The Next Morning
Yuki blinked awake slowly, stretching as sunlight warmed her face.Everything felt strangely peaceful… until she glanced at the clock.
10:30 AM.
Her heart stopped.
Then she exploded upright.
"YAAAHHH—JENNIE!! WHY DIDN'T YOU WAKE ME UP?! I MISSED MY CLASS!"
Her panicked scream echoed through the whole apartment.
Jennie appeared in the doorway instantly, wiping her hands on a kitchen towel, looking calm like she had been expecting this exact meltdown.
"Yuki," Jennie said gently, "after everything that happened yesterday, you needed sleep. One missed class isn't the end of the world."
Yuki clutched her head dramatically."But I needed that class! Jennie, my grades—"
Jennie stepped closer, placing a firm but warm hand on her shoulder.
"Baby… it's just one day. And today we're all spending time together. Good food, good company, good rest. Please. Just stay with us."
Yuki was still stressing, about to protest again, when something hit her nose.
A smell.
A divine smell.
"…Wait," she muttered, sniffing like a confused puppy."What is that aroma?"
Jennie's face softened into a smile."Come and see."
Yuki followed her down the hallway, hair messy, half panicked, half curious.
But the moment she stepped into the kitchen—
Her soul left her body.
"M—my God…"
The kitchen looked like something straight out of a weekend cooking show—bright, cozy, alive with movement and warmth.
Momo stood at the stove, flipping pancakes with a confidence that made her look like a breakfast goddess. Each pancake landed perfectly golden, edges crisp, centers fluffy, the delicate sizzle sounding almost musical.
Jihyo stirred a pot of creamy potato-and-veggie soup, and the aroma drifted through the room like a warm hug—soft, comforting, almost nostalgic. Steam curled around her face as she gently tasted the broth, nodded in approval, and kept stirring with practiced grace.
Haewon was completely locked in battle with the frying pan, eyes sharp, spatula moving with the intensity of a master chef. The chicken pieces sizzled loudly, turning a beautiful golden brown under her precise, almost dramatic flips.
And Jennie—calm, collected Jennie—moved between them like the quiet conductor of their chaotic symphony. She arranged bowls, warmed plates, wiped countertops, and kept everything flowing smoothly, her soft hum blending with the kitchen sounds.
The counter itself looked like a feast prepared for a small festival:
Soft scrambled eggs, buttery and cloudlike
Garlic butter toast, glistening under the lights
Tteokbokki bubbling gently, bright red and perfectly glossy
Tuna-filled rice balls, neatly shaped and sprinkled with sesame
Dumplings fresh out of the pan, edges crisp and golden
Honey-butter bananas caramelizing beautifully
A tower of pancakes, stacked like warm pillows
A rainbow-bright salad, so colorful it almost didn't look real
The entire room smelled like happiness—like comfort, friendship, and a morning that promised nothing but warmth.
It was the kind of kitchen scene that made you want to pause, breathe deeply, and stay forever.
Yuki stared at them like she had walked into a dream.
"Are… are you guys opening a restaurant today…?"
Momo flashed a grin so bright it could power a small city."Oh! Sleeping beauty is finally awake!"
Haewon lifted her spatula like a commander about to declare war."Sit. Don't you dare faint. We saved you a plate."
Jihyo looked up from the soup, steam curling around her face like a gentle halo."After everything last night… we wanted today to feel warm. Easy. A little special."
Jennie slipped behind Yuki, voice soft and close to her ear."Also… Min-jae left for uni early. He said to make sure you eat properly. And not stress."
Momo cackled."He said it like he was going on a dangerous mission to Mars!"
Yuki blushed, pressing her hands to her cheeks.But her stomach betrayed her with a loud, echoing growl.
Haewon raised an eyebrow, unimpressed."See? Even your stomach is smarter than you."
Jihyo placed a beautifully filled plate into Yuki's hands, everything arranged neatly and warm.And Momo crowned it with a perfect pancake on top.
Jennie wrapped her arms around Yuki's shoulders, resting her chin gently."Still mad you missed one class?"
Yuki looked around the kitchen—the sunlit room,the girls smiling,the sizzling pans,the soft laughter,the smell of comfort everywhere.
And slowly…
her tense expression melted.
"…Okay," she whispered, lips curving. "Today… I'll stay."
Haewon clapped once, satisfied."Good! But first—go wash your face. Brush your hair. Wear something decent."
Jihyo nodded warmly. "We'll wait. Breakfast should be enjoyed together."
Momo waved her spatula dramatically. "Go go! Freshen up! We'll guard the food with our lives!"
Jennie gently nudged her out of the kitchen."Go get ready, sweetheart."
