Yura smirked. "Right. I'm sure they've been having a lovely time without you breathing down their necks."
Jiyeon raised an eyebrow. "I'm sure they have. But let's be honest—they need a little fear in their lives to keep them sharp."
Yura laughed. "I don't know how they survive working for you."
"They survive because they're good at what they do," Jiyeon said, tossing the towel onto the counter. "But if they slip up… well, you've seen what happens."
"Oh, I've seen it," Yura said, leaning back against the counter with a sly grin. "You've got them trained like soldiers. One wrong move, and it's over for them."
"That's how it has to be," Jiyeon said with a smirk. "No one messes with my kitchen."
"Except me, of course," Yura added, her grin widening.
Jiyeon rolled her eyes. "Yeah, but I let you get away with it. Barely."
Yura moved closer, pressing a quick kiss to Jiyeon's cheek. "That's because you love me too much."
"Maybe," Jiyeon said, trying to hide her smile. "But just remember—next time you comment on what's burning in my kitchen, you might end up eating something so spicy it'll make you cry."
Yura laughed. "Oh, I'm terrified."
"You should be," Jiyeon teased, giving her wife a playful shove. "Now, are you coming with me to the restaurant or not?"
Yura raised an eyebrow. "What, you think I'm going to miss out on watching you terrorize your staff? Count me in."
"Fine, but behave," Jiyeon said, shaking her head. "You're not allowed to scare them more than I already do."
"No promises," Yura said with a wink, grabbing her coat. "But I'll try to keep my 'world domination' plans to a minimum for today."
Jiyeon grinned, grabbing her keys. "Good. Let's go before you change your mind and start firing people at random."
"Please," Yura said, following Jiyeon out the door. "That's only for Mondays."
Jiyeon rolled her eyes as they headed to the car, knowing full well that Yura could never resist a chance to mess with her. But deep down, she appreciated every bit of it. After all, life with Yura was never boring—and Jiyeon wouldn't have it any other way.
As they drove through the bustling city streets, Jiyeon glanced over at Yura, who was tapping away on her phone, probably dealing with some business nonsense. Her sharp eyes and focused expression contrasted with the playful banter from earlier, making Jiyeon smile. It was moments like these—quiet, simple, in-between moments—that she treasured the most. Life with Yura was chaotic, sure, but it was also full of these little pockets of peace that made all the chaos worthwhile.
"Already plotting someone's demise?" Jiyeon teased, breaking the silence.
Yura smirked without looking up from her phone. "Not yet, but the day's young. Give it time."
Jiyeon chuckled. "You know, it's probably not healthy to plan world domination before noon."
"Healthy is overrated," Yura quipped, finally setting her phone aside. "Besides, I don't need to dominate the world. Just my part of it."
Jiyeon gave her a knowing look. "Ah yes, your part of the world. Which includes bossing around CEOs, making million-dollar deals, and, of course, intimidating every poor soul who crosses your path."
"You say 'intimidating' like it's a bad thing," Yura said, feigning offense. "I prefer to think of it as… strategic persuasion."
Jiyeon snorted. "Call it whatever you want. Just don't scare my staff, alright? They're already on edge when you show up."
"Me? Scary?" Yura put a hand to her chest, acting shocked. "I'm the picture of charm and grace."
"If charm and grace were measured in sarcastic comments and death glares, you'd be a goddess," Jiyeon replied dryly, pulling into the parking lot of her new restaurant branch.
Yura laughed, a low, throaty sound that sent a pleasant shiver down Jiyeon's spine. "You knew what you were signing up for when you married me."
Jiyeon parked the car and turned off the engine, shooting Yura a sideways glance. "Oh, I knew exactly what I was getting into. I just didn't realize how much fun it would be."
"Damn right it's fun," Yura said, unbuckling her seatbelt. "Now, let's see if your staff is as terrified of you as you claim. I want to see this for myself."
They stepped out of the car, Jiyeon leading the way into the restaurant. As soon as they walked in, a wave of smells hit them—garlic, roasting meat, fresh herbs. Jiyeon took a deep breath, savoring it. This was her world, and no matter how many times she walked into one of her kitchens, that first inhale was always the same: pure bliss.
"Chef Jiyeon!" One of the sous-chefs, a young man barely out of culinary school, spotted her and nearly dropped the tray he was holding. He quickly composed himself, standing a little straighter, eyes wide. "We weren't expecting you today."
"That's the point," Jiyeon said, her tone firm but not unkind. "How are things running?"
"Smoothly, Chef," he replied, though the nervous twitch in his eye suggested otherwise.
Jiyeon gave him a long, appraising look. "I'll be the judge of that. Show me around."
