Beneath The Surface || KNJ

02

Hana woke up early, the soft light of dawn gently nudging her from sleep. She moved through her morning routine almost automatically, preparing a simple breakfast and sipping her coffee while thinking about the day ahead.

Today, there was one task that couldn’t wait—she needed to visit the office to sign some important documents. It would be a quick stop, just long enough to handle her responsibilities before moving on with her day.As she stepped out into the crisp morning air, the city was already alive with activity.

Hana walked briskly, her thoughts focused on the upcoming evening. On her way, she unexpectedly crossed paths with her brother, Jimin. They locked eyes for a moment, but neither said a word. The silence between them was heavy, but familiar. They hadn’t spoken much in recent years, and today was no different. With a small nod, they continued on their separate paths, each lost in their own world.

Hana arrived at the office, where the paperwork awaited her. The signing process was quick, just as she’d anticipated. With her work out of the way, she decided to indulge in some much-needed relaxation. She booked an appointment at a nearby spa, envisioning the tranquil atmosphere and the comforting treatments that would help her unwind.

The spa was everything she needed it to be. The soft music, the gentle touch of the masseuse, and the warmth of the steam room all worked together to melt away the stress that had been building up. By the time she left, her body felt lighter, her mind clearer.

She was now fully prepared for the evening's party, both physically and mentally.As she walked home, the sun had begun its slow descent, painting the sky with hues of pink and orange. Hana smiled to herself, feeling ready for whatever the night would bring.

As the evening descended, Hana dressed in her finest attire, the anticipation of the party humming through her veins. The spa had done wonders—she felt rejuvenated, both inside and out, and ready to embrace the night ahead.

The venue was grand, filled with the city’s most influential figures. Hana navigated through the crowd, exchanging polite smiles and greetings, until she found herself in a quiet corner.

It was there that she met Ara, a woman with a warm smile and an easy laugh. They started talking, first about the party, then about life in general. Their conversation flowed effortlessly, like they had known each other for years. It was rare for Hana to connect with someone so quickly, but with Ara, it felt natural.

Just as Hana was beginning to lose herself in their conversation, a familiar voice called out her name. She turned to see Taehyung, his presence commanding as always.

He walked over, a smile playing on his lips. "Hana," he said, placing a gentle hand on Ara's shoulder, "I’d like you to meet my fiancée."The words took a moment to sink in, and when they did, Hana’s eyes widened in surprise. Fiancée? She hadn’t known that Taehyung was seeing someone seriously, let alone that he was engaged.

But as she looked at Ara, standing beside him with a look of pure contentment, Hana felt a genuine happiness for them both.

Taehyung, whom she had always known as fiercely competitive, seemed at peace, his usual rivalry with her set aside. It was a side of him she hadn’t seen before, and it warmed her heart.

However, her surprise didn’t end there. As she continued to take in the room, her gaze fell on a group of men deep in conversation. She recognized two of them immediately—Taehyung’s father, a powerful figure in their world, and standing beside him, her own father.