A few minutes later…
Yuki returned—hair washed, face glowing, wearing a soft sweater that made her look even smaller and sweeter than usual.
The girls were already seated around the table, everything set beautifully, plates full, cups ready, colors bright and inviting.
"Come here!" Momo cheered. "We saved your seat!"
Yuki sat between Jennie and Jihyo, and instantly Haewon pushed a bowl of soup toward her like a strict aunt.
"Eat."
They all burst into laughter.
And then—
they ate.
Together.Warmly.Joyfully.
They tasted everything, teased each other, stole bites from each other's plates, argued over whose cooking was best, and laughed so loudly it felt like the apartment itself was smiling.
It wasn't just breakfast.
It was comfort.It was family.It was the kind of morning that healed pieces of the heart no one talked about.
After the last spoonful of soup and the final bite of honey-butter banana disappeared, the girls collectively slumped back in their chairs with satisfied groans.
For a moment, the apartment was quiet—just soft breathing, full stomachs, and the gentle hum of the heater.
Then Momo stretched like a cat and announced dramatically,
"Okay… thirty minutes of rest. And then—"
Haewon cut in, eyes sparkling mischievously,"—we do girls' things."
All of them shared this knowing smile.
Except Yuki.
She blinked. "Wait. Girls' things? What… what does that mean?"
Jihyo tried to look mysterious but failed instantly, her lips twitching.
Jennie just tapped Yuki's nose lightly."It means… go change. Something super comfortable. Trust us."
Yuki stared at their suspiciously sweet smiles."…Should I be scared?"
"Yes," Momo said cheerfully. "But in a fun way."
They all burst out laughing.
Still confused, Yuki went to her room, slipped into soft shorts and a loose tee, tied her hair up, and padded back out.
When she opened Jennie's room door, she stopped in shock.
The place looked like a mini beauty salon.
The room was filled with gentle giggles. Towels, creams, hairbrushes, and masks were scattered across the floor, yet somehow, everything felt cozy.
Haewon carefully applied a hair mask on Momo while Momo hummed happily, occasionally wincing as Haewon's fingers worked through tangles.
"Careful, my scalp is sensitive!" Momo protested, giggling.
Jihyo was busy smoothing a face mask on Jennie's cheeks, but Yuki noticed Jennie trying to sneakily apply a dab on Jihyo's nose instead. Both girls erupted into laughter, their masks smudging into funny patterns.
Yuki was next. Haewon guided her to sit, carefully holding her arm as Momo applied a waxing strip.
"One… two… three!"
Yuki yelped, flinching, and Momo handed her a tiny towel like it was a victory flag. "See? Totally survivable!"
Once the waxing was over, Yuki's hair needed treatment. Jihyo gently massaged oil into her scalp, humming a soft tune while Haewon teased, "Your hair's going to be shinier than a star by the time we finish."
Meanwhile, Jennie and Momo were elbow-deep in self-care chaos of their own—massaging shoulders, painting nails, applying hand scrubs, all while cracking jokes.
"Careful with the cream!" Jennie laughed as Momo's fingers accidentally flicked some onto her arm.
"Accidents make it more fun!" Momo replied, smirking.
The room echoed with laughter, shrieks, and playful teasing. Every mishap became a reason to giggle together.
Then came the showers. One by one, the girls disappeared, emerging moments later with silky hair, glowing faces, and robes so fluffy they looked like clouds. Each girl helped the next, passing towels, scrubs, or hairbrushes, like a perfectly orchestrated little routine.
Yuki sat on a cushion, wrapped in her towel robe, sighing in contentment. She looked around at the girls—faces radiant, hair smooth, smiles soft—and felt a rare warmth settle in her chest.
"Wait," Yuki said, raising a finger, "everything is too organized. When did you all plan all of this?"
The girls all burst into laughter.Haewon poked her cheek playfully. "Obviously yesterday! After you fell asleep, we had a secret meeting. Every step was planned."
Jihyo nodded proudly. "We wanted today to feel like a reset—a proper take-care-of-us day."
Jennie hugged Yuki from behind, her warmth reassuring. "Because after yesterday… we all needed something soft and comforting."
Yuki looked at all of them, smiling genuinely. "You guys… you're right. I… actually feel really good."
Momo grinned and slung an arm around her shoulder. "Good. And now… the fun part continues!"
Yuki froze. "Fun part?"
The girls shared mischievous glances, whispering, giggling, and plotting their next little cozy adventure. Yuki knew she was in for another round of laughter and pampering… and she didn't mind one bit.
The room buzzed with laughter, soft music, and the gentle rustle of towels.
