The small family shop was buzzing with the warm smell of frying chicken and the faint scent of makgeolli simmering on the stove. Soo Bin was behind the counter, carefully plating skewers and keeping an eye on the customers, when the door chimed.
Lim Won Young stepped inside, her hands tucked into her coat pockets, scanning the shop with curiosity. "Hi, Soo Bin! I've heard your food here is amazing, so I had to come try it myself," she said with a bright smile.
Soo Bin chuckled, wiping her hands on her apron. "Then you came to the right place. I hope it lives up to the hype."
From across the counter, Ahn Hyun Woo leaned casually, one elbow propped against the edge, a mischievous grin on his face. He had been observing Won Young since she walked in.
"Well, hello there," he said, voice low and teasing. "You're brave, coming in here thinking you can handle my sister's cooking."
Won Young raised an eyebrow, smirking faintly. "I think I can handle a little challenge."
Soo Bin rolled her eyes, amused. "You two are ridiculous," she muttered, laughing softly.
Hyun Woo pushed himself off the counter, stepping a little closer to Won Young. "You know… I've always thought you're cute. Why don't you let me show you around the shop while you taste my sister's amazing food?"
Won Young blinked, her smile softening, but her tone was firm. "Thanks… but I'm not interested in men. Even if I were, I don't think you'd be my type."
Hyun Woo froze, slightly shocked, then grinned sheepishly. "Well… that's a first. But I like a challenge."
Soo Bin shook her head, chuckling at her brother's antics. "Hyun Woo, leave her alone. She's here for my cooking, not your compliments."
Won Young laughed, the sound light and warm, clearly entertained by the banter. "I think your brother is charming, though… in a stubborn, hopeless way," she teased.
Hyun Woo leaned back with a mock bow. "I'll take that as a compliment."
The rest of the afternoon was filled with laughter, the clinking of dishes, and playful banter. Soo Bin served Won Young some of her best dishes, carefully explaining each one, while Hyun Woo hovered nearby, trying—and failing—to impress her further.
By the time Won Young left, she promised to come back for more, both for the food and for the small, playful chaos that Hyun Woo seemed to bring with him.
Soo Bin watched her leave, smiling softly. "She's definitely… unique," she muttered, shaking her head.