The morning light slipped quietly through the curtains, casting a soft, ethereal glow across the room. Sung Jinwoo awoke, his eyes opening to a tranquil calm he hadn't felt in a long time. For a moment, he didn't move, savoring the unfamiliar peace. Jinah was still asleep on top of him, her body a warm, comforting weight. Her breathing was slow and even, her face adorned with a satisfied smile that made his heart ache with tenderness.
He watched her silently, tracing the delicate lines of her features with his gaze. She was his now, in every sense of the word. Carefully, so as not to disturb her, he gently nudged her shoulder. "Jinah," he whispered. "Morning."
She stirred faintly, mumbling something unintelligible, but didn't wake. A small smile touched his lips. He slowly moved her to the side, his eyes falling on the red spot beside her, a reminder of the night's passion. He felt a pang of guilt, knowing that his fervor must have been tough on her delicate body. He reached out, brushing a few strands of hair away from her face, and leaned down to place a light kiss on her forehead, filled with affection. "Sleep a little longer," he murmured.
Jinwoo slipped out of bed quietly and headed to the bathroom. Cold water against his face chased away the last remnants of sleep. When he looked up at the mirror, the reflection staring back at him felt steadier than ever. He changed into clean clothes and stepped into the kitchen, the apartment still and peaceful.
He opened the fridge and took out eggs, vegetables, and leftover rice. Nothing fancy—but enough. Soon, the quiet sounds of cooking filled the air. The sizzle of oil, the soft clink of utensils, the comforting smell of breakfast spreading through the small space. As he worked, Jinwoo realized something profound. This was the life he wanted to protect, the life he wanted to build. A simple, quiet morning with the woman he loved.
He set the plates on the table just as the sound of soft footsteps came from the hallway. Jinah stood there wearing only a shirt and panties, rubbing her eyes, her hair slightly messy. "…Oppa?" she said sleepily.
Jinwoo turned and smiled. "Good morning. Breakfast is ready."
Her eyes widened slightly, then softened. But as she started to move, she winced, feeling the lingering effects of their passionate night. She gave him a shy, accusatory glare. "…You're really a beast," she said, her voice tinged with both embarrassment and affection.
Jinwoo chuckled. "Sorry, I was just too excited last night. Now, eat first."
He moved to her, scooping her up in a princess carry, and gently set her down at the chair. He began to feed her, his movements tender and caring. Jinah, seeing her brother like this, felt her heart swell with warmth. She no longer regretted her decision to give herself to him. It felt right, in a way she had never imagined.
Jinwoo noticed that Jinah's body was still weak. Her shoulders drooped slightly, and her sitting posture was not quite right. The faint darkness beneath her eyes spoke of exhaustion. "…You look tired," he said gently.
Jinah blinked, surprised. "Whose fault is it that I'm like this?"
Hearing this, Jinwoo felt a pang of guilt. He had pushed her too hard, and she had always tried to act strong, even when she was worn out. "Is your body still hurting?" he asked, his voice laced with embarrassment.
Jinah looked away shyly. "…Maybe."
Jinwoo set his chopsticks down. "Take today off."
She snapped her head back toward him. "What?"
"I'll handle things today," he continued. "You rest. We'll spend the day together."
She stared at him, her eyes wide with surprise. "Oppa, I have school—"
"I'll call in," he said without hesitation. "One day won't hurt, and you can't go in that condition."
She looked at him sweetly. "Thank you, brother."
Hearing this, Jinwoo corrected her gently. "Call me husband now."
Jinah blushed deeply, her voice dropping to a low whisper. "Husband."
Hearing her call him that, Jinwoo felt his heart melt. He leaned in and kissed her red lips, making her gasp in surprise. But she didn't resist; instead, she began to respond, her arms wrapping around his neck. Some moments later, they separated, and Jinwoo smiled softly. "Sorry, I can't control myself seeing my cute wife like this," he said. "So now, let me take care of you today."
Jinah looked shy, her fingers tightening around her spoon. After a moment, she sighed—and then smiled. It was a big smile, full of relief and contentment. "…Okay."
It was a promise, a commitment to a new chapter in their lives. Jinwoo felt something warm settle in his chest, a sense of purpose and protection that he had never known before.
After breakfast, he cleaned up while Jinah changed into comfortable clothes. When she returned, she looked even more beautiful, her eyes bright and her cheeks flushed with a healthy glow. "So," she asked, sitting on the couch, "what are we doing?"
Jinwoo thought for a moment. "Nothing much, just going outside for a walk and having lunch."
She tilted her head. "And after that?"
He smiled. "Whatever you want."
Jinah blinked, then laughed softly. "Okay, then I want to watch a movie."
"Okay," Jinwoo replied, sitting down beside her and watching her relax, something he hadn't seen in a long while. The simple act of taking care of her, of being there for her, filled him with a profound sense of fulfillment. This was his life now, and he would protect it with everything he had.