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"Here," Yu Junghyeok said as he placed the dish in front of him.
Kim Dokja eyed the food appreciatively and picked up his spoon, scooping half a spoonful of the dish. The moment it hits his tongue, he was bombarded by the rich flavor, it's just that...
"It's delicious Junghyeok-ah but... it's a bit salty," he says.
"...salty," Yu Junghyeok murmurs and Kim Dokja nods in confirmation.
"Let's try eating it with rice. It might negate the salt." Yu Junghyeok nods and scooped some rice for him.
Kim Dokja took a little of the dish and slathered it on the rice. He blows on it, Yu Junghyeok's gaze linger on his lips, he ate it. He chews, considering, brows furrowed in concentration.
"Hmm yeah, it tastes better with rice," Kim Dokja said, satisfied.
Yu Junghyeok visibly relaxed.
"I'll try harder," he vows.
Kim Dokja smiles, "I know you would. You always give your best," he says sweetly.
Yu Junghyeok exhaled loudly, "Of course," he says, as he preens at the praise, his ears tinged pink.
"What would you like to try next," Kim Dokja asks as he jot down his notes on the journal; the title reads "Yu Junghyeok's Journey to be a Chef."
"Hmm, when we went to eat at xxx restaurant they have this dish that-"
The two talked about the next dish to try, enthusiastically planning. Tomorrow they will go shopping for ingredients. Their talk derails from the dish and jumped to one topic to another.
Soon they parted ways, happy and looking forward to tomorrow.
"Woah, look at those big lobsters! It's as long as my arm!" Yu Junghyeok looks at where he is pointing and hums in agreement. The lobsters are displayed in a big aquarium, others are beside it with a different sea creature inside.
There are a lot of people in the wet market, you could say that this is a prime time to buy products for dinner.
Yu Junghyeok held Kim Dokja's hand as to not get separated, they made that mistake when they first went here. It took them 20 minutes to find each other again.
They weave through the throng seamlessly, having done this multiple times. They slink through tight passages and stopped in front of a vegetable stall.
"Ah! Here to buy again? You boys where just here yesterday, buying bulks of lettuce," the elderly man said.
"Ah yes," Kim Dokja answers, "we're trying something new again."
"I see, I see. I'll leave you youngsters to it," he said before flocking to another marketgoer.
The two then proceeds to select what they need appraisingly. Yu Junghyeok held the basket, occasionally commenting about what he thinks on the produce picked by Kim Dokja. They get what they need and bade farewell to the seller.
Kim Dokja feels a bit tired from all the walking, trudging slowly. Yu Junghyeok noticed and suggested resting for a while. Kim Dokja acquiesced and said to find something light to eat.
They walk a bit more until they took sight of a food stall.
"Oh these dumplings look good!"
The vendor gave a booming laugh, "They do, don't they?" he said proudly, "My grandmother taught me how to make these."
"Then we'll take eight please," he says, opening his wallet, "Four for me and four for him," the vendor nods.
"Here you go. Enjoy~" Kim Dokja accepts it graciously, passing Yu Junghyeok his dumplings.
They sat by the table provided beside the stall.
"It smells so good," Kim Dokja said before blowing on the food and prepares to put it in his mouth. Yu Junghyeok agrees silently, picking one up and turning it every which way.
He took a small bite after hearing Kim Dokja make an approving hum, enjoying the dumpling.
"Try dipping it," Kim Dokja suggests.
Yu Junghyeok followed and let the added taste of soy sauce fill his mouth.
"What do you think?"
"The dumpling is good even without the sauce but when you do dip it, it adds something more," Yu Junghyeok peers at the soy sauce seeing a slight sheen to it.
Kim Dokja agreed, nodding approvingly at him. "There is something in the filling that goes well with the sauce and the sauce isn't just soy sauce either. Can you figure out what else is in there?
Yu Junghyeok made a thoughtful face and took a bite of the dumpling again, carefully tasting it.
They do this kind of exercise to test their culinary knowledge. Yu Junghyeok and Kim Dokja went back and forth discussing the dumpling. After finishing all their dumplings, the two continued on their quest.
As they arrive home they start to sort their purchase, setting aside those they have no use of at the moment. They've done this so many times that they know the roles they have to take immediately. Yu Junghyeok sat on the side as he watch Kim Dokja move around the kitchen.
"Watch carefully, okay?" Yu Junghyeok gave him a nod and Kim Dokja starts to work his magic.
No one spoke and Yu Junghyeok's focus is solely trained on Kim Dokja. The sound of the knife gliding and thumping on the board set a comfortable atmosphere, the clang and chime of pots and pans are familiar in their melody.
Soon the tantalizing smell of the dish wafts through the air making Yu Junghyeok salivate. Kim Dokja took out a plate and set about garnishing and putting the finishing touches to the meal.
"Here Junghyeok-ah, taste it," Yu Junghyeok lick his lips, taking hold of his spoon.
The first bite is heavenly and you can clearly see how Yu Junghyeok enjoys the food, his cheeks bulging.
Kim Dokja thinks to himself, 'Yunghyeok-ah looks the happiest when he eats,' he smiles fondly, ruffling Yu Junghyeok's hair.
"That good?"
Yu Junghyeok nods his head, "Hyung's cooking is the best," he said seriously.
"Alright you flatterer, don't talk with food in your mouth."
Yu Junghyeok finished the food in record time, making Kim Dokja shake his head in fond exasperation.
"Okay, now go and replicate it." Yu Junghyeok stands and went to cook determinedly.
Kim Dokja admires how Yu Junghyeok's muscles flex as he moves around the kitchen. 'People are right, men really are the sexiest when they're working,'
Soon, Yu Junghyeok is done. He fidgets as he waits for Kim Dokja's comment.
Kim Dokja looks at him, all smiles, looking proudly.
"This is very good. You did great. It taste just the same, no, even better," Yu Junghyeok smiled shyly, eyes downcast, his dimples making an appearance. Kim Dokja's heart stutters before jump starting wildly.
"Come here," he says.
Yu Junghyeok stands close, looking down at him. Kim Dokja raised his hands and guides Yu Junghyeok's head down. They kissed softly and slowly, the sweet taste lingers.
Kim Dokja pulls away, peeking at his lover. He can't help but give him more kisses and pecks before he is satisfied.
"How about we bake tomorrow? Mia would like that," he whispers.
"Mm," Yu Junghyeok grunts before kissing him again.
Kim Dokja chuckles and indulges him.