Author's POV

The cold, crisp air of the mountains greeted Jin like an old friend. It had been months since he had taken a real break, and as a chef working in one of the busiest hotels in the city, he had earned it. His life was a whirlwind of orders, high-pressure cooking, and constant meetings. A week in a secluded cottage surrounded by trees was exactly what he needed to unwind. Or at least, that was the plan.

When he drove up to the small cottage, nestled between pine trees and rocky hills, Jin thought his decision had been the right one. This place was remote—an idyllic haven away from the hustle and bustle of his everyday life. No noise, no calls, no expectations. Just him, a fireplace, and a little peace.

But Jin was wrong. So wrong.

As he stepped out of his car, his gaze fell on a woman standing on the porch, tapping her foot impatiently, a phone clutched in her hand. She had long, dark hair, a loose sweater, and worn-in jeans. Her face was focused, almost as if she were waiting for something. And when she saw him, her expression shifted to one of surprise.

"Uh, excuse me?" she called out, stepping forward. "This place is mine. I've booked it for the week."

Jin's stomach sank. This couldn't be happening.

"I'm afraid you're mistaken," he said, trying to keep the frustration out of his voice. "I have a booking here as well."

They stood there for a moment, exchanging reservation confirmations. It didn't take long for both of them to realize that somehow—miraculously—the cottage had been double-booked. They were both stuck here.

"I don't know what happened," the woman said, her voice a mix of disbelief and frustration. "But I'm not leaving."

"Neither am I," Jin muttered. This wasn't supposed to happen. He had come here to be alone. He wasn't used to sharing space. Especially not with someone so...unexpected.

Yoona's POV

The moment I saw him, I knew I was in trouble.

This man standing in front of me—tall, with broad shoulders and a sharp jawline—had the air of someone who was always in control. A professional, a man who probably didn't share his space with anyone, let alone someone like me. I had come here to write my novel in peace, away from distractions.

Instead, I found myself standing face to face with an annoyed, handsome man  who seemed like he'd rather be anywhere else than sharing a tiny mountain cottage with me.

I could tell right away that this wasn't going to be easy.

"Looks like we're stuck together," I said dryly, my frustration seeping out.

Jin, whose frown had deepened, shook his head, clearly unhappy. "I don't know what kind of mix-up this is, but I came here for peace and quiet. Not to share with someone I don't even know."

I couldn't help but laugh bitterly. "Funny, that's exactly why I'm here. To get away from the noise of the city, to write in peace."

Jin scowled, his voice stiff. "Well, I'm not exactly in the mood for... this."

I felt the tension rise between us immediately, like a wall building between our words. But there was no way around it. The cabin was double-booked, and neither of us was willing to leave.

"I don't see a way out of this," I said, sighing. "We'll just have to figure it out. Maybe we can take turns using the kitchen or... whatever. I don't know. And fortunately there are two bedrooms so I guess we could share the space."

Jin's look softened slightly, though he didn't seem thrilled by the idea. "Fine. But I get the kitchen in the morning. I'll cook the breakfast, and we'll figure out the rest later."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "You're a chef, aren't you?"

He nodded, but didn't elaborate. "And I'm good at it."

"Then I guess I'll get out of your way," I muttered.

Jin's POV

I didn't want to admit it, but there was something about Yoona that annoyed me in the most peculiar way. She wasn't loud or intrusive, but she had this calm, unshakable presence that seemed to unsettle my usual rhythm. Quiet, but not shy. Determined, but not rude. She didn't make demands, but she somehow knew how to take up space, and that... that threw me off.

The first morning after our awkward meeting, I found myself in the kitchen. I was used to being in control in the kitchen—everything had its place, and everything was done in a precise order. It wasn't a matter of skill; it was a matter of maintaining balance. I decided to make breakfast. I needed to do something familiar, something that gave me a sense of purpose. But as I chopped vegetables, moved around the small space, I could feel her eyes on me.

It wasn't that she was staring at me—no, it was something subtler than that. She wasn't hovering, but I could sense the quiet focus with which she watched my every move. The way I sliced the tomatoes, the rhythm of my knife against the cutting board, the way I arranged everything so carefully. Her eyes followed the movements almost like they were drawn to them.

It was... distracting.

"You really know what you're doing," she said, breaking the silence. The words came out in a soft, almost casual tone, but there was a warmth in her voice that I hadn't expected.

