Alpha Culinary Love

The night after the eggplant disaster, Jiyeon decided they needed a break. Something fun, something outside the kitchen. She'd been cooped up between restaurants and pop-up events for so long that she was starting to see sauce stains in her dreams. And Yura—well, Yura was in desperate need of a reminder that not everything in life could be fixed with a snappy executive decision.

"We need a night out," Jiyeon declared as they sat on the couch that evening, Yura's feet propped lazily on Jiyeon's lap while she scrolled through emails on her phone.

Yura didn't look up. "Out? Like a date?"

Jiyeon scoffed, gently pushing Yura's feet off her lap and standing up. "No. Like drinks, dancing, something that involves not wearing an apron or sitting in front of a conference call."

Yura's brow arched as she set her phone down. "Jiyeon, honey, you hate dancing. The last time you tried, you knocked over a table. With your butt."

"That's because the club was packed, and I was trying to avoid stepping on someone," Jiyeon muttered, her ears turning red at the memory. "Besides, I wasn't the one who set fire to an eggplant."

"Ah, there it is." Yura grinned, leaning back. "I knew it was too soon to think you'd forgotten about that."

Jiyeon threw a playful glare her way. "I'll never forget. That image is seared into my brain forever."

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Yura laughed, getting to her feet. "Alright, fine. A night out. Where are we going?"

Jiyeon smiled, already one step ahead. "We're going to that rooftop bar downtown. You know, the one with the view of the skyline?"

Kang, who had somehow snuck into their conversation by way of the kitchen, poked his head around the corner. "Oh, that fancy one with overpriced drinks? I'm in."

Jiyeon rolled her eyes. "You weren't invited, Kang."

He raised his hands in mock surrender. "Ouch, Chef. You wound me. But don't worry—I won't cramp your style. I'll be at the bar, scouting out anyone who looks rich and desperate enough to buy me a drink."n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Yura chuckled, shaking her head. "You're insufferable, you know that?"

"And yet, you both keep me around." Kang winked, grabbing his jacket from the nearby chair. "I'll meet you there."

As Kang breezed out the door, Jiyeon sighed, already regretting her life choices. "We should've locked the door."

Yura laughed, stepping over to wrap an arm around Jiyeon's waist. "Too late. But hey, maybe he'll find someone to bother so we don't have to babysit him all night."

Jiyeon snorted. "If only we were that lucky."

Later that night, Jiyeon and Yura strolled into the rooftop bar, the city skyline glittering behind them. The air was warm, a soft breeze keeping the night from feeling too oppressive. Yura, of course, looked impeccable in a sleek black dress, while Jiyeon opted for a more casual button-down and slacks, trying not to feel too out of place among the more fashionable crowd.

Kang was already there, perched at the bar with a drink in hand, chatting up a couple that looked like they could afford to buy out the entire place. He waved enthusiastically when he saw them, grinning like he'd won the lottery.

Jiyeon groaned. "He's already working the room."

Yura smiled slyly, her hand resting on Jiyeon's arm as they approached the bar. "Let him. We're here to have fun, remember?"

As they found a spot by the edge of the bar, overlooking the city, Jiyeon ordered them both drinks. Yura leaned against the counter, watching the bustling scene with amusement. "You know, it's nice to be out of the house. I forgot what it was like to see people not in a professional setting."

Jiyeon sipped her drink and nodded. "Yeah, same. I mean, I love cooking, but even I need a break from the restaurant world sometimes."

"Speaking of breaks," Yura said, her eyes glinting with mischief, "when was the last time you took a real vacation? You know, one where you didn't sneak off to the kitchen at some point."

Jiyeon narrowed her eyes, pretending to think. "Define 'vacation.'"

"Not working."

"Not even a little bit?"

"Not. Even. A little."

Jiyeon groaned, tipping her head back. "You might as well ask me to stop breathing."

Yura laughed, leaning in closer. "I'm serious. You've been running yourself ragged, and don't think I haven't noticed. I think we should plan something. Just the two of us, somewhere quiet, away from all the chaos."

Jiyeon raised an eyebrow, intrigued but wary. "Like where?"

"Anywhere. The mountains, the beach, somewhere peaceful. No Culinary System, no Kang, no fires in the kitchen."

Jiyeon chuckled. "You're really pushing this whole relaxation thing, huh?"

"Because you need it," Yura said, her voice softening. "And because I want to spend more time with you—outside of our usual hectic lives."

