The three of them sat around the low dining table in the living room with their legs folded comfortably under the kotatsu blanket that radiated gentle heat from below.
The table was crowded with dishes.
Hyejin had prepared steaming bowls of kimchi jjigae with extra tofu floating on top, japchae, perfectly seared bulgogi, tteokbokki, bean sprouts, and kimchi, and a big pot of rice still steaming in the center.
Hyejin sat across from them watching with obvious satisfaction as Brandon and Dhayun filled their plates.
"Taewon-ah, try the doenjang jjigae first," she urged, already pushing the bowl closer to him.
Brandon smiled and picked up his spoon "Thank you, Ajumma."
He took a careful first bite and savored the doenjang flavor blooming on his tongue, the soft tofu melting against the roof of his mouth.
"Still perfect," he said quietly.
Hyejin's smile widened "Of course it is. I've had years to practice."
