NOTAKING
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Chapter 48
🕑 Added 2025-03-03 20:00:13 +0000 UTCTravis walked into the kitchen, surveying the scene. The countertop was cluttered with various ingredients, though the burnt smell still lingered in the air. Yeon-Ah seemed a bit flustered as she stood beside the stove, a pan with charred remnants stuck to the bottom.
"Okay, looks like we need to start over," Travis said, chuckling lightly to ease her nerves. He took a step toward the sink and rinsed his hands, his eyes scanning the kitchen. There was a cutting board, some fresh vegetables, and a slab of Wagyu that was far from the burnt mess in the pan.
"I'll handle the meat. You focus on the sides," he suggested, his voice calm and easygoing. Yeon-Ah seemed relieved, nodding as she stepped back to give him space.
Travis grabbed the Wagyu, admiring the marbling on the beef. It was high-quality meat, no doubt, but it had to be cooked just right to bring out its flavors. He placed it on the cutting board, his knife cutting through the tender flesh with precision.
"You know," Travis said casually as he worked, "cooking doesn’t have to be that hard. It’s all about timing and heat." He glanced over his shoulder at Yeon-Ah, who was now busy prepping vegetables. "Just make sure to season everything well. You can’t go wrong with a little salt and pepper."
Yeon-Ah smiled faintly, trying to keep up with the pace but still seeming a bit overwhelmed. "I just never really got the hang of it," she admitted. "I was always better at the theory of cooking, not the practical part."
"Don’t worry. You’ll get the hang of it," Travis reassured her, turning the heat down under the pan. He slid the slices of Wagyu into the pan, letting the fat sizzle and pop as the meat started to brown. The smell of searing beef filled the air, far more appetizing than the burned remnants from earlier.
Yeon-Ah moved around the kitchen with a little more confidence now, chopping vegetables and arranging them on the plate. Travis could feel the tension easing between them, and he took the opportunity to make some small talk as he worked.
"So, do you cook a lot?" he asked, flipping the Wagyu with a swift motion, his eyes never leaving the pan.
"Not really," she replied. "I usually just order takeout. But tonight’s a special night... so I wanted to try something different."
Travis raised an eyebrow, turning his attention to her. "Special night? That's nice of you to see it that way"
Yeon-Ah paused for a moment, a slight blush coloring her cheeks. "Oh, just... you know, wanted to do something nice for. "
His lips curved into a knowing smile. "Well, I’m happy to help."
As he plated the Wagyu, perfectly seared and juicy, he glanced over at her. She was busy arranging the sides, clearly putting in more effort now that she wasn’t as stressed.
‘This is nice,’ Travis thought, glancing at her with a more appreciative look. ‘ things are going well’
The meal came together beautifully, the beef glistening with a rich, reddish-brown glaze, the vegetables bright and fresh. Travis set the plate down in front of her, and she hesitated for a moment before taking a bite. Her eyes widened in surprise, the flavors clearly more than she had expected.
"Wow, this is... really good!" she said, her voice full of awe.
Travis chuckled, leaning back against the counter. "Told you it was easy."
Yeon-Ah laughed softly, the tension between them completely gone now. She looked up at him with a hint of gratitude. "Thanks, Travis. You really saved me."
"Anytime," he replied, his tone casual but his eyes lingering on her for just a moment longer. The connection between them had shifted, and Travis couldn’t help but wonder if this would lead to something more.
But for now, they both sat down, sharing the meal in comfortable silence, the conversation flowing more easily than it had before.
“Now, well, let’s get to work with tonight’s food,” Travis said, his voice steady, but with a hint of excitement that couldn't be hidden. He glanced over at the stove, already imagining the delicious meal taking shape. “We won’t cook it completely, though. We’ll leave it in the oven, and by the time the housewarming party kicks off, everything will be perfectly cooked and ready to serve.”
“Okay, let’s do that!” Yeon-Ah replied with enthusiasm, her voice brimming with energy. The spark in her eyes was contagious, and Travis couldn’t help but smile, feeling a warmth spread through him at her excitement.
They dove into the preparations, the rhythm of their movements in sync as they worked side by side. Yeon-Ah, her hands nimble and graceful, reached for the ingredients, while Travis measured and prepped the sides. It was the perfect balance between the two of them—easy, almost effortless. But then, Yeon-Ah paused, her eyes flicking upward toward the top shelf. She needed something, but it was just out of reach.
Without thinking, she grabbed the nearest chair and stepped onto it, her body stretching as she reached for the item. The chair wobbled beneath her, and she shifted her weight, trying to steady herself.
Travis had only stepped into the bathroom for a moment, but the instant he returned, he saw it happen. The chair shifted beneath Yeon-Ah, and she teetered dangerously, arms flailing as she lost her balance. Time seemed to slow, and without thinking, Travis’s feet moved, and in a swift, fluid motion, he was there. His hands shot out, catching her just in time before she could fall.
The world seemed to hold its breath for a beat, and then, as if it were nothing at all, Travis effortlessly lifted her into his arms. Yeon-Ah’s heart raced in the sudden proximity, and she found herself staring up at him, their eyes locking for a moment that felt like it stretched on forever.
“You should have waited for me to come back,” Travis said, his voice a mix of concern and gentle reproach, though the way he held her—strong yet tender—spoke more than his words. “What if you had gotten hurt?”
Yeon-Ah felt the heat of embarrassment rise in her cheeks, her voice small as she spoke. “Sorry,” she murmured, a soft blush coloring her features. “I didn’t want to work you more than I already am. I mean, you’re here just for me, and I didn’t want it to seem like I’m using you…”
Travis’s grip tightened slightly, not in any way that would hurt, but as if to ground her, offering reassurance. His face softened as he leaned in a little closer, his tone warm, sincere. “Hey, I know you’re not using me,” he said, his eyes searching hers. “Plus, I could’ve disagreed to come if I wanted to, but instead, I didn’t. I want to help you, so don’t hesitate to ask me for something—especially if it means avoiding something like this.”
Yeon-Ah nodded, her tension easing as a small, relieved smile spread across her lips. The air between them felt lighter now, more comfortable. She shifted, preparing to step down from his arms, but in that brief moment, Travis’s hand, still holding her, brushed against her breast. The contact was so fleeting yet enough to make both of them freeze.
Neither of them spoke, and the silence was thick with unspoken things. Travis’s breath caught in his throat as his hand rested there a moment too long, the warmth of her skin sending a jolt through him. His heart raced, and his face flushed with sudden embarrassment. He pulled his hand back instinctively, stammering, “Oh, sorry. I didn’t mean to…”
Yeon-Ah’s reaction was unexpected—she giggled, the sound light and carefree, as though the moment hadn’t caught her off guard at all. She lifted her eyes to his, her playful smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “Don’t worry. Take that as a reward for helping me,” she teased, her tone full of mischief, her gaze sparkling with amusement.
Travis chuckled, though it was nervous, his thoughts racing as he stepped back, the awkwardness of the moment lingering for just a second. Yet, there was something else—something between them that neither could ignore. He could feel the pull of her presence, the connection that had deepened without either of them fully realizing it.
As she turned back to the stove, he couldn’t help but watch her, his gaze softening as he looked at her beautiful ass.
'It’s going just as I planned,' he thought, a smirk growing on his face.
TO BE CONTINUED 
