The Bond That Heals

There was no fire, no obvious sign of a disaster, but the flashing lights of an ambulance and a few police cars added a sense of urgency to the situation. I got out of the cab, my curiosity piqued, wondering what had happened. Then, I spotted Lea, the woman who lived next door. She looked visibly shaken, her face pale under the streetlights.

I walked toward her, my heart beginning to race. "What happened?" I whispered, hoping she'd offer some clarity.

"Hyorin? Oh, thank God you're fine," Lea responded quickly, relief flooding her voice. But her words made no sense at first. Why would she say that?

Confused, I asked, "What? Why?"

Lea hesitated for a moment before answering. "A suicidal guy came inside the building... He had a gun. The guard at the entrance noticed him, though. He contacted the management about the strange guy, but... he was shot."

My stomach dropped at her words, and the weight of her statement hit me like a punch. "Oh no, Mr. Hwang?" I asked, barely able to keep my voice steady. I had to be sure, even though I knew the answer.

Mr. Hwang... he'd been working as the building's guard for almost ten years. He had been here when I first moved in. He was more than just the building's security — he was a kind, gentle man. I remembered him fondly, asking me once about my favorite flowers. When I told him I liked peonies, he smiled and mentioned he was planning to buy a bouquet for his wife.

I never forgot that moment. It was the kind of thing that made him stand out. He cared. He was family to the building.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I looked around, unable to stop them from falling. I couldn't believe it. Mr. Hwang, someone I'd always seen as a steady presence, had been hurt, maybe even worse. I could hardly breathe, the emotions swirling in my chest, and all I could think about was how cruel the world could be.

Lea's face was filled with sympathy, but there was nothing to say. It felt too much. Too raw.

A few minutes passed, and then, through the corner of my eye, I saw several men in black uniforms wearing caps emerge from the building. They were escorting the man they had caught — the one who had caused all this chaos. My heart pounded in my chest as the sight of him sent a shiver down my spine. The police investigators spoke with us briefly, gathering statements before finally letting us back inside.

As I stepped into the hallway, something unexpected caught my attention. There, right outside my apartment door, was Mihun. He was standing there, looking down at the floor as if searching for something. His usual calm demeanor was replaced by a sense of urgency, his eyes darting back and forth.

"Oppa," I called softly, startled by his presence.

"Hyorin," he replied, his voice full of relief as he turned to face me.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, my voice shaking. As I walked toward him, I noticed that the intercom system by my door had been destroyed , the wires hanging loosely. Panic surged through me as I pushed the door open to see what had happened inside.

I froze, my heart sinking. My apartment... it was a disaster. My things were scattered all over the place, some of them overturned and others just carelessly thrown around. It was as though someone had been searching for something, and hadn't cared about making a mess in the process. The mixture of fear, anger, and sadness hit me all at once, and I couldn't breathe.

"I am so sorry, Hyorin," Mihun said quietly, standing in the doorway, his expression full of guilt.

"Why did this happen?" I asked, voice cracking. "Did this only happen in my house? What about the others?"

He shook his head, a troubled look on his face. "I don't know, Hyorin. But I'm sure they'll let you know once the investigation is done. You'll find out everything then."

I walked over to the couch, my legs too weak to support me anymore, and sat down, trembling. Mihun quietly followed me in, sitting beside me. He didn't say anything at first, but after a few moments, he placed a comforting hand on my shoulder.

"Don't worry," he said gently, "It's going to be okay."

I wiped my tears, trying to compose myself. But the unease inside me was still raw, still unbearable. "Oh... why are you here, by the way, oppa?" I asked, curious but grateful for his presence.

"I was on my way home from work when I saw a crowd coming out of the building," Mihun explained. "I got worried. I thought you might be inside, so I came in to check on you."

"I'm glad you're not hurt," I said, the relief obvious in my voice. "Did you... encounter the guy?"

"No, by the time I saw him, he was already surrounded by the officers," Mihun answered, shaking his head.

