Chapter 1: Another Day, Another Struggle

The alarm buzzed at exactly 5:30 AM, pulling Kang Chaewon from the little sleep she managed to get. She groaned, reaching out to silence it before sitting up in her small, cramped bedroom. The sun had yet to rise, but her day had already begun.

She stretched for a brief moment before glancing at the bunk bed in the corner of the room. Two small figures were curled up under their blankets, breathing softly in the early morning silence. Kang Haewon and Kang Heejun—her younger twin siblings. Her reason for pushing forward every single day.

Chaewon rubbed her eyes and got up, careful not to make a sound. She had to prepare breakfast before waking them up for school.

Her apartment was small, barely enough for the three of them, but she made it work. She moved around the tiny kitchen with practiced ease, pulling out ingredients and setting up the table.

Money was always tight. With her parents gone, she had taken up every responsibility—paying rent, feeding her siblings, and making sure they had everything they needed. Two part-time jobs barely covered the essentials, and college was an added weight on her shoulders. But no matter how hard things got, she refused to let Haewon and Heejun feel the burden.

"Noona?" a sleepy voice called from behind her.

She turned to see Haewon rubbing her eyes, her small frame wrapped in a thin blanket. Chaewon smiled, softening at the sight. "You're up early, Haewon-ah. Go back to sleep for a little longer."

Haewon shook her head and shuffled toward her, hugging her waist. "You always wake up first. I wanted to help today."

Chaewon ruffled her sister’s hair. "Then you can help wake Heejun while I finish cooking. Deal?"

Haewon pouted but nodded, turning toward the bedroom again. Chaewon watched her go before taking a deep breath. Another long day awaited her—classes, two jobs, and endless responsibilities. But as long as she had her siblings, she would keep going.

For them, she would endure anything.

By the time the twins were ready for school, Chaewon was already dressed for her morning classes. She handed them their packed lunches and ushered them toward the door.

"Remember, Heejun—no fighting at school," she reminded as she adjusted his backpack.

Heejun huffed. "But if they start it—"

"Then you walk away," Chaewon interrupted, giving him a pointed look. "Promise me."

"Fine," he mumbled, clearly unhappy.

Haewon giggled beside him. "Noona's scary when she gets serious."

Chaewon let out a small laugh. "Good. Now go. Be good, okay?" She crouched down, pressing a kiss to both their foreheads before watching them leave for school.

With a sigh, she grabbed her bag and rushed out, heading for her first class of the day.

Hours later, she found herself at her second part-time job—a small café near her university. The afternoon rush had just begun, and Chaewon barely had time to breathe between taking orders and serving customers.

She moved quickly, balancing a tray of drinks in one hand while wiping down a table with the other. It was exhausting, but she had no choice.

"Chaewon! Table five is waiting!" her coworker called.

"On it!" she responded, grabbing the next set of orders.

Just another long shift. Just another day of pushing through.

But she had no idea that today, someone unexpected was about to walk into her life.

The bell above the café door jingled, signaling a new customer. Chaewon barely glanced up as she placed a steaming cup of coffee in front of an elderly man.

"Welcome! Please take a seat, and someone will be with you shortly," she said automatically before hurrying to grab the next order.

A group of students walked in, chatting loudly. Among them was someone who stood out—his presence almost too large for the small café. His hair was slightly tousled, his expensive watch gleamed under the lights, and the confidence in his stride made it clear he wasn't used to waiting.

Chaewon finally looked up when she heard a dramatic sigh. "Ah, small places like this have a certain... charm, don’t they?" the young man mused, his voice laced with amusement. His friends laughed, but Chaewon merely raised an unimpressed eyebrow as she continued wiping the counter.

"Not that charming if you’re too loud," she muttered under her breath, though not quietly enough.

The boy’s head snapped toward her, and for the first time, their eyes met. His expression flickered with amusement, and instead of being offended, a slow, intrigued smile spread across his lips.

"Well, well," he drawled, stepping closer. "I don't think we've met before. What's your name?"

Chaewon exhaled sharply, already irritated. She had no time for rich boys looking for entertainment. "If you’re ordering, do it now. If not, please don’t block the counter."

His friends snickered, clearly entertained by the interaction, but the boy only seemed more intrigued. "Feisty. I like that. Alright then, I’ll take a—hmm, what do I feel like today?" He tapped his chin, pretending to think. "Surprise me."

Chaewon sighed. "We're not a fine dining restaurant. Order properly."

He let out a short laugh. "Alright, alright. One caramel macchiato. Extra sweet."

She rolled her eyes but took the order, already moving to prepare the drink. As she worked, she could feel his gaze lingering on her, studying her with an interest she didn’t appreciate.

When she finally placed his drink on the counter, he accepted it with a smirk. "You know, I think I’ll be coming here more often."

Chaewon didn’t even look up. "Tragic."

His friends burst into laughter, but instead of being put off, he only grinned wider. As he walked away, he took a slow sip of his drink before looking back at her. "See you around, waitress."

She didn’t reply. She simply turned her attention to the next order, pushing away the strange feeling that, somehow, this wasn’t the last she’d see of him.

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