From behind, a soft voice called out, "Taehyung is cooking? Ummm, That usually means something's not right."
He turned slightly, recognizing the warm tone instantly. it was Ms. Han, the long-time housekeeper who had practically helped raise him. She had been with the Kim family for years, her tone always laced with joy and quiet care.
Taehyung gave her a faint smile. "Everything's alright. Don't worry."
But Ms. Han stepped closer, her eyes gentle but knowing. "You only cook like this when your heart's full. I've seen it since you were a teenager. I know it's your way of de-stressing, correct me if I'm wrong."
Taehyung stayed silent for a moment, then softly replied, " You're never wrong. I admit that. But now...maybe I just wanted to eat something warm."
Ms. Han didn't press further. Instead, she smiled and said, "Then let me be the lucky one who gets to eat it with you."
He says "Why not". Then He gently guided her to the chair.
Ms. Han watched with a soft smile as he pulled out the chair for her.
"Such a gentleman," she said warmly.
Taehyung chuckled and replied, "Here you go."
She sat down, nodding. "Thank you, young master."
Taehyung walked over to the kitchen counter, took out the dishes, and carefully served Ms. Han before taking his own seat.
She took a bite, her eyes widened in delight.
"This is magnificent! No one cooks like you do," she said, genuinely impressed.
"Thank you for making this dinner."
Taehyung chuckled softly and replied,
"It's my pleasure."
She watched him for a moment. "Taehyung… why aren't you eating much? Something's bothering you, isn't it?"
Taehyung gave a soft sigh, eyes fixed on the plate. "Don't worry. It's nothing."
But Ms. Han got serious and shook her head, refusing to let it slide. "You always say that. But if something's weighing on your heart, talk to me. You know you can."
A pause lingered, then she smiled gently.
"Or are you afraid I'll actually give you good advice?"
He let out a quiet chuckle. "Why not? I'll keep that in mind."
Mrs. Han looked around the table and asked, "Why hasn't Yeonjun been coming by lately?"
Taehyung replied casually, "He's been busy with work these days."
Ms. Han took another bite, then paused, her eyes twinkling with a hint of memory.
"Haven't you also made this same soup before your University exams?" she said, her voice fond.
"And didn't you make extra bowls for your friend too... What was his name again? Uhh yes, Park Sooyaa.You seriously used to wake up that early just to make this soup for your friend?"
She let out a soft chuckle. "Are you still in contact with him?"
Taehyung froze for a brief moment, then gave an awkward motion. A half-nod that tilted up and sideways at the same time.
Ms. Han squinted at him, then raised an amused eyebrow.
"Wait... Are you nodding yes or no?"
She leaned back with a knowing smirk.
"No, don't bother. I got my answer."
Taehyung chuckled under his breath, rubbing the back of his neck.
As he looked down at the steaming bowl of soup, memories began to stir.
[FLASHBACK – UNIVERSITY EXAMS MORNING]
That morning, Taehyung had woken up early not to study, but to make soup.
He moved around the kitchen with focused calm, carefully preparing the broth, adding ingredients with precision, and tasting it just once to check the flavor.
Once done, he gently poured the steaming soup into a container, sealed it, and quietly made his way to the university with yeonjun.
The campus was already alive with anxious energy.
Near the steps of the library, Sooyaa and Hye-jin stood together, books in hand, quietly discussing answers from last night's revision.
Taehyung arrived just now.Yeonjun, who stood beside him, suddenly called out,
"Sooyaa! Hye-jin!"
He waved enthusiastically.
The girls looked up and smiled, waving back in sync.
Yeonjun jogged ahead toward them, but Taehyung hesitated. His hand started to rise instinctively, halfway into a wave.
A girl standing nearby nudged her friend and whispered with a giggle,
"Look at him… see how he's waving?"
She tried to mimic his awkward gesture.
"Is he waving or stretching?"
Taehyung overheard it and immediately dropped his hand, face tightening in mild embarrassment.
"What am I doing, man..." he mumbled to himself before walking toward the group.
Just as Yeonjun was helping Hye-jin with a tricky equation.
Without a word, Taehyung handed a warm container to Sooyaa, avoiding her eyes and looking off to the side.
"Here. Take this."
Surprised, Sooyaa blinked.
"Wow!... You made this soup? Whoa, it looks delicious!"
Taehyung scoffed, still not making eye contact.
"Huh? Why, ....Why would I make that? I don't have that kind of time... I just bought it."
Sooyaa tilted her head, smiling a little.
"Huhhh... okay."
She took the container anyway, the corners of her lips tugging upward into a smile.
Sooyaa took a sip of the soup, then another her expression changing with each spoonful. Taehyung subtly leaned forward, eyes watching her with quiet anticipation, as if waiting for something… maybe just a word.
When she finally finished, he cleared his throat softly.
"So… how was it?"
Sooyaa looked up, licking her lips.
"Whoa… it was really tasty! But… why does it taste like it's homemade?"
Taehyung blinked, caught off guard.
"Uhhh—what? No, no, I bought it. Yeah. Why would it taste like homemade? Silly, right?"
He laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his neck.
Sooyaa tilted her head, still curious.
"Tell me, where did you buy it from? I want to get some too it's too good."
Taehyung quickly raised a finger and pointed vaguely to the side.
"There. You don't know it it's a new shop. Opened just recently."
He added hurriedly,
"But you don't have to go. Just let me know, I'll buy it for you next time."
Sooyaa narrowed her eyes playfully, not entirely convinced.
"Hmmmm…"
[ BACK TO PRESENT]
Taehyung sat in silence, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. His gaze lingered on the steam rising from the soup in front of him, but his mind was far away back in those university days,.
A soft chuckle escaped him before he even realized it.
Ms. Han, who had been quietly watching him, raised a brow.
"Are you… laughing?" she asked, leaning slightly forward, her voice teasing.
Taehyung quickly straightened, clearing his throat as if to hide the crack in his composure.
"Just… a funny memory."
Ms. Han smiled knowingly.
"Must've been a sweet one, if it's making you smile like that."
END OF CHAPTER.