Today was one of the happiest days of Kayas life. At the same time, it was also the most uncomfortable day of her life. The position of the Grand Chef winner, which seemed to be so far away, was right around the corner, and the family that she was so worried about was right in front of her She couldnt have been any happier. After all, family came first for Kaya.

But she couldnt be simply happy. Cho Min Joon was disqualified. That didnt mean he was disqualified from life. No matter what happened, either Kaya or Cho Min Joon was going to be disqualified, but that didnt mean she didnt feel suffocated.

Kaya, whats wrong?

Huh? Oh, nothing. I was just thinking about something. Have some lemon smoothie. The quality is much better than that at home.

Kaya held the long straw inside a cup to Gemmas mouth. Gemma took a sip, and she smiled in a way that wouldve looked like a grimace to others. Cho Min Joon walked in. He looked at everyone who had awkward looks in their eyes. Anderson, Kaya, and their families. On top of the table were cakes, biscuits, ice cream, and wine.

Cho Min Joon sat next to Cho Ah Ra and quietly asked, Did you have a good chat?

How could I? I just learned that my speaking skills suck, but I did understand one thing. My Korean name is Ahn Deok Sam'

In response, Cho Min Joon let out a cough. He then knitted his teary eyes and looked at Cho Ah Ra.

Did Anderson tell you that?

How else would I have known?

Seems like you explained what it meant.

I didnt, but we all laughed.

Seeing from Andersons cold eyes and his trembling eyebrows, he figured he got caught. Cho Min Joon clicked his tongue and said, Anderson, theres been a misunderstanding

Shut up. I dont have time for excuses. This is why my parents taught me not to trust anyone

What are you trying to say about my parents? Fabio, what do you think?

He doesnt even listen to his parents but uses us as an excuse for times like these. We didnt raise him right.

Both parents sighed. Anderson knitted his brows in response.

When are you leaving? Shouldnt you tend to your restaurant?

Thats okay. We took this week off.

What about reservations?

This is why children are useless. What day is it tomorrow?

Anderson thought for a moment. He made a remark as if he didnt know.

I know its not your birthdays.

Its our anniversary! This is what children are like. When will you grow up?

What kid remembers their parents anniversary? Next, youre going to expect me to memorize your weight. Forget it. Eat this and leave.

Sorry. We didnt raise our son properly. Kaya, it must be hard for you.

You do have a horrible son.

Look whos talking.

Anderson growled at Kaya, but Kaya smiled and hugged Gemma.

Im a good daughter and a good sister. Right, Gemma?

Yup.

See? She agrees.

No ones on my side in this life.

The person he trusted just laughed at him while his parents were busy making fun of him. Anderson destroyed the carrot cake in front of him.

Anderson. You didnt crush that cake as a joke, right?

Oh, god.

His parents even made him take on religion.

Cho Ah Ra snickered and whispered in Cho Min Joons ear.

Anderson is cute.

What?

Hes cute. He looks like a total model, but he acts so cute.

Cho Min Joon glared at Cho Ah Ra. He spoke in a strict voice, Dont get any ideas. I told you you cant date anyone until you go to college.

Ugh, seriously? I cant even say stuff like this?

Dont even look at Anderson anymore. Your life will get stressful with him. You probably dont have a chance anyway, but just the thought makes me cringe. Anyway, dont look at him. Im against it.

Whatever. Do you think this is the stone ages?

Cho Ah Ra grumbled and drank her tea. Gemma, who was next to Cho Ah Ra, glanced over and carefully said.

Try this. Its good.

Oh, okay. Thanks.

Cho Ah Ra opened her eyes out of surprise but then accepted it with a smile. She then took a sip and looked at Gemma. Cho Min Joon smirked and pinched Cho Ah Ra in the cheek.

This opened the door. Gemma and Cho Ah Ra began to speak in English. Of course, they were both lacking for different reasons, but they seemed to enjoy the conversation.

As the night went on and the families went back to their dorms, only three of them remained at the table. One candle was lit But no one enjoyed the vibe. Anderson glared at the candle and asked, Are you leaving tomorrow?

Yeah.

I guess its just the two of us now.

Anderson trembled out of disgust. Kaya attacked him in a cold voice, Why do you keep acting like the victim? Im the victim here.

Hmph. My personality might suck, but its not as bad as yours.

Im not sure about that. They say the way you treat your family says a lot about a person. Seeing how we treat ours, I think the answer is clear. Dont you agree, Min Joon?

Anderson glanced at Cho Min Joon. He looked away without an answer and scratched his head. Anderson grumbled.

You damned bastard. You gave me a weird name, and now youre not even on my side. Do you have a conscience?

Probably.

Min Joon is 100 times nicer than you.

You keep making me into the bad guy. Im leaving.

Anderson got up from his seat. Kaya spoke with a surprised face, Todays Min Joons last day. Youre really leaving?

Who cares? Ill just see him later.

