Stray Kids: Their Girl

Chapter 25: Getting To Know You (Part 3)

Chija POV:

The weekend was off to an incredible start. After getting Lee-May changed into her comfy clothes, we headed back to the kitchen where the guys were still bickering and teasing each other. Minho had donned an apron and was mixing something in a bowl, his expression one of deep concentration.

"Alright, little chef, are you ready to help us make some cookies?" I asked, setting Lee-May on a stool by the counter. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she nodded vigorously.

Chan stepped up beside me, grinning. "You know, she's probably going to be better at this than any of us," he said, ruffling Lee-May's hair. She giggled, looking up at him with pure adoration.

"First, we need to wash our hands," Minho instructed, ushering Lee-May to the sink. As they washed up, I glanced around the kitchen, feeling a warm sense of belonging. It wasn't often that I got to spend time with all the boys like this, and having my niece here made it even more special.

Felix came over with a tray of ingredients, his freckles standing out against his bright smile. "I measured everything out already. We just need to mix it all together."

"Let's get started then!" Changbin said enthusiastically, tying his own apron around his waist. "Lee-May, do you want to pour the flour into the bowl?"

The little girl nodded eagerly, taking the cup of flour from Felix and dumping it into the mixing bowl with a slight puff of white dust. The boys laughed and cheered her on, and I couldn't help but smile at how effortlessly they interacted with her.

As we continued mixing and preparing the cookie dough, Seungmin and Jeongin started a flour fight, much to Lee-May's delight. She squealed and clapped her hands, clearly enjoying the chaos. Jisung and Hyunjin joined in, pretending to shield her from the flour bombs.

"Okay, okay, that's enough," I laughed, trying to restore some order. "We still need to get these cookies in the oven."

"Yes, Chef Chija," Hyunjin said with a mock salute, earning more giggles from Lee-May.

With everyone finally focused again, we managed to get the dough onto the baking sheets and into the oven. Lee-May's eyes were glued to the oven door, watching the cookies rise and brown through the glass.

While we waited, Chan picked up Lee-May and spun her around the kitchen, her laughter ringing out like music. It was moments like this that made me feel so grateful for my family—both by blood and by choice.

"Smells good already," Minho said, leaning against the counter. "Think they're ready yet?"

"Almost," Felix replied, peeking into the oven. "Just a few more minutes."

As the cookies baked, we all gathered in the living room, chatting and playing games. Lee-May sat in Chan's lap, happily munching on a piece of fruit Minho had given her. She looked around the room, her eyes wide with wonder at all the attention she was getting.

"Auntie Chija," she said suddenly, turning to look at me. "Can we make more cookies tomorrow?"

I chuckled, nodding. "Of course we can, sweetie. We can make as many cookies as you want."

Her face lit up with a big smile, and she leaned back against Chan, looking perfectly content. Chan wrapped his arms around her, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of warmth at the sight. He was so good with her, and it made me fall for him even more.

Finally, the cookies were done, and we all crowded back into the kitchen to taste our creation. They were delicious—soft and chewy with just the right amount of sweetness. Lee-May's eyes lit up with joy as she bit into her cookie, and she looked up at all of us with a satisfied grin.