Work Text:
It's not often that Juyeon gets to turn his alarm off at the busy hours of noon. Wearing silk pajamas rather than clothes from the night before. Even so, the worry still overpowers and he's immediately swiping to check his texts. The first is from Haknyeon, assuring him that the restaurant is in good hands and they even got their new ingredients today. Juyeon starts to ask about how the new staff is doing and if they remembered the front of the house is due for cleaning...but he holds back. Instead, he dials Younghoon.
The phone rings as he starts up some coffee. "No you can't come in. No I won't video call you so you can check the kitchen. Just no."
"Wow. I didn't even say anything yet." Juyeon laughs.
"You didn't need to."
"Oh you just know me so well, don't you?"
Younghoon hums on the other end, "I do, in fact, you should probably actually put coffee in your coffee maker."
Juyeon's eyes flicker over to the coffee pot. He wants to hold back but he's curious. He slides over to it and lifts the lid. There's a coffee filter but that is all there is. "Okay, now that's just borderline creepy." Juyeon freezes in place.
"No, you're just predictable."
Juyeon rubs his eyes before pulling out his French roast blend, "Maybe I'm more tired than I realized. I think the long hours I've been working have made me a little scatterbrained."
"Long hours? That's an understatement."
"I guess you're not wrong." Juyeon mumbles.
"I'm always right. Anyway, I'm glad you called, there's this Youtuber I wanted to tell you about."
"Sure, who are they?"
His phone vibrates when Younghoon sends a link to him. "His name is Jaehyun and he does a bunch of things but I've been watching a cooking series."
Juyeon perks up at this, "Oh so he cooks?"
"Well...that's a generous way of putting it," Younghoon replies with a laugh, "Either way, he's been trying your recipes."
Juyeon clicks on the profile and scrolls through. All the thumbnails are oversaturated colors with Jaehyun's head enlarged to half the screen. "Aren't these types of accounts for kids? Like cooking with slime?"
Younghoon's laugh crackles, "I can see why'd you think that but no, not necessarily. Just give one a chance! I have to go but update me after you watch."
"I will, bye!" the call ends a few seconds before Juyeon finishes his sentence.
He cracks his neck, rolls his shoulders while he waits for the video to load. He isn't sure this is his recipe, he normally uses his culinary skills to help college students. Finding affordable and easy recipes so they have one less matter to worry about on top of loads of exams and sleepless nights. But occasionally he'd drift off from that to show a few more expensive options. Just in case they had the time to change it up. He's happy to realize that Jaehyun has done just that.
The man on the screen goes over the ingredients briefly, smiling bright and ready to begin. Juyeon is excited for him. To have a nice meal in between the stress. He figures he deserves it. But somewhere between Juyeon's happy musings and his next breath, there is a disaster unfolding.
The editing shifts to show a few different angles of the kitchen. "I have not made the switch to our campus apartments so, I'll be using our dormitory's kitchen." Jaehyun supplies, before slipping on disposable gloves.
There is a moment that Juyeon lets his guard down. Assuming people would only post perfected content on the internet. Then Jaehyun proceeds to slap the raw chicken right on the counter. No cutting board, not even a measly paper towel. Right. On. The. Counter.
It's not the worst scenario but...in a public kitchen...it makes Juyeon shiver. This isn't even a part of Juyeon's recipe. Jaehyun had just figured the roasted tomatoes weren't enough and tried to bake chicken (along with many other dishes he couldn't even count.) To say the least, Juyeon is scared once he slips it into the oven. "And next we- Oh my god, you guys. I completely forgot." The boy's eyes lit up more than Juyeon ever thought possible.
He reaches out of the camera's view and pulls back a bowl of cherry tomatoes. "Look how tiny they are!" He squeals, holding them gently in his palms, waiting for the shot to focus.
Juyeon catches himself smiling because...he's not wrong. They are pretty cute. He's just never paid much attention to them. They were simply tomatoes. "And before anyone yells at me in the comments, I did wash these beforehand!" Jaehyun defends himself.
Juyeon relaxes at that. He sips his steaming coffee carefully, a newfound hope. It shatters quickly.
