Lia’s Apartment, Late Evening:
Lia shuts the door behind her, locking it and finally feeling a wave of relief wash over her. The day had been overwhelming—from the anxiety at work to the unsettling encounter with Jungkook. She closes her eyes, takes a deep breath, and leans against the door.
Lia: “Finally… some peace.”
Still feeling the remnants of tension from the day, she decides to take a bath, hoping it will help her unwind. She heads to her small bathroom, letting the warm water wash away the stress. By the time she steps out, wrapped in a towel, she feels refreshed and a little more at ease.
She moves to her compact kitchen, putting together a simple dinner. It’s one of her favorite routines—cooking for herself, enjoying the quiet of her apartment. Solitude has always been a comfort to her. Growing up as an only child, she had become accustomed to her own company, and she found peace in it.
As she eats, her thoughts wander to her family back home. Her parents, always bringing up marriage every time she visits. She knows they mean well, but settling down has never been part of her plan. She wants to enjoy life on her terms—travel, make memories, be free from the responsibilities that marriage would bring.
Lia: “Why can’t they understand? I don’t want to be tied down. I love my freedom too much.”
Her mind drifts to her small crush, a thought that brings a subtle smile to her face. Justin. Her team manager. The first time she saw him, there was an undeniable spark—a quiet, unspoken attraction. Justin was everything she admired in a person: kind, respectful, with a calming presence that made her workdays feel lighter.
But Lia is careful. She’s never made her feelings obvious, keeping their relationship strictly professional. To her, Justin is someone she admires from a distance, a small, harmless crush that she doesn’t intend to act on. Just seeing him around the office, hearing his gentle voice, and catching his warm smiles is enough to brighten her day.
She finishes her meal, feeling a warmth in her chest. The day has been chaotic, but thoughts of Justin
and her dreams of freedom bring her back to a sense of calm. She leans back in her chair, grateful for the quiet night, unaware of the shadow looming in the background.
Lia washes her dishes, humming softly, allowing herself to enjoy the moment of solitude. She prepares to settle in for the night, hoping that tomorrow will bring a little more peace and a little less chaos.
