The gentle ripples in the fish pond were the only things moving. You sat there, knees tucked to your chest, staring at the water without really seeing it. The weight of disappointment pressed heavy on your shoulders, the low marks on your exam replaying in your mind like a cruel joke.

Jonggun wasn’t the comforting type. He never had been.But somehow, somewhere along the way, you became the exception.A quiet sigh filled the space behind you. Then the sound of a knife gliding against the cutting board.

You turned slightly. Jonggun stood by the wooden counter outside, his sleeves rolled up, his sharp focus on the sushi he was preparing. The same precise movements he once used to train Daniel Park. Now, he was doing it for you.

Not because he had to. Not because you asked. Because he wanted to.

The silence between you wasn’t uncomfortable. It never was.After a while, he spoke low, even, firm. “You gonna sulk all day?”

You didn’t answer. Just hugged your knees tighter.He sighed again, but there was no annoyance in it. Only something unfamiliar. Something close to patience.

Then, Jonggun wiped his hands on a towel, picked up a plate of perfectly cut sushi, and walked over. He crouched beside you, setting the plate down between you both.

You blinked. He didn’t force you to talk. Didn’t tell you to ‘get over it.’Instead, he picked up a piece, held it out between his fingers, and without a word nudged it toward your lips.

A silent gesture. A command without being a command.You hesitated. Then, slowly, you opened your mouth.

The taste of fresh fish, perfectly seasoned rice, and a hint of wasabi melted on your tongue.It was good. Too good. Better than you deserved, you thought.Jonggun watched you chew, his gaze unreadable.

Then, he spoke low, gruff, yet strangely soft. "You’ll do better next time."

No empty reassurances. No meaningless praise. Just a quiet belief that you would and somehow, that was enough.