Days began to fold into each other like soft pages of a well-loved book.
Nothing dramatic. Nothing loud.
Just quiet changes.
The kind that slips in unnoticed and then one day… You realize your heart has moved somewhere new.
Ji-hoon and Hae-in found themselves settling into a rhythm that felt almost natural now. Nights were no longer distant or awkward. His arms had become a familiar place, his warmth something her body no longer questioned. Cuddles turned into a habit. Habit slowly turned into comfort.
At the restaurant, they moved like two notes learning to stay in tune.
She studied during the quiet hours, her world shrinking into books, notes, and quiet determination. And when the rush came, she stepped out, standing beside him, helping, observing, learning.
Somewhere between all of that—between shared meals, small glances, and unspoken care—London began to fade.
And SNU… slowly, quietly, started to feel real.
"Bab mogo."
Ji-hoon's voice broke into her thoughts as he stepped into the cabin, holding a bowl of freshly made bibimbap. Steam curled gently from it, carrying a warm, mouthwatering aroma that filled the small space instantly.
Hae-in looked up from her book. Her lips curved into a small smile.
He placed the bowl carefully on her table, and her eyes softened at the sight.
"This looks really delicious. Thank you," she said softly.
He smiled, that easy, confident smile of his. "I know my cutie likes whatever I serve."
She blinked. Once. Twice.
Then quickly looked away, biting her lips, maybe shy.
"Don't call me that… it doesn't suit me," she said, trying to be a rebel, avoiding his gaze.
A soft chuckle escaped him.
He reached out and gently ruffled her hair, his touch light but familiar. "It absolutely suits you," he said, eyes soft but teasing, "You're way cuter than you think… You just don't know it yet."
She made a weird, unimpressed face—somewhere between a scrunched nose and a glare—which only made him smile wider, as he'd just discovered something precious.
And somehow… that made him adore her even more.
"Alright, alright," he laughed softly. "Eat first. I might need you at the counter for a while."
She nodded. "Yeah… I'll be there in ten minutes."
He shook his head. "Aniya... no need to rush. Eat comfortably, then come."
She watched him for a second, then asked, "Did you eat?"
He smiled, casual as ever. "No. Not yet. A little busy… There are a lot of orders. I'll eat once you're back."
Something in her chest shifted. He had taken the time to cook for her… even when he hadn't eaten himself.
"Okay, eat before it gets cold. I gotta go," he added, already turning toward the door.
"Wait."
Her voice stopped him.
Ji-hoon paused mid-step and turned back, a flicker of confusion crossing his face.
Hae-in picked up her chopsticks slowly.
She lifted the fried egg from the bowl and held it toward him, her hand hovering in the air… unsure, yet certain enough.
For a second…
Ji-hoon just looked at it.
Then at her.
And something inside him burst into quiet fireworks. His heart thudded so suddenly, it almost startled him.
A soft smile spread across his face. Without a second of hesitation, he leaned forward and took the bite from her chopsticks—quick, eager… like a kid being offered his favorite treat.
Hae-in watched him, and a quiet smile slipped onto her lips.
There was something so unguarded about him in moments like this.
So… simple. So real.
Ji-hoon chewed, his face lighting up, eyes soft as they stayed on her—like that one small gesture had brightened his entire day.
And somehow… it filled her heart too.
Then, almost suddenly—
He reached for her hand.
Before she could even process, he guided it back to the bowl, scooped up another big bite using her chopsticks, and ate it again—grinning this time, completely unapologetic.
She let out a small chuckle, shaking her head at him.
"Thank you, cutie… I love you," he said, words slightly muffled with food, but bright and sincere.
And before the weight of those words could even settle—
He was already gone. Rushing out of the cabin, still chewing, still smiling… disappearing back into the chaos of the restaurant.
Hae-in sat there, still for a moment. Watching the empty doorway. A smile slowly curved on her lips, softer this time… lingering.
He's so adorable…
The thought came quietly, almost like a whisper she didn't mean to hear.
She shook her head lightly, as if trying to brush it off—but the warmth stayed. And as she finally picked up her chopsticks again, taking a bite of her food…
She found herself smiling.
*******************
Night settled. One by one, the last customers drifted out, their voices fading into the cool air outside. Chairs were tucked in, tables wiped clean, and soon even Ji-seok, Enwoo, and the rest of the staff wrapped up their work, bidding soft goodbyes before heading home.
The lights dimmed just a little.
But Ji-hoon stayed.
At the counter, he sat surrounded by numbers—a calculator, pen, scattered sheets, and the glow of the computer screen reflecting in his focused eyes. His fingers moved steadily, typing, pausing, calculating again. The world around him had quieted, but his mind was still running.
Hae-in stepped out of the cabin after packing her things, gently locking the door behind her. She spotted him immediately.
And without thinking much, she walked toward him.
"You're not done yet?" she asked softly, her voice blending into the calm of the nearly empty space.
Ji-hoon glanced up at her, the seriousness on his face easing into a small smile. "Almost… just stuck on the balance sheet."
She leaned slightly, her eyes scanning the papers, the numbers, the way his brows subtly furrowed.
"Need any help?"
He shook his head lightly. "No… I'll sort it out. You worked a lot today."
She didn't argue. Just smiled.
For a moment, she stood there quietly, watching him slip back into his work—completely absorbed again, like the rest of the world had dimmed behind the numbers.
Her gaze drifted toward the glass windows.
Outside, the night looked colder. The faint fog, the stillness… it carried that kind of chill that seeps in slowly. And with it came a small, sudden craving—something warm, comforting.
She turned back to him.
"Want hot chocolate?"
Ji-hoon looked up again, curiosity flickering in his eyes. Then a soft grin tugged at his lips. "Are you going to make it?"
She nodded.
That was enough. His smile widened instantly, boyish and bright. "Then make one for me too."
A quiet warmth passed between them.
She returned the smile and walked inside the kitchen.
"Milk and chocolate bar are in the fridge," he called out, "cocoa powder in the cabinet… top left. Use the small induction stove below."
"Okay," she replied.
Inside the kitchen, she gathered everything, moving with quiet focus. Milk warmed slowly on the stove while she whisked the cocoa powder, her attention completely wrapped around the task.
At the counter, Ji-hoon finished the last of his work, shut down the system, and leaned back on his chair.
Then… his eyes drifted toward the kitchen.
She was still there.
A soft smile appeared. And without a second thought, he stood up and walked in.
There she was. Focused. Quiet. Completely unaware of him watching her.
Ahh… she's going to kill me just by existing.
He bit back a grin.
My cutie is making hot chocolate for me… God, I'm blessed.
The thought alone made his chest feel ridiculously full.
Unable to resist, he walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her gently closer. His chin rested on her shoulder.
Hae-in froze. Her body went still for a second, breath catching sharply as her heart jumped—sudden, loud, almost betraying her.
Ji-hoon felt it. That tiny reaction.
He smirked, fully aware of the effect he had. But he didn't pull away.
Instead, he leaned just a little closer and pressed a soft kiss against her cheek.
"Done, cutie…?" he murmured, his voice low—slightly rough, wrapped in an easy warmth that lingered. "Need any help?"
A shiver ran through her.