Huening Kai hadn't expected Sir Soobin to accept his dinner invitation, let alone suggest they have the meal at his own house. The teacher's offer to cook for the two of them had left Kai both stunned and giddy. He didn't even know Soobin could cook-another point added to his ever-growing appeal. Yet, as they entered Soobin's home, a flush crept into Kai's cheeks. Wasn't this... too much? It felt like a date, and that thought alone made his heart flutter wildly.
As they stepped inside, Kai fell completely silent, momentarily frozen by the sight of Soobin's home. It was immaculate-clean, well-organized, and warmly inviting. Even the scent in the air was soft and calming, as if the entire house had been made to comfort someone. Kai's eyes wandered across the living room, soaking in the surroundings. In that quiet moment, he thought: Soobin would make the perfect boyfriend. Or even... husband. Maybe father, too.
"I didn't get to clean much, so sorry if it's kinda messy," Soobin said with a sheepish smile as he removed his coat. "Make yourself comfortable while I prepare our dinner."
Kai stared.
Soobin's sleeves rolled neatly to his elbows, revealing toned forearms beneath a light blue polo. The sight startled Kai so much that he found himself momentarily spacing out-eyes fixed, heart thudding. He barely noticed Soobin gesturing for him to sit.
"I-I can help if you want," Kai offered timidly.
But Soobin just chuckled and reassured him. "It's alright, Kai. I've got this."
Kai obeyed, settling onto the couch, watching the teacher disappear into the kitchen. A few quiet minutes passed, filled only with the soft sounds of Soobin working and the gradually spreading aroma of something delicious-bacon and egg ramen with a side of teriyaki chicken.
Soon, Soobin returned, carrying a tray of neatly plated dishes that looked like they'd come from a five-star restaurant.
"You must be starving. Sorry for the wait," he said gently.
Kai shook his head shyly, but his gaze remained locked on the food. Everything looked perfect-flavorful, vibrant, and artfully arranged. His stomach growled loudly in response.
Soobin laughed. "Let's dig in!"
Kai eagerly took his first bite and immediately froze. The taste was incredible. Bursting with flavor, the warmth and richness of the dish overwhelmed his senses, making him take bite after bite without a second thought. Messiness be damned, he was in heaven. Across from him, Soobin chuckled as he watched.
"You eat too fast, Kai. You've got something on your face."
Before Kai could react, Soobin leaned in and gently wiped the corner of Kai's lips with his thumb-then brought that same thumb to his lips and licked it.
Kai stared at him, stunned and bright red.
"Cute," Soobin murmured.
Kai's heart began to race, and a strange warmth bloomed inside him. The gesture had been small, but it lit up something tender and dizzying within him. Like being wrapped in cotton candy-soft, sweet, and wholly unexpected. Slowly, Kai lifted his own hand to touch the corner of his lips where Soobin had wiped.
He found himself watching Soobin eat, smiling unconsciously. Every detail about the teacher-his posture, the way he chewed, even the slight squint in his eyes when he smiled-was mesmerizing. When Soobin glanced up, their eyes met, and the man grinned again.
"Adorable," he said.
Kai nearly stopped breathing.
The tingling feeling inside him blossomed. It filled his chest, tickling at the edges of long-forgotten emotions. He didn't want the moment to end.
"So... Kai," Soobin began, "Beomgyu is your friend, right? How is he? How did you two become close?"
Kai nodded slowly. "He's... a good friend. At first, we weren't that close. He was really distant-cold, even. But I understood. I could tell he had reasons. Still, I kept trying to be there for him, until eventually... we just clicked. He's actually really kind underneath. That's why I want to stay close to him."
Soobin's expression softened. "I'm glad. He's lucky to have someone like you-someone kind and genuine. I hope you'll keep being there for him."
The compliment made Kai smile faintly, but something inside him ached. His fingers fidgeted on his lap as past memories-bleak and painful-rose uninvited. They always returned when he felt too close to comfort.
"D-Do you really think I'm kind and true?" he whispered. "You don't even know me that well."
Soobin looked directly into his eyes, unwavering. "I know because I can feel it. I see it in your eyes. You're a good person, Kai."
Tears welled in Kai's eyes without warning. He hadn't even realized he was crying until Soobin reached out and gently wiped the tears away, cupping his face with tender hands.
"Did I say something wrong?" Soobin asked softly.
Kai shook his head, his lips trembling. The emotions-so long buried-had finally spilled over. The way Soobin looked at him, like he truly saw him, unraveled the quiet pain he had kept hidden for years.
Without thinking, Kai leaned into Soobin's arms, sobbing quietly as the teacher embraced him.
"Let it out, Kai. It's okay. I'm here," Soobin whispered, rubbing his back in comforting circles.
Kai cried and cried, held securely in warm arms that asked nothing of him but to be real, to feel, to breathe. Soobin's presence was a balm, and his voice-a soft tether keeping him grounded.
When their eyes met again, Soobin smiled gently and said, "Never let sadness consume you. You're beautiful just the way you are, Kai."
The words nearly shattered him. But instead, they lifted him.
Kai blushed, overwhelmed, and Soobin chuckled, trying to ease the weight in the room. He suddenly asked, "So, how was the food? Was it good?"
Kai blinked, flustered. "O-Oh! Actually... it wasn't good."
Soobin tilted his head in confusion.
"It was more than that!" Kai exclaimed. "It was amazing! I didn't know you could cook. Are you secretly a chef?"
Soobin beamed. "Only Yeonjun hyung knows. You're the second. I've always loved cooking-it's a passion of mine. I used to take classes and try something new each week. It was fun."
Kai's eyes widened. "Then why didn't you become a chef instead of a teacher?"
Soobin's smile softened. "My mom wanted me to be a teacher. It was her dying wish. I couldn't say no. I gave up that dream for her. But honestly... teaching isn't so bad. I think I'm growing to love it."
"Well, maybe you can still be a chef someday," Kai said. "I want to be the first to try your special dishes when that day comes!"
That earned a soft laugh from Soobin, who then reached forward, placing both hands on Kai's shoulders.
Kai froze, wide-eyed.
"If by chance... would you be willing to try my cooking again? I'm planning to bake some pastries this Saturday. It'd be nice to have someone to taste them."
"P-Pastries?" Kai's face lit up.
Soobin grinned. "Looks like you're into sweets. Great! I haven't cooked in a while, and I want to see if I still got it. Will you help me, Kai?"
Kai stared at him, completely disarmed. There was no way he could say no-not when Soobin was looking at him like that, all soft eyes and hopeful smile. How could anyone resist?
"I... I'd love to," he said at last.
Soobin's face lit up, and he clapped his hands once in excitement. Kai couldn't stop smiling either. Saturday suddenly felt far away.
And in that moment, Huening Kai realized something.
Sweets were great, but if he was being honest...
Soobin was the sweetest thing he'd ever tasted.