It's cold. The sunrise is fleeting. Taehyung, having pulled up the blinds he'd kept closed all night, wanders around the living room with bleary eyes. He then finds his glasses carelessly strewn across the sofa and puts them on. Even though he's wide awake, his vision is still blurry because it's morning. It's 7 o'clock sharp. Even if he doesn't watch TV, he has a habit of binge-watching hours-long dramas or putting on long movies before bed. Without even those little noises, the house feels too quiet. As he sits down on the sofa, his phone touches his fingertips.
"··· I was wondering what I forgot."
He dismissed the countless notification windows cluttered with trivial calls without hesitation. Only when the screen finally cleared did Taehyung mutter, "Please..." He scanned the list. Ah, found it. He tapped away at the keyboard. Until he completed this process, his morning routine wouldn't be complete.
Taehyung chuckled, just as the text said, and stood up. Skipping breakfast or just eating it has become a common occurrence for Jiyeoju, who finds it tiresome. Whenever he saw even the slightest hint of it, Taehyung would empty his wallet and prepare a meal for her, just like he did just now. With a satisfied look on his face, he stretched out, having just finished his last stretch. "The place has good reviews. I wonder if it's good," he thought, walking slowly to the bathroom.
/
It's mid-autumn, so outerwear is a must. Stepping outside, everyone is wearing something over their heads, seemingly sharing the same thoughts. Taehyung, too, bundled up in a light jacket, strolls down the street. After only a few steps, a newly built villa with a large sign reading "Hwayangville" appears. The security is outdated, making it easy for outsiders to enter the lobby. It's the fifth floor. It's a tricky floor to walk up to. Taehyung's thoughts race whenever he stands in front of the elevator. It's not just about whether to walk or take it, but also... other, less nutritious things.
"······."
After much deliberation, Taehyung decides it's time and turns around without hesitation. It's 9:46. He starts climbing the stairs, his eyes fixed on his phone. As expected, exercise is the best way to clear your mind of distracting thoughts.
/
Before I could reply, someone burst out in a fit of rage. I almost broke my nose. Fortunately, the person in question took a step back, averting a weekday morning disaster. Ji Yeo-ju puffed her eyes, looking disheveled. She wore a loose hoodie and a bag slung carelessly over her shoulder. She'd said she was putting on shoes, but her small feet were dangling from her three-striped slippers. Tae-hyung smirked as he looked her up and down with narrow eyes.
"Are you the kid who has class?"
"Those who dress up in the morning are disgustingly diligent. Just like you."
"Yeah, well, there's no one who looks good at school."
"...Did you eat breakfast?"
"No. I didn't eat because I wanted to eat with you. Why?"
Yeoju spoke with a cold, sour expression. "I wonder if you've been eating a piece of shit." Taehyung, who was a little late in understanding her meaning, burst into laughter only after boarding the elevator. Ji Yeoju shot him a sly slap on the back of the head, as if mocking him.
Whatever it is, the off beat is always more annoying.