I woke up in the evening, the room already cloaked in darkness. With a yawn, I stretched my limbs and glanced toward the glass door, confirming that it was indeed nighttime. I quickly freshened up in the bathroom, splashing some cold water on my face to chase away any lingering drowsiness.

As I descended the stairs in search of food, my stomach rumbled loudly, reminding me of its empty state. I felt like a ravenous beast, desperate to satisfy my hunger. Just as I reached the kitchen, I was met with an unexpected sight.

There was Jimin, wearing an apron and humming a cheerful tune as he expertly arranged plates on the countertop. He was cooking?

My eyebrows shot up in surprise, and I couldn't help but watch him for a moment, intrigued by this new revelation. Jimin appeared completely absorbed in his culinary task, his movements graceful and focused. It was a side of him I hadn't expected to see.

I cleared my throat, not wanting to startle him. "Jimin," I called out softly, my curiosity piqued. "What are you cooking?"

Jimin turned toward me, a warm smile spreading across his face as he continued to stir the contents of a large frying pan. "Hey," he greeted me casually. "Tofu stir-fry for dinner. Found stuff in the fridge."

I acknowledged him with a nod, my curiosity still lingering in my expression. "Sounds fine," I replied monotonously. Cooking wasn't a topic that usually sparked my interest.Jimin's chuckle filled the air, and I observed the way his eyes crinkled at the edges. "Not a chef, but I try new recipes sometimes. Helps me unwind."

I didn't say much, just continued to watch him cook. His movements were precise, and he seemed comfortable in the kitchen. The aroma of the stir-fry was enticing, and my stomach reminded me that I hadn't eaten in hours.

"Need any help?" I offered out of politeness, though it wasn't my usual behavior.

Jimin shook his head, not missing a beat as he focused on the food. "Nah, got it. Grab a seat. Food soon."

I followed his suggestion and settled at the kitchen island, watching Jimin's skills with interest. It was an unexpected but pleasant surprise to see this side of him, and I couldn't wait to taste the tofu stir-fry he was preparing. 

I observed as Jimin efficiently served the tofu stir-fry, soup, rice, and a simple egg fry. My appetite had been awakened by the enticing smells that filled the kitchen, and I found myself nodding in appreciation as he placed the plates in front of me.

I didn't express my surprise verbally, but inwardly, I was impressed that someone whose expertise was in baking cakes could also cook so skillfully. The spread before me looked delicious, and I couldn't wait to dig in.

Without a word, I picked up my chopsticks and began to eat, savoring the flavors that Jimin had expertly prepared. The tofu stir-fry was a pleasant surprise, and the other dishes were equally satisfying. It was a welcome change from my usual meals on the go.

As I ate, I stole a glance at Jimin, who was focused on his own plate. There was a sense of contentment in the air, and I couldn't deny that sharing a meal with him felt strangely comforting, even though I wasn't one to easily express such sentiments.

After finishing the food, I muttered, "Thanks for the meal. But you don't really have to do this. I can hire people for it." My tone was matter-of-fact, but before I could continue, Jimin interrupted.

"It's okay, you know. You can hire people for household chores, but this is the only thing I can do for you right now. You ate some cupcakes at noon, and then nothing because of me. I know my friend must have paid you, but I can't let you go hungry because of saving me." His voice held a tinge of sadness, a stark contrast to his earlier cheerfulness. Jimin continued, his voice wavering, "You even woke up because of me. I am just... It's... you were a stranger just a few hours ago, but then you were there for me, comforting me because of my nightmare." He stopped, his emotions palpable in the air.

Our plates were now empty, and I signaled my intention by saying, "I will do the dishes. You should rest." I picked up the plates and headed to the sink to wash them. Jimin protested, but I remained resolute in my decision.I gestured toward the living room, silently suggesting that he go there while I took care of the dishes. Jimin hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded and made his way to the living room. After I finished with the dishes, I noticed Jimin in a deep sleep on the couch, the TV still playing in the background. He appeared truly exhausted. Making a quick decision, I left him to rest and walked over to the garden to make some phone calls. I needed to touch base with Seokjin and get updates on the situation.

As I stepped out into the garden, the cool evening breeze brushed against my face. I dialed Seokjin's number and waited for him to pick me up. After a few rings, he answered."Jungkook, what's the situation there?" Seokjin's voice held a tone of concern.

I kept my responses concise and to the point, as was my usual manner. "Jimin's safe for now. We're waiting for Hwa to make their move on Min Yoongi. I'll keep you updated."

Seokjin let out a sigh of relief. "Good to hear. Keep a close eye on Jimin, and don't hesitate to call for backup if needed. We can't afford any mistakes."

I nodded, even though he couldn't see me. "Understood, Seokjin."

After ending the call with Seokjin, I went back to the living room to check on Jimin. He was still sound asleep, and it seemed he had fallen into a deep slumber. My initial intention was to wake him gently and guide him to his bedroom, but he seemed so peaceful that I hesitated.Jimin appeared delicate in his sleep,  as I observed him. The thought crossed my mind that he looked almost angelic, but I quickly dismissed such notions. It wasn't appropriate to think that way about my client.

However, seeing him rest so peacefully, I decided not to disturb him. Instead, I gently lifted him into my arms, cradling him in a bridal carry. He remained in a deep, undisturbed sleep, his breathing steady and calm.

Carefully, I carried him to his bedroom and gently laid him down on the bed. He stirred slightly but didn't wake up. I couldn't help but feel a sense of protectiveness over him, even though it went beyond the scope of my assignment.

As I watched him sleep, I reminded myself of the importance of maintaining a professional distance. Jimin was my client, and my duty was to ensure his safety, and not to develop inappropriate thoughts or emotions.With a sigh, I turned to leave the room, making sure the environment was conducive for his rest. I headed back to the living room, where I resumed my watch, ready for any developments that might require my attention.