That evening, Ga-young dragged herself home. Every bone in her body ached from sitting in one place for far too long. Anyone who had seen her would have thought she had single-handedly handled production and supervision on her own.
She stepped into the living room and froze.
Mrs. Choi sat at the dining table, staring blankly ahead. Ga-young barely had the energy to question it. She mumbled a greeting and attempted to walk past.
"Choi Ga-young."
Authority laced every syllable.
Ga-young paused, eyes lighting up slightly as her brows lifted. What did I do now? she wondered.
"Come and sit," Mrs. Choi said. "We need to talk."
Ga-young rolled her eyes discreetly before sitting opposite her. "Yes, ma."
"Are you alright?" Mrs. Choi asked first. "Why do you look like this?"
"I had a long day at work," Ga-young replied. "I'm just exhausted."
Mrs. Choi exhaled softly. "You shouldn't overwork yourself so much. I've told you this many times."
"I'm sorry, Mother."
"If you are, then why don't you start taking better care of yourself?" Mrs. Choi continued. "And you want to live alone. How am I supposed to know they won't bring my daughter back dead?"
Her tone carried more concern than nagging.
"Mother," Ga-young said calmly. "We have a fashion show in three weeks. Everyone is stressed. Most even more than I am."
Mrs. Choi studied her briefly. "Did you get the house?"
"Yes," Ga-young replied. "It's a really nice place."
"When can you move in?"
"Anytime I'm ready."
"And the bills?"
"Taken care of."
"Is the rent fair?"
Ga-young nodded.
"When are you planning to move in?" Mrs. Choi asked, curiosity slipping into her voice.
Ga-young tilted her head, clearly trying to dodge the question.
"I called the movers," Mrs. Choi said casually. "They'll be here on Sunday to move your things."
Ga-young's eyes widened. "You did?"
"It's the least I can do since the rent has already been settled."
"Mother," Ga-young said softly, clearly touched.
"Hey, don't look too happy about leaving me," Mrs. Choi teased, then sighed. "I thought about it. You were right. Besides, I'm hardly ever home these days."
Ga-young lunged forward and wrapped her arms tightly around her.
"I said don't be too happy," Mrs. Choi protested.
"I'm sorry," Ga-young murmured. "I've been feeling guilty about wanting to leave you, and now…" She exhaled. "You agree."
"I have conditions," Mrs. Choi said, pulling back to look at her. "Three proper meals a day. No staying out late, not even for work. And you must visit at least three times a week."
"Done!" Ga-young said instantly.
"Sunday," Mrs. Choi added. "Don't oversleep. Movers hate waiting."
"Thank you, Mother," Ga-young said, hugging her again.
"Hey, that's enough," Mrs. Choi complained, though she smiled all the same.
Meanwhile, across the city, Min-jae stood in front of his bathroom mirror. A towel rested around his neck, his damp hair clinging to his forehead. The clean scent of his recent shower still lingered, but it was not the water that made him feel light. It was the persistent smile tugging at his lips.
He caught his own reflection and frowned slightly.
As he dried his hair, the day replayed itself in vivid fragments. The way Ga-young tilted her head. Her soft smile. The way she had casually said, only your beauty.
"What's wrong with you, Min-jae?" he muttered to his reflection. "Get a grip."
His smile faded, but his thoughts refused to follow.
Her voice echoed in his mind, soft yet insistent.
He shook his head, trying to dispel the warmth spreading through his chest. He needed to focus, to regain control, but instead he found himself murmuring into the empty bathroom, "She's driving me crazy." A smile playing on his lips.
With that quiet admission, he tossed the towel onto the sink and stepped out of the bathroom. The smile returned immediately, stubborn and uninvited.
And in the stillness of his room, as night settled around him, Min-jae realized something he could no longer deny.
He could never stop loving her. Friend-zoning her had never even been an option.