Archive of Our Own

Tokyo, the tourist city of Japan, is big and filled with so much energy and so many businesses. It’s hard for a restaurant not to be popular with so many people around. However, that wasn’t the case for Miyuki Kazuya, a local but not as well known chef. He owned a small little restaurant just on the outskirts of Tokyo named Tanuyuki.

Kazuya started cooking at a young age when he had to learn for himself. His mother died when he was a kid and his father was always working. Miyuki had loved experimenting with food and making creations with plenty of flavor but also beautiful appetizing works of art.

His food always tasted delicious at least according to all his friends and the people who lived nearby. Kazuya never cared for being popular. He just enjoyed making food that people enjoyed eating. Word of mouth, however, spread throughout Tokyo of just how amazing his food tasted. This gained the attention of the famous Food magazine called Eat Japan. This is where the renowned food photographer named Sawamura Eijun worked.

Sawamura Eijun, the famous food photographer of Eat Japan had started working for this magazine right out of college. One feature about how a single dish in his college’s cafeteria had gotten word around that immediately Eat Japan knew they needed him on their team. Eijun wasn’t just an average photographer. He was unique. He knew how to set the lighting just right and to accentuate each proper dish he shot to look just as appetizing as it does in real life. The best part is that what he shot really was how it looks in real life. No editing need for his photos whatsoever. Eijun really is a professional food photographer. One of the best in not only Japan but the world.  Almost everyone who loves food as much as he does knows about him. Eijun always aims to get the best feature and never loses to his fellow co-worker, Furuya Satoru, another well known food photographer.

This is why when  word got around about this chef located in the outskirts of Tokyo, Eijun had decided to take this assignment to not only improve his own fame and popularity but also prove just how much better of a photographer he is.

Kazuya got one call one morning that changed his whole life:

“Is this Miyuki Kazuya?”

“Yes, Who is this?”

“Hello. This is Sawamura Eijun. I’m a photographer that works for Eat Japan. Have you heard of that magazine?”

Kazuya freezes because he couldn’t believe his ears.

“Uh hello? “

“Sorry. Yes. Yes I’ve heard of Eat Japan. I actually have a subscription. Why are you calling though?’

“Oh pardon me. I’ve got word that your food is the most delectable and I would love to see for myself and if it's what I’ve heard I would love to take photos for our magazine.”

“Are you serious? This isn’t a prank call right? Kuramochi didn’t put you up to this right?”

“Huh? Who? No, this isn’t a prank call. This is seriously Sawamura Eijun. The one and only. So what do you say? Would you mind letting me see your place tomorrow?”

Kazuya nearly drops his phone. This was real. This was really real. He was freaking out. “Yes, Of course. I would love your company. Please come by after hours and I will cook my best work just for you”

“Perfect, does 8pm work for you?”

“Yes that is fine. I close at 6 so that gives me enough time. Thank you so much. This is such an honor, Sawamura-san”

“Pleasure is mine. See you tomorrow Miyuki-san”

 Sawamura Eijun wanted to take photographs of his food. He was so excited and confused as to how he found him but he knew that word of mouth can travel fast. Still, this was unexpected and he was nearly speechless on what to do next. 

That night he told his closest friend, Kuramochi Youichi about the call he had by calling him.

“Youichi, you won’t believe what happened today!”

“Oh Kazuya. What’s up? What happened?”

“Eat Japan got word about my food somehow and I got a call from one of the photographers Sawamura Eijun”

“WAIT WHAT? ARE YOU FUCKING SERIOUS RIGHT NOW?”

“YOUICHI IM FUCKING SERIOUS”

“HOLY SHIT THIS IS HUGE”

“It is, isn't it?

“It really is. So what’s going to happen? When are you going to meet him?”

“He said he will come down with his crew tomorrow after work. I got to prepare my best meal for them and I’m so nervous. What should I make, Youichi?”

“Obviously your most famous dish, Kazuya”

“You mean the Tanuki Platter?”

“Of course. It’s the best dish you’ve ever made Kazuya and everyone loves it. I’m pretty sure that is the dish you should feature.”

