𝑩𝒂𝒃𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆, 𝑰'𝒍𝒍 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒊𝒕 𝒅𝒊𝒆

[30]

The afternoon sun had begun to dip lower in the sky, casting a warm, golden light over the bustling streets of the city. The school day had ended, and the students scattered in all directions, eager to enjoy their free time.

Jaebom walked beside Chanmi, his hands in his pockets and a light smirk on his face. “You hungry?”

Chanmi glanced up at him, already knowing what was coming. “What do you have in mind?”

Jaebom raised an eyebrow and pointed down the street. “I was thinking tteokbokki.”

Her face lit up at the mention of spicy rice cakes. She had always loved the street food, but for some reason, she didn’t get it as often as she wanted. “You know I’m always up for tteokbokki.”

Jaebom grinned. “Perfect.”

They made their way toward the small shop tucked between two buildings, a cozy little spot that smelled like spice and fried snacks. The red sign above the door read “Soo’s Tteokbokki” in bold letters, and as they stepped inside, the comforting warmth of the small, casual eatery wrapped around them.

The shop wasn’t crowded—just a few people scattered at the tables, all indulging in the same cravings. Jaebom and Chanmi slid into a booth, and she immediately kicked off her shoes to settle more comfortably, resting her feet beneath the table.

The waitress came over with a smile. “What can I get for you two?”

Jaebom glanced at Chanmi before looking back up at the waitress. “Two orders of tteokbokki, please. Extra spicy.”

Chanmi rolled her eyes playfully. “Really? Extra spicy?”

Jaebom shrugged nonchalantly. “You know you can handle it.”

She hesitated for a moment, but then nodded. “Fine, fine. Extra spicy it is.”

The waitress smiled, writing the order down. “Coming right up!”

Once she was gone, Jaebom leaned back in his seat, a mischievous glint in his eye. “You’ve never tried this spicy before, huh?”

Chanmi narrowed her eyes at him. “I’ve eaten spicy before, you know.”

Jaebom chuckled, watching her reaction. “You’ll see. It’s on a whole different level. I’m not going to let you back out.”

She crossed her arms, a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. “We’ll see about that.”

The atmosphere was light, the tension from school completely gone now. Jaebom and Chanmi were always good together, whether they were teasing each other, debating random topics, or simply enjoying each other’s company.

“So, about the party,” Jaebom started, swirling his drink with his straw.

Chanmi groaned. “Don’t remind me. I’m already dreading it.”

“I know, right? My dad’s been talking about it nonstop. He’s treating it like it’s some grand event, like it’s gonna change the world or something,” Jaebom said, his voice laced with sarcasm. “Honestly, I’d rather be here, eating tteokbokki with you, than wasting time at some rich person’s gala.”

Chanmi smiled, grateful for the easy conversation. “Same. But, you know, we kind of have to go. My dad will have my head if I don’t.”

Jaebom grinned. “Same here. But hey, why does this water tastes different?”

Chanmi laughed, shaking her head. “It's always like that.”

Jaebom raised an eyebrow. “When we crave spice, we’ll hit this place again. I’ll make sure you get your fill of spicy tteokbokki.”