'A small Cheating Is Okay'
May 24, 2025 (Another Stranger Story)
I'm Kang Hae-won, a 23-year-old computer science student specializing in programming with a passion for animation. As a game character animator at ZGDX, a successful game development company, I was trying to develop my skills every single day. Positive feedback from fans motivates me, and I often receive encouraging comments. My animation skills and game development abilities earned me a spot at ZGDX.
On May 24, 2025, It was no different like other day,I woke up at 8 AM, stressed about being late for work. I quickly got ready without showering, planning to unwind with a bath at night after work. With my office opening at 8:30 AM, I rushed to get there by 8:20AM. After a busy day at work till 5 PM, I'll grab dinner outside, return to my college dorm, take a bath, and get some well-deserved rest.
At 8.25 AM
I was running cause I am literally late. If I am late by 1 min, my boss will dock my payment, and he uses this as an excuse. Huh ? That crazy bald man. 👴
Wait I got a call, what the hell , I am running. Ignore this. I Thought 💭
Geunde my crazy brain suddenly reminded me , What if it's an emergency call? What if I miss it, and I will regret it in the future. Ahhhhhh...these intensive thoughts....
I should pick this call.
Hana : Yeoboseyo??
Unknown No. : Ahh, Is Miss Park Ju-kyung speaking ??
Hana : Aishhh.. Ani..😤
Me to brain : Is this an emergency?? Huh ??😤
Then I started to walk like running after being mad at my brain. ☹️
Geunde, Why I feel like I can't walk anymore.
I turned to look at my back wondering what's stopping me, then I saw..
A young handsome Man seems like my age...
I was staring at him and admiring the view, I mean the handsome face of him.
Handsome Man : Ahh, Miss.. Your dress got stuck at my bag. Joheunhamnida {sorry}
Hana : (Staring with mouth open, like jaw dropping staring 😂) Ahh, Gweanchana.
Handsome Man : Gweanchana?? Your dress got ripped by me. If you are willing then I will buy you a new dress.
Hana : Ahh, aniyo.. Gweanchana..
Handsome Man: Can I pay for your dress.
Hana : An- (💭 If he will pay then I will get his name atleast.. hehehehe 😁)
Hana : Ah, Okay..
Handsome Man: How much is it ??
Hana : Just 3550 won..
Handsome Man : Ahh, scanner
After that the handsome man gave money to Hana.
A notification appeared on Hana's phone that you have received 4000won from account xxxxxxx034 , From Kim Sunoo.
💭 Kim Sunoo
A pretty name for handsome Man. It suits him though.
Sunoo : Then , I am going. Man-na-see joheunhamnida ( Nice to meet you) and Gamsahamnida for accepting my sorry.
Hana : Accepting,Hahaha(awkward laugh)
💭 I was just got free money. Geunde, I don't want it. I just wanna know his name. I will return these momey to him anyway.
After that, I realized I was totally late. I was so scared that I started running. Then, it suddenly hit me: I should take a day off for myself. Just one day to live life and enjoy, but I promised my eomma (mom) I'd work hard every day. One day of cheating won't change the world, right? I'm just so tired of the same routine, never getting a day for myself or enjoying life. What am I living for? I'm pretty sure I'll regret it after I'm gone.
I was super excited for my day off. First, I wanted to change my hairstyle – I hadn't updated it since high school, so it was time for a new look. I headed to the hair spa, where I relaxed and got a fresh new style that matched my vibe. Next, I went shopping for myself, and luckily, there was a sale going on, so I got some awesome outfits I'd been eyeing on Pinterest. In the evening, I strolled along the beach, taking in the cozy aesthetic views. People were enjoying the sunset with their families, and I felt at peace.
As I sat there, a little girl nearby started asking her parents to play with her, and it brought back memories of my own childhood. I was so carefree back then, playing every second without a worry. My mom was there for me, and I cherished those moments. But as I grew older, reality hit hard. My father was abusive, and my mom suffered every day. I tried to protect her, begging her to leave him, but he refused to divorce. It wasn't until after a police case that he finally agreed, and we moved from Ulsan to Seoul to start anew.
My eyes got filled with tears and dropping non-stop one by one.
My fate had other plans. My mom was battling heart disease, and she never told me. If only she had, maybe I could have saved her. I was just 15 when I started working multiple jobs – at convenience stores, shopping malls, and more – to support her treatment. I worked tirelessly until I was 19, when I got into Seoul University, which was a dream come true. I was excited to share the news with her, but when I reached the hospital, I received the devastating news that she was gone. I couldn't believe it. My life felt unfair; I was left alone with no one to turn to.
Watching happy families sometimes filled me with envy. I'd see my friends with their loving parents and feel jealous. They didn't know the value of parental love, but I did. Yet, I've come to accept my reality. I often think that maybe I gave my share of happiness to someone who needed it the more. This thought gives me some solace, but the pain still lingers.
As I sat there, I felt a gentle touch on my face. It was the little girl who had been trying to wipe away my tears. I smiled and looked at her, and she said,
That little cute girl : You can hug me if you want.
That was exactly what I needed, so I tightly hugged her. Her parents smiled softly at the sight, and I couldn't help but cry as I held her close.
The little girl: (whispered) It's okay, unnie. Cry out. You look pretty while crying.
I laughed, and her parents chuckled too. After a while, she bid me goodbye, and I think it might be the last time we'd meet, but she'd created a memory that I'd never forget. I smiled and bid her farewell, giving her a chocolate toy as a parting gift.
As I watched her leave, I turned back to enjoy the view. Suddenly, I felt like someone was staring at me. I looked in the direction of the gaze and saw the same handsome man I'd spotted in the morning – Kim Sunoo. When our eyes met, he gave me a warm smile and walked towards me. He seemed to be passing by,but stopped and
Sunoo: Take care, and smile every day. You look even more beautiful and cute when you smile.
I felt my face flush, and a flutter in my chest. Was this the feeling of butterflies? I shook off the thought and smiled.
Me : Thank you.. And Nice to meet you too. (Soft tone)
I told this to him, cause at morning I forgot to tell him. Hehehehe 😅
Life can be tough, and sometimes "A small cheat is okay". It's about giving yourself a break and allowing a little flexibility. Whether it's taking a mental health day, enjoying a guilty pleasure, or bending the rules slightly, these small cheats can help us recharge and find balance in our busy lives. After all, nobody's perfect, and a little leniency can go a long way.
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