Ch9.

                                    

                                          
The night had settled into a fragile peace as Kyung dozed off on the worn-out couch, leaving Hanna and Jungkook sitting alone.
Hanna hugged her knees, her voice soft but tired. “This wasn’t supposed to be my life, you know?”  
Jungkook rested his arms on the windowsill as they both looked outside. “What do you mean?”  
She sighed, staring out at the faint glow of the moon. “I used to have dreams. Big ones. Writing my own K-drama scripts, creating stories people would fall in love with. That’s why I majored in creative writing at college. My parents weren’t thrilled—they wanted me to pursue something safer, like law or medicine. But I was so sure this was my path.”  
“And now?” Jungkook asked, not raising his head. 
She let out a bitter laugh. “Now my life is a K-drama. Except I’m not writing it, and it’s the worst plot ever. Struggling to pay rent, babysitting Kyung, running from loan sharks. This isn’t what I wanted.”  
Jungkook tilted his head, watching her. “What about your parents?”  
“They live in Busan,” Hanna replied. “Dad runs a small convenience store. Mom helps out when she’s not fussing over Kyung and me. They’ve already done so much for us. I couldn’t tell them about this mess. They’d worry themselves sick.” She shook her head. “This is my problem to fix.”  
Jungkook didn’t respond immediately, but his eyes softened. “You’re tougher than you look, Hanna.”  
She looked at him, surprised by the sincerity in his voice. “You don’t even know me.”  
“Maybe,” he said, leaning back. “But I can tell you’re not the kind of person who gives up easily. You care about your brother. You’re still here, fighting through all this crap. That says a lot.”  
A faint smile reached the corners of her lips. “Thanks. I guess.”  
They sat in silence for a while, the weight of the situation hanging between them. Eventually, Jungkook stretched and stood up. “You should get some rest. Don't think too much.”  
Hanna nodded, suddenly feeling the exhaustion settle in. She watched him retreat to the corner where he’d made himself a makeshift bed, and for the first time in days, she felt a small flicker of hope.  
“Jungkook?”
“Hmm…”
“Kyung did that for me… He was worried if I'd be able to pay my final year college fees.”
“Why are you telling me this?”
“I don't want you to think bad about my brother.” 
“I don't think anything about him. Everyone has their reasons. Can't judge. Can't blame.”


***


The Next Morning…
Hanna opened her eyes and looked around. She saw Kyung still sprawled on the couch, snoring as if none of this was his fault. How could someone sleep so well in a situation like this? She came closer and caressed his head. “Mianhae (sorry). I should've given you more time. I got too busy solving my share of problems and couldn't see what you were going through.” 
Jungkook was nowhere in sight.  
She stood up, stretching, and made her way out to the car in the parking lot. She found a bag. There were a few buns and biscuits in it. Pulling one out, she smiled faintly at the thought of finally having something to eat. They didn't have anything last night.