Scene: You've been accepted to the Culinary Art School of your dreams! You can't wait to get started. You've been preparing for this since middle school, you were always the top of your class in Home Ec and not to mention cooking. You're determined to be the best and surpass everyone that will be in class with you. You had already set your mind on not making friends but if you did not to let it get in your way. This was going to be the greatest chapter in your life! 

-First Day-

Everyone one introduced and talked a bit about themselves. So far everyone in here doesn't have much experience in the kitchen which will make it easier for me. Class was about to start when a guy came in. The girls sitting behind me giggled and whispered back and forth about how handsome he was. 

"And you are?" Our chef instructor asked. 

"Do Kyung Soo but my friends call me D.O." He said. "I apologize for being late, it won't happen again." 

"Do you have any experience in the kitchen?" 

"A little" he answered. 

"We'll see about that Mr. 'D.O' now please have a seat" he gestured D.O to the back. 

The first day of school was interesting, I already knew who were the weaklings in the class, they'll be easy to knock out, I wasn't too sure about D.O though. He's very quiet and keeps to himself even if girls go talk to him during our breaks he seems uninterested. I think he's hiding his actual skills I can feel it. 

"Ms. (Your name)" 

"Yes sir?" 

"Dd you hear what I just said?" 

"Yes sir..." 

"Good then you won't have a problem repeating the 9 basic rules in the kitchen I just mentioned. Oh look, you didn't write them down did you? Hmm. Well surely you MUST know them then. Will you please come up front and recite them?" 

! ! ! I took a deep breath and my nerves went through the roof. I haven't recited those rules in forever! I walked up to the front and looked at my classmates who were already waiting for my to just mess up so they could laugh, well not on my watch! 

"Recite them (your name)" 

"Yes sir. #1 Get permission to use the kitchen.

#2 Wash your hands with soap and water before starting your kitchen preparations. #3Continually wash hands as needed like touching the trash can or picking up items from the floor.

#4 Re-read the recipe several times.

#5 Make sure you have all of the necessary ingredients. Put them out on the counter.

#6 Get out all of the equipment like pans and measuring cups.

#7 Follow the recipe exactly.

#8 Use oven mittens or pot holders when taking food in and out of the oven.

#9 Clean as you go along." 

Everyone was impressed except for one. He was staring out the window. I don't know why it bothered me but it did! He's not even paying attention!

"Very good Ms. (Your name). Please pay more attention and take notes. You may sit back down." 

I sat down feeling proud of myself since pretty much they all complemented on how smart I was. 

>>>><<<<>>>><<<<>>>><<<<>>>><<<<>>>><<<<>>>><<<<>>>><<<<<>>>><<<<

Days went by quickly and soon enough we were already in the kitchen. We've been here for a couple of months doing all sorts of things, making exquisite cuisine and really artistic foods. So far everyone has made it but our second final is almost here,THIS is what's going to separate the Pro's from the No's. So far D.O was my only true concern, he really had skill in the kitchen. He's swift and very clean when cooking. Not to mention really fast too. He's definitely the one person I need to watch out for. He's so quiet, it's hard to tell what exactly he'll do. But this final I'M going to beat him. I'm determined to be number 1! Time to show them what I can do. 

"Today we'll make something simple, Kimchi. Everyone get ready and pay close attention because I will give you the directions. In other words as I'm speaking you will make it. If you miss a step then that will be on you. I will NOT repeat myself. Is that clear?" 

We all nodded in agreement. 

I was worried though. I can't possibly taste this stuff as I make it, kimchi made me so sick. I've always had this reaction toward it. I knew how to make it but will it be good enough? I guess I'll just go by his word and pretend I taste it. If he knew this weakness I'd probably be dismissed from class today. 

"Alright. Lets begin class" 

He began the lecture and everyone was so far on point. Once our preparation was done my fear came true. 

"Now taste the quality of your kimchi. Is it good or bad? Are you missing something? Taste and see for yourself." 

I felt queasy suddenly. ! I stared at my kimchi then looked around as everyone tasted theirs. Aish. I can't do this. 

"How's your kimchi ms. (Your name)?" The professor said.

"Umm...good. It's good...." I said. 

"Just good?" 

