(In morning)
The smell of breakfast drifted faintly through the condo.
Jihyun stirred, rubbing his eyes as he sat up in bed. He heard the sound of dishes, footsteps moving in the kitchen. Taewon must have already been awake.
Yawning, he pushed the blanket aside and opened the bedroom door slowly.
Inside the kitchen, Hana's back was turned as she plated food. Without looking, she spoke, her tone respectful as always.
"Morning, sir. I prepared breakfast"
Her words cut off. She turned.
The plate slipped from her hands, shattering against the floor. Her eyes went wide,
"Sir Jihyun?! Aaaahhh!!"
The scream echoed through the condo.
Jihyun froze, his chest tightening. His face turned pale,
Taewon rushed out from the bathroom, towel still on his shoulders. His arm wrapped instantly around Jihyun's shoulders, shielding him.
His gaze snapped to Hana.
"Hana!" His voice cut through the room.
But Hana's knees gave out. She fainted before she could respond.
The front door burst open.
Jin rushed in, his eyes widening the moment he saw Jihyun. His lips parted as if to scream, but Taewon's glare was sharp and cold.
"Don't."
The warning froze him in place. Jin clenched his fists, forcing his voice down as he hurried to lift Hana and carry her to the couch.
Moments later,
Hana stirred. Her lashes fluttered, and when her gaze fell on Jihyun again,
"It's really you Sir Jihyun!"
Before anyone could stop her, she threw her arms around him tightly.
"I missed you so much!"
Jihyun's throat closed. Slowly, his hands came up to hug her back. His voice trembled.
"Hana"
"That's enough."
Taewon's voice was firm. Hana flinched, pulling away quickly. She bowed low, her face pale.
"Sorry, sir. I thought it was a ghost. I'm really sorry"
Jihyun shook his head gently.
"It's not your fault."
Then he glanced sideways at Taewon, his tone sharper.
"Aren't you getting late for office?"
Taewon's eyes narrowed briefly, but he said nothing. He turned away silently.
At breakfast,
Hana couldn't stop fussing over Jihyun, her smile bright despite the tears still clinging to her lashes. Jin, however, stayed silent, his gaze unreadable.
Before leaving, Taewon stood at the door. His voice was calm, but heavy with warning.
"For now, no one should know Jihyun and I are back together."
Hana's eyes lit up instantly. She nudged Jin with a grin. "See? They're together again!"
Jihyun smiled at her childish excitement.
Jin only bowed stiffly. "Yes, sir."
The door shut behind Taewon and Jin.
Hana turned back to Jihyun immediately, her eyes glistening.
"Do you know how much I missed you, sir? You never called me once. I thought you forgot me."
Jihyun's lips pressed together before curving faintly. "I'm sorry."
Her smile returned, though her voice shook. "It's okay. You're back now. I'll teach you cooking again, just like before."
Jihyun chuckled, warmth tugging at his chest. "I'd like that."
"Yes!" Hana clapped her hands softly.
"Taewon sir hardly ever stayed here after you left. He was always at the Kang villa. Only a month ago he shifted to Itaewon. But now with you it feels alive again."
Jihyun reached for her hand, squeezing it gently. His voice steadied with quiet determination.
"We're not leaving each other this time."