I glanced at her quickly, catching the curious look in her eyes. There was something there, something I hadn't anticipated. "I do this every day," I said, my voice a little sharper than I intended. I had to remind myself—this wasn't a big deal. It was just breakfast.

"Must be exhausting," she said, her voice a little softer, like she was testing the waters.

I chuckled under my breath, trying to brush it off. "You don't know the half of it."

There was a strange pull in the air now. I could feel it in the way her gaze lingered, in the way the silence between us wasn't awkward, but comfortable in a way. For once, it wasn't about getting things done or moving on to the next thing. It was just us. And the simple act of sharing space felt different.

Yoona's POV

I couldn't quite explain it, but something about Jin's presence fascinated me. From the moment I met him, I could sense a kind of restlessness in him. He seemed a bit annoyed by me at first—understandable, considering our situation. I wasn't exactly thrilled to be sharing a cottage with a stranger either. But as I watched him in the kitchen that morning, something shifted.

I had seen many chefs before, watched cooking shows, read about food. But there was something about the way Jin worked in the kitchen that made me stop and pay attention. He moved with purpose, like every action was calculated. He didn't just cook—he created. I couldn't help but admire it. The way his hands were steady, how the knife sliced through vegetables with a rhythmic precision that made it look effortless. Every little motion seemed practiced, but full of grace.

And there was something else too. The way he looked, the way his brow furrowed when he focused, the slight tension in his jaw as he stirred the pot. It was... strangely captivating.

I tried not to watch too closely, but I couldn't help myself. I found myself drawn to him, noticing the details I wouldn't normally pick up on. The slight muscle in his arm as he reached for a bowl, the way his hair fell across his forehead as he leaned over the stove. It wasn't just the way he cooked that held my attention; it was the man himself.

I wasn't sure why, but this feeling—this quiet appreciation—had caught me off guard. I hadn't felt anything like this in a long time.

"You really know what you're doing," I said before I could stop myself. The words slipped out, and I almost immediately regretted it. What was I doing? I didn't want him to think I was staring, or worse, that I was impressed in a way that was too personal.

But when I looked up at him, I saw something flicker in his eyes—something softer than the sharpness I'd seen earlier. "I do this every day," he replied, but it was more to the point than defensive.

"Must be exhausting," I said without thinking. I don't know why I said it. Maybe I was just trying to break the tension, or maybe I was actually curious. Either way, it wasn't the kind of question you'd ask someone you just met. It was personal.

To my surprise, he chuckled, a low sound that seemed to pull at something in me. "You don't know the half of it."

I didn't say anything after that. Instead, I found myself watching him in a way I hadn't expected. It wasn't the same as before—this time, I wasn't just observing his movements out of curiosity. There was something different in the way I saw him now.

We sat down to eat in silence, but this time, the silence didn't feel uncomfortable. It felt easy, like two people who didn't need to talk to fill the space. I could feel his presence next to me, and though we didn't exchange many words, there was an unspoken understanding between us.

It wasn't much—just a quiet meal—but for some reason, it felt like something had shifted.

And a part of me didn't want it to end.

Author's POV

As the days passed, Jin and Yoona fell into an odd rhythm. The space that once felt strained now had an unspoken comfort to it. Their shared cottage became a little haven, where the tension between them began to dissolve in the simplest ways. At first, it was all about survival—two people who didn't know each other forced to share a space. But now, it was like a dance. Jin would retreat into his cooking, and Yoona would find her own place, either at the table writing.

Yoona was beginning to see Jin in a new light. His hard exterior was starting to crack. He was passionate, not just about food, but about life. She admired the way he could pour so much of himself into his cooking, the way he could create something beautiful out of the most ordinary ingredients.

And Jin? He started to notice the way Yoona's eyes lit up when she talked about her writing. The way she took everything in, how she was able to immerse herself in her thoughts, finding meaning in the small things. She wasn't just some tourist passing through; she was a person with dreams and a drive he hadn't expected.

They started sharing talks, meals, Yoona sometimes cooking while Jin worked on a new recipe, experimenting with flavors and ingredients. At first, it felt like a game—who could do it better, who could make the other laugh with a playful insult or challenge? Or get under their skin first?

Yoona would often challenge Jin to try new, unorthodox ingredients in his dishes, while Jin would tease her about her odd sense of flavor combinations.

