Hae-in stood in front of the mirror one last time. Simple outfit. Light makeup. Hair neatly tied.
She didn't know what the "surprise" was, but her heart had been restless since morning.
She informed her mother-in-law before leaving. Mi-sook watched her step out of the house, a knowing smile settling on her face.
So… they were growing closer. That was enough for her.
—
By 11 a.m., Hae-in pushed open the door of Ji-hoon's restaurant.
The lunch rush hadn't begun yet. A few tables were occupied, soft chatter blending with the clinking of dishes.
The moment he saw her enter, his face lit up. She smiled back without realizing she was mirroring him.
She walked up to him. "Why did you call me here?" she asked directly.
He tried to look mysterious. "Well… there's a surprise."
"What surprise?" she asked, already chuckling at his dramatic tone.
"Come." Without giving her time to question further, he reached for her hand without hesitation. She noticed that. The lack of doubt. The quiet confidence.
And led her toward the kitchen.
Inside, Ji-seok and Yeong-seo were working. They both looked up and smiled knowingly. Hae-in returned the smile, though confusion still clouded her face.
Ji-hoon guided her toward a smaller inner door near the storage section.
He stopped dramatically.
"Ready?" he asked.
"For what?" she replied, suspicious.
He didn't answer. He simply opened the door and gently pulled her inside.
She stepped in—
And froze. Her mouth parted slightly. On the door, neatly mounted, was a small wooden board.
'Han Hae-in Office'
Her name. Her office. She gasped softly.
His smile widened the moment he saw her stunned expression. Completely satisfied.
"Ji-hoon ssi… what is this?" she asked softly, still staring at the small wooden nameplate.
His eyes were bright, almost childlike.
"This cabin space is for you," he said proudly. "To study. To prepare for your exams."
She looked at him, still processing.
"At home, you won't be able to focus," he continued. "You'll always be pulled into some work. Helping in the kitchen. Family things. Distractions."
He gestured around the room.
"So I planned it here. It's soundproof. No disturbance. No noise from the restaurant. You can sit here comfortably and study as long as you want."
Her fingers brushed lightly over the desk again.
He hadn't just spoken about supporting her dream. He had built something tangible for it.
Her chest tightened. He was already caring too much.
"You…" she began, but paused, blinking quickly to keep her eyes from betraying her emotions. "You're doing too much for me."
He stepped closer and gently held her hands.
"No. I'm not," he said firmly. "Don't think like that." His grip wasn't forceful, just steady.
She gave a small, helpless smile. He mirrored it.
Then, as if unveiling the second phase of his master plan, he added—
"From tomorrow onwards, you'll come here with me in the morning."
Her brows lifted.
"And you'll go back home with me in the evening. The entire day, you study here. Fully focused." He pointed dramatically toward the desk. "And whenever you're hungry, I'll serve you delicious food myself."
She laughed softly at his dramatically serious tone. He looked extremely proud of his plans.
She tilted her head slightly. "And what are you going to tell your parents?" she asked gently. "They'll ask why I'm here all day."
His expression paused.
"And my job," she added quietly. "My leave finishes by day after tomorrow."
The practical world had entered the room. He looked at her carefully before speaking again.
"I'll manage Appa and Omma," he said calmly. "I'll tell them you're working here at the restaurant with me. That part, I'll handle."
She listened quietly.
"About your job…" he continued more gently, "that's your decision, Hae-in-ah. But if you truly want to pursue psychology seriously… you'll have to leave it."
The words were not forceful. Just honest.
She lowered her gaze, thinking. After a moment, she spoke softly.
"I know… but if I leave my job, I'll be financially dependent on you. On your family." Her fingers tightened slightly around his. "And Yeobin is still studying in Seoul. I'm responsible for her expenses until she finishes."
Responsibility. It had always sat heavily on her shoulders.
He pressed her hands reassuringly. "You're thinking too much," he said quietly. "I told you already, I'll take care of your expenses."
She looked at him.
"And Yeobin… she has barely three months left, right?" he asked.
She nodded faintly.
"How much do you send her monthly?" he asked gently.
She hesitated.
He stepped closer and softly cupped her cheeks.
"Say it already," he coaxed.
She still didn't answer, lips pressed together.
He sighed dramatically. "Fine," he said, changing his tone. "I'm not giving this money for free."
She blinked.
"Once you finish your studies and start earning… You return everything to me. With full interest."
The seriousness in his expression was so exaggerated that she couldn't help it. A small laugh escaped her.
He grinned, victorious. "There we go," he murmured.
Then he pulled her into a gentle hug.
She didn't resist. Not anymore. His arms wrapped around her steadily, securely. And pressed a soft kiss to the top of her head.
"Just focus on your dreams, Hae-ina," he whispered. "I'll take care of the rest. You don't have to fight everything alone."
Her chest tightened at his words. You don't have to fight everything alone.
No one had ever said that to her before, and meant it. Each passing day, Ji-hoon was becoming something solid in her life. Her protector. A strong one. A fierce one. Shielding her from all the worries, guiding her on her dream path. At the same time, entering her heart slowly but consistently. She smiled a little and clutched his hoodie a little tighter.
He noticed and smiled.
"Okay," he said after a moment, pulling back slightly. "Now proper tour of this cabin."
He turned almost professional again. He showed her the small cabin more carefully this time. A sturdy desk is placed near the wall. A small cupboard beside it for her notes and books. A comfortable chair.
He pointed proudly at the walls. "See these blinds?" he said.
She looked around, confused.
He pressed a small button on the panel. The frosted glass walls instantly shifted, turning opaque, blending into the surrounding structure like a normal wall.
Her eyes widened. He pressed another button. The glass turned transparent again, allowing soft light in.
She gasped lightly. "How did you even—?"
He grinned like a magician revealing a trick. "Soundproof, smart glass. One click privacy."
She chuckled at his exaggerated pride. "You're acting like you built a secret lab."
"I did. For you," he replied dramatically. She shook her head, smiling.
After finishing the detailed tour of her office, he showed her the washroom attached nearby for convenience.
Then he guided her through the kitchen area. "This is where the real magic happens," he said proudly.
Ji-seok greeted her warmly. Enwoo waved enthusiastically. Yeong-seo smiled shyly. Even the ajumma washing dishes looked up this time and gave her a proper nod, as if acknowledging that she was now part of this place.
Hae-in returned every smile.
And for the first time, she didn't feel like an outsider standing on the edge of someone else's world.
She felt included.
Later, they all sat down for lunch together. Just sharing food around a table in the back. Stories came up. Embarrassing memories about Ji-hoon's early days struggling with recipes. Teasing comments about his dramatic personality.
He protested loudly.
She laughed. Openly. More than she usually did.
Ji-hoon noticed. Every single time she smiled, his heart settled. Seeing her relaxed. Seeing her being part of his world. Seeing her laugh without guarding herself. He leaned back slightly, watching her while pretending to focus on his food.
That felt like peace.