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AS I GINGERLY placed the ice pack on my ankle, a nervous silence settled between us. The room seemed to hold its breath as if waiting for someone to break the tension. My phone was clenched tightly in my hand, my fingers tapping anxiously against its surface. I couldn't help but steal glances at Jungwon, my heart pounding in my chest. His presence was both comforting and unnerving, and I found myself grappling with my own feelings. 'Were we friends?' This very thought rushed countless of times through my mind but each time I would deny it.

"Mm, the ramen smells delicious," I finally spoke up, my voice barely above a whisper. The words came out quieter than intended, and I mentally scolded myself for sounding so timid.

Jungwon turned his gaze towards me, a faint smile quirking at the corners of his lips. His eyes held a mixture of surprise and satisfaction. "Yeah, it's one of my specialties," he replied, his voice warm and comforting.

I mustered up a small smile in response, feeling a mix of relief and embarrassment wash over me. I shifted in my seat, suddenly hyper-aware of the soft fabric of my pajamas against my skin. I couldn't shake off the feeling that I was under his scrutiny, my every move observed.

As we sat down at the table, I picked up my chopsticks. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself, and then glanced up at Jungwon. His eyes met mine, and for a brief moment, I felt a surge of vulnerability. "Thank you for making this," I said softly, my voice barely audible but I still kept a straight face, not wanting him to get used to seeing this kind side.

Jungwon nodded, a gentle expression crossing his face. "You don't have to thank me. It's just ramen," he replied, his tone playful yet reassuring.

I tentatively took a bite of the flavorful noodles, savoring the taste as it warmed my mouth. The aroma filled the air, enveloping us in a comforting embrace. I couldn't help but steal glances at Jungwon, who seemed lost in his own world, occasionally sneaking a look in my direction.

As we ate, the silence gradually became more comfortable, the initial awkwardness giving way to a sense of ease. The tension that had hung in the air dissipated, replaced by a newfound sense of familiarity. I found myself gradually relaxing in Jungwon's presence, my nerves settling with each passing moment.

"Do you often cook?" I asked, attempting to keep the conversation flowing.

Jungwon chuckled softly, placing his chopsticks down for a moment. "Yeah, I enjoy cooking. It's a way for me to unwind and take my mind off things," he replied, his eyes meeting mine briefly before he resumed eating.

I nodded, genuinely interested. "That's nice. I wish I had such a talent for cooking. I always end up burning something or making a mess in the kitchen," I admitted a hint of self-deprecation in my voice.

Jungwon chuckled again, his laughter infectious. The sound filled the room, easing any remaining tension. "Well, maybe I can teach you a thing or two. Cooking is all about practice, and I'm sure you'll get better with time," he offered, his words laced with encouragement.

A small smile tugged at my lips, grateful for his kind gesture. "I'd like that," I replied, feeling a newfound sense of warmth and connection between us.

And with that, we continued to enjoy our meal together, the conversation flowing more freely as we shared stories, laughter, and a newfound camaraderie that began to blossom amidst the steaming bowls of ramen. The room was filled with a sense of comfort and companionship as if the simple act of sharing a meal had brought us closer together. As we ate, the nervousness that had once gripped me faded into the background, replaced by a genuine sense of ease and contentment. It was at that moment, surrounded by the warmth of the food and the presence of Jungwon, that I realized how fortunate I was to have him by my side.

+*___________*+

A\N

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