Jaehyun's pouring significantly more than two tablespoons of olive oil into the bowl when Juyeon sees it. Smoke wavering in the air behind him. Jaehyun eventually sees it too in the viewfinder. "Oh god, not again!" He cries out, running to turn off the stove.
And Juyeon laughs. Which causes his hand to clasp over his mouth. He has never, should never laugh at such blatant unsafe cooking conditions.
He closes the video, worried for his heart if he goes any further. There is another with a dish name he recognizes, he doesn't have enough time to watch the full video. So, he scans forward a little. "But actually, I have a class in about ten minutes so, I'll need to speedrun this." Jaehyun rubs his chin as he stares at the stove.
Juyeon knows. Deep down he knows. But he wants to give the boy the benefit of the doubt, and decides to wait. "So, I can probably just turn up the temperature and it'll cook faster, right?"
Click. Juyeon leaves the video.
He scrolls to find one of him trying his Grilled Cheese with a Twist recipe and thinks to himself, this one, he must've done this one fine. Ten seconds in and he's proven wrong. Juyeon spends the early afternoon trying to erase the image of Jaehyun roasting a piece of Kraft cheese over the stovetop like a s'more.
---
"Are you sure you shouldn't head home?" Sangyeon hangs back.
It has been another week full of work. Juyeon grabs the beaten notebook from under the table, smoothing down a tear, "Yeah, I'll be okay! It won't take me too long!"
The lights are slowly dimming in the dining area when Sangyeon smiles sadly. "I can stay and help, if you want?"
Juyeon knows that Sangyeon wants to be back home and comfy just as badly as he does. "No, it's okay. Thank you for offering though," Juyeon grins, beginning to push Sangyeon out the entrance himself, "Get some rest, yeah?"
The other hesitantly let it all happen, waving through the windows. The night starts to cloud him and the restaurant away from the city.
The fridge is a bit of a mess, Juyeon can admit that, but he knows his team is trying their best. He starts to rearrange the ingredients, questioning some of the original placement motives. His binge-watching of Kitchen Nightmares back in his junior year makes him feel a bit more at ease.
A quick ping! rings on his phone. He sets down his pen to pick it up. It's a notification for Jaehyun's channel. The title reading 'What if Jaehyun...Cooks? #4 Pesto Mac & Cheese' and Juyeon remembers back to one of his first uploads. He'd been a shy mess early on. Knocking over ingredients and stumbling over his instructions. Completely losing his years of practice right on video. It was embarrassing and he has a sinking feeling that Jaehyun was about to watch it.
The video begins with a new chaotic intro, showing the many mishaps and miracles of Jaehyun's process. "Welcome back! Today we'll be learning how to make pesto mac and cheese from our favorite chef, Lee Juyeon!" Jaehyun cheers.
Juyeon can't hold in his giggle from the enthusiasm. "And today, I've brought in an innocent bystander to assist me!"
He drags in someone just a tad smaller than him. The person waves shyly before covering their face in embarrassment. Jaehyun laughs loudly, "You were just complaining about how I didn't ever share my spotlight, why are you acting like this?"
"I don't know, just keep talking." The boy shoves him lightly.
"Everyone, this is my roommate, Choi Chanhee! You'll be shocked to hear that he is a good cook. Somehow my bad luck hasn't rubbed off on him yet."
Chanhee rolls his eyes, "I wouldn't call it bad luck...More like lack of effor-"
The video cuts off the rest of the sentence and moves on to listing the prepared ingredients. Juyeon catches his reflection on the gloss finish, his face is rosy from laughter. Throughout the rest of the video, Jaehyun continues to do questionable things and Chanhee rushes in to fix it. Juyeon has to say, he's impressed with Chanhee's skills for someone who hadn't learned professionally. Yet, even as Chanhee sprints back and forth across his screen, across the grimy kitchen floor. Juyeon can't take his eyes off of Jaehyun. Eventually, the purpose of the video dwindles and Juyeon is too busy admiring him.
The way the tinted fluorescent lights catch Jaehyun's eyes just right, honey-colored hair a little untidy assumingly from the wind between rushing to classes, and- Juyeon has the stop himself realizing he still has a job to do.
