The minutes ticked by, each one filled with anticipation as Micha eagerly awaited her family's arrival. The faint hum of a car engine outside signaled their presence, and soon, laughter and cheerful voices filled the air as her parents, brother, and grandparents stepped through the door, their arms laden with gifts and goodies. Micha's heart swelled with joy seeing their familiar faces, the warmth of their presence instantly dispelling the weariness of her day.
"Look at you, Micha! You've grown even more beautiful," her grandmother exclaimed, pulling her into a tight embrace. Her brother ruffled her hair playfully, while her father and mother showered her with their usual loving smiles. Micha felt a lump form in her throat, realizing how much she had missed the comfort of their company.
"Alright, everyone, take a seat! Dinner's ready," Micha said, her voice carrying an unmistakable note of pride as she led them to the dining table. The table was an array of colors and aromas, dishes of curry, roasted vegetables, and freshly baked bread lovingly prepared with her family's favorites in mind. She carefully arranged everything, ensuring the table was perfect, down to the last detail.
As everyone settled into their seats, the room came alive with chatter. Her mother complimented the presentation of the dishes, while her grandfather hummed in approval after tasting the spicy curry. "You've outdone yourself, Micha. This is just like your grandmother's cooking," he said, a gleam of pride in his eyes.
As they ate, the conversation turned to Micha's upcoming marriage with So Hyung. Her father leaned forward, his tone warm but serious. "We've met So Hyung a few times now, and I must say, Micha, we're truly impressed by his character. He's respectful, grounded, and genuinely cares for you. It's rare to find someone like that."
Micha felt her cheeks flush at the praise, a smile spreading across her face. "He's been so supportive, Dad. I couldn't ask for more. He's truly one of a kind."
Her mother nodded, her eyes glistening with affection. "We can see that. The way he looks at you, Micha, it's as if you're the center of his world. You've chosen well, my dear."
Laughter erupted as her brother teased her about So Hyung's devotion. "I bet he's the type to memorize all your favorite things, right? Chocolates, movies, everything?"
Micha chuckled, playfully swatting him. "Maybe, but that's none of your business!"
As the lively dinner carried on, Micha's father leaned back in his chair and wiped his mouth with a napkin. With a thoughtful look, he said, "Micha, this dinner feels incomplete without So Hyung here. Did you invite him?"
Micha paused, her smile fading slightly as she glanced at her mother, who also wore a questioning look. She placed her fork down carefully and responded softly, "I did, Dad. I asked him earlier today. But So Hyung is caught up in work right now. He sent me a message apologizing and said he wouldn't be able to make it tonight."
Her mother's face softened with understanding. "That boy works so hard. It's admirable, but I hope he doesn't overdo it."
Micha nodded, a faint sadness flickering in her eyes. "He does. He always tries to balance everything, and sometimes it feels like he puts the entire world on his shoulders. I told him it was okay not to come tonight. He's been dealing with a lot at the office lately."
Her grandfather, who had been quietly observing the conversation, spoke up in his gentle voice. "Micha, as long as he treats you well and respects you, that's what matters. Work is a part of life, but love requires nurturing too. When you see him, remind him that he doesn't have to shoulder everything alone."
Micha smiled at her grandfather's wisdom, the warmth of his words easing her worry. "I will, Grandpa. He always listens to me when I tell him these things. I just didn't want to add more stress to his plate by insisting he come tonight."
Her brother, however, couldn't resist teasing her. "Or maybe he's scared of Dad's interrogation!" he quipped, earning a round of laughter from everyone at the table.
"Very funny," Micha shot back, rolling her eyes but unable to suppress her grin.
The conversation soon drifted to lighter topics, and the atmosphere remained joyful. After finishing their meal, Micha and her mother cleared the table while her father and grandparents moved to the living room, exchanging stories from the past. Her brother leaned against the kitchen counter, occasionally chiming in with his witty remarks as Micha packed away the leftovers.
