"He learned as a trainee. Company didn't always feed us properly more than what was necessary to keep in shape. He'd take his allowance—what little he had—and buy ingredients. Taught himself from YouTube videos."
Something twisted in Soorin's chest.
"Really?"
"Yeah. Used to cook for all of us. Made sure everyone ate. Even when he was exhausted."
She looked across the kitchen.
At Haejin scrubbing a pot.
Focused. Methodical.
Another layer.
Another piece of his history.
Another reason to understand him.
"Thanks for telling me."
"Figured you should know."
Doyun walked away.
Left her standing there.
Processing.
The kitchen gradually emptied.
People finishing cleanup.
Heading out.
Soon it was just her and Haejin.
Everyone else gone.
She was wiping down her station.
He was putting away the last of the dishes.
Silence between them.
Not uncomfortable.
Just... there.
Finally, he spoke.
"Where did you learn to cook like that?"
His voice was quiet.
Almost vulnerable.
