Celestial Encounters : A BTS One Shot Series

54 - BTS

Kimchi Chronicles

It had been a few days since the "Run BTS!" episode where the members made kimchi, and Jungkook was still buzzing with excitement. Ever since the cameras stopped rolling, he couldn't stop thinking about the spicy, tangy flavors, and how much fun they'd had during the process.

"Hyung, let's make kimchi at home!" Jungkook suggested for the umpteenth time, eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. Jin, lounging on the couch with a magazine, glanced up and sighed.

"We just made kimchi on the show, Jungkook. Don't you want to try something different?" Jin replied, flipping a page.

"But hyung, it was so much fun! And we could make even more this time. We could experiment with different ingredients," Jungkook insisted, his excitement unwavering.

Yoongi, sitting nearby with his headphones on, removed one earbud and raised an eyebrow. "You’ve been going on about this for days. Just let it go, Kook."

Jungkook pouted, his determination evident. "I won't let it go until we make it. It'll be a great bonding activity!"

Namjoon, who had been reading a book, looked up thoughtfully. "He might be right, you know. It was a fun activity, and making food together is always a good idea."

Taehyung, ever the adventurous one, perked up at the mention of trying new ingredients. "We could make a batch with some unique flavors. Maybe add some fruit?"

Hoseok, always eager to support the group's unity, nodded in agreement. "It could be a fun experience, and it’s not like we have anything else planned today."

Jin sighed again, but this time it was more resigned than annoyed. "Fine, fine. We'll make kimchi. But Jungkook, you’re doing the most work since it’s your idea."

Jungkook's face lit up with a triumphant grin. "Yes! Thanks, hyung! You won't regret it."

---

The BTS dorm was a flurry of activity as the members prepared for their kimchi-making adventure. Jungkook took charge, delegating tasks with the confidence of a seasoned chef. Jin, ever the caretaker, ensured they had all the ingredients they needed: napa cabbage, radishes, carrots, garlic, ginger, scallions, and a variety of seasonings.

"Okay, everyone knows what to do?" Jungkook asked, clapping his hands together.

"Yes, chef!" they chorused, laughter bubbling up among them.

Jin and Namjoon took charge of chopping the vegetables, their precise cuts a testament to their cooking skills. Jin was quick and efficient, while Namjoon approached the task with careful concentration, his brows furrowed in focus.

"Remember, Namjoon-ah, don't go too hard on the knives," Jin reminded, recalling the many instances of their leader’s strength causing minor kitchen accidents.

Yoongi, who had taken up the role of preparing the kimchi paste, worked methodically, blending the gochugaru, fish sauce, and other seasonings with a meticulous hand. His concentration was intense, a small smile playing on his lips as he tasted the mixture.

"Perfect," he muttered to himself, nodding in satisfaction.

Hoseok and Jimin, in charge of cleaning and salting the cabbage, moved with a playful energy, teasing each other and dancing around the kitchen. Taehyung, ever the experimentalist, busied himself with preparing a special batch of kimchi with apples and pears.

"Trust me, this will be amazing," Taehyung said confidently, slicing the fruit into thin strips.

"Just make sure it doesn’t overpower the other flavors," Yoongi advised, glancing over with a raised eyebrow.

Jungkook moved from station to station, checking on everyone's progress and offering help where needed. His enthusiasm was contagious, and the kitchen was filled with the sound of laughter and friendly banter.

As the hours passed, the pile of prepared ingredients grew. The members worked together seamlessly, their bond evident in the way they communicated without words, passing tools and ingredients effortlessly.

"Ready to mix?" Jungkook asked, looking around at his hyungs.

"Let’s do it," Namjoon said, rolling up his sleeves.

They gathered around the large mixing bowls, donning aprons and gloves. Jungkook started mixing the cabbage with the paste, his hands moving in practiced motions. One by one, the others joined in, their hands moving in sync as they massaged the paste into the cabbage.

The kitchen was filled with the fragrant aroma of the kimchi, the spicy, tangy scent making their mouths water. They worked in silence for a while, the only sounds the squish of the ingredients and their occasional murmurs of approval.

"This is going to be so good," Jimin said, his eyes shining with anticipation.

"Yeah, and we made it ourselves," Hoseok added, grinning widely.

After what felt like hours of mixing, they finally finished. The bowls were filled with vibrant red kimchi, ready to be stored and fermented. They looked at their handiwork with pride, knowing they had created something special together.

"Let’s clean up and then taste it," Jin suggested, always the practical one.

They set to work cleaning the kitchen, the chore made lighter by their shared satisfaction. Once everything was spotless, they gathered around the dining table, each with a small bowl of fresh kimchi in front of them.

"Cheers to our homemade kimchi," Namjoon said, raising his bowl.

"Cheers!" they echoed, clinking their bowls together before digging in.

The first bite was a revelation. The kimchi was fresh and crisp, with a perfect balance of spice and tanginess. The flavors melded together beautifully, each bite a burst of umami and heat.

"This is amazing," Yoongi said, his usual stoic expression giving way to a pleased smile.

"I think we outdid ourselves," Hoseok added, his eyes crinkling with delight.

Jungkook beamed, his heart swelling with pride and happiness. "I told you it would be worth it."

Jin ruffled his hair affectionately. "You were right, Kook. It was a good idea."

As they continued eating, the camaraderie and joy in the room were palpable. Each bite was a reminder of the bond they shared, stronger than ever.

---

Later that evening, as they sat around the living room, their stomachs full and their hearts content, they reflected on the day’s events.

"Who knew making kimchi could be such a bonding experience?" Namjoon mused, a satisfied smile on his face.

"It’s not just the kimchi," Yoongi said quietly. "It’s the time we spent together, doing something with our hands, working as a team. It reminds me of why we’re so strong as a group."

Jimin nodded, his eyes soft with affection for his members. "We should do things like this more often. It’s a nice break from our usual routine."

"Agreed," Taehyung said, leaning back and stretching his arms. "And next time, maybe we can try making something else. Any suggestions?"

"Let’s not get ahead of ourselves," Jin said, chuckling. "One cooking adventure at a time."

Jungkook looked around at his hyungs, his heart swelling with gratitude. "Thank you, guys. This really was one of the best days."

They all smiled at him, the unspoken bond between them stronger than words could express. And as they sat there, enjoying the warmth of their shared accomplishment, they knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would always have each other.

And so, thanks to Jungkook’s persistence and passion, they created not just kimchi, but memories that would last a lifetime.

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