NOTAKING
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Chapter 34
🕑 Added 2025-02-22 21:53:48 +0000 UTCAfter getting everything signed, Yeon-Ah handed him the keys and began explaining how everything worked in the building—the security system, trash disposal, maintenance schedules, and the general rules tenants were expected to follow.
Travis listened attentively, not losing focus for even a second. There was something charming about the way she spoke—polite, yet confident, like someone who had been doing this for years.
When she finished, she gave him a warm smile. "Okay, that's all. Any questions?"
Travis took a moment, considering his words before flashing a polite smile. "May I take you out for lunch? Your service was so wonderful that I'd like to show my gratitude."
Yeon-Ah blinked in surprise, her lips parting slightly before curving into a soft smile. ' Oh, this is something I didn't expect... Does he like me? No, he can't. I mean, I'm pretty old—in fact, old enough to be his mother from the looks of his ID. So maybe he's just being kind. Well, if that's the case, then it'd be rude not to accept,' she thought.
"Sure," she said, then added playfully, "but I'd much rather we do that at my place. Think of it as me welcoming you."
Travis chuckled, shaking his head. "That kind of defeats my intention, but okay. Let me go grab some treats for us then. I'll be back in a few."
As he walked out, Yeon-Ah sighed and smiled to herself, watching him go. 'A new tenant… It's been a while, honestly,' she mused, feeling an odd sense of excitement.
Travis stepped into the elevator, pressing the button for the ground floor. The ride was smooth, but when the doors opened, he was immediately met with two people standing outside—a peculiar pair.
Ha-Seong and Na-Yeon.
Ha-Seong was the protagonist of this story. A good guy, genuinely. The kind of man others naturally rallied behind. It honestly should hurt that Travis planned on taking his harem away.
…Syke.
Beside him stood Na-Yeon. A heroine in this story—and, funnily enough, Yeon-Ah’s daughter. She had blonde hair, obviously dyed, though he wasn’t sure why. Her figure was toned, evidence of her dedication to working out, and her sharp features gave her a striking beauty. There was something about the contrast of her fit physique and the slight tsundere air she carried that made her stand out even more. She had a thing for Ha-Seong, that much was clear.
Travis sighed internally.' Man, I’m gonna be working hard to make her mine. '
As he stepped past them, he felt Na-Yeon’s gaze on him. A fleeting glance, but noticeable.
Her brows furrowed slightly as she sized him up. ' He’s… pretty cool? ' she thought, though she wouldn’t say it out loud.
Travis exited the building and pulled out his phone, checking for nearby bakeries on the map. He found one a few blocks away and headed over, deciding to buy three boxes of pastries instead of one.
After all, his moment had been interrupted, thanks to the arrival of those two.
But at least now, he was getting introduced to more of the cast.
He went back, knocking on the door as his eyes wandered around the quiet neighborhood. The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of blooming flowers from a nearby garden. A moment later, the door swung open, revealing Yeon-Ah with a warm smile, her eyes lighting up at the sight of him.
"Hey," she greeted, stepping aside to let him in.
Travis entered, immediately hit by a rich, mouthwatering aroma that wrapped around him like a warm embrace. Something savory, with a hint of spice.
"I was cooking before you came," Yeon-Ah said, closing the door behind him. "So if you can, why don't you stay for dinner? And we'll eat the treats later."
Travis smiled at the offer. "That sounds great. Thank you."
He carried the boxes into the kitchen, placing them on the counter before inhaling deeply. "It smells amazing in here."
Yeon-Ah giggled, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Oh, thank you! I hope you like it. You can sit there so we can talk," she said, pointing at the stool by the kitchen counter.
He nodded and took a seat, watching as she moved around the kitchen with effortless grace, stirring something in a pot before turning to face him.
"So, what do you do for work?" she asked, tilting her head slightly. "You seem really young, you know. Well, not just seem—you are very young."
She studied him curiously, her lips quirking into a teasing smile, waiting for his answer.
Travis chuckled, resting his forearms on the counter. "Yeah, I get that a lot. I'm a freelance writer. ' Straight Cap!' Nothing too fancy, just articles, reviews, and sometimes short stories."
Yeon-Ah’s brows lifted with interest. "Oh? That’s pretty cool. I didn’t expect that." She leaned against the counter, propping her chin on her palm. "So, you make up stories for a living?"
"Basically," he said with a smirk. "Though not all of it is fiction. Some of it’s research-based. But yeah, storytelling is a big part of what I do."
She hummed, stirring the pot absently. "That actually sounds fun. Stressful, but fun."
"It has its moments," Travis admitted. "Deadlines can be a pain, and sometimes inspiration just refuses to show up. But when it does, it’s worth it."
Yeon-Ah grinned. "I get that. I used to write in school. Nothing serious, just little stories for myself. But I was never good at finishing them."
"That’s half the battle," he said. "Starting is easy. Finishing is what separates a hobby from a job."
She nodded in agreement, then turned back to the stove, stirring whatever was cooking. The rich, savory scent thickened in the air, making his stomach rumble.
"So, what about you?" Travis asked, leaning back slightly in his chair. "What do you do?"
Yeon-Ah glanced at him over her shoulder, a subtle smile playing on her lips. "I guess you could say I'm a stay-at-home mom. But since I own this property, I don't have a definitive answer. I handle things around here, keep everything running. But I'm sure you get the idea," she said, lifting a pot lid to check on whatever she was cooking. The rich aroma of spices and simmering broth filled the kitchen.
Travis chuckled. "That does sound pretty complicated."
She shot him a playful wink as she stirred the pot. "It is, but I’m not complaining. I get to do whatever I feel like doing, whenever I want. It's really stress-free."
The conversation flowed easily between them, the kitchen warm and inviting. Yeon-Ah moved with practiced ease, plating side dishes, arranging the table, and occasionally throwing him soft, knowing glances. The way she carried herself—calm, confident, entirely in control of her space—made it clear she thrived in her role.
"You like spicy food, right?" she asked suddenly, tilting her head slightly.
"Yeah, I love it," he said without hesitation.
"Good," she replied, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Because I might’ve gone a little overboard with the spice."
Travis smirked, resting an elbow on the counter. "I can handle it."
Yeon-Ah giggled, covering her mouth. "We’ll see."
A few minutes later, she set the dishes down, the steam rising in fragrant curls. The deep reds and vibrant greens of the food made his stomach rumble in anticipation. She untied her apron and draped it over a nearby chair before sitting across from him.
"Alright," she said, handing him a pair of chopsticks. "I should call my kids down. Please wait here."
He nodded, watching as she walked away, her presence lingering even after she disappeared down the hall. With a quiet sigh, he ran a hand through his hair.
'It's going well for now. Just need to make it obvious that I want us to be friends, not just neighbors,' he thought.
As he waited, he glanced at the dishes, the spice-heavy aroma teasing his senses. He smirked to himself. This dinner was definitely going to be interesting.
TO BE CONTINUED
