a chance to life by meotjin

8/18/2019 A Chance to Life by Meotjin

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Prologue

We meet people. Know things about them, befriend them, they become

part of our lives. They change us. They steal part of our hearts; they

might hold onto that part and stay with us. But sometimes, they just…

leave. nce you believed their words, you give away your trust. !nd in

my case, if only " had #nown better, " should$ve stopped those people to

even get close.

“Look,” the person in front of her held her hands. “Please don’t cry. It’sgoing to be alright. Please. Don’t do this.”

Her eyes and throat hurts from the hours of crying and screaming buther heart’s going through much more indescribable pain in thatmoment. nd no! she couldn’t cry more.

“"i#any$ "alk. Please. %ome on. I hate seeing you like this. It’s beenhours. It’s getting late.” &essica tugged her friend’s arms. “I’ll take youhome, let’s talk about this there. I'I’ll sleep there.” (he looked up tostop her tears from falling. "i#any has been her best friend for years,and seeing her in that state breaks e)ery piece of her heart.


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“&ess'” "i#any’s )oice cracked. “&ust lea)e me alone. I need this. I'I'I'”she started sobbing again. “*aybe things !ill change and e)erything!ill be alright. nd !e’re going to get back together. +ight$” she looked

at &essica, !ho in return ust inhaled deeply.

“"i#, let’s go. Please.”

“I said'” "i#any let go of &essica’s grip “-o Lea)e. -o! I don’t needyou so back o#.”

&essica !as taken aback by !hat her best friend told her but didn’t reactbadly. “/kay I understand. 0ut please call me !hen you needsomething$ I’ll come running. 1ou kno! that.” (he en)eloped "i#any!ith her embrace before getting up. "hey !ere sitting in one of thebenches outside their fa)ourite caf2 for almost 3)e hours. (he !as deadtired but couldn’t lea)e "i#any alone. (he thought maybe this time it’sbest to let her friend be. “/kay, I’ll go. Please go home$” she con)inced "i#any.

"he latter only nodded.

n hour passed and "i#any !as still there, hoping things !illchange. %es, things will change.

nd another hour passed.

nd another.


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nd another.

...............

“45cuse me$” the !aiter patted "i#any’s shoulders.

(he didn’t budge.

“Hey miss. "he shop’s closing.”

He !as about to carry "i#any !hen a man in his corporate attiresho!ed up and stopped him. “(he’s my date. I !as late so'” hesignalled the !aiter to lea)e them alone.

“/kay sir.” "he other man mouthed silently.

“Hi.” He gently smiled at the girl !ith a! length hair, red nose andpu#y eyes.


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%hapter I

&orever

"hud. "hud. "hud.

'amn, what$s that( "i#any pried her eyes open. (he !as sleeping soundly

due to the !eek’s hectic schedule. (he is a fashion designer kno!n all o)er

sia and merica. Her designs are of top calibre. "i#any is the youngest in

the most successful designers in the industry. 6or the past !eek, she’s been

busy preparing for the ne5t 7ictoria’s (ecret fashion sho! that’ll be held in

(eoul se)en days from tonight. (he hasn’t e)en changed clothes. (he slept

!ith her sil)er dress !rapping her perfectly cur)ed body.

“It’s only ele)en forty 3)e for crying out loud” she hissed !hen she looked

around her beautifully interior designed pad to 3nd the digital !all clock. (he


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sat on the corner of the bed leaning her head on her hands. (he stood up

gently and looked through the !indo! !here the sound came from.

“8hat the hell is going o'” What the hell is going on( What is this(

“Hi.” He smiled shyly.

“Hi. 8hat are you doing$”

0rian cleared his throat, 35ed his tu5edo and kneeled in front of his girlfriend,

!ho’s !atching from the !indo!. “I kno! you’)e been so busy lately. I kno!

this isn’t the right time. 0ut I couldn’t think of a better moment.”

He paused, ga9ed at his !atch. “(e)en minutes from no!, it’ll be our fourth

anni)ersary together. +emember !hen !e 3rst met$ 1ou !ere crying sohard in front of that caf2. "ony’s isn’t it$” he chuckled.

(he ga)e him a :uestioning look. “8hat are you talking about$”

“Let me 3nish 3rst. Help me out please.”

“/kay okay. ;o on 0ry.” (he smiled reassuringly.


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He felt relie)ed. “/kay, so yeah. 1ou !ere there. I don’t kno! but I found you

beautiful !ith your short hair, stressed out look, pu#ed eyes and all. I !as

dra!n to you. I think I fell in lo)e !ith you that day.” "hey both beamed at

the memory. “I follo!ed you around. 1ou e)en told me I’m a creepy

stal#er. 0ut I didn’t stop from there. 1ou !ent to the ri)er, I !as there. 1ou!ent home, I !as there. 0ehind you. 6rom then on, I stood behind you,

al!ays. 0ecause I hate to see you crying that hard. I s!ore to myself ne)er

to see you on that de)astated state, e)er again. 8hen I confessed my

feelings for you, I told you I don’t !ant us to be ust another could have

been. I !ant us to be together. I need you to be !ith me. 8e are meant to

be. nd you said yes, you lo)e me too.” He bo!ed his head, hiding his

brimming tears.

