SAFE HOUSE – THREE DAYS LATER – 6:34 AMChaewon woke to the smell of burning coffee and quiet voices. She lay still for a moment, listening. Jian and Han in the kitchen, discussing security protocols. Haeun teaching Euna self-defense moves in the living room, their laughter cutting through the tension.And somewhere, Min-ji. Learning to be human again.Chaewon rose, wrapped herself in a robe, and descended the stairs. The house was different now—fuller, louder, more alive. Less like a hiding place and more like a home.In the kitchen, Jian stood at the stove, attempting breakfast. The eggs were burnt. The toast was charcoal. But he was trying."You're awake," he said, noticing her."And you're cooking. Badly."A ghost of a smile. "I'm out of practice.""Let me." She moved beside him, took over the pan. Their hands brushed. Neither pulled away."Chaewon—""Not yet," she said softly. "We're not there yet. But we're getting closer."He nodded, accepting. "I can work closer."Han entered
Last Updated : 2025-11-13 Read more