Chapter 587: On the Verge of Being Independent (2)
Chapter 587: On the Verge of Being Independent (2)
“But you said I didn’t show my abilities as a head chef, right?”
“Do you really need to be obsessed with being a head chef?” June asked calmly.
Kaya stared at her, stunned by the unexpected question. June understood. For a chef, dreaming of becoming a head chef seemed natural—it was the highest position a chef could aspire to, or so it appeared.
“You are something special,” June admitted quietly. Kaya was like a gemstone almost as precious as Minjoon, already polished to some degree.
“Irregular Lab is the perfect restaurant to showcase your talent. You only have to use part-timers as much as you want. Look around. How many head chefs truly have more glory and reputation than you?”
Kaya seemed to grasp June’s meaning. In truth, she had known it for a while.
June continued, “Head chefs all shine, but you don’t have to chase that. Even without borrowing another star’s light, you’re already noticed. What I mean is, you don’t need to be another constellation.”
“What if I want to be a constellation?”
“I won’t say your choice is right or wrong. But it would be unwise.”
“Do you mean foolish choices are wrong?”
“No. But foolish people often find success.”
“So, are you on my side or trying to stop me?”
“Could I stop you even if I wanted to? Out of sight, out of mind. You didn’t come to accept my opinion, just to check if your choice was okay.”
June stood and looked out the window over New York’s streets. An indescribable smile touched her lips.
“I like being stupid.”
“Well, I’m going to quit Irregular Lab soon,” Kaya said.
“Really?”
Minjoon wasn’t surprised—he had anticipated hearing something like this when he sent her to June.
“I think I really want to be a head chef. A real one.”
She spoke briefly, but he understood immediately.
“Have you told Chloe?”
“I told her long ago, when I planned to quit. As you know, I launched Irregular Lab mostly to create memories.”
Her work there was partly to prove, “A restaurant like this can exist. So if you have an idea, try it. Maybe you can succeed too.”
“What will you do next?”
“I might find a job as a demi-chef or sous chef. I don’t know. I wanted to tell you first.”
She crossed her arms and looked at Minjoon, a subtle dissatisfaction in her eyes making him uneasy.
“I think we should get married.”
“Huh?”
“You told me last time I should propose when you open a restaurant. So you must propose first, whether it’s at Rose Island Venice or elsewhere. You’d better become independent gradually.”
“Wait, what are you talking about?”
“Propose to me first!” Kaya said huskily. “Then I’ll say yes.”
Minjoon was speechless and embarrassed. He had never imagined being openly forced to propose.
Confused, he asked, “Do you want to be a head chef or get married?”
“You always tell me to consider things complexly, but why act dumb now? I want both. And I don’t want to delay either.”
He made an awkward face. He used to tell her that many things have many causes. He never thought she would say the same to him.
Whenever she grew impatient to marry, strange feelings stirred inside him. His feelings hadn’t changed—not as intense as when they first met, but their closeness deepened.
As days passed, her importance in his life grew. When his life ended, she would still be beside him.
Still, he hesitated. She was young. Though they lived apart, she was younger than him. It was natural he wondered why she wanted to marry so soon—especially as a Korean.
For Kaya, it was simpler. If she loved someone, marriage was the natural step. Some preferred cohabitation for the freedom and excitement it gave without marriage’s bindings.
But Kaya did not dislike bonds. She’d led a neglected life until now—like a stray dog. She wanted to be bound to someone, to be fettered by Minjoon in particular. She wanted to claim him completely, so no woman could touch him.
Should I have him get a tattoo? Ring tattoos are popular. Or rings? No, better to have my name tattooed on his forehead or neck.
She stared at him intently.
Feeling a bit scared of her sharp gaze, he said, “Give me more time.”
“Mooooore time?” she drawled sarcastically.
He understood. He’d promised proposals but never formally done it. He planned a surprise proposal. But she cut in first.
“I’ve waited long enough. Don’t be grand. Just say you want to be with me. That’s all.”
Her eyes filled with tears. Only then did he sense her nervousness, though her tone was light. He knew she spoke with great difficulty.
“Sure, I’ll be with you.”
That was the second time she’d told him all she wanted was a confession.
He froze, unable to think what to say first. Seeing her face, he realised she wasn’t seeking flowery words. She wanted a genuine promise.
“Sure, let’s get married.”
“Did you say ‘Let’s get married?’”
“Then will you marry me?”
They chose not to announce it immediately—to avoid fuss—preferring to tell people once a date was set. But they agreed not to hide it from close friends.
Ironically, Chloe was the first to know.
“Are you getting married?”
“Yeah. If we go to Los Angeles this time, we want to marry before opening the restaurant.”
“Great! Congratulations!”
Chloe smiled calmly but felt strange. She never expected to smile like that. She feared she’d lose control hearing about their marriage. Was it because she wasn’t close enough to Minjoon? Or because she’d imagined this scene so many times?
Perhaps she was ready for the shock.
She wondered if she’d ever loved Minjoon. Her obsession faded because he never gave her a chance to date him.