After the shift, Soo Bin walked into her small fried chicken shop, the scent of oil and grilled meat enveloping her. Her mother, always busy behind the counter, smiled warmly.
"You look tired but happy," she said. "Did everything go well today?"
Soo Bin shrugged, cheeks flushing slightly. "It was good! I feel like I'm starting to understand more of what being an officer is really like. Even the small cases are teaching me a lot."
Hyun Woo lounged against the counter, smirking. "Starting to think you might enjoy this too much, huh?"
Soo Bin laughed, tossing him a paper towel. "Stop teasing! It's fun, and I'm learning. That's what matters."
The bell above the door jingled. Lee Go Eun entered, carrying her small intern bag and wearing a soft, calm smile.
"Eun! You came!" Soo Bin exclaimed, running over to hug her friend.
Go Eun laughed softly. "Of course. I wanted to see you. And… I wanted to hear all about your day at the station."
Soo Bin grinned. "It was amazing! My sunbae is incredible—calm, precise, and… inspiring."
Go Eun rolled her eyes playfully. "Sounds like you're learning a lot—not just about the work."
They sat at a small table, chatting for over an hour. They laughed about old childhood memories, teasing each other about who had been the bossiest when they were kids. Soo Bin helped Go Eun carry drinks for the shop customers, while Go Eun helped with light cleaning. The shop was alive with chatter, laughter, and the small joy of everyday life.
At one point, Soo Bin noticed how naturally Go Eun fit into her world, even amidst her energetic personality. Go Eun's calm presence reminded her of balance, much like So Hee did at the station.
By the evening, the two friends shared a quiet moment on the shop's small porch. Go Eun adjusted her bag.
"Don't forget to visit me at the hospital soon," she said.
"You better not skip!" Soo Bin replied, smiling. "Next time, you're helping me with everything!"
Go Eun laughed softly and waved goodbye. Soo Bin watched her go, feeling a warmth settle in her chest. It wasn't romantic—but it was deep and familiar, like a tether to her childhood and the people she trusted most.