“I guess you’re right. This is still so shocking to me. I can’t believe this is really happening. I never thought my food would ever get this kind of recognition. It's insane. I can’t believe it Youichi. I feel like I’m dreaming right now. Am I dreaming? Is this real?”

“This is real, Kazuya. This is really happening and you deserve it. You’re the best chef I’ve known hands down. And I’m not just saying this as a friend. I mean it.”

“Wow. That means so much, Youichi. Thanks”

“Of course dude. Anyways Ryousuke just got home. Wish you the best of luck tomorrow. If you need me, call me. See you”

“Thanks. Night Youichi.”

After the call Kazuya was so excited that he hardly slept but knowing he needed to have energy he fell into a peaceful sleep excited for the day ahead.

The next day Sawamura Eijun arrived at his office that morning with a bright smile.

“Good morning everyone”

“Hey Ei-chan. I heard you’re going to get a new feature for our magazine tonight. Is this true?”

“Yeah, Harucchi. It’s true. His name is Miyuki Kazuya. Apparently his fancy street style dishes are the best people have. I want to see for myself.”

“Ah. Well that sounds exciting. Hope it will be a great feature. Surely it should since you’re one of the best photographers we have her. Aside from Satoru” he says  playfully.

“Hey! I am the best. Just because he’s your boyfriend doesn’t mean you are obligated to think he is better than me.”

Haruichi laughs. “Except he is better than you.”

“Who is better than Eijun?” a tall dark hair male asks as he walks into the office.

“You are, sweetie,” Haruichi says before tip-toeing to kiss his tall boyfriend.

Satoru kisses him sweetly back before smirking at Eijun. “He is right. I am a better photographer than you.”

Eijun growls angrily. “No, you’re not. I’ll show you after tonight how I’m a better photographer than you.”

After a few hours of preparing Eijun arrives at the restaurant just a few minutes before the shoot. The restaurant was already closed and he could hear tons of movement from behind the main door before he turned to knock on it.

Kazuya was just doing his finishing touches on his famous dish when a knock came to his door.

Oh god. He’s here already. He’s early?

Kazuya starts to panic internally before he takes off his apron and puts on a much cleaner one. He then walks towards the door and opens it with a smile.

“Welcome. You must be Sawamura-san?”

“Yup. Sawamura Eijun. And you must be Miyuki-san?”

“I am. It’s a pleasure to be in your presence” Miyuki says with a polite bow.

Sawamura chuckles. “No need for the formalities. Let’s make this as casual as we can. We want the authentic experience.”

“We?” Kazuya asks with a tilt of his head.

Eijun steps aside to show his team, a female with brown hair, a male with blonde spiky-like hair and a guy with smooth light brown hair. They were all holding equipment.

“This is Yoshikawa Haruno, our copywriter. She will be asking questions for your feature. These two are Kanemaru Shinji and Toujou Hideaki. They will be helping with lighting and staging.”

“Ah, I see. Well, welcome to Tanuyuki. Please make yourself comfortable.”

Kazuya lets the team inside his restaurant.

“This is my team.”

A tall dark hair female smiles as she makes herself known to their guests. “Fujiwara Takako. I’m the main hostess. Please let me know if you need anything.”

A short brown hair male walks behind her. “I’m Kawakami Norifumi. I’ll be your waiter.”

“And I’m assistant chef Takigawa Chris Yuu '' a tall brunette male says with a smile.

“Nice to meet you all. Thank you for having us” Sawamura says happily as he goes inside .

Once inside he sees just how traditional this restaurant is. There was a small tanuki statue in the corner. Bamboo was the main decor. It was quaint but the atmosphere seemed rather homely and warm.

“Wonderful place you have here, Miyuki-san. If you don’t mind. I’d love to start the shoot in the kitchen if that’s alright.”

“Of course, right this way” Miyuki states as he leads the crew towards the kitchen which happens to be quite different then the front of the place.

The kitchen was rather modern with metallic furniture and appliances. The shocking contrast has Sawamura’s eyes widened.

“Woah. This is nice” Kanemaru states before he whistles to show his appreciation and amazement.

“You’d have to thank my late father for this kitchen. We use his steel for the appliances.”

“Is that so?”  Sawamura questions.

