Jiyeon's Perspective
The next morning, I woke up with a sense of purpose. Today was the final day to complete the mission given by the system, and I was determined to achieve it. As I prepared to head to the restaurant, I felt a renewed sense of energy and optimism. Yura had already left for work, her sweet note of encouragement left on the kitchen counter, as always.
When I arrived at the restaurant, Chef Kang and the staff were already bustling about, preparing for the busy day ahead.
"Good morning, everyone," I greeted them, my voice full of determination.
"Good morning, Jiyeon," Chef Kang replied, a hint of a smile on his usually stern face. "Ready to make this day count?"
"Absolutely," I said, rolling up my sleeves. "Let's do this."
We launched into the day with energy and enthusiasm. The special breakfast menu we had introduced continued to draw in the early morning crowd, and the new lunch special—a savory beef bulgogi wrap with a side of kimchi fries—was an instant hit. Customers streamed in, eager to try our latest offerings.
By the end of the day, the restaurant was buzzing with activity, and the cash register was ringing non-stop. When the final tally came in, I could hardly believe my eyes.
"We did it," I said, my voice trembling with emotion. "We reached 200,000 won."
The staff erupted in cheers, and I felt a wave of pride and gratitude wash over me. We had achieved our goal, and I knew it was thanks to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved.
Later that evening, as I was closing up the restaurant, the familiar chime of the system echoed in my mind.
[Congratulations, Host. You have successfully completed your mission.]
I felt a surge of excitement. "What are the rewards?" I asked, my heart pounding.
[You have earned several rewards. First, a set of high-quality kitchen tools to enhance your culinary creations. Second, a new recipe: 'Seafood Paella,' a dish that will surely attract more customers with its rich flavors and vibrant presentation.]
I could hardly contain my excitement. These rewards would be invaluable for the restaurant, and I couldn't wait to share the news with Yura. As I headed home, I felt a sense of accomplishment and anticipation for the future.
Two Weeks Later
We spent the day in a cocoon of warmth and affection, with me making sure she was well-fed and hydrated. I prepared her favorite comfort foods—soft rice porridge with a hint of ginger and honey tea. Each bite seemed to bring her a bit more strength and comfort.
In the afternoon, Yura managed to sit up, her cheeks still flushed but looking a bit better. "Thank you for everything," she said, her eyes full of gratitude.
"Anything for you," I replied, my heart swelling with love. "How are you feeling now?"
"Better," she said, leaning into my touch. "I think the inhibitor is working."
"Good," I said, feeling relieved. "Let's take it easy for the rest of the day. The restaurant can manage without me for one day."
She nodded, a soft smile playing on her lips. "I'm so lucky to have you, Jiyeon."
"And I'm lucky to have you," I replied, kissing her gently. "Now, let's get you some more rest."
As the evening approached, Yura's fever finally began to subside. The scent of strawberries lingered faintly in the air, but it was no longer overwhelming. She was still weak, but her strength was gradually returning.
We spent the evening cuddled together on the couch, watching light-hearted movies and talking about our future plans. Yura's head rested on my shoulder, and I held her close, feeling a profound sense of peace and contentment.
"Jiyeon," she said softly, her voice filled with emotion. "Thank you for today. I don't know what I'd do without you."
"You'll never have to find out," I replied, my heart full of love. "We're in this together, always."
She smiled, her eyes shining with tears of gratitude. "I love you, Jiyeon."
"I love you too, Yura," I said, kissing her softly. "Now and forever."
As the night grew darker, we eventually made our way back to bed. I held Yura close, her body warm and soft against mine. The scent of strawberries had faded, replaced by the comforting smell of her skin and the subtle hint of the lavender lotion she always used.
Before drifting off to sleep, I whispered, "Goodnight, love."
"Goodnight, Jiyeon," she murmured, already half-asleep. "Thank you for taking care of me."
"It's my pleasure," I replied, feeling a deep sense of fulfillment. "Sweet dreams."