I paused, my brow furrowing as something else clicked in my mind. "Those men in black who caught him... they were police officers, right?" I asked, still unsure.

"Uh? Of course they were," he replied, sounding a bit surprised by my question.

The conversation drifted off after that, and eventually, Mihun made sure I was okay before deciding to leave. As he walked out, I sat there on the couch, feeling the weight of everything. My mind was still reeling, unable to quiet the thoughts about what had happened, what had been taken from me... and about Mr. Hwang, the kind-hearted man who'd been caught in this tragedy.

I tried to sleep, but the fear lingered. The uneasiness pressed down on my chest, a constant reminder that someone, some stranger, had invaded my space, my home.

Author's Pov:

It was a typical afternoon, and Hyorin's apartment felt like a small island of calm amidst the chaos of her mind. The month that had passed since the tragedy still lingered, like a cloud that wouldn't move, always there, but less suffocating. Mr. Hwang's death was still fresh, an emotional scar she couldn't quite shake. Yet, life moved on, and she had done her best to continue with hers. Still, there were moments when everything came crashing back, and she had to remind herself to breathe.

Today, she had the day off. A rare break. Rina was there, as always, helping her rearrange furniture in her living room.

"Ugh, this is tiring," Rina groaned as she carefully pushed the heavy cabinet into place.

"To the left," Hyorin instructed, her voice calm as she adjusted the angle.

"Here?" Rina asked, pausing, her brow furrowed.

"Perfect," Hyorin confirmed, stepping back to admire their progress. They both stood there for a moment, taking in the room, feeling the weight of the task lift with every little change they made.

Rina raised an eyebrow. "What are you going to put in here? I don't believe you'll put books."

"Yaaaa! I read books though!" Hyorin laughed, her voice light with mock indignation.

"I don't believe you," Rina teased, but her tone softened.

"Novels," Hyorin said with a grin, making sure to emphasize it.

"Right…" Rina's response was skeptical but playful, and they both fell into a comfortable silence, just enjoying the moment.

But then, the sudden chime of the doorbell interrupted their peaceful atmosphere.

"Are you expecting someone?" Rina asked, turning her head in curiosity.

"Probably Yuna," Hyorin answered casually, standing up from the floor where she had been crouching. She walked to the door, wondering what her friend had brought this time.

As soon as the door swung open, Yuna's beaming face appeared, her arms full of food and drinks.

"Hello, ladies!" Yuna greeted them enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling.

"Got off work?" Rina asked, raising an eyebrow as she looked at the bags in Yuna's hands.

"Yep, I brought something as my official access to this house," Yuna said, her voice full of mischief. She placed the food on the table with a flourish, setting down the pizza, chicken, and drinks like an offering.

"You should," Hyorin said with a laugh, moving to wash her hands.

"Nice timing," Rina said with a playful grin. "I'm starving."

Yuna glanced around the room. "Are you guys done cleaning?" she asked as she unpacked the containers.

"Yes, thank you for helping," Rina replied, a grateful smile crossing her face.

"Hahaha, sorry," Yuna chuckled, pulling a chair out and sitting down. "Anyway, let's eat."

The food was quickly devoured, and the three of them slipped into that comfortable rhythm of conversation and laughter. It was only when the laughter slowed down that Yuna shifted in her seat, her expression turning serious.

"I have something to tell you guys," she said, her voice quieter than before.

Rina and Hyorin exchanged glances, both pausing mid-bite. "What is it?" Rina asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Yeah, tell us!" Hyorin chimed in, her voice full of genuine interest.

Yuna hesitated, as though she were weighing her words. "I've been thinking about this a lot, balancing what matters more to me," she said slowly, her tone contemplative. "For now, I can't tell you all the details, but I actually like someone. And, I think we're going to enter into a relationship soon."

There was a beat of silence as Rina and Hyorin processed this. Both of them were quiet for a moment before Hyorin broke the silence.

"Why? Is it complicated?" she asked, concern in her voice.

