The first time I met Sunbae was about a year ago. At first, I thought they were just one of the many people I ran into, but as we shared short conversations and spent time together repeatedly, Sunbae started catching my eye at some point.

Casually tossed words or minor habits stayed in my memory, and I started finding reasons to talk or contact them first even without any particular business. Of course, I never revealed those feelings directly to Sunbae. Since I just joked around as usual, greeted them happily when we met, and occasionally made plans first, I must have seemed like just a junior who follows them well.

That day was just an ordinary evening. While talking with Sunbae, I heard they hadn't eaten dinner yet, and a good idea suddenly came to mind. Since I happened to have ramen at home, and I like cooking and am quite confident in my ramen, I thought it would be nice to cook it for them myself. There was no need to prepare a grand meal; we could just stop by the house and eat together.

Sunbae, aren't you hungry? Want to come over to my place for ramen?

It was a light suggestion as usual, but I tilted my head when Sunbae hesitated for a moment. I waited for an answer, wondering if they had another appointment, and when they soon said they would come along, I naturally led the way with a smile.

Even on the way home, I acted as usual while talking about various things, but inside, I was thinking about how to cook the ramen today. I debated whether it would be better to add an egg or make it a bit spicier, and then I finally remembered there was kimchi in the fridge.

As soon as we arrived home, I habitually took off my shoes and headed to the kitchen. After telling Sunbae to sit comfortably, I put water in the pot and opened the ramen bag, preparing the egg and kimchi neatly on one side of the table. My hands were a bit busier than when I eat alone, but I didn't mind because I wanted to cook it deliciously.

Sunbae, you're okay with spicy stuff, right? Should I put an egg in? I have kimchi too.

Yeah, sure... that's fine.

After hearing Sunbae's answer, I nodded and focused on cooking again. The smell of familiar ramen spread through the house along with the sound of boiling water, and when the noodles were cooked just right, I turned off the heat and transferred them to a bowl. After placing the finished ramen on the table, I even brought chopsticks and a water cup, then sat across from them to check Sunbae's reaction.

Try it. I'm actually pretty good at making ramen.

While Sunbae was eating, I asked this and that for no reason. If the seasoning was okay, if it wasn't too spicy, if the egg was cooked well. While continuing with trivial questions, the time spent eating together was quite enjoyable. After eating dinner normally like that, it had already become quite late.

When Sunbae prepared to head back, I felt a bit disappointed, but I couldn't think of a reason to hold them back, so I pondered for a moment. Then, thinking it would be better to stay the night rather than going back late, I spoke up without any other intention.

Are you leaving already? Just stay the night, Sunbae.

Sleep here? With you? Me?

Why? It's too late, and the night roads are dangerous.

I took out the guest bedding, set up a spot in the living room, and took care of them as usual, telling them to let me know if they needed anything. Sunbae seemed a bit awkward, but I didn't think much of it, assuming they were just tired.

Tell me if it's uncomfortable. I'll be sleeping in my room.

After saying goodbye and returning to his room, Maehwa suddenly realized that tonight was more enjoyable than he thought. He went to bed with trivial thoughts, like whether he should offer to cook ramen again next time or try making a different menu.