As dawn broke, Micha woke up early with a bittersweet feeling in her heart. The soft light of morning filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle glow across her room. She moved quietly, careful not to wake anyone, and slipped into the bathroom. The sound of water running as she washed her face and brushed her teeth grounded her in the reality of the day ahead—a day she had been dreading, yet knew would come. Today was the day her family would leave for the mansion.
Once she finished, Micha made her way to the kitchen. The house was still, filled only with the faint sounds of the morning, but her heart was filled with swirling emotions. She wanted to do something special for her family, to show how much they meant to her, and how deeply she would miss them. So, she decided to prepare a breakfast like no other—a labor of love in every dish. She carefully prepared different types of curries, knowing how much her father loved the rich, spicy flavors. She whipped up fast food favorites for her little brother, So Eun Min, imagining his eyes lighting up when he saw his favorite dishes on the table.
Micha worked quietly but with purpose, pouring all her love into the meal. The aromas filled the kitchen, a blend of spices and warmth that reminded her of all the mornings they had shared together. Today was special, though. Today, she wanted them to feel the depth of her love in every bite, knowing that soon they would be sitting around a different table, in a different home.
Once everything was ready, Micha wiped her hands and took a deep breath. She climbed the stairs, gently waking each member of her family. "Breakfast is ready," she whispered softly into their rooms, her voice carrying a mix of joy and sadness. One by one, they stirred, smiling at her and making their way to the bathroom to freshen up. Micha's heart swelled with emotion as she watched them go through their morning routines, realizing how much she would miss these simple, everyday moments.
When they all gathered in the dining room, the table was full of Micha's love and care. Her parents, grandparents, and little brother sat down, marveling at the spread she had prepared. "Micha, you really went all out," her father said, his voice warm with appreciation. "This looks amazing." Her mother gave her a knowing smile, the kind that only mothers can give, one filled with pride and understanding. "You've always had such a big heart," she said softly, "and you never fail to show it."
They ate together, sharing stories, laughing, and reminiscing about old times. The room was filled with the sound of joy, but underneath, Micha could feel the weight of their upcoming departure. She knew this would be the last meal they shared in this house before they left for the mansion, and it made every word, every laugh, feel precious. Her little brother, So Eun Min, stuffed his face with food, grinning up at her. "You made all my favorites, Micha! Thank you!" Micha smiled, ruffling his hair. "Anything for you, So Eun. Just remember, if you ever need me, only a phone call away to me."
As breakfast came to an end, the mood shifted slightly. The reality of the day settled in, and it was time for her family to pack up their things. Micha watched them gather their belongings, the once lively house now filled with the sounds of zippers and footsteps as they prepared to leave. Her heart felt heavy, but she kept her smile, knowing that this wasn't goodbye forever—it was just a new chapter.
Her father placed a comforting hand on her shoulder before they left. "Remember, you're always welcome at the mansion whenever you're ready, Micha. Don't stay away too long. We'll miss you." Micha nodded, holding back the tears that threatened to spill over. "I'll be there soon, Dad. I promise. I just need to finish things here first."
One by one, they hugged her tightly, lingering in the doorway, not wanting to say the final goodbye. Her mother held her the longest, whispering, "Take care of yourself, Micha. We'll be thinking of you every day. And if you ever need anything, you know where we are."
Finally, after what felt like both an eternity and no time at all, they stepped out of the door. Micha stood in the doorway, waving as they drove off, her heart full of love but aching with the absence that now filled the house. The quiet after they left was almost overwhelming. The echoes of their laughter and voices seemed to linger in the empty rooms, and for a moment, Micha felt utterly alone.
But she reminded herself that this wasn't the end. Her family was only a phone call away, and the mansion wasn't far. They would still be in each other's lives, just in a new way. As she stood there, looking at the road they had just driven down, Micha smiled softly to herself. She had given them a part of herself in that breakfast, in every hug, in every word of farewell.
With a heart full of love, Micha turned back inside, the warmth of her family still wrapped around her like a blanket. She knew that no matter where they went or how far apart they were, they would always be together in spirit. And that thought brought her peace as she closed the door behind her, ready to face the new chapter ahead.
As Micha stepped back into the quiet house, the echoes of her family's laughter and warmth still lingered in her heart. The emptiness of the home surrounded her, and the silence felt almost too loud after all the joy they had shared that morning. She sat down softly on the couch, her fingers instinctively reaching for her phone. In moments like these, she craved comfort—the kind that came from hearing So Hyung's voice, the steady reassurance that he always gave her. She needed to feel connected, especially now that her family had gone.
With a deep breath, she dialed his number, silently hoping he wasn't too busy. Her heart fluttered a little with each ring, and just as she was about to leave a message, his voice came through, warm and familiar.
"Hey, babe," he greeted her, his voice instantly calming her racing thoughts.
"Hi," she replied softly, a smile tugging at her lips just from hearing him. "I was wondering if you had some time to talk… I needed to hear your voice."
"Of course, I'm free right now," So Hyung responded smoothly. "What's going on?"
Micha sighed softly, leaning back into the couch. "My family just left. They've moved to… well, they've moved somewhere. It's been a strange day, saying goodbye and watching them pack their things. The house feels so empty without them." She paused, her emotions catching up to her, though she didn't mention the mansion. It felt like too much to share just yet.
He could hear the melancholy in her voice, the slight quiver of emotions she was trying to hold back. "I know it must be hard to see them go," he said gently, "but you're strong, Micha. And you know they'll never be too far away. Besides, you've got me, right?" His voice was laced with tenderness, that playful charm he always used to lift her spirits.
Micha smiled despite herself, the warmth of his words seeping into the cold spaces left behind by her family's absence. "I know," she whispered, her heart lightening just a little. "You always know how to make me feel better."
They talked for a while, the conversation flowing easily between them. Micha found herself laughing, telling him little stories about her family's last night together, the way they had all slept in one room, sharing memories and jokes. But she didn't mention the mansion. Something inside her held it back—maybe because it still felt too fresh, too personal, or maybe because she wasn't ready to talk about all the change that was happening so quickly around her.
"So," So Hyung said after a brief pause, "how about this weekend? If you're not too busy, I'll come see you. We can spend some time together, just us."
Micha felt her heart skip a beat. His offer to come see her, to be there when she needed someone the most, meant more than she could put into words. "That sounds perfect," she replied softly, her voice filled with gratitude and affection. "I would love that. I miss you."
"I miss you too, babe. We'll make it a good weekend, okay? Just let me know when."
"I will," Micha promised, her heart lighter now, buoyed by the thought of seeing him soon. As they wrapped up their conversation, exchanging sweet words and warm goodbyes, Micha felt a sense of peace settle over her. She wasn't alone, even in this quiet, empty house. Her family might have moved on, but she had So Hyung—a love she could lean on, a presence that made her feel safe and cherished.
"Love you," he said softly before hanging up.
"Love you more," she whispered, her heart full.
As the call ended, Micha sat there for a moment, holding her phone close, feeling the echo of his voice wrap around her like a comforting embrace. No matter what changes were happening in her life, no matter how far her family had gone, she had people who cared deeply for her. And for now, that was more than enough.