Future Me and My Love

The warm, savory scent of freshly cooked kimchi jjigae filled the air as Gen plated the last of the dishes. The restaurant was buzzing with its usual lunch-hour crowd, waiters weaving between tables, serving sizzling plates of samgyeopsal, bowls of bibimbap, and steaming hot tteokbokki.

Gen, in her crisp white shirt and chef's apron, wiped her hands and admired her work. "Perfect," she said, satisfied.

She had just finished preparing today's special delivery—a meal packed with care and sealed with a playful note.

"For my favorite doctor who is too busy saving lives to eat properly. Enjoy. – G"

Gen grinned as she handed the order to a delivery staff. "Make sure it gets there warm. The ER runs on coffee and stubbornness, but they need real food too."

Before the staff could take a step, a familiar and furious voice cut through the restaurant.

"GEN!"

The place fell silent.

Heads turned toward the entrance, where Lee stood, fuming. She was still in her doctor's coat, stethoscope slung around her neck, her black hair neatly tied back. Her piercing gaze locked onto Gen like a predator about to strike.

Gen, ever unbothered, turned around with a bright smile. "Oh, Doc! Back again so soon? You must really love my cooking."

Lee marched straight to her. "I TOLD YOU TO STOP SENDING FOOD."

Gen tilted her head. "Hmm… you did say that." She crossed her arms, a teasing smirk playing on her lips. "But I have selective hearing."

Lee's jaw tightened. "I AM NOT JOKING, GEN."

Gen sighed dramatically. "Neither am I! It's my duty as a chef to make sure my customers eat well. And you, Dr. Lee, are my most stubborn customer."

The restaurant staff froze in place, watching the scene unfold like a live drama.

Lee clenched her fists. "I don't have time for your games. This is harassment."

Gen gasped. "Harassment? Oh no, Doc. That would mean my food is unwanted." She leaned closer, lowering her voice just enough to be playful. "And I think we both know that's not true."

Lee stiffened.

Muk, Adhi, and Kim, who had just arrived for lunch, exchanged glances.

Kim whispered, "I feel like we walked into something we shouldn't have."

Muk nodded. "Yeah, but I also kinda want to see how this plays out."

Gen noticed the attention they were drawing and sighed. "Alright, alright. Let's not turn my restaurant into a drama stage." She gestured toward the back. "Come with me."

Lee hesitated but followed as Gen led her to a private resting room behind the kitchen—a chef's personal retreat used for breaks.

It was a cozy space, with a small couch, a wooden table, and shelves filled with recipe books, tea sets, and various cooking spices. The scent of fresh herbs lingered in the air.

Gen locked the door behind them and turned to face Lee with a teasing grin. "You're really mad this time, huh?"

Lee crossed her arms. "Do you think this is funny?"

Gen leaned against the table, arms crossed. "I think you being this angry over good food is kinda funny, yeah."

Lee's eye twitched. "You're not listening."

Gen sighed. "Alright, Doc. Talk. Why does this bother you so much?"

Lee's fingers tightened around her coat. "Because you're ignoring boundaries. I don't need you sending food to me like I'm some kind of helpless child."

Gen tilted her head. "But you are helpless when it comes to taking care of yourself, aren't you?"

Lee gritted her teeth. "That's none of your business."

Gen chuckled. "Oh, but it is. Because it's my job to feed people. And I kinda like the idea of you eating something other than hospital vending machine trash."

Lee exhaled sharply. "You don't know anything about me, Gen."

Gen stepped closer, leaning down just slightly—just enough to remind Lee that she was taller. "Oh? Then tell me, Doc. What don't I know?"

Lee held her ground. "You don't know why I don't accept things from people."

Gen raised an eyebrow. "Then tell me."

Lee looked away. "I don't owe you an explanation."

Gen smirked. "Then I don't owe you an apology for sending food."

Lee snapped her gaze back to her. "GEN—"

Gen held up a hand. "Listen. I get it. You don't like feeling like you owe someone. You don't want people to think you need help. But, Doc…" She softened her tone. "Sometimes, caring doesn't come with strings."

Lee hesitated.

Gen leaned in just a little more, her voice dropping to a whisper. "I don't expect anything in return. Just eat, yeah?"

Lee exhaled slowly. "…You're really annoying."

Gen grinned. "And yet, you came all the way here just to yell at me. Feels like you missed me."

Lee turned away. "This is your last warning, Gen. If you send me one more thing—"

Gen mockingly saluted. "Got it, Doc. No more food."

Lee narrowed her eyes. "You're lying."

Gen smirked. "Who, me? Never."

Lee let out a frustrated sigh. "I swear, if you—"

A knock on the door interrupted them.

Kim's voice called out, "Uh, should we be concerned that you two have been in there for like ten minutes?"

Muk added, "Should we call for backup?"

Adhi snickered, "Or an exorcist? It sounds tense."

Lee groaned and unlocked the door. As she stepped out, Muk took one look at her flushed face and grinned.

"So…" he said, elbowing Kim. "What's the verdict?"

Kim smirked. "Did Gen get kicked? Punched? Slapped?"

Gen grinned behind Lee. "Nah, but I think she's warming up to me."

Lee turned to glare at Gen one last time before storming out of the restaurant.

Kim watched her leave, then turned back to Gen. "She's totally coming back."

Gen winked. "Of course she is."

Muk sighed. "You're playing with fire."

Gen shrugged. "Maybe. But hey—fire makes the best food."

Kim laughed. "You're impossible."

Gen smirked, watching the door Lee had just walked out of.

Yeah. She'd be back.

And Gen?

She'd be waiting.