"Alright, Chef Jin," Yoona said one morning, peeking over his shoulder as he sliced vegetables. "You think you're all that with your fancy knives, but let's see if you can handle this!" She grabbed a handful of fresh mint leaves and tossed them into the skillet where he was preparing a stir-fry.

Jin's eyes went wide. "Mint? In a stir-fry? Are you trying to ruin my masterpiece?"

"I'm trying to elevate it!" Yoona said, smiling mischievously. "Trust me. You'll love it."

He gave her a deadpan look as the smell of mint began to fill the air. "I highly doubt that."

"Come on, just give it a chance! It's fresh, it's bold. Like me," Yoona said, raising an eyebrow.

Jin shook his head, but there was a small smile tugging at his lips. "You might be bold, but I'm still skeptical."

As the mint began to sizzle in the pan, Jin's skepticism didn't quite fade, but the aroma was... interesting. When he tasted the dish, he paused, a thoughtful expression on his face.

"You know, this actually isn't terrible," he admitted, trying not to sound too impressed.

Yoona stood tall, hands on her hips. "I told you! I have a way with flavors."

"Yeah, yeah," Jin muttered, still chewing. "I'll admit you've got some skills. But don't get cocky. I'll show you who's the real flavor master tonight."

"Oh, really?" Yoona grinned, not backing down. "Well, maybe we should have a little competition then. Who can make the better dish tonight? You and your fancy French techniques versus my creative mind."

"You're on," Jin said with a grin, feeling the competitive spark ignite in him. "Prepare to lose."

Later that evening, they stood side by side in the kitchen again, each cooking their respective dish. Jin was focused, moving with practiced precision as he prepared a delicate seafood pasta, while Yoona was all energy, tossing together a fusion stir-fry with a variety of unusual ingredients. The kitchen was filled with the sounds of chopping, sizzling, and occasional laughter as they exchanged playful jabs.

"Are you sure you're not trying to sabotage my dish by throwing in that weird herb you found?" Jin asked, looking over at Yoona's stir-fry with suspicion.

"Excuse me? That herb is a secret weapon," Yoona replied dramatically, fanning her hand like she was presenting a treasure. "It's basil. Fresh basil. You've probably heard of it."

"I've heard of it," Jin said, sarcastic. "But you might as well be trying to add seaweed to my pasta. Why not go all out?"

"I would, but I don't want to completely ruin your chances of winning," Yoona teased, a playful glint in her eyes.

Jin rolled his eyes. "I'm winning this. You should just accept it now."

Yoona stuck out her tongue in defiance. "We'll see about that."

As they finished cooking and plated their dishes, the playful banter didn't stop. They both sat down to taste each other's meals, but neither was prepared for the surprise twist that came next.

Jin took a bite of Yoona's stir-fry. He had to admit, it was good. Really good. The flavors blended together in an unexpected way.

"Well," Jin said, setting down his fork, "this isn't complete garbage."

Yoona raised an eyebrow at him. "I'm offended you think so low of me."

"Let's not get dramatic," Jin said, though there was a glimmer of respect in his eyes. "You actually did well."

Yoona took a bite of his pasta. Her eyes widened in genuine surprise. "Okay, I'm impressed. This is good, Jin. Really good. You may have won the technique game."

Jin leaned back, a smug look on his face. "I told you. It's all about finesse."

"But!" Yoona exclaimed, pointing her finger dramatically at him. "I still won the flavor game. Your dish lacks that special something. It's missing a little bit of flair."

"Flair?" Jin asked with a raised brow. "Are you telling me my food isn't flair enough for you? You're gonna talk about flair to a Michelin-starred chef?"

Yoona laughed, clearly enjoying teasing him. "Oh, I'm just getting started, Chef. You may be the professional, but I have my own special touch."

Jin smirked, knowing she was enjoying this just as much as he was. "Alright, alright. But I'll let you know, I'll be making something even better tomorrow. You'll be begging me for the recipe."

Author's POV

Their playful arguments continued over the following days, but something shifted. There was a warmth to their exchanges now, a comfort they hadn't anticipated. The laughter came more easily, and with it, a growing affection.

They would spend hours talking over dinner, discussing everything from their childhoods to their hopes for the future. Jin, who had always kept his emotions locked away behind his cooking, began to let his guard down. He would talk about the pressures of working in a high-stress kitchen, the expectations he carried. Yoona, in turn, would open up about her writing—how she had always struggled to put her thoughts into words, how she wanted to write stories that made people feel something real.

