Mireya had always believed that the past should stay quiet.
Like a closed room.
Clean on the outside.
Untouched on the inside.
But lately, the door felt loose.
She noticed it when Jae asked her small questions. Not the dangerous ones. Just gentle ones that waited patiently for answers.
"Do you live far?"
"Do you like the city at night?"
"Do you ever rest?"
Questions that didn't demand truth—but invited it.
That evening, the hospital felt unusually calm. Fewer footsteps. Softer voices. Mireya was organizing files when Jae appeared, holding two cups.
"I come bearing peace offerings," he said.
She raised an eyebrow. "Coffee?"
"No," he replied seriously. "Tea. I learned."
She smiled. "That is progress."
They sat near the window again. It had become their place without either of them saying so.
"Can I ask you something?" Jae said.
She nodded. "You usually do."
He smiled faintly. "Why this job?"
She froze.
Not completely. Just enough.
"I mean," he added quickly, "you don't have to answer."
She stared at the tea in her hands. The steam curled upward, quiet and patient.
"I like being useful," she said finally. "Without being seen too much."
He didn't interrupt.
"When I was younger," she continued, "I spoke a lot. Too much."
Her voice was calm, but her hands tightened around the cup.
"And people listened?"
She shook her head. "They reacted."
Jae understood immediately.
"After a while," she said, "I learned that silence caused less damage."
The words surprised even her.
She had never said them out loud before.
Jae didn't reach for her. Didn't rush to comfort her.
He just stayed.
"That sounds lonely," he said softly.
"It was safer," she replied.
"Was," he repeated gently.
She looked at him then. "Isn't it still?"
He met her eyes. "Not here."
Her heart skipped.
Later, Hana appeared, stopping short when she saw them.
"Oh," Hana said. "Am I interrupting something quiet and emotional?"
"Yes," Mireya said.
Hana smiled. "Good. That means progress."
Jae laughed. "She's terrifying."
"She likes you," Mireya said.
"I'm honored," Hana replied. "And slightly concerned."
When Hana left, Mireya felt lighter.
As if sharing one small truth had made room for air.
When it was time to go, Jae walked with her to the exit.
"Thank you," he said.
"For what?"
"For trusting me with that," he said. "Even a little."
She hesitated. Then nodded.
"I'm still learning," she said.
"So am I," he replied.
As Mireya stepped into the night, she realized something important.
The past hadn't disappeared.
But for the first time…
It didn't feel like it was standing alone with her anymore.