10 Having Dinner

Han-Bada turned off the water, relishing the warm remnants clinging to her skin as she stepped out of the shower, droplets cascading in rivulets down her body. She glanced around the unfamiliar bathroom, noting the absence of her own towel.

With a resigned shrug, she decided to make do with Travis's. However, just as she reached for the door, a sharp knock echoed through the room, causing her to freeze mid-reach.

Travis's voice, muffled by the door, cut through the silence. "You need a towel?"

Relief flooded her as she replied, "Yeah, do you have an extra one?"

"It's in the bottom drawer in the sink cabinet. You have extra clothes, right?" His question was casual, but Han-Bada couldn't help but sense an underlying tension in his tone, as if he were hoping she didn't.

A small smirk played at her lips. "I do, of course. I'll be out in a few minutes. Don't finish the drinks," she added, the playful edge evident in her voice.

As Travis retreated from the door, Han-Bada couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation mingled with uncertainty. They weren't particularly close, and the prospect of spending time alone with him left her feeling a tad uneasy. Travis, meanwhile, sank onto the couch, his mind racing as he pondered what to do next.

He hadn't anticipated their encounter unfolding like this, and now he found himself scrambling to come up with a plan to make the situation less awkward. After all, nothing killed a budding connection faster than discomfort and awkwardness.

Han-Bada came out a few minutes later, wearing her usual smile. "I'm done. Aren't you going to take a shower?"

Travis looked up, a hint of surprise in his eyes. "Oh, you're right. By the way, can you cook?"

She nodded, her grin widening. "Yeah, why?"

Travis shrugged. "Would you mind making dinner, or should we order something? I'm not much of a cook, to be honest."

"Sure, let me check what you have first," she replied, her tone easygoing.

With a nod, Travis headed to the bathroom, knowing he wouldn't take long. After all, he was just a guy, and quick showers were his specialty.

While he did so, Han-Bada looked around the kitchen. She was very impressed by how many condiments he had for a guy who wasn't much of a cook; it looked like he was Gordon Ramsey with so many things to use.

'What am I going to cook though? Something that's quick to make. Maybe some chicken. Yeah, he'll probably like chicken,' she thought.

[ A/N: He will most definitely. ]

[ Cooking Montage ]

Han-Bada stood in the kitchen, a sense of purpose guiding her movements as she prepared to cook dinner. With a confident stride, she approached the countertop, where a package of chicken breasts awaited her skilled touch.

With practiced ease, she retrieved a sharp knife from the drawer, slicing through the plastic with precision. The satisfying sound of plastic giving way to exposed meat filled the air as she deftly removed the chicken from its packaging.

Next came the seasoning. Han-Bada's fingers danced over an array of spices lined up neatly on the counter. With a pinch of salt, a sprinkle of pepper, and a dash of paprika, she transformed the bland poultry into a tantalizing masterpiece, each motion deliberate and purposeful.

The skillet sizzled as Han-Bada drizzled a splash of oil into its depths, the heat rising in anticipation of the culinary magic about to unfold. With a graceful flick of her wrist, she lowered the seasoned chicken breasts into the pan, the fragrant aroma of spices mingling with the savory scent of searing meat.

As the chicken cooked, Han-Bada hovered nearby, her senses alert to the subtle cues of doneness. With a gentle prod of her spatula, she flipped each breast, revealing a golden-brown crust that promised a tender interior.

Minutes passed in a blur as Han-Bada tended to her creation, the rhythmic sizzle of the skillet providing a soothing soundtrack to her culinary symphony. Finally, with a satisfied smile, she transferred the perfectly cooked chicken onto a waiting plate, the rich aroma filling the kitchen with an irresistible allure.

With dinner complete, Han-Bada stepped back, her eyes sparkling with pride at the delicious meal she had prepared. As she called out to Travis, inviting him to join her at the table, she couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction knowing that her culinary skills had once again risen to the occasion.

Han-Bada's eyes widened as Travis emerged from the bathroom, his half-naked form a startling contrast to the ordinary surroundings of the apartment. She couldn't help but stare, her gaze tracing the contours of his well-defined muscles as he moved with effortless grace.

'He really has a hot body. I mean, Soohyun also does, but for some reason, I find his much more attractive and well-organized,' she thought, a faint blush creeping onto her cheeks.

Travis approached her, a grin playing on his lips. "Man, you really know your stuff. I could barely hold myself back while I was in the bathroom."

Han-Bada smiled, a playful glint in her eyes as she swayed slightly. "I mean, I try my best. I'm just surprised that you had so many things for me to use. I thought you weren't much of a cook."

"I'm not really, I just like experimenting with things. By the way, do you live far from here?" Travis inquired, his tone casual as he shifted the conversation.

"No, it's only 20 minutes away. I can walk, or take an Uber. Depends on how I feel," she replied, her words punctuated by a shrug.

"Well, if it's that close then I don't have to worry. Um, let's get ready to eat. Also, you don't mind me sitting like this, right?" Travis gestured to his bare torso, a smirk playing on his lips as he awaited her response.

Han-Bada's gaze flickered down to his well-toned body, a faint pink hue tinting her cheeks. With a quick shake of her head, she managed to stammer out, "N-no, I don't mind at all, only if you don't mind me sitting half naked as well."

"I mean, if it makes you feel comfortable, then sure," he said.

'I don't think I'm ready for that yet.'

TO BE CONTINUED