"Well...yeah. It's not missing anything. So it's good. I'm sure by the time it's fully done it'll be even better" I said. 

I'm so insecure right now. What if my kimchi is actually really bad? My heart beat rapidly in my chest. Boom boom boom boom boom. 

"We'll see about that. Now then lets refrigerate that and your next assignment will be to create a dish. A specialty dish. From your books you will choose an appetizer and dessert. You will have to come up with your main course. You have 2 weeks to practice making them, after those 2 weeks you will come and prepare it for everyone. We will all be watching you as a class but I will n

Be grading you. It is important that you do extremely well on this or you will fail, if you fail then you're out of my program" 

Everyone looked at each other in concern. D.O as usual had that look that made it seem like he had no problem with it. Hmph. We'll just see about that. 

"On second thought. Lets do this in pairs, a team effort! Rin you'll be with Amy. Jun you'll be with Kaski. Hmm....lets see. Ahhh, (your name) your partner is D.O." 

What?!!! I felt my eyes widen and mouth flung open. You've got to be kidding me!!! I shook my head. 

"But....." 

"But nothing! Don't contradict my decisions! I expect a lot from the both of you! Understand?! So work hard and set your differences aside. You will have to spend lots of time together and cook cook cook! Unless you want to fail and be removed." 

"(Sigh)...yes sir...." 

I looked at D.O and he didn't looked thrilled either. I grabbed my book bag and walked over to him. It's now or never I suppose. 

"Clear your schedule for the next 2 weeks and get lots of sleep tonight. We'll meet at the public library to discuss our meal choices and decide that same day within 2 hours. Then we'll need to buy all of the supplies but its essential that we do not waste them. We have to do as best we can when we practice. Since we're off those 2 weeks you can come to my house early in the morning. Bring necessary kitchen equipment and proper attire. Act as if we are already being graded. We will practice every single day, all day." 

"Well what about the weekend?" 

"Weekends are also booked for practicing." 

"What?! You're kidding!" 

"Listen, I will NOT lose to any of the people here. Do you understand? I don't care if you don't like me. This isn't about me it's about us passing. So what's it going to be?" 

He was right. This isn't about if I get along with him or not. We have to work together to pass to the next step. I looked at him and nodded. 

"Alright. Lets do this." I smiled. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"So it's settled. Pot stickers, Pasta and opera cake." 

"So what exactly does your pasta contain?" I asked. 

"It's a secret." He said. 

"It's pasta. How is that a secret?"

"It's not just ANY pasta. It's D.O's pasta. My special dish." He smiled. 

"If you say so...what do you need me to buy?" 

"I'll buy the pasta and the other things I'll need for that main course. How much money do you have?" 

"60 dollars." I said.

He handed me the list. 

"Alright. Later then. I'm going to the grocery store now the sooner we have the things the better" 

"I'll buy the kitchen utensils as well. Here...text or call me if you can't find something." He said as he handed me a piece of paper with his number on it. 

"Thanks. I'll text you right now so you'll have my number too. See ya tomorrow." 

"Later."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Days went by and we kept practicing. Sometimes we lost track of time and practiced straight through the night. There was 3 days left before presentation, i was confident though we spent plenty of time cooking. I looked around his house, We had food everywhere!! There wasn't anymore room to set anything anywhere. 

"Look at all this food..." D.O said. 

"What should we do?" I asked. 

"We can take a break and eat I suppose then you wanna head down to the homeless shelter and feed them? We have plenty of food here." He smiled. 

"Lets do that first. They need it way more than us." I said. 

"Sounds good. Lets go." 

We packed the opera cakes in a box as well as the pot stickers and D.O's pasta. Funny is whole time he's been making it but I've never tried it. It smells good. 

"Can we go in your car?" He asked. 

"Sure." I smiled. 

We packed the food carefully in the car and went to the shelter. The gladly accepted out donation and asked us to help serve. As we did so I realized that D.O isn't such a bad guy, I was so preoccupied with being the best that I misjudged him. He's actually really kind caring and very considerate. He's so talented in the kitchen too, he just acts like he doesn't know anything. He has a lot of potential. I found myself staring at his profile. I never really thought of this before but....he's tall and handsome. When he smiles his eyes light up...his beautiful dark eyes. He slowly turned to the side and looked at me. I panicked! I gasped and quickly looks away. Smooth move! I made it so obvious I was looking at him! Gahhh!!!! Shoot me now! 

