It was noon. The office was quiet, and Na-ri sat alone at her desk. Her fingers trembled slightly as she reached for the lunchbox Jin Woo's mother had sent. The moment she opened it, a warm aroma wrapped around her like a hug she hadn't felt in a long time. Inside the neatly arranged box, there were beautiful pieces of galbijjim — soft, braised beef short ribs cooked in a dark, glossy sauce. The meat looked tender, sprinkled with sesame seeds and placed beside neatly cut pieces of Korean radish.
Beside it were slices of jeon — savory pancakes with green onions and bits of zucchini, golden and slightly crispy at the edges. Small dishes of seasoned spinach, spicy cucumber kimchi, and a bright-red serving of traditional kimchi sat in the corners, each carefully packed. There was even a small square of steamed egg custard, just like her mom used to make. Tucked under the lid was a folded piece of paper. Na-ri unfolded it gently.
"Eat well, dear. You're precious."
