INK AND SHADOWS [???]

The sun had begun its slow descent into the horizon, casting warm hues of orange and pink over the vast ocean.

The soft sea breeze carried the sounds of laughter as the group started preparing for dinner.

Jungkook, ever the planner, clapped his hands.

"Alright, we're doing a barbecue tonight. I need someone to go buy groceries."

Before anyone could volunteer, Rara grinned and pointed at Hara and Jay. "They'll do it."

Hara blinked. "Wait, what?"

Jungkook narrowed his eyes. "Are you sure?"

Rara rolled her eyes. "Oh, come on. Just let them spend time together."

Hara's heart warmed at Rara's words. She smiled, grateful that someone finally understood.

"Fine," Jungkook relented.

"Just don't take too long."

Jay smirked, grabbing Hara's wrist. "Let's go, princess."
—
The grocery store was bright and cool, filled with the smell of fresh produce and neatly stacked goods.

Hara pushed the trolley while Jay casually walked beside her, occasionally tossing random snacks inside.

As she checked Jungkook's grocery list, her eyes widened.

"Why is this so much? Is he feeding an army?"

Jay only chuckled, wordlessly grabbing things and placing them in the cart.

Eventually, they reached the fruit section.

Hara's fingers slightly trembled as her gaze landed on the strawberries.

She gulped.

Memories she tried so hard to forget flooded her mind. The taste. The feeling. The fear.

Her breathing grew uneven, but before she could step away, Jay grabbed a pack and dropped it into the trolley.

Hara's eyes widened. "Jay—"

He met her gaze with a calm expression. "I don't know why, but my instinct told me to take it."

Panic rose in her chest. "We don't need to buy it."

Jay reached out, gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Nothing will happen," he reassured her.

"I'm here. I'll protect you."

The warmth in his voice made her throat tighten.

After a few seconds, she sighed and nodded. Maybe... maybe it was time.
—
Back at the resort, the group was busy preparing for dinner. The scent of sizzling meat filled the salty night air, mingling with the laughter of friends.

At one side of the setup, Jake and Heeseung stood over a portable stove, boiling water for their ramen.

The two had only met properly that day, but somehow, their shared love for ramen had sparked an instant connection.

"Alright, this is the real question," Jake said, tearing open a pack of instant noodles.

"Do you put the seasoning first or after the noodles go in?"

Heeseung gasped dramatically. "Dude, of course after! The noodles need to cook in plain water first so they absorb the perfect texture."

Jake pointed at him. "Exactly! Some people just dump the seasoning in too early, and it messes everything up."

"Right? It gets all clumpy and weird," Heeseung agreed, nodding seriously.

They both turned to watch the water bubble before Jake broke the ramen blocks in half and dropped them into the pot.

As the noodles softened, he reached for the spam can.

"You better not tell me you eat ramen without spam," Jake warned, eyeing Heeseung playfully.

Heeseung scoffed. "What kind of amateur do you think I am?"

He grabbed a knife and started slicing the spam into thick, even pieces.

"If you don't put spam in your ramen, you're doing it wrong."

Jake chuckled, shaking his head. "Man, I swear. I knew I liked you."

As Heeseung placed the spam slices onto a pan, the sizzling sound filled the air, releasing a mouthwatering aroma.

"Crispy or soft?" he asked.

Jake smirked. "Crispy, obviously."

"Good answer." Heeseung flipped the spam with expert precision.

"You ever had ramen with spam and cheese?"

Jake's eyes widened. "Dude, that's my go-to comfort meal!"

"No way," Heeseung laughed.

"I literally make that all the time. Cheese melts into the broth, makes it all creamy—"

"And the spam gives it that salty, crispy bite," Jake finished excitedly.

They stared at each other for a moment before Jake stuck out his hand.

"We were meant to be friends."

Heeseung shook it firmly. "No doubt."

Sunghoon, who had been setting up utensils nearby, glanced at them and sighed.

"They just met today, and they're already acting like soulmates."

Jay, standing beside him, smirked. "That's the power of food, man."

Hara, overhearing the conversation, chuckled as she continued preparing the vegetables.

It was amusing to see how easily friendships could form over something as simple as a bowl of ramen.

As the spam turned golden and crispy, Heeseung transferred it into the ramen pot, letting the flavors soak in.

Jake grabbed a slice, blowing on it before taking a bite.

"Oh my God," he groaned in satisfaction.

"This is perfect."

Heeseung grinned. "Told you. Now, we just need to add the cheese."

As the two continued their ramen masterpiece, their newfound friendship solidified over their shared love for good food.