“6rom that moment on, I changed my !ants. 6rom then on, I !anted us to be

together, forever. I am so lucky to ha)e been here !ith you for


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oatmeal at midnight= I !ant you to be the person I talk to e)eryday on the

bed, !hich !e !ill buy together until !e do9e o#. I !ant you to be my

person. nd I !ant me to be your person.”

"i#any looked at his boyfriend !ith !ide eyes. He kne! she has absorbed

e)erything by no!. "i#any is an intelligent lady.

“I kno! you kno! !hat I’m talking about. 1ou kno! it by no!.” He knelt once

again, took out a simple yet )ery elegant diamond ring from his pocket and

smiled as !ide as her eyes in that moment. “(tephanie, !ill you marry me$

8ill you gro! old !ith me$” He closed his eyes, not kno!ing !hat to do no!,or !hat to e5pect.

(he on the other hand, inhaled deeply and stared at the !onderful man

belo!.

“1ou ha)e al!ays been my person, 0rian. nd to tell you, honestly, you

ne)er failed at your goal. I ne)er cried that hard again. "hank you for

understanding me, thank you for not prying !hen I can’t ans!er you !hy I

cried back then. "hank you for keeping this broken girl in your life, and

someho! making me !hole again. "hank you for lo)ing me.” (he rolled her

eyes. “%an you !ait for me$ I’ll be right back.” (he ran hastily across the

room, !ent for the door, opened it and hopped to the stairs. Her heart’s

beating so fast. (he doesn’t kno! if it’s from the running or from happiness.

(he stopped before opening the !ooden door to catch her breath. (he laid

her hands on her chest. %ou can do this. )ust say yes to the love of your life.

"i#any opened the door, !alked to!ards 0rian and knelt too. (he cupped her

boyfriend’s face and she looked him at the eye. “I !ill make you oatmeal and

talk to you all night during the !eekends only. +emember, !e both ha)e

!ork.” (he stretched her left hand in front of him. “8hat !ere you asking

again$”


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He grinned like a fool and stood, took "i#any’s hands and hugged her.

"ightly. “I lo)e you. *arry me$”

“1es, yes. I !ill marry you.” (he grinned.

(he s:uealed !hen 0rian carried her back to her room. "hey kissed

passionately. (he !as happy. 0oth of them !ere happy. “6uture *rs. (ong,

three to four months from no!, I’ll see you at that altar !ith your beautiful

!hite dress. 1es$”

“In a hurry, aren’t !e$” she playfully asked.

“If I can marry you right no!, I !ould baby. 0ut, you ha)e a fashion sho! to

think about. nd I ha)e a business meeting tomorro!, so yeah, three or four

months. /kay$” He smiled. " just can$t believe you$ll be my wife, Ti*any.

“/kay. (uch a control freak.” "i#any sulked.

He embraced her and landed a kiss on her forehead. “"hank you. I’ll see you

tomorro! night. I ha)e to go. Please let me be in your s!eet dreams$”

(he chuckled. “(hoo shoo ;o. -o!.”

He beamed once again and started to !alk a!ay. (he closed the door, and

stood ust behind. (taring at the ring !rapping her 3nger, she smiled

unkno!ingly. &inally, " can have someone to #eep. &orever.


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"i#any !oke up to the sound of her alarm. (he rubbed both her eyes before

prying them open. (he felt an unfamiliar thing around one of her

3ngers. What+s this(

nd the memory of last night>s proposal came rushing through her mind. (he

!idely smiled !hile staring at the diamond ring. Her early daydream !as

interrupted by a phone ring.

?Hello$?

?;ood morning beautiful. Ho!>s your sleep$ I ust called to remind you that

last night !asn>t a dream. 1ou are engaged to me.?

?1es sir.? she chuckled. ?I miss you.?

?I miss you too.? he paused. ?/h I’m gonna be late. Ha)e to go babe. I lo)e

you.?

?/kay. "ake care and don>t forget to eat. I lo)e you too.?

(he stood up as soon as the call ended. "i#any took her to!el to the

bathroom and bathed herself. fter she put her !hite blouse paired !ith

ragged skinny eans on, she looked at the re@ection of a happy !oman in the

mirror. &inally, Ti*. %ou$ve waited for this.


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%hapter II

emories

? pleasant morning, *iss H!ang. 1ou looked happy today.? "he !omanbehind the table smiled.

"i#any smiled back. ?I am happy today, &uhyun. (o please don>t gi)e mebad ne!s$?

?I>ll try ma’am.? she chuckled. &uhyun took out a fe! stacks of paperfrom the dra!er. ?0ut 3rst, you ha)e to check on these.? she looked ather boss apologetically.


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?1ou>re bad.? "i#any eyed her assistant !ith piercing look. (he took thepapers and patted &uhyun>s shoulders. ?"hank you.?

?1ou are )ery much !elcome.?

"i#any remembered something. ?/h and ho!>s the ob I ga)e you$?

&uhyun stopped typing. ?/n it, ma’am. "hree models negotiated !ith usbut !e>re still !aiting !ho>ll con3rm.?