He'd managed to get a few more tasks done, even the grueling chore of cleaning the stove. Sweat trickles down his neck as he dabbles it with a rag. It's later than he planned to stay and in an effort to avoid Younghoon's nagging, he shuts off the light and heads for the door. But before he can open it, he receives a text from Younghoon. A link to Jaehyun's Instagram live. He clicks it unnervingly fast.
The screen shows Jaehyun in a grey hoodie, watching a video on the monitor behind his phone. The comments are flying with different users for him to watch. "It's going to be pretty hard to get me into another cooking channel, everyone. I'm a loyal Chef Juyeon fan!" Jaehyun announces, an authoritative finger in the air.
Then, Juyeon hears a familiar voice, it was an upcoming chef, specializing in Korean cuisine. The kid had intuitive skills for being such a young man, it was really impressive-"I don't like this guy that much...he keeps breathing into the microphone." Jaehyun frowns.
Juyeon doesn't understand why that was important, listening in on the instructions, the chef seems to be clear and concise-"I like Juyeon's voice better, it's calming."
He stops thinking to choke on pure air. The chat scrolls even faster, clearly sharing Juyeon's sentiment. Some trying to warn Jaehyun that he was watching the live. But the YouTuber ignores his phone and simply moves on to play one of Juyeon's uploads. A sigh of content when Juyeon shares a recipe for oatmeal. "He speaks so well, it's so clear and soft. Don't you all agree?"
Jaehyun still doesn't bother to look at his phone. Chin resting comfortably on his hand, eyes gazing too deep into pixels. Juyeon feels like he's intruding and exits the live. Ping!
younghoon
Did you hear that?! Please tell me you did! OMG
The entrance door clicks shut between his fingers and he turns his phone off for the night. He'll deal with it in the morning.
---
Younghoon suggests that he catches up with his viewers. Just a quick live to ask for their feedback. So, he makes himself presentable and hopes he won't stutter on camera. Even with all of the 'star quality' Younghoon promises him he has, the camera makes him a bit shy.
As soon as the live begins, there are over a thousand viewers watching. "Wow, okay. Hello! How is everyone? This is my first time doing one of these so, please be patient!" He laughs in shock.
@kittyeon
I can't believe you are doing a live! Hiiii!
@bringmethepancakes
i've been good! how are you?
@nina34s
i can't even cook instant ramen...send help?
"You might be too far gone, Nina..." Juyeon jokes.
@justafork
@nina34s you and whatifjaehyun would probably be an entertaining duo!
"Aw, really, you can always learn how to cook. It's difficult but if you try, you got it! And so does Jaehyun!" He reassures her, while he adjusts the camera angle.
@justafork
juyeon, when will you teach him in person?
Juyeon tilts his head at the comment. “Teaching Jaehyun one on one? I guess I never thought of that.”
@kittyeon
Yeah! He talks about you pretty often actually! His twt is whatifjaehyun!
Juyeon switches his attention to his laptop. The profile didn’t take long to find but he had to do a double-take. “Is this him? With the cherry tomato profile photo?”
He giggles at the sight, “…cute.”
@honeybanks
it would be so fun to see you two try to work together! pls do it!
"I'd like to try, honestly. I'll talk with my manager about it and see if I can get into contact with Jaehyun." Juyeon gives the audience a shy smile as he clicks follow.
Before he can change the topic, a 'new tweet' notification pops up on Jaehyun's account.
@whatifjaehyun - 10s
you guys will never believe what just happened......?!
---
juyeon
Hey! What do you think about a collaboration between Jaehyun and I?
younghoon
I think that'd be great! For the both of you! He's already brought a lot of viewers to you and his cooking videos are his most popular.
juyeon
Good to know. I was thinking about it.
younghoon
May I turn off manager mode?
juyeon
Yes?
younghoon
Cool because WHAT?????
juyeon
?
younghoon
Just last week you were rambling about how hard it was to watch him cook AND NOW YOU WANT TO TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE?
juyeon
I don't know.
I think the more I watch, I can see the real effort.
He seems enthusiastic about every small detail too! He'll even get creative sometimes!
younghoon
Yeah
I remember your college days where you were up all night helping your peers
So, I'm not too surprised
juyeon
This is my passion, you know? I want to help when I can.
Plus.
It's cute watching him cook.
younghoon
JUYEON???????
juyeon
Anyway, I need to plan out my next video, I'll talk to you tomorrow.
younghoon
NO LEE JUYEON YOU GET BACK HERE RIGHT NOW!
