ECHOES IN SILENCE | Yoon Jaehyuk FF |✅

page | 12

Jae shifted slightly, his expression serious. "Zumi," he began, his voice low and measured, "there's something I need to say..."

His face had grown somber, and Zumi' s smile faded as she sensed the gravity of his words. "What is it, Mr. Yoon?" she asked cautiously, her heart beginning to race again.

Jae was about to speak when his phone rang. He excused himself and answered the call from his manager. Zumi waited for him, but minutes passed, and he still hadn't returned. Just then, Granny seolhwa called for Zumi from inside the house.

"I'm coming, Granny," Zumi said, disappearing inside the house.

A while passed, and Zumi still hadn’t come back out. Jae finally ended the call, leaned against his car, and gazed at the house. His mind wandered as he thought about Zumi living in that house all alone, far away from everyone, including him. Worry settled in his chest, and a thousand thoughts swirled through his mind.

As he stood there, lost in his thoughts, Granny stepped out of the house. Her eyes met Jae’s as she took careful steps toward him.

"Still here, huh? Haven’t you left already?" Granny asked, her tone light as she approached.

"Uh, no, Granny. I... well..." Jae hesitated, fumbling with his words.

Before he could continue, Granny interrupted him with a knowing smile. "What's on your mind, son? Is something bothering you?"

Jae sighed, his shoulders sagging. "After the accident, Granny, I haven't left her side. It just doesn’t feel right to leave her alone here. It’s been bothering me, especially with how far away I am most of the time."

Granny eyes softened with understanding. "Ah, I see. So, you’re her boyfriend, then?" she teased, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Why didn’t you tell me earlier?" She gave him a playful slap on the arm.

Jae laughed lightly. "I'm sorry, Granny. I should’ve told you."

Granny chuckled softly and patted his arm. "Do me a favor, son. Play the role of my grandson and just stay with her. Watch over her, and don’t let her feel alone."

Jae smiled, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders. "Of course, Granny. I wouldn’t dream of leaving her."

Granny nodded in approval before heading back inside, leaving Jae to his thoughts, now more at ease.

“But tonight, let her stay with me,” Granny said firmly, her voice soft but resolute.

Jae nodded, his face blossoming into a grateful smile. “Sure, Granny. I can rely on you. Just take care of yourself and Zumi.” He reached into his coat pocket and handed her a sleek business card. “Here’s my number. If anything happens, don’t hesitate to call. I’ll be here as soon as possible.”

Granny nodded, tucking the card away. As Jae was about to leave, Zumi’s voice rang out from the kitchen.

“Granny! There are no veggies in the fridge. I wanted to cook something for tonight and for tomorrow’s lunch at school.” She paused before adding, “Could you maybe make something for breakfast in the morning? Please?” She sounded hopeful.

Jae and Granny exchanged glances. After a moment, Jae spoke up, slightly awkward. “Uh—no worries. I can order something for you both, or we could even go out to a restaurant?”

“No need to go anywhere,” granny said, stepping into the living room. “Just order some vegetables, and that’ll be fine.”

Jae looked slightly confused. “Vegetables? I can order some food that will be delivered quickly. Why waste time cooking?”