That Face Is the Problem - Chapter 28.2
Seeing Jae-gyeong get so excited just because he wore the t-shirt once and then make a whole pot of braised short ribs, Da-sol decided he needed to keep more distance.
“Um… Da-sol, please have dinner….”
From outside the door, Jae-gyeong’s shy voice sounded like that of a nervous bride calling out. A shiver ran down Da-sol’s spine.
‘I will just eat the braised short ribs and then keep my distance.’
Da-sol resolved to do so and got up solemnly. Even thinking this much about human relationships was tiring and burdensome for him. He opened the door and stepped out.
As soon as he opened it, a delicious smell hit him so strongly he almost drooled. It was on a completely different level than the faint scent that had seeped through the door before.
Rumble… His stomach growled loudly. He realized that after fighting at the gym and going through various events, he had skipped lunch. He clenched his teeth and tried to sit calmly at the table.
“This is braised short ribs, this is stir-fried spicy pork, and the soup is a light soybean paste soup… The side dishes are a bit salty and spicy… This is stir-fried anchovies, rolled omelettes, stuffed cucumbers, and fresh kimchi. I just seasoned the spinach, and it turned out well. There’s extra rice, so if you want more, let me know….”
“…Okay.”
Da-sol answered vaguely and swallowed. His two favorite foods in the world were tonkatsu and stir-fried spicy pork. He also loved eating rice with soup or stew. He was a true Korean food enthusiast.
Da-sol glanced up at Jae-gyeong with slightly suspicious eyes. How does he know my taste so well? Is he stalking me?
But the thought quickly disappeared. Behind Jae-gyeong, wearing a white apron and serving his portion of rice, transparent wings appeared. He looked like a Korean food angel sent down from heaven just for Da-sol.
‘Focus, Seo Da-sol. Don’t let food distract you.’
Da-sol picked up his chopsticks solemnly. It might look good but taste mediocre. He tried to calm himself and took a bite of the stir-fried spicy pork first.
“Chew….”
“Yes…?”
“No, it’s delicious.”
Da-sol replied briefly and started eating diligently. The stir-fried pork was truly tasty. The braised short ribs were tender and sweet, melting in his mouth. Every side dish tasted like home. The soybean paste soup was light, refreshing, and savory. Even the white rice looked glossy, making him wonder if it was really just from an electric rice cooker.
“You… cook well….”
Da-sol said, gripping his spoon tightly. He could not help but admit it, even though he did not want to. The food perfectly matched his taste.
“Ah, thank you… I have lived alone since I was quite young… I used to enjoy drinking, so I often cooked side dishes for myself….”
Jae-gyeong’s face brightened again. Da-sol regretted praising him, since it brought them a little closer.
But the meal was truly perfect.
Da-sol nearly lost himself while eating. He had two bowls of rice and naturally refilled his soup. The large pot of braised short ribs was emptied, and the stir-fried spicy pork was cleaned off the plate. The rest of the side dishes were equally finished.
Even though he had eaten with Jae-gyeong, he realized he had practically eaten almost everything. Da-sol put down his utensils and apologized humbly.
“Sorry. I ate it all myself.”
“No, it’s fine…! I ate too. And I’m happy you enjoyed it… haha.”
Why is he so kind? Da-sol sighed inwardly and stood up.
“I’ll do the dishes.”
“No, I’ll—”
“I said I’ll do it.”
“Yes….”
Da-sol put on rubber gloves and focused on the dishes. In truth, he was thinking, ‘I want to eat the stir-fried pork again. If I ask for it, will Jae-gyeong get annoyed? Damn, it was really good.’
Meanwhile, Jae-gyeong sat awkwardly in the living room, listening to the sounds of the dishes being washed, secretly impressed.
‘I knew he was a big eater… but he really eats well… When will this living together end? Doing this every day would be exhausting….’
Tonight, Jae-gyeong had cooked wholeheartedly because he forgave Da-sol for barging into his room and was grateful that he wore the gifted t-shirt. But if he had to do this every day, it would be too much.
Still, only two more days remained until the living arrangement ended. Both Da-sol and Jae-gyeong secretly wished for the end of the shared living, and that night passed quietly.