Thursday Night At The Spark

Kitchen, The Spark Restaurant, Elffire City

09:50 PM, Thursday, March 18.

The warm hum of the kitchen in the final stretch of service had a rhythm all its own, like a song slowly nearing its last verse. Theo stood at the helm, calmly commanding the team as orders came trickling in, slowing down as the night drew to a close. The bright overhead lights reflected off the stainless steel countertops, where pans sizzled and knives chopped with precision. Theo, the head chef and owner of The Spark Restaurant, moved effortlessly through the kitchen, every gesture purposeful as the remaining orders of the night were prepared.

Kumiko, the sous chef, was by his side, her green hair tied back in a neat bun, her movements fluid and exact as she helped guide the team through the last push of the evening.

Ayia and Shizuka, who usually worked as Theo's sous chef, had their weekly day off that Thursday night.