"You okay?" He asked. 

"Hmm?" I turned around. "Oh! Yeah. I'm fine...just...you know....hanging out" I said nervously. 

Why am I getting so nervous? 

"You sure? You're cheeks are burning red." He touched my face. "And your face is burning up" 

"I-I-It's nothing. Really." I said. 

"Well okay then. You ready to get out of here?" He smiled. 

"Aren't we going to eat?" I asked. 

"It's all gone." He giggled. 

"Aww, really? That . I wanted to try your "D.O Pasta" since you're always bragging about it." I smiled.

"I'll make you some then. Come on." He said. 

"Kay." I smiled like a fool. I felt my heart skip a beat when he said he'd make it for me. 

We arrived at his house and he made me the pasta as promised. It smelled delicious. Yummy! 

"Aren't you going to eat?" I asked. 

"I want to see you eat." He smiled. 

"Watch me? Why?" 

"Just cuz. I want to see your reaction when you take the first bite." He said. 

"Umm, okay." I said. 

I took the first bite and smiled. This was SO delicious! The most delicious spaghetti I've ever tasted!! I felt as if my taste buds were on a heavenly trip. But then....

"What's wrong?" D.O said concerned. 

I began coughing and gagging. "It....has....kimchi!" I began gasping and coughing some more. I fell over in the chair. 

"(Your name)!" He yelled and lay me upwards. "Hang on!" 

He checked my vital signs. "Okay, I'm going to do CPR. Just hang on. It seems like your airway is being blocked." 

He ripped my shirt opened which put me into more panic! He began counting and pushing up and down on my chest then he gave me a breath of air. I popped up and ran to the restroom. Aww man! He's gonna think I came to throw up cuz he kissed me! Damn! He held my hair back as I threw up. 

"Better?" He asked as he handed me a glass of water. "Sorry about your shirt...I'll let you borrow one." He said slightly embarrassed. 

"It's....okay. Ahem. Sorry for causing you trouble..." 

"No, it's my fault. I probably should've told you what it contained. Are you like allergic to the ingredients in kimchi or something?" 

"I'm not for sure but that always happens when I eat kimchi or something similar to it...but it was delicious." I smiled. "The taste was so exquisite and smooth. If I wouldn't be so sensitive to kimchi I would've downed that whole thing up." 

He smiled. "Thanks. So did kissing you make the effect of throwing up faster?" He giggled. 

"No! Not at all. I was already feeling....well you know....sick so." Could I make this anymore obvious?! Aish! 

"Well you're okay now. That's all that matters. If you want there's an extra tooth brush in the medicine cabinet. I promise it's new. I'll go get you something to wear....I kind of ruined your shirt." He smiled embarrassingly. 

He walked out of the restroom and I got up to brush my teeth. What a disgusting after taste. I touched my lips and smiled. He's simply amazing. I decided to just take the shirt off. It was pretty much dangling from the sides, might as well. 

"I found a hoodie that you could...oh my g-..." He turned around. "Sorry! I didn't know you were....well your br...I'll just leave this here on the door knob." He nearly sped walked out of there. 

I couldn't help but laugh a little. I put on the hoodie and walked back to the kitchen. 

"Thanks for the hoodie...it's comfy." I said. "Here I'll wash and you dry. It'll be faster that way." 

"You're welcome and again I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to walk in on you like that...." 

"My shirt was pretty much destroyed because you ripped it I'm pretty sure they just bounced right out when you did so. (Laugh). So its not like just seeing me in my bra was so tragic, don't worry about it, it's okay. Really. You pretty much saved me so it's no big." I began washing the dishes. 

It was quiet for a bit. I made some small talk but I guess he was still embarrassed or something. He didn't talk at all.

"You don't have to come tomorrow. You've been working hard and deserve a break." He finally spoke. 

"Are you going to d anything?" I asked. 

"I'm....expecting my girl friend tomorrow." He said. 

