I stepped into the kitchen, and there he was.
Minho had already set everything up—the pots, the pans… everything. It was like he was waiting for me cause he was.
Breathe, Yuna. Just breathe.
You can do this. It's just cooking… and your crush watching you. No big deal, right?
"Are you just going to stand there?"
His voice snapped me out of my thoughts.
I looked up, and there he was—tilting his head slightly, eyes fixed on me.
Oh no. I can't do this.
Why does he have to be so handsome?
But… my friend needs food. Focus, Yuna. Focus.
I took a deep breath.
"I—I wasn't standing, I—I—"
Why the hell am I stammering?! God, help me.
"You were what?" Minho asked,
I quickly turned away, grabbing a pan just to avoid his gaze.
"Don't disturb me," I said, trying to sound serious. "I want to cook."
"Okay," he replied softly. "I won't disturb you. I just want to watch… is that okay?"
Oh my goodness.
I wanted to send him out. I really did.
But at the same time… I didn't.
If he stays, I won't be able to concentrate.
If he leaves… I'll feel bad
"Sure," I said, forcing a casual tone. "You can watch. You can even… record it if you want."
Video? Yuna, really?!
Oh God.
I slowly looked up.
He was still staring at me.
He definitely thinks I'm a weirdo.
Ahh… why am I like this?!
"Can you actually cook?" he asked.
I looked up at him, trying to ignore the way my heart skipped.
"Yes," I said, lifting my chin a little. "I can cook."
He raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced.
"What exactly can you cook?" he asked again.
I hesitated for a second.
"The only thing Soheon taught me."
For a moment, he just stared at me, like he wasn't sure he heard me right.
"The only thing you know how to cook is what Soheon taught you…" he repeated slowly. "And you declared it as her favorite food?"
I frowned slightly and met his gaze.
"If it isn't her favorite, why would she teach me?" I shot back.
"Maybe because it's the easiest," he said casually.
My eyes widened.
The easiest?
"It's not easy!" I snapped before I could stop myself. "Soheon is mean—she wouldn't teach me something easy. I spent so long trying to get it right."
I crossed my arms, still offended.
Does he think I'm that useless?
He looked at me for a second… then sighed, like he didn't want to argue anymore.
"Fine," he said simply. "Let's start."
Just like that.
Why do I feel like he's going to judge everything I do…?
"So… what are you making?" he asked.
I straightened slightly, a small smile forming on my lips.
"I'm making japchae. She'll love it," I said, unable to hide the pride in my voice.
"Okay, chef," he replied, "As you say."
I took a deep breath and turned back to the counter.
You've got this, Yuna.
This time, I focused.
No overthinking. No distractions. Just cooking.
And surprisingly… it worked.
Before I knew it, we were done.
I blinked at the finished dish in front of me.
Wait… that was fast.
"Wow," I muttered under my breath. "I didn't even get distracted…"
"I'll take this to her now," I said, quickly removing my apron.
He just nodded.
"She'll be fine," I added, more to myself than to him.
But deep down… I wasn't so sure.
The moment I stepped into Soheon's room, my smile faded.
She was still in the same position.
Curled up. Silent. Distant.
Has she even moved at all…?
"Soheon… your food is ready," I said softly.
No response.
I hesitated, then walked closer and gently tugged at her arm.
"Come on, get up…"
Still nothing.
A small frown formed on my face.
"Are you not going to eat? This is me and Minho's hard work…"
Slowly, she opened her eyes.
Her gaze met mine, dull and tired.
"I hope my kitchen is alright," she said quietly. "I'll still need it in the future."
I blinked, confused.
"It's fine… why are you asking?"
"Nothing," she muttered. "And I don't have an appetite. I don't want to eat."
Her voice was hoarse—like every word hurt to say.
And just like that, the room felt heavier.
She's still hurting…
I stood there, not knowing what to say next.