our crossed paths | jww.

thirty four.

The mood in Jiwoo's apartment was warm and joyful, a stark contrast to the dark cloud that had loomed over her the past few days. Ahrin's laughter filled the air as she ran into Jiwoo's arms, her little face lighting up at the sight of her.

"Jiwoo unnie!" Ahrin squealed, throwing her arms around Jiwoo's neck, hugging her tightly as if afraid she might disappear again. "I missed you so much!"

Jiwoo, smiling brightly for the first time in days, kissed the top of Ahrin's head. "I missed you too, sweetie," she whispered, her heart swelling as the little girl's warmth and love seemed to chase away the last remnants of the fear she'd been carrying.

Mingyu and Seokmin were already seated at the table, teasing each other and making everyone laugh. Wonwoo's manager, who had travelled to be there for moral support, smiled quietly at the sight of Jiwoo slowly returning to her cheerful self. And Chan, having come all the way from Changwon, stood with a proud grin, clapping Jiwoo on the back in a brotherly fashion.

"You look like you've been through war and survived," Mingyu joked, playfully nudging Jiwoo as they sat down for the meal.

"Well, technically, I kind of did," Jiwoo laughed, the tension easing as she began recounting the story of how she took down the mob boss in the ER.

As she spoke, everyone around the table listened intently, their faces filled with admiration for her bravery.

"I can't believe you disarmed and stabbed him," Seokmin said, shaking his head in disbelief. "You, of all people!"

"Thanks for the confidence, Min," Jiwoo shot back, grinning.

"I'm just saying!" Seokmin raised his hands in mock surrender, laughing with the others.

The meal was filled with stories and laughter, each person contributing to the lively conversation.

It was as if Jiwoo's apartment had become a sanctuary of warmth and support, a place where she could finally breathe again. Wonwoo, sitting beside her, couldn't stop smiling, happy to see Jiwoo slowly coming back to life.

As the chatter died down and everyone was enjoying dessert, Wonwoo cleared his throat, gently tapping his glass to get everyone's attention. Jiwoo looked at him curiously, wondering what he was about to say.

"Everyone, I just want to say thank you for being here for Jiwoo and me during this time," Wonwoo began, his tone serious but filled with gratitude. "It's been a tough few weeks, but we've made a decision that we wanted to share with you all."

Everyone's eyes turned toward him, intrigued.

"Jiwoo and I have decided," Wonwoo continued, glancing at her with a reassuring smile, "that Ahrin and I will be moving in with her for the time being."

Mingyu's jaw dropped comically, and Seokmin let out a low whistle, causing everyone to chuckle.

Jiwoo blushed slightly but smiled, her hand finding its way to Wonwoo's under the table.

"It just makes sense for us," Wonwoo explained. "It'll be easier for Ahrin's school commute, and for Jiwoo as well once she's ready to go back to work. I'll still visit my apartment whenever I can, but for now, we'll be staying here."

"We're moving in with Jiwoo?!" Ahrin, who had been playing with her toys, perked up at the news. 

"That's right," Wonwoo said, grinning at his daughter's excitement.

"What do you think?"

"Yay! I get to live with Jiwoo unnie!" Ahrin clapped her hands, bouncing with joy.