A Quiet Morning
641 Words
The next morning...
The sound of an alarm echoed through the quiet house.
Ayan slowly opened her eyes, stretched lazily, and got out of bed.
After taking a shower and getting dressed for work, she picked up her handbag and stepped out of her room.
The moment she entered the dining area...
She stopped.
The dining table was neatly set.
A simple breakfast sat in the middle of the table, with two plates already arranged.
From the kitchen, Areum walked out carrying two mugs.
The moment she saw Ayan, her face lit up.
"Good morning, Noona."
Ayan gave a slight nod.
"Morning."
Areum carefully placed the mugs on the table.
"I made breakfast for us."
She smiled shyly.
"I don't know if it tastes good, but... I tried."
Without waiting for a reply, she pulled out one of the dining chairs.
"Noona... sit."
Ayan looked at the chair for a moment before quietly taking her seat.
Areum immediately served food onto Ayan's plate before sitting opposite her.
The dining room fell silent.
Only the soft clinking of cutlery could be heard.
After taking a few bites...
Ayan looked up briefly.
"Thank you."
Those two simple words were enough to brighten Areum's face.
"You're welcome."
Silence returned once again.
Neither of them tried to force a conversation.
Ayan finished eating first.
She stood, picked up her handbag, and looked toward Areum.
"I'm leaving for work."
Areum quickly stood as well.
"I'll be leaving for school too."
Ayan nodded.
"Lock the door before you leave."
"I will."
Without another word, Ayan walked out of the house.
Areum remained standing in the dining room until the front door closed.
Only then did the smile on her face slowly fade.
"...One day."
"I'll make you smile at me."
She whispered softly before beginning to clear the dishes.
---
The hospital was already bustling with activity.
Doctors hurried from one department to another while nurses prepared for the morning rounds.
Ayan walked through the hospital entrance, adjusting the strap of her handbag.
Before she could look around...
Someone had already spotted her.
Kyunmin.
A smile spread across his face.
"There she is."
Without hesitation, he walked toward her.
Ayan looked up.
The moment she saw him, a grin spread across her face.
"Brother!"
She jogged over and lightly punched his shoulder.
"There you are."
Kyunmin laughed.
"So early in the morning, and you're already looking for trouble?"
"I always look for trouble."
"I know."
Ayan tried to flick his forehead.
Kyunmin leaned back just in time.
"You missed."
"I was being nice."
"You don't know how to be nice."
"Oh really?"
She pretended to throw another punch.
Kyunmin caught her wrist effortlessly.
"Behave."
Ayan pouted dramatically before pulling her hand back.
The two continued walking side by side.
After a few steps...
Kyunmin glanced at her properly.
The playful smile on his face slowly disappeared.
He noticed it immediately.
Something was bothering her.
"What happened?"
Ayan sighed softly.
"Mom travelled again."
Kyunmin nodded, waiting for her to continue.
"She left Areum with me."
"For a while?"
"I guess."
She sighed again.
"You know how Mom is."
Kyunmin gently patted her shoulder.
"Take it easy."
"It won't be forever."
Ayan nodded.
"I know."
A warm smile appeared on Kyunmin's face.
"That's my sister."
Just then...
His pager vibrated.
He looked down before glancing back at Ayan.
"I have to go."
Ayan nodded.
"Go save lives, Doctor."
"And you..."
He pointed at her with a teasing smile.
"Try not to cause any problems before lunch."
Ayan scoffed dramatically.
"I never cause problems."
Kyunmin laughed as he began walking away.
"Keep telling yourself that."
Ayan smiled to herself before heading toward the HR department, completely unaware that somewhere upstairs...
A certain patient had already begun waiting for another noisy visit he would never admit he was looking forward to.
- Writer
