The air outside hit different.
Fresh. Cold.
Safe.
The team moved quickly—guided by Jaemin's orders and military escorts.
> "The foundation's unstable. Everyone out—now."
Crumbled concrete groaned behind them like the lab itself was exhaling its last breath.
Jaewook held Minah's hand tightly.
Like she'd vanish if he let go.
Like history might pull her back.
But she wasn't going anywhere now.
Not without him.
Sohyun followed behind—quiet, eyes lingering on her daughter's hand in Jaewook's.
A smile curved her lips.
Small. Soft. Relieved.
---
Once outside, the wind kissed Minah's face—
And she turned.
She saw her.
Her mother.
Older. Thinner.
But that smile?
It was exactly the same.
"Mom…" Minah whispered, voice breaking.
Then louder—
"Mom…"
She rushed into her arms.
"I thought… I thought you died."
Sohyun held her tightly, brushing her hair back.
"Silly girl."
"If I died, who'd make you egg tarts?"
Minah sobbed harder, clutching her mother like a lifeline.
Sohyun smiled through tears.
"I'm proud of you, Seoyoung."
"You grew into a strong, beautiful woman."
"You deserve peace. You deserve love. And I'm so proud."
---
Meanwhile:
Hyun Soo turned his face away dramatically.
"I'm not crying. It's the wind."
Kang Ho sniffled and whispered,
"I hate when moms say proud things. Gets me every time."
---
And Jaewook?
He just watched—
His fingers interlocked with hers.
His eyes never leaving Minah.
She wasn't just his to protect anymore.
She was her own person.
She reclaimed her voice.
And her family.
---
Seoyoung. Minah. Daughter. Fighter. Survivor.
She was all of them now.
And finally, free.
----
The van cruised through the early dawn.
Silence settled over them—not awkward, but peaceful.
Kang Ho drove with laser focus, eyes still slightly puffy from not crying (but absolutely crying).
Hyun Soo, sprawled in the passenger seat, wiped his face with a tissue like a drama queen.
"I need my emotional support bubble tea…"
"With extra whipped cream."
Kang Ho just nodded solemnly.
"Emotional damage was too high today."
Minah—no, Seoyoung now, leaned gently against Jaewook.
His arm curled around her without a word.
Their fingers laced, resting in her lap.
Her head on his shoulder.
No more fear.
Just peace.
And bubble tea on the horizon.
---
In the backseat, Sohyun smiled quietly.
Not because she didn't have anywhere else to go—
But because her daughter wanted her.
"Stay with us," Minah had said.
"Until we find a place just for you."
Not a shelter.
Not a hiding place.
A home.
For now, though—
They were together.
And that was enough.
---
As the city skyline shimmered in the distance, Hyun Soo groaned:
"Are we stopping for bubble tea or do I have to cry into my seatbelt?"
Jaewook chuckled softly.
"We're stopping."
Minah smiled, eyes half-closed.
And for the first time in over a decade—
Everything felt safe.
Part 1 Ends