Chef's Kiss || Joshua

34

Joshua was on Yumi's couch waiting for her to get ready, scrolling on her phone as he stumbled upon a photo of her on social media, her bright smile illuminating the screen. Standing next to her was a guy he didn't recognize, his arm casually draped around her shoulders. A surge of jealousy surged through Joshua, igniting a fire of possessiveness deep within him.

"Who's this?" Joshua asked, his voice strained as he held out his phone to Yumi, who was now leaving the room.

Yumi glanced at the screen, her brow furrowing slightly as she recognized the familiar face of her friend from culinary school. "Oh, that's just Hyuk" she replied casually, her tone light and carefree. "We met back in school. He's a good friend."

"He seems more than a friend" he muttered, his voice laced with a hint of skepticism as he reluctantly handed her back the phone.

Yumi's eyes widened in surprise at the edge in Joshua's tone, her gaze softening with understanding as she reached out to gently grasp his hand. "You're jealous"

"No" Joshua eyes were away from her face

"You are" Yumi smiled and kissed his neck " and there's no need for that"

Joshua's jaw clenched as he fought to suppress the surge of insecurity that threatened to overwhelm him. "I know, I just..." he trailed off

"You're jealous"

"Yeah, I am" he leaned his head into the couch "he says he misses you"

"I know. And I miss him too, he was my rock when I was in LA, but that doesn't mean we like each other. He's a friend"

"It doesn't mean I like he's hugging you and saying he's missing you"

Yumi squeezed his hand reassuringly "You don't have anything to worry about," she murmured softly, her eyes filled with warmth and affection. "I'm yours, Joshy. Always."

Despite her words, Joshua couldn't shake the lingering sense of unease that lingered in the back of his mind. It was like the photo was now engraved in his mind and he can't let it go.

"What time are you leaving?" He asked trying to forget about the guy

"At 9 pm.... Sunhee and Geonwoo will go with me"

"I could take you Sweets"

"No, it's not safe" Yumi caressed his cheek.

"I'm gonna miss you soo much" he pulled her in and trapped her in his chest

"It's three months only" she said " yeah but I'm gonna freaking miss you"

"Let me give you something remember me" he smirked as he lifted her up and went to her bedroom

Little spy 🕵️

Areum
My baby is leaving 😭

Is three months
But I'm gonna miss you

Gyuri
You better come back!

Hana
Come back quick!
Get your tan on

Thank you girls ♥️

As Yumi stood at the airport terminal, the familiar faces of Sunhee and Geonwoo beside her brought both comfort and sorrow.

Even though it's just 3 months, it's hard to leave them behind, they have become her family. She hugged Sunhee tightly, feeling the warmth of her friend's embrace enveloping her like a protective shield.

"Promise me you'll be back" Sunhee said with a soft chuckle, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "And don't forget to send us pictures!"

Yumi laughed through the lump in her throat, her heart aching at the thought of leaving her dear friend behind. "I'll make sure to eat and stay healthy" she promised, her voice filled with affection. "And I'll flood your inbox with photos!"

Geonwoo, ever the playful one, chimed in with a grin. "Just make sure you don't eat too much and come back twice the size!" he teased

Yumi rolled her eyes, but couldn't help but smile at his antics. "I'll try to restrain myself" she replied with a playful wink. "But I won't  ever become like you. You're getting a belly"

Geonwoo's playful facade softened as he pulled Yumi into a tight hug, his voice filled with genuine affection. "We're going to miss you, Yumi," he murmured, his words tinged with emotion. "But we know you're going to do amazing things in LA"

Yumi returned the hug, feeling the weight of their friendship pressing against her chest. "I'll miss you too, Geonwoo," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "Thank you for always being there for me."

"I need to send this to Gyuri and Joshua. They need to witness this miracle" Sunhee broke their moment as they look at her and her phone pointed at them.

As they finally parted ways, Yumi felt a bittersweet mixture of sadness and excitement swirling within her.

Yumi after landing and doing the check in the hotel she went into a cafe in downtown LA, the familiar sights and sounds of the city she once called home flooding her senses. Is like she never went away.

Her former teacher, Mrs. Parker, greeted her with a warm smile, her eyes  crinkling at the corners in genuine affection. "Yumi, it's so good to see you," she exclaimed, her voice filled with enthusiasm. "You look amazing"

Yumi returned the smile "It's great to see you too" she replied warmly, her voice tinged with nostalgia. "Thank you for inviting me."

As they settled into a comfortable rhythm of conversation, Mrs. Parker began to talk excitedly about the culinary course she had been accepted into. She spoke of the rigorous curriculum, the talented chefs she would be learning from, and the exciting opportunities that awaited her.

Yumi listened intently, her heart swelling with anticipation at the thought of immersing herself in the world of food and creativity once again. She felt a sense of purpose stirring within her, a deep-seated desire to chase her dreams and carve out a path for herself in the culinary world.

Just as they were deep in conversation, a familiar voice interrupted their discussion, causing Yumi to look up in surprise. "Yumi, is that you?" called out a voice from across the cafe.

Yumi's heart skipped a beat as she turned to see Hyuk, waving enthusiastically as he approached her table.

"Hyuk!" Yumi exclaimed, a smile spreading across her face as she rose to greet him. "I can't believe it's you! How have you been?"

Hyuk grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief as he pulled her into a tight hug. "I've been good" he replied, his voice filled with warmth. "But not as good as I am now that you're back in town!"

"Came back for more" she said

"For how long? what do you say we grab a drink and catch up?" Hyuk suggested, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "I know this great little bar down the street. What do you say?"

"Text me the address" 

After Yumi was over with Mrs. Parker she went to the little bar Hyuk texted her the address.

She was happy reconnected with her friend and to see some familiar face in here.

Yumi's phone buzzed softly in her pocket. Oblivious to the incoming call, she continued to chat animatedly with Hyuk, her mind fully absorbed in the present moment.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, Joshua's heart sank as he listened to the ringing tone on the other end of the line. He had been looking forward to hearing Yumi's voice.

He glanced at his phone, his thumb hovering uncertainly over the screen as he debated whether to try calling her again.

"What's wrong?" Mingyu asked, noticing the furrow that creased his brow as he stared at his phone.

Joshua shook his head, a faint frown marring his features as he pocketed his phone. "It's nothing," he replied with a forced smile, though the unease that lingered in his eyes betrayed his true feelings. "I just... I was hoping to talk to Yumi, but it seems she's busy."

"Maybe she's just caught up in something," he suggested, his tone gentle. "Or sleeping because of jet lag"