Only one? [male Chaeyoung x TWICE]

(10) a simple rumbling

[a day after the last chapter]

At the bar, Dahyun sat on the rickety stool at the back of the bar, fanning herself with a menu as she and Chaeyoung shared their break.

The evening rush had been chaotic as usual, with rowdy patrons and spilled drinks pushing them to their limits.

"I swear, the bouncer's got to step it up," Dahyun muttered, shaking her head. "It's like they're letting just anyone in here."

Chaeyoung chuckled softly, leaning back against the counter. "I think that's exactly their style."

They both laughed, but the moment was interrupted by a loud, unmistakable sound: Dahyun's stomach rumbling.

Her face immediately turned red as she clutched her stomach, mortified.

"Oh my god, ignore that!" she exclaimed, waving her hands. "I'm fine." She says with her face looking like a tomato.

Chaeyoung raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. "Fine? That sounds like a cry for help." He joked.

Dahyun groaned, burying her face in her hands. "I just forgot to pack a snack today, okay? It's no big deal."

But Chaeyoung wasn't having it.

Without another word, he stood up and headed toward the small kitchen in the back.

"What are you doing?" Dahyun called after him, sitting up straighter.

"Just wait," Chaeyoung said over his shoulder, a mischievous glint in his eye. "You'll see."

She watched curiously as he grabbed an apron and tied it expertly around his waist. He reached for some vegetables and other ingredients, his movements quick and precise.

When he turned on the stove and the small flame flared to life, Dahyun's eyes widened.

"Wait, are you... cooking?" she asked, half in disbelief.

"Good guess," Chaeyoung replied, flashing her a brief smile before focusing on the task at hand. "You don't expect me to let you starve, do you?"

"I said I'm fine!" Dahyun protested, though her stomach clearly disagreed with her.

"Sure you are," Chaeyoung teased, grabbing a knife.

Dahyun fell silent as she clearly didn't have a better excuse.

She just watched him work. His hands moved deftly, chopping vegetables with precision and tossing them into the pan with an impressive flick of his wrist. The sizzle of oil and the rich aroma of spices quickly filled the room.

For a moment, she was completely mesmerized. The way he moved was so natural, so confident. He looked...

 different.

More than just the hardworking bartender she knew.

Her gaze drifted to his back as he adjusted the pan. The way his apron hugged his frame, the slight flex of his shoulders as he stirred—he looked like someone straight out of a movie.

A caring husband, perhaps, cooking for his wife after a long day.

His wife... Dahyun thought, the idea making her giggle quietly.

She shook her head at herself, trying to brush the thought.