The sous-chef nodded quickly and led her deeper into the kitchen, giving Yura a quick, fearful glance as she followed close behind. Yura grinned, clearly enjoying the reaction, while Jiyeon kept her focus on the kitchen.
She immediately noticed the way the team was moving—efficient but slightly chaotic, like they were trying to keep up with something that had already gotten out of hand. One of the line cooks was struggling with a sauce that had started to separate, and the pastry chef was muttering angrily to herself over a batch of dough that wasn't rising properly.
"Everyone stop," Jiyeon said, her voice cutting through the air like a knife. The clatter of pots and pans came to an abrupt halt as the kitchen staff froze, eyes darting nervously toward her.
Jiyeon crossed her arms, giving the entire room a once-over. "Alright, what's going on?"
The head chef—a tall, broad-shouldered woman who looked like she could wrestle a bear—stepped forward, wiping her hands on her apron. "We've had a few hiccups today, Chef. The morning delivery was late, and some of the new staff are still adjusting."
Jiyeon raised an eyebrow. "Late delivery is an excuse. If your staff isn't up to par, that's on you. What's your plan to fix this?"
The head chef hesitated, glancing around the room as if looking for support. "We're working on it, Chef. I've been running training sessions in between service, but—"
"No 'buts,'" Jiyeon interrupted. "This kitchen doesn't run on 'almosts' and 'maybes.' Either you fix the problem, or I find someone who can."
The head chef's jaw tightened, but she nodded. "Understood, Chef."
Jiyeon softened, just a little. "I know it's tough opening a new branch, but this is your team. You need to lead them, not coddle them. Set the standard, and they'll follow."
The head chef's shoulders relaxed slightly. "Yes, Chef. I'll get them in line."
"Good," Jiyeon said, turning on her heel. "I expect to see improvement the next time I visit. And trust me, there will be a next time."
Yura watched the entire exchange with amusement, her arms crossed as she leaned against the wall. As Jiyeon walked back toward her, she raised an eyebrow. "Damn. That was… hot."
Jiyeon blinked, caught off guard by the comment. "What?"
"You, laying down the law like that," Yura said, her voice dropping to a low purr. "It's sexy when you take charge."
Jiyeon rolled her eyes, though she couldn't suppress the small smile tugging at her lips. "You're incorrigible."
"And you love it," Yura shot back, pushing off the wall and following Jiyeon toward the front of the restaurant.
They walked out into the dining area, where the lunch crowd was just beginning to filter in. The restaurant had a modern, upscale vibe—sleek lines, rich wood tones, and floor-to-ceiling windows that let in an abundance of natural light. Jiyeon had been involved in every aspect of the design, from the color of the chairs to the layout of the open kitchen.
"You did good," Yura said, glancing around the room appreciatively. "The place looks amazing."
"Thanks," Jiyeon replied, her tone softer now. "It was a lot of work, but it's worth it. I just hope the food matches the atmosphere."
"It will," Yura said confidently. "You don't let anything slide, especially when it comes to your food."
Jiyeon sighed, running a hand through her hair. "True. But running two restaurants is… a lot. I just want to make sure this one lives up to the standards of the original."
"It will," Yura repeated, more firmly this time. "You've got this. And if anyone steps out of line, you've got me to back you up."
Jiyeon smiled, grateful for the support. "I don't doubt that for a second."
"Good," Yura said, her grin returning. "Now, are we going to your original restaurant next, or are we heading home so you can cook me dinner like you promised?"
Jiyeon laughed, shaking her head. "Alright, alright. Let's check in on the original place, then we'll head home. I've got a few ideas for dinner that'll blow your mind."
"Oh, I'm sure they will," Yura said, following Jiyeon out of the restaurant. "Just don't burn anything this time."
Jiyeon shot her a glare. "I swear, if you bring up that one incident again, I'm serving you nothing but cold noodles for a week."
Yura gasped dramatically. "You wouldn't dare."
"Try me," Jiyeon said, smirking as they got back into the car.
Yura grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "You're lucky I love you."
Jiyeon's smirk softened into a warm smile as she started the car. "Yeah. I know."
As they drove off toward the original restaurant, Jiyeon felt a sense of calm settle over her. Sure, managing two restaurants was a monumental task, and there would be challenges ahead, but with Yura by her side—sarcastic comments and all—she felt like she could take on the world.
"Well," Yura said, breaking the silence, "let's hope your original kitchen hasn't descended into total chaos without you there to rule over it."
Jiyeon snorted. "Oh, they know better. But it'll be good to remind them who's boss."
"And after that?" Yura asked, a sly smile forming on her lips. "Are you finally going to make me that dinner you owe me?"
Jiyeon grinned, her eyes twinkling. "Only if you behave yourself."
Yura winked. "No promises."