"They looked quite swollen last night. Just wondering if they're better."
Heat flooded Soorin's face.
"Mom—"
"I made extra breakfast. In case you're hungry after skipping dinner."
"I'm fine. Really. Just need to go."
Her mother's smile widened.
But she didn't push.
"Okay. Have a good day, sweetheart."
"You too."
Soorin left.
Face burning.
'She definitely knows.'
But at least she wasn't asking questions.
Wasn't demanding answers.
Just... knowing.
And apparently amused.
The cab ride was quiet.
Morning Seoul.
Traffic already building.
She arrived at AUREYA around seven.
Early but not unusual.
She headed to her station.
Set up.
Organized.
Normal routine.
Other staff trickled in.
Greetings.
Coffee.
The usual morning energy.
★☆★☆★☆
Two weeks passed.
Two blissful, surreal weeks.
Life at AUREYA felt almost normal.
Almost.
Soorin arrived each morning.
Set up her station.
Did her job.
But everything was different now.
Haejin was different.
More attentive.
