The Next Morning
As if the night before had faded into the distant haze of a forgotten dream, morning on the 20th floor unfolded in a hush.
Sunlight slipped gently through the slits in the gray curtains, stroking the floor with a lazy warmth.
The soft fragrance of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the quiet clink of porcelain—sounds that drifted like a slow-turning vinyl record through the still air.
Noah sat across the table.
Or rather, he sat watching the fork in her hand, the way it brushed her lips, and the subtle motion of her jaw with every bite.
Then, like a ripple from deep water, last night returned to him—her breath, her warmth, and… her lips.
"You've been looking at me like that all morning."
Celeste looked up at him, voice low and calm.
Noah glanced away, lifting a shoulder with practiced indifference.
"Didn't know pigs had such good table manners."
She narrowed her eyes, mock offended, lifting her fork in feigned threat.
But to his eyes, even that—especially that—was strangely endearing.
He let out a quiet chuckle.
There was something comforting about seeing her lift a fork like that.
Like the world hadn't completely fallen apart.
"The doctor should be here soon," she said gently.
"Let them finish treatment properly. Call someone if you need anything."
He nodded, and though her tone was as composed and clipped as always, it struck him differently this morning—as something almost… tender.
Then the front door opened with a soft click.
"I'm here."
Jinwoo stepped in, black T-shirt beneath a draped overcoat, his expression calmer than usual.
He made his way to Celeste's side and sat down like he'd always belonged there.
"You want some?" she asked.
He smiled.
"Minseok's filming nearby today. I thought we'd grab breakfast together. I'm heading out soon."
As she nodded, Jinwoo leaned just slightly toward her, his eyes brushing over the back of her hand.
"Is it possible for someone to look that beautiful even while eating?"
Noah let out a theatrical groan, leaning back with a pained grimace.
"I just survived a knife wound—don't make me endure your flirting on top of that."
Jinwoo gave him a sideways glance, then, without a word, pulled out a small paper bag.
From it, he drew a slender black case, hesitated briefly—then opened it.
Inside lay a platinum ring, its delicate diamond catching the light like morning frost.
Celeste's fingers stilled.
Across the table, Noah set his fork down with a soft clink.
"You're not seriously proposing right now, are you? In front of me? In the morning?"
Jinwoo laughed under his breath.
"Relax. It's not like that. I found it during the tour… just thought it would suit her. It's meaningless, really. Don't read into it."
Noah snorted.
"Yeah. Nothing screams 'no pressure' like diamonds at breakfast."
Jinwoo shot him a look, then muttered,
"If you weren't injured…"
Celeste said nothing.
Her gaze remained on the ring, fingertips gently tracing the edge of the box.
She looked like she might speak—but didn't.
And then Noah leaned back with a smirk.
"Well. I think I've lost my appetite. The lovebirds can enjoy their sparkle in peace. The third wheel will now exit the scene."
He rose slowly, limping toward the hall, a soft smile playing at his lips, though something faint and bitter lingered beneath it.
Silence fell once more. Celeste remained still, her gaze never leaving the ring.
Her lips trembled, just slightly.
Jinwoo reached out, took her hand in his.
"It's really nothing. No pressure. I don't need a ceremony or a title—just…just let me stay by your side."
Gently, he slid the ring onto her fourth finger.
It fit perfectly. As if it had always been hers.
Celeste stared at it, parted her lips—then closed them again.
Whatever had risen in her throat dissolved before it could take shape.
Sensing the sudden weight in the air, Jinwoo stood a little too quickly, nearly bumping his knee on the table.
"Uh… it's beautiful," he muttered, scratching the back of his neck.
"I wasn't sure if it would, you know… fit. Glad it does."
He checked his phone—though he didn't really need to.
"Ah—look at the time. I should, um… I'm gonna be late."
He hesitated awkwardly, hovering near her. Then, after a beat too long, he leaned in and pressed a soft, fleeting kiss to her cheek—almost missing.
And just like that, he turned on his heel and left the kitchen without looking back.