Haejin's confessional.
He looks tired. Actually, genuinely tired.
Not physically. Emotionally.
Drained.
"Haejin, how was today?"
He runs a hand through his hair. "Draining. But glad we made something edible. That's a win."
"Your energy seemed lower than previous cooking activities."
"Did it?" His smile is wry. "I guess I was focused on not screwing up the bibimbap. It has a lot of components. Easy to mess up."
"Viewers might be disappointed with less interaction compared to the baking episode with Staff Member 03."
Haejin's jaw tightens. Just slightly.
"I apologize if today wasn't as entertaining. Sometimes activities are just work. We can't always be 'on' for cameras."
"Was it the partner dynamic?"
"It was the recipe. Bibimbap requires concentration. Multiple components cooking simultaneously. Timing matters. I was focused on that."
"Fair enough. Though fans have noted you seemed more engaged, more present, with Staff Member 03."
Haejin blushes. Actually blushes.