YOU CANT LEAVE AFTER THAT!!!!!!
---
It's not like Juyeon isn't dedicated to his Youtube channel. He always puts his all into what he does. But usually, his ideas are collaborative with Younghoon. Yet, tonight, he's managed to write a page full of ideas. He cracks his knuckles while he leans back to check his clock.
3:44 AM
Worth it, he thinks. He reads it over, figuring at least one could be good enough. Sure, he'll probably choose a simple one for their first collaboration. But maybe the next one could be more chaotic. However, reading over the plans, they sound fun. Not as precise as usual. In fact, Juyeon can barely contain his excitement as he messages his (possible) guest.
@leejuyeon_official
Hello, Jaehyun! I'm Lee Juyeon (the chef you've been trying recipes from) and I was wondering if you'd like to meet? I thought it might be interesting to give you lessons in person. If not, I understand but I thought I could offer! Just let me know!
His heart is pounding for some reason. It's a simple collaboration but it seems more built-up than the rest.
Clearly enough for him not to have realized it's 3 AM..."Oh god. Ohhhh no." Juyeon groans, shoving his face into his hands.
Jaehyun is probably sleeping and he'll think Juyeon is such a weirdo to message him so late. He is almost about close the app in an effort to hide, when he sees Jaehyun typing.
@whatifjaehyun
is this real ...? oh my god this is so embarrassing.....
@leejuyeon_official
What do you mean?
@whatifjaehyun
i mean, the fact you've seen my horrible cooking attempts...you must feel so insulted but i SWEAR i was truly trying!
@leejuyeon_official
I won't lie - it was hard to watch at first. Still, I could tell you wanted to do well and my whole channel's purpose is to help people out. So, I obviously want to help you learn. Cooking isn't easy like some might think so, I get it. It's a journey.
@whatifjaehyun
it's not easy but...we are on very different levels...you own a whole restaurant. i almost burnt down my building.
multiple times!
@leejuyeon_official
Lol that's okay! We all have to start somewhere! Yours just happened to almost be cooking an entire building!
@whatifjaehyun
i can't believe THE lee juyeon just lol'ed at me...i'm torn between being insulted or honored.
also, yes...absolutely i would love to collab with you! are you sure though?
@leejuyeon_official
I am! When would you be free to meet up?
@whatifjaehyun
would you be free this saturday? i know your schedule is probably packed...
@leejuyeon_official
I'm sure yours is too! But yes, I can make time on Saturday! Would you be okay with meeting at my restaurant?
The address is ****! Is it too far?
@whatifjaehyun
omg it's actually close by! but is that okay? won't it be busy?
@leejuyeon_official
I can book it as a private party for a few hours! Don't worry!
@whatifjaehyun
wow...this is so crazy, i can't believe i'm actually doing a collab with you...
just let me know the time and i'll be there!
---
Saturday was only a few days away and Juyeon was...at the very least...debilitatingly nervous.
He'd done a few collabs before and they all went fine. There was nothing to worry about...according to Younghoon.
Younghoon is his closest friend. He would trust him with his life.
@whatifjaehyun
good morning! i'm so excited for our collab! i've been talking to my friends about it non-stop...it's probably annoying...but chanhee is really thankful! i think he feels bad for putting his tastebuds through my culinary masterpieces...anyway! have a good day, juyeonie!
Wait.
Younghoon? Who is that again?
Juyeon is busy retreating back into his mattress to cower from the world. No recollection of close friends.
After a few minutes of reconsidering his life choices, there is a Ping! He reluctantly lifts up to check his phone.
@whatifjaehyun
uhm. sorry but i need your help.
@leejuyeon_official
Of course. What's up?
@whatifjaehyun
my roommate helped me study so i thought i'd make him street toast for lunch...
it didn't really go well...
@leejuyeon_official
Oh? What went wrong?
@whatifjaehyun
i tried to flip it but now its on the floor...
it's like impossible to do it right! how do they expect me to know how to do this!!!!!
@leejuyeon_official
How to use a spatula?
@whatifjaehyun
oh...
i didn't think of that.
i tried like...tossing the pan so it'd flip...
thank you! i'll do that this time around!
