Chapter 4: A Lingering Thought

Namjoon couldn't shake the feeling that had followed him ever since the night at the restaurant. YN’s image was seared into his mind the way she moved, her small, fragile frame hidden under that worn apron, the way her hands skillfully worked as she served food. There was nothing extravagant about her, and that’s exactly what fascinated him. Her presence was calm, almost too calm for someone who had likely seen years of life pass her by. Her gentleness, her unpolished look, the authenticity she carried with her was unlike anything he'd ever experienced with the women in his life.

He replayed that moment in his head over and over the subtle bow she gave when she served the food, the quiet way she spoke, and how she seemed almost invisible to the world around her. And yet, Namjoon couldn’t stop thinking about her.

While YN remained unaware of this turmoil, she carried on with her work as usual. The busy hum of the kitchen didn’t leave her any space for other thoughts. For YN, it was just another evening at the restaurant. She had recipes to complete, dishes to serve, and customers to satisfy. There wasn’t any hint of Namjoon in her mind. If anything, the last time she saw him was just another night, another table of customers. She was focused, as she always was, on her responsibilities, not allowing herself to think too much about anything or anyone outside her cooking.

Namjoon, on the other hand, couldn’t get her out of his head. He couldn’t even explain why, but he found himself making excuses to his friends, dodging their invitations for another night out.

"Got something to handle tonight," he told them vaguely, avoiding eye contact, as they kept probing him with questions. "I’ll catch up with you later."

They gave him strange looks, not used to Namjoon turning down a night out. But Namjoon had already made up his mind. He wasn’t heading to the clubs tonight. Instead, he found himself walking back toward that small restaurant.

As he approached the familiar corner, the peaceful atmosphere hit him. The warm glow from the lights, the soft hum of people chatting it was the kind of serenity that didn’t exist in the loud, vibrant nightlife he was used to. YN had created this space. The simple yet thoughtful decor, the quiet music in the background it was all her doing. Mr. Kwon always trusted her with these decisions, and she worked them out perfectly.

The restaurant was more crowded tonight, as it was nearing dinner time. Namjoon waited patiently, scanning the room for her, but she didn’t come out. Instead, one of the maids approached to take his order.

"Can I help you, sir?"

Namjoon glanced over, slightly disappointed that it wasn’t YN. "Just some bibimbap, please," he replied.

He waited as the food arrived, but he didn’t touch it. His mind wasn’t on eating. He glanced toward the kitchen door, wondering why YN hadn’t appeared. He knew she was back there, cooking. He could feel it. But he needed to see her again.

Namjoon ate slowly, dragging out each bite, hoping to stretch his time there. He even ordered another dish just to prolong his stay. His gaze kept flickering toward the kitchen, waiting for her to appear. He was determined, and nothing was going to stop him from seeing her again tonight.

Then, it happened. The kitchen door swung open, and there she was. YN stepped out, wearing her apron and chef’s hat, holding a spatula in one hand. Her small figure moved with ease, and her gloved hands were quick as she solved a minor issue at one of the tables. Her presence filled the room, yet it was so understated that most people wouldn’t even notice her. But Namjoon did.

His heart raced, though he couldn’t explain why.

As YN finished her task and turned to head back into the kitchen, Namjoon couldn’t help himself. He called out, his voice firm yet gentle.

"Excuse me, Chef."

YN paused, turning around, her eyes locking onto his. Her brow furrowed slightly as she recognized him. Why was he back again? And why was he asking for her?

"Can I have a moment with you?" Namjoon asked, leaning forward slightly, his gaze unwavering.

YN stood still, questioning herself. What was he doing here again? Why was he asking to talk? Her mind was telling her to make an excuse, to say she was too busy in the kitchen. But something in her heart stopped her from saying the words that were on the tip of her tongue.

After a long moment, she nodded ever so slightly. Her heart felt heavy with uncertainty as she walked over to the table and sat down across from Namjoon, still clutching the spatula in her hand.

Namjoon’s eyes lingered on her face, studying the lines of tiredness etched into her features, the softness that seemed untouched by the world. He didn’t know what he was going to say or why he wanted to talk to her, but here she was, sitting in front of him.

And for the first time in a long while, Namjoon was at a loss for words.

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