The group gathered on predecided place at next morning sunlight casting soft shadows along the quiet streets. Min Hyun, Jihoon, Jiyoon, and Soojin's four friends waited, each carrying a small backpack or camera. Soojin stood quietly, hands folded in front of her, scanning the group before speaking in her calm, deliberate tone.
"All right," she said, her voice measured, "let's start the day properly. First, we'll visit Grandma Hana. She's helped me a lot, and I want you all to meet her."
Jihoon perked up, his usual dramatics subdued in response to her calm. "Okay... but you're not rushing us, right?"
Soojin gave a faint smile. "No rushing. After that, we'll go to my workplace for a short while, just to see it. Then, by lunchtime, we'll head back to Grandma Hana's. I've called her — we'll help her cook and have lunch there."
Min Hyun nodded. "Sounds organized. I like it."
Soojin continued, "After lunch, we'll spend the afternoon at the orphanage. There are kids there who could use some company. And by evening, we'll finish the day exploring a quiet seaside spot or somewhere peaceful. That's the plan — simple, but meaningful."
Mina tilted her head, smiling. "I like the calm approach. We get to see everything without running ourselves ragged."
Hyejin nodded. "And we'll have a proper lunch? Cooking with Grandma Hana sounds fun."
Sunhee adjusted her camera strap. "Perfect. I can capture some good photos of all of this."
Jiwon laughed softly. "And I can make sure no one gets lost along the way."
Jihoon groaned dramatically, but the tension was lighter than usual. "Fine, fine... but I get dibs on tasting the food first."
Min Hyun shook his head, smiling. "You always think of eating first, Jihoon."
Soojin gave a faint laugh, her calm demeanor unshaken. "We'll see who enjoys the meal most when it's ready. For now, let's move at a steady pace and follow the plan."
The group fell into step behind her, the morning sunlight warm on their backs. The quiet streets, the smell of fresh bread and street food wafting from nearby vendors, the soft chatter of the city — it all blended into a serene beginning for a day full of small adventures.
Soojin led Min Hyun, Jihoon, Jiyoon, and the four friends to a modest house tucked away in a quiet street. She raised her hand and knocked lightly on the wooden door.
"Grandma Hana, it's me!" Soojin called. "Remember I called yesterday? I brought some friends!"
The door swung open, and the familiar warm smile of Grandma Hana appeared. "Soojin! And you've brought company? Come in, come in!"
One by one, they greeted her warmly. Jihoon bowed slightly, Min Hyun gave a shy wave, and Jiyoon and the others exchanged smiles. Grandma Hana laughed softly at their awkward politeness.
Once inside, Soojin guided everyone to the sitting area. "Grandma Hana, these are my friends: Min Hyun, my best friend, and Jihoon, my cousin for today's visit. And here are my friends Mina, Hyejin, Sunhee, and Jiwon."
Grandma Hana's eyes twinkled. "It's wonderful to meet all of you. Sit down, sit down. You must be hungry from the walk."
Soojin smiled gently. "We've also brought ingredients for today's cooking. You have some things ready as well, right? Now we can make everything together."
Grandma Hana clapped her hands. "Perfect! Let me call some of the neighbors. They'll be delighted to help. And I've missed seeing the older folks too."
Soon, more neighbors arrived, carrying small baskets of vegetables, rice, and side dishes. Everyone moved naturally into the kitchen and sitting area.
Min Hyun and Jihoon quickly found themselves paired with some of the older ladies. Jihoon tried folding mandu under the careful supervision of a smiling neighbor. "This is harder than it looks," he muttered.
"Ha! You'll get it," Grandma Hana teased, passing him a small rolling pin. "Just take your time."
Min Hyun stirred a pot of soup, glancing at the others with a soft smile. "I never thought cooking could feel this... calm."
Soojin moved among them, quietly helping, teasing lightly when someone made a minor mistake. "Careful, Jihoon, don't let it spill!"
The kitchen buzzed with warm chatter, laughter, and light teasing. The older neighbors shared little stories about the neighborhood, the recipes, and past gatherings. Jihoon and Min Hyun listened, occasionally responding with shy jokes or laughter.
Once the cooking was done, everyone gathered around the low table. Grandma Hana helped serve generous portions to each of them.
"Eat well, children," she said, smiling as she filled their bowls. "You've all worked hard today."
Jihoon grabbed a piece of mandu immediately. "Finally! A proper meal!"
Min Hyun laughed, picking up tteokbokki with chopsticks. "It's been ages since I've eaten like this, without worrying about anything else."
