ECHOES IN SILENCE | Yoon Jaehyuk FF |✅

page | 14

Jae- hyuk rushed through his morning routine like the world waso ending. His hands fumbled as he buttoned his shirt, and he barely tasted his breakfast before darting out the door. The usual calmness he exuded had evaporated, replaced with an urgency that felt foreign to him. As he approached his car, his driver stepped forward to greet him, but Jae waved him off without a glance.

“Take the day off. I’ll manage,” he muttered, too focused to even look at him.

Sliding into the driver’s seat, Jae started the engine, his fingers gripping the wheel a little too tightly. The city’s morning traffic was relentless, but nothing could slow him down today. Every red light felt like an eternity, his mind racing as he navigated through the bustling streets toward Zumi’s house. His heart thudded in his chest with every passing minute, a mix of nervousness and excitement bubbling inside him.

When he finally pulled up to her house, Jae quickly slipped out of the car, smoothing down his slightly rumpled outfit. Standing at her front door, he hesitated for a second, his stomach doing flips as he raised his hand to knock. His heart pounded in his ears, louder than he’d like to admit.

The door opened, revealing Granny Mayumi’s warm smile. “Good morning, Granny,” he greeted her politely, bowing slightly.

“Good morning son ” Granny replied, stepping aside to let him in. “Come, sit for a while. Zumi will be down soon.”

Jae nodded and took a seat in the cozy living room, his leg bouncing nervously as he waited. The moments felt heavy, every second dragging as he anticipated Zumi’s arrival. His mind wandered, replaying their conversation from the previous evening, his chest tightening with anticipation.

Finally, the soft sound of footsteps on the stairs caught his attention. Zumi appeared, her expression calm and polite. “Good morning, Mr. Yoon,” she greeted him, bowing slightly with a formal smile.

Jae felt a pang of awkwardness at the formality. After everything that had happened, hearing her call him “Mr. Yoon” made him feel a bit distant from her. Still, he returned her smile, masking his nervousness with a nod. “Good morning, Zumi.”

Granny walked into the room, observing them both with a knowing look. “Well, if you’re ready, you can head out now,” she said with a smile.

Jae and Zumi nodded, and after exchanging goodbyes with Granny, they left the house together. Jae hurried to open the car door for her, his heart racing as he tried to act natural. Zumi stepped inside gracefully, and Jae quickly moved to the driver’s seat.

As they drove toward the university, Jae stole a few glances at Zumi from the corner of his eye. She seemed calm, composed, while his nerves were all over the place. He wasn’t sure what to say, so the car ride was filled with a quiet, almost comfortable silence, though his mind was buzzing with thoughts.

When they finally reached the university, Jae jumped out of the car and quickly opened the door for Zumi. She stepped out, her soft smile and polite demeanor still intact. “Thank you, Mr. Yoon,” she said, her voice gentle yet formal.

Jae offered her a brief smile, trying to hide the nervousness that lingered beneath the surface. “You’re welcome, Zumi,” he replied, his tone casual, though his heart raced.

As they made their way towards the dean’s office, Jae-hyuk walked ahead of Zumi, his steps confident but his mind racing. When they reached the office door, Jae knocked, his knuckles rapping softly against the wood. Before they could process anything further, a deep voice from inside invited them in.

“Come in,” the voice echoed, commanding yet calm.

Jae opened the door, holding it open for Zumi before stepping in himself. The dean, a familiar face with a subtle smile, sat behind a large oak desk, papers scattered across it. Jae greeted him respectfully, his tone formal yet friendly, and introduced Zumi.