@leejuyeon_official
No problem! You got this!
Juyeon is debilitatingly nervous for Saturday. For many different reasons.
---
"Are you sure you don't need help setting up?" Sangyeon offers, sliding on his coat.
Juyeon checks over the set once again (as he has a thousand times already.) "I should be okay."
"Alright, our fire alarm is great and all but remember, 119 if you need it." Sangyeon jokes as he shuts the door behind him.
The vegetables have been washed and sliced. Ingredients already measured. Camera set up. Juyeon can't stop checking his messages. It has been half an hour since Jaehyun's last message. He can't help but worry.
@leejuyeon_official
Hi! I just wanted to check up on you! Don't hesitate to ask if you need help finding the restaurant!
Minutes go by and there's no response. Juyeon knows he's probably overreacting but -
There's a knock at the door, through the glass stands Jaehyun, holding onto the strap of his messenger bag and waving. Juyeon goes to open it, cold air sneaks in yet Juyeon feels warm. "Sorry I'm late! I stopped at the wrong place but uh-" He pulls out a pack of honey butter almonds, "I brought these as an apology though."
His eyes sparkle under the warm lights of the restaurant, handing Juyeon the pack. "Oh. Thank you." Juyeon takes it, his voice failing him.
"Can I ask what we're planning to make today?" Jaehyun asks, cautiously walking further into the building.
"Actually, I was thinking we could just make some ramen! It's a simple way to start and we'll improve on it." He leads them to the kitchen.
"I make okay ramen...sometimes...I think I can do this!" Jaehyun convinces himself.
Juyeon agrees while he double-checks the camera settings. "My videos don't have too much rhyme or reason to them so, feel free to just be yourself." He comforts Jaehyun before clicking record.
"Everyone, take some deep breaths because today is special." Juyeon can't hide his grin from the camera.
He reaches his arm out to welcome Jaehyun...but he isn't walking into view. Juyeon turns to check if something is wrong and sees Jaehyun staring at his outstretched hand. He doesn't understand what's going on until Jaehyun slides his hand in his.
Juyeon hadn't meant for that. His heart nearly pauses in the tension but he goes ahead and guides Jaehyun into frame. "Hey everyone! Recognize me?" Jaehyun greets, covering his mouth (and blush.)
A confused daze still seeps into his voice but Juyeon doesn't comment on it. It was new seeing him flustered. Usually, on camera, he was so energized and confident. Those qualities are still there, of course, but now all bundled up into a shy college student. "We know you've been waiting for us to collaborate and the day is finally here!"
Juyeon can almost hear Jaehyun's racing heart. He's glancing between the lens and the rest of the kitchen. So, Juyeon stops the recording, catching the other's attention. "Are you okay? Is something wrong?" Juyeon asks, now holding Jaehyun's hands between his own (originally not intended but had grown to become a comforting feeling.)
Jaehyun pops out of his daze, "Oh yeah! Sorry...being in such a professional kitchen is just making me nervous I guess...I don't know what any of this stuff does. It's so fancy, like what even is this thing?"
"That is a blender..."
"Oh...Now that I see it from this angle, that makes sense."
"It's okay, I'll help you figure everything out. Trust me!" Juyeon comforts, patting Jaehyun's shoulder.
He gives a little smile before facing the camera. Recording starts again. "And we're really excited to see how this goes...but I'm sure he's a little bit worried." Jaehyun subtly winks at the lens.
"Not true!" Juyeon scratches his neck and slowly shuts the cabinet with three first aid kits shelved in.
Jaehyun rolls his eyes but continues, "So, introduce the dish to our viewers."
Juyeon goes over the ramen dish, regular ramen but with a few extra ingredients to make it tastier. He reads off the ingredients and measurements while Jaehyun listens eagerly beside him. "Sound good?"
Jaehyun nods happily, "Sounds amazing! Here's to hoping I can do it justice."
"I know you can." He replies more seriously than he probably should.
They start soon after, Jaehyun and Juyeon both in Kiss The Chef aprons, and Jaehyun brought his own chef's hat. He is very proud of this decision. "Jaehyun, would you mind showing me how you'd normally prepare a packet of ramen?"