Yuki was sitting cross-legged on a cushion, her hair wrapped in a towel turban, face glowing under a fresh mask, and hands covered in a silky hand scrub.
"Okay… whose idea was it to put peppermint scrub on my hands?" she groaned, wiggling her fingers as Momo giggled beside her.
"It's supposed to wake you up!" Momo said, patting Yuki's hands. "See? Tingly! Refreshing! Invigorating!"
Yuki laughed despite herself, shaking her head."You guys are… evil," she said, smearing a little cream onto Haewon by accident.
"Hey!" Haewon shrieked, laughing. "I'll get you back for that!" She flicked a tiny dab of mask onto Yuki's nose, and Yuki squealed, trying not to laugh.
Jennie was quietly massaging Jihyo's shoulders, humming a soft tune, but her own fingers were slick with oil, so she ended up accidentally patting a glob onto Momo's arm. Momo shrieked, waving her hands like she was fighting off a tiny cloud of cream.
Yuki watched, half amused, half horrified, as the room descended into playful chaos. Hair masks slipped, cream smudged faces, and tiny squeals echoed with every wax strip Haewon carefully applied.
Then came nail painting.
"Okay, steady," Jennie said, holding Yuki's hand. "Don't move… seriously."
"I will move!" Yuki whispered dramatically. "I'm nervous!"
Haewon leaned over, helping Momo paint her nails."Your pinky is impossible!" she muttered, laughing as Momo wiggled.
Jihyo, meanwhile, had painted stripes on Jennie's nails for fun, insisting it was "fashion-forward." Jennie shook her hand, spreading the colors in a ridiculous but hilarious mess.
Yuki peeked at her own nails—messy streaks of glitter pink and soft lavender—but couldn't stop laughing.
"You know what?" she said between giggles. "It looks… amazing. And it's all you guys."
Momo grinned. "Exactly. Teamwork makes the dream work!"
Once the nails were dry, the girls moved onto hair care again. Each girl took turns massaging oil into the other's scalp, brushing, detangling, and teasing gently. Sometimes, hair masks slipped off and dripped into robes or towels, causing shrieks and laughter.
"Ahhh! My towel!" Momo yelped as a blob of hair mask slid down her robe.
Haewon snickered. "Serves you right for teasing me earlier!"
Through it all, Yuki felt herself relax completely. Every flinch, every giggle, every tiny mishap made the room feel warmer, more alive, and more like home.
Finally, everyone headed for the warm showers, one by one. The apartment filled with the gentle smell of citrus body wash and shampoo. Steam swirled around, wrapping the girls in a cozy, safe bubble.
Yuki emerged last, wrapped in her plush towel robe. She looked around at the girls—faces glowing, hair soft and shiny, eyes sparkling—and a rare, full-hearted smile spread across her face.
"You know…" she said softly, "you guys were right. I really do feel… good. Not just relaxed… happy."
Jennie wrapped her arms around Yuki, pressing her cheek to hers."See? That's why we planned this. Because after yesterday… we all needed some comfort, some warmth."
Momo leaned over, grinning mischievously."And maybe a little chaos. Can't forget the chaos."
Haewon snorted. "You survived it all, Yuki. Barely, but you survived."
Yuki laughed, squeezing their hands. "I wouldn't trade this for anything."
The girls shared a satisfied glance. Their plan had worked. Laughter, pampering, a little chaos… and Yuki, finally letting herself feel cared for, happy, and warm.
And the cozy day continued, soft giggles and whispered jokes filling the apartment as the girls prepared for the next round of fun together.
Wrapped in soft towels and fluffy robes, the girls sprawled across Jennie's room, still glowing from their pampering session. Yuki plopped onto a cushion, her hair freshly dried, nails sparkling in mismatched glitter, and face clean and radiant.
Momo sat cross-legged, bouncing slightly."Alright, now it's time for the official bonding games!"
Yuki blinked. "Bonding… games?"
Haewon grinned, eyes gleaming with mischief."Exactly. Nothing dangerous… mostly embarrassing… definitely fun."
Jennie held up a small stack of cards. "Truth or dare, girls' edition. And yes, everyone plays, including you, Yuki."
Yuki stiffened. "Wait… me?"
"You survived waxing, face masks, and hair chaos," Momo said solemnly. "This is nothing compared to that."
The first round began lightly.
Jihyo drew a card."Truth!" she announced.
"Alright… favorite snack guilty pleasure?" Jennie read.
Jihyo grinned slyly. "Chocolate-covered seaweed."
Everyone squealed and laughed."WHAT?!" Haewon shouted. "That is so weird! But… I respect it."
Next, it was Yuki's turn. She took a deep breath and picked a card."Dare…" she read aloud.
