Behind the Veil: A Captive's Tale

7

### Chapter Seven: A Taste of Warmth

Morning light filtered through the curtains of Hana’s room, casting a soft glow over the space. She had spent a restless night, her mind plagued by questions and uncertainties about the men who held her here. The maid’s words about Yoongi, Namjoon’s quiet kindness, Jimin’s gentle reassurances—they all swirled in her head, leaving her more confused than ever.

As she sat up in bed, there was a knock at the door. She knew by now who it would be—Jin, the oldest of the group, who had taken on the role of bringing her meals. Sure enough, when the door opened, Jin stepped inside, carrying a tray with a light breakfast. His expression was calm, almost neutral, but there was a softness in his eyes as he looked at her.

“Good morning,” Jin greeted her as he set the tray down on the small table by her bed. “I brought you some breakfast. I hope you slept well.”

Hana nodded slightly, though the truth was that she hadn’t slept much at all. The thoughts and emotions swirling in her mind had kept her awake for most of the night. But she didn’t want to worry Jin with that, so she offered him a small smile and thanked him for the food.

As she picked at her breakfast, Jin watched her quietly, his gaze thoughtful. There was something about his presence that was both comforting and unsettling. He was kind in his own way, but there was always a certain distance in his demeanor, as if he was keeping a part of himself hidden.

Hana ate slowly, her mind wandering as she tried to think of something to say. She needed a distraction, something to keep her occupied and take her mind off the situation she was in. Her thoughts drifted to baking—a hobby she had always found calming. It was something familiar, something that could bring her a little bit of peace in this strange new world.

After a few moments of hesitation, she looked up at Jin, her voice tentative as she spoke. “Jin… I was wondering if… if it would be okay for me to use the kitchen. I’d like to do some baking, just to keep myself busy.”

Jin blinked in surprise, clearly not expecting the request. He seemed to consider it for a long moment, his brow furrowed in thought. Hana held her breath, wondering if he would refuse, if he would see it as some kind of trick or attempt to escape.

But then, to her relief, Jin nodded slowly. “I don’t see why not,” he said, though there was a hint of caution in his tone. “As long as you promise not to use the kitchen to try anything… you know, reckless.”

Hana’s eyes widened slightly, and she quickly shook her head. “No, I wouldn’t. I just want to bake. It helps me relax.”

Jin studied her for a moment longer, as if weighing her words, before finally nodding again. “Alright then. I’ll take you to the kitchen.”

He led her through the mansion’s winding hallways, the grandeur of the place still overwhelming to her. She had seen little of the mansion since she had arrived, and as they walked, she couldn’t help but marvel at the opulence of it all. But beneath the beauty, there was always the reminder of her situation, the knowledge that this place was as much a prison as it was a palace.

When they reached the kitchen, Hana was struck by how large and well-equipped it was. It looked like something out of a magazine, with gleaming countertops, state-of-the-art appliances, and shelves stocked with every ingredient she could imagine. It was the kind of kitchen any professional chef would dream of.

Jin gestured for her to go ahead, and Hana quickly set to work, losing herself in the familiar motions of baking. She gathered the ingredients she needed, mixing flour, sugar, and butter with practiced ease. As she worked, she felt some of the tension in her shoulders begin to melt away. There was something soothing about the process, the way the ingredients came together to form something sweet and comforting.