?;ood ob.? (he @ashed a !arm smile to her assistant !ho sheconsidered her friend. &uhyun nodded reassuringly.

"i#any took her !ay to!ards her oAce. (itting do!n on her s!i)elchair, she took out her phone and dialled her best friend'slash'businesspartner>s number. t the third ring, the other girl ans!ered groggily.

“Hey, !hat>s up$?

?&essiiiii? "i#any shrieked at the sound of her friend>s )oice.

?!? &essica !ithdre! her phone a!ay from her ears. ?"oo loud andtoo early "i#. (pare me. 1ou !oke me up from my beauty rest.? she

hissed.

?1ou ust !oke up$ It>s late ren>t you coming here today$ ?


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?Bgh. Please stop. (o !hat>s the ne!s$? the latter asked rather irritably.

"i#any put her phone bet!een her ear and her shoulder to scan the

papers and photos gi)en to her earlier. ?8ell, I need to see you before Idrop the ne!s. (o, lunch at (barro$ 0efore !e go to the studio.?

?/kay. (ee you.? &essica hung up.

.......

?&essi, look? "i#any @ashed her diamond ring as soon as she sa! herbest friend.

&essica>s a! dropped at the sight of her friend>s 3nger. ?/h. *y. ;od Isthis for real$? she took "i#any>s hand and eyed the ring.

"i#any nodded e5citedly. (he smiled !ith her eyes shaping crescent.Her bestfriend hugged her tightly. ?I>m so happy for you. &essica

released "i#any and gestured her to sit. ?Ho!$ 8hen$ 8here$ "ell me?

"i#any laughed at her friend>s e5citement. ?+ela5, !ill you$?


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?Ho! can I rela5 !hen my bestest best friend is no! engaged$ 8henthe person I thought !ould ne)er 3nd lo)e agai'''? &essica stopped.

?It>s okay. I>m o)er that, long time ago.?

?+eally$?

'''

2008

?If I e)er ask you to marry me, !ill you say yes$?

?sk me 3rst.?

?-o fair?

?1es fair.? "i#any smiled )ictoriously. ?ny!ay, do you plan to$?

?If it’s you, I !ould lo)e to.?

?I>ll !ait for that then.?


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0oth of them grinned.

''''

?Hey. 4arth to "i#$? &essica snapped her 3ngers in front of "i#any.

"he latter retorted from her da9e. (he stopped bro!sing randompictures from her iPad and raised her head to meet her friend>s ga9e.?1'yeah$?

?8hat can you say$?

?It>s all good. I suppose.?

Leaning on the !ooden chair, &essica rolled her eyes. ?I !as asking !hat!e !ill do !ith the model that got sprained during the rehearsalyesterday.?

?/h, that. (orry &ess.?

?re you okay$ Like really$ 1ou seemed bothered.? &essica asked!orriedly.


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"i#any !a)ed her hand. ?1es, I>m 3ne.? (he set her gadget aside,reached for her iced tea and drank. ?ny!ays, about the model, I asked &uhyun to 3nd a replacement. 8e>re still !aiting for con3rmation.?

Her best friend nodded in agreement. *inutes passed and a!k!ardsilence en)eloped the both of them.

“Let’s go$” &essica 3nally broke the silence.

"i#any nodded. (he’s :uiet for the past couple of minutes and shekno!s that her best friend kno!s !hat’s going through her mind at thatmoment. (he couldn’t bring herself to full a!areness after the memoryof the e)ent she’s been suppressing for a long time resurfaced again.

"hey !ent their !ay to the parking lot. 0oth !ere :uiet, one !asn’t sure!hat to say and the other !asn’t sure !hat to feel. “(o uh, see you atthe studio then$ *y car is parked this !ay so'” &essica looked at thebemused girl !alking beside her :uestioningly.

"i#any met her eyes as she raised her head. “&ess, I’m okay. I !as hurt,yeah. 0ut !hen one person !alked a!ay from my life, another came.He took me in !hen I !as broken. nd I am really happy no!. 0ut then,!hen I remember ho! hurt I !as, I'I” she paused, her )oice trembling.

“(ssh.” &essica rubbed "i#any’s back to console her. “"his is a bigchange in your life. really big change. positi)e one. He’s there. He’llal!ays be there. Hm$”

"he other girl rubbed her nose and dabbed the tears from her eyes. (he3nally smiled at the thought of 0rian, !ho she’ll marry months from


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no!. “1es. 1es, of course. "hanks. 1ou really kno! !hat to say don’tyou$”

“I kno! you too much "i#.” (he looked at her !atch. “/ops. t thispoint, !e’re gonna be late. *iss H!ang, !e ha)e a big client to talk to.”(he started !alking a!ay.

"i#any rooted at her spot for a fe! seconds. (he inhaled deeply tosoothe her feelings. (he rummaged through her bag to get her phone.(he dialled her boyfriend’s number as she !alks to!ards her car parkednot far from !here she stood.

“0abe, !hat’s up$” he ans!ered immediately. 0rian !as in his oAcelooking through the reports he’ll present to the meeting.

“Is it bad to ask ho!’s my future husband doing$” she pressed herelectronic key. (he opened the car door !hen the beeping soundsubsided.