I felt the sponge fall out of my hand. He has a girlfriend? But....I took a deep breath. Well I suppose it doesn't surprise me but still, I thought....I guess I thought wrong. I picked up the sponge and kept washing. 

"What are you going to do tomorrow?" He asked. 

"I don't know. Probably hangout with the guys, I haven't seen them in a while." 

"Guys?" 

"I used to be a dancer, a B-Girl if you will. I was the only girl in the crew. I was the cook even then, so I think I'll go and catch up with them." 

"Did you date any of them?" 

"Yeah. I did. He was my boyfriend for 2 years. I thought he was the one but we just drifted apart, he wanted to keep dancing and eventually he left to a dance academy in Europe but he came back 2 weeks ago. I haven't gone to see him though." 

"I see. So do you...love him?" 

"I don't know. We broke up almost a year ago and stayed friends but I'm not sure if I love him. I haven't been alone with him to just talk so I wouldn't know." 

"Hmmm..." 

"So where you taking your girlfriend?" 

"Who?" 

I looked at him. "Your girlfriend. You said you were going to see her." 

"Oh. Right. I don't know, take her out to eat then maybe take her to the park to watch the fireworks." 

I washed the last couple of dishes. 

"Oh yeah. There's an event today and there's going to be fireworks. That's nice. Well....I'd better get going. I'll see you later I guess." I forced a smile. "Thanks again for everything..." I began to walk to the door. 

"(Your name)...." 

"Yeah?" I turned. 

"I...ummm...(sigh)....have a safe trip home...." 

"Oh...thanks...."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I went to visit the guys just like I said I would. To my surprise everything was pretty much the same. It was like I was heading to dance practice all over again. I didn't see him around though, I wonder where he was. 

"Ayyyeeee!!! Look who it is fellas!" 

"(Your name)!!!!" They all shouted at once and ran towards me. 

"Hey guys!" I said happily. 

"Look at you. Looking hot as always." Mack said. 

"Aww thanks but I know every time you say stuff like that its cuz you're hungry" I smiled. 

"You know me so well. So what'd you bring?" He smiled. 

"Lasagna, breadsticks and chocolate/raspberry cheesecake." 

They all looked at me with big glistening happy eyes. 

"It's in the kitchen." I smiled. 

They pushed each other back and fought to get to the Kitchen. As they ran out he came in. I turned around and he stood there looking at me. 

"Hey." I smiled.

"Sup?" He smiled back. "You look real cute today. What brings you here?" 

"I thought I'd stop by since I was in the neighbor hood. Besides I heard you were back and I wanted to congratulate you on your success." I said. 

"I see. Well how about we go somewhere? Catch up." He smiled.

"Sure." I said. 

He took my hand and we walked out. He took me to the park and we walked around, we talked and reminisced about the old days. 

"We were good together (your name)....Why didn't you come with me?" 

"I just couldn't...you wanted to dance but I had other plans. I loved to dance but cooking was/is my passion. Although I admit....sometimes.....I wonder how things would've turned out if I would've gone with you." I looked at him. 

"Well....I'm here now." He looked at me and touched my face. "There wasn't a day that passed by where you weren't on my mind..." 

"You never called...." I whispered. 

"I'm sorry babe...I just..." 

"Don't..." I looked at him. "Just leave it at that okay? I don't care what your reasons were I'm just glad I got to see you today." 

He smiled and leaned down to kiss me. In that exact moment D.O's face was brought up in my mind. I pulled away. 

"What's wrong?" 

"I can't...." 

"Why?" He asked. 

"............" 

"(Your name) look at me..." 

I looked at him then he kiss me but as soon as he did I couldn't help but picture D.O the whole time. I pulled away from him. 

"I'm sorry...I have to go...." I ran away after I said that. 

I realized that I had fallen in love with D.O. He already had a girlfriend and he probably doesn't even have the slightest interest in me but I loved him. I wanted to see him, I NEEDED to see him. Girlfriend or not I just want to see him. I ran all the way to his house, I was out of breath. I knocked on the door. 

He answered it. "(Your name)?" 

Why am I here? I feel stupid right now. Oh! I have his hoodie in my bag! 

"Your hoodie. I...here" I handed it to him. "Sorry if I interrupted you..." 

"I'm not doing anything." He said. 

