The morning sunlight filtered through the small, dusty window of Jinu's room like liquid gold.
For the first time in years, the silence in this apartment wasn't lonely—it was peaceful.
Jinu had been awake for hours, watching Jia sleep.
Now that she was safe, a strange fluttering sensation filled his chest.
He wanted to do something for her.
He glanced at the cramped kitchen corner.
There wasn't much—just some rice, a few eggs, and a small packet of tea—but he wanted to make the best breakfast she had ever had.
When Jia finally woke up, the smell of toasted bread and ginger tea filled the air.
She sat up slowly, feeling stronger than the night before.
She watched Jinu from the bed.
He was clumsy in the kitchen, carefully flipping an egg, his tall frame almost too big for the small space.
"You're going to burn it if you keep staring like that," Jia teased softly, her voice still a bit thin.
Jinu jumped slightly, nearly dropping the spatula.
A faint blush crept up his neck—a sight Jia never imagined seeing on the "Ice Prince."
"I… I was just trying to make breakfast,"
he muttered, bringing a small tray to her bed.
It wasn't fancy, but to Jia, it was perfect.
As they ate together, the world outside—the bullies, cruel fathers, and dark alleys—seemed to vanish.
Jinu shared stories about his books, showing her his favorite worn-out novels.
Jia picked up a pencil and scrap of paper and began sketching him.
Not the cold, distant Jinu, but the version sitting cross-legged on the floor, blowing on his tea.
"Why are you so good to me, Jinu?"
she asked suddenly, eyes searching his.
He stayed silent, staring at his cup.
W "For a long time, I thought I was a shadow.
But when you look at me, Jia… I feel like a person.
You gave me a reason to want to wake up tomorrow."
They spent the afternoon in that tiny room, talking about small things—their favorite colors, the stars, and dreams they had never dared to share.
For a few hours, they weren't the "Ice Prince" and the "Broken Girl."
They were just two teenagers, finding home in a room no bigger than a closet.