0rian chuckled. “/f course not, you sensiti)e one. I’m ust rereading our:uarterly report for the meeting. I !ant to a)oid bashing later.”

"i#any smiled, put the phone on speakers and started the engine. “1oucan do that !ith no s!eat 0ry. I’m heading to the studio no!. 8e’ll

discuss !ith the representati)es of 7ictoria’s (ecret.” Her boyfriendstopped, put the papers he’s holding on top of the table. “Do you kno!ho! proud I am !hen it comes to you$”

“Ho!$” she asked.


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“7ery. "i#, you’re a !onderful !oman, outside and especially inside. 1ou’re gorgeous, astounding, intelligent, and talented and you’re a goodperson. I’m more than happy to be the person !ho’ll put a !arning sign

around your 3nger and tell guys !ho’ll hit on you to back o#.” Helaughed at the thought.

''''

2009

“8o!, this is so pretty. It really 3ts me "hank you.” (he kissed theperson !ho ga)e her the ring.

“I. Ha)e. /ne. "oo. ” the other person said in bet!een the kisses.

"i#any stopped. “+eally$ Let me take a look$” she grinned.

"he person sho!ed another bo5 and put on the ring similar to "i#any’s.“"a'da "hese !ill threaten people a!ay. 8ith these rings, no one !ille)er get close to me and no one !ill get close to you. I’m all yours andyou’re all mine. Bnderstand, *iss H!ang$”

"i#any smiled !hile tears started to !ell in her eyes. “I lo)e you. ndyes, I’m all yours.”

“I kno!. I lo)e you too.”


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"hey laced their 3ngers together and talked under the moonlight ustabout anything. "i#any !as happy and she kno!s that, !ith the personshe is !ith no!, she’ll al!ays stay that !ay.

'''

“(tephanie$” 0rian asked. “Hey.”

6or the second time that day, she !as !oken up by people from hertra)el to memory lane. “Bhm hey, I gotta go. I lo)e you”

“(ure. "ake care. I lo)e you too.” 0rian noticed ho! easily "i#any gotdistracted. 0ut he chose to dismiss the thought.

.....

?(o, !hat do you think about the pink !onderland theme$? "i#anyasked the !omen around her in @uent english. ?/nce the girl group,;irl>s ;eneration con3rmed, they !ill complement the sho!.?

"he group nodded in agreement !hile scrutini9ing the plan that !asgi)en to them. ?"his is a good idea miss H!ang. "he !hole plan is )erypromising. I e)en sa! the designs and the actual pieces you and yourpartner here made. 8onderful.? one of the representati)es of 7ictoria>s


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(ecret said !hile eyeing "i#any and then &essica. 0oth of the girls@ushed at the compliment.

?/h !hy thank you *iss 0ro!ne. It>s al!ays been a pleasure to !ork!ith you. nd no! that our designs !ill be sho!cased under your namemade it more of an honour rather than pleasure.? the blonde girl !entat "i#any>s side to pat her best friend.

?It>s also an honour for us. 1ou kno! that. h, I can>t belie)e it you t!oare the youngest of your kind. 7ery talented young lasses.? nother!oman in corporate dress beamed at the t!o fashion designers in front

of her. ?-ot to mention you both are beautiful and you can speak4nglish really !ell.?

"i#any giggled. ?/h stop praising us so much. 8e>re ust t!o peopleenoying and lo)ing !hat !e do. ;lad to help *iss *eyers.?

?ny!ay,? the youngest representati)e cut. ?8hen !ill (oshi con3rm$

8e don>t ha)e much time, do !e$?

?(oshi$? all of them asked.

?;irl>s generation. (hort for (o -yu (hi Dae$?

4)eryone e5cept the young !oman shook their heads. "hen they startsnickering.

?/kay so yeah I>m a fan. (ure, go on. Laugh.?


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"hey all laughed at her. nd she ust pouted in reply. "he talk !asinterrupted by a phone call.

?1es, hello$? "i#any ans!ered. ?1es, yes. ;ood.? she looked at &essicaand to the group !ith a big grin. ?"hank you. &ob !ell done.?

?;irl>s generation con3rmed their schedule e)en !ith the short notice!e ga)e them. "hey !ill go here for the rehearsal tomorro!.? shepaused. ?8hen they kne! about the model that got inured, they said

they are !illing to replace her. -ine of them !ant to.?

?"hat>s great "hen all of them !ill !alk on that run!ay then. "his sho! !ill be a!esome.? miss 0ro!ne muttered. ?(o I think e)erything>ssettled here. 8e are no! going.?

?(ure ma’am.? "i#any motioned for the e5it. ?"his !ay.?

?nother ob !ell done for our partnership.? &essica mumbled throughher red head friend>s ear. "he latter smiled proudly.

*ean!hile, on the other side of the !orld.


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?%ongratulations.? the *% shook hands !ith the Dr. &ackson 0aileya!ardee.

?"hank you.?

"he physician took the a!ard and stood on stage. ?"hank you. "hankyou.?