When everything was cleaned and put away, Micha returned to the living room to join her family. They talked late into the night, their voices overlapping in a harmonious blend of laughter, advice, and familial love.
As the clock struck midnight, Micha's mother finally stood and stretched. "Alright, everyone, it's time to call it a night. We've had a wonderful evening, but we need our rest."
The family slowly dispersed to their respective rooms, leaving Micha standing in the dimly lit living room. She gazed out the window, her thoughts drifting to So Hyung. She picked up her phone and reread his message: "I'm sorry, Micha. I'm a little busy with work tonight. I promise to make it up to you soon."
She sighed, whispering to herself, "I hope you're taking care of yourself, So Hyung."
With her heart full of gratitude for her family and longing for her fiancé, Micha made her way to her room. As she prepared for bed, she couldn't shake the feeling that life was setting the stage for something extraordinary. Whatever it was, she was ready to face it with the strength of her loved ones by her side.
The first light of dawn filtered through the curtains, gently waking Micha from her peaceful slumber. Stretching her arms, she glanced at the clock and realized it was early, just as she had planned. Determined to start the day on the right note, she quietly slipped out of bed to avoid disturbing her family.
In the kitchen, the house was still and calm, save for the faint chirping of birds outside. Micha tied her hair back, rolled up her sleeves, and set about preparing breakfast. She wanted to make something special for her family after their heartfelt evening together. The scent of freshly brewed coffee, sizzling eggs, and warm bread soon filled the air, creating a homely and inviting aroma.
As she plated the food, Micha couldn't help but smile, imagining her father's delighted grin when he saw the spread, her mother's gentle approval, and her brother's playful comments. She carefully packed her lunch box with the leftovers, ensuring her meal for the day was both healthy and satisfying.
Once everything was ready, Micha set the table neatly and wrote a small note, leaving it propped up against the coffee pot:
"Good morning, family! Breakfast is ready. Please don't skip your meals, and have a wonderful day. Love, Micha."
As the clock ticked closer to her departure time, she poured herself a quick cup of tea and sat down to enjoy a brief moment of peace. The thought of leaving her family behind for the day tugged at her heart, but she reminded herself that every step she took was for them as much as for herself.
Before stepping out of the house, Micha softly knocked on her parents' bedroom door, knowing they might already be awake. Her mother answered with a warm smile. "Leaving already, Micha?"
"Yes, Mom. I've prepared breakfast for everyone. Please make sure everyone eats," Micha replied, a touch of concern in her voice.
Her mother's gaze softened as she touched Micha's shoulder. "You take care of us too much, my dear. Don't forget to take care of yourself."
"I promise, Mom," Micha said with a reassuring smile, though her mind was already racing with the day's tasks.
As she stepped out into the crisp morning air, she couldn't shake the feeling of gratitude for her family. Walking to her car, she whispered to herself, "One day, I'll give them everything they deserve."
The drive to work was uneventful but gave her time to think. She mentally organized her tasks for the day and replayed fragments of the conversation she had with So Hyung's family. Their warmth and acceptance filled her heart, but a small part of her still felt uneasy about the threatening incident at her office.
Arriving at her workplace, Micha parked her car and took a deep breath. The building loomed before her, a symbol of her ambitions and challenges. She stepped inside, greeting her colleagues with a polite nod as she headed to her desk.
Her workday began as usual, with reports to review and meetings to attend. Yet, her mind occasionally wandered back to her family and the moments she cherished with them. Lunchtime came, and Micha found a quiet corner to call So Hyung.
As the line connected, his familiar voice greeted her warmly. "Micha, how's your day going?"
"It's busy as always," she replied, her tone softening. "I made breakfast for my family this morning. It felt nice to do something for them before heading out."
"You always think about everyone else," So Hyung said with admiration. "Don't forget to think about yourself too."
"I try," Micha admitted, a smile playing on her lips. "How about you? Did you eat lunch?"
