anyone like that in the kitchen before."
Chef Yamada set down his rag, raising an eyebrow. "You mean those useless apprentices from before? Rina's in a whole different league—she comes from a five-star hotel kitchen in Osaka—she's the real deal. She's more than capable of running the kitchen. I trust her completely. At this rate, I can finally retire in a few days with no regrets."
Both Rina and Chiaki froze.
"Wait—what?" Chiaki said first, eyes wide. "You're joking, right?"
But Chef Yamada smiled briefly, though his tone was serious. "Not at all. Next week's the end of the month. I'll be done then. How does that sound?"
Chiaki opened her mouth, but no words came out.
The chef noticed and gave a half-smile. "What? Don't you trust Rina?"
"Of course I do," Chiaki said quickly. "It's just… sudden."
Rina added, "Yamad-san, shouldn't you think it over a bit more? What if—"
"What if what?" Yamada cut in, voice calm but resolute. "I believe in you. And in Chiaki. It's settled. If anything happens, or you get overwhelmed, just call me. I'll be here in no time."
A hush fell over the kitchen. Chiaki and Rina exchanged a glance, both catching a hint of helplessness and pressure in each other's eyes. However, from Chef Yamada's determined expression, they could also sense something else—a deep, unshakable trust.