"Your girlfriend?" I said. 

"She's gone. She had to pick her husband up from the airport." 

O.o she's married?! So they're LOVERS?!!! 

"..........."

"Hmmm?" He looked confused. 

"You're her lover?" 

O___O "excuse me?" 

"You're with a married woman?" 

He laughed. "What? Are you insane? She's a girl friend. A girl that's a friend?" He laughed some more. "You're funny" (notice! That's how it's spelled way up there xD when he says Girl friend. NOT girlfriend lol! Gotcha (; keke) 

"Ohhh, sorry. Gosh I feel real stupid now. Well I gotta go now....Byeee~" I said. 

"Wait." He grabbed my arm. 

My arm was stinging from his touch. It was like a flame. An electric surge ran through me. 

"Yeah?" I felt my cheeks warming up. 

"Do you want to go see the fireworks? With....me?" He asked. 

"S-S-Sure. Lets go" I smiled. 

He smiled back. "I know a great spot too."

"Let me guess...D.O's secret spot" I laughed. 

"You think you're funny? Hmm?" He said as he grabbed me and tickled me. 

"Aahhhh!!! Okay okay! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" I laughed. 

"You better be" he smiled. "Lets take some snacks. I made some rice balls." 

"Okay" ^__^

We made it to his secret firework place. It was really high up. But the perfect view. I could see the whole city from up here! The stars looked so bright, there was so many! The moon was perfect tonight...big and a fluorescent white. We extended the blanket and sat down. We talked for a bit and made small talk, I wanted to tell him so bad about how when Sam kissed me he was all I could think about but would it ruin our friendship? Would he freak out and reject me? How will it effect our assignment? We only have 2 more days after this...I'm scared if I tell him he won't want to work with me anymore...but it's now or never. Here goes nothing. 

We both turned to face each other at the same time and spoke at the same time too. 

"(Your name)" 

"D.O" 

"There's something I have to tell you" 

We smiled and chuckled at our harmonized speaking. 

"You first" he said. 

"Okay...well.....(deep breath)....today as you know I went t visit the crew and I ended up going out with Sam to a nearby park...we talked for a bit then he brought up the fact that we were good together and how he was here now so we could be together again." 

D.O's expression slowly went from happy to upset. He waited for me to keep talking. 

"He leaned in to kiss me the first time but I hesitated then the second time he kissed me and it was mutual. I kissed him back too." 

D.O sighed and looked away from me. 

"But..." I touched his hand. He turned to look at me again. "The whole time I was thinking of you...I pulled away from him because I knew that he wasn't you...he could never and will never be you. So I ran away, I ran all the way to your house because I needed to see you. Truth is these few days we've spent together have been the best days I've had since I started going to school. I can let my guard down around you because you're just..special. I didn't want to tell you because I know you don't like me. I just hope we can stay friends, don't be mad at me for feeling this way about you." 

He pulled his hand away. I felt my heart crumble. Guess I was right.....

"You're right. I don't like you. At all. I don't like you the slightest bit. You're not pretty nor do I want to be with you forever and I wouldn't cry if you walked away right now." He said. 

I felt a tight knot in my throat. My eyes began to water. My heart felt shattered. I got up and began to walk away. I felt his hand grab my arm and pull me towards him. He lifted my chin up and looked at me. 

"You're not pretty because you're beautiful. I don't like you because I love you. I don't want to be with you forever because I NEED to be with you forever and I wouldn't cry if you walked away because if you did I would die....You have no idea how hard it's been for me to keep my feelings in the dark. I was afraid that you'd get mad since you didn't like me from the start. (Your name) to be honest. The day you were choking I wasn't even supposed to do CPR. It was an excuse to kiss you. The shirt was because I got carried away. I promise I'm not a . But my point is...I'm in love with you. I didn't bring you up here just to lose you....I brought you here to make you mine." 

He didn't even give me room to speak. He just went for the kill and kissed me. Once his lips touched mine the fireworks went off. They lit the sky in celebration of our love, we kissed under the stars and moon. They witnessed our love that night. His lips were sweeter than any possible pastry there was and the best part of that was no one could buy nor could anyone make such a thing. Not even the finest ingredients could make such a perfect being. 

=THE END=