"Yes, don't worry about me. I'm managing," he assured her, though there was a hint of tiredness in his voice.
As they chatted, Micha felt a sense of comfort. Despite the physical distance, their connection remained strong. When the call ended, she returned to her work with renewed energy, knowing that her efforts were part of a greater journey—one that she and So Hyung were navigating together.
The afternoon passed in a blur of activity, but Micha remained focused, her determination unwavering. She couldn't wait to return home that evening, to share the stories of her day with her family and hear about theirs. The thought of their laughter and love gave her strength, pushing her through the challenges of the day.
Micha's life was far from simple, but it was filled with meaning. With her family's support and So Hyung's love, she knew she could face anything.
As Micha wrapped up her work for the day, she couldn't help but feel a growing sense of anticipation. The thought of returning home to her family filled her with warmth, but there was also something tugging at the edges of her mind—an inexplicable feeling that today would not end like any other. Shaking off the thought, she packed her belongings and prepared to leave.
The sunset painted the sky in shades of orange and gold as she stepped out of the office. The cool evening air brushed against her face, and she felt a fleeting sense of peace. Driving home, Micha allowed herself to think about the simple joys waiting for her: the comfort of her family's presence, their laughter over dinner, and perhaps another call from So Hyung to end her night.
But as she pulled into her driveway, something caught her eye—a black car parked across the street. It wasn't familiar, and it hadn't been there in the morning. Micha's heart skipped a beat, but she brushed it off. "Probably just a neighbor's guest," she muttered to herself, stepping out of her car and heading inside.
The moment she opened the door, her mother greeted her with a smile. "Welcome home, Micha! How was your day?"
"It was busy, as always," Micha replied, her voice softening as she embraced her mother. "But I managed to get through it. How about you? Did everyone enjoy breakfast?"
"Oh, it was wonderful, dear," her mother said warmly. "Your father even asked for seconds. He said it reminded him of your grandmother's cooking."
Micha chuckled at the thought, feeling a sense of pride. She joined her family in the living room, where they were gathered around, chatting about the day. Her brother teased her about being a workaholic, while her grandparents shared old stories that filled the house with laughter.
Despite the joy, that uneasy feeling lingered in Micha's chest. She couldn't shake the image of the black car from her mind. After dinner, as everyone began to retire for the night, she found herself pacing in her room, unable to settle.
Her phone buzzed, startling her. It was a message from So Hyung: "I'll call you in a bit. Don't sleep yet."
Her lips curved into a small smile as she sat on her bed, waiting for his call. When it came, his voice instantly put her at ease.
"How's my hardworking fiancée?" he asked playfully.
"Tired but okay," Micha replied honestly. "How about you? Still drowning in work?"
"Always," he sighed. "But I can handle it. I miss you, though. I wish I could be there right now."
"I miss you too," she said softly. "But at least we're both working towards something meaningful."
They talked for what felt like hours, sharing stories and dreams, until Micha finally felt the weight of the day lifting off her shoulders. After they said their goodnights, Micha lay in bed, staring at the ceiling.
As sleep began to claim her, her phone buzzed again. This time, it was an unknown number. Micha frowned, hesitant, but something compelled her to check the message.
It read: "Watch your step. Not everything is as it seems."
Her blood ran cold. Sitting up abruptly, she glanced around her room, the shadows suddenly feeling darker and the silence heavier. Who could have sent such a cryptic message? And what did it mean?
Micha's thoughts raced as she tried to make sense of it. The unease she'd felt all day now seemed to have a name, a form. Gripping her phone tightly, she resolved to bring this up with So Hyung and her family tomorrow. Whatever this was, she wouldn't face it alone.
But even as she tried to calm herself, the nagging feeling of being watched refused to leave her. Micha lay awake long into the night, her mind a whirlwind of questions. What was coming for her? What was she meant to uncover?
Tomorrow would bring answers, or perhaps.....