𝑩𝒂𝒃𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆, 𝑰'𝒍𝒍 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒊𝒕 𝒅𝒊𝒆

[53]

The sun hung high in the afternoon sky, casting a warm glow over the city. Inside the Choi residence, however, things were not quite as calm as the peaceful exterior suggested. The living room was adorned with framed memories-photos of their old friend group, family gatherings, and their wedding day, each capturing a moment of love and joy. But today was special; it was Namra's birthday, and while she was busy at work, her husband and daughter were up to something that was quickly turning into an adorable disaster.

"Daddy, are you sure we're supposed to put this much flour?" Hana asked, her tiny hands covered in white powder as she peered skeptically into the mixing bowl.

Sooheon, who had flour on his nose and an apron that read 'World's Best Husband & Dad,' scratched his head. "Uh... I think so? Or was it less?" He glanced at the cookbook in front of him, but the smudges of chocolate and flour made it almost unreadable.

Hana frowned. "This doesn't look like Mommy's cakes..."

Sooheon sighed, looking at the sad mixture in the bowl. It was lumpy, dry in some places, and a little too watery in others. Clearly, this wasn't going well.

"Should we get some help, honey?" he asked, wiping his hands on his apron.

Hana brightened up. "Yes! We need an expert!"

Sooheon pulled out his phone and immediately called Cheongsan, his best friend. The call rang twice before a familiar voice answered.

"Yo, what's up?"

"Man, you know how to bake, right?" Sooheon asked hopefully.

Cheongsan scoffed confidently. "Of course! I'm a pro!"

Hana clapped excitedly, but what neither of them knew was that Cheongsan was anything but a pro. In fact, his cooking skills barely went beyond instant ramen and scrambled eggs.

"Perfect! Get over here and help us bake Namra's birthday cake!" Sooheon exclaimed.

There was a slight pause before Cheongsan awkwardly cleared his throat. "Uh... slight problem. I can't come over."

"Why not?"

"I'm babysitting my son. Onjo went out with Isak, Jimin, and Hyoryung to buy gifts for Namra," Cheongsan explained, trying to soothe a fussy toddler in the background. "But don't worry! I can guide you through FaceTime!"

Sooheon glanced at his daughter, then at the mess they had already made, and sighed. "Fine, just... make sure you actually know what you're doing."

"Trust me," Cheongsan said confidently. "This cake will be amazing."

The screen flickered as Cheongsan switched to FaceTime, revealing him with a sleeping toddler in his arms. "Okay, first things first-did you separate the dry ingredients from the wet ones?"

Sooheon and Hana looked at each other guiltily.

"...We were supposed to separate them?"

Cheongsan sighed dramatically. "Oh boy."

And so, the chaotic baking session continued, with Cheongsan giving questionable instructions, Sooheon making even more of a mess, and Hana trying her best to keep things under control. By the time they put the cake into the oven, the kitchen looked like a battlefield of flour, sugar, and chocolate.

Whether the cake would turn out edible was a whole other story.

One hour had passed, and yet, they kept finding themselves back at square one. The first step. Sooheon, who initially trusted Cheongsan's so-called "pro" baking skills, was beginning to have serious doubts. His daughter, covered in flour, stared up at him with wide eyes.