?0eing a good doctor doesn>t al!ays mean pure skills and intelligence.4)en if you ha)e both if you don>t ha)e the heart to stand for yourdecisions, you don>t ha)e the right to treat people. I see do9ens ofpeople die e)ery day. It hurts. 0ut as a doctor and as a person, I ha)e tobe strong.? the a!ardee paused for a thought. ? family member of the3rst patient !ho died in front of me talked to me after her father died.(he asked me !hat I did to kill the patient. nd I said, oh no, I didn>t doanything.?

"he audience kept silent !hile the physician in front shares the story.

?nd then she told me, that>s e5actly the point. "hat I !aited too longfor my mentor>s decision about the case that I forgot I am a doctor too. Ididn>t ha)e a heart to decide for myself she blatantly said to my face. I!as surprised of course. I !as surprised that she !as right. (o for thene5t patients I handled, I made my o!n medical udgement.? anotherpause. ?I gi)e e)erything that I kno! to pre)ent families to lose theirlo)ed ones. I don>t stop until !e don>t ha)e any choices. nd I see a lotof people !ho get to li)e !ith that approach. 0ut !hen it comes tothose !ho don>t ha)e a chance, I stop. s a person, stopping is not anoption. 0ut for a physician, I ha)e to do !hat I got to do. 4)en if it

means... letting go.? the doctor bo!ed C degrees and !ent o# stage.

4)eryone in the hall stood and clapped at the person !alking do!n thestage.


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?0ra)o? one shouted.

%hapter III

45cited

"he night e)eryone especially t!o best friends ha)e been !aiting forhad come. 6ashion designers kno!n o)er Eorea, the rich and famouspeople !ere arri)ing one by one. "he lights !ere blinding, the media!as o)er!helming and the fans !ere so many.

"i#any !ore a black and sil)er knee length dress she co'designed !ithher best friend complemented !ith stilletos. (he looked )ery beautiful.(he !aited for the )alet ser)ice inside her car. (he tapped the steering!heel !ith her 3ngers as she !atch the busy entrance of the +it9%arlton hotel.

+ing +ing

?&essi I>m sorry. 1es. I>m outside !aiting for )alet. 1es. &ust gi)e me aminute.? she e5plained. s soon as she ended the call, it !as her turn.(he umped from the dri)er>s seat and hurriedly ga)e her keys to theman !ho approached her. (he !alked on the red carpet. (he stopped inthe centre to greet the media and the fans, a customary in e)ents. 6e!


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reporters !ent to her. "he red head hissed under her breath. /h comeon. -ot no!.

?Hi *iss H!ang?, one of the reporters smiled. ?1ou looked gorgeous?

"he latter faked a smile. ?"hank you?

?(o !hat inspired you to do this pink theme for the 7( sho!$?

?I lo)ed pink since I !as a child. nd I s!ore to myself that I !ill usepink in my 3rst sho!case and in my most important one.? she repliedkeeping her cool.

?1our 3rst fashion sho! !as t!o years ago. (o this is the mostimportant one then$? asked another reporter.

"i#any nodded. ?(o !hen they called me and &essica &ung, !e decidedon pink immediately.? she added.

fe! more :uestions !ere asked until "i#any e5cused herself. (he !ashalf running !hen she arri)ed back stage.

"he blonde turned her head to (ee "i#any. ?&ee9, "i# 8here !ereyou$?


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?I>m sorry? she bo!ed her head to &essica and to the models. (he !entstraight to her best friend. ?I>m sorry reporters outside literallyambushed me.?

?/kay. &ust go do your ob. (hoo.? &essica smiled. ?1ou look hot, girl?

"he red head laughed. ?1ou too. I>m gonna look for 0rian 3rst.?

?Listen e)eryone,? she clapped her hands to get attention. 4)eryoneturned to her. ?4)eryone>s out there to see you. (o gi)e them one hell of a sho!? she shouted as she e5cused herself.

"i#any !as about to enter the 7IP room !hen someone gripped herhands. ?Hey beautiful.?

0rian !as !earing a pair of sil)er coat and slacks, matched !ith a blue

necktie and black shoes. ?nd you are stunning, *r. (ong.? "i#anykissed 0rian>s cheek.

?"hank you. "his is for you.? he handed her a bou:uet of pink roses.?"hey are beautiful but sorry, they don>t compare to you.? he beamed.

?%heesy.? she smelled the roses.

?I kno! you>re busy so I>ll head back to my seat no!. ;ood luck. *akeme more proud (teph.?


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"i#any !ent inside the room to meet the ;irl>s ;eneration members.

?1ou guys ready$? she asked as she shook each member>s hands. ?8ho!ould>)e imagined$ 1ou guys are goddesses in person.?

"he girls chuckled. ?1es !e are ready.?

"i#any clapped her hands. ?/kay then Let>s go and break a leg?

"he sho! started smoothly. "he models looked great !ith "i#any and &essica>s designs. "he audiences !ere da9ed !ith the sho!. 6ans !ereecstatic !hen the members of ;irl>s ;eneration !alked do!n the ramp!hile singing their hits like ;ee, "ell me your !ish and Dancing Fueen.

"he !hole e)ents place !as 3lled !ith applause and shouts of

amusement !hen "i#any and &essica stepped into the stage together!ith the 7ictoria>s (ecret bosses. "hey bo!ed and said their than# you$s to e)eryone. 8hen "i#any met 0rian>s eyes, her boyfriendmouthed ?;ood ob? and lift his t!o thumbs up. "he red head smiled athim.

