Between the Lines | Riize Wonbin

Chapter 52: Unbreakable Bonds

The following days passed in a blur of warmth and connection as Juhee settled into a newfound routine with Wonbin by her side. They often spent evenings together, sharing stories and laughter, while Jaehyun occasionally joined them, adding his own brand of humor and lighthearted bickering. With each passing moment, Juhee felt a growing sense of comfort and security in her relationship with Wonbin, as if they were two pieces of a puzzle finally fitting together.

One afternoon, while they were preparing dinner together, Juhee noticed a new light in Wonbin's eyes. He was focused intently on the cutting board, expertly slicing vegetables, but there was something more behind his gaze-a determination and warmth that made her heart race.

"Is everything okay?" she asked, leaning against the counter, watching him.

He paused, glancing up with a smile that melted her heart. "Yeah, just thinking about how nice it is to be here with you."

Juhee felt a flutter in her chest. "Me too. It feels... right."

"Right," he echoed softly, before returning to his task. "I never expected to find this again."

As they worked together in comfortable silence, she couldn't help but admire how seamlessly they moved around each other. There was a rhythm to their actions, a harmony that spoke of unspoken understanding.

Just as dinner was about to be served, Juhee's phone buzzed on the counter. She picked it up, her heart dropping slightly as she saw her mother's name flash on the screen. "I should take this," she said, stepping away to answer.

"Of course," Wonbin replied, a hint of concern in his voice.

"Hi, Mom," Juhee said, trying to keep her tone light.

"Juhee, I just wanted to check in. How's everything going?" her mother's voice was warm, yet Juhee could detect an underlying worry.

"We're good, just making dinner," Juhee replied. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm alright, just a little tired," her mother admitted. "But it's nice to hear your voice."

Juhee's heart ached at the thought of her mother feeling unwell. "I'll be over later to help with anything you need. And Wonbin is here too, he can help too," she added.

"Oh, that's sweet of him. You've got a good one there," her mother said, a hint of approval in her tone.

Juhee smiled, feeling warmth spread through her. "Yeah, I really like him. He's been amazing."

"I can tell. Just remember to take care of yourself, too, okay? You're juggling a lot right now," her mother reminded her gently.

"I will, Mom. I promise," Juhee said, feeling a sense of responsibility settle on her shoulders. "I'll be over soon. Love you."

"Love you too, dear."

As Juhee hung up, she found Wonbin leaning against the kitchen doorway, his arms crossed, a soft smile on his lips. "Everything okay?" he asked, concern etched across his features.

"Yeah, just checking on my mom," Juhee replied, her heart still heavy. "She's feeling tired again."

Wonbin's expression shifted to one of understanding. "If you want to go see her after dinner, I can drive you."

Juhee felt a rush of gratitude. "You don't have to do that, I can take the bus," she protested, but deep down, she relished the idea of him being there for her.

"Let me. I want to be there for you, and it'll be easier this way," he insisted, sincerity in his eyes.

Juhee's heart swelled with emotion. "Thank you, Wonbin. You always know how to make things better."