A Recipe for Love | P.jm

CH4 : Sugary Truce

Jimin was sad. 

He was supposed to enter his town's annual baking competition with an acquaintance. Having worked with this person several times, Jimin had decided he was the perfect guy to team up with. But when Jimin called, he learned the guy had already registered with his girlfriend.

He hated pairing up with any of his cousins in his large family. None of them had baking habits that he could condone. Baking with Kim Taehyung would be a disaster as the boy is known for his inhumane ingredient combinations. 

His family had suggested Hwang Haerin. Haerin was Jimin's girlfriend of 9 months. She was an awesome addition to the Park Family, loved and adored by all of Jimin's relatives. Haerin's initial baking skills were limited, but she improved significantly after receiving guidance from Jimin. Their breakup, which Jimin's family believed ended on good terms, actually involved a significant rift. Jimin's family was deeply saddened by his decision to part ways with Haerin, as he chose not to disclose the true reason behind their breakup in order to preserve her reputation with his family. 

Therefore, there was no way he was teaming up with her. 

SOOMIN POV:-

Waking up the next morning was more challenging, as I felt burdened by the weight of my gloomy fate.

 I did not want to face the bakery or any sort of baking today, so I informed of my absence to one of my employees and also informed Dad. I knew Dad would understand my situation more than anyone else right now. 

Maybe the best way to spend the day would be to unwind with books and some coffee. I knew the perfect place for that. 

There was a cozy book cafe run by a nice old lady, downtown. I go there whenever I want to step away from reality and spend some time with myself. It being in a secluded place also meant fewer customers, especially at this time of the day. 

~~~

The aroma of books and the comforting scent of latte envelop my senses as I step inside the cafe. Snooker, the elderly lady's cat, quickly nestles at my feet, welcoming me with his warm presence. Scooping up Snooker, I headed over to the slab that served as a counter and placed my order. 

I grabbed a copy of Little Women from the shelves and prepared to sit down at my corner seat. But that's when I realized my usual seat was occupied. 

And it was none other than Park Jimin. 

He seemed to be engrossed in his book while I stood there taking in his presence. 

Jimin was a strikingly handsome man. I observed the rhythmic flutter of his eyelids, the graceful dexterity of his fingers as they flipped through the pages, and the way his brows furrowed in deep concentration as he read. A subtle hint of his tongue peeked out between his full lips as he cleaned them after sipping his drink. 

I stood there taking in the beauty before me when I was startled to reality by a voice, "Here's your latte, child." It was the old lady with my order. Her voice not only gained my attention but also that of the man in front of me as he looked up from his book. 

"This is so awkward," I thought to myself. Why am I just standing here, acting like a total creep? Ugh, Soomin, get a grip on your manners.

I clumsily snatched the mug from the lady, causing a small amount of latte to spill onto the floor, making me wince. The kind old lady appeared to empathize with my embarrassment and promptly departed, leaving Snooker to lap up the spilled coffee.  

Jimin continued to look between me and the cat on the floor, a slight grin now etched on his face. "Hey, Kim Soomin right?" He smiled warmly, "Would you like to join me? It would be nice having some company." He gestured to the empty seat in front of him. "Sure, if you don't mind." I nodded taking a seat and setting down my mug and book on the table.