"Wake up, sleepyhead. It's already 6:30 p.m."Yuna leaned over Hana, gently caressing her cheek and giving her a light nudge.
Half asleep and confused, Hana blinked her eyes open then flinched in surprise when she realized Yuna was the one waking her.
"Oh wow, you really do startle easily," Yuna said with a soft laugh. "Am I that scary when I wake you up?"
"Uh… I'm sorry," Hana stammered nervously. "I didn't mean to upset you… I just couldn't control it…"
Yuna shook her head gently, smiling.
"You don't have to apologize, sweetheart. I know you didn't mean anything by it."
Hana lowered her gaze."I… also wanted to apologize for what happened earlier, in the hallway. I'm sorry for how I acted."
Yuna's smile softened."Oh, your little mental breakdown? You really don't have to apologize for that. You just had too much bottled up inside that had to come out somehow."
She straightened up and offered Hana her hand."I woke you because I wanted some company in the living room. And besides, I finally want to show you your new home, darling."
Hana looked down shyly."Could you… please stop calling me those pet names? It's kind of embarrassing. I'd rather you just call me Hana, Yuna."
Yuna grinned."Oh so you called me by my name! That makes me happy." She laughed quietly. "But I'm still not going to stop using cute nicknames for you. You'll just have to get used to it, honey."
Hana sighed but followed Yuna through the house anyway, her eyes darting from room to room as they walked.
"This one's my room," Yuna explained as they stopped in front of a door. "If you ever need anything, you can come in anytime no need to knock."
Then she opened the next door.
"And this is our bathroom. I've already set everything up for you: a new toothbrush, towels, shampoo, perfume, makeup whatever you need. Feel free to use anything you like."
Hana listened attentively, her gaze wandering around the space.
"Sorry if you expected me to live in some kind of mansion," Yuna said casually.
"Oh, I didn't think that at all," Hana replied. "Your house is lovely and I really like the location. It's nice and quiet here."
Yuna smiled, clearly pleased."I'm glad you think so. That's all the rooms upstairs your room, my room, the bathroom. There's an attic up there too, but that's nothing important."
She led Hana downstairs."On the ground floor we've got the living room, kitchen, another bathroom, and a guest room. That's pretty much it."
"And this here is the kitchen."Yuna gave Hana an awkward look. "You don't have to look that surprised. I know it's not exactly spotless."
Hana's eyes wandered around the kitchen dirty dishes in the sink, a slightly greasy stove, and a couple of old pizza boxes stacked in the corner.
Yuna looked away, embarrassed.
"Stop staring already, you're making me blush. I'll admit it I'm terrible at keeping up with housework. I know that. If you think the kitchen's messy, you really don't want to see my room. After work, I just don't have the energy or motivation to keep everything sparkling clean."
Hana spoke softly."I don't mean to criticize… but if it's okay, I'd like to help tidy up. I can also cook, if you'd like. I could start right away."
"You're not doing anything today, understood?"Yuna's voice was gentle but firm. "I want you to rest. It makes me happy that you want to help, but you're not my maid you're my fiancée.
Tomorrow you can do something if you want to, but only if you feel like it. Don't force yourself. And if you need a break, take it. Or do nothing at all. Everything's fine."
Hana lowered her head, trembling slightly.
"I'm sorry… I didn't mean to upset you."
Yuna placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder."You don't need to apologize. I should be the one saying sorry for raising my voice. You don't have to be afraid of me. I'm your partner. I'd never hurt you. You're completely safe here."
Her tone grew firmer."If anyone ever dares to lay a hand on you, I'll make sure they regret it. Those days of violence are over, okay, sweetheart?"
Tears welled up in Hana's eyes."Thank you for being so kind to me… I don't even know how to repay you. I'll do everything you ask, I promise."
Yuna smiled softly and brushed a hand through Hana's hair."Stop crying, love. Come on, let me show you the living room, the guest bath, and the basement where the washing machine is. After that, I'll run you a nice hot bath so you can relax."
She led Hana through the rest of the house guest room, guest bath, then the basement.
When they reached the living room, Yuna pointed to the large couch."Lie down there, sweetheart, and relax for a bit. I'll go upstairs and run your bath I'll be right back."
Hana nodded and carefully sank onto the couch. The soft cushions embraced her, and she leaned back with a sigh. Despite the little bit of clutter, the living room felt warm and welcoming.
A short while later, Yuna returned.
"Your bath will be ready in about six minutes. Then you can go up." She perched on the armrest beside Hana.
"But first something else. It's already evening, and I was thinking of ordering us dinner. Is there something you really like? Or should we just go with pizza?"
Hana looked up, surprised."Pizza? Then I'd like to try that… I've never eaten pizza before."
Yuna stared at her, dumbfounded.
"What? You've never had pizza? Don't tell me you've been living off bread and water your whole life!"
Hana shook her head, smiling faintly.
"No, not at all. I had normal food. I used to cook for my father, my stepsister, and my stepmother with the maids. Afterward, we ate whatever we had prepared for them. It was good food but never pizza."
Yuna grinned in relief."Good, at least you didn't have to eat terrible food. Hold on, I'll grab you something to drink. Do you like water? It's pretty much all I have right now."Hana nodded.
"I drink anything I'm not picky."
Barely a minute later, Yuna came back with a bottle of water."Here you go. You can drink straight from the bottle, or I can get you a glass if you prefer."
Hana carefully took the bottle, drank a large sip, and closed it again."Thank you… that's really kind of you."
Yuna smiled warmly."No need to thank me. I'll order the pizza now. I already know what I want but what about you, sweetheart?"
"Um… I'd like a small one with cheese, mushrooms, and salami… if that's okay."
"No problem." Yuna opened the delivery app and placed the order."There, all done. You can head upstairs now your bath should be just right."
Hana went to the bathroom, turned off the water, and slowly undressed. She tested the temperature with her hand.
"Okay, perfect," she murmured with a small grin before slipping carefully into the hot water.Gradually, she felt all the tension melt away.