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2. Late night snack

(2 years after the death of Mr and Mrs Lee)

It's late, almost midnight, yet here he is, cooking japchae as quietly as he can not wake everyone else in the house in front of the girl who was sitting at the kitchen table, looking wide awake for someone who should be in bed. With an impish grin on her face while she hums a pop song that he can barely recognize due to just waking up. 

Minhyeok, despite his heavy eyelids and a yawn escaping him, still with nimble fingers, sizzles fragrant sesame oil in a well-seasoned wok, the air filling with an alluring aroma that teases the senses of the girl who praised:

"Smell great as always Min"

"Why would you even want to eat at this ungodly hour anyway?" He said but his hands still deftly tossed in vibrant julienned carrots, their orange hues illuminating the wok like miniature sunbeams. The carrots dance and twirl, absorbing the warmth of the oil, their sweetness beginning to caramelize. 

Raon flashed a mischievous smile, "Oh, I just felt hungry all of a sudden. Plus, I wanted to keep you company while you cook. You know, teamwork!" 

She said as he added long, translucent glass noodles, their delicate strands resembling silken threads. They coil and soften in the hot oil, absorbing the savory flavors of the carrots. 

Minhyeok raised an eyebrow, unconvinced by her playful act. "You're rarely this hungry at midnight. What's really going on, Raon?" He glanced back at her as he stirred rhythmically, ensuring even cooking. As the noodles reach their al dente perfection, he incorporates a symphony of vegetables: crisp bell peppers, earthy mushrooms, and tender zucchini. Each ingredient contributes its unique texture and flavor, creating a harmonious balance.

Raon was quiet for a bit but tried to keep up her demeanor, shrugging nonchalantly. "What? Can't a girl not get a craving every now and then? I don't want all that effort to wake you up to go to waste, you know" she quipped, while carefully avoiding his gaze.

"You don't need to lie, not even I convinced when groggy like this"

With a deft flick of his wrist, he pours in a rich, mahogany-colored sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. The sauce coats the noodles and vegetables, infusing them with umami-rich goodness. 

As the japchae nears completion, he sprinkles in a generous handful of toasted sesame seeds, their nutty flavor adding a final touch of complexity. He looked back at her again to see her looking at her fidgeting hands, gaze far away:

"…Maybe I just want to see you being a night owl for once, who goes to sleep at 10:30 on the dock like you?"

"Sure, sure. But really, what's on your mind? You can tell me," he pressed gently, concern evident in his voice.

When he gently lifted the japchae from the wok and arranged it on a warm serving dish, it made her look up to see his worried face. The vibrant colors and tantalizing aroma create a visual feast that beckons one to indulge. Raon hesitated for a moment, her laid-back facade crumbling. 

With a sigh, she finally said in a grumpy voice, "Your food really works its magic as always..." but continued in a quieter tone, "I had a nightmare earlier. I just... needed something to distract me from it." Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, prompting Minhyeok to pull her into a comforting hug.

"Hey, it's okay. Let's have some japchae and talk about it," he offered, and Raon nodded gratefully and picked up the utensil from the kitchen counter before joining him.

Raon smiled happily as she took a bite of Minhyeok's japchae. "Wow, Min, this japchae is absolutely delicious! You really outdid yourself this time." 

With each bite, the flavors meld together harmoniously, creating a symphony of textures and tastes. The carrots provide a sweet crunch, the glass noodles a tender chewiness, and the vegetables a medley of textures. The savory sauce envelops the palate, leaving a lingering warmth that satisfies the soul.

Minhyeok chuckled modestly and looked at Raon fondly, it's a nice feeling seeing her like this, "Oh, it's nothing special, just my usual recipe. But I'm glad you like it."

They chatted about their plans for the next day, deciding to go to a new cafe that just opened in the town this weekend and go to the library the next day for their upcoming exam. Raon was trying to keep the conversation light, enjoying the normalcy of it all.

Suddenly, Raon's expression shifted, her brow furrowed slightly. "Hey, Min, about the nightmare... I saw them again but it was different this time"

Minhyeok's smile faded, concern taking its place. "Sure, what happened in your dream?"

Raon recounted the vivid images of her parents' corpses, the usual scene that plagued her for years, but this time it was different. "But this time, I saw a glimpse of a white feather, so beautiful, like nothing I've ever seen before. Along with... these slash marks all over the furniture"

Raon chewed her lips before her words poured out in rapid succession as if trying to escape the grasp of her memories. Her breaths came in short, panicked gasps, and Minhyeok could see the fear etched across her face.

As she described the tall man with pure white wings and the haunting loop of her parents' screams, Minhyeok instinctively pulled her into a hug. He held her tightly, letting her emotions wash over him as he tried to convey his support without words. Gradually, Raon's breathing began to slow, her trembling subsiding under the reassurance of his touch.

In the quiet moments that followed, Minhyeok remained by her side, giving her a moment to her thoughts to ease herself. The weight of her dream lingered in the air, heavy and unsettling, but he knew that his presence was the best he could offer her at that point. 

As the clock struck midnight, the stillness of the night was abruptly shattered by the soft voice of Raon penetrating the darkness. "Minhyeok, do you ever get tired of me?" she asked tentatively, her tone betraying a hint of vulnerability.

"It's not Min this time..."

Minhyeok, without missing a beat, responded with a reassuring "No. I'm happy you trust me enough to depend on me." His words carried a deep sincerity that only a true friend could muster.

Minhyeok understood why Raon had asked him such a question. He knew that Raon had been struggling to cope with the loss of her parents and that it had taken a toll on her daily life. His family had taken her in after the tragedy, treating her as one of their own. And he, being the one person she truly trusted, so he felt a sense of responsibility towards her well-being. It was presumptuous of him, perhaps, but he knew it was what her parents would have wanted for their beloved daughter. 

"Even if I do, you can rest easy because I would still be there. I'm your friend after all"