Touch Therapy: Where Hands Go, Bodies Beg

The soft warmth of morning sunlight streamed through the thin curtains, brushing across Madam Seo's face and pulling her gently out of slumber. She blinked slowly, her lashes fluttering, realizing she was still lying in a bed that wasn't her own. The events of the night before—Joon-ho's hands easing away her tension, Harin bustling around preparing oils, the deep relaxation that had stolen her into sleep—floated back to her like a dream.

Her first thought was that her headache was gone. For days, it had clung to her skull like a vice, pounding through every meeting, every late-night phone call. Now, it was simply… absent. Her body still felt heavy, a little lethargic, but in a way that was pleasant, almost like the weight that followed after a long soak in a hot spring.

She pushed herself up to sit on the edge of the bed, brushing back strands of hair that had fallen across her cheek. A soft sound made her glance sideways—Harin was sprawled out across the bed, drool pooling against the pillow, her mouth slightly open as she breathed evenly. One of her legs was tossed carelessly across the sheets, her messy hair covering half her face. Madam Seo felt an uncharacteristic smile tug at her lips. What a carefree little thing, she thought, shaking her head in amusement. For all of Harin's sharp wit and bright energy, in sleep she looked no different from a clumsy college student who'd stayed up too late.

But Joon-ho wasn't in the bed.

Madam Seo glanced around, noticed the faint sounds of movement beyond the bedroom. She stood, realizing with a sudden jolt that she was still completely naked beneath the light blanket. With a soft chuckle at her own carelessness, she reached for the silk kimono folded neatly on a chair and slipped it over her body, tying the belt loosely at her waist. The cool fabric glided across her skin, still tender from the massage oils Joon-ho had used the night before.

She padded softly into the living room.

The sight that greeted her made her pause.

Joon-ho stood in the kitchen, sleeves of his T-shirt rolled up, hair still slightly damp from a morning shower. He was focused on the stove, flipping something in the pan, the smell of butter and caramelized banana filling the air. On the counter, a steaming espresso machine hissed, the aroma of roasted beans drifting warmly through the apartment.

Madam Seo lowered herself into a chair at the dining table, reaching for the glass of water set nearby. She sipped slowly, eyes never leaving Joon-ho as he moved efficiently about the kitchen. There was a calmness to him, a steady, grounded rhythm that contrasted so strongly with the chaos of her own mornings—usually an avalanche of emails, staff demands, and the bitter taste of coffee gulped between meetings. Here, the world slowed down. For the first time in a long time, she felt her mind wander aimlessly, not to the crises waiting in her office, but to the simple thought of how nice it felt just… watching him.

Joon-ho turned his head slightly, noticing her. A small smile touched his lips."You're up," he said, voice warm and unhurried. "Want something to drink? Tea? Juice? Coffee?"

"Coffee," Madam Seo replied, leaning back in her chair. "But surprise me. I'll trust your taste this morning."

"Alright," he chuckled, turning back to the counter. The hiss of milk steaming filled the air.

Within minutes, he set the table. A neat stack of golden banana pancakes drizzled lightly with syrup, fresh fruit on the side, and a cappuccino with the foam art shaped into a simple heart. Madam Seo arched a brow at the sight, then let out a quiet laugh as she picked up her fork.

She cut a piece, brought it to her lips, and nearly groaned at the softness of the pancake, the sweetness of the banana melding with butter. Chasing it with a sip of cappuccino, she closed her eyes briefly, savoring the balance.

"It's been a long time since I've had a morning like this," she admitted softly, almost to herself. "No phone ringing, no one banging on my office door. Just… quiet. And good food."

Joon-ho sat across from her, watching her relax as she ate. "How are you feeling? Better?"

She nodded. "Better than I've felt in weeks. My head doesn't feel like it's splitting anymore. If I could start my mornings like this more often, I'd probably live ten years longer."

"You're welcome here any time," he said simply.

The words were plain, but they landed heavily. Madam Seo's hand stilled over her cup for a moment, before she smiled faintly. "Careful with words like that, Joon-ho. I might just take you up on it more often than you'd like."

"I wouldn't mind," he answered. His tone was calm, matter-of-fact.

She laughed softly, shaking her head. "You know… you've changed since the first time I met you. Back then, you looked… lost. Guarded. Like you didn't trust anyone."

"You weren't wrong," he admitted, sipping his coffee. "I didn't. And maybe I still don't, not fully. But…" He glanced at her, then down at the cup in his hand. "I guess I trust more now than before."

"It's an improvement," she said gently.

For a moment, silence stretched between them, but it wasn't heavy—it was comfortable.

"You're busier than ever," Joon-ho remarked after a while.

She sighed, leaning back. "That's ambition for you. Lumina won't build itself into a global brand. With Seoul Fashion Week coming, my plate's overflowing. But I chose this path. I'll handle it."

There was a flicker of steel in her voice, the same determination that had carried her this far.

Her gaze sharpened as she set down her fork. "What I can't wait for, though, is the day I divorce that bastard. My family forced me into that marriage, called it 'strategic.' But I'll show them. That's why I built everything on my own terms. My assets are separate, my brand is mine alone. When the time comes, I'll cut ties cleanly. No split, no settlements. Just me, walking away stronger than they ever imagined."

Joon-ho listened quietly, his eyes steady on her. He didn't interrupt. Only when she finished did he speak.

"You should always have a place to relax. When you need it, come here. Cool down. Rest."

Her lips curved slowly. "Careful again, Joon-ho. With promises like that, I might join your harem once I'm divorced."

