As they reached the alley, Tae-pyung's apartment came into view at the far end. The dim street lights cast soft shadows on the narrow path, and the area was quiet except for a few voices coming from a group of men loitering near the entrance to the alley. Tae-pyung's gaze shifted to them briefly, and his posture stiffened. Without saying a word, he placed his arm gently around Eon-jin's shoulders, guiding her closer to his side and away from the men. His protective gesture didn't go unnoticed by Eon-jin, who glanced up at him, surprised but comforted. She opened her mouth to say something but decided against it, choosing instead to let herself be led.
When they arrived at the apartment building, Tae-pyung pressed the elevator button, and they waited in silence. The hum of the elevator filled the air as it descended to the ground floor. Once the doors opened, they stepped inside together, the space feeling even smaller with just the two of them. Eon-jin noticed that Tae-pyung's arm was still draped protectively around her, and though her heart raced slightly, she didn't mind it. The elevator ride was quiet, save for the soft ding as they passed each floor. She found herself stealing glances at him, wondering if he noticed her flushed cheeks.
When the elevator stopped at the fifth floor, the doors slid open, and they stepped out. Tae-pyung led the way to his apartment, fishing his keys out of his pocket. He unlocked the door and pushed it open, stepping aside to let Eon-jin enter first.
"Come in," he said softly.
Eon-jin stepped inside, her eyes scanning the room as she took in her surroundings. The apartment was small but functional. The bed was neatly made against one wall, next to a single sofa and a small wooden table with a laptop on it. On the floor, two open suitcases and a large shoulder bag hinted at his recent arrival. Near the corner was a compact kitchen area, complete with a mini fridge and a small stovetop. Adjacent to it was a door she assumed led to the bathroom. A narrow window overlooked the street below, but since it was nighttime, the view was shrouded in darkness.
"It's cozy," Eon-jin said with a small smile, trying to lighten the mood.
"Sorry, it's still a bit messy. I haven't had time to unpack properly," Tae-pyung replied, scratching the back of his neck sheepishly. "But please, make yourself comfortable. You can sit here." He motioned toward the sofa.
Eon-jin sat down, smoothing her hands over her skirt as she tried to relax. Her eyes wandered to the open suitcases on the floor, filled with neatly folded clothes and books. She could tell he had been living out of them for a while. The thought made her chest tighten a little, imagining how much he must have gone through on his own.
"I'll get the food ready," Tae-pyung said, moving toward the kitchen area.
Eon-jin watched him as he unpacked the convenience store bag. He moved with a quiet efficiency, placing containers and utensils on the counter. Her gaze softened as she observed him, feeling a mix of emotions she couldn't quite place—relief, happiness, and an undeniable sense of longing.
"Do you want water or tea?" Tae-pyung asked, breaking her train of thought.
"Water's fine," she replied with a small smile.
As he filled a glass and brought it over to her, their fingers brushed slightly when she took it. The small contact sent a jolt through her, and she quickly looked away, pretending to focus on the glass. She could feel her cheeks heating up again and hoped he wouldn't notice.
When Tae-pyung finished preparing the food, he carefully brought the dishes to the small table. "I believe Tteokbokki is still your favorite," he said with a gentle smile, placing the steaming plate in front of Eon-jin.
"Of course! It will always be my favorite," Eon-jin replied enthusiastically, her eyes lighting up at the sight of the dish. She eagerly grabbed her chopsticks, her hunger evident.
