Mireya noticed the change before she understood it.
The hospital felt louder now.
Not because people spoke more, or machines beeped faster—but because her thoughts would not stay quiet. Every hallway reminded her of Jae. Every window made her wonder if he was nearby, reading that letter again.
She had never waited for someone before.
Yet now, she found herself looking.
"You're smiling," Hana said during break.
Mireya blinked. "I am?"
"Yes," Hana replied. "And it's suspicious."
Mireya looked down at her hands. "I met him again."
Hana clapped softly. "Progress."
"He asked if we could talk… outside work," Mireya added.
Hana's eyes widened. "Outside? Like normal people?"
Mireya sighed. "I don't know if I can do that."
Hana leaned closer. "Mireya, you organize hospital supplies for a living. I think you can survive a conversation."
That earned a small laugh.
That evening, Mireya found Jae waiting near the exit. He looked nervous—more than usual.
"I wasn't sure if you'd come," he said.
"I wasn't sure either," she admitted.
They walked outside together. The city greeted them with soft traffic noise and cool air. Streetlights painted the sidewalk in pale gold.
"I've been meaning to ask," Jae said. "Do you ever get tired of being quiet?"
Mireya thought carefully. "Yes. But being loud feels dangerous."
He nodded. "I feel the same."
They stopped near a small food cart. The vendor smiled at them.
"Two?" the vendor asked.
Jae glanced at Mireya. "If that's okay?"
She hesitated—then nodded.
The vendor handed them skewers, and Jae stared at his like it might explode.
"I've never eaten from a cart before," he admitted.
Mireya smiled. "It won't hurt you. Probably."
He laughed. "Comforting."
They ate in silence for a moment. This one felt different—easy.
"You know," Jae said softly, "I almost threw the letter away today."
Mireya's heart tightened. "Did you?"
"No," he said. "Because I realized something."
She waited.
"I don't want my words to disappear. Even if they're late."
She looked at him then. Really looked.
"That's brave," she said.
He shook his head. "No. Brave would be giving it to the right person."
Her breath caught.
When it was time to leave, they stood close—closer than before.
"Mireya," Jae said, his voice low, careful. "If I asked you to listen someday… would you?"
Her first instinct was to retreat.
But she stayed.
"Yes," she said. "I would."
Something unspoken settled between them—soft, fragile, real.
As she walked home, Mireya realized something scared her more than silence.
Wanting to be heard.