Later that morning, after quiet kisses and half-finished conversations, Minji stood barefoot in the bathroom, the mirror fogged from the shower he'd just started. The sound of water echoed softly against the tiles, steam curling like secrets in the air.
He looked up as Hana padded in behind him, hair tousled, one of his shirts falling halfway down her thighs. She rubbed her eyes sleepily, giving him a crooked smile.
"Is it okay if I join you?" she asked, a hint of shyness under her voice.
His eyes softened immediately. "Only if you promise not to laugh at me when I sing shampoo jingles."
She grinned. "Deal."
He reached out and pulled her in gently. The water wasn't too hot it's just the right warmth that made the world feel far away. Hana tilted her head back, eyes closing as the stream soaked through her hair, and Minji stood behind her, fingers threading carefully through the strands, as though each one was something precious.
"You know," he said softly, massaging shampoo into her scalp, "this is the most peaceful I've felt in weeks."
"Even with the world watching?"
"Especially with the world watching," he replied. "Because in here, it's just us."
She turned to face him, droplets tracing down her cheeks like morning dew. Minji brushed one away with the back of his hand, then cupped her face, kissing her forehead with a reverence that made her throat ache.
"I was scared," Hana admitted. "That I'd lose myself… or you. Or both."
"You won't," he whispered, pressing his forehead to hers. "You're the only thing that feels real right now."
They stood under the water like that skin to skin, hearts open as if the steam could shield them from the noise outside. Just two souls learning what it meant to choose each other, even when it was hard.
Eventually, they finished, wrapping themselves in towels and laughter.
And for just a little longer, the world waited outside while love made its quiet home in the space between them.
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The scent of eggs and toasted bread drifted through the quiet apartment, blending with the faint trace of shampoo in the air. Hana stood barefoot in the kitchen, Minji's oversized hoodie hanging loosely on her. She was humming softly while stirring scrambled eggs in the pan.
Minji leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, just watching her. There was something healing about the seeing her cooking.
"You're going to burn it if you keep staring at me like that," she said without turning.
"Worth it," he said with a small grin, walking up to rest his chin on her shoulder and his hands circled round her waist. "You're humming."
"Am I?"
He nodded. "That means you're calm again. I missed that."
They sat at the small round table by the window. Hana passed him a plate, and he dramatically clutched it like a starving man. She rolled her eyes, smiling into her coffee.
Midway through their quiet breakfast, Hana glanced at her phone. "I should probably let Ziran know about postponing our girls' night or else She'll be bombard with questions ." She murmured.
Minji looking up a bit confused while, still sitting at the counter with a small smile playing on his lips, "Ziran?" he echoed. "Who's that?"
Hana blinked, realizing she'd never introduced one to the other. "Oh," she said, brushing her hair behind her ear. "She's my best friend."
She sent the message quickly, then hesitated, her fingers brushing the rim of her coffee mug.
We've been close since forever. She knows about us, by the way. She figured it out… well, I told her a little bit, and she sort of screamed and almost blew out my eardrums."
Minji chuckled, eyes narrowing playfully. "And you didn't think to tell me about her before now?"
"It just… never came up," Hana said, taking a seat across from him. "With everything going on, I guess I forgot. She's important to me, though. Like family."
"Then I should probably meet her someday," Minji replied. "If she's family to you, then I want to know her too."
The sincerity in his voice made Hana's chest warm. She reached out, covering his hand with hers. "You will. But you might need earplugs when you do."
"Minji…" she began, her tone shifting, "is this place safe? I mean… from the media, fans, paparazzi? What if someone's watching?"
He looked up, his expression instantly reassuring.
"This apartment isn't even known by my manager," he said quietly. "Only the estate manager and I know I own it. It's registered under a shell name. The entire building is high-security, and the estate is private gated, cameras everywhere, no chance of press sneaking in."
Hana took that in, still fidgeting slightly with the spoon beside her plate.
"No one will find out, Hana," he added gently. "Not unless we want them to."
She nodded slowly, letting the words wrap around her like a blanket. It didn't erase the fear, but it softened the edge.
Minji reached across the table, lacing their fingers. "You're safe here. With me."
"Hmmm"
They laughed and talked together, the moment soft and safe , a quiet bubble away from the storm that still raged online.
As Minji disappeared into the bedroom to freshen up, Hana stepped out onto the small balcony with her phone, fingers hovering for a moment before she hit Ziran's contact.
The line connected quickly.
"Hanaaa!" Ziran's voice exploded from the speaker, loud and energetic as always. "Don't tell me you're still lying in bed with that gorgeous troublemaker of yours."
Hana laughed softly. "Good morning to you too. And no, not in bed anymore. Actually, I was calling to tell you we might need to postpone our girls' night."
There was a dramatic gasp. "Excuse me? Postpone? Oh no—don't tell me you guys are already moving in together and painting the guest room?"
"Ziran, stop," Hana said, stifling a laugh. "It's just… things are still a bit crazy right now. I need time to breathe and figure things out. I promise, we'll do it. Just not today."
Ziran's voice softened slightly. "Hey, I get it. I was just teasing. I know what you guys are doing, you know rekindling the love flame and all that steamy drama. I'm just sitting here waiting for my slice of wedding cake."
"Ziran—" Hana started.
"No, no, don't stop me. I want a front row seat, okay? Maid of honor or nothing."
Hana smiled, touched. "Thank you. For understanding. And for being you."
"Always. Just don't disappear on me, okay? I still have a lot of judging to do."
They both laughed, and Hana promised to keep her posted. After ending the call, she slipped the phone back in her pocket, heart a little lighter.
Inside, Minji stepped out of the room, towel draped around his neck. "Everything okay?"
Hana walked up to him and leaned into his side. "Yeah. Just had to reassure my best friend that we're not eloping."
He smirked. "Yet."
She rolled her eyes, blushing. "Let me live."