One evening, they decided to go stargazing on the balcony. It had become one of their rituals—a moment to escape, even just for a little while, from the world around them. The night sky was clear, the stars above so bright it felt like you could reach up and touch them.

They sat side by side, their shoulders nearly brushing. Neither of them spoke for a long time. The silence wasn't awkward—it was peaceful. Comfortable. Jin's heart, which had been guarded for so long, started to ease, and Yoona could feel it too. The pull between them was undeniable, but neither of them had the courage to say it aloud.

Yoona stole a glance at Jin, his profile illuminated by the soft moonlight. He seemed so calm, so content in this moment. But she could feel the weight of unspoken words between them, heavy and lingering.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Jin broke the silence. "You know, I didn't expect this."

Yoona turned to him, her voice barely above a whisper. "What?"

"This," he said, gesturing to the night around them. "All of it. I didn't expect to feel... this."

Yoona's heart raced. She knew exactly what he meant. But for now, they didn't have to say anything more. Their shared gaze spoke louder than words.

Author's POV

As the last day of their stay approached, neither Jin nor Yoona had said the words they both felt. The pull between them was undeniable, but neither of them knew how to express it.

The day was spent packing up, ready to leave behind the peace of the mountains. Neither of them spoke much. Jin's hands lingered over his bags, trying to find a way to say goodbye without it feeling like an ending.

Yoona, too, was quiet. She had packed her things and was standing by the door, ready to leave. But when she turned to look at Jin, her heart felt heavy.

"I guess this is it," she said softly, not sure how to say the next part.

Jin looked up, his eyes meeting hers. He took a step forward. "Yoona... take care of yourself."

" You too." she whispered, her breath catching in her throat.

A few days later

Yoona stood at the entrance of Jin's workplace, nervously tapping her foot. She had been toying with the idea of confronting her feelings for days, but now that she was standing here, she wasn't sure what she would say. She had tried to push the thoughts of Jin from her mind, tried to convince herself that it was just a fleeting moment, but everything in her told her it wasn't.

As soon as she walked into the lobby, she could feel the eyes of the staff on her, but she didn't care. She had made her decision. She couldn't leave things unfinished.

Jin appeared from the kitchen just as she was about to approach the receptionist. He froze for a moment when he saw her, a look of surprise crossing his face.

"Yoona?" His voice was a mixture of confusion and something softer that she couldn't quite place.

"Jin," she said, her voice steady but her heart racing. "I need to talk to you."

He glanced at his colleagues, then back at her, clearly unsure of what was happening. "Is everything okay?"

Yoona took a deep breath, the words she had been holding back finally slipping out. "No, it's not okay," she said, walking toward him. "Because I can't stop thinking about you. And I hate that I didn't say anything when we left the cabin. But I'm not going to walk away from this without saying what's on my mind."

Jin blinked, stunned by the sudden admission. He took a step forward, his eyes searching hers. "Yoona... I don't—"

"I like you, Jin," she interrupted, her voice unwavering. "I like you more than I've liked anyone in a long time. And I don't want to leave here without telling you that."

The silence that followed felt heavy, the weight of her confession hanging in the air like a cloud. The room seemed to quiet down around them as the other staff continued to go about their work, but Yoona only had eyes for Jin.

He swallowed hard, his expression unreadable for a moment. Then, a soft smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Yoona, I..." he started, his voice cracking slightly as if the words had been trapped for too long. "I like you too. I didn't know how to say it, but I... I think I've been feeling the same way for a while now."

Yoona's heart skipped a beat at his words. Her whole body seemed to come alive with the feeling of his confession. But before Jin could say anything more, she stepped forward, her hands on his chest, and kissed him right there—without hesitation, without fear.

It wasn't a delicate kiss. It was bold, an affirmation of everything they hadn't said but had both been feeling all along. For a moment, everything around them seemed to fade away. The other staff members, who had paused in their work to watch the scene unfold, were forgotten.

When they finally broke apart, Yoona's breath was shallow, her face flushed. She looked up at Jin, who was staring at her in stunned silence, his lips slightly parted in surprise.

She grinned, her heart still racing. "I think we should stop pretending."

Jin chuckled, his hands coming up to gently hold her face. "I think I'm way past pretending now."

They shared a final smile, the connection between them undeniable. The room erupted into applause from the staff, who had watched the whole exchange in silence. Yoona and Jin both laughed awkwardly, but in that moment, neither of them cared.

This was it. The beginning of something real.