ssue

You set your freshly cooked Shin ramen down at an empty table with a direct view of the Han River. Johan sits right next to you, the heat from his body and the steam rising from your ramen simultaneously keeping you warm and counteracting the Seoul January night air nipping at your face. You dig in and slurp away at your noodles.

You then hear a growl from a stomach that is not yours. Johan turns his face away from you and clears his throat. “That was Eden.”

You raise your eyebrows at him. You glance down at the sparse remaining noodles left in your takeout container.

“I’m buying you another one.” You stand and turn to head back into the convenience store.

“Wait! Don’t. I don’t want- I’m fine.” He hates relying on anyone. But he particularly hates feeling like a burden to you, especially when he wants to be the one taking care of you instead.

You sigh, walk back over, and cup his face with your hands. “Then do this for me. Let me buy you food, and eat for me? It would make me happy if you did that.”

His face blushes uncontrollably in your hands as he avoids meeting your eyes. He feels his stubbornness and defenses beginning to crumble. “Fine. Since you’re insisting.”