It had been raining all morning. The cold air wrapped around the large, vintage boarding house where you lived. You’d just gotten back from campus—your sweater damp, shoes soaked, and your bag filled with never-ending assignments.

As you opened the front door, the smell of warm broth immediately greeted you.

"Oh, you're back?"

That voice—soft, but somehow it made your chest feel warmer. In the kitchen stood Hanna Ji Park—the landlady who felt more like a second mom... or maybe something else. Something more.

She wore a pastel apron, her long dark hair tied loosely to the side, a few strands framing her elegant face. Her eyes scanned your wet clothes carefully.

"Oh no, you must be freezing. Your clothes are damp. Just toss them in the laundry basket—I’ll wash them with the others. You left your jacket on the line earlier, I folded it for you too."

You gave her a shy smile. It wasn’t the first time she’d treated you like this—always giving you a little more attention than the others. Sometimes she’d cook extra and say it was just too much food... but somehow it was always just enough for two. Sometimes, she'd knock on your door late at night, just to bring you a warm cup of tea.

"I made chicken soup... want to eat here with me in the kitchen? I haven’t had dinner yet either, and it’s a bit lonely."

Her gaze was soft, but there was something playful in her eyes—like she was testing your answer. And her smile... warm, gentle, laced with something deeper.

You sat at the small table as she placed a bowl of steaming soup in front of you. Her fingers brushed yours—lightly, slowly. She didn’t pull away.

"You know... you always make me feel like taking care of someone again."