STAY for a while (Taekook)

💜chapter -2💜

---                       broken
                            

                          †*****†

A petit man stood in the kitchen, his focus intense as he meticulously prepared a meal. He knew any mistake could lead to disastrous results. His soft hands delicately picked up a packet of ramen, tearing it open with care. Alongside the ramen, he prepared other dishes: chicken fried rice, tofu, and most importantly, a strawberry shake. His cooking skills always brought joy to others, but the man he feared the most also had a particular fondness for his handmade food.

As he cooked, his hands occasionally caressed his aching waist, making the bunny-smile man close his eyes whenever he bent or turned. His eyes frequently darted towards the stairs, anticipating the tall man's arrival at any moment.

He began arranging the dishes on the table. As he turned to fetch another dish, he heard the click of shoes descending the stairs. He froze, standing straight with his head bowed, hands joined together like a servant.

The sound of the shoes grew closer, and in a fraction of a second, the muscular figure took his seat at the table. His eyes landed on the thin man who stood before him, looking down with joined hands just as he liked. The elder's cold face remained unchanged as he sat down.

"Continue," he commanded, his head slowly turning towards the petit man, who bowed and stepped back into the kitchen.

He returned with the final dish, the strawberry shake. Standing beside the elder, he carefully placed the shake in front of him and served the fried rice and kimchi. The elder, with his cold expression, began eating. The petit man resumed his position, standing beside him with hands joined, ready to fulfill any request.

His eyes softened with relief when the elder finally finished his meal without a complaint. The tension in his shoulders eased slightly, but he knew his work was far from over. The elder placed his utensils down, signaling the end of the meal.

"Clean this up," the elder ordered, his voice devoid of any warmth. The petit man nodded and quickly began clearing the table, his movements swift and efficient despite the pain in his waist.

As he worked, the elder watched him with a critical eye, noting every detail. The petit man felt the weight of his gaze but continued diligently, determined to meet his expectations.

After the table was cleared and the dishes washed, the petit man stood once more before the elder, hands joined and head bowed. The elder's cold demeanor softened ever so slightly as he regarded the petit man.

"Good job," he said curtly, rising from his seat. The petit man bowed deeply, his heart swelling with a mix of relief and fear. The elder left the room, and the petit man allowed himself a small, weary smile.

He knew he had to be perfect, for the elder's approval was both his greatest reward and his deepest fear. The kitchen was now spotless, and the petit man allowed himself a brief moment of rest, knowing that tomorrow would bring another day of cooking, serving, and striving for perfection.
---

When he emerged from the kitchen, the elder was still there, observing him with a blank expression. The younger man moved slowly, taking a plate and serving himself food, glancing nervously at the elder. He then sat on the floor, eating quietly under the elder's watchful gaze. A smirk formed on the elder's face, a look of satisfaction.

As he finished his meal, the younger man stood up, wincing in pain. He kept his eyes down, avoiding the elder's piercing gaze.

Then the phone rang. The elder glanced at it before pushing it across the table. "Your hyung," he said.