---
Cooking Mayhem
The culinary classroom hummed with chatter as students filed in, their excitement bubbling over the unusual lesson ahead.
Ingredients were neatly laid out on each table: bowls of flour, kimchi, eggs, and spices waiting to be turned into steaming, savory kimchi pancakes.
The teacher, a petite woman with sharp glasses and a no-nonsense demeanor, clapped her hands to silence the room.
“Today’s task is simple,” she began, her voice slicing through the noise like a blade. “In pairs, you will create your own kimchi pancakes. Follow the recipe provided, but remember—presentation and taste matter. The best dish wins extra credit.”
Sophia shifted uneasily in her seat, her sharp gaze flicking toward Ji-hyun, who sat beside her, practically vibrating with excitement.
“Unnie, this is going to be so much fun!” Ji-hyun exclaimed, bouncing in her chair.
Sophia raised an eyebrow. “Define fun. Because if fun involves setting something on fire, I’m opting out.”
° Cos me I need to calm down to really prepare Korean dishes you know°
Ji-hyun giggled, tugging Sophia to her feet as the students scattered to their assigned stations. “Don’t worry! I’ll handle the stove. You just mix the batter!”
° better°
Sophia sighed, tying on her apron. “Fine. But if we burn down this kitchen, I’m blaming you.”
---
Their station was tucked near the windows, the golden light streaming in giving their workspace an almost serene atmosphere. Ji-hyun grabbed a mixing bowl, dumping flour in with a flourish.
“Eggs next!” she announced, handing Sophia two eggs with a grin.
Sophia cracked the eggs carefully into the bowl, her movements precise. She stirred the mixture while Ji-hyun added a generous helping of kimchi, the vibrant red flecks of chili powder contrasting against the creamy batter.
“You’re a natural, unnie,” Ji-hyun teased, leaning over to watch. “Look at you, stirring like a pro!”
Sophia shot her a flat look. “It’s a bowl, Ji-hyun. Not rocket science.”
Ji-hyun snorted, elbowing her playfully. “Lighten up! This is supposed to be fun, remember?”
---
As Sophia focused on the batter, a shadow loomed over their station. She didn’t need to look up to know who it was.
“Need help with that?” Min-jae’s smooth voice cut through the air, tinged with amusement.
Sophia’s grip on the spoon tightened, but she didn’t look up. “No, thanks. We’re managing just fine.”
Ji-hyun, ever the peacemaker, turned to Min-jae with a polite smile. “Oppa, don’t you have your own station to worry about?”
Min-jae ignored her, his piercing crimson eyes locked on Sophia. “It’s just interesting to see you in a kitchen, Sophia. I didn’t think cooking was your thing.”
° how can't it be? I've been cooking all my life°
Sophia’s stirring grew more deliberate, her voice calm but cold. “There’s a lot you don’t know about me, Min-jae.”
Ji-hyun sensed the tension and stepped between them, her tone light but firm. “Oppa, we’re trying to focus. You should probably get back to your partner.”
YOU ARE READING
SMITTEN BY HER (unedited)
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