KIMCHI BIRYANI

**Chapter 1: First Meet - Kimchi Biryani**

In the heart of Tokyo, amidst the vibrant chaos of the bustling city streets, Yoon Jeonghan, a beloved member of the K-pop sensation Seventeen, found himself swept up in the excitement of their follow-up tour at the iconic Nissan Stadium. Accompanied by his fellow bandmates, including Scoups, Joshua, Jun, Hoshi, Won woo, Woozi, The8, Mingyu, DK, Seung Kwan, Vernon, and Dino, Jeonghan reveled in the electrifying energy of their performances and the unwavering support of their devoted fans.

Meanwhile, Tara, a diligent software engineer working at Deloitte Australia, embarked on a solo trip to Japan. Seeking solace from the demands of her busy career and a chance to immerse herself in a new culture, Tara eagerly set out to explore the Land of the Rising Sun for an adventure.

One fateful evening, as Jeonghan and the other Seventeen members ventured out to indulge in some authentic Japanese cuisine after a grueling day of rehearsals, fate intervened. They stumbled upon a quaint little restaurant nestled in a quiet corner of Kanagawa, its warm ambiance beckoning them inside.

Meanwhile, Tara, her senses alive with the sights and sounds of Tokyo, went through all the cute little shops around and tired of all going around found herself drawn to the aroma of Ramen, stood amid cherry blossoms around is an authentic Japanese restaurant, small and cozy drifting from the open doors of the restaurant. Intrigued by the promise of a culinary adventure, she stepped inside, her eyes widening in wonder at the cozy interior and the eclectic mix of diners. Not many, actually the place has very few people inside making it more peaceful.

Unbeknownst to her, Jeonghan and his bandmates had chosen the same restaurant for their dinner that evening. As they settled at a nearby her table, their laughter and animated chatter filled the air, drawing Tara's attention with sudden noise.

Caught in the midst of her own musings, Tara looked up, hearing a familiar voice her gaze meeting Jeonghan across the room. In that fleeting moment, time seemed to stand still for Tara as their eyes locked in silent recognition, Jeonghan surprised by the look he saw in her eyes, he felt something like a friendly and shining one, coming out of it he awkwardly went back to talking to the members discussing on what to order. Tara recognizing the boys felt overwhelmed to see them this close, never in her life she thought to see them in a such a place just like that without any air bustling a sound like " OMO seventeen is here" like that kind a of sounds🤗🤣😲😬😱😱 (hahah). Always thought would be seeing them in an airport or somewhere in a fan meet, but here meeting them like some friends coming out for dinner and that too without many people around just like that was never on the list. Tara has always been a fan of their music, interactions with each other and with their fans, seventeen felt close to her, though seeing them from a rectangle box and a distance of thousand kms away she always felt they are close to her heart. Jeonghan just saw her looking at them, their eye met for a fraction of seconds and he went back talking to others pulling Tara out of her trance. She did not want to disturb their special time which they rarely find so taking an another look smiling to herself went back to the menu and looking what to order. 

Jeonghan on the other hand felt a strange flutter in his chest as he watched Tara, the feeling he is got is like a warm feeling illuminating by the soft glow of the restaurant lights. Something about her presence stirred a longing within him, a desire to unravel the mystery of why he is feeling like this by the girl who had captured his attention.

Suddenly, a waitress has come to Tara's table for taking order, unfortunately, Tara was not fluent in Japanese and waitress also not too good with English. Tara tried to order using translator but due to less reception the translator was taking time to load, she felt tensed and started sweating as the commotion have been created unwanted attention so Tara tried by showing the order on the menu the waitress understood but asked something else which she did not understand. Jeonghan seeing this asked if Joshua could help her. Joshua was also looking, but when suddenly Jeonghan asks to help her Joshua thinks he is asking to help an unknown person, this is not the Jeonghan he knows, Jeonghan isn't the one to go this far for someone whom he doesn't know. Mingyu also observes this and to not let go of this golden opportunity says;

Mingyu: "응, 형. 그럼 그녀도 같이 앉으라고 초대해. 그러면 조슈아 형이 도와줄 거야." ("Yea hyung why don't you invite her to sit with us then Joshua hyung will help")

Jeonghan (he understands they were just teasing him, thinks its not time to argue):  "네 (ne)"

This shocks everyone but they keep silent to observe more and Jeonghan goes to the table Joshua following him in the behind. Meanwhile at the table waitress slowly tries her best to speak with Tara but again it was not understood by Tara. Joshua was about to help her but Jeonghan summoning his courage, his heart racing with anticipation. "저기요 (Excuse me)", he said, his voice tinged with nervousness yet brimming with sincerity. "I Help you?" (in English)

Tara looked up, startled yet intrigued by the unexpected company. Joshua comes by their side asks her order, she told him what she wants and Joshua orders food for her and Seventeen order as well. Jeonghan at that moment asked "저희 테이블에 함께 하실래요?". Though Tara didn't understand fully but understood his gestures and the table word. With a warm and thanking smile, she replied, okay and thanks for helping her. Gesturing shyly Jeonghan shows to come to their table giving a small smile. Tara, with their presence not knowing how to react controls her emotions slowly goes to the members table. Giving a small smile she takes her, with all other members looking at her interestedly. They have never been with someone whom they don't know anything about let alone that to a girl who looks different from their daily world.

And so, slowly it begin with awkwardness all dishes coming through and amidst the tantalizing aroma of the dishes, Tara though it is rude to stay quiet this much of time. She introduced herself to the members and told them she knows them and has been their fan for a long time and always admired friendship and professionalism towards their work and fans. In between the gentle melody of conversation, Jeonghan and Tara found themselves looking at each other from time to time not knowing they are going to embark on a journey neither could have predicted—a journey filled with serendipitous encounters, shared laughter, and the enchanting possibility of love blossoming beneath the Tokyo skyline.