Minjin visited a psychiatrist to address her persistent sleep issues. 

During the nearly hour-long session, she opened up about her experiences as the renowned physicist Park Min-jin, the war she had endured, and the intense public scrutiny that had severely affected her ability to sleep.

Doctor Jung asked about her emotions.

Minjin admitted that she had come back to escape the turmoil in America but had distanced herself from old friends.

When asked why, she simply stated, "I just want peace."

The conversation then shifted to her wartime experiences.

After listening carefully, Doctor Jung diagnosed her with PTSD, particularly displaying hypoarousal symptoms—emotional detachment and social withdrawal.

To help manage her symptoms, Doctor Jung prescribed an antidepressant and a medication for her sleep problem. She was advised to return every two weeks for follow-ups.

###

After a couple of weeks of staying in Korea, the season had slightly cooled down for the upcoming spring.

As Minjin wandered through the familiar streets of Myeongdong, a wave of nostalgia washed over her. Her steps naturally led her to the Taekwondo Academy.

She paused outside to take a look. The building remained unchanged—the same sign was above the entrance.

She went up the stairs, pushed the door open, and slipped inside.

A class was already in progress.

Taking a seat in the corner, she observed the students practicing their forms. Her eyes soon landed on the instructor leading the session, his movements as fluid and precise as she remembered.

A small smile formed on Minjin’s lips. Watching him brought back a flood of memories.

As the class concluded, Instructor Kim dismissed the students with his usual firm yet kind demeanor. Gathering his things, he briefly made eye contact with Minjin before walking toward her.

"Excuse me, can I help you with something?"

Minjin removed her sunglasses, her lips curving into a gentle smile, and bowed her head. "Annyeong Haseyo, Kim-saem. It’s me, Park Minjin. Do you remember me?"

For a moment, Instructor Kim studied her face, then recognition lit up his eyes, and his expression shifted into a broad smile. "Minjin-ah? Is that you? You’ve grown so much! How long has it been?"

"It’s been a while. I’ve returned to Korea and wanted to see if I could join your class again."

Instructor Kim’s smile widened. "Of course! I’d be honored to have you back. You were always one of my best students."

He extended a warm handshake before pulling her into a brief, friendly hug. "You must tell me everything. How have you been? What brought you back?"

Minjin chuckled softly. "There’s a lot to share, but first, I think I need to see if I still remember the basics."

Instructor Kim nodded. "I have no doubt you’ll pick it up in no time. You always had a natural talent."

###

Weeks passed as Minjin continued attending her checkups with Dr. Jung without informing anyone. At the same time, she resumed her taekwondo training under the guidance of her former instructor.

Every morning, it became part of Minjin’s routine to prepare coffee for Tae-sung and Kim Bon-hwa while making a cream frappe for Park Micha. In return, Kim Bon-hwa handled breakfast, and Tae-sung took care of Park Micha.

As they sat around the dining table, Kim Bon-hwa couldn’t help but watch Minjin with amusement. “Minjin-ah, I’ve noticed that you enjoy eating,” she remarked with a smile.

Minjin swallowed her food before responding. “Yeah, unnie. Ever since I was young, I’ve always been busy, whether physically or mentally.”

Tae-sung, seated beside Park Micha and helping her with breakfast. “You’re pretty good at making coffee, probably because of your part-time job back then. Do you remember when you mentioned wanting to learn how to cook Korean dishes? ”

Minjin paused mid-bite, her expression puzzled as she turned to him. “Did I? ”

Tae-sung chuckled and nodded. “Yeah, you wanted to give it a try. Why not take a Korean culinary class to learn the basics? ”

Minjin’s eyes widened, and she clasped her hands together. “That’s right, oppa!”

Kim Bon-hwa chuckled. “That sounds like a great way to immerse yourself in something new.”

As they were finishing breakfast, Tae-sung suddenly stood up, but his movement was unsteady. He staggered slightly, pressing his temple with a pained expression.

Kim Bon-hwa’s eyes widened with concern as she quickly rose from her seat. “Yeobo! Are you alright?” she asked, reaching out to steady him with a gentle grip on his arm.

Tae-sung gave a weak smile. “It’s nothing, just a bit of stress. I’ve been working long hours lately.”

“Oppa, are you sure? If this has been happening often, maybe you should see a doctor,” Minjin suggested.

“It’s just stress, I promise. A lot is going on at work, but I’ll be fine once I get through the day.” Tae-sung said.

Kim Bon-hwa sighed. “Please take it easy and get some rest. If it worsens, don’t hesitate to see a doctor.”

Tae-sung nodded. “I will. Thanks for understanding. I should get going now.”

###

Two months had passed since Minjin returned to Korea, and she had settled into a quiet yet comforting routine. Her days revolved around Korean culinary classes, taekwondo training, and maintaining her health with medications and supplements.

Her nights, however, were spent curled up in her room, the soft glow of her laptop illuminating her face as she immersed herself in Korean dramas. Minjin had kept her social interactions minimal. She hadn’t reached out to old friends and rarely strayed from her routine.

Park Tae-sung could not help but observe her from a distance.

One evening, as Minjin was deeply engrossed in a drama in her bedroom, Tae-sung settled beside her.

"You’ve been enjoying these dramas."

Without looking away from the screen, Minjin nodded. "They’re so engaging. And they remind me of things I’d forgotten."

Tae-sung studied her carefully before speaking again. "Have you thought about reaching out to anyone? Maybe catching up with old friends?"

Minjin paused for a moment before shaking her head. "I just… I feel comfortable like this. I’m enjoying spending time here with you and your family. I don’t feel like I need more right now."

Tae-sung nodded in understanding. "I’m glad you’re feeling at ease."

Minjin offered a small smile. "I just want to take things slowly and enjoy my time alone, oppa."