Soojin joined them, taking a bite of fried mandu and smirking. "See? This is how it feels when you actually cook and eat together. Nothing stressful, just... warmth."
The rest of the neighbors shared small anecdotes, and the group listened, laughed, and contributed to the cheerful conversation. The meal went on with simple joy — passing dishes, joking about who got the bigger portion, and enjoying the company.
After finishing, they lingered at the table for a while, chatting about the neighborhood, cooking tips, and past memories. Grandma Hana's laughter mingled with theirs as she recounted old stories, and Soojin quietly guided her friends through helping with small tasks and setting up the kitchen.
"Thank you, everyone," Grandma Hana said finally, wiping her hands. "It's been a long time since I had a day like this. You brought life into this house."
Soojin smiled softly. "We just wanted to help, Grandma Hana. You've helped me so much, this is the least we could do."
Min Hyun nodded, smiling at the older woman. "It really was... perfect."
Jihoon grinned, stretching back with a satisfied sigh. "I think I could get used to this — cooking with everyone and not worrying about anything else."
The group lingered a little longer, chatting quietly, helping clear some dishes, and enjoying the calm warmth of the afternoon. It felt like time slowed down just for them — laughter, conversation, and the satisfaction of a shared meal filling the room.
After finishing the meal and tidying up, the group lingered a little, chatting with Grandma Hana and the neighbors. Min Hyun and Jihoon helped stack bowls and wipe counters, while Soojin's friends — Mina, Hyejin, Sunhee, and Jiwon — carried ingredients and organized things.
After about an hour, Soojin stood and stretched. "All right, everyone, time to head to the orphanage. Let's go see the kids!"
Grandma Hana's eyes twinkled. "You've all been such a help. I'll miss you, but the children will love this."
Soojin handed Grandma Hana a small bunch of flowers — delicate herbs from her garden. "For you, Grandma. Thank you for everything."
"Oh, my dear, that's thoughtful!" Grandma Hana said, smiling warmly.
With cheerful goodbyes to the neighbors, they carried a basket of snacks for the children and walked toward the orphanage. Before reaching it, Soojin stopped at a corner shop, picking up freshly baked bread, fruit, and sweets. "For the kids," she said, carefully arranging everything in the basket.
As they arrived, a group of children ran to greet them, eyes wide and laughing.
"Auntie Soojin!" one little girl called, tugging at Soojin's sleeve. Others echoed, giggling as they crowded around.
Jihoon gave a dramatic bow. "Greetings, young lords and ladies! We are here with gifts and fun!"
Min Hyun knelt down, handing out bread and fruit. "Try not to eat it all at once," he teased, smiling at the delighted chatter.
Jiyoon crouched down with a group of older boys, handing out snacks and showing them a few simple games. "All right, who can make the fastest paper plane?" he challenged, and the boys cheered as he demonstrated.
Soojin guided the younger kids in small crafts, while Mina helped with braids and ribbons. Hyejin taught origami stars, Sunhee read short stories to a small cluster of children, and Jiwon jumped in with playful competitions, teasing the kids in good humor.
Jihoon crouched with a group of younger children, helping them fold papers. "Careful... careful... yes! That's perfect!" he said, earning peals of laughter.
Min Hyun introduced a simple 90s card game. "You take turns and match the pairs," he explained patiently. The kids crowded around, cheering and laughing at every small mistake or victory.
Jiyoon occasionally stepped back, observing, then guided kids who were unsure how to play, giving tips and encouragement. "Don't worry, just try it again. You'll get it!"
By late afternoon, Soojin gathered everyone. "All right, kids, that's enough for today. Thank you for helping clean up too — you've been amazing!"
The children waved energetically as the group left, still shouting, "Auntie Soojin!" Jihoon grinned at Min Hyun. "Who knew playing with kids could be this exhausting... and fun?"
Min Hyun nodded, smiling softly. "It really is... and it feels good."
Soojin looked back at the orphanage with a warm expression. "See? Moments like this are why I bring people here. Look at those smiles — it's pure joy."
After helping the children freshen up and return to their rooms, the group settled on the orphanage playground. The late afternoon sun poured over the wide open grounds, bathing the swings, slides, and worn benches in a golden glow.
The sky was a canvas of deep oranges, soft pinks, and streaks of violet that stretched toward the horizon, melting together like watercolors. Birds flitted across the sky in scattered flocks, heading toward their nests with rhythmic wingbeats, calling softly to one another in the fading light.
