The soft hum of the city filled the apartment as Soo Jeon sat at the dining table, staring at the untouched breakfast she had prepared. The mornings had become eerily quiet since Min Jun's workload increased, leaving her with more time alone than she had anticipated after marriage.
It wasn't that their love had faded—it was still there, as strong as ever—but the demands of work, the tension with his family, and the looming presence of Ji-Eun weighed heavily on them both. The honeymoon phase had passed, and the reality of life together had begun to settle in, for better or worse.
Soo Jeon glanced at the clock. Min Jun had texted her briefly to say his meeting would run late, again. The promises of quiet dinners together and late-night conversations seemed to be slipping through their fingers, replaced by missed messages and hurried apologies.
The solitude made her think about her own life and career. She had put so much of her energy into their relationship, into supporting Min Jun through the turbulence with his parents, that her dance career had been set aside. She missed it—the feeling of losing herself in the rhythm, the freedom of expression on stage. It wasn't that she regretted being with Min Jun, but a small part of her yearned for that piece of herself she had let go of.
Soo Jeon's phone buzzed, pulling her from her thoughts. It was a message from Hye Rin, her closest friend, checking in on her.
Hye Rin: "How's it going today? Everything okay?"
Soo Jeon hesitated for a moment before typing her response.
Soo Jeon: "It's been quiet. Min Jun's busy with work again. Just feeling a bit… lost, I guess."
She sent the message, unsure if she had even conveyed how she truly felt. A moment later, Hye Rin replied.
Hye Rin: "You should come out with me this evening. Clear your head a little. I know this transition hasn't been easy, but you don't have to go through it alone."
Soo Jeon smiled softly at the screen. Hye Rin always seemed to know what she needed, even when she didn't. Maybe a night out with her friend would help lift some of the weight she had been carrying. But a part of her hesitated—what would Min Jun think if she wasn't home when he got back? Would he even notice?
After a few moments of internal debate, Soo Jeon decided to join Hye Rin. She needed to take a step back and reclaim a part of herself, if only for a few hours.
---
Later that evening, the city lights glittered as Soo Jeon met Hye Rin at a small, cozy restaurant. The familiar comfort of her friend's presence instantly helped soothe some of the tension she had been feeling.
"You look like you've been carrying the world on your shoulders," Hye Rin said, giving her a warm hug. "Tell me everything."
As they sat down, Soo Jeon finally opened up. "It's just... married life. It's not what I expected. I mean, I knew it wouldn't be all perfect, but it's like Min Jun and I are on different pages sometimes. His work is demanding, his family is demanding, and I just feel... distant. Like I'm losing myself."
Hye Rin nodded knowingly. "It sounds like you're going through a rough patch. Marriage isn't easy, especially when there's outside pressure. But you can't forget yourself in all of this, Soo Jeon. You've always been such a passionate person, especially about your dancing. Have you thought about getting back into it? It might help you reconnect with that part of yourself."
"I have," Soo Jeon admitted. "But I don't know if I can balance it with everything else going on. Min Jun's family already doesn't think I'm good enough for him, and now, with Ji-Eun still hanging around... I feel like I need to prove something. Like I have to fight for this marriage every day."
"You don't have to prove anything to anyone," Hye Rin said firmly. "You and Min Jun love each other—that's what matters. And if Ji-Eun or his family can't see that, then that's their problem. Don't let them get in your head."
Soo Jeon nodded, feeling a little lighter. "I know you're right. It's just hard sometimes."
"Of course it's hard," Hye Rin said. "But you're not alone in this. You've got me, and more importantly, you've got Min Jun. You two will figure this out together."
---
When Soo Jeon returned home later that night, the apartment was dark, save for the soft glow of the kitchen light. Min Jun sat at the dining table, his jacket draped over the chair, a tired expression on his face. He looked up as she entered, relief flooding his eyes.
"Hey," he said softly, standing to greet her. "I was worried when you weren't home."
Soo Jeon smiled gently. "I went out with Hye Rin. I needed a break."
Min Jun pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly. "I'm sorry. I know I've been busy, and I've let work get in the way of us. But I don't want you to feel like I'm neglecting you, Soo Jeon. You're the most important part of my life."
Soo Jeon rested her head against his chest, taking comfort in his words. "I know you're trying, Min Jun. And I love you for that. But we need to find a balance. For both of us."
Min Jun nodded, his voice soft. "We will. I promise."
As they stood there, holding each other in the quiet of their home, Soo Jeon felt the fractures beneath the surface start to heal. They still had a long way to go, but for now, this moment was enough.