There are more ingredient options set out now, letting Jaehyun have full access to the kitchen. He starts by boiling water and eventually putting the noodles in...but it gets weird. He picks up the black pepper shaker (which Juyeon barely remembers setting up) and starts sprinkling some in the pot.
No. Not sprinkling. Drenching. The pot now 95% pepper and 5% ramen. Juyeon holds back, interested to see where this goes. "I know most people wouldn't do this but it's a habit now." Jaehyun says, but as soon as he finishes his sentence, the shaker plops into the water.
He has dropped the pepper shake in the food like a Sim. "Cut that out, please..." Jaehyun giggles, heading to fish it out with his bare hands.
"Wait!" Juyeon grabs his wrist and pulls it away from the boiling water.
He subconsciously holds his hand to his chest. The boy is gazing up at him, in shock from what he just tried to do. Jaehyun's hands are really soft..."Oh god, sorry, I really wasn't thinking. I might be a little overwhelmed." Jaehyun sighs, facing the floor.
"It's okay, I just didn't want you to get hurt. Don't feel pressured to rush or anything, we're going at your pace." Juyeon reassures him, using a draining spoon to get it out.
They decide maybe it's best to just start the lesson. Jaehyun restarts himself, cooking the noodles well. Then just adds the flavor packet and nothing else (as per Juyeon's instruction.) As they go along, Jaehyun sets an egg into the ramen (with a little guiding from Juyeon) and lets the warm broth cook it. "This actually isn't going too bad..." Jaehyun comments.
Juyeon peeks to see Jaehyun beaming a grin at the dish. His heart swells. "Well, now that it's cooked we just need to add a few more elements."
Jaehyun carefully (almost a little too carefully) mixes butter, cheese, and sesame seeds. He manages to fling a few bits onto his shirt as he takes the spoon out, but it's simply classic Jaehyun style. "We should add green onions, they make most food better." Jaehyun hints.
"That is actually in the recipe! Look at you! Practically born with a chef's mind!"
Jaehyun shrugs, "What can I say? I was meant to do this."
They both giggle before tossing some in. "Tell me what you think first." Jaehyun asks of Juyeon, clasping his hands over his mouth while he watches.
Juyeon stops his chopsticks mid-way, "What? Am I your test subject? Are you trying to see if I'll get food poisoning or something?"
Jaehyun laughs and lightly hits his arm, "Shut up! Just try it!"
He eases up and eats the dish Jaehyun prepared. Jaehyun is shaking while he watches Juyeon chew. He'd never been one to easily show his emotions. But eventually, his chopsticks move to take another bite. Jaehyun hops up, pumping a fist into the air, "You went in for another bite! You didn't spit it out!...I can't believe this...I feel a bit dizzy."
He dramatically rests his hand on his forehead, fumbling against the counter. "It's really good! Here, try it!" Juyeon twirls noodles around the chopsticks, holding a spoon below if it drips.
He holds it up to Jaehyun who chews it gratefully. "Oh. My. God. I feel like crying...I didn't think this was possible."
"You've done it! Tell the audience how you feel." Juyeon holds a fake microphone in front of the other.
Jaehyun wipes fake tears, "It's an honor really! This will go down in history in one of the crucial turning points of my life even! I would like to think user HahaWhatIsThisFor, I couldn't have done this without you!"
"Who is HahaWhatIsThisFor?"
"Just my mom's Youtube account."
Juyeon holds his adoring sigh back (just for the event that Jaehyun's mother may see it.) "Do you have any inspiring words for cooks with potential like you?"
Jaehyun giggles, "Potential cooks, what a sweet way to say 'awful'. Seriously though, I figured I was doomed, but here I am! It's not impossible even when you feel like you could somehow burn air. You got this! Of course, I still need practice but...we all start somewhere, right?"
They soon say their goodbyes and cut the camera. It's like Jaehyun has his second wave of shock, "Juyeon! Can you believe that?!" He squeals, pulling Juyeon in for a hug.
"I knew you could! I'm so proud of you!" Juyeon never got to be much of a mentor for anyone, it was nice to help Jaehyun start cooking.
"Actually, if it's okay, I wanted to cook a meal for you. I figured you would do well so, I made a plan to celebrate. Then maybe, you could watch and see what I do?" Juyeon offers.
