Chasing Perfection || Lee Know

Between the Past and Present

The living room was bathed in the warm, golden glow of the late afternoon sun filtering through the curtains. Hyejin had insisted on keeping the windows open to let the cool autumn breeze in, and the soft rustle of leaves outside provided a calming backdrop. The television played an old rom-com, its lighthearted banter echoing faintly in the background, but neither of them was paying much attention to it.

Hyejin was sprawled on one end of the couch, her legs tucked beneath her as she leaned against the armrest, her head resting on her hand. She glanced at Minho, who was beside her, lounging with an air of nonchalance that didn't fool her one bit. His arm was draped casually along the back of the couch, but his fingers tapped against the fabric in an erratic rhythm. His gaze was fixed on the television, yet it was clear his mind was elsewhere.

"Minho," she called softly, breaking the silence.

He blinked, as if startled out of his reverie, and turned to her. "Hmm?"

"You've been staring at the screen for the past twenty minutes, but I doubt you even know what's happening in the movie," she teased gently, a small smile playing on her lips. "What's going on in that overthinking brain of yours?"

Minho exhaled deeply, the sound heavy with unspoken thoughts. He shifted in his seat, his posture growing slightly tense as he glanced away. "It's nothing," he replied after a moment, but his tone lacked conviction.

Hyejin arched an eyebrow, setting the blanket aside as she moved closer to him. "Minho," she said again, her voice firmer this time, yet still laced with care. "You know better than to try and brush me off. What's on your mind?"

He hesitated, his fingers now absentmindedly tracing patterns on the couch. Finally, he let out another sigh, this one more resigned. "I've just been thinking," he admitted, his voice quieter than usual.

"About?" she prompted, reaching out to place a hand on his arm. The simple touch seemed to ground him, and he glanced down at where her fingers rested before meeting her gaze.

"Us," he said simply, the weight of the word lingering in the air. "And what's best for us. For both of us."

Hyejin's brow furrowed slightly, concern flashing in her eyes. "What do you mean?"

Minho ran a hand through his hair, a telltale sign of his inner turmoil. "Last night," he began, his voice steady but tinged with emotion, "it made me realize that I've been... careless. Not just with myself, but with you too. I've always thought I could handle everything on my own, but I didn't think about how my actions might affect you."

Hyejin opened her mouth to protest, to tell him that he didn't need to bear the weight of everything alone, but he held up a hand, stopping her. "Let me finish," he said softly.

She nodded, her hand sliding down to rest on his, silently urging him to continue.

"I've been thinking about what will keep us safe," he said, his gaze steady now. "What will give us peace of mind. And I've decided... I'll move into the penthouse."

Hyejin's eyes widened slightly in surprise, but she stayed quiet, letting him explain.

"I know how much you've worried about me staying in the duplex," he went on, his voice growing more confident with each word. "I get it now. It's not just about me—it's about us. And if moving into the penthouse will make you feel better, then I'll do it. Of course," he added with a faint smirk, "I'm keeping the duplex. I designed that place myself, and I'm not giving it up. But I'll make the penthouse my main place."

For a moment, Hyejin didn't say anything. She simply stared at him, her expression unreadable. Then, slowly, she leaned forward, her hand reaching out to gently cup his chin. Her thumb brushed against his jawline, and she tilted his face slightly, forcing him to meet her gaze.