Annyeongz One-shots

98. Wall ( 2 )

The moment she swallowed that first spoonful, the atmosphere at the table shifted — just slightly.

It wasn’t dramatic. No one clapped. No one pointed it out.

But both mothers noticed.

Wonyoung kept her movements small and careful, lifting the spoon again after a few seconds. Her hands were still trembling a little, but at least she was eating.

Yujin picked up his own utensils and began eating too, acting normal on purpose.

If he stared at her, she would stop.

If he made it obvious, she would shrink again.

So he kept his tone casual. “The soup’s getting cold.”

She glanced up at him for a split second.

Just a second.

Then she lowered her gaze again — but this time, there was no immediate retreat.

Her mother cleared her throat softly, trying to keep her voice steady. “See? It’s not so bad eating outside.”

Wonyoung didn’t answer, but she didn’t argue either.

After a few minutes, the conversation slowly resumed between the adults — lighter this time. They talked about ordinary things: grocery prices, weather, distant relatives. It was obvious they were trying to create something that felt normal.

Yujin listened quietly while eating, but his attention drifted back to Wonyoung.

She was eating slowly. Very slowly.

But consistently.

He noticed the way she avoided looking at other tables — probably afraid someone would recognize her. He noticed how she subtly shifted her chair slightly inward, trying to hide the curve of her stomach from view.

He noticed everything.

At one point, a waiter passed by and smiled politely. Wonyoung instinctively tensed, lowering her head further.

Yujin leaned back slightly in his chair, adjusting his posture so he blocked her from that angle without making it obvious.

She didn’t comment on it.

But she noticed.

After about fifteen minutes, she quietly placed the spoon down.

“I’m full,” she said softly.

Her bowl was only half finished.

Normally, her mother would have insisted she eat more.

But today, she simply nodded.

“That’s okay.”

Because half was better than nothing.

There was a brief pause before Yujin spoke again.

“Do you want to leave?”

All three women looked at him.

Wonyoung blinked slightly. “Now?”

“You look tired.”

She hesitated.

Then she nodded.

Her mother immediately began gathering her bag. “Yes, maybe we shouldn’t stay too long.”

Yujin’s mom smiled knowingly. “We’ll settle the bill.”

Outside the restaurant, the afternoon air felt cooler.

Wonyoung stood near the entrance, hugging herself lightly, waiting for the adults to finish at the counter.