Min Hyunn slumped in his chair, flipping through the worn pages of his self-help books. "Okay... six strategies," he muttered, counting on his fingers. "Let's see if I can actually make this work."
"Delegate small tasks to save time" – from a productivity book. He tried assigning minor tasks to colleagues without checking carefully. Result? Miscommunication and mistakes. Backfire.
"Visualize daily success before starting work" – from a classic motivational guide. He spent ten minutes imagining the perfect day, but by 9 a.m., chaos had already erupted with misfiled reports. Backfire.
"Keep a time log of every activity to improve efficiency" – from a management book. He recorded every task, noticed wasted moments, and adjusted his schedule. Worked.
"Offer proactive solutions to clients" – learned from a marketing manual. He suggested minor improvements in shipments and documentation. One client appreciated it. Worked.
"Implement a new filing system to boost workflow" – from an office efficiency guide. He overcomplicated things; colleagues were confused, errors increased. Backfire.
"Use checklists for daily tasks" – from a personal organization book. He tried, but failed to stick with it consistently, forgetting to update items. Backfire.
He leaned back, rubbing his eyes. "Two out of six... maybe I'm learning, but most of this feels useless."
Then, his eyes landed on a line he hadn't noticed before:
"To perform at your best, clear your mind. Step away completely, do something unrelated to work, sleep well, and watch clarity and focus improve."
He frowned. "Clear my mind... something unrelated... sounds simple, but is it?"
For the next few days, the thought lingered. Finally, exhausted after a long day, he decided to try. He changed into swim trunks and went to the public pool near his area. After one long, exhausting day at the office, Min Hyunn found himself standing at the edge of the small public pool. The fluorescent lights flickered above, and the cool evening air nipped at his skin. He hesitated for a moment, then plunged in.
The water shocked him at first—icy, biting, every nerve alert—but as he swam, stroke after stroke, the tension in his shoulders melted. Thoughts of misfiled reports, client complaints, and looming deadlines drifted away. Each lap felt like a small victory over the weight of the day.
When he finally climbed out, shivering and teeth chattering, he wrapped himself in a towel, still smiling. "I... I didn't know I could feel this free," he muttered. For the first time in months, the office stress felt manageable.
But reality set in. The weather was growing colder, and the icy pool could easily give him a sinus infection. Swimming alone at night wasn't sustainable. He needed something safer, something he could continue consistently.
Over the next weeks, he experimented: cycling along quiet neighborhood streets, feeling the cold wind clear his mind; jogging at the local park, letting his legs carry away tension with each stride; and playing badminton or tennis at the community center, focusing entirely on the rhythm of the game. Instead of sucking himself to more work to get attention of his seniors , he started to give himself time not much 3-4 days a week. Even if it is just cycling for half an hour by the river it refreshes the mind.
At first, these felt like chores—another task added to an already exhausting day. But slowly, he noticed the change. He was calmer at work, more patient in meetings, and even Seojin remarked, "Hyunn... you seem... happier, more composed. What's your secret?"
He grinned quietly. "Just... doing something completely unrelated to work. Exercise, fresh air... clearing my head."
For two months, this routine became a lifeline. The office mistakes still happened, the pressure didn't disappear, but he could face it with clarity. That first night in the cold pool had shown him the power of stepping away; cycling, jogging, and sports made it a habit. And slowly, the chaos of work became a challenge he could handle, not a storm that swallowed him whole.
Six months more passed like thiss...
The evening air was cool, the faint hum of streetlights casting long shadows across the pavement. Min Hyunn jogged down the street, sweat clinging to his dark hair, his shirt plastered to his chest, yet somehow—impossibly—he looked effortlessly striking. Strong jawline, sharp eyes, and that mix of exhaustion and focus that made him stand out without trying.
Seojin was heading into the convenience store when he saw him barreling toward him. He froze mid-step.
"Hyunn?!" Seojin called, laughter bubbling out despite himself. "You... you look insane! Sweaty, messy... but wow. Like you just walked out of a story."
Min Hyunn skidded to a stop, chest heaving, hair sticking to his forehead. A grin tugged at his lips. "Yeah... I get that a lot," he joked, brushing a damp strand from his eyes. "Kendo practice. Twice a week. Helps me blow off work stress."
Seojin raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Kendo? Seriously? And you look... terrifyingly good while doing it."
Min Hyunn laughed, a short, tired sound. "It's not about looking good—it's about clearing the head. After work, I change, eat a quick meal, and head to the dojo. Just focus on the shinai, my breathing... nothing else. It's magic."
Seojin shook his head in disbelief. "You've changed. And it's been... what, four months since I got transferred? We barely talk now."
"Yeah," he said softly, eyes lighting up with that familiar warmth. "I missed this too. Talking. Hanging out. Look... you should come sometimes. Sports, exercise... even just jogging or badminton. Clears your mind, trust me."