Jiyeon sighed, feeling a warmth that had nothing to do with the alcohol. "You're too good to me, you know that?"

"Of course, I know," Yura teased, taking a sip of her drink. "But it's also because I'm selfish. I want you all to myself for a while."

Before Jiyeon could respond, Kang appeared at their side, holding a second drink and looking entirely too pleased with himself. "Well, I don't mean to interrupt this touching moment, but I've got good news."

Jiyeon groaned, knowing whatever Kang considered "good news" was likely the opposite for them. "What now?"

Kang grinned, clearly proud of himself. "I found us an after-party. Some rich guy's penthouse just a few blocks from here."

Yura raised an eyebrow. "You found an after-party?"

Kang shrugged, looking like the cat that got the cream. "What can I say? I've got connections. So, are we going, or are you two going to keep being all lovey-dovey over here?"

Jiyeon shot Yura a glance. "Do you want to go?"

Yura considered it for a moment before shaking her head. "I think we're good here."

Kang pouted but didn't push it. "Suit yourselves. I'll be sure to have enough fun for all three of us."

As Kang waltzed off, presumably to secure his spot at the after-party, Yura turned back to Jiyeon with a smirk. "He never changes, does he?"

Jiyeon shook her head, feeling a little lighter after all the teasing. "No, he really doesn't. But I guess that's why we keep him around."

They spent the rest of the evening sipping their drinks and laughing about everything but work, basking in the warmth of each other's company and the city's shimmering lights. For once, they could forget about the pressures of their daily lives and just be Jiyeon and Yura—no Culinary System, no CEO responsibilities, just two people enjoying a rare moment of peace.

And as the night wore on, Jiyeon found herself thinking that maybe, just maybe, a vacation with Yura didn't sound so bad after all.

The warmth of the evening settled over them like a soft blanket, the distant hum of the city adding a quiet soundtrack to the night. Jiyeon leaned back in her chair, her drink nearly empty, but her mood lighter than it had been in weeks. Yura, as always, sat composed and poised, though the soft curve of her lips suggested she was just as content.

"I have to admit," Jiyeon said, breaking the comfortable silence, "you were right about needing a break. I can't remember the last time I felt this… relaxed."

Yura smirked, taking a small sip from her glass. "I'm always right, Jiyeon. It's part of my charm."

Jiyeon snorted, rolling her eyes. "That, and your ability to intimidate just about anyone within a five-mile radius. It's a wonder you let your guard down with me."

Yura raised an eyebrow, her voice teasing. "Who said I ever let my guard down? Maybe I'm just very good at pretending."

Jiyeon gave her a mock serious look. "Right, because that explains why you're lounging here in a designer dress, sipping a cocktail like a cat basking in the sun."

Yura tilted her head, her gaze narrowing playfully. "Are you calling me a cat, Jiyeon? I can't decide if I should be flattered or insulted."

"Well, you're sleek, smug, and sometimes act like you own the world. So, yeah, cat fits," Jiyeon said with a grin.

Yura let out a laugh, a sound that always seemed to catch Jiyeon off guard. It was rare for Yura to laugh so freely, and when she did, it had the effect of making the world around them seem a little brighter.

"I'll take it as a compliment then," Yura said, her eyes softening as she looked at Jiyeon. "But seriously, we should do this more often. Not the dancing," she added quickly when Jiyeon opened her mouth to protest, "but just… being out, away from all the noise."

Jiyeon nodded, feeling a sense of agreement settle over her. "Yeah, I think you're right. It's easy to get caught up in everything—restaurants, events, work. Sometimes, I forget what it's like to just… breathe."

Yura reached across the small table and took Jiyeon's hand, her touch warm and grounding. "Then we'll make more time for it. And I'm holding you to that vacation, by the way."

Jiyeon chuckled, squeezing Yura's hand. "Alright, alright. You win. We'll plan something soon. Just don't be surprised if I sneak a portable stove into my suitcase."

Yura groaned but smiled. "I should've known."

Their quiet moment was interrupted by the sound of Kang's voice shouting from the other side of the bar. "Are you two done with your romantic dinner? The after-party's starting, and I'm not leaving without you!"

Jiyeon groaned, dropping her head into her hands. "He's never going to give up, is he?"

Yura shook her head, laughing softly. "Nope. We better go rescue whatever poor souls he's targeting next."