Ever since its opening, the restaurant had held onto its Michelin star.
Every seasonal menu earned wave after wave of praise.
Jae-geon’s career as a chef had raced forward without pause—
until, out of nowhere, a timid little deer stepped into his path without a trace of fear.
“Because I wanted to work at Not more than anything.”
Straight posture, slender neckline, neat nose, and wide, crystal-clear eyes.
He scoffed at first, wondering whether someone so delicate could survive the kitchen at all,
yet she darted across the workspace with quick, lively steps that left him speechless.
“Chef… would you stay with me sometimes?”
Even the way she used her insomnia as an excuse to chase after peaceful sleep
felt exactly like some wary creature from the wild.
“I’m still not sleepy, Chef…”
Hae-som collapsed against Jae-geon as she mumbled in a drowsy voice.
The restraint he had clenched between his teeth began to shake apart.
What was he even doing, getting worked up over someone ten years younger?
“A kiss isn’t enough to help me sleep.”
The patience he had layered together piece by piece snapped in an instant.
For her, those long nights brought sweet and restful sleep.
For him, they marked the beginning of endless sleeplessness.