“Yep, My father was the founder of Miyuki Steel.”

“ Wait you’re dad was the owner of Miyuki Steel?” Toujou states in astonishment.

Kazuya chuckles. “Yeah he was.”

Haruno grabs her notebook to start writing out notes. “You said late father. I’m so sorry for your loss.”

“Oh. I appreciate that Yosikawa-chan. But it’s been five years since he passed.”

“I see” she says as she adds in her notes. “What was the cause of death?”

“Nothing. He died in his sleep.”

Eijun cuts in. “Haruno-san. We’re here to talk about his restaurant and dishes and not learn about his past. I’m so sorry for her be-”

“Oh it’s no worries. I’m sure she just wants to get the full detail for the feature. Ask whatever you must” he assures with a smile.

Eijun smiles. “Great where can I set up my gear?”

“You can use this space to set up your gear”.

“Great. “

An hour later, everything was set up, the lighting, camera and all the equipment for the photoshoot feature for the magazine.

Kazuya couldn’t contain just how excited and nervous he is. His palms were sweating and he felt his heart was pounding rapidly in his chest.

“How should we start?” Eijun asks politely.

“Um. Well we can start with these appetizers I’ve made” Kazuya says as he displays a delicate decorated dish of  Gyoza drizzled in sauce and garnished with green onions and sprinkled with garlic flakes.

The Eat Japan crew was all astonished at how this dish was plated so delicately

As Kazuya explains the details of how it's created, Haruno takes notes while Eijun takes beautiful shots of it.

Each shot angled perfectly to accentuate each and every detail of the dish.

This process was repeated for each and every dish that Kazuya had created for the feature. Each piece is unique.

“Thank you so much for everything. I can’t wait to see the feature when it’s completed” Kazuya says with a smile as the crew starts to pack up their equipment.

“No, thank you for all your hard work. Your dishes were just delectable. I’m sure with this feature your business will be booming.”

Kazuya chuckles. “One can only hope.”

“It will definitely happen. We will make sure of it. Your food needs to be known and recognized by the world.”

“You really think so?”

“ I truly do. It’s authentic yet unique. I love every dish you made. If you ever make new dishes. Let me know. You have my number.”

“Oh… Of course. I will definitely let you know as soon as I create something new.”

Once the feature gets published a month later, as Eijun predicted Tanuyuki’s business booms immensely.

It was so much so that reservations were now required to eat at the place. Kazuya was ecstatic at the outcome of the feature brought to his restaurant. Even Eijun’s popularity starts to grow as well but, he of course, was used to all the fame.

Kazuya and Eijun’s elationship became more than just casual acquaintances. They became more friendly and more casual in their texts. It was friendly where they would ask about their day or a show or movie they just saw. It was fun conversations that sometimes lasted more than a few hours. They enjoyed learning more about each other.  Eijun even casually visited the restaurant just to have a private dinner with Kazuya. It seemed that their relationship was more than friends, at least to Eijun.

However, one day this will soon change.  Kazuya receives a call from none other than Eijun. He answers immediately.

“Kazuya, Hey.”

“Eijun. Hello. What’s up?”

“I just wanted to see how you are doing. Is business going well?”

It’s going just great. After the feature people keep flooding in to check out my dishes. I even had to request to hire more help” he says with a light chuckle.

“That’s great! Anyways, I always wanted to ask. Would you mind if I come over?”
“Huh? What for?”

“Oh, my magazine wants to feature an update about your restaurant and how much it’s been progressing. We’d love pictures of the crowd and business during operation hours if that is okay with you.”

Kazuya smiles. “That sounds great. Can we schedule for this coming Friday? I need to make sure my employees will be notified of your presence. I want to make sure we’re all prepared.”

Eijun chuckles. “That sounds perfect. We’ll be there midday when business is really booming.”

“Sounds good to me. Can’t wait to see you then.”

“See you then, Kazuya’

Eijun hangs up, a small blush on his cheeks.

“Oh. I didn’t know we were going to update a feature for Miyuki Kazuya.” Haruichi asks with a smirk as he looks over at his best friend.

