I grabbed my suitcase and started packing my clothes.

  "I hope I don't forget anything,"

  I muttered to myself as I tried to close it.

  Suddenly, Leo jumped inside and curled up into a little ball. He looked up at me with those big, innocent eyes, as if to say, "Don't leave me behind!"

  "Leo, I don't need to pack you; you're coming with me anyway," I said, lifting him out. Of course, he resisted and tried to climb back in.

  "No, Leo, you can't stay in the suitcase!" I laughed, placing him gently on the floor.

  Next, I packed his food, treats, and toys. Once everything was ready, I picked up my phone and texted Taeng:

  "Hey, meet me at our usual spot in an hour?"

  After that, I opened my laptop and typed into YouTube: "How to cook for beginners."

  If I don't want to end up as a burnt steak at Chak's place, I need to learn at least the basics.

  I watched video after video, but I forgot half the information almost immediately. "Why did I choose this life?" I sighed and shut my laptop. Then, I left for the café.

  When I arrived, Taeng was already waiting, an iced coffee sitting on the table.

  "Hey, future housewife!" he greeted me with a smirk.

  "Shut up," I rolled my eyes and sat down. "I wish I could turn back time."

  "Maybe it won't be that bad," he tried to encourage me.

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  "Living with Chak? The human ice bomb that could explode at any second? It's going to be a nightmare. I just hope he doesn't watch my every move."

  Taeng burst out laughing. "Let's just hope you don't burn his kitchen down."

  "I hope so," I muttered, taking a sip of my coffee. "Otherwise, I'll be repaying my mistake for the rest of my life."

  That's when I had a genius idea. I looked at Taeng with newfound excitement.

  "What if YOU went to my boss instead? You're a great cook, and I'll take your place at work!"

  Taeng looked at me as if I had just suggested robbing a bank together. "Are you insane? If I showed up at Chak's doorstep, he'd fire me on the spot."

  "Eh, worth a try," I sighed.

  "But," he continued, "I can give you some cooking tips to make things easier."

  "Please!" I grabbed his arm in desperation.

  Taeng smirked. "Alright, get your notebook ready, my friend. Welcome to the hell of basic cooking."

  Taeng had been explaining kitchen survival tips to me for two hours straight, trying to make sure I wouldn't turn Chak's kitchen into a disaster zone. It felt like he was trying to make me remember more things than I could actually use.

  I sighed and leaned on the table. "Good thing I have you. I had no idea there were so many cooking rules."

  "I just hope they help," he said with a half-smile. "But listen, you really need to tell Chak that Lun isn't your boyfriend. Maybe then he'll cool down."

  I rolled my eyes. "I tried to tell him that there's nothing between me and Lun anymore, but he won't even let me get a word in."

  Taeng nodded. "Lun really showed up at the worst possible time." He paced for a moment before looking straight into my eyes. "How did you feel when you saw him?"

  I thought about it for a moment before slowly answering. "Weird. I can't really explain… I mean, I'm glad we stayed friends, but that's all." I glanced at Taeng and gave him a small smile. "I'm also glad I have the best friend who listens to me, gives me advice, and helps me."

  Taeng grinned. "I'll always be here whenever you need me."

  We paid the bill and went for a short walk to get some fresh air. The city lights flickered around us when Taeng suddenly asked,

  "By the way, where does Chak even live?"

  I sighed. "No idea. He said he'd send me the address, and I really hope he does it soon. Otherwise, I won't know when to wake up in the morning."

  Taeng smirked. "An incredible adventure awaits you."

  "Oh, shut up," I muttered.

  Just then, my phone rang.

  I glanced at the screen, and for a moment, my heart skipped a beat. Chak.

  Taeng smirked mischievously. "Speak of the devil…"

  Taking a deep breath, I pressed the green icon. "Hello?"

  Chak's voice was as cold and direct as ever. "I sent you the address. Be on time."

  "I understand, sir," I replied quietly.

  "Don't forget the documents, and I expect you to do your job without unnecessary trouble"

  "Yes, sir."

  I heard the call end before I could say anything else. I just stood there, staring at my phone, my mouth slightly open.

  Taeng patted my shoulder. "So? Where does he live?"

  Swallowing hard, I handed him my phone so he could check the address.

  "Whoa, fancy neighborhood," he murmured, handing it back to me. "Well, at least you won't suffer in bad conditions."

  But all I could think was that I was walking straight into a trap—one I might never escape from.