The tension in the air thickened as Kael finally moved. One step. Just a step forward—and it felt like the entire forest shifted with him.
Jisoo's heart immediately started racing again. Did I do something wrong… he's coming closer.
Kael stopped right in front of her, his tall figure towering over her. His golden eyes locked onto hers, sharp and unreadable.
Then, in a low, calm voice, he spoke. "Were you the one who cooked that… thing?"
Jisoo blinked. "…Thing?"
For a second, she just stared at him, then her brain caught up. Oh. Right the meat.
Her cooking.
Jisoo straightened slightly, a bit of pride instantly returning despite her earlier panic.
"Excuse me," she said, crossing her arms. "It's not 'that thing.' It's called food."
Kael didn't react to her tone. His gaze didn't shift either.
"Answer the question," he said calmly.
Jisoo swallowed. Why is he so intense just asking about food?! "…Yes," she said after a second. "I made it."
