"Ya, do you think it was too much?" I kept whining to Sooho on our way back from the canteen. Ever since Sieun had left my text on read yesterday, I'd been overthinking everything.
"Can you shut up? It was just one text message," Sooho said, chewing on his snacks.
"Fuck off, no use you are," I grumbled back, feeling slightly annoyed but knowing he had a point.
Sooho just laughed, throwing a piece of his snack at me. "You're overthinking as usual. It's probably not that deep."
I rolled my eyes, "I swear, if I get left on read one more time, I'm deleting my number and moving to the mountains."
"Right, because isolation is definitely the solution," he teased. "Or, you could just... I don't know... chill?"
I groaned, "You're impossible. Why do I even ask for your advice?"
"Because I'm the only one who puts up with your drama," Sooho smirked, casually dodging my attempt to swat at him.
"Yeah, yeah, keep eating your snacks, Einstein," I muttered.
As we got back to class, we noticed Sieun was the only one there. I looked around, confused. "What's going on? Where is everyone?" Sooho asked. Sieun just looked at us-well, more like me-his eyes making direct eye contact. I did everything I could to avoid looking at him.
He just turned back, continuing with his work.
~
I decided to stay home today, even though I hated it-I was too tired to make it to the library.
At 9, I started heading to Sieun's house. I know our meeting time is nine, but I couldn't stand staying in that empty house any longer. I live alone since my parents are abroad, doing whatever they do.
Knocking on his door, I waited. "Who is it?" he asked from the other side.
"It's me, Eunji."
He opened the door, He looked like he was about to say something, but then the oven beeped.
Following him inside, I noticed the triangle kimbap in his hand.
"Is that your dinner?" I asked, a bit shocked.
He just nodded, unfazed.
"Do you have instant noodles?" I asked, to which he nodded.
"Chicken broth?" He just gave me a blank look.
"Can I check?" I asked for permission, and he simply nodded again.
I rummaged through his kitchen, finding enough ingredients to make a decent chicken noodle soup. "Go sit, I insisted, pulling out the ingredients.
He looked at me, his tone turning sharp. "No. I don't need your help. I'm fine with what I have."
I raised an eyebrow, unfazed by his cold attitude. "Oh really?" I asked, stepping closer with a glare.
He scoffed but took a step back, clearly not expecting me to challenge him. "I'm serious, just leave it-"
I cut him off, my voice calm but firm. "Sit down, or I swear I'll spill water over your projects." I had borrowed them last week fir reference
His eyes widened for a second before he gave in with a grumble, slumping into a chair.
"Good choice," I said, satisfied, turning back to the stove.
As I started prepping the ingredients, I could feel his eyes on me, probably still brooding about being forced into this.
"You're really something," he muttered under his breath.
"You're welcome," I replied casually, not even looking up from chopping the veggies.
He stayed silent after that, probably realizing there was no winning this. Once the broth started simmering, the kitchen filled with the comforting scent of chicken soup, and I could see him softening, even if just a little.
"So... how long have you been cooking?" he asked, clearly trying to make conversation despite his earlier resistance.
"Long enough to know instant food shouldn't be your go-to dinner," I teased, flashing him a small smile. "You can't survive on triangle kimbap forever."
He sighed, leaning back in his chair. "Yeah, well, it's easier."
I glanced at him. "Easy isn't always better." I stirred the pot before adding, "You need to take care of yourself, Sieun. It's not just about convenience."
He didn't say anything, but the silence wasn't uncomfortable. When the soup was done, I served it in two bowls and set one in front of him.
"Eat," I ordered, sitting down across from him.
He looked down at the bowl, almost reluctantly, then took a spoonful. His expression changed instantly as he tasted it, and I couldn't help but smirk.
"See? Not bad, right?"
He swallowed, then glanced at me, his face softening for the first time that night.
After making sure he had his food, we got back to studying. After an intense hour of brain-wracking work, it was finally time for me to head out. He kindly offered to drop me off all the way home, which I appreciated.
As we stood outside my apartment, he spoke up. "Thanks for making me dinner tonight."
I grinned, lightly smacking his arm in a playful gesture. "You're welcome. And if you ever think about eating kimbap for dinner again, call me. I'll whip up something better for you."
'So what was that text about'he asked his eyes burning onto mine.
I blinked, slightly startled. "Which one?" I asked quietly, even though I knew which text he was referring to.
His gaze remained cold, unwavering. "The one where you told me to take a break and rest."
My heart sped up, and I fiddled with the hem of my shirt. "Oh, that," I mumbled, trying to keep my voice steady. "I just... thought you needed it after everything."
He didn’t say anything for a moment, his expression unchanged. Then, almost reluctantly, he muttered, "Thanks."
I gave a quick, flustered smile, feeling heat rush to my cheeks. "You’re welcome," I replied
I really wanted to bury myself right then and there, but instead, I gave him an awkward bow. Immediately cringing Good job. A bow? Seriously!