"Yeah, because someone close to us might get hurt," Yuna admitted, her eyes flickering with uncertainty.

"Oh, that's hard," Rina said thoughtfully. "But why would you care? As long as the both of you like each other, that's enough, right?"

Yuna sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I hope it's that simple," she said softly, almost to herself.

Hyorin leaned forward, intrigued. "Do we know the guy?" she asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.

Yuna shook her head, her lips pressed together in a tight smile. "I can't tell you yet. But soon, hopefully."

"Alright," Hyorin said with a nod, her tone accepting but still curious.

"You're overthinking it," Rina said, placing a hand on Yuna's arm comfortingly. "Whatever it is, we'll support what makes you happy."

"That's right," Hyorin added, her voice light but full of reassurance.

"We'll tie him up and burn him alive if he hurts you."

Yuna blinked in shock, then burst out laughing. "No, that's too much!"

Rina laughed too. "Hyorin's been watching some mafia movies lately. That's why."

"Ah, no wonder," Yuna said, shaking her head but grinning.

They all laughed together, the sound of it filling the room and cutting through the tension that had briefly settled there. For the first time in a long while, Hyorin felt her heart ease, even if just a little. The laughter was a reminder of the bonds they shared, strong enough to weather anything.

And as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow across the room, the conversation drifted into more trivial matters. But in that moment, surrounded by her friends, Hyorin realized something important: the weight of the past might never completely fade, but the people who truly cared about her would always be there, offering their support, laughter, and love.

Hyorin's Pov:

I stepped out of the building, the evening air crisp against my skin as I made my way to the trash bin, clutching the bag in my hand. It had been a quiet night, the kind where everything seemed still, and I just wanted to get rid of the garbage before heading back inside. But as I pushed to open the door, I saw him standing there... Wuchan.

"Wuchan?" I asked, my voice filled with surprise.

"Hey," he greeted with that familiar smile of his, his presence somehow making the night feel warmer despite the cold.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, still unsure of what brought him outside.

"I sent you a message, you didn't read it?" he replied, looking at me with a mix of curiosity and amusement.

I felt my heart drop for a second as I realized I had left my phone in my apartment. "Oh, sorry," I said, feeling a little embarrassed. "I must have forgotten it."

"It's okay," he said with a reassuring smile, noticing the trash bag in my hand. "Let me throw that for you."

"Thank you," I said, grateful for his gesture.

"I actually wanted to talk to you," he added, his tone suddenly more serious.

I glanced at him, still holding the bag, but unsure of how to respond. "You can just call me though, you don't have to come here," I said, trying to keep things casual.

"I want to tell you this personally," he said, his gaze softening.

"Oh, okay. Sure, let's talk," I replied, now intrigued.

"Let's take a walk," he suggested, motioning for us to move forward.

We walked side by side, the sound of our footsteps echoing in the quiet streets. For a while, neither of us said anything. The only sounds were the rustling of leaves and distant car engines. I rubbed my arms, feeling the slight chill in the air.

"Are you cold?" he asked, his voice concerned.

Before I could answer, he quickly took off his jacket and draped it over my shoulders.

"No, I'm fine," I protested, but he still insisted, his eyes focused on me in a way that made it hard to argue.

"Keep yourself warm. It's getting cold. The winter is coming," he said, and I couldn't help but smile at the thought. I wrapped the jacket tighter around me, feeling the warmth of his gesture seep into me.

I looked at him then, as he gazed out at the trees, his face serene. Something about the way he looked, the way he cared, it made me realize just how much of a good person he was.

"You don't like winter?" I asked, suddenly curious about his thoughts.

"No," he replied, shaking his head slightly. "A lot of people are struggling during winter. Some livelihoods have to stop when the weather is cold, and there's a lot of snow. Some animals die too."

His words made me pause. He is right. It is a harsh season for many, and there is a kind of sadness that comes with it.

