Chapter Ninety-seven: Distance Loops.

The tension that had been building finally reached its breaking point one Sunday afternoon. Min Jun had promised Soo Jeon a day together, free from work and distractions. They had planned to spend the day at home, cooking, talking, and reconnecting after the distance that had been forming between them.

However, just as they were starting to prepare breakfast, Min Jun's phone buzzed. It was his office, calling about an urgent issue with the project. He stared at the phone for a moment, torn between his commitment to his job and his promise to Soo Jeon.

She saw the hesitation on his face and sighed quietly. "You're going to answer it, aren't you?" her voice was calm, but tinged with disappointment.

Min Jun rubbed his temples. "It's important, Soo Jeon. The project is—"

"I know," she interrupted, turning away to continue cooking. "It's always important."

He felt the weight of her words sink in. He had been making the same excuse for weeks, constantly putting work ahead of their time together. Min Jun took a deep breath and turned off his phone, placing it down on the counter.

"I'm not answering it," he said, walking toward her. "I'm spending today with you."

Soo Jeon turned to face him, surprise in her eyes. "But your work—"

"It can wait," he said, gently taking her hands in his. "You're more important."

For the first time in weeks, a smile spread across Soo Jeon's face. It wasn't just the gesture, but the sincerity in his voice. She had been feeling distant, like she was slipping out of his world, and this was the reassurance she had been needing.

They spent the day together, laughing and talking like they used to. It wasn't just about catching up—it was about remembering why they had fallen in love in the first place. The tension that had been hanging between them began to dissolve, replaced by the warmth of their reconnection.

By evening, they were curled up on the couch, their hands intertwined as they watched a movie, content in the simplicity of the moment. For the first time in a long while, the world outside didn't matter. It was just the two of them.

"I love you, Soo Jeon," Min Jun whispered, his eyes soft with affection. "And I'm sorry I haven't been showing it enough."

Soo Jeon smiled, resting her head against his shoulder. "I love you too, Min Jun. We'll get through this together."