something familiar

Sebastián stood in the kitchen, hands on his hips, scanning the small space like a soldier preparing for battle.

“Okay…” he muttered. “Let’s see what we’re working with.”

He opened the fridge, half-expecting it to be empty, but was pleasantly surprised to find a tray of beef strips, a few bell peppers, garlic, onions, a carton of eggs, and a container of leftover rice.

“Bingo.”

Without another thought, he rolled up his sleeves, tied on a faded apron hanging near the stove, he guessed it was Mandy’s and got to work. Within minutes, the kitchen filled with the savory aroma of garlic sizzling in oil. He tossed in the beef strips, then the peppers and onions, his movements showed someone who spent most of his time in the kitchen. A separate pan held the rice, sizzling with soy sauce, a bit of sugar, and scrambled egg mixed in. He tasted the sauce and smiled. “Still got it.”

Just as he plated the food a hearty dish of stir-fried beef with egg rice and peppers a soft gasp came from behind. Kyrie stood in the hallway, frozen. Her damp hair clung to her shoulders, and her oversized hoodie made her look smaller, younger somehow. But it wasn’t the food or the smell that caught her off guard.

It was the scene. Sebastián, sleeves rolled up, apron slightly crooked, turning to her with a wooden spoon in one hand like a culinary knight.

“I’m nearly done,” he said proudly. “Just gonna fetch the dish. You hungry?”

Kyrie didn’t answer right away. Her eyes were locked on the plate he set down on the counter.

Her chest tightened. The smell alone brought back a thousand memories. Her brother’s laugh in the kitchen. His clumsy first attempts at cooking. The way he used to make this exact meal after a bad day just like this. It is his favorite. She hadn't seen him in over two years.

A tear slipped down her cheek before she could stop it. Sebastián froze. “Whoa, hey…what’s wrong? Did I mess it up? Do you not like it?”

She shook her head, wiping her face quickly. “No, I like it. I really do.”

He stepped closer. “Then why… are you crying?”

She pulled out a chair and sat down, staring at the dish like it held all the answers. “It’s just… how do you know this is my favorite?”

He blinked. “I don’t. I just cooked what I could. It happens to be my favorite too. I guess we’ve got something in common.”

Kyrie gave a small, watery laugh. “That’s the thing. I didn’t like it at first. It was my brother’s favorite. He made it all the time. Eventually, I started liking it too.” Her voice faltered. “He used to cook it after school when my parents were fighting. It was our thing. But… he left two years ago for work. He hasn’t come back since. I get it… our house was a mess. But he was always my rock and safe place. I guess I just thought he’d check in at some point.”

Sebastián’s expression softened. “Kyrie… I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bring up something painful. I can make something else…”

She quickly shook her head. “No. Please. I want this.” He nodded and slid the plate toward her.

She took a bite and her whole face changed.

Her eyes widened with surprise, then relaxed into something close to joy.

“This is… amazing. I didn’t know you could cook like this.”

He smirked, leaning against the counter. “Yeah? Be honest, when I said I’d cook, you thought I’d burn the place down.”

She grinned. “Maybe just a little.”

“Rude.”

She laughed, and for a moment, she forgot all the dram with lucian.

“So,” she asked between bites, “when did you learn to cook like this?”

“My mom,” he replied, smile fading into something gentler. “She believed every man should know how to make at least three meals that won’t kill someone.”

Kyrie paused, memories of her own parents flickering in her mind like shadows. She quickly pushed them aside.

Noticing her shift in expression, Sebastián changed the subject.

“Hey, I’d love to meet your brother one day. Challenge him to a cook-off. You can be the judge.”

She chuckled. “And if I choose him?”

“Then you’re biased.” He grinned. “But I’ll accept it. Barely.”

“It’s a deal.”

After the meal, Sebastián rinsed the dishes while Kyrie packed the leftovers. He carefully labeled the container and slid it into the fridge.

“Well,” he said, stretching his arms, “I better get going. Got an early meeting tomorrow.”

Kyrie walked him to the door. “Thanks for… all of this. For cooking. For cheering me up.”

He turned back with a teasing smile. “Always. Hey…what’s your name on socials? I’ll add you.”

She hesitated, then looked away. “You won’t find me.”

He raised a brow. “Why not?”

“Because… I don’t have a phone.”

His jaw dropped. “Wait, seriously? No phone? What century is this?”

She shrugged, embarrassed. “Just haven’t had the money.”

“Okay, then you know what? I’ve got my old phone at home. You can have it.”

