Morning arrived gently.
Sunlight crept through the glass window, thin golden fingers trying to reach the bed where Hauen lay curled deep inside sleep. But the light never quite made it. Suho had already drawn the curtains earlier, sealing her inside her private dreamland, unwilling to let the world interrupt her rest.
She didn't stir. Not even when the day fully woke up.
He had woken up early.
Without making a single sound, he had moved around the room like a whisper, careful with every step, every breath. Showered, dressed, and slipped out, determined not to disturb her rest. By the time she stirred even slightly, he wanted everything to be ready.
Now he stood at a nearby restaurant, looking unusually fresh, sunglasses on, posture relaxed yet alert. While waiting for the food to be packed for takeaway.
While waiting, he made a few calls.
"Ne… I want it sold by tomorrow," he said calmly, voice firm. "I'll be there by tomorrow evening, and I'll have all the paperwork ready. Until then, show them the property."
A brief pause.
"And one more thing, Mr. Nam," he added, tone sharpening just a little. "This is one of the best pieces of land I own. I'm selling because I need funds, not because I'm desperate. So don't settle for a low price."
Another pause, then a faint smile.
"Okay. Make sure you crack a good deal. The better the price you bring in, the higher your commission will be. Alright. Thank you."
He ended the call just as his order was ready.
Walking up to the counter, he paid the bill, collected the neatly packed food, and stepped out, already planning the rest of the day. Calm on the surface, focused beneath. Everything was moving exactly as it needed to.
His phone buzzed again.
"Ye.., Mr. Kim," he said, already moving. "Yes, please proceed with the visa process. I don't have much time, so make sure it's done by tomorrow."
A pause. "Yes. I'll collect it the day after tomorrow. Alright, thank you."
He ended the call and let out a slow breath.
Almost immediately, he dialed another number.
"Ye… Byeonhosanim," he said respectfully. "I called you earlier regarding the legal paperwork for the two properties I bought in Cheongdam. I'll be selling them soon." He listened carefully, then added, "Ye.. And please keep this confidential as well." A brief nod. "Yes. Thank you."
The call ended, and he made his way back toward the resort.
Everything ran through his mind in quick succession. He had barely two days, and everything needed to move fast. Decisions, documents, deadlines, all stacking one after another.
But the moment he opened the door—
His thoughts softened.
She was still asleep, exactly where he'd left her. Peaceful. Unbothered.
His lips curved into a gentle smile.
He set the food down on the small table, arranging it neatly, then walked to the window. Slowly, deliberately, he slid the curtain aside, letting sunlight spill into the room.
She flinched as the light touched her face.
He chuckled softly. "Wake up, jagi… are you alive?" he teased, voice warm with affection.
She squinted slowly, lashes fluttering as she tried to adjust to the sunlight.
"Let me sleep…" she mumbled, voice thick with drowsiness. "I'm tired."
Turning lazily to the other side, she whined under her breath and pulled the blanket right over her head again, shutting the world out.
He chuckled and climbed onto the bed, tugging the blanket away. She blinked up at him, clearly unimpressed, then glared.
"Don't touch me."
He laughed, completely unfazed. "Wae? You were saying something very different last night. What happened now?"
He lay beside her, propped on one elbow, watching her with quiet amusement. When she glanced at him again with half-open, sleepy eyes, he leaned in and pressed a quick peck to her lips.
"Wake up," he said gently. "Eat something first. Then sleep again if you want, I won't disturb you."
She groaned in protest, stretching beneath the sheets as far as she could, arms and legs reaching lazily. Then, without warning, she rolled onto him, making him fall flat on his back.
He burst out laughing as she settled on top of him, completely unbothered, cuddling him.
His laughter vibrated beneath her, chest rising and falling, but she didn't move an inch.
He gave her a playful squeeze, fingers sneaking in to tickle her sides just enough to make her wiggle.
She barely reacted, only shifting closer, stubbornly refusing to give in.
He smiled, defeated and fond, holding her there like the morning could wait just a little longer.
"Jagi…" he called softly.
"Hmm… five minutes," she murmured, still cuddling. "Let me recharge."
He smiled, surrendering easily, wrapping his arms around her and letting her stay exactly where she was.
Then she lifted her head, eyes bright now, a mischievous glint dancing in them. "By the way…" she drawled. "Teddy…"
He caught on instantly, cutting her off with a knowing look. "Not yet," he said firmly. "First food, then rest. You need enough energy. We're going to the beach this evening."
She laughed at his sudden restraint.
"Wae, Teddy…" she teased, leaning closer until their foreheads bumped lightly. "Last night you were so confident, hitting every peak like you owned it. What happened now?"
He groaned dramatically. "Yaa… at least spare me today," he pleaded. "I woke up early, brought you food, and this is how you repay my poor soul?"
She laughed, brushing her nose against his. Her messy hair fell over his face, blocking his view completely.
He giggled, trying to move it aside. "Yaa—"
She only teased more. They giggled like children until he flipped her onto her back, hovering over her.
She giggled softly.
He smiled and pecked her nose. "Come on. Let's eat before the food gets cold."
"Hmmm," she agreed lazily.
He got off the bed and brought the food over. She sat up, pulling the sheets around herself while he carefully handed her the tray and settled beside her with his own.
She took a sip of the squid soup, eyes lighting up instantly. "Hmmm… ahhh… this is delicious."
He smiled, tilting his tray slightly toward her. "Want more? I've still got some."
"Hm… no," she said, already busy taking a bite of her kimbap. "I've had enough."
He studied her face for a moment, the way he always did when checking in without making it obvious.
"You're okay, Jagi?" he asked softly. "Can we go to the beach this evening… or do you want to rest today?"
"I'm okay," she replied easily, warmth in her voice. "I just need a warm bath." She smiled, suddenly wide awake now, sleep completely chased away by food.
He shook his head with a quiet chuckle, amused by how quickly she came back to life once she'd eaten.
They finished breakfast peacefully, talking about nothing important. Random thoughts. Small jokes. The comfort of warm food and shared silence filling the room.
Then his phone buzzed. The sound cut through the calm.
He glanced at the screen and frowned slightly, brows knitting together. "Officer Park?" he murmured under his breath, surprise slipping into his voice.
The air shifted, just a little.