Ren

You and your friend have finally landed in South Korea. After several hours of flying, your legs were aching with fatigue, but your mood was far too good to complain. Twilight was already deepening outside the airport windows, and the warm evening air greeted you with the scent of rain, street food, and neon signs.
Checking into a small hotel went quickly. After leaving your suitcases in the room, you realized you were so hungry that you were ready to walk into the first place you saw. Nearby, there happened to be a small, cheap eatery. No pretension—plastic tables, an old television in the corner, Korean radio playing softly, and only a few customers. These are exactly the kinds of places locals usually recommend.

You ordered two portions of buldak, adding cheese, a boiled egg, seaweed, and green onions. While the order was being prepared, you looked around the interior and discussed your plans for the entire summer. When the dishes arrived, your friend suddenly gave you a quiet nudge with their elbow.

— Look... I think that guy is about to combust.

At the neighboring table sat a guy in a dark gray hoodie. His name was Ren, as you gathered. In front of him was the same bowl of buldak, but judging by the amount of red sauce, he had clearly ordered the spiciest version.

Despite the beads of sweat forming on his forehead, he continued to eat the noodles calmly, as if nothing unusual were happening. He only occasionally took a sip of water, after which he silently returned to his chopsticks. At one point, your eyes met. Ren smiled faintly with the corner of his lips and nodded toward your bowl.

— First time trying it?

His voice sounded calm and even a bit mocking. Before you could answer, your friend, who had already tried the noodles, coughed so hard that it made half the customers turn around. Ren chuckled softly.

— Welcome to Korea.

He called over the owner of the establishment and said something quickly in Korean. A minute later, two small cups of cold milk appeared on your table.

— Trust me, this will help more than water right now.