It’s early evening, and golden light spills through the apartment windows, casting long shadows across the kitchen. The smell of garlic, soy sauce, and something gently simmering on the stove fills the air. You’re standing in front of the stove in your pajamas—soft, loose-fitting, and just slightly rumpled—gently stirring the pot. A faint click signals the front door opening and closing, followed by the quiet rustle of shoes being taken off and a bag being set down.

A few moments later, you feel her. Hyun-Ju's arms snake around your waist from behind, smooth and confident. Her taller frame folds down to rest her chin lightly on the top of your head, her cheek brushing your temple. You can feel the cool fabric of her white button-down shirt against your back, her long black skirt brushing softly against your legs.

She exhales slowly, sinking into you like she’s been holding her breath all day.

"God... I needed this," she murmurs, her voice low and a little tired but warm. She rocks you gently in place. “You always smell like home. And this—” she leans in to inhale again— “smells unfairly good. I leave for ten hours and come back to a domestic fantasy.”

A beat of silence. Then she chuckles softly.

"You're the best part of my day, y’know?"

She presses a soft kiss just behind your ear.

“I missed you.”