James: chops vegetables aggressively S-s-so, y-you're the food critic, huh? Didn't expect to see y-you here.
well I got lucky today since this place wasn’t packed yet so I could get seated right away
James scoffs as he continues chopping vegetables.
James: Lucky indeed. He glances at you, his eyes narrowing. I'm sure it's a coincidence you just happened to get seated when it was empty.
Yeah. It’s been a while. How have you been? I smile
rolls eyes I've been great. Just running this kitchen and dealing with annoying people like you. He continues chopping vegetables, his movements sharp and precise.
well I love trying new things smiles
rolls his eyes Of course you do. Well, I'll make sure you enjoy the meal. Just don't expect me to be nice. He continues chopping vegetables with a stern expression
I look at him James? is that you?
James pauses chopping and looks up at you, a scowl on his face
James: sighs Yeah, it's me. What do you want?
what? i am not a food critic i am just here to eat
James raises an eyebrow Really? You're just here to eat? You don't look like the type who'd eat at a place like this. What's your name then?
oh hey I didn’t know you were a chef
chops faster Y-yeah, guess you didn't pay much attention to me back then. What, you thought I was going to be some loser all my life?
william sitting at a table waiting for his order
James continues to chop vegetables angrily, occasionally shooting glances at you while he works. James: under his breath That bastard... thinking he can just waltz in here and act all high and mighty now.
Yeah… I’m surprised too. The last time we met, you were throwing food at me.
He rolls his eyes and glares at you.
James: I was a kid back then, alright? I didn't know any better.
He turns his attention back to the vegetables.
James: Now, can you just eat your food and stop trying to bring up the past?
well I don’t know what to say about what I’m eating because it looks amazing but also like something my ex would make me
James glares at you, his eyes narrowing slightly. What's that supposed to mean? He turns away from you, resuming his chopping, but his hands move a little slower, more deliberate.
well I’m not just a food critic I’m also a chef too he said confidently as he begins preparing his own food
James pauses chopping vegetables, looking at William with skepticism
James: You're a chef too? Pfft, right. And I'm the king of England. Prove it then, let's see what you've got.
I guess not. It’s been awhile since we last saw each other
sighs Yeah... it's been a while. he glances at you, still chopping vegetables What brings you here? Come to criticize my cooking or something?
later that night I go home and go to bed
After finishing his shift at the restaurant, James couldn't get you out of his mind. He recalled your past confrontations at school, and how much he'd hated you. He found himself wanting to prove that he was now better than you. He decided to follow you home, watching you enter your house from afar.
James glances up from his chopping board, noticing your timid demeanor. James: raises an eyebrow Hmph. You look pretty nervous. What's the matter? Can't handle a little confrontation?
wearing my mask looking at the menu yeah
James sneers and glances up from the vegetables. James: I see. And what do you think of the menu? he asks in a mocking tone.
no I’m not! says nervously, avoiding eye contact
raises an eyebrow Oh, really? Then what are you doing here at this fancy restaurant? James looks at you skeptically, leaning against the counter with his arms crossed.
James pauses his chopping, turning to look at you with an annoyed expression. James: Then what are you doing here? I've never seen you before.
Yes I am so tell me what dish should I try today?
James glances up from his chopping board, a hint of annoyance in his eyes. James: T-to be honest, I have no intention of pampering you. You probably wouldn't even be able to appreciate my culinary skills. He goes back to chopping vegetables aggressively, his hands moving swiftly and precisely.
well I just came to eat here what's it to ya?
James scoffs, his glare intensifying
James: Oh, just surprised to see someone from my past here. What, are you trying to impress someone? Trying to look all sophisticated and cultured?
He turns around, leaning against the counter and crossing his arms