Love Next Door

12

Reunion

The sun was barely peeking through the curtains when Yeji woke up, still groggy from the night before. She stretched lazily, rubbing her eyes as the events of the past few days flashed through her mind—her argument with her mother, the bedroom surprise, and of course, the playful night at the library with Ryujin and Lia. Things were starting to feel a little more stable, and despite her usual stubbornness, she felt the weight between her and her mom had lightened. For the first time in a while, Yeji felt the desire to help out—really help out.

Sitting up in bed, she ran her fingers through her hair and made up her mind: today, she was going to help her parents at their restaurant. Ever since she came back home, she hadn't contributed much, and now that things were improving, it was the least she could do. After all, her parents had been running the restaurant by themselves for years, managing everything from taking orders to cooking, cleaning, and everything in between. The thought of them doing it all on their own made her feel guilty, so she threw on a comfortable pair of jeans and a shirt, determined to be useful.

After a quick breakfast, Yeji left the house and made her way to the family restaurant, which was already buzzing with the sounds of clattering pots, sizzling pans, and the rich aroma of grilled meat and spices. Her mother and father were hard at work in the kitchen, preparing for the busy lunch hours ahead. The smell of freshly baked bread and simmering sauces filled the small space as her father chopped vegetables with precision while her mother stirred a large pot of stew.

"Good morning !" Yeji called cheerfully as she stepped into the restaurant.

Her parents looked up in surprise, her mother's face softening into a smile. "Oh, Yeji! You're up early," she said, wiping her hands on a towel. "What brings you here so bright and early ?"

Yeji grinned, feeling a little nervous but determined. "I thought I'd help out today. You and Dad have been doing this all alone for too long, so I figured it's about time I pitched in."

Her father raised an eyebrow, glancing at her with an amused smile. "Help, huh ? Well, I'm not sure the kitchen is ready for your 'skills,' but we could always use an extra hand."

Her mother chuckled softly, clearly trying not to discourage her but also knowing how disastrous Yeji could be in the kitchen. "That's sweet, but why don't you just sit down and relax ? I don't want the customers getting scared by anything you might cook."

Yeji groaned, rolling her eyes dramatically. "Come on, Mom, I'm not that bad. I can at least chop some vegetables or wash dishes."

Her mother gave her a knowing look, crossing her arms. "Remember the last time you tried to chop vegetables ? You nearly took your finger off."

"Okay, fair," Yeji admitted with a sheepish smile, "but I've improved since then. I can be useful, I swear."

Despite Yeji's insistence, her mother shook her head, still smiling warmly. "We appreciate the offer, but the best way you can help us is by not making a mess."

Defeated but not entirely unhappy, Yeji slumped into a chair, watching her parents move effortlessly around the kitchen. The rhythm of their work, the way they communicated with just glances and small gestures, was impressive. They had been doing this for years, and it was clear they were a perfect team. A small pang of guilt hit her again, realizing just how out of place she felt in this environment. She wasn't sure what her place was anymore—neither here at the restaurant nor back in New York.