Soojin, Min Hyun, Jihoon, and Jiyoon sank onto the grass, letting the warmth of the sun linger on their faces. Even the cool breeze seemed alive, rustling the leaves and carrying the faint scent of the nearby gardens.
"Look at the colors..." Min Hyun whispered, his voice soft. "It's like the sky is on fire, but... in a peaceful way."
Jihoon's eyes widened, leaning back with arms behind his head. "I swear, I've never seen anything like this... the way the sun hits everything, and those birds flying home... it's perfect."
Jiyoon let out a low chuckle, shoulders relaxing. "Yeah... it almost feels like the world paused just for a moment. Like we can breathe without thinking about anything else."
Soojin smiled, tilting her face toward the sun. "Days like today... spending time with grandma hana, helping the kids, being here, sharing this with all of you... it just so peaceful."
The group fell into a quiet, reflective silence, occasionally pointing out a particularly brilliant streak in the clouds or a bird circling overhead. The horizon deepened, the oranges softening into gentle purples, and the playground itself seemed to glow under the last kisses of sunlight.
For a moment, there were no plans, no worries, no disguises — just the warmth of friendship, the joy of giving, and the breathtaking beauty of a Busan sunset settling over them.
As the sun sank below the horizon, the playground was bathed in the gentle purples and blues of twilight. The birds had long since returned to their nests, and a soft breeze whispered through the trees.
Soojin, Min Hyun, Jihoon, Jiyoon, and the others stayed on the grass, lingering in the quiet glow that followed the sunset. The warmth in their hearts felt heavier than any food or comfort — a kind of peaceful satisfaction that made them not want to move anywhere else.
"This... this feels so good," Min Hyun said softly, his gaze still on the darkening sky. "I don't... I don't want to go anywhere else today. Just here, like this."
Jihoon nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah... who cares about sightseeing now? This is enough. I feel... full in a way."
Jiyoon leaned back on his hands, letting out a content sigh. "It's rare to have a day like this. We should just soak in it a little longer."
Soojin tilted her head, smiling at them all. "I know what you mean. Sometimes the best part isn't moving around, it's just being here, enjoying it. We don't have to rush to the next place."
After a few more quiet moments, Jihoon chuckled softly. "Okay... okay, so what now? Should we just stop here forever?"
Min Hyun laughed quietly, shaking his head. "Not forever. But... maybe just go back to our apartments, rest, and call it a day."
"Agreed," Jiyoon added. "No more running around today. Let's just head home, eat something, and remember this evening."
Soojin stood and stretched lightly. "Alright, then. Let's pack up, say goodbye to the playground, and head back. Tonight, we just rest."
The group slowly rose, gathering their belongings and smiling at one another. Their hearts were light, and for the first time in many days, the weight of the world — disguises, plans, dangers — felt far away.
With the last glimmers of sunset fading behind them, they walked toward their respective apartments, laughter and soft conversation carrying them home, closing the day on a calm and happy note.
The night settled softly over the city after a long day.
Back in their apartments, the group finally breathed in the comfort of quiet.
In Soojin's little apartment, the dim light from her desk lamp painted a gentle glow across the room. She sat by the window, a needle and thread between her fingers, carefully stitching a name onto a pale handkerchief—Min Hyun Ki.
Each loop of the thread was slow and thoughtful, as if she was tracing the memory of his smile with every stitch. The fabric wrinkled slightly under her touch, but she didn't mind. Her lips curved in a small, embarrassed smile as she muttered,
"Why am I even doing this...?"
The faint breeze coming through the window lifted a few strands of her hair, carrying with it the quiet hum of the city below.
Jiyoon's apartment
After an entire day spent running errands, helping out, and barely catching a break, the three men finally returned to Jiyoon's apartment.
Their steps were slow, shoulders slumped with the kind of weariness that seeps into your bones. The evening air clung softly around them, heavy with the scent of the day's dust and the faint echo of laughter from distant streets.
They freshened up one by one, washing away the heat and sweat, before collapsing wherever they found space—Jiyoon on the chair, Jihoon sprawled on the rug, Minhyun leaning against the wall with his eyes half-closed.
For nearly two hours, the room stayed silent except for the quiet rustle of breathing and the ticking of the clock.
When the clock hands pointed close to dinner time, Jiyoon stretched and sighed.
"I think we should eat something before we pass out again."
Jihoon chuckled tiredly. "Something light. My stomach's done for today."
Minhyun nodded. "We'll just keep it simple."
