Chasing Perfection || Lee Know

The Food Exchange

Lee Know's POV:
Lee Know sat behind his sleek desk, his eyes flicking over a pile of documents that seemed to multiply the more he tried to clear them. The usual hum of office noise filled the air, but his focus was elsewhere—on the stale smell of cafeteria food wafting into his office.

He wrinkled his nose, a subtle frown forming as he glanced at his watch. It was lunchtime, and he was far from thrilled by the idea of eating whatever was served downstairs. The cafeteria meals were always hit-or-miss, and today, he wasn't in the mood for experimenting.

Picking up his phone, he dialed a familiar number, settling back in his chair. "Hyejin, can you bring me something to eat?" His voice was casual, but there was a slight hint of mischief.

Hyejin's POV:

Hyejin had just finished reading a text from her mother, Yoon Chaesoo, letting her know that the dinner at her older brother Jiwon's fiancée's house had been postponed until the week after next. Apparently, Jiwon had an important case to wrap up as a lawyer, and the dinner plans needed to be rescheduled.

She sighed, typing a quick reply to her mom: Understood. I'll just make some other plans.

As she set the phone down, the familiar buzz of her work phone broke through the silence, pulling her attention away.

Lee Know.

She picked up immediately, knowing what was coming. "To what do I owe this displeasure Mr. CEO?" she greeted, her voice playful.

"I need you to bring me something to eat," came his immediate reply, and Hyejin rolled her eyes at the abruptness, a knowing smirk pulling at her lips.

"What, the cafeteria's not good enough for you today?" she teased, her tone light.

"Exactly. I'm not in the mood for whatever mystery meat they've got going on down there," Lee Know replied, sounding far too pleased with himself. "You're the only one I trust to bring me something decent."

Hyejin chuckled under her breath, shaking her head. "You're lucky I owe you, or I'd let you starve with the rest of them." She couldn't help but add, "So, what is it you want me to bring you? Don't tell me you want a five-course meal."

There was a pause on the other end of the line before Lee Know's voice dropped, almost teasing, "You think you can't handle it?"

Hyejin arched an eyebrow. "I've cooked for you before, haven't I? Just don't expect me to get all fancy on you. I'm no Michelin-star chef."

"Surprise me," he replied nonchalantly. "But nothing too weird, okay? I've got a reputation to uphold."

Hyejin smiled to herself, already planning what to make. "Fine, I'll be there in a few."

Hyejin entered her small kitchen and quickly began prepping, her hands moving with the practiced ease of someone who had spent years perfecting her skills. Within thirty minutes, she had whipped up a fresh, vibrant dish—roasted chicken with a tangy lemon sauce, a side of fresh vegetables, and a small bowl of garlic mashed potatoes. It wasn't gourmet, but it was certainly leagues better than whatever had been sitting in the cafeteria.

She grabbed the container, making sure everything was tightly packed, and headed out to deliver it to Lee Know's office.

Hyejin knocked lightly on the door before entering, her arms laden with the food she had prepared. She set the tray down in front of Lee Know with a flourish, her eyes gleaming with a playful spark. "Well, I hope you like it, Your Majesty," she teased, giving him a mock bow before settling into the chair opposite his desk.