Tensed
1016 Words
A Few Days Earlier, at Ayan’s Home (Euntak’s House)
Ayan and Hanuel sat together in the cozy living room, laughter filling the space.
Ayan (teasing): “My sister-in-law.”
Hanuel (rolling her eyes with a smile): “Stop it. Now you’ve left me in miss-era, ohh poor me.”
They both burst into laughter.
Ayan: “Soon, I’ll be standing beside you at your wedding — as your best lady.”
Hanuel: “Yes ohh…” (her tone dropped, thoughtful, almost heavy).
Ayan (noticing): “Anything bothering you?”
Hanuel (shaking her head quickly): “Nah. After the wedding… did you and Chang Wook talk?”
Ayan (raising a brow): “You’re asking about Chang Wook? What’s up? Have you guys gotten close?”
Hanuel (looking away): “Nah. I’m just a friend to his sister.”
Ayan: “Ohh… you mean Do Do Hee?”
Hanuel (a little surprised): “You know her?”
Ayan: “Yes, but I’ve not seen her before. I was actually the one who sent Chang Wook a text, thanking him. He replied, wishing me the best in my marriage.”
Hanuel (softly, almost under her breath): “Ohh… he replied.”
Ayan’s eyes lingered on her best friend, narrowing playfully.
Ayan: “Hmm… it seems you’re hiding something from me.”
Hanuel (forcing a smile): “Noo.”
Ayan (warmly): “Anytime, I’m always here to listen.”
Hanuel (nods, softly): “I know, my friend. Did you call your mom and thank her?”
Ayan (sighs with a laugh): “Hhhh yeah, I did.”
Hanuel: “Just let it go. Anything between you and your mom… she will always be your mom.”
Ayan: “Let’s just change the topic. What will you like to eat?”
Hanuel (smiling at her): “Make me anything of your choice.”
As Ayan stood and walked toward the kitchen, Hanuel quickly picked up her phone. She checked her messages, her eyes scanning for one name — Chang Wook.
…Nothing.
Her heart sank a little. She set the phone down quickly, forcing a small smile as Ayan called out from the kitchen.
Afternoon at Hanuel’s Pastry Shop
After leaving Ayan’s house, Hanuel walked through the busy streets, the soft sunlight warming her face. Her thoughts kept drifting back to Chang Wook — the quiet days of no messages, the tension from that night, and the weight of what had happened. She shook her head slightly, forcing herself to focus on the present.
By the time she reached her pastry shop, the familiar scent of sugar, butter, and baked goods greeted her, bringing a small, comforting smile to her lips.letting the quiet of the shop soothe her thoughts.
Do Do Hee had been waiting for her, seated at one of the corner tables with a small cup of tea. She looked up as Hanuel entered.
Do Do Hee (cheerfully, a little groggy): “Afternoon! You’re late today.”
Hanuel (smiling faintly): “Busy morning… you know how it is.”
They chatted lightly, the kind of small talk that eased Hanuel’s mind for a moment. Then, a customer called her to the counter, and she moved to quickly prepare the pastry order.
When she returned, she found Do Do Hee asleep at the table, her head resting on folded arms. Hanuel’s lips curved into a soft, quiet smile. She gently picked her up, carrying her to the back room so she could rest properly. Once she was settled, Hanuel returned to grab her bag and phone.
Just as she picked up her phone, it rang. The screen flashed Chang Wook. Hanuel’s chest tightened, hesitation freezing her for a second before she answered.
Chang Wook (on call, tense): “My sister?”
Hanuel (calm, measured): “She fell asleep in my shop.”
There was silence for a moment — heavy, awkward, and full of unspoken tension.
Chang Wook (after a pause): “…Ohh. I’ll come pick her up now.”
Hanuel: “Okay.”
Within minutes, he arrived. Their eyes met briefly as he stepped inside, the rain lightly tapping against the windows outside.
Chang Wook: “Hi.”
Hanuel: “Hi.”
Chang Wook: “I’m here to take Do Do Hee home.”
Hanuel: “She’s inside the room.”
He followed her, lifting his sister carefully and carrying her toward the car. Hanuel collected Do Do Hee’s bag and phone, walking beside him silently.
At the car, he placed Do Do Hee gently in the back seat, and Hanuel put her things in the front beside the driver’s seat. As he turned to get in, Hanuel’s voice stopped him.
Hanuel (firm, trembling slightly): “Are you trying to turn a red eye and act like nothing happened between us?”
Chang Wook froze, hand on the door handle, then slowly turned.
Chang Wook (low voice): “We both know it was a mistake. We were intoxicated that time.”
Hanuel (shocked, angry): “A mistake…? You said it was a mistake?”
Her voice cracked, carrying both pain and disbelief.
Chang Wook didn’t respond. He slid into the driver’s seat and started the car, the rain tapping gently against the glass as a tense silence settled.
Do Do Hee stirred slightly in the back, her sleepy voice breaking the quiet:
Do Do Hee: “Why would you tell her it was a mistake, brother…? I don’t know what’s going on between you two, but I feel like that wasn’t the right answer.”
Chang Wook’s eyes flicked to the rearview mirror, startled.
Chang Wook: “You’re awake.”
Do Do Hee: “Hmm.”
A pause hung in the car.
Chang Wook (clenching the wheel): “We’ll soon get home.”
Do Do Hee (soft, cutting him off): “Why are you trying to close the topic? Apologize to her.”
He swallowed hard, jaw tight.
Chang Wook (quietly): “…Okay.”
Do Do Hee: “Just okay?”
Her disappointed tone echoed, heavy with truth, as the scene faded into the patter of rain on the streets.
- Writer