"Even after hearing you say that, I still like winter," I said, my voice softer. "Because not everyone in the world experiences it, and for me, it's a sign of a new beginning."

"That is true," he said, and for a moment, we both stood still, looking up at the trees, watching the world move around us. The cars passed by, and people walked on with their lives, but for those few seconds, it felt like we were in our own little bubble.

I turned to him, feeling the weight of the silence between us. "By the way, you have something to tell me, right?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

He paused, his expression shifting, and I noticed his nerves. It was a small change, but it was enough to make me realize how serious this conversation was about to get.

"Right," he said, taking a deep breath. "Uhm, I know I've already told you this many times. I'm expecting your answer to be the same as before, but I don't know… I still want to try. Han Hyorin, I like you. I mean, I love you. Can you be my girlfriend? Please?"

My heart skipped a beat. I had rejected him so many times before, and yet here he is, asking again. It wasn't like before though. This time, I felt something stir inside me, something I couldn't quite explain. I wanted to say yes, but I needed to be sure.

"I'm sorry," I said softly, the words coming out almost before I could think about them.

But to my surprise, he smiled.

"I see," he said, his voice calm. "This will be the last time I'm going to chase after you. It's been 2 years, but actually, I've liked you since we were in college. It's been 4 years."

I blinked, the weight of his words hitting me. Four years. I had no idea it had been that long.

"Why? Are you going somewhere?" I asked, a hint of worry creeping into my voice.

"No," he replied, shaking his head. "I just think… it's time to give up."

His words made my chest tighten. I didn't know why, but hearing him say that made me feel something deep in my heart—a sadness I couldn't quite place.

The night suddenly felt heavier, the chill in the air a little more biting.

I looked at him, at his resigned expression, and it hurt in a way I wasn't prepared for.

The next morning, I noticed Wuchan was avoiding me. We were on the same flight, but while he was talking to Yuna, he hardly even glanced my way. It stung, but I tried to push the feeling aside. I could hardly keep my mind on the tasks at hand. The three of us had been so close, Yuna, Wuchan, and I.... always joking and sharing stories during flights. Now it felt like I was on the outside looking in.

I was pulling out supplies in the galley when a few of my co-flight attendants approached. "Did you and Chan fight?" one of them asked, voice laced with curiosity.

I felt a lump form in my throat. "Ah? No, of course not," I answered, almost too quickly.

But they weren't convinced. "But why are you alone here?"

"Yeah, it seems like Chan has been avoiding you since this morning." They exchanged looks, clearly worried.

I forced a smile, but inside, I felt a tightening knot in my chest. If I were him, I thought, I'd probably distance myself too. But it still hurt.

I focused on the path ahead, trying to ignore Wuchan's absence, pretending like it didn't affect me. But inside, I felt like I was slowly breaking. The hours on the plane passed by in a blur, and when work was finally over, I was eager to escape the tension, to be alone with my thoughts.

As I walked outside the airport, the cool evening air hit my face. I hadn't gotten far when I heard my name.

"Hyorin!"

I turned around, and there she was Yuna. I smiled at her, trying to keep it light. "Hey."

"Going home?" she asked, the playful smile on her face lighting up the dullness I felt.

"Where else?" I replied.

She chuckled. "That's right. You're a homebody."

We both laughed, and I felt a little lighter. But then I asked, "How about you? What's your plan?"

She paused, then said, "I want to go somewhere with you."

"With me? Where?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Let's go," she said, and just like that, we were in her car, heading to Songdo Central Park. I didn't even ask why, just happy to have some distraction.

We arrived, and Yuna grabbed a coffee while I sat on a bench, letting the peacefulness of the place surround me. The park was so calm, so serene, a stark contrast to the chaos in my head.

"Here's your coffee," Yuna said as she sat down beside me, handing me the cup.

"Thanks," I murmured, taking a sip. The warmth of the coffee spread through me, but it did little to soothe the feeling inside.

"It's cold, right? The coffee's perfect for this weather," she said, and I nodded, appreciating her thoughtfulness.

