It's only a phase, isn't it? | 18+ | +MAIN FOCUS+

Chapter 3

JULIANNA/JALEN

As we approached the table, I noticed the two beating me to it to hold out a chair in the middle, with wide grins. Kace was holding it more tautly than Annie was, though.

"Huh? Oh. I'm okay. I can... seat myself." I muttered hesitantly.

"Huh? But, Lady Julianna, our orders were to be of your service-"

I saw Annie place a palm on his shoulder and gesture to the seats next to the middle seat.

With reluctance, he then crossed over, his footsteps so loud and hard they nearly shook the table, and sat down. This time, he only patted the seat next to him.

Well... guess I have nothing more to lose.

I sat down slowly next to them, and bowed my head down to quickly say grace before I looked around at the array of food before us.

So much of my comfort food... I wanted it all.

My mom knew how to cook. She was the best at cooking Korean cuisine in the house. I wish I knew how to make it as good as she did.

I placed a bit of kimchi on my rice and, with my chopsticks, slowly savored it.

Boy, how I missed the taste and feel... spicy, a bit cool... so tasty... my mouth flooded with the taste that brought back so many vivid childhood memories... and it made me nearly cry in joy.

I just wanted to eat it all night, but if I did, my family would probably scold my mom for not letting me eat a variety of foods. So I took some of the spicy soup from the middle into a separate bowl and mixed my rice into it, as it tasted better that way.

I kept my head down and ate in silence, before I noticed a plate being shoved in my face. Kace was offering me a plate with Spam and scrambled eggs on it.

More comfort food? I don't know what I could do...

Many people would probably think "gross, Spam?" But actually... it's pretty good if you cook it correctly. You can't just eat it raw. It's a delicacy in Korea, believe it or not. And eggs don't just have to be a breakfast food... they go interestingly well with Spam. The more I thought about it... the hungrier I got for it. Damn... I don't know how food can do things like this to me.

I nodded my thanks to Kace and took the plate, greedily taking and eating a lot of stuff from it, making him grin a bit before I passed the plate along to Annie. He then picked up my napkin, making me glare at him.

"You have a bit of rice on your face," he murmured, wiping off the rice from my cheek.

Why was he even doing all this? I could've just done it myself... sure, him and Annie were my butlers now... but I didn't need them for everything!

"More tea, Lady Julianna?" Annie offered, handing over the pot. "And Kace, don't be so rough with that thing, you'll scratch her face off."

I saw his face go red after staring at me for another second, before he placed the small piece of cloth down and softly apologized.

"Uh... on second thought..." I muttered, quickly finishing and not bothering with my etiquette. "...I think I'm done here. Thanks for the food, mom..." I muttered, going back up to my room.

Ugh... this is so awkward... I don't need them to do whatever. I was perfectly capable... oh well, back to writing my stories, I guess...

KACE

Chattering broke out as soon as she'd left. Some comments of disapproval, some of concern.

"Oh dear... Annie, do you believe we'd done something to upset her?" I muttered, shaking a little. I forced myself to stop just as she shook her head.