Half an hour later, Jin finally reached home and slumped into a chair. "Geez, housework is no different from a tedious day at the restaurant," he muttered through exhausted breaths.
Allowing himself only a moment to rest, he stood back up to finish his chores. He carried the neatly folded clothes to their proper places, then pulled out a fresh carpet and spread it across the living room floor.
"Since I'm done here, I should take another shower and then head to the market," he said to himself.
When he stepped into his bedroom, however, he froze in shock. "What the..." He trailed off.
Alex was still sound asleep. Jin couldn't believe how someone could sleep for so long without growing tired of it.
"Alex... Alex, how long are you going to sleep?" Jin asked, lightly tapping his leg.
Alex shifted slowly beneath the blankets, stretching his limbs before sitting upright. He didn't speak and his gaze was simply pinned firmly on Jin's face.
"Finally sobered up, sleepyhead," Jin said, picking up his bathing supplies. Noticeable silence hung in the air.
Jin looked back, only to find Alex still staring intently at him. "You must be thirsty. Let me get you some water."
Assuming Alex was just trapped in that hazy zone between sleep and wakefulness, Jin walked to the kitchen. When he returned with a cup, Alex was sitting in the exact same spot, waiting.
Jin handed it over, and Alex quickly gulped the water down.Taking the empty cup back to the kitchen, Jin finally slipped into the bathroom.
After a long, thorough wash, he stepped out feeling rejuvenated. "Nothing beats a fresh bath," he said happily.
Jin went back to check on Alex, only to find him cozily buried under the blankets again. "Alex... Alex, you need to stop sleeping like this and get some exercise," he scolded gently.
Alex didn't answer, but a low, loud grumble suddenly echoed from his stomach.
Jin smiled nervously. "Of course he's sleeping like this," he thought to himself. "He must be weak from hunger."
Dressing quickly, Jin grabbed his basket and left for the market. Along the way, he greeted a few neighbors and shared some light small talk before reaching the bustling stalls.
He gathered everything he needed.
Fresh vegetables, smoked meat, aromatic spices, and bright fruits. "I think that's everything," he muttered, checking his bags.
"Where do you think you're going?" a voice demanded from behind.
Before he could turn, a hand clamped firmly onto his shoulder. Recognizing the voice instantly, Jin spun around.
"Koff! What are... uh, how are you?" he stammered nervously.
Koff's expression was pure annoyance. "Don't try to act innocent," she said, immediately reaching up and pulling his ear.
"Ouch, ouch! I'm sorry, but..."
"I waited for you two! Or maybe you just don't care about your lover," she interrupted, arching a sharp brow.
"I know I disappointed you, but it wasn't intentional..."
"I waited at the restaurant until late!" Koff angrily complained, her voice rising. "I cooked a whole table of food, only for it to go cold. I had to reheat it so many times it lost its flavor!"
Nearby shoppers began turning their heads toward the commotion.
"Please keep it down, Koff," Jin pleaded quietly, looking around nervously. "He's not well at the moment, but I promise I'll bring him to meet you soon."
Koff narrowed her eyes, giving him a deeply suspicious look. But knowing Jin's honest nature, she softened slightly. She knew he wouldn't lie without a good reason.
"Fine. Go and take care of him then," she sighed, waving a hand dismissively. "I'm heading to the clothing stall anyway."
She walked off without waiting for a reply. Jin let out a long, heavy sigh of relief and turned his steps back towards home.