Seojin laughed, a little hesitant. "Me? I haven't exercised in ages. You sure it won't kill me?"
Min Hyunn nudged him playfully. "Not if you start small. Come with me next week. Just once. I'll show you how it feels when your brain finally shuts off for a bit. You'll thank me."
Seojin studied him for a moment, noting the calm confidence, the light in his eyes that hadn't been there before. "You... you really changed, Hyunn. Work hasn't crushed you, huh?"
"Still tough," he admitted. "Still exhausting. But... I've learned to handle it. And honestly? These little routines... sports, focus... they make me stronger. Happier, even."
Seojin smiled, shaking his head. "Okay... fine. I'll try. Just... don't laugh when I can't keep up."
Min Hyunn grinned. "Deal. But trust me... after a session, you'll feel like a different person. Work stress? Gone. Mind clear. You'll see."
After a few more laughs, Min Hyunn wiped his forehead with the back of his hand. "Alright, enough standing around. Let's grab something to eat before the night disappears on us."
Seojin grinned. "Lead the way, then."
They wandered toward a small street vendor, picking up tteokbokki and fried mandu, the spicy aroma making their stomachs rumble. Bags in hand, they walked quietly, the evening city around them buzzing softly.
As Min Hyunn jogged a few steps ahead, Seojin couldn't help but notice him. Sweat clung to his dark hair, sleeves sticking lightly to toned arms. Even tired and flushed, there was something striking about him—the sharp lines of his jaw, the intensity in his eyes, and the effortless way he moved. People passing by would probably think he was one of those naturally attractive types, someone whose presence quietly drew attention.
"So... your place," Seojin said, glancing at him. "Still the same tiny apartment?"
Min Hyunn chuckled. "Modest, neat, but clean. It works."
Once inside, Seojin immediately noticed how organized and simple his home was. A few neatly folded clothes on the chair, a small bookshelf, and a clean kitchen counter gave the place a calm, lived-in feeling.
"I like it," Seojin said. "Feels... you."
Min Hyunn grinned. "Thanks. I've learned to manage the house. Small victories."
He quickly stripped off his sweaty shirt and took a shower. When he came back, hair damp and shirtless for a moment as he reached for a towel, Seojin couldn't help but notice the change over the past year. His body wasn't exaggeratedly muscular, but it was lean and built, a clear result of all the cycling, jogging, and sports he'd pushed himself into. There was strength in the way he moved—calm, confident, and capable.
He heated up the street food on the stove, the sizzling aroma filling the kitchen. "Here—dig in before it gets cold," he said, handing her a steaming plate.
As they ate, Min Hyunn hesitated a little, then said, "Actually... I have some news."
Seojin raised an eyebrow. "News?"
"I got promoted," he said, trying to sound casual. "Project manager now. Two months already."
Seojin's eyes lit up, and he punched hyun in his hand with force. "Hyunn! That's amazing! I'm so proud of you!"
He laughed, scratching the back of his neck. "Thanks... it's been tough. Learning fast, handling work, managing everything myself... but I guess it's paying off."
Seojin glanced around, a teasing smirk on his face. "So... with this promotion, why aren't you moving into a bigger place? You've earned it, man."
Min Hyunn leaned back in his chair, poking at his food. "Honestly? At first, I wanted that. Craved it even. But now... my salary covers my monthly expenses comfortably. I can save a bit, plan ahead... and, honestly, it feels better. Less stress, more control. I like it this way."
Seojin whistled softly, shaking his head. "Huh... didn't think of it like that. Makes sense, though. Smart move, Hyunn."
Min Hyunn chuckled, shrugging. "It's not glamorous, but it works. I'd rather have peace of mind than a fancy apartment I can't really enjoy."
Seojin grinned. "Yeah, I get that. Guess you really have learned how to handle life on your own, huh?"
Min Hyunn smirked. "Still learning, man. Still learning... but at least I'm not drowning anymore."
They continued eating, joking about office blunders and small mishaps, the conversation flowing easily. For a while, there was nothing else but food, laughter, and shared moments—a quiet break from the pressures of life.
When the plates were empty, Seojin stretched. "I should head back. Early day tomorrow."
Min Hyunn nodded. "Yeah... swing by anytime. Or we can do this again—grab food, talk, laugh. It's been too long."
Seojin smiled, giving him a light punch on the arm. "You've changed, Hyunn. But in a good way."
He laughed softly. "Took almost a year, but I think I finally figured things out."
As she left, closing the door behind her, Min Hyunn leaned back, the apartment quiet again. Work could wait. Tonight, he had friendship, laughter, and a small but real sense of accomplishment. That was enough for now.
Before sleeping Min Hyun Ki thought , "It has been one year now. I wonder how soojin is. I miss my mom, dad and my love. I hope she is also doing okay."
Min Hyun found his way of moving forward but did Soojin ?