Goosebumps rose instantly, her breath hitching as her stomach twisted into soft, restless knots—butterflies bursting all at once.
"Ju… just five minutes…" she managed, her voice barely holding together, words stumbling out as if her thoughts had lost their way somewhere between her mind and her lips.
His smile deepened.
He could see it. The way she froze. the way her fingers faltered just slightly, the way her voice betrayed her calm, the way her thoughts scattered.
And something inside him lit up at that.
His voice dropped further, softer… rougher around the edges. Not forceful, just close—too close.
Before she could gather herself, he leaned in just enough for his lips to brush near her earlobe, a slow, teasing proximity that sent her senses spiraling.
"Stop being nervous around me…" he whispered, a quiet smile hidden in his tone. "You look way too adorable to resist."
A small gasp escaped her as the sensation lingered, warm and sudden, spreading through her like a ripple she couldn't control.
That was it. She couldn't take it anymore.
With a quick, flustered push, she nudged him away—just enough to create space between them.
Ji-hoon let out a chuckle, the sound filled with pure delight.
She turned to glare at him, eyes narrowed—but it only made her look more endearing, more… herself.
He laughed again, clearly unfazed.
And before she could fully recover, he stepped right back in, arms slipping around her once more—this time gentler, slower.
She resisted. But he didn't let go.
Instead, his hold softened, settling around her like something steady rather than teasing.
"Relax, cutie…" he murmured, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I won't eat you."
She shot him a side glance—trying her best to look annoyed.
But the slight pout, the narrowed eyes, the way she held it for barely a second—
It only made him laugh more. If anything, it made something in him want to tease her even more.
Then he leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss to the tip of her flared nose.
"You need to whisk a lot. It'll take time… let me do it."
And just like that, he took over. With quick, practiced movements, he whisked the mixture smoothly while she stood beside him, watching.
By the time he finished, the milk had warmed perfectly.
She turned off the stove, and together they completed the final steps.
Soon, the rich aroma of hot chocolate filled the kitchen.
Ji-hoon poured the hot chocolate into two mugs, adding a few playful toppings on top like he couldn't resist making it a little extra.
"Hm… done," he said with a satisfied smile, handing one mug to her.
Hae-in looked at it, eyes softening. "Thank you," she said, her smile brighter now.
He leaned closer, just enough for his voice to brush her ear again.
"Most welcome, Jagi…"
She immediately pushed him lightly, and he broke into laughter—completely unbothered.
A few minutes later, they found themselves sitting on the kitchen slab, legs slightly swinging, mugs warming their hands.
The night outside was quiet, the restaurant finally still.
Hae-in talked about her preparation, her plans, the small worries tucked between her words.
Ji-hoon listened. Really listened.
But of course… not without teasing her here and there, earning himself a few playful glares that only made him grin more.
She finished her drink slowly, savoring the last sip.
And he watched her. A quiet, hidden smile lingered on his lips.
As she pulled the mug away, a small trace of foam remained at the edge of her lips.
He noticed instantly. With a subtle gesture, he pointed it out.
She looked around for a tissue.
"Wait," he said.
She turned toward him—just as he leaned in, closing the small distance between them…
"Let me wipe it."
His voice softened just a little as he lifted his hand, his thumb brushing gently against the corner of her lips.
She stayed still.
Just… still. Watching him.
For a second, it felt simple. Careful. Almost tender. And then—
That look. That smirk.
Her brows pulled together instantly, suspicion rising before she could even process it.
And before she could blink—
He licked his thumb.
Her eyes widened in pure disbelief.
"Yaa—!"
She grabbed the nearest spatula and swung at him, completely flustered.
But he was already stepping back, laughing—really laughing, the kind that came straight from his heart, unfiltered and bright.
"It tasted good though!" he said, dodging another playful hit. "Why are you hitting me?"
"That's disgusting!" she shot back, trying again, missing again as he leaned away.
"Who said?" he teased shamelessly. "It actually tasted great… with extra sweetness from your lip balm."
She stared at him, speechless for half a second—then lunged again.
He escaped easily, still laughing, clearly enjoying every second of it.
And just like that, the quiet kitchen turned into chaos.
Small hits, quick dodges, her annoyed groans, his endless teasing—they went back and forth like kids, the kind of silly fight that had no real end, just energy and laughter tangled together.
"Okay, okay—enough!" Ji-hoon finally raised both hands in surrender, stepping back. "I surrender!"
Hae-in paused. Then slowly… a smirk spread across her face.
"But I'm not done."
Before he could react—
Flick.
"Ow—!" Ji-hoon yelped, clutching his forehead dramatically like he had just been attacked.
"Stop the fake drama," she said flatly. "It didn't hurt."
He immediately dropped the act and grinned.
She rolled her eyes, but there was a faint smile hiding there, too.
After that, things settled again. Ji-hoon gathered the mugs and utensils, rinsing them under warm water, while Hae-in neatly placed everything back—containers aligned, counter wiped clean.
The kitchen slowly returned to its quiet state.
"Let's go," he said, drying his hands.
She nodded and stepped ahead.
And just like earlier—
He followed her. A soft, lingering smile stretched across his face, the kind that refused to fade… like the night had tucked something warm inside him, and he had no intention of letting it go.