Tonight she had clarity.
Her parents' embarrassing but honest support.
Her father's protective threat.
Her mother's chaotic wisdom.
It all made sense now.
Stop running.
Stop protecting herself from every possible hurt.
Just... choose.
And deal with whatever came after.
She went inside.
Changed into comfortable clothes.
Set her alarm.
Early day tomorrow.
She lay in bed.
Stared at the ceiling.
Her heart felt lighter than it had in weeks.
Terrifying.
But good.
Sleep came eventually.
★☆★☆★☆
The next day started normal enough.
Soorin arrived at AUREYA around seven.
Early morning shoot.
Magazine spread for LUMEN.
The building was quiet.
Most staff hadn't arrived yet.
She headed to her station.
Set up her kit.
Organized brushes.
Checked products.
Normal routine.
Her phone buzzed.
Haejin.
[Good morning.]
[Morning. You're up early.]
[Couldn't sleep. Nervous about today.]
[The shoot?]
[Everything.]
She smiled.
[It'll be fine. Just another day at work.]
