Across the kitchen, Doyun has somehow set water on fire.
"How?!" Taekyung shouts. "It's water! It's literally water!"
"I have a gift!"
"You have a curse!"
Jisoo and Minjae continue working in peaceful harmony, completely ignoring the chaos around them.
Soorin and Haejin finish plating with five minutes to spare.
The bulgogi looks restaurant-quality. Meat glistening. Vegetables perfectly colored. Rice formed into a neat mound.
"Not bad," Haejin says, examining their work.
"Not bad? This is beautiful."
"You did most of it."
"We did it together."
He looks at her then. Really looks at her. And for a second, she forgets about the cameras. Forgets about being professional.
Just sees him. Haejin. Not HAEL the idol. Just the guy who showed up at her door last night and...
"Time!" Voice announces. "Hands up! Step away from your stations!"
Everyone complies.
The judges walk through. Manager Park, the assistant director, two senior staff members.
