FORGET-ME-NOT | kth

Chapter 17 - Surprise

The phone rang, its sharp tone echoing through the kitchen, pulling Maya's attention away from the cooking video she was following. She glanced at the screen, recognizing Hoseok's name flashing. With a sigh, she placed the measuring cup filled with flour on the counter, dusting her hands off and reluctantly swiping to answer the call.

"Hey...! Wow," Hoseok's initial excitement quickly turned into surprise. "Why are you wearing an apron?"

Maya adjusted her phone, angling it to give Hoseok a clear view of her kitchen. "Hey," she greeted, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Because I'm cooking," she explained, a note of defiance in her voice.

Hoseok's eyes widened, a broad smile forming. "You're cooking? You?" He leaned closer to the screen, scrutinizing the scene behind her. Suddenly, his expression shifted to one of concern. "Is Daniel back? Are you taking him back?"

Maya's smile faded, her face hardening. She set the phone down on the counter, the camera now capturing a corner of the flour-dusted workspace. "No, Hoseok, this has nothing to do with Daniel," she replied, her voice steady but edged with frustration. "This is about me. I'm doing this for myself."

A moment of silence passed as Hoseok absorbed her words. His face softened with understanding, and he nodded slowly. "I'm sorry, Maya. I didn't mean to jump to conclusions. It's just... you've never been into cooking before."

Maya sighed, moving closer to the camera. "I know, but I realized something," she said, her voice quieter. "I realized that in order to survive, we must learn some basic cooking skills."

Hoseok nodded, shifting his position on his bed. "What made you think so?" he asked, genuine curiosity in his voice.

Maya sighed again, her eyes drifting to the flour-covered counter. "I just realized I can't live on takeout and instant noodles forever. People here manage just fine on their own, and I need to do the same," she admitted.

Hoseok's smile returned, softer this time, his eyes alight with encouragement. "It's great that you're learning something new on your own, doing things you once hated, and not because someone is forcing you," he said, his words carrying a gentle reassurance.

"Sometimes I think I shouldn't have blamed Daniel for everything. He insisted I learn cooking and cleaning, but I felt offended. Back then, I did everything half-heartedly. But don't you think he was just trying to help me learn basic human skills?" Maya's voice held a hint of uncertainty, seeking validation for her newfound perspective.

Hoseok listened attentively, his eyes reflecting empathy as he considered her perspective. "Maybe he was, Maya. But it's different when someone insists on something versus when you come to that realization on your own. Back then, it felt like pressure. Now, it's your choice, your growth."

Maya's fingers traced absent-minded patterns on the counter, her brow furrowing in introspection. "You're right. I was so focused on feeling controlled that I didn't see the value in what he was trying to teach me. But now, doing this for myself... it feels different. Empowering, even."

Hoseok observed the shifting emotions flicker across Maya's face, his concern evident in his gentle tone. "Are you, by any chance, regretting your decision?"

Maya's breath caught; she knew he meant the divorce. Her eyes flitted downwards briefly before meeting his gaze with determination. "No," she asserted, her voice steady despite the turmoil within. "No way." She drew in a deep breath, her resolve firming. "Nothing can excuse his chauvinistic behavior," she declared, her words a testament to her unwavering convictions.

Hoseok's expression softened, his concern mingled with understanding. "And the love?" Maya's voice softened, carrying the weight of unspoken pain. "Where was the love in all of that?"