Behind
626 Words
HOSPITAL RECEPTION — Euntak office
Hanuel walked into the bright reception hall of her brother’s hospital, holding a small box of pastries from her shop. She smiled softly.
Hanuel:
“Hi.”
Receptionist: (smiling warmly)
“Hi, Hanuel. It’s been a while since you came.”
Hanuel:
“Yeah… I’ve been busy. Is my brother around?”
Receptionist:
“Yes, he’s in.”
Hanuel nodded and set the pastry box on the counter.
Hanuel:
“Please share these with the rest of the staff.”
The receptionist thanked her, and Hanuel walked down the hallway toward Euntak’s office.
⸻
INT. EUNTAK’S OFFICE — CONTINUOUS
Hanuel knocked softly.
Euntak:
“Who’s there?”
Hanuel:
“Your only sister.”
A small smile lifted his voice.
Euntak:
“Then the only sister should come in.”
She stepped inside.
Hanuel:
“Hi, brother.”
Euntak:
“Hey, sister. You good? Sit down.”
She sat, and he moved closer, taking the chair beside her instead of staying behind his desk. He studied her quietly.
Euntak:
“What’s wrong? You look… unhappy.”
Hanuel: (forcing a small smile)
“I’m fine. I just miss you, Mr. Married Man.”
They laughed softly and talked about pastries, work, Ayan, and wedding memories. Yet in between her smiles, Euntak noticed something off — a quiet weight in her eyes, a thought she wasn’t ready to share.
AYAN & EUNTAK’S BEDROOM — NIGHT
Ayan lay comfortably on Euntak’s chest, both of them under the soft duvet. She was watching a Korean drama on her iPad, the screen lighting up the quiet room.
Euntak:
“My wife…”
Ayan: (softly)
“Yes, babe?”
Euntak:
“Is something wrong with Hanuel lately?”
Ayan paused the drama and sat up slightly.
Ayan:
“What do you mean?”
Euntak:
“She came to my office today… she seemed… off.”
Ayan sighed.
Ayan:
“I noticed the same thing the day she visited. She kept checking her phone. I asked if she was okay — she said yes.”
Euntak frowned, worry settling in.
Euntak:
“What could have happened…?”
Ayan: (teasing, comforting)
“Nothing serious, Mr. Brother. Maybe it’s just mood swings — you’re a doctor, you should understand that better than me.”
He nodded slowly.
Euntak:
“Maybe… but you said she kept checking her phone.”
Ayan:
“Yes… and later she suddenly seemed happy. She asked me about Chang Wook… if he messaged me or came to see me after the wedding.”
Euntak sat up straighter.
Euntak:
“She knows Chang Wook?”
Ayan:
“Yes. They met when I brought her to my workplace. They got close at our wedding too. But I think they fought… the way she asked questions says it all. But they’re adults — she’ll tell me when she’s ready. I’m her best friend.”
Euntak looked away, hiding the disbelief and confusion swirling inside him.
Euntak:
“Is… Chang Wook still working there?”
Ayan narrowed her eyes playfully.
“Do you want to go ask him what’s going on with your sister?”
Euntak: (quickly)
“No… just asking. Maybe I’ll talk to him — as your colleague and my sister’s friend.”
He shrugged.
“I have no friends anyway. Might as well mingle with him.”
Ayan laughed softly.
Ayan:
“Yeah, that sounds fine. And yes, he still works at our radio station. I’m thinking of going back soon too.”
Euntak leaned in and placed a soft peck on her head.
Euntak:
“Still want to spend more time with you before you start traveling for weather forecasts and fieldwork…”
They both laughed gently, their laughter filling the room as the screen slowly faded.
- Writer
