She blinked. "Yeonjun?"
Yeonjun blinked in surprise. "Ohh… Sooyaa, you're here too?"
Sooyaa smiled and did a little finger l closing open gesture, in a cute way. "Yes…"
Yeonjun chuckled. "Well, I just ended up making way too much food today. So… would you guys like to join me? Like a mini party?"
Hye-jin crossed her arms, pretending to think. "Hmm…"
Before she could say more, Sooyaa jumped in. "Yes! We're coming!"
Yeonjun grinned. "Alright then, I'll go set things up."
Ding dong.
The doorbell rang.
Yeonjun swung the door open with flair.
"Welcome, ladies! Tonight, you'll eat the most delicious dinner of all time."
Sooyaa raised an eyebrow, folding her arms.
"We'll decide that after we taste it."
Yeonjun smirked and ushered them in.
He quickly arranged the dishes on the table like a proud chef presenting his masterpiece.
Just then, his phone rang.
Caller ID: "Mr. Kim"
Yeonjun picked up, still smiling.
"Yes, Taehyung?"
Taehyung's voice came through, low and curious.
"What are you doing?"
Before Yeonjun could answer.
Sooyaa's voice called from the kitchen.
"Yeonjun, where's the salt?"
Then Hye-jin's voice chimed in.
"Sooyaa! Found it here!"
Taehyung paused. His tone shifted, instantly alert.
"Hey… traitor. What are Sooyaa and Hye-jin doing there?"
Yeonjun scratched his neck, chuckling.
"We're just having a small dinner party. Nothing big."
Taehyung narrowed his eyes from his office chair.
"Small party, huh…"
Yeonjun teased with a grin in his voice.
"Would you like to join us, Mr. Kim?"
Taehyung scoffed.
"Ohhh, you sound eager for me to come…"
Yeonjun rolled his eyes.
"Says the one calling me in the middle of my party."
Taehyung chuckled.
"Why would I be eager to come, huh? I'm too busy for all this."
He abruptly ended the call.
With a sigh, tae hyung tossed the phone onto the table, leaning back in his chair, alone again.
The table was finally set steaming dishes, sparkling cutlery.
Sooyaa, Hye-jin, and Yeonjun stood together, clapping softly.
"Thank you for the dinner," they said in unison, bowing slightly in Yeonjun's direction.
Sooyaa grinned and picked up her chopsticks.
"Okay, I'm starving. First bite is mine."
Ding dong.
Everyone froze.
Sooyaa groaned, still holding her chopsticks midair.
"Now who's here? Did you invite anyone else?"
Yeonjun stood up with a confused look.
"Nope. Just you two."
He walked over to the door. With a casual motion, he pulled it open.
His eyes widened.
"Taehyung?"
Standing there, dressed in his usual black clothes, Kim Taehyung gave no explanation just cool confidence.
Without a word, he stepped inside.
"No party is successful without me," he said smoothly, brushing past Yeonjun. "So I had to come."
Sooyaa and Hye-jin turned around in surprise.
"Mr. Kim?" Sooyaa blinked.
Taehyung smirked, hands in his pockets.
"Oh… there really is a party going on without me, huh?"
Hye-jin stood up, brushing imaginary crumbs off her lap.
"I'll grab another plate."
Yeonjun quickly followed.
"I'll help you. He's my uninvited guest anyway."
The two disappeared into the kitchen, leaving a momentary silence in the living room.
Taehyung scanned the table, then casually walked around and took the empty seat… right beside Sooyaa.
Sooyaa stiffened.
She didn't even look his way.
Taehyung leaned slightly, voice low and teasing.
"No objections, Ms.Sooyaa? I thought this seat was available."
Sooyaa didn't meet his eyes.
"It's not reserved… so feel free to sit wherever you want, Mr. Kim."
Yeonjun took his seat across from Taehyung, raising a brow playfully.
"I thought you weren't coming. You said, 'I'm too busy for all this.'"
Taehyung leaned back slightly, cool as ever.
"Did I?"
He raised an eyebrow.
"I don't remember saying that."
Sooyaa, mid-bite, covered her mouth slightly as she spoke.
"Wow, Yeonjun... You're actually really good at cooking."
Yeonjun beamed.
"Thank you, thank you. I accept compliments in any languages."
Taehyung scoffed lightly, reaching for his chopsticks.
"Huh. Of course it tastes good. I'm the one who taught him."
Yeonjun put a hand dramatically over his heart.
"Yes, my lord," he said, bowing his head slightly. "You did indeed teach me... the art of washing dishes."
Hye-jin burst out laughing, nearly choking on her drink.
Sooyaa giggled too, shaking her head.
Taehyung gave Yeonjun a side-eye but couldn't hide the smirk tugging at his lips.
"Ungrateful student."
As the laughter began to settle and the plates slowly emptied, Hye-jin clapped her hands together.
"Alright! Since the food is done and the vibe is just right... I have an idea."
Sooyaa glanced at her warily.
"Oh no. That tone… it only means trouble."
Hye-jin grinned mischievously.
"Let's play Truth or Dare!"
END OF CHAPTER