Together they moved slowly around the small kitchen, cooking rice, a bit of soup, and frying eggs. The warm smell filled the room—nothing fancy, just familiar and comforting.
As Jiyoon set the plates, Minhyun looked toward the window, where a faint breeze carried in the night's coolness.
"Let's eat on the rooftop," he said suddenly.
Jiyoon blinked. "The rooftop? Now?"
Minhyun smiled, a little wistful. "It's our last night here. I want to see the stars while eating."
That was reason enough.
A few minutes later, the three of them sat on the rooftop floor, sharing their simple meal. The sky stretched endlessly above—soft black with scattered stars, and the moon hung pale and low. The city below was quiet, only a few lights still glowing in distant windows.
"This feels nice," Jiyoon murmured, taking a slow bite.
Jihoon leaned back against the wall. "It's peaceful. My body hurts, but my mind feels... lighter."
Minhyun smiled faintly. "That's what good company does."
They ate quietly for a while, exchanging small comments about the day, teasing each other about their clumsy moments. When the plates were empty, they didn't move to go back inside. They just sat there, the wind brushing past, eyes lifted to the stars.
After a long silence, Jihoon spoke again. "Funny, isn't it? We've only known each other for two days."
"Yeah," Jiyoon said softly. "But it feels longer."
Minhyun nodded, gaze still fixed on the night sky. "Sometimes, a few days are enough to make people feel like home."
And for that quiet night, with the stars watching over them, it truly did.
Farewell at Busan Station
The morning sun streamed through Busan Station, catching the polished floors in a warm glow. Soojin stood beside Min Hyun and Jihoon, their small bags slung lightly over their shoulders. The two days staying at Jiyoon's place had been comfortable, but now it was time to return to Seoul.
Jiyoon waved from nearby, giving them a friendly nod. "Don't forget to come back and visit!" he called. His brief stay had been simple, but the time together had left a quiet fondness for the friends he'd hosted.
Soojin stepped closer to Min Hyun, holding a neatly folded handkerchief she had stitched with his name. "I... made this for you," she said softly, pressing it into his hands.
Min Hyun's eyes softened as he traced the delicate embroidery. "Soojin... I'll keep it safe," he murmured, a small, heartfelt smile tugging at his lips.
Jihoon fidgeted with his bag, glancing at Soojin and Min Hyun with a shy grin. "Thanks for everything," he said quietly.
The train whistle blew, echoing across the platform. Min Hyun slung his small bag over his shoulder, Jihoon followed, and they turned for a final wave. Soojin waved back, clutching the handkerchief, while Jiyoon gave one last encouraging nod.
The train began moving. Soojin watched until it disappeared around the bend. Simple luggage, quiet words, and stitched memories—sometimes goodbyes didn't need drama to leave a lasting mark.
The train rocked gently as Min Hyun and Jihoon settled into their small compartment. Min Hyun carefully placed the handkerchief in his bag, making sure it wouldn't get wrinkled. He glanced out the window as Busan Station slowly disappeared behind them, the city shrinking into the morning haze.
Jihoon sank into the seat opposite him, letting out a quiet sigh. "I didn't realize how heavy goodbyes could feel," he muttered, staring at his shoes.
Min Hyun chuckled softly, shaking his head. "It's not that bad... at least we're going back to Seoul. We'll see them again."
They exchanged a small smile, the familiar hum of the train filling the space between them. Outside, the scenery blurred past—mountains, rivers, and quiet towns—but inside the compartment, the warmth of shared memories lingered, soft and steady.
With only twenty-five minutes left before Seoul, the train swayed gently along the tracks. Min Hyun stared out the window, watching the blurred landscape rush past, while Jihoon fidgeted nervously with the strap of his bag, each tick of the clock amplifying the unease lingering in the compartment.
Then, a shadow fell over their side. Both looked up instinctively.
The gang leader—the very figure whose presence had once thrown their lives into chaos—slid into the sideway seat beside them, close enough that the warmth of his body seemed to press against them. His gaze was sharp, cold, and merciless, scanning them like prey. The quiet hum of the carriage seemed to vanish, replaced by the thundering of their hearts.
Jihoon's grip on his bag tightened, knuckles white. Min Hyun stiffened, every instinct screaming danger. The small space of the compartment suddenly felt suffocating.
A slow, dangerous smile tugged at the corners of the leader's lips. "Well... look who's here," he said, his voice low and threatening, just loud enough for them to hear. "Didn't expect to see you two back so soon."
"Farewells are over, but the shadow waiting in the train compartment turns their journey into danger."