She immediately shook her head. “No, Sebastián. You’ve done enough for me already.”

He leaned forward. “Kyrie, please. Don’t be difficult for once. Just let me do this.”

She groaned. “You’re not going to stop talking about it, are you?”

“Never.”

“Fine. But only if I pay you back for it later.”

He winked. “Deal.”

She watched him walk down the steps to his car, tossing her one last grin before slipping behind the wheel. The engine purred to life. And just before he drove off, he lowered the window and called out, “Don’t forget…leftovers are labeled and waiting. Don’t let them cry in the fridge, alright?”

She smiled. “Goodnight, Sebastián.”

“Night, Kyrie.”

She closed the door behind her, her heart just a little lighter than before.

Soon after Sebastián left, the house door slammed open. Mandy and Jules stomped in, carrying grocery bags.

“Wait a minute…” Mandy frowned, nostrils flaring as she took in the scent. “Kyrie? I’m home! What is that smell?”

Kyrie stepped out of her room just as Mandy rushed over, eyes wide and hands flying to her arms and shoulders.

“Who did this to you? What happened?” she asked, inspecting Kyrie’s face, her hands trembling with worry.

Kyrie opened her mouth, unsure how to begin but Jules swooped in, clearing his throat with dramatic flair. “Hold up, it smells delicious in here. Did you cook, Kyrie?”

Kyrie gave a soft smile. “No. Sebastián did.”

Both Mandy and Jules froze, then exchanged a look before gasping in unison. “You and Sebastián?!” they squealed.

Kyrie laughed and shook her head. “There’s nothing going on! He just… reminds me of my brother. That’s all.”

Mandy raised an eyebrow and mock-cleared her throat. “Brother?”

Jules wiggled his brows. “Mmm. Convenient.”

Kyrie rolled her eyes as Jules strolled into the kitchen. “I’m helping myself. Anyone else want some?”

“I’ve eaten already,” Kyrie replied. “But dish some for Mandy too.”

Jules did just that, humming in satisfaction as he served generous portions for them both. As they dug in, Mandy moaned dramatically.

“Oh my God… this is so good. Are we sure this Sebastián guy isn’t hiding a chef’s hat in his closet?”

“I didn’t think he could cook either,” Kyrie admitted with a small chuckle.

Jules raised a fork. “He doesn’t look like he can cook. More like he burns toast.”

Kyrie smiled, warm at the thought of Sebastián’s apron-clad figure in their kitchen.

As Jules chewed thoughtfully, he said, “By the way, your manager called me.”

Kyrie blinked. “Huh?”

“Yeah. Told me about what happened.” He gave her a pointed look. “So what are you going to do?”

Before Kyrie could answer, Mandy set her fork down with a clatter. “Girl, what were you thinking slapping a Reynolds? Do you know who those people are? They’ve got money and lawyers…they could ruin you!”

“he tried to kiss me,” Kyrie admitted quietly.

“Still,” Mandy muttered, clearly shaken.

But Jules interjected. “Hey, she did the right thing. Those rich boys think they can do whatever they want. He had it coming.”

Kyrie tilted her head. “Wait… Mandy, how did you know what happened? I thought when you asked earlier, you didn’t…” She trailed off and turned to Jules.

He raised both hands in mock surrender. “Okay, okay… after your manager called me, I called her. I had to! You know I can’t keep secrets from her. You mad?”

Kyrie smiled. “No. I get it.”

After a brief silence, she added, “Actually, I’ve been thinking. Since I might be fired, I’ll use that $150 I earned from the café to buy ingredients. I want to bake something and sell it on the streets.”

Jules gasped. “You can bake?”

Mandy smirked. “She’s a pro. Wait till you taste her caramel pecan muffins.”

Jules looked awed. “You never cease to amaze me, my girl. In that case… it’s time we talked about your wardrobe.”

Mandy’s face lit up. “Yes! Finally!”

Kyrie looked between them. “Guys… I don’t have the money for that.”

“Relax, baby girl,” Jules said, waving her concern away. “We got you. This is our treat.”

“I suggest,” Mandy said, already planning in her head, “you get some good rest. Because tomorrow, we’re going shopping.”

Kyrie opened her mouth, emotion swelling in her chest. “Guys, I’m…”

They both cut her off with matching grins. “Don’t say it.”

“Just accept it,” Jules added, pointing his fork at her.

She laughed through the emotion in her throat, heart a little lighter. “Okay… okay. You two are the best.”

Mandy winked. “We know.”