"he last of the models !a)ed goodbye at "i#any, 0rian and &essica. "hethree muttered their goodbyes as !ell.

?Hey. I gotta go too.? &essica patted both of her friends’ hands. ?ndcongratulations to you both.?


26/573

?"hanks &ess.? both "i#any and 0rian @ushed.

?1ou are cute? "he blonde chuckled. ?(ee you lo)e birds.?

"i#any looked at the empty stage for a couple of minutes.

?8hat>s !rong$ 0rian asked.

?I>m ust'? she looked at 0rian. ?Happy. Did you see our designs$ "heylooked, !o!.?

?1es babe. 1ou and &essica are great designers.? he kissed his girlfriend>sforehead. ?(o !hat>s ne5t for you$?

?I don>t kno!.?

?I ha)e an idea. 8hy don>t you get busy !ith our !edding$ "hat!ouldn>t be so bad right$?

"i#any pinched 0rian’s nose. ?%le)er.?

0rian laughed and "i#any earned another kiss on her forehead. “Let’sgo$ Do you !anna celebrate !ith me 3rst$”


27/573

“8hat are !e gonna do$”

“4at”

“Let’s go then.” (he smiled.

......

“"his is crap, pure crap "i#any.” &essica grumbled. “1ou look like a fourhundred'year'old bride. Look at these ruGes /h come on. 4)en youthink this is ugly.”

“8ell yeah. Hmm.” "i#any turned around in front of the mirror to look ather bridal go!n. “It does look old.”

“(ee$ Please undress that. Bgh.” (he groaned.

“I s!ore myself not to make my o!n go!n.” "he future bride replied.


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“8hat am I doing here$ Don’t I look like a designer to you$ nd "am your best friend for crying out loud”

“


29/573

“8hat$ It’s true” the blonde laughed too. “%ome let’s grab co#ee.”

......

“(o, !ho’s planning your !edding$” &essica put her co#ee cup on thetable.

“7ictoria unnie. /ur senior at Hongik B.” responded the girl behind thepapers she !as reading.

“/h.”

“8hat, you don’t like her too$”

“/h no. (he’s great. I’)e seen !eddings she planned. "hey !ere good.”(he rubbed her chin. &essica !anted to ask "i#any about somethingshe’s been keeping for a long time. 0ut she couldn’t. (he’s afraid shemight ruin her friend’s a!aited moment.


30/573

"i#any stood up to ans!er her phone. “It’s 3ne. &essi didn’t appro)e. 1eah. (he said she’ll make my go!n. /kay bye, I lo)e you too.”

“0rian. He asked about the go!n. He kne! you !ouldn’t agree !ith theidea.” (he said as she took her seat.

“8hich, you should also assumed.” "he other girl s:uint her eyes.

“I’m sorry.”

......

"!o months ha)e passed and the preparation for the !edding !as goingpretty !ell. "i#any lo)ed the go!n her best friend designed ust for herand 0rian’s suit matched !ith hers.

"hey ha)e disseminated the in)itations to their families and friends.(ome celebrities, businessmen and !omen !ere also in)ited. "hecountry has been anticipating for the !edding of the year. It !as abeach !edding in &eu. "he )isitors !ere asked to !ear anything !hiteand pink during the !edding. "he colours !ere the couple’s fa)ourite. &essica !ill be the bride’s maid !hile ndre!, 0rian’s best friend !ill bethe best man. "i#any’s nephe! !ill be the ring bearer and 0rian’snieces are the @o!er girls.


31/573

Parents of both parties together !ith their relati)es are )ery happy ande5cited about the marriage.

“"i#any 1ou are indeed the most glorious bride to be” the old !omanembraced the shy girl.

“"hank you, umma.” "i#any embraced back. (he looked around thee5pensi)e restaurant to look for her groom to be. “Bhh, !here is 0rian$”

“He called a !hile ago. He’ll be late. He said !e should eat 3rst.”

“/kay umma.” (he mumbled. (he sa! *r. (ong approaching them.“Hello, appa.” (he reached the old man for a hug.

*r. (ong hugged her back. “Hello (tephanie. %ome oin us. 1our father isinside.”

"he three adults !alked their !ay to!ards the pri)ate room they paidfor the day. “Hi Daddy” "i#any shouted from the door.

“Hello princess.” *r. H!ang stood up. He kissed his daughters cheek!hen "i#any !ent close to him. “Let’s eat$”

"he red head nodded and all of them took their seats.


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'''

&anuary , JK

“Top Designer Stephanie Hwang and Business Mogul

Brian Song Finally Decided to Tie the Ropes.”

“fter four years of steady going relationship, (ong and H!angannounced that they’ll be getting married. "he date of the big e)ent ison *arch this year


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“Daddy.” "i#any tugged his father’s slee)es.

“0ut I am really happy. 0ecause the person !ho stole my baby’s heart iscertainly a prince. 0rian is a good man. I’)e al!ays !anted to ha)e ason, and no! ;od has gi)en me one.”

“8e also found a daughter in "i#any, +obert.” "he (ong couple replied.

