Sia twirled a bite of spicy jjolmyeon around her chopsticks, balanced it on a spoon, and held it up to Hangyeol’s lips.

"Come on, try it. You’ll never forget this taste."

With a bright smile, oblivious to the red sauce smeared around her mouth, Sia offered him the noodles. Unable to refuse, Hangyeol took a deep breath and accepted her offering. The flavor was tangy and bursting with umami, but the heat was intense. Even after gulping down water, his throat and ears burned bright red.

"Whew. Wow... It’s definitely unforgettable."

The lingering spice left Hangyeol dizzy.

"I’ll get you some more water," Sia said, jumping up and returning with a chilled bottle. She filled his glass, and he drained it in one go.

"Are you not good with spicy food?"
"Ha... No, not really."
"Then, how about we eat spicy food together more often?"

Thinking she was joking, Hangyeol frowned, but Sia’s expression was completely serious.

"Right now, Hangyeol, you look incredibly sexy. Let’s eat spicy food together all the time."

Even with her lips stained red, Sia’s radiant smile lit up the room. After years of devoting himself to just one person, Hangyeol’s heart began to stir, as if ready to awaken for someone new.