Just me 🐚

Occasionally, she’ll attempt to make him breakfast—simple pancakes or eggs—and Carmy will quietly fix little things without her noticing. He never wants her to feel like she isn’t good enough in the kitchen.

The reader knows how much pressure Carmy puts on himself, so she makes it her mission to leave little notes for him to find, saying things like, “You’re enough, with or without a Michelin star.”

The reader knows how to calm Carmy when he’s spiraling, either with a warm hug or by distracting him with a ridiculous story from her day.

Carmy helps her through her own stressful days by listening attentively and offering practical advice—or, if that fails, making her a delicious meal that instantly brightens her mood.

Their relationship is full of lighthearted teasing. She loves poking fun at how serious he can be, calling him “Chef” in a mock-stern voice while dramatically bowing. He’ll roll his eyes but can’t help the small smile that sneaks onto his face.

Carmy is fiercely protective of her, especially after seeing how draining her job can be at times. If someone crosses a line, whether it’s a rude parent, a random person or an ex, he’s the first to step in.

Similarly, the reader is protective of Carmy’s emotional well-being. She’s not afraid to tell him to take a day off or call out the staff (including Richie) if they’re piling too much on his plate.

Carmy admires her ability to manage a classroom of kids with humor and grace. He’s constantly amazed by how much energy and love she pours into her work. He often tells her, “I don’t know how you do it.”

The reader admires Carmy’s dedication and talent, even if she worries about how hard he pushes himself. She’ll often remind him that his worth isn’t tied to his achievements.

Carmy isn’t big on grand romantic gestures, but he shows his love through thoughtful actions—making her coffee just the way she likes it, fixing her scarf before she leaves the apartment, or cooking her favorite comfort food after a long day.

Reader, on the other hand, loves leaving little surprises for him—like a new knife roll she found on sale or a framed photo of the two of them that she sneaks into his office.

The staff at The Bear adore the reader, and they tease Carmy relentlessly about how soft he gets around her. Richie especially teases Carmy about how “whipped” he is, though it’s clear he’s just happy his cousin has someone who makes him smile.

When Carmy visits Abbott, the professors give the reader knowing looks, nudging her about “her handsome chef.” Janine even asks if Carmy can give a cooking demo for the kids someday, and while Carmy is shy and somewhat reluctant about it, he agrees because it makes reader happy.

Their late-night talks are a cornerstone of their relationship. After a long day, they’ll sit on the couch, and talk about their respective days, childhood memories, or Carmy’s culinary dreams, these moments become the heart of their relationship.

They’re perfectly comfortable doing their own things in the same room—Carmy scribbling recipe ideas while the reader grades papers or works on the next class projects. Silent yet intimate moments.

Carmy struggles to open up fully about his past, especially his guilt over Mikey’s death and the pressure he feels as a chef. The reader often has to gently coax him to share, which can lead to frustration on both sides.

The reader’s naturally sunny disposition occasionally clashes with Carmy’s more grounded (and sometimes pessimistic) outlook. While she tries to see the silver lining, Carmy sometimes feels like she’s dismissing his concerns, even if unintentionally.

Both have hectic schedules—Carmy’s long hours at The Bear and the reader’s commitment to Abbott. They often struggle to find quality time together, sometimes going days with only fleeting interactions.

Carmy’s obsession with perfection often spills into his personal life, making it hard for him to disengage from work. The reader sometimes feels like she has to compete for his attention, especially during busy weeks at the restaurant.

When they argue, Carmy tends to shut down, while the reader tries to resolve things immediately. This mismatch in conflict styles can make their fights drag on longer than necessary.

However, they’ve learned to meet in the middle—Carmy working on staying present in discussions, and reader giving him space when he needs it.

Carmy sometimes struggles with feelings of inadequacy, wondering why someone as bright and compassionate as reader is with him. He fears that his flaws—his temper, his workaholism, and his messy past.

Sometimes, Carmy doesn’t realize he’s shutting the reader out until she points it out, leading to heartfelt apologies.

Thanks to her gentle encouragement, Carmy is learning to open up more. She’s teaching him that it’s okay to lean on someone else for support.