Eijun blushes. “Eh…. I mean.. Of course everyone wants to know how Tanuyuki is doing.”

“Are you sure that’s the only reason you want to do this feature? Hmm? Do you think I really didn’t notice?

“Notice what?”

“How much you’ve been texting him. You totally have a crush.”

Eijun continues to blush. “Oh. Is it that obvious?”

“Very much so”

“Well, I can’t help it. He’s totally handsome and so funny.”

“Yeah, well remember this is business first.”

“I know.”

This visit did not go as Eijun had expected. It had changed their previous relationship drastically. Eijun’s visit for the updated feature on Kazuya’s business that Friday was strictly business and nothing more. Kazuya had acknowledged his presence of course but then got too busy with his customers he almost forgot that there was a camera crew photo shooting his daily routine.

After the photo shoot, Kazuya didn’t even say a proper goodbye, just a brief thanks before escorting them out of the restaurant. It wasn’t as warm as the first time Eat Japan came. Eijun didn’t think much of it but felt a pang of disappointment. He didn’t expect Kazuya to act so formally with him. He had thought over the previous texts from him their relationship had gotten a bit more deeper than just business partners. However, after this encounter, he was no longer sure if that was the case.

With the business booming popularity, Kazuya was absorbed in all the fame and recognition he got. It’s amazing just how one feature on Eat Japan can boost his ego and  his restaurant’s reputation. He enjoyed his newfound popularity so much that nothing else mattered to him than getting more famous. He eventually got so famous, a local TV network asked for an interview.  Which only boosted his fame, popularity and business even more.

Fame was something Kazuya was never used to. He is usually reserved when it comes to his personality but with all this recognition his ability to be more social, outgoing and more confident improved. He started going out more and socializing more with his customers and his friends. He no longer spent nights alone in his apartment at work. It was new and exciting but he couldn’t help but feel that something was missing. He just didn’t know what it was. 

Every text Eijun received after this previous encounter became more brief and professional. Simple texts for updated progress about the updated feature for the magazine. Eijun knew this crush he had for the Chef was definitely not reciprocated. He eventually learned that it was too painful to wish for more, that he decided it was best to not contact him at all unless necessary (which eventually became no contact at all within a few weeks). It was like their previous relationship did not even exist anymore.

Kazuya had let fame blind him from what he really wanted and what he needed. This something that was missing in his life was something he knew had to get back to be more happy. For what this was will be known eventually in the future. 

A few months passed and though Kazuya’s business was stable, his fame started to diminish and he soon realized that fame was not all it was up to. It was nothing more than a passing experience. It wasn’t something that was lasting. Though he learned a lot from it, there was something missing in his life and he wasn’t quite sure what it was.

Kazuya looked at his phone one night, just searching through his contacts to see if anyone was available to grab a drink or just hang out. He was rather lonely and he wanted to do something fun.  He didn’t see anyone he would think would be free when a name stood out to him. A name he had forgotten  these past months: Sawamura Eijun.

Something about this name seemed oddly familiar but he wasn’t sure why until he started reading their past conversations. Talks about food, hanging out, things they thought were funny. It seemed like they were really friends and he didn’t understand why the conversations just randomly stopped. 

However, the last text had said it all. It was a few months before his first TV interview and it was about his next feature with Eat Japan. It was brief and not at all friendly. He soon realized that his popularity and fame had gotten to him. That in exchange he had lost someone he now realized he missed. He missed the times they conversed. He missed the smile Eijun gave him whenever he was around him. He missed how Eijun made him smile.  This wasn’t how he thought things would be with Eijun. He was blind to see how much the boy meant to him. Now he thinks that it is too late to get back to what they were.

Kazuya frowns at his phone.

Why didn’t I realize this sooner? Why did it have to be this way?. It wasn’t supposed to be this way. This is not what I wanted. Sure being famous was fun… but  Eijun...he.. I..Fuck. What did I do? I might have lost the one thing in life that truly made me happy. Eiijun was the one to make jokes, do silly things and just make me smile. 

Kazuya holds his head in hands and starts to break down.

