A Recipe for Love ( Le sserafim X Fem reader )

Chapter 5: From Flames to Familiarity

The members of LE SSERAFIM were deep in the throes of their comeback preparations, their schedule filled with a relentless series of practices, interviews, and photoshoots. The pressure of the packed itinerary was beginning to take its toll on the group. The exhaustion was palpable, and the absence of Sakura's comforting home-cooked meals was especially felt.

Sakura, the group's reliable chef, was having a hard time coming to terms with the fact that she couldn't find time to cook for her members anymore. The joy she had once found in preparing meals was now overshadowed by their hectic schedule, and she was feeling increasingly disheartened.

Usually bright and cheerful demeanor was now tinged with a hint of sadness. The communal meals she had always prepared with care had been replaced by quick, impersonal take-out and energy drinks. It was affecting not just her mood, but the group's morale. The absence of those shared meals was creating a subtle rift, as food had always been more than just sustenance—it was a symbol of their unity.

Yunjin, ever perceptive to the needs of her members, noticed Sakura's growing frustration. She could see how the lack of cooking was affecting Sakura's mood, and she knew she had to do something to lift her spirits. Yunjin had always been sensitive to the emotional well-being of her groupmates, and seeing Sakura's discontent stirred her into action. Determined to make a difference, Yunjin decided to surprise Sakura and the rest of the group with a homemade meal, hoping to rekindle the warmth that had been missing.

Early one morning, while the rest of the members were still asleep, Yunjin quietly slipped into the kitchen. The house was eerily silent, with only the soft hum of the refrigerator and the faint rustling of the wind outside breaking the quiet. Yunjin had spent the previous evening planning a menu and gathering ingredients, eager to create something special. She meticulously prepared the ingredients, carefully chopping vegetables, marinating meat, and setting up her workspace. She was filled with a sense of purpose and hope, believing that this simple act could bring a bit of comfort to her tired group.

The scent of sautéing onions and garlic began to fill the kitchen, mingling with the aroma of spices and herbs. Yunjin was absorbed in her task, lost in the rhythm of cooking. However, as she was about to finish up, disaster struck. A momentary lapse in attention led to a pot of oil catching fire. The flames quickly danced up the sides of the pot, and smoke began to billow through the kitchen. Yunjin's heart raced as she tried to control the situation, her hands shaking as she reached for the fire extinguisher.

Despite her best efforts, the fire spread rapidly. The smoke alarm blared, waking the other members from their slumber. Panicked, they rushed to the kitchen, only to be met with a wall of thick, acrid smoke. The scene was chaotic—flames crackled and popped, and the kitchen was enveloped in a haze of black smoke. The urgency of the situation was clear, and the members quickly evacuated the apartment, their faces pale and anxious.

The fire department arrived swiftly, their sirens cutting through the early morning calm. The firefighters worked efficiently, dousing the flames and ventilating the smoke-filled apartment. Though they managed to put out the fire, the damage was extensive. The kitchen was destroyed, with the cabinetry and appliances rendered unrecognizable. Smoke damage had spread to the rest of the apartment, leaving the living spaces coated in a grimy residue.

With their living situation in shambles, the group was left scrambling for a new place to stay. Their frantic search for a temporary residence was disheartening. They contacted numerous real estate agents, scoured online listings, and visited several potential places. Each option presented its own set of issues—some were too small, others were too far from their usual activities, and some were simply unavailable. The members felt a growing sense of frustration and helplessness as the hours ticked by without finding a suitable solution.