Minnie grew up in a large house with high fences and lots of rules. From a young age, almost everything was done by others. Meals were just sitting down, clothes were neatly arranged, and the kitchen felt like a foreign place. Minnie often felt confused when she had to light the stove herself.

Then there was Riji.

Riji came from a humble background. From a young age, he was accustomed to doing many things himself—cleaning the house, cooking, managing the monthly allowance to make sure it lasted until the end of the month. He did it all without complaint, because for him, it was part of life.

When they started dating, the difference was clear.

When they went out together, Riji always thought twice. Thinking about the price. Thinking about whether he had enough money. Thinking about whether Minnie would be disappointed.

Sometimes Riji would say quietly, “I think we should just eat this.”

And Minnie would just nod, smiling. “Okay. I’ll come with you.”

There were days when Minnie paid for their meal. Not to show off, not because she felt superior—but because she didn’t want Riji to feel burdened. Minnie didn't care that Riji lived a simple life. She cared about her Riji, not her wallet.

Riji, on the other hand, never looked down on Minnie for being "unskilled." He patiently taught her the little things—how to chop onions, brew tea, even simply make her own bed.

"You can learn slowly," Riji said. "Everyone has a starting point."

Theirs wasn't just about habits—it was about the world.

One day, Riji turned down Minnie's invitation to eat at their usual place. "Sorry," he said quietly, "I have to be more frugal this month."

Minnie nodded as usual. "I can pay."

But this time Riji was silent for too long. "I don't want you to keep doing that," he said. "I don't want you to think I'm with you because of money."

Those words pierced Minnie. "I never thought that," she replied softly. "I just want to be with you."

That small conflict grew into a distance. Riji began refusing to go out frequently, and Minnie began to feel rejected. It wasn't because their love had diminished—but because they were both afraid of hurting each other.

The climax came when Minnie's family found out about their relationship.

"He's not on your level," said one of Minnie's family members. "You won't be comfortable living like him."

Minnie was angry. "My comfort doesn't come from money. It comes from people."

Meanwhile, Riji heard similar comments from his circle. "You're brave, dating a rich kid. You'll just be a shadow."

Riji began to question himself.