Juyeon has taken years of culinary school. He's been evaluated by the harshest chefs he's ever met yet still has never felt this shy about his cooking. It's not an elaborate dish he wants to make anyway. But when Jaehyun looks at him with his doe, hopeful eyes...he really doesn't want to let him down.
"Of course! I'll go turn on the camera again." Jaehyun starts to get up from his seat, but Juyeon sets a hand on his.
"This is just for you. We don't have to film it." He smiles, already moving to gather ingredients.
"Just...for me?" Jaehyun whispers to himself, Juyeon is already too busy cooking.
He proceeds to show off his skills, with demonstrations of tossing vegetables in pans and sprinkling spices. Without breaking the sweat that Jaehyun would even do out of nervousness. It's interesting to see Juyeon in his element, all focus when he tends to a dish. Every movement seems calculated, even his breaths. Jaehyun tries to take mental notes but all he can do is stare.
Still, Juyeon explains in full-culinary-vocabulary what he is doing. Jaehyun almost pities him for thinking he'll understand any of it. "It's only fried rice but...I bet my whole ego that you'll love it." Juyeon promises as he scoops the rice into a bowl.
It's not a home-cooked meal. They sit in a pristine kitchen meticulously planned by Juyeon years ago. But he put a lot of care into it in hopes it could resemble that special feeling. After a few spoonfuls, Jaehyun is leaning back in his chair. Worldview changed and he's trying to find a way to capture it. Jaehyun pauses, "Juyeon this is...wow."
"That's all you have to say?" He faintly pouts.
There is a short moment of panic that flashes over Jaehyun's face. But it morphs into a serious, more thoughtful one. "The full-bodied flavor is almost, dare I say, buttery. With slight hints of robust, delicate, smooth...uh...spam. The decision to infuse it marinated tender sous vide to the perfect medium-well cook was divine."
It's a long silence. Purposefully. Juyeon hopes to see Jaehyun's façade break but it doesn't. He is sure of himself. "Do you understand anything you just said?" Juyeon raises a brow.
"Not at all but I said it in a cheery voice so that means it's good to me!"
Juyeon nods, "You know what, makes sense, I'll take it."
He pulls out the gold star sheet he and Haknyeon bought as a joke, then places it on Jaehyun's pullover. "Congrats! You're my new favorite critic! Make sure to stop by often." Juyeon (halfway) jokes.
"You think I could stay away after finally tasting your cooking? It would be a crime! I already love it here...for many reasons." Jaehyun's voice slowly fades out.
Many reasons, Juyeon's mind latches on to. "You know, I live a bit far from my hometown now, so taking trips to see my family doesn't happen too often." Jaehyun starts, his tone nostalgic, "That is the reason I started trying your recipes actually, it wasn't just for entertainment's sake. I genuinely missed having food that wasn't thawed in a microwave...I wanted ones that I knew were made for me."
Juyeon had only ever wanted that. Remembering how grueling and isolating it was being so far from home. Besides his friends, he was simply a passing figure to everyone. He wanted his viewers to feel seen again. So that they'd care for themselves when they could. "Did it help?"
"I think so. Even though nothing I made was great, it felt nice knowing there was care that went into it. You have to remind yourself now and again that you're worth the effort." Jaehyun smiles at Juyeon.
Ping!
younghoon
How is the date going?
I mean
How is the business going?
juyeon
Jaehyun cooked a real, edible meal!
It was honestly really good, I'm so proud, you have no idea!
younghoon
Well he is learning from the best
People would pay stacks of cash for this opportunity
juyeon
I don't know about that...but I'm up for pretending!
Pay up for that last lesson we had! :D
younghoon
WHAT?!?!? WHAT LESSON???
oh
BUT YOU DID THAT OUT OF THE GOODNESS OF YOUR HEART!
juyeon
I did until I realized how much it was worth...your fault.
Anyway my direct number is ***!
Wait...
WHEN DID YOU AND JAEHYUN START CONTACTING EACHOTHER?
younghoon
As soon as he wanted my help!
juyeon
WITH WHAT???
younghoon
He just needed my help with
juyeon
AND WHY DID YOU SAY I WAS ATTACKING YOU??
