Beneath The Surface || KNJ

05

After a stressful day, she found herself unable to think about anything that weighed heavily on her mind—not about Namjoon, not about her father.

The night before had been restless, sleep evading her as her thoughts spiraled. When she finally woke up, it was late, and the idea of going to the office felt overwhelming. So, she made a rare decision: she would skip work today.

Her life had become a routine, the office her only anchor. She had no hobbies, no distractions—just the repetitive cycle of work and home.

But today, she decided to break free from that monotony, if only for a little while. She was an excellent cook, though she rarely indulged herself with it. Today, however, felt like the perfect opportunity to treat herself to something special.

She walked into the kitchen, pulling out ingredients with a sense of purpose. As she chopped, stirred, and tasted, she felt a small but significant shift within her—a return to something she hadn’t felt in a long time. Cooking had always been her quiet joy, a way to create and care, even if just for herself.

The aroma of her meal began to fill the small space, wrapping around her like a comforting embrace. It was a simple act, but in it, she found a moment of peace, a brief respite from the weight of everything else.

And as she plated the food, she realized that today, she was nourishing more than just her body—she was nourishing her soul.

After enjoying her delicious brunch, she felt a spark of motivation and thought she could use the day to be productive. Cleaning her home seemed like a good way to channel her energy. As she started to tidy up, her mind felt clearer, as if she was organizing not just her space but her thoughts as well.

However, just as she was getting into the rhythm of cleaning, her phone began to ring repeatedly. Namjoon and her father were calling, their names flashing on the screen over and over again. She hesitated, feeling a knot of anxiety tighten in her chest.

The familiar urge to answer, to confront whatever they wanted to discuss, tugged at her. But she quickly recognized the stress it brought with it.

Taking a deep breath, she made a decision. She switched off her phone, cutting off the distraction. The problems they wanted to talk about could wait. She had given enough of herself to worry and stress, and today, she chose to reclaim her peace.

Her stress-free mind was what mattered most right now, and she knew she needed to protect it, if only for a little longer.

With the phone off and the outside world shut out, she returned to her cleaning, feeling lighter. This was her day, and she was determined to keep it that way. The rest, she could deal with later. For now, she was content with the simple satisfaction of a clean home and a calm mind.

She was deep in her cleaning, scrubbing surfaces, dusting shelves, and tidying up every corner. The music from her speakers blared through the apartment, filling the air with a rhythm that kept her moving. The noise drowned out her thoughts, allowing her to focus entirely on the task at hand.

But then, the doorbell rang, cutting through the music and startling her. Her heart skipped a beat, and she froze, trying to calm the sudden surge of fear that washed over her. Who could it be? She hadn't expected any visitors.

Turning down the volume, she cautiously made her way to the door, her mind racing with possibilities. She peered through the peephole, her breath catching when she saw who was on the other side.

It was her father, standing there with a concerned expression. But he wasn’t alone. Next to him was Jeonghan, his presence both surprising and confusing. Why were they here together, and why now, of all times?