He didn't rise to the bait. He only smiled, the same small, quiet smile that made her heart twist unexpectedly.

Before either of them could say more, a shuffle of footsteps broke the moment. Harin stumbled out of the bedroom, hair a wild mess, her eyes half-shut. She rubbed at her face, blinking blearily.

"What're you two whispering about?" she mumbled, voice still thick with sleep.

"Nothing important," Madam Seo answered smoothly.

"Just small talk," Joon-ho added.

Harin yawned, plopping herself into the seat beside Madam Seo. "Then stop small-talking and feed me breakfast."

Both Joon-ho and Madam Seo exchanged a glance, then chuckled softly as the peaceful morning carried on.

After breakfast, the slow rhythm of the morning carried them into their routines. Madam Seo slipped into the bathroom, showering away the faint trace of massage oil and the lingering heaviness of her body. When she emerged, she dressed sharply in one of the dresses she kept tucked away in Joon-ho's apartment—soft cream fabric that clung to her frame, paired with a blazer she'd left here for "emergencies." Joon-ho and Harin had also finished washing up, Joon-ho in a fresh button-down and casual slacks, Harin tying her hair into a loose ponytail as she padded barefoot across the apartment.

The table had been cleared, the smell of coffee still faint in the air. Madam Seo adjusted her blazer and checked her phone before tucking it away again, lips pressing into a faint smile.

"You know," she began, slipping her heels on, "your clients are already pestering me. Some of them are convinced I've locked you up in my apartment, keeping you all for myself."

Joon-ho chuckled softly, drying his hands with a towel. "Are they complaining?"

"They are," she said, folding her arms and lifting her chin. "Loudly. One of them actually demanded I release you back into the wild, like you're some rare bird."

Harin snorted with laughter from the dining table, nearly choking on her second cup of coffee.

Joon-ho shrugged lightly. "Then let them complain. You can decide who gets to see me."

That stopped Madam Seo for a moment. She turned her head slowly, narrowing her eyes at him. "Listen to yourself. Saying that like I'm your little wife, managing your schedule."

He leaned casually against the counter, his calm gaze meeting hers without hesitation. "I wouldn't mind it."

There was no playfulness in his tone—just quiet sincerity.

For once, Madam Seo was the one caught off guard. A faint color touched her cheeks before she scoffed, rolling her eyes. "You're too smooth for your own good."

From her seat, Harin lifted her mug, smirking. "Mmm, you two sound like a married couple already. Bickering over who owns who. Honestly? It feels… kind of like home."

The remark hung in the air for a moment. Madam Seo glanced toward her, then back at Joon-ho, and for once didn't argue. "...I agree," she said softly.

They shared a brief silence, broken only by the hum of the refrigerator and the faint ticking of the wall clock.

Finally, Madam Seo checked her watch and exhaled. "I should get going. I've got a meeting at ten and a call with the Lumina partners after that." She grabbed her purse, then looked at Joon-ho. "Before I forget—Kwon Mirae might need another session soon. She's juggling movie shoots, CFs, variety shows… her schedule's eating her alive. If she calls, be ready."

Joon-ho nodded. "She already reached out. Said she'll let me know when she's free."

"Good. I'll remind her too." Madam Seo adjusted her blazer one last time, her polished aura sliding back into place like a second skin. She walked toward the door, heels clicking against the wooden floor. Just before leaving, she turned back. "And Joon-ho…"

He raised his brows.

Her lips curved faintly. "Don't forget what you promised. I'll be back when I need to breathe."

With that, she swept out, the faint scent of her perfume lingering in the air.

The apartment grew quiet again. Harin, still in her loose T-shirt and shorts, set her mug down and stretched her arms above her head with a satisfied sigh. "Well. That was nice. She really is something, isn't she?"

Joon-ho folded the towel and set it aside, nodding. "She is."

Harin propped her chin in her hand, studying him with a mischievous glint. "You like her, don't you?"

His response was delayed, but when it came, it was simple. "She's… complicated. Strong, but lonely. She needs a place to rest."

Harin hummed thoughtfully, then smiled. "That's what you give people, isn't it? A place to rest. Even me."

He met her gaze, and for a moment the air softened between them.

Then she broke it with a clap of her hands. "Alright! Enough mushy stuff. What are we doing today? We've actually got free time."

Joon-ho blinked, considering. "I'm not sure. Any ideas?"

Harin grinned, leaning forward eagerly. "How about Starfield COEX Mall? I saw something on SNS—there's this product launch for those trending mini dolls. You know, the ones everyone's clipping to their bags? I forgot the name, but they're ridiculously cute. I want to see them in person."

"Dolls?" Joon-ho asked, skeptical.

"They're keychains too," she argued, pouting slightly. "Come on, don't act like a grandpa. It'll be fun. We can look around, grab lunch, make a date out of it."

He considered for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. Around lunch?"

"Yes!" Harin hopped up from her chair, excitement brightening her expression. "We'll eat there too. I heard they've got a new ramen pop-up."

Joon-ho chuckled softly as she darted toward the bedroom to change, muttering about what outfit would look good for shopping. Left alone for a moment, he leaned back against the counter, glancing toward the door where Madam Seo had left.

The scent of coffee lingered. The echoes of her quiet admission—about her headaches, her loneliness, her future divorce—still replayed in his head.

He exhaled slowly, shaking it off. The day was waiting.

And as Harin's voice floated from the bedroom, calling out about which shoes to wear, Joon-ho smiled faintly and went to prepare himself too.