The small Swiss village was alive with twinkling lights as the evening descended. Narrow cobblestone streets led to a cozy local restaurant recommended by their tour guide. The scent of roasted meats, fresh bread, and cinnamon pastries wafted through the air.
Choi Eun-Seo adjusted her scarf nervously, trying to ignore the feeling of someone constantly hovering nearby.
"Relax," said Park Ji-Hoon, flashing his mischievous grin. "It's just dinner. We're not on a battlefield this time."
"Just dinner?" she repeated, shooting him a skeptical glance. "We're sitting at the same table. Together. That's your idea of relaxing?"
He leaned back, smirking. "Exactly. Think of it as… strategy. You learn patience, I learn charm. Win-win."
Eun-Seo groaned. "I do not need to learn patience from you."
Ji-Hoon chuckled and patted her shoulder — far too lightly for her comfort. "Suit yourself."
Inside the restaurant, the group squeezed into a long table. Candles flickered, and waiters bustled between tables, carrying plates of steaming food. Eun-Seo tried to focus on the menu, mentally preparing for a peaceful meal.
But peace, as usual, was not on her itinerary.
"Try the fondue," Ji-Hoon said casually, leaning toward her. "It's life-changing."
"I'll decide for myself," she snapped, eyes narrowing.
"Ah, the independence!" he said dramatically, placing his hand over his heart. "How can anyone resist it?"
Eun-Seo rolled her eyes but couldn't stop the faint smile tugging at her lips. Annoying, but somehow… charming.
The food arrived, and the table erupted in chatter. Ji-Hoon, of course, immediately started showing off. He cut his cheese into perfect little cubes, dipped each piece with exaggerated flair, and offered one to Eun-Seo.
She raised an eyebrow. "You're ridiculous."
"And you're delightful," he replied smoothly, placing a cube on her plate.
She pinched it with the fork, only for him to flick the remaining cheese toward her. The cube hit her sleeve, leaving a tiny, greasy stain.
Eun-Seo gasped. "Oh no!" She tried to brush it off, but Ji-Hoon laughed so hard he nearly spilled his own plate.
"I swear I didn't do it on purpose!" he said between laughs. "It's… accidental artistry."
"Accidental artistry?" she repeated, exasperated. "You are unbelievable!"
He leaned closer, lowering his voice. "But… it's kind of cute when you get flustered."
Her cheeks heated. She wanted to argue — but the corners of her lips betrayed her. Maybe a little.
Before she could respond, the table erupted in laughter as one of the other tourists accidentally knocked over a glass of wine. Ji-Hoon took advantage of the distraction.
"See?" he whispered, handing her a napkin. "We're a team. Disasters happen, but we survive… together."
Eun-Seo rolled her eyes, but her fingers brushed his as she took the napkin. She quickly withdrew her hand, feeling a faint spark where their skin had touched.
The rest of dinner passed in a blur of small arguments, laughter, and subtle glances. At one point, Ji-Hoon leaned close enough that she could feel the warmth of his shoulder.
"You know," he said softly, "I'm really glad we met on that train. Otherwise, this dinner wouldn't be half as entertaining."
Eun-Seo blinked. She opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, a waiter tripped nearby, sending a plate of food flying… directly toward their table.
"Ah! Watch out!" Ji-Hoon shouted, and instinctively, he pushed her back. But in the process, the plate tipped, spilling sauce all over him instead.
Eun-Seo couldn't help it. She burst out laughing. "You—look at you!"
Ji-Hoon groaned dramatically, dripping sauce from his shoulder. "I am ruined! I'm a walking disaster!"
"You are a disaster," she admitted between laughs, "but somehow… you're my disaster."
He raised an eyebrow. "Your disaster?"
"Yes, your disaster," she said firmly, still giggling. "Don't argue."
Ji-Hoon's grin softened. "Fair enough. I'll take that title. As long as I get to see this smile."
Her cheeks burned, and she looked down at the table. She didn't know whether to be annoyed or pleased. Probably both.
The group finished dinner, and as they stepped outside, the crisp night air felt refreshing. Ji-Hoon was silent for a moment, wiping the sauce from his jacket.
"You know," he said finally, voice low, "tonight… I actually had fun."
Eun-Seo raised an eyebrow. "You? Fun?"
"Yes," he said, smiling softly. "Even with the disasters. Especially with the disasters."
She frowned but felt warmth spread through her chest. "You really are impossible."
"And yet, here I am," he said, offering his hand. "Your disaster, walking with you."
For a moment, Eun-Seo hesitated. The urge to slap him was strong — but instead, she placed her hand in his, letting him guide her down the cobblestone street.
And for the first time since meeting him, she realized… maybe disasters weren't always bad.
Some disasters, she thought with a faint smile, were worth keeping.