"Yeah. You're right. This place is beautiful... I should come here sometimes after work," I said, more to myself than to her.

"I told you. You always go straight home after work," she teased, and we both laughed.

The sound of our laughter was comforting, but soon, her tone shifted. "Why do you want to come here with me, by the way?" I asked, genuinely curious.

Yuna sighed, looking thoughtful for a moment. "I just noticed you've been feeling down at work today," she said, her voice gentle.

I didn't answer immediately, just sipping my coffee, the words hanging in the air between us.

"Was it because of Wuchan?" she asked, and I looked at her, surprised that she'd picked up on it.

"You know me," I said quietly. "You don't have to ask."

Yuna studied me for a moment, her eyes full of understanding. "Since Wuchan doesn't have a chance... isn't it better for him to let you go?" she asked, her voice tinged with something almost like sadness.

"Yeah," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

"I know you don't have feelings for him," she continued, "but there's another reason why you keep rejecting him, right?"

I blinked, not expecting the question. "What do you mean?" I asked, caught off guard.

"The man you met in Paris... two years ago," she said, and suddenly, I was back in that moment... the fleeting encounter, the way my heart had raced the moment I laid eyes on him.

I had never seen him again, but the memory lingered, sharp and clear in my mind. I didn't think I had fallen in love with him, but the attraction was undeniable.

"...No," I said, shaking my head, trying to brush it off. "He's not the main reason. I've never been in a relationship before, so I guess... I'm just being overprotective of myself. I'm afraid to fall in love with the wrong person."

Yuna was quiet for a moment, and when she spoke again, her voice was softer, more knowing. "I see," she said. "But honestly, Hyorin... once you fall in love with someone, you won't care if you're hurt. You'll be stupid enough to accept everything about him."

Her words hit me like a ton of bricks. I stared at her, confused. "What?!" I asked, shaking my head.

I didn't understand it. I couldn't. How could anyone, I... ever be so foolish? To accept someone, flaws and all, even if they hurt you? I couldn't imagine it. There was no way I could ever be that naïve.

I scoffed inwardly. There's no way I'd let that happen to me.

Yuna's words lingered in the air between us, heavy and almost cryptic. "You'll understand it soon," she said, her voice soft but sure. I didn't reply immediately. Instead, I just nodded, not quite knowing what to say.

Her words didn't make sense to me now, but I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to them than I wanted to admit.

We spent the rest of the time talking about anything but Wuchan or anything heavy. The conversation flowed easily, like it always did between us, and for a moment, I managed to push the thoughts of him... of us... out of my mind. The park was quiet, the fading light casting long shadows across the path as we walked back to the car.

"I guess it's time to go home," Yuna said, pulling me out of my thoughts.

"Yeah," I agreed, standing up from the bench. "I should get some rest."

We made our way to her car, and the ride back felt like the calm after a storm. The quiet was comfortable, like a buffer from all the noise in my head. Yuna dropped me off at home, and I gave her a quick hug before getting out of the car.

"Take care, okay?" she called out after me.

"You too," I said, offering her a small smile. But as I walked into the apartment, the weight of her words settled over me again.

"You'll understand it soon." What did she mean by that? I shook off Yuna's words as best as I could, not wanting to overthink them. There was no point in getting lost in thoughts I didn't even understand. It was late, and I was tired. So, I decided to focus on the simple things, like getting some sleep.

I turned off the light, closed my eyes, and let the familiar sounds of the city hum in the background. Tomorrow was another day, and I didn't need to worry about anything more than just getting through it. So, I let myself drift off, not thinking about Wuchan, not thinking about Paris, and not thinking about what Yuna had said.

A few weeks passed, and just as I was getting into the rhythm of my days, I received a message from Amélie. Her name on the screen felt like a reminder of a past I hadn't fully let go of, even if I wanted to.

"You're coming to my birthday, right?" it said.

Before I could even process it, my phone buzzed with messages from Yuna and Rina.