+ing +ing +ing

"i#any got startled !hen her phone rang. “1es$”

(he stood there at her father’s side shaken. (he couldn’t speak. (hecouldn’t feel. Her heart stopped beating and her !orld stopped turning.

"he unkno!n caller must’)e dropped an anchor that crushed her mindand heart. (he once again felt a familiar feeling that almost killed herfour years ago. nd no! "i#any’s once again broken.

%hapter I7

!gain


34/573

“-//////” "i#any shouted !hich surprised the guests. (he droppedher phone and she cried like a little girl.

“(tephanie, !hat happened$” *rs. (ong asked !orriedly as she !entbeside "i#any.

“Bmma. 0rian, he'” she !ept.

......

“6ound *r. 0rian (ong inside his car unresponsi)e. His car olted intoanother car along the high!ay. He is tachypneic and breathing hasbecome shallo!. 6ound bruises and lacerations on his face, arms andlegs. %er)ical collar and o5ygen !as gi)en. -o further inter)entions

!ere applied.” "he paramedic announced !hile he took 0rian inside theemergency room.

“8e’ll take him from here.” "he doctor took 0rian’s assessment data.


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0rian !as taken inside one of the trauma rooms. He !as gi)en 3rst linetreatment until he !as transferred to the intensi)e care unit. &ust thenthe H!angs and the (ongs arri)ed.

“1ou are the relati)es$” asked the nurse.

“1es, yes. 8e are.” "i#any tried catching her breath.

“6ollo! me then maam, sir.”

“Dr. Im,” the nurse called the !oman in scrubs. “"hese are *r. (ong’srelati)es.”

"he doctor turned around to meet them. “"hank you.”

"he nurse bo!ed and left.

“Ho! is he$” *rs. (ong asked, tears brimming from her eyes.

“He is no! stable. 7itals are okay. 8e treated and dressed all his!ounds, ga)e o5ygen, @uids to replace the blood loss and meds toreduce in@ammation especially in his brain and antibiotics to a)oid

infection.” (he paused, looked through the glass door of the I%B. “0uthe’s not conscious yet. 8e still ha)e to !ait until then.”

“/h, thank ;od. "hank you, doctor.” "he old couple said in unison.


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“Don’t mention it. Do you ha)e any more :uestions$”

“I think !e’re 3ne.” "i#any responded, @atly.

“/kay then. I’ll go ahead and check my other patients. 0ut please if youneed anything, call for me. 1ou can ask for me from the nurses.” Dr. Imtried to smile softly.

*r. H!ang nodded and the doctor took her !ay out. "i#any !as stillshocked from the accident. (he !ent near the glass and peered throughto see his boyfriend attached to a beeping machine, to an o5ygensupply and a lot of other contraptions. “0aby.” (he cried as she leanedher hand on the door.

“*iss$ 1ou can use these if you !ant to go near him.” "he nurse o#ereda hospital go!n, a mask and a cap.

"i#any smiled and took the garments. (he slid the glass door andentered the isolated room. He took 0rian’s hands and kissed them. “Hi.”(he greeted him bitterly. “1ou only said you’re gonna be late. 1ou ne)ertold us th'that you’ll get into trouble. Look at you.” (he looked at thesleeping man from head to toe. “1ou look bad, really bad. Please !akeup.”

(he started !eeping. “"he doctor said you’re stable. (o !ake up.Please$”

"i#any stayed beside her 3anc2 for the ne5t t!enty or thirty minutes.(he doesn’t kno!. (he doesn’t care.


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“*a’am$ I’m sorry but you ha)e to go. s much as I !ant to let youstay, the hospital only allo!s thirty minutes of )isit inside the I%B.” "henurse patted "i#any’s shoulder.

“/h. +ight. /f course. I’ll ust'” "i#any pointed at 0rian.

“/h sure, ma’am.”

“0abe, I ha)e to go no!. I’ll see you tomorro!. I’ll stay outside though.”

"i#any !ent to the I%B e)ery day for three days. (he didn’t lea)e herboyfriend alone. (he suspended all her upcoming proects to focus on0rian. If she’s not allo!ed inside, she’d stay behind the glass door,!aiting for him to !ake up.

/n the fourth day, "i#any told 0rian ho! their li)es changed !hen hegot into the accident. (he !as into her stories !hen she heard a knockfrom the door. “/ops, it’s time. I ha)e to'”

"he machine started beeping frantically. (he doesn’t kno! !hat !ashappening but she’s sure the situation has gone bad. (he stayed rootedin her spot !ith the lights and beeps clouded her mind.

?%ode blue %ode blue? a male nurse called out from behind. "hreedoctors and three other nurses came rushing in. "he female nurseopened the dra!ers of the small cabinet near the !indo! and took outtubes and ampules of medicines "i#any couldn>t recogni9e.


38/573

(he sa! them put on glo)es. nother nurse opened the !rapping of thetube and ga)e it to the doctor on the upper part of the bed. He tiltedbrian>s head back!ards and inserted the tube. It !as traumati9ing forher. 0ut she couldn>t mo)e her feet.

