Chapter 15: Drawing Closer to You, Step by Step

"Why would she be here?"

The center of the conversation naturally shifted to their mutual friend, Sullyoon. Xia Xing truly could not fathom why she would be in Yeouido at this hour.

Judging by Yuna Shin’s tone, it was highly unlikely she was here for work. Although NMIXX was still more than two months away from a comeback, and aside from group schedules, she had obligations like being an MC on *Music Core*, it was improbable that she would have the time to wander around aimlessly.

"Oh... she’s just out to clear her head because she’s feeling down."

Under Xia Xing’s puzzled gaze, Yuna chose to balance casual conversation with the protection of her peer's privacy.

"It’s probably because she’s struggling with knowing how to interact with friends. Representative Xia, can you understand that feeling? It’s the frustration of not knowing how to gauge the right level of closeness."

As she spoke, Yuna’s eyes drifted involuntarily toward the tall boy beside her. For a fleeting moment, a hint of melancholy flickered in his eyes—or perhaps, a sense of grievance would be more accurate.

Though Yuna didn't say it explicitly, he had already guessed that this matter likely concerned him. Perhaps, from the moment Sullyoon revealed her profession in the convenience store, their relationship was destined to be complicated by the weight of their respective statuses.

Knowing that Xia Xing likely hadn't had many close friends growing up, and fearing that her words might hit a sore spot, Yuna hurried to add, "I didn't mean anything else by that. Please don't think I'm criticizing you or being sarcastic. Actually, you’re quite charming... I mean, you’re actually a rather interesting person."

Ignoring Yuna’s attempt to backtrack, Xia Xing pushed the cart in silence and stopped in the aisle displaying all sorts of pots and pans.

Seeing that the Representative remained silent, the girl pursed her lips and turned her gaze to the shelves in equal silence.

"Have you ever studied how to choose the right pot?" His sudden question carried a heavy, oppressive atmosphere, making Yuna feel as though her heart were being squeezed. Why did she have to open her mouth? She began to regret her earlier question.

Perhaps out of concern, wanting to keep him from feeling too down, Yuna unconsciously reached out and lightly pinched the hem of his trench coat. When she realized what she was doing and went to pull away, she noticed that Xia Xing was still staring intently at the shelves, seemingly indifferent to her small gesture.

The girl tentatively moved closer, then carefully matched her stride to his, walking along side-by-side. At some point, a fresh scent of laundry detergent wafted from his pressed trench coat, which felt like a silent acquiescence to her actions.

Her slender fingers moved slowly upward, tracing the silhouette of the coat until they reached his sleeve, where she gave it a light tug. The world seemed to transform into a slow-motion scene from a film, creating a sharp contrast with her rapidly beating heart.

"To be honest, I haven't studied it. But perhaps... we could learn together?"

Xia Xing heard her whisper, which was barely audible. He continued pushing the shopping cart, walking along the shelves as if he had agreed to her suggestion.

"People say different dishes require different pots. Stir-frying needs high heat and oil, so you generally choose a lightweight wrought iron pan with good thermal conductivity. Stews require even heat distribution, so experienced cooks usually opt for cast iron. But in reality... life doesn't always need to be so strictly categorized, does it?"

Yuna’s mind raced as she tried to interpret his meaning, responding tentatively, "I suppose that’s true. Perhaps there aren't that many things in this world that are irreplaceable. You have to try them to know if they’re right; maybe soup cooked in a wrought iron pan has a unique flavor of its own?"

That was it... that was how life worked, wasn't it? Even the best of relationships started by simply trying to connect. How could anyone claim that two people weren't right for each other without even giving it a chance?

Not quite on the same wavelength, Xia Xing—his mind clouded with a sense of loss—was trying to channel all his energy into the shopping. "I’m still a novice when it comes to cooking. The most important thing is to actually start cooking, rather than hesitating over which pot to use, right?"

"Perhaps... you're right."

Somehow, Yuna, who had only intended to stop by the supermarket for a drink, found that over an hour had passed by the time they left. The girl followed Xia Xing to the parking lot, helping him place the various kitchenware they had bought into the trunk. A black BMW X6 sat quietly there, its aesthetic unexpectedly matching the current mood of Xia Xing.

When only the last two drinks remained in the cart, Xia Xing reached over to close the trunk while handing one to Yuna. "Your drink."

Distracted, the girl—who had been standing to the side and stealing glances toward the passenger seat—took it without immediate intention to drink. She peered through the window, but the clean, tidy passenger seat revealed nothing. However, in the center console's cup holder, a small glass bottle had been placed with delicate care, holding a few white daisies.

Curious and wanting to strike up a conversation, Yuna turned back, only to find Xia Xing standing a short distance away, looking melancholy as he spoke on the phone.

Was it work-related?

She didn't rush to speak, waiting patiently for about two or three minutes until Xia Xing finally glanced in her direction. It was clear he hadn't finished his call, yet he hung up anyway.

"Is something bothering you?"

"It’s not so much a problem as it is a sense of helplessness."

Could there really be anything in this world that made Xia Xing feel helpless? Seeing her curiosity, and despite not wanting to explain, Xia Xing—still harboring resentment toward that guy Park Se-min—spoke up. "I have to go pick up my cousin; they’ve had too much to drink."

Hearing him mention his family for the first time, Yuna pursed her lips, her eyes darting toward the passenger seat once more. "Do you need any help? I mean... I’m actually quite strong, you know?"

To her surprise, Xia Xing refused without hesitation.

"They got drunk at a nightclub. You’re an idol; being seen there would affect you."

Seeing that he was thoughtful enough to consider the potential negative impact on her, a warmth—though not particularly intense—blossomed in her heart. She pointed to her Loopy hat and mask and said, "Can you handle it all by yourself? Take me with you; I can at least help a little."