Annyeongz One-shots

29. Broken Calm ( 2 )

Dinner was unusually lively at the Ahn residence that night.
Both families sat around the large dining table — the Ahns on one side, the Jangs on the other. Yujin sat at the corner, scrolling through his phone lazily, only half-listening to the conversation. His camera bag leaned against his chair, its strap looped carelessly around his wrist — as if he’d rather be anywhere else but still wanted to capture something beautiful if it appeared.

“So,” Mr. Ahn began with a grin, “we’ve been planning something special for everyone.”

Yujin didn’t even look up. “If this is another ‘family bonding’ trip, I’ll pass.”

That made everyone laugh — except him.
Wonyoung sat across the table, blinking, confused. “Trip? What trip?”

Mrs. Jang smiled, trying to sound casual. “We thought it’d be nice to go to Manchester for a few days. There’s a big football match coming up — Liverpool versus Manchester United.”

That got Yujin’s attention. His eyes flicked up, sharp for the first time. “...United?”

His dad smirked. “Yes. And I happen to know a certain someone who’s been collecting their jerseys since he was twelve.”

Yujin leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. “You’re not bribing me with Old Trafford.”

“Actually, that’s exactly what we’re doing,” his mom said, smiling sweetly. “And Wonyoung’s family is coming too. Isn’t that nice?”

Wonyoung looked startled. “Us?”
Her mom nodded eagerly. “You’ve been staying home too much, sweetheart. This could be good for you.”

Yujin exhaled softly through his nose, tapping his fingers against the table. “So basically, both of you planned a secret trip behind our backs because you think we need to ‘get along’.”

The parents exchanged guilty smiles.
“More or less,” Mr. Jang admitted. “You’re both too quiet for your own good.”

Yujin’s lips twitched slightly. “Quiet doesn’t mean I hate her.”
The table fell silent.
Even Wonyoung froze, eyes wide.

Yujin cleared his throat awkwardly. “I mean—whatever. Just saying.” He went back to scrolling through his phone, pretending not to notice the faint color rising on her cheeks.

Two days later, the entire group stood in the private terminal of Incheon Airport.
Mr. Jang had booked first-class tickets — fully reclined seats, quiet cabin, and champagne service. But none of it helped Wonyoung, whose breathing grew shallow the moment she saw the massive airplane through the glass window.

Her hands trembled slightly as she clutched the strap of her tote bag. “Do we… really have to fly?” she whispered.

Her mom tried to smile, though she looked worried. “It’ll be okay, honey. It’s not a long flight. Just breathe, alright?”

Yujin stood a few steps behind, earbuds in, suitcase in one hand. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes — hidden behind black sunglasses — were quietly observing her.

He’d read about this before.
Sensory triggers, panic responses, touch aversion…
Mild autism wasn’t something to “fix.” But he’d been trying to understand it — especially her.

As the group boarded, Wonyoung’s anxiety worsened.
She froze at the airplane door, staring at the narrow aisle, the distant engine hum making her hands clench.

Her mom gently tugged her forward. “It’s alright, sweetheart. Just a few hours.”

Inside the cabin, Wonyoung sat by the window, her mom beside her. Yujin took the seat across the aisle, facing them diagonally. He watched quietly as Wonyoung’s breathing quickened, her nails digging into her palms.