He made me feel noticed when no one else dared to acknowledge my existence . Then he offered the one thing I wanted which was recognition and now… now look what has happened. People have lost interest in me and no one really cares about my restaurant anymore. It was just a phase. And now I really fucked up. The one person who truly makes me feel happiness is gone. Fuck! I ruined everything and I’ll probably  never get to see him again.

That same night Eijun had just got off of work late because of a new feature that needed to be edited by that night. Thankfully, everything was done before he left for work. They were able to make it in time. Eijun slowly makes his way to his room and takes off his jacket before settling on his bed and taking off his shoes. As he takes off his shoes he sees a previous issue of his magazine on the ground. He picks it up and frowns upon seeing the cover. This was because on the cover was none other than the person he wants to forget : Miyuki Kazuya.

Eijun sighs before tossing the magazine back onto the ground and lying himself down on his bed. He presses an arm against his eyes and frowns as he closes them.

Things were going fine. I am having a good life without him. Sure I miss him a lot but i mean…

Eijun starts to tremble as his anxiety starts to rise in him. Tears started falling down his face.

He’s probably better off without me. And sure seeing his picture again hurts a lot more than it should. Sure, I miss his smile and the way he laughs. Sure, I miss talking to him daily. Sure I have all these unresolved feelings but… maybe….just maybe this was how it is supposed to be. This is how it’s meant to be  and I’ll never see him again.. 

However, this wasn’t the case at all because fate is a funny thing. 

A couple days later Eijun was out for a morning coffee break. He enjoyed taking morning walks to re-energize and experience the lovely weather of the city. Just about the same time, Kazuya is around the corner heading to a nearby grocery store to get more ingredients for his dishes. Before either of them knew it suddenly their eyes met once again.

Neither of them spoke, too speechless to express their initial shock upon seeing each other. Kazuya rubs the back of his head in nervousness. Eijun shyly looks to the ground.  They are both unsure of how to converse.  That was until Eijun frowned.

“Uhm. Hi. Sorry. I didn’t think I would see you again. I ...uh...I uh g-gotta go.”

Eijun starts to walk away when suddenly something grabs his wrist and he looks over to see that it was Kazuya’s hand.

“No! Wait. Please. Listen.”

“Uhm, sure. But I’m needed back soon.”

“I know. It’s just” he starts to say before he releases his hand from Eijun’s arm. He then looks at him sadly. “Look, I know you’re probably better off without me. And I know I don’t deserve your attention after how I treated you. You deserve so much better. But I know now that I had let fame and popularity blind me from what I really needed”

Eijun tilts his head and looks at him in confusion. “What do you mean by what you really needed?”

Kazuya grabs Eijun’s hand and pulls him to face him towards him. Kazuya stares at him then with a quick movement his lips crash against Eijun’s lips.

“I mean you. I need you in my life. Life didn’t mean anything without you in it. You’re the reason for why I got so popular. But not only that. Whenever we talked to you always made me smile, Eijun. I need you. You’re the true reason for my happiness.”.

Eijun is in utter astonishment but before he even knew it he started crying as he desperately hugs the other male.

“Oh, no. I’m so sorry. Please don’t cry Eijun. I can leave. I know I don’t deserve you..”

“NO! Stupid. I’m crying because I missed you so much and I’m so happy right now. I thought you just completely forgot about me.”

Kazuya wraps his arms around Eijun and holds him tightly in his arms. “I know and like I said I’m so sorry. I won’t ever make you feel that way again. I promise. I need you, Eijun. I want to be with you”

“I want to be with you too, Kazuya” Eijun says happily as he pulls away from Kazuya to gaze happily with tears in his eyes at him. “Do you.. Uh.. do you want to grab some coffee with me?” he asks albeit a bit nervously. “I mean if you’re not busy ..that is.…”

Kazuya chuckles before grabbing Eijun’s hand. “I’d love to grab coffee with you, Eijun.”

Eijun squeezes his hand back as he smiles at Kazuya.

Sometimes things never go as expected. Sometimes things don’t always go the way they wanted but other times they do .So that’s how Kazuya and Eijun’s relationship became anew.

Fame and fortune doesn’t mean a thing without someone to share it with. Fate always finds a way to get people who are truly meant to be, to find each other once more and experience life together as they should.