The Missing Puzzle Piece | NoMin

Chapter 01

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"Jeno! This order is for table number 16!" Donghyuck called out, placing a tray on the counter after taking a new order from a customer. Even though Jeno was supposed to be on his break, he didn't argue or protest. Without saying a word, he simply did as he was told. After all, it wasn't just Mark who was his boss-Donghyuck was, too. Besides, their milk tea shop had a small team, so there weren't many people to handle all the tasks. That was one of the reasons Jeno never complained, even when he was asked to work during his break.

Jeno was once an excellent performer in his field as a nursing graduate. He started working in New York, but the overwhelming pressure soon became too much for him to handle. On top of that, he faced bullying from his coworkers, especially the head nurse, who resented his success. Jeno couldn't understand what he had done wrong or why they treated him that way, but the constant mistreatment took a toll on him. Unable to bear it any longer, he quit his job without telling his parents the real reason. The pain and self-doubt that followed made him question himself all over again, eventually leading him to give up on working altogether.

That incident completely shattered the passion Jeno once had for nursing, a dream he had cherished since childhood. However, that doesn't mean he's giving up entirely-he's just taking a break. He's unsure when he'll be ready to start applying again, but for now, he's using this time to rest and improve himself. While working at Mark and Donghyuck's milk tea shop, he continues to study, determined to become better. These days, he's putting in extra effort to ensure he won't make any mistakes in the future. Back in New York, the head nurse had falsely accused him of giving a patient the wrong medication, using it as an excuse to bully him even more. That experience left a deep scar, but Jeno is trying to rebuild himself at his own pace.

"Here's your order, Ma'am, Sir." Jeno carefully placed the food on the table, flashing a polite smile at the customers before walking away.

Both Jeno and Mark came from wealthy families, but unlike Jeno, Mark had always wanted to build something of his own rather than depend on his parents' wealth. Fortunately, his parents supported his decision and even encouraged him to start his own business. Mark and Jeno were cousins, and their bond extended beyond family-they now worked together. The milk tea shop they ran was housed in a building gifted to Mark by his parents as a graduation present. With Donghyuck by his side, Mark took charge of decorating and managing the place. Their parents were incredibly supportive, making it easier for them to pursue their dreams.

Jeno's parents still had no idea about his situation because he didn't want them to worry. Since they both worked in New York, he felt safe keeping the truth from them, knowing they wouldn't easily find out. But deep down, he carried a sense of shame. His older brother, Taeyong, was already a successful surgeon, while Jeno was still struggling to find his way again.

However, when Taeyong discovered what had happened to Jeno in New York, he was furious. Seeing how much his younger brother had suffered, he took action-even though Jeno refused to tell their parents, Taeyong went ahead and sued the nurses who had bullied him at the hospital. He wanted justice for Jeno, but despite his efforts, Jeno hesitated to accept his help. Taeyong was already overworked, constantly juggling responsibilities, and Jeno didn't want to add to his burdens.

But Taeyong made it clear-Jeno was never a burden and never would be. No matter what, they were family, and Taeyong would always be there for his only brother.

Jeno couldn't shake the worry about how his parents would react if they ever found out the truth. He didn't want to disappoint them-not after everything they had done for him and Taeyong. Their parents had always been generous and supportive, ensuring they had everything they needed. The last thing Jeno wanted was for them to feel let down.