Haewon leaned in, eyes sparkling. "Do your best dramatic faint on the floor. Bonus points if you scream 'I can't handle this pampering!'"
Yuki groaned but laughed, throwing herself onto the cushion with exaggerated flair."I… cannot… handle… this… pampering!" she yelled, waving her arms like she was in a soap opera.
Momo clapped. "Perfect! A+ for drama!"
The girls continued, alternating between funny truths and playful dares.
Momo had to do a goofy runway walk in her robe.
Jennie had to serenade Yuki with a made-up love song about pancakes.
Haewon had to read the back of a shampoo bottle dramatically like a speech.
Yuki ended up giggling so hard her cheeks hurt, forgetting all about school, stress, or responsibilities.
Eventually, the game slowed, and the girls collapsed into a messy heap of cushions and blankets.
"See?" Jihyo said softly, leaning her head on Jennie's shoulder. "Bonding is good for the soul."
Yuki smiled, glancing around at their glowing faces."You're… right. I haven't laughed like this in… forever."
Momo nudged her playfully."And tomorrow? More chaos. We're just getting started."
Yuki groaned dramatically."…I guess I'll survive. Somehow."
Haewon smirked."Of course you will. With us? Always."
And for the first time in a long while, Yuki felt completely at ease—warm, happy, and part of something that felt like home.
After their pampering session, Momo clapped her hands excitedly."Alright! New plan—cute dresses, photoshoot, and amusement park rides! It's going to be epic!"
Haewon's eyes sparkled. "Yes! Perfect day—pictures, laughter, and roller coasters!"
Jennie nodded. "And we barely need makeup—just moisturizer, a touch of sunscreen, and lip tint. Fresh skin, fresh vibes."
Yuki blinked, cheeks tinged pink. "Fine… but only because I survived today."
The girls transformed into a vision of pastel colors and flowing fabrics. Hair soft and glossy, skin glowing naturally, lips just tinted, they looked radiant. Yuki caught her reflection and almost didn't recognize herself—soft, confident, and happy in a way she hadn't felt in ages.
"Wow…" Momo whispered. "We all look amazing."
Jennie pulled out her camera. "Then let's do a photoshoot before leaving!"
The amusement park was buzzing with life. Bright rides spun in the sun, the smell of popcorn and candy floated through the air, and laughter echoed from every corner.
The girls flitted from spot to spot, taking photos:
Twirling in front of the ferris wheel, dresses catching the sunlight.
Silly poses with oversized stuffed mascots.
Jump shots in slow motion, hair floating like in a dream.
Yuki laughed so much her cheeks hurt, forgetting all stress. Every click of the camera captured their joy, the bond they shared, and the magic of the day.
Next, it was ride time.
They screamed and giggled on roller coasters, arms flailing, hair whipping around. Yuki clung to Haewon's arm, laughing uncontrollably.
"Stop looking at me!" Yuki shouted, voice muffled by her laughter.
"Too late!" Haewon yelled back, laughing so hard she could barely hold onto the safety bar.
The teacup ride had them spinning wildly, shrieking and holding onto each other. Jennie accidentally splashed Momo with soda from a nearby stand, and Momo retaliated with whipped cream from a dessert they had just bought. Chaos, laughter, and sticky fingers filled the moment.
Every stop became a mini photoshoot—posing on carousel horses, pretending to ride dragons, jumping in front of colorful signs, capturing every hilarious and radiant expression.
As evening approached, Yuki quietly tugged her dress."I… need to stop by my restaurant," she said softly. Her friends froze.
"Wait! Are you sure?" Jennie asked, worry in her eyes.
Yuki nodded firmly. "I have to. It's my responsibility to check how everything's going."
Her friends hesitated but understood."Be careful," Haewon said softly.
At the restaurant, Yuki stepped inside. The familiar smell of spices and warm oil greeted her, but her boss looked up and barely recognized her.
Gone was the plain, tired image from work. In her place stood a glowing young woman in a soft, flowing dress, hair soft from treatments, skin radiant from the pampering day.
Yuki bowed lightly. "I… had a sudden plan to go out with my school friends. Really sorry for not coming today."
Her boss blinked, awe clear in his eyes."Well… okay. Come tomorrow at the right time," he said, still stunned by her appearance.
Outside, her friends were waiting, cameras and smiles ready.
"Momo! Haewon! Jennie! Don't think we didn't notice you looking gorgeous!" Yuki teased, joining them.
They laughed together, the amusement park lights starting to twinkle as the sun set, a perfect mix of friendship, joy, and memories that would last forever.
And as the laughter faded into the evening, Yuki sensed that her peaceful days were about to be tested.