Scarlet Strings.

Chapter 29:

Scarlet scoffed as she set the table, placing down the last plate with a little more force than necessary. The house had been unusually tense lately, but she wasn't going to let that stop her. She had already made lasagna, but as she stepped back and looked at the dishes, something inside her pushed her to do more.

Maybe it was the lingering emotions from her call with Esme, or maybe it was just a stubborn part of her that refused to let Ha-Joon's family see her as incapable. She sighed, running a hand through her hair. If she was going to prove a point, she might as well do it properly.

A classic Korean dish would do the trick.

Scarlet headed back to the kitchen, rolling up her sleeves as she decided on kimchi stew, something hearty and rich in flavor, something that felt like home, even if this house didn't always feel like one to her.

She quickly gathered the ingredients, fermented kimchi, chicken breast, tofu, green onions, garlic, and gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes). As she reached for the pot, she heard soft giggles coming from the dining room.

Aaira was sitting beside Aimir, her son, who was still in his high chair, now dozing off with his little head tilted to the side. The sight was almost too adorable. Aaira caught Scarlet's gaze and chuckled softly.

"He fought sleep for as long as he could," Aaira whispered, carefully pulling the tray away from Aimir. "But he finally gave in."

Scarlet smirked. "Good. That means we can actually cook in peace now."

Aaira grinned as she stood up, stretching. "Mind if I help? I could use the distraction."

Scarlet handed her a cutting board and a knife. "You can slice the tofu. Think you can handle that?"

Aaira laughed. "I've got this."

As Scarlet set the pot on the stove, she drizzled a bit of sesame oil in and added the chopped garlic, letting the aroma fill the kitchen. Aaira leaned on the counter beside her, watching as Scarlet tossed in the Chicken breast, searing it until the edges browned.

"Aimir really doesn't like Cerelac," Aaira murmured, shaking her head. "Every time I try to feed him, he acts like I'm poisoning him."

Scarlet chuckled. "I noticed. He gagged the moment I walked in earlier."

Aaira groaned. "Right? I don't know what it is. He just doesn't like the texture, I think."

"Maybe he's just picky," Scarlet suggested, stirring the pot. "Or maybe he just likes homemade food better. You should try blending some rice and veggies together, make it into a porridge. It might work better."

Aaira sighed. "You might be right. I'll try that tomorrow."

Scarlet reached for the container of fermented kimchi, scooping a generous amount into the pot. The moment it hit the heat, the sharp, tangy scent filled the air. She added a spoonful of gochugaru, then poured in water, letting everything simmer together. The rich red broth slowly took shape, the Chicken becoming more tender as it absorbed the flavors.

As they worked, the kitchen became filled with warmth, not just from the stove, but from the quiet companionship between them. Just as Scarlet was about to adjust the heat, a familiar voice broke through the moment.

"Smells good in here."

Scarlet turned slightly to see Ha-Joon standing at the entrance of the kitchen, his eyes crinkled with amusement. She wasn't sure how long he had been watching, but the look on his face told her it was long enough.

Aaira smiled. "We're making kimchi stew. Scarlet's doing most of the work, though."

Ha-Joon's gaze flickered to Scarlet, and he smirked. "As expected."