LOVE YOU RIGHT | ONEW - LEE JINKI

09: Some (썸)

The day after the workshop, Hwayoung texted Jinki about the appointment time for the Private Dining session for him and the Shinee members, she also let him know her preparation schedule. She would handle the dinner alone, with Ilhoon assisting only with setup; he deserved a break after the intensive workshop. The dinner was a small gathering for just four people anyway.

Jinki sent her the passcode to his apartment, mentioning he wouldn't be home until around 5 p.m. Hwayoung needed to start preparing from 3 p.m. to set everything up, including simple decorations.

It has been over a month since they last talked properly and during the recent workshop, there was a noticeable distance between them. Both were waiting for the right moment to clear the air, knowing the set wasn't the appropriate place due to the many eyes watching them and they wanted to remain professional.

Jinki returned to his apartment shortly after Ilhoon left and the table was set. Hwayoung was watching over the chicken in the oven when he arrived. Hearing the passcode beep, she peeked from the kitchen. "Oh, Hi! Welcome home." She greeted him with a slight bow.

Jinki's heart skipped a beat, he blushed seeing Hwayoung in his apartment and greeted him like that. He knew she was coming, he even gave her the passcode. However the whole situation made his blood rush over his body and turned him red.

Noticing his flushed skin, Hwayoung asked, "Was it really hot outside?" The questions were fair as it was summer. She didn't wait for his answer and began fanning him with her cute pink portable fan.

Jinki smiled, taking the fan from her hand. Her presence in his space made his heart race. It was not much different from what he saw during the workshop. Hwayoung in an apron, with the low hair bun and some hairs framing her face, the gentle yet skilled movement. She still moved like a wave washing the shore, slowly swallowing her task while cooking. Yet his heart still beats faster.

"I'll go change and take a shower, then I'll help you," he said then, rushing to his room.

Hwayoung tilted her head, confused, but continued with her tasks.

When Jinki returned, he was ready to help. This time, Hwayoung wasn't so territorial. She happily let him assist, giving him directions. As it was more a private dining which included his closest people. It would be more meaningful to have him involved. He was good at following instructions. As they worked together, they forgot the tension from the past few days, and everything fell back into place.

"What do you think? Is this good?" Jinki showed her his garnish cutting.

Hwayoung positioned herself next to him. "Alright, hold it like this," she demonstrated, guiding his hands. "And then slice it, like this."

Jinki watched intently, his brows furrowed in concentration as he tried to mimic her movements. His initial attempts were clumsy, the slices uneven, but Hwayoung patiently corrected him, her hands lightly touching his as she showed him the proper technique.

"Like this?" Jinki asked, glancing up at her with a hopeful expression, his boyish charm shining through.

"That's perfect. Now you just put it on the top like this," Hwayoung demonstrated, and Jinki followed her lead.

Jinki grinned, looking pleased with himself. "Thanks for showing me. I always wanted to learn how to cook properly."

Hwayoung felt a warmth spread through her at his words. "Anytime. You got a good basic already, I am just helping your posture." She smiled.

They continued working side by side, Jinki asking questions about the different ingredients and techniques. Hwayoung found herself enjoying the interaction more than she expected. There was something endearing about the way Jinki seemed so eager to learn, his innocent curiosity making her want to share everything she knew.