HE'S TRYING TO TAKE MY PHONE AWAY!!
I'VE DONE NOTHING WRONG!
younghoon
nvm
GET HIM, JAEHYUN!!!
Juyeon is sure he has a scratch from the struggle...but the phone is swiftly taken from him and hidden behind Jaehyun's back, "Let this be a lesson. Be nicer to Younghoon and pay more attention to me."
"Wait...What?"
Jaehyun hesitantly drops the phone back in Juyeon's hands, "I mean, I was in the middle of a heartfelt monologue...of course you should be paying attention..."
"Well, I can't disagree with that. Truly, that's all I ever wanted with those videos."
"I'm proof that your plan worked, be proud of yourself!" He peels a gold star off and pushes it into Juyeon's apron.
Juyeon's restaurant is well known despite only being a few years old, critics gather to try their dishes, consistently loved and star-given. Always a perfect rating. But this. The flimsy, stick-on star is more meaningful than any of those could ever be. He can't quite place why, but he relishes the feeling. "If you ever need a reminder that you're not alone, even being so far away from home, I'll be there." Juyeon tells him with a kind smile.
"Will you also be there when I challenge you to a cook-off? Or will you hide after the mastery I've shown today?" Jaehyun smugly leans against a counter.
It's got the basics of a joke but Juyeon can see the serious undertones below. "You think you'll beat me, huh?"
Jaehyun puts on a faux nonchalant face, "I mean, anything can happen, besides...cooking seems so easy now."
"Uh huh...is that right?" Juyeon bites back his smile.
"It is right. Plus, next time, we'll do it at my arena. A cold, questionably-smelling college dorm kitchen." He declares with confidence that no regular man could easily match.
Juyeon's days have felt a bit easier lately. Brand new. Whole. "Well, I'll look forward to it then."
It's easy to get lost in the routine, never expecting it to waver once it begins. Yet, on the brink of winter, days found new meaning. A reminder to stay present, "Me too."
---
@whatifjaehyun
hey! have you seen the comments on our video?
@leejuyeon_official
The ones saying that I should let you take over the restaurant?
@whatifjaehyun
wow...you know me so well! even what catches my eye! how sweet
@leejuyeon_official
They caught my eye too but probably for different, more comical reasons.
@whatifjaehyun
suddenly my latest twitter messages got deleted?? how weird is that?? what a shame...i can't see what you last sent me...what. a. shame.
@leejuyeon_official
Oh I can send it again, if you'd like?
@whatifjaehyun
NO! nope
i'm good
thx
anyway! i was thinking about heading to the oak and taking over for the day! i'll serve all the customers and everything! what do you think?
@leejuyeon_official
Head this way, I'll show you around and get you started cooking.
@whatifjaehyun
wait...i was joking...wait are YOU joking?
@leejuyeon_official
No, I'm being serious. I think you could make some of our dishes well.
@whatifjaehyun
wow. juyeon you almost have too much confidence in me...i'm even a little concerned.
@leejuyeon_official
I've seen no reason to doubt you as long as you have my guidance.
@whatifjaehyun
i actually am tearing up. why am i crying juyeon.....im omw.
@leejuyeon_official
I also recently tested the fire alarms so, we should be good.
@whatifjaehyun
WOWOWOW OKAY! ruined the moment so quick
@leejuyeon_official
I'm kidding! Hurry up and come here! I actually already got you your own apron.
[image attached]
@whatifjaehyun
that is so cute wtf...the little deer on it!! omg how did you get it within a week?
@leejuyeon_official
it reminds me of you (just without all the questionable cooking decisions.)
@whatifjaehyun
ignoring that...
it's so cute...i must wear it...i'll head that way now!
@leejuyeon_official
Can't wait! :)
10 MINUTES LATER
@leejuyeon_official
Hello! Younghoon wanted me to pass this message on to you!
" PLEASE GOD JAEHYUN DONT BURN DOWN THE RESTURAUNT!!!! WE HAVE PUT SO MUCH MONEY INTO THIS..SO MUCH MONEY OH MY GOD I THINK I NEED EMERGENCY SERVICES??!!! PLEASeeee IM BEGGING!!!1!!1! "
@whatifjaehyun
i think that honestly might be more improved trust than he used to have in me. progress!