Jiseok Short Story Collection

The start of a sweet morning

The morning sunlight, dazzlingly bright, poured into the quiet kitchen and lit up the tiny dust motes dancing in the air. The dorm was completely peaceful. The hyungs had already gone out a few hours earlier for their radio schedule, leaving the apartment with nothing but time that belonged wholly to the two of us.

Jiseok seemed to have firmly resolved to make the most of this rare day off by cooking, but the meal he started so enthusiastically was a little clumsy and chaotic.

Our adorable maknae was standing in front of the gas stove in an oversized gray hoodie, which made his broad shoulders look unbelievably soft and cozy. A streak of white flour was on his left cheekbone, and there was a light dusting of flour on the front of the hoodie pocket too. With his hearing aids on, Jiseok was adjusting the volume to match the kitchen’s quiet, warm mood, so he wouldn’t miss the gentle sizzle of butter in the pan.

Normally, Jiseok was the type to show things through actions more than words, but whenever the two of us were alone and he finally relaxed completely, his usual playful, cheeky side came out without restraint. With a fiercely focused, serious expression, Jiseok carefully lifted the spatula, trying to flip a pancake that had come out a little crooked and misshapen.

“Don’t laugh. This is a strategic shape,” Jiseok complained teasingly. Turning his head to look at me, that signature bright, radiant smile spread across his face, instantly filling the whole room with warmth. He puffed out his lips slightly and pointed at the frying pan. “I was originally trying to make a star. The batter just spread out way more than I expected.”

“Looks more like a failed cloud.” Leaning against the counter across from him, I softly laughed and tossed out a sly tease.

Caught completely off guard by the sudden ambush of teasing, Jiseok looked utterly blindsided. His serious chef act vanished in an instant. A low, happy laugh rumbled in his chest as he set the spatula down and closed the distance between us with unhesitating steps.

Jiseok strode straight into my space and completely blocked out the rest of the kitchen scene. His big, warm hands reached out, gently yet firmly wrapping around my waist and pressing me right up against the edge of the counter. Then he tilted his head down to meet my eye level.

With Jiseok coming impossibly close until there was nowhere left for me to retreat, his warm chest touched mine and the distance between us disappeared completely. Just looking at the corners of his eyes, which curved prettily with steadfast, unwavering affection meant only for me, made my composure collapse entirely.

“A failed cloud?” Jiseok whispered. In his gaze, held so close it almost brushed my cheek, playful sweet sparks flickered. He let out a low, breathy laugh, his shoulders bouncing lightly with uncontrollable amusement. “For someone who hasn’t even tasted my cooking yet, that’s a pretty bold statement.”

Jiseok loosened his right arm from around my waist and gently guided my left hand, placing it softly over his chest. “I’m going to do my absolute best for you today, so take back the ‘cloud’ comment.” Jiseok whispered in a quiet, easy tone. His voice sank into a low, deep timbre that felt like it could melt my heart without mercy, pouring warm heat straight into my chest. Leaning just a little closer, Jiseok left a soft, lingering kiss on my lips. His breath against my skin felt pleasantly warm. Then, after pulling away, Jiseok flashed that same dazzling, brilliant smile again. “Now be good and wait. This batch is going to be perfect, no matter what.”

Jiseok gave my waist one affectionate squeeze before letting go and walking back to the gas stove. He was overflowing with maknae energy, looking thoroughly excited. Snug in the warmth of the sunlit kitchen, I watched his back as he hummed cheerfully to himself while flipping the next pancake, and it felt like the winner of this pancake war had already been decided.