In Another's Skin

My Embered Guilt.

Chapter 32: (Aaira's pov)

I knew that it was almost time for Jungkook to wake up. The house was still quiet, save for the occasional creak of the floorboards and my anklets, as I moved through the kitchen. I had decided to make breakfast for him, hoping that perhaps this small gesture might bridge the gap that had grown between us.

I chose to make dolsot bibimbap, a Korean rice dish. It was a dish I thought Jungkook might appreciate, something hearty and satisfying that might help ease the tension between us. I began by preparing the ingredients.

I started with the rice, which would form the base of the dish. I rinsed a cup of short-grain rice several times under cold water until the water ran clear. Then, I cooked it in a pot, letting it steam to perfection.

While the rice was cooking, I turned my attention to the vegetables. I prepared a variety of colorful ingredients to top the rice: julienned carrots, sliced zucchini, and sautéed spinach. I also prepared some mushrooms, which I sliced thinly and cooked until they were tender and lightly browned.

Next, I worked on the protein. I decided to add some chicken, thinly sliced and marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and a touch of sugar. I quickly stir-fried the meat in a hot pan until it was cooked through and slightly caramelized.

The final component was the gochujang, a Korean red chili paste that would add a spicy kick to the dish. I mixed a small amount of gochujang with a bit of honey to balance the heat and create a sauce that could be drizzled over the bibimbap.

I heated the dolsot, a traditional Korean stone pot, on the stove until it was piping hot. I added a generous amount of sesame oil to the bottom of the pot, letting it heat until it was shimmering. Then, I carefully spooned in the cooked rice, pressing it down to create a crispy layer on the bottom.

I arranged the vegetables and chicken on top of the rice in a beautiful, colorful pattern. The carrots, zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach created a visually appealing contrast against the white rice. I made a small well in the center and cracked an egg into it, which would cook as the dish was served hot.

Finally, I drizzled the gochujang sauce over the top and garnished the bibimbap with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a few sliced green onions. The dish looked and smelled incredible, and I hoped that Jungkook would appreciate the effort I had put into it.

With the dolsot bibimbap ready, I carefully transferred it to a serving tray and made my way towards our room. I knocked gently on the door before entering, hoping that the food might soften his mood.

Jungkook was still in bed, his face turned away from me as I approached. I set the dolsot bibimbap down on a nearby table and waited.

Aaira: I've made breakfast for you. I hope you'll try it.

Jungkook's movements were abrupt and harsh. Without a second thought, he sat down on the bed, he was frustrated. He grabbed the dolsot bibimbap with a sudden, violent motion and hurled the pot aside, sending some of its contents splattering onto me.

The unexpected force of it startled me. I flinched as bits of rice and vegetables hit my dress, skin and the floor around me. The sizzling sound of the hot dish hitting the floor was almost deafening, and I stood there in shock, my eyes wide as the food cooled and began to congeal. Jungkook's voice rose in a shout.

Jungkook: Don't you get it? I don't want you in my life. Neither do I want this filthy dish you made with your filthy hands!

I could feel the heat from the spilled food seeping into my skin, but it was nothing compared to the burn of his rejection.