It sounded cold, but it also meant this wasnt the last time. Anderson looked back at Cho Min Joon and then slowly said, I know the name you gave me is weird, but I wont get rid of it. I was the one who liked it for sounding Asian. Im going to introduce myself with that name whenever I meet Korean people.

No, theres no need for

Dont feel sorry because Im going to tell everyone you gave me that name. Then theyll blame you for it. Thats my revenge.

Cho Min Joon laughed. It was a foolish type of revenge. Cho Min Joon watched Anderson leave as he said, Thanks for everything, Anderson.

Anderson stopped. He answered without looking back.

No need to be all cringy. Well see each other again.

To be more exact, they would see each other again tomorrow and a few weeks after that for the finals, but Anderson didnt know this. Cho Mni Joon smiled and said, Sorry.

Anderson didnt answer. It was possible he didnt have anything to say or didnt understand what the apology was for. His shadow disappeared, leaving him with Kaya. The candle lit up the table while the rest of the room remained dark. Kaya looked at the half-open door and said,

I think the lights turned off.

The one in the kitchen turned off.

No, not that. I mean me. My future. My life was always like that. The future always looked dim. It was always like that. I knew tomorrow would be just as dark as today. And when I came on the Grand Chef, I saw the light, but I dont see it anymore, Min Joon.

Kaya turned her head. Every time the candle flickered, the shadow above her face shook, but her eyes didnt shake. Neither did her voice. She spoke in a very certain voice, You mustve been my lighthouse.

Cho Min Joon didnt say anything. It wasnt because he had nothing to say. He couldnt breathe. That was what he thought about Kaya. No, to be more exact, Kaya wasnt just someone who led him into a path.

Kayas path was the path he wanted, and he wanted to make food just like hers. He looked up to her in every way. Just looking at her made him motivated, but it would always result in feeling inadequate.

But Kaya, his lighthouse, said this to him. That he was her lighthouse. Those words made him feel warmer than any praise from the judges.

I was your lighthouse?

You were there whenever it was difficult. You told me what to do And you stopped me from doing bad things. More than anything, you kept me up. Thanks. I might never say this again once you leave So Im saying it now. I wont say it again.

You were also

He wanted to tell her that she was his lighthouse, that she still was. But it wasnt easy to say. Cho Min Joon whispered for a moment before his mouth shut. Kaya tilted her head.

Huh? What did you say?

Nothing. I dont have anything to say.

He felt too pathetic to say it now. After all, he had been disqualified. He wanted to tell her later that she led him to this path. Kaya smiled. She smiled like a girl.

Hey, lighthouse.

What?

Do You think I can still find my way without you?

Kaya.

Cho Min Joon called in a soft voice, Im not a lighthouse.

Thats your opinion, not mine. You were a lighthouse to me.

No. I wasnt, Kaya. You wouldve found the way without me, and you wouldve proved what a great chef you are. You might think your life was meaningless, but you fought. It was a war that most people wouldnt have survived, but you did it. Your sister smiled in such a beautiful way. You made that happen.

Kaya looked conflicted. She was either touched or wanted to deny it. Her face looked complicated.

You shine brightly. Not only do you light up your own path, but you light up others. So I cant be a lighthouse for you because thats like a lighthouse on a sunny day. So Kaya Dont think you got this far because of me. It was all you. You fought hard, endured the pain, and all I did was stay by your side. I shined for a moment because of you.

Why are you putting yourself down? I

Her voice trembled. This was the first time she felt dizzy because of a compliment. Kayas eyes glared and spoke. But ironically, her glare looked friendly.

Okay. I wont say I got here because of you because I did it with my own skills, but you held my hand. You pulled me in the right direction. Why are you speaking as if youre nothing?

Because thats whatll get you to win the whole thing.

Cho Min Joon spoke in a calm voice. It was different from before. The finals as well as Kayas journey, and that made him feel anxious. He believed in Kaya But he hoped that Kaya did lose out because of his existence.

Anderson is good. Im not saying youre worse than him. Im just saying. You cant be Kaya who leans on Cho Min Joon anymore. You have to stand on your own to win because Anderson has been on his own until now. So

No.

Kaya gave a short answer. She looked hurt. Her eyes were wet and her face looked red. Kaya clenched her fists. All her emotions were conveyed in the fists that Cho Min Joon couldnt see. She had no intention to loosen them up.

Its more impressive for me to survive with you than alone. Its an amazing thing that I could hold your hand! To me, thats true. So dont say this stuff when Im grateful. You cant do this to me, too.

She understood what Cho Min Joon was trying to say, but her heart wouldnt accept it. Kaya sprung up from her seat.

Im going to win. Im going to beat Anderson no matter what, so dont have any other thoughts. Just

Kaya closed her mouth because she choked up. What she was about to say next stayed in her heart. Kaya spoke in a tired voice, Im going to sleep. See you tomorrow.

Kaya left. Cho Min Joon stared at the candle in silence. The footsteps grew distant. Maybe he was waiting for the footsteps to return. When he couldnt hear anything, Cho Min Joons sigh put out the candle.

The candle went out, but his sighs continued.