Love in the Halls [Lee Donghyuck]

Chapter 31: Let's Bake!

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The weekend unfurled like a serene, undisturbed blanket over Narae's life. The chaos of the party felt like a distant storm she had weathered and now had left behind her. With a sigh of relief, she embraced the tranquility of her home, savoring the rare and precious peace she had longed for.

Saturday morning greeted her with a soft light filtering through the curtains, casting gentle patterns on her bedroom walls. The soft, golden hue warmed the room, nudging her awake with a comforting embrace. Narae stretched lazily, her limbs unfolding from their curled position. The silence was a soothing balm after the cacophony of the party. She relished the quiet, feeling like she could breathe deeply without the pressure of noise or expectation.

After a leisurely breakfast of toast and jam, she retreated to her desk, where a stack of textbooks and notes awaited her. The aroma of fresh coffee lingered in the air as she worked diligently through her study materials. Her focus was sharp, her mind sharp and attentive as she navigated through equations and essays. But her study session was punctuated by moments of contented distraction—dreams of simpler things, like baking, began to occupy her thoughts.

By early afternoon, she decided it was time for a change of pace. She slipped into a cozy t-shirt and sweats, readying herself for a different kind of relaxation. Her kitchen, though modest, was her sanctuary. She enjoyed the act of baking; it was soothing and allowed her to express creativity in a way that felt both comforting and rewarding.

Narae set to work on baking a batch of chocolate chip cookies. She carefully measured out the ingredients, the clinks of measuring cups and bowls creating a melody that punctuated the quiet of her home. As the butter and sugar creamed together, she felt a small thrill of anticipation. The scent of vanilla and chocolate soon filled the air, a warm, inviting aroma that seemed to wrap around her like a hug.

While the cookies baked, she found herself humming softly, a quiet tune that seemed to echo her contentment. She arranged the freshly baked cookies on a cooling rack, each one a golden-brown perfection. As she sampled one, her taste buds were greeted with a delightful blend of sweetness and warmth, a small, indulgent reward for her efforts.

With her baking done, she decided to take a break and curl up on the couch with a blanket and a good book. The pages of the novel turned easily in her hands, each chapter a welcome escape into a world of fiction and imagination. Occasionally, she looked up and gazed out the window, where the winter sky stretched in a pale, cloudless expanse. The quiet of her surroundings provided a perfect backdrop to her reading, enhancing the sense of peace she felt.

As the evening approached, Narae prepared a simple dinner of vegetable soup and a salad. The act of cooking was another form of comfort, a routine that helped ground her. She savored her meal in solitude, enjoying the simplicity and tranquility of the moment.

The next morning, she decided to stay home from school. She wasn't sick; she simply needed another day of calm. Her mother, understanding her need for rest, didn't question her decision. Narae spent the day in much the same way as the previous one, allowing herself the freedom to enjoy her own company. She spent time reorganizing her room, listening to music, and indulging in a few more chapters of her book.

By mid-afternoon, she found herself taking a leisurely walk through her neighborhood. The crisp winter air felt refreshing, and she breathed it in deeply, feeling a sense of rejuvenation with each step. The snow crunched beneath her boots, and she admired the beauty of the wintry landscape—bare trees silhouetted against a pale sky, their branches dusted with delicate frost.

Returning home, Narae felt a quiet satisfaction. Her weekend had been a balm for her weary soul, a time to recharge and reconnect with herself. She appreciated the solitude and the simple joys it brought. As she settled back into her cozy nook with a cup of herbal tea, she felt ready to face the week ahead with a renewed sense of calm.

In her peaceful retreat, Narae had found a way to soothe her troubled mind and allow herself a moment of serenity. The world outside might still be filled with noise and complication, but within the confines of her home, she had carved out a space of tranquility—a small refuge where she could simply be.

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