Jiseok Short Story Collection

The breakfast disaster

The morning sunlight streams in blindingly through the hotel restaurant’s huge floor-to-ceiling windows, laying bare my miserable state for all to see. I rub my sleepy eyes and shuffle along in line, dragging my feet. My hair is barely brushed, and I’m dressed in a baggy graphic T-shirt and loose training shorts. It’s practically the textbook definition of a total morning mess.

I inch along the buffet line, one hand barely keeping the center of a breakfast plate steady while the other reaches out blindly, not even looking where I’m going, trying to grab a cold glass of juice from the drink station.

"Need help moving that plate?" A low, unbelievably clear voice rings out right behind my shoulder.

I gasp in shock, and all the strength leaves my hand. The heavy porcelain plate bounces out of my grip, hits the toe of my sneaker with a dull thud, and then crashes hard onto the tile floor. Eggs and toast scatter across the gleaming marble floor in every direction, turning into a mess in an instant.

A sharp, loud crash echoes immediately through the entire quiet restaurant. At the same time, a wave of icy fear slams into my chest. Every guest in the dining room turns to stare at the commotion, and I can almost feel the collective annoyance of the hotel staff from far away. My face burns an intense crimson, as if it might burst. But the moment I look up and confirm exactly who the person who startled me is, my panic reaches its peak. Jiseok.

He’s standing right there in a comfortable beige hoodie. As he looks down at the mess on the floor with a beautiful, calm face and totally stunned eyes, he soon turns those gentle eyes on me, full of deep concern.

"Oh no, I’m so sorry!" I babble frantically, my breath caught in my throat, and start bending down toward the floor without thinking, trying to pick up the broken porcelain shards. "I’m really sorry, I didn’t see you there, I’ll clean it up—"

"Hey, look at me. It’s okay. Don’t touch the glass." Jiseok cuts me off gently. He steps quickly into my space and rests a big, warm hand on my shoulder to keep me from getting scratched by the fingers. Ignoring everyone’s stares completely, deep care and a reassuring smile spread across his features. "I should be the one apologizing. I didn’t mean to scare you that much."

He handles everything with perfect elegance and grace. Catching the eye of a nearby staff member, he gives a polite, apologetic bow, then gently takes my arm and guides me away from the spilled food. After that, he leads me to a quiet, sunlit corner table that’s completely shielded from people’s gaze thanks to the open layout.

"Sit here for a second." he murmurs in an unbelievably sweet tone that calms me down. "I’ll be back soon."

I sit frozen in the plush chair, covering my face with both hands as the heat in my cheeks slowly fades. A few minutes later, Jiseok slips back into the booth opposite mine. Morning sunlight streams straight onto him, brightening his features. He sets a freshly made perfect plate right in front of me, along with that same glass of juice I had tried to grab earlier.

I look at the food, then suddenly become painfully aware of my messy outfit and shyly glance up at him. "It’s so embarrassing that you had to see me like this." I mutter, nervously fiddling with the collar of my oversized T-shirt. "I’m not even wearing makeup."

Jiseok lets out a low, soft laugh and rests his elbow on the table, his dark eyes studying my face with perfect, unwavering sincerity. The golden morning light makes the intense warmth in his gaze easy to read. "You’re pretty even without makeup." he says flatly, and his genuinely clear voice finally soothes my racing pulse.

"You’re the same, Jiseok." I finally push past my embarrassment and gently push back with a small, teasing smile. "But you always wear makeup on stage."

"That’s different." His calm eyes crease as a bright, pretty dimple appears beautifully on his cheek, and he teases me back. While the sunlight catches his brown hair, he leans a little closer across the table. "Stage lights are way too harsh. The light at the hotel breakfast is much kinder. It lets me see you more clearly."

The remaining panic completely evaporates, and a light, fresh mood settles in as we quietly eat breakfast together inside our own secret little bubble. He asks about my trip like this morning’s rough start doesn’t matter at all, and his gentle presence turns my embarrassing mistake into the highlight of the trip.

As the restaurant starts to thin out, the closeness between us spreads even more comfortably. He stands up and pulls his hoodie over his dark hair. As he reaches out to briefly stroke the back of my hand, a gentle, playful spark flickers in his eyes. His fingers against my skin are warm and reassuring. He gives me a small hand wave full of encouragement.

"Make sure you get some rest before evening." Jiseok smiles softly. His clear voice rings beautifully across the quiet table and falls like a sweet promise made just for us. "See you at tonight’s concert."