HPDBC Chapter 26: We could have a lot of fun together
Chapter 26: We could have a lot of fun together
A few days had passed since that magical night with Yura, and each day felt like a dream. This morning, I woke up feeling like it was the best day of my life. After my usual morning routine, I stepped out of my room, my heart light with anticipation. Yura and I weren't sleeping in the same room yet; I wasn't quite ready for that step, but I knew I would be soon.
As usual, the servants greeted me warmly as I made my way to the kitchen. I decided to make a special breakfast, something to celebrate the beautiful moments Yura and I had been sharing.
I began with the freshest ingredients. For the main dish, I chose to make a classic Korean breakfast: soybean paste stew (doenjang jjigae). I sautéed the garlic and onions in a pot until they turned golden, their aroma filling the kitchen. Next, I added cubes of tofu and zucchini, followed by a generous spoonful of rich, fermented soybean paste. As the stew simmered, I thinly sliced green chilies and scallions, adding them to the pot to enhance the flavors.
While the stew was cooking, I prepared side dishes: steamed eggs (gyeran jjim), fluffy and light, with a hint of sesame oil, and a plate of seasoned spinach (sigeumchi namul), lightly blanched and mixed with garlic, sesame seeds, and soy sauce. I arranged everything neatly on the table, placing a bowl of warm, sticky rice next to each plate.
Just as I finished setting the table, Yura appeared with a suitcase in her hand. Her presence always brought a smile to my face, but today, she looked a bit different. She approached me, wrapping her arms around me in a warm hug before kissing me gently. There was a hint of sadness in her eyes.
"I'm sorry, Jiyeon," she said, her voice soft. "I have to leave for a business trip for a few days. I really wish I could stay."
I felt a pang of disappointment but tried to hide it. "It's okay, Yura. I understand. We'll see each other soon."
We sat down and enjoyed the breakfast together, savoring the moment despite the looming separation. Yura's appreciation for the meal I had prepared made me feel warm inside. When we finished, she gave me one last kiss and a lingering hug before heading out the door. Watching her leave, I felt a mixture of sadness and anticipation for her return.
With Yura gone and the day stretching out before me, I decided to make the most of my free time. It was Saturday, and I didn't need to work at the restaurant. I returned to my room, suddenly remembering something I had been neglecting.
"System," I called out, feeling a bit sheepish.
[Finally, you remember me, host. You've been so relaxed with Yura that you forgot all about me.]
I smiled at the familiar voice in my head. This system had been with me through thick and thin, guiding me to become a better chef. Recently, it had awarded me a special feature I hadn't yet explored: the System Shop.
"Stop it," I managed to say, my voice shaky.
But Yoojin's smile only widened. "Why resist, Jiyeon? You and I both know you want this."
As she leaned in closer, her lips almost touching mine, I felt a surge of panic. I needed to get away, but my body refused to move. Just when I thought I would succumb to her influence, a sharp knock on the door shattered the tension.
"Jiyeon, are you in there?" It was Chef Kang's voice, strong and grounding.
Yoojin pulled back, her expression turning into a mask of irritation. "We'll continue this another time," she whispered before slipping out the back door.
I stood there, trying to regain my composure as Chef Kang entered the kitchen. "Jiyeon, are you alright? I thought I heard voices."
"I'm fine," I said, taking a deep breath. "Just a bit of a scare, that's all."
Chef Kang looked at me with concern but didn't press further. "Well, it's late. You should head home and get some rest."
Nodding, I quickly gathered my things and left the restaurant. As I stepped outside into the cool night air, my thoughts raced. I needed to tell Yura about Yoojin's visit, but I didn't want to worry her while she was away.
For now, I focused on getting home, eager to leave the unsettling encounter behind. Despite the unease, I knew I had to stay strong – for myself and for Yura. We had built something beautiful together, and I wouldn't let anyone, especially not someone like Yoojin, come between us.
When I finally reached home, I locked the door behind me and leaned against it, taking a moment to collect my thoughts. The house was quiet, a stark contrast to the turmoil inside me. I headed to my room, determined to get some sleep and face whatever came next with a clear mind.
As I lay in bed, I couldn't help but think about Yura. Her absence left a void, but the memories of our time together filled me with warmth and strength. Closing my eyes, I vowed to protect what we had and to stand firm against any challenges that might come our way.
Tomorrow was a new day, and I would be ready for it.