The next few days went by in a blur of routines and tenderness as Namjoon watched over Hana like a guardian, making sure she got better. Her cold was mild, as she had claimed, but Namjoon took no chances. He prepared her meals, ensured she stayed warm, and made her tea every evening. She couldn’t help but smile at how much care he put into these small acts of love.

By the time Thursday arrived, Hana was feeling much better. Her energy had returned, and the cough that had worried Namjoon was almost completely gone. She woke up that morning to find him already dressed and ready for work, leaning over her side of the bed with a gentle smile.

“Morning,” he whispered, brushing a lock of hair from her face before kissing her forehead. “How are you feeling today?”

Hana stretched under the covers, giving him a lazy smile. “Much better. I’m ready to get back to work now.”

Namjoon raised an eyebrow, slightly worried. “Are you sure? I don’t mind if you take another day to rest.”

She chuckled softly. “I can’t just stay home forever, Namjoon. Besides, you’ve been pampering me for days. I’m feeling a lot better because of it.”

He smiled, his heart warming at her words. “Alright, but don’t push yourself too hard today.”

After they both got ready, Namjoon drove her to work as usual. The sun was shining brightly, the weather much warmer than it had been during their honeymoon. As they neared her lab, Hana looked out the window at the familiar streets, feeling a sense of normalcy settle back into her life.

As Namjoon parked the car in front of the building, he turned to her, his expression soft. “I’ll pick you up at the usual time, okay? Don’t forget to take the medicine I packed for you.”

Hana smiled at his thoughtfulness, leaning over to give him a quick kiss on the cheek. “I won’t forget. See you later, Joon.”

He watched her get out of the car, his heart tugging slightly as she disappeared into the building. It had become a routine now—dropping her off and picking her up—but something about today felt different. Perhaps it was the memory of their honeymoon or the fact that they had become closer over the past few weeks. Whatever it was, Namjoon felt a deep sense of contentment, knowing that he and Hana were building something real.

The day passed by quickly for Namjoon as he taught his classes, but his mind kept wandering back to Hana. He found himself thinking about her laugh, the way she had thrown snowballs at him during their trip, and the soft blush that always crept up her cheeks whenever he teased her.

When the clock finally struck five, he quickly packed his things and headed out to pick her up. The drive to her lab was quick, and he smiled as he saw her waiting outside, her coat wrapped tightly around her as she waved at him.

Hana climbed into the car, her cheeks flushed from the cool air. “How was your day?” she asked as she settled into her seat.

Namjoon glanced at her, his smile growing. “It was good, but better now that I’m with you.”

She rolled her eyes playfully, but the blush on her face gave away how much his words affected her. “You’re getting cheesy, Namjoon.”

“Only for you,” he replied with a grin, pulling away from the curb.

They drove home in comfortable silence, the evening sun casting a golden hue over the city. When they arrived at their apartment, Namjoon parked the car and carried the groceries they had picked up on the way back. Once inside, Hana immediately noticed the change in atmosphere. There was a warm, cozy feeling that made the apartment feel like home—a stark contrast to how it had felt before they got married.

As Hana set the table for dinner, Namjoon moved to the kitchen to start cooking. It was a simple meal, nothing too fancy, but as they sat down together, the air between them was filled with warmth. Namjoon poured them both a glass of wine, watching as Hana took a sip and sighed contentedly.

“This is nice,” she said softly, looking around their cozy dining room. “I’m really glad we’ve gotten to this point, Namjoon. I know things weren’t easy at first, but now…”

He smiled, reaching across the table to take her hand. “I’m glad too. You’ve brought so much into my life, Hana. More than I ever expected.”

Hana blushed, her heart swelling with emotion. “I feel the same way. I’m really lucky to have you, Namjoon.”

They finished dinner, sharing stories about their day and laughing over small things. It felt easy, natural, like they had been doing this for years. As they cleaned up, Namjoon couldn’t help but steal glances at her, his heart feeling full.

Later that night, after they had both showered and settled into bed, Namjoon wrapped his arms around Hana, pulling her close to his chest. The room was quiet, the only sound being the soft hum of the city outside.

“Are you still feeling okay?” he asked, his breath warm against her ear as he held her tightly.

Hana nodded, turning in his arms to face him. “Yes, I’m fine now. Thanks to you.”

Namjoon smiled, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. “Good. I don’t want you getting sick again.”

She laughed softly, burying her face in his chest. “I’ll be more careful next time, I promise.”

They lay there for a while, enjoying the quiet intimacy of the moment. Namjoon’s fingers traced gentle patterns on her back, his thoughts drifting back to their honeymoon, to the way she had smiled when he surprised her with flowers and gifts. He hadn’t realized it then, but those small moments had cemented his feelings for her. He was deeply in love with Hana, and there was no turning back now.

“Hana,” he murmured, his voice soft but full of emotion. “I love you.”

Hana looked up at him, her eyes wide with surprise. She hadn’t expected him to say it, not yet, but the sincerity in his voice made her heart swell. She smiled, leaning up to kiss him gently.

“I love you too, Namjoon.”

And with those simple words, everything seemed to fall into place. They had started out as strangers, brought together by an arrangement neither of them had wanted, but now, lying in each other’s arms, they were no longer bound by obligation. They were bound by love.