The Blue that stopped Time

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Seojun's absence from the picture brought an odd sense of relief to Hyejin, though she wouldn't admit it. What wasn't relieving was Lee Know's sudden transformation into her self-appointed bodyguard. Whether it was a trip to the market or her favorite coffee shop, he insisted on being there.

"I'm fine," Hyejin said for the umpteenth time as she walked briskly down the sidewalk. "I can take care of myself."

"I'm sure you can," Lee Know replied, his long strides keeping pace with her. "But I'd rather not test that theory."

Hyejin shot him an exasperated look. "You're overreacting."

"I'm being careful," he countered, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Despite her protests, a small part of her appreciated the effort, though she'd rather eat glass than admit it.

Later that day, Hyejin's phone buzzed with a text from her mother:
Dinner with Jiwon and his fiancée is confirmed for this weekend. Wear something nice.

Hyejin sighed, staring at the message. Nice meant elegant, sophisticated, and far fancier than anything she currently had in her wardrobe.

"I need to go shopping," she muttered, mostly to herself.

"Perfect timing," Lee Know said, overhearing her. "Let's go."

Hyejin frowned. "What do you mean we?"

"You don't seriously think I'm letting you go alone," he said, already grabbing his car keys.

Hyejin sighed in defeat. There was no arguing with him when he got like this.


-------------


The boutique Lee Know brought her to was far beyond anything Hyejin would have chosen for herself. The sleek interiors, soft lighting, and hushed atmosphere screamed exclusivity.

"You're unusually quiet," Hyejin teased, holding up a pale pink dress before shaking her head and putting it back.

"Just enjoying the show," he replied lazily, his eyes flickering with mischief.

"Oh, please," Hyejin muttered, moving further down the row. Her hand stopped suddenly as her gaze landed on a dress in a deep shade of midnight blue.

"Wait," she said, more to herself than to him. "This might actually work."

Lee Know didn't move as she walked toward the dress, which happened to be hanging on the rack beside him. She reached for it, leaning slightly closer to examine the intricate details.

The scent of her shampoo—something light and floral—filled the space between them. Lee Know's breath hitched as her side profile came into view, her face illuminated by the soft boutique lighting.

She was talking, her voice casual and light as she rambled about the dress's fabric, but the words faded into white noise.

Lee Know froze, every nerve in his body hyperaware of her proximity. He caught himself staring at the delicate curve of her jaw, the faint shimmer of her lip gloss, and the way a few loose strands of hair framed her face.

"Are you even listening to me?" Hyejin's voice broke through his trance.

"What?" he asked, startled.

Hyejin turned her head slightly, her brow furrowing as she noticed his expression. "I said—are you okay?"

Lee Know's ears flushed red as he quickly stepped back, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'm fine."

"You don't look fine," Hyejin said, her tone skeptical.

"I'm fine," he repeated, avoiding her gaze and gesturing vaguely at the dress in her hands. "That one's... nice."

Hyejin narrowed her eyes at him but let it go. "If you say so," she muttered, walking back toward the fitting rooms.

Lee Know exhaled slowly, his heart still pounding. He needed to get himself together—and fast.

What followed was an overwhelming parade of luxurious gowns, each more exquisite than the last. Hyejin tried on a few, grumbling about the extravagance, but Lee Know dismissed her protests with a wave of his hand.

Finally, she stepped out in a sleek, floor-length dress in a rich shade of midnight blue she had picked out. The neckline was elegant, the fit perfect, and the slight shimmer in the fabric caught the light just right.

Lee Know, who had been casually scrolling through his phone, looked up—and froze.

"Well?" Hyejin asked, turning slightly to glance at the mirror. "What do you think?"

"You look..." He cleared his throat, standing up. "It suits you."

Hyejin smirked. "That's all you've got? I expected something more poetic."

"Just buy it," he said, averting his eyes.

But Lee Know wasn't done. Shoes and a matching designer bag soon joined the dress, despite Hyejin's protests.

"This is too much!" she said, watching the cashier ring up the total with wide eyes.

"You'll thank me later," Lee Know replied with a shrug, handing over his card.

After leaving the store, Lee Know turned to her with a mischievous grin. "After this, we're eating out. I found this amazing restaurant—"

"Nope," Hyejin interrupted, not even looking at him.

"You didn't even hear the rest of my sentence!"

"I don't need to. You pay me to be your chef, not your friend," she said flatly, looking at what other shops had to offer.

Lee Know raised an eyebrow. "What's wrong with eating out once in a while? I'd like to enjoy a meal without you glaring at me from across the stove."

"Then fire me and hire a robot chef," Hyejin shot back.

"Fine. If you won't eat out, then you're cooking tonight," Lee Know challenged.

"Yes, sir," Hyejin replied, mock-saluting him. "That's quite literally my job."

Lee Know groaned, stepping in front of her with a dramatic flair. "Come on, Hyejin. Just once. This place has the best galbi jjim you'll ever taste. Let's try it."

"No."

"Please?"

"No."

"I'm begging you."

"Nope."

"Why are you so stubborn?"

"It's called having principles."

Lee Know threw his hands up in frustration. "Fine! I'll pay for the food if you say yes."

Hyejin laughed despite herself, shaking her head. "You're impossible."

"And you're the most infuriating person I've ever met," Lee Know shot back, though the corners of his lips twitched upward. "But you're saying yes, right?"

Hyejin sighed in defeat, her hand dramatically placed over her heart. "Fine. But if this food doesn't live up to your hype, you're never hearing the end of it."

"I'll take my chances," he said smugly, already pulling out his phone to make the reservation.

-------

The restaurant was everything Lee Know had promised—sleek, trendy, and filled with the aroma of rich spices. But as the plates were brought to the table, it became evident something was missing.

Hyejin took a bite of the galbi jjim and paused. The flavors were... fine. Good, even. But they lacked the heart of a home-cooked meal.

She was just about to comment when Lee Know leaned back in his seat and spoke nonchalantly. "This isn't it."

Hyejin blinked at him. "What?"

"The galbi jjim," he said, gesturing to his plate. "It's decent, but yours is better. I could've had something far better tonight, I can't believe I'm saying this but I wish I had listened to you when you insisted on cooking for me." He picked up a piece with his chopsticks, examining it like it had personally disappointed him.

Hyejin stared at him, her mouth slightly agape. "You're serious?"

"Dead serious," he said, chewing thoughtfully. "I hyped this place up, but it turns out my chef at home could've outdone them in her sleep."

It was such a simple statement, delivered with complete nonchalance, yet it sent a strange warmth bubbling up inside Hyejin. She quickly masked it by taking another bite, though her appetite had suddenly shifted to confusion and... something else.

"Well," she said, finally breaking the silence. "It's nice to know my cooking is appreciated."

Lee Know smirked, but there was something softer in his gaze. "Don't get used to the compliments."

"Don't worry. I'm already over it," she shot back, though her cheeks felt oddly warm.

They finished the meal, bantering as usual, but the air between them felt lighter, warmer, in a way neither of them acknowledged aloud.




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