?In? the doctor shouted. He connected the tube to a bag, !hich thenurse pressed. 0rian>s chest rises !ith e)ery press and falls uponrelease. nother doctor listened to his chest and raises his thumb. "henurse continued pressing.

“Push one of epi.” "he head doctor ordered. nd the nurse ga)e a li:uid

medication through 0rian’s I7 line.

“/ne epi, gi)en”

"i#any felt someone pulled her out of the room. (he !anted to stay but

she has no strength to 3ght back. It felt like fore)er !hen the nursespulled the curtains together.

........

?He is no! again stable. 8e don>t kno! !hat happened. His !hole body%" and *+I scans !ere both clear but e)ery organ in his body started tofail.? Dr. Im e5plained.

?(o !hat are you saying$? *rs. (ong>s )oice started to rise.


39/573

?*a’am calm do!n.” Dr. Im shook her head. “8e )ery are sorry. 8e didour best but !e don>t kno! !hat !e are dealing !ith.?

?('so !hat a'are you planning to do$? "i#any>s )oice shaken.

?I ha)e an idea. 0ut it re:uires him to be transferred to the B(.? shelooked at the bemused relati)es. ?I personally kno! a doctor in%alifornia. (he’s kno!n o)er the states and she !as trained under thebest internal medicine physicians. I think she could help.?

?8e !ill see her. 8e !ill do !hate)er is needed.? *r. (ong respondedinstantly.

"he doctor nodded. (he !rote something on the piece of paper andhanded it to them. ?"his is the hospital in (an 6rancisco. I !ill endorsee)erything to them. &ust take 0rian there.?

?Look for Dr. 4rica Eim. (he>s the only Eorean senior resident physicianthere. 1ou>ll 3nd her easily.?

%hapter 7


40/573

Whatever it ta#es

?4)erything>s okay no! ma’am. "he patient’s been transferred to ourI%B. 8e>ll ust !ait for your physician, !ho is$?

?Hm. 8e are here for Dr. 4rika Eim.? "i#any replied.

.......

(he sipped her fourth co#ee that morning. ?"he nurse paged me. "hepatient has arri)ed and prepped in the I%B.?

?re you sure about this "aeng$ It>s "i#any. (he might reect your o#er.? "he other doctor asked.

?I>m hopeful.?


41/573

?1ou left her, in the middle of the day. t your fa)ourite restaurant.? shepointed out each detail. ?1ou basically broke e)ery piece of her heart.?

?1es, and I'? "aeyeon put her co#ee aside. (he leaned for!ard. ?Look(oonkyu, this is the least I could do. I brought her pain. "he guy tookthat pain a!ay. nd no! she>s in that position again. %an>t I at leasthelp$?

?8hat if he dies$ 1ou>ll be the one to blame Her anger !ill escalateagain. nd oh, don>t call me (oonkyu, not here. -ot e)er again.? Dr. Lee(unny rolled her eyes !hile leaning her back against the chair. ?1ou>re

still in lo)e !ith her, aren>t you$?

"aeyeon drank the last of her co#ee and hurried out. ?;otta go. I ha)e apatient to treat. ;o back to your hospital.?

?"aeyeon ns!er me? the latter dismissed her and !ent out the cafe.?Bgh. 6rustrating?

.......

"aeyeon entered the I%B room !here 0rian !as con3ned. (he read thepatient>s history, assessments, diagnostic and lab procedures, progressnotes and doctor>s orders. (he also assessed the patient herself. (he

couldn>t 3nd any reason !hy 0rian>s body>s failing. ?"his is !ay morecomplicated than I thought.? she sighed. "he doctor looked at thepatient gently. ?1ou look better than the pictures. 1ou seem like a niceguy. -o !onder "i#any fell for you. 8hat is she like !ith you$ Hm$ Isshe still s!eet and bubbly$ Did you change her$?


42/573

?1ou shouldn>t do this to her. (he>s happy !ith you. 1ou should !ake upand get through this. I>ll help you. Let>s make her happier okay$? shestood up and !ent to the nurses> station to order a %" and an *+I scanand blood tests. (he doesn>t !ant to miss anything.

?"he relati)es are in your oAce Dr. Eim.? the Eorean intern informed heras she read the orders gi)en to them.

?"hank you, Dr. E!on.?

1uri smiled at her. ?-o problem doctor.?

......

(he inhaled deeply before she opened the door. (he doesn>t kno! !hatto say or !hat to do in front of "i#any. (he last sa! the girl four years

ago. nd the last memory she has !ith her !as the drama they causedat "ony>s.

?;ood afternoon *r and *rs (ong.? she greeted the couple once she saton her chair. (he has light bro!n hair at breast’s length. (he !ore a nicedress co)ered !ith her !hite coat. name !as embroidered on thepocket on her chestM 4rica Eim, *D. (he holds her o!n copy of 0rian>schart. (he hesitated at 3rst but she obliged to look at "i#any. ?nd to

you, too.?

"i#any didn>t reply. (he sat there, mouth agape and eyes !ide.


43/573

"aeyeon cleared her throat. ?I am Dr. 4rica Eim. 0ut you can call me "aeyeon.? she spoke !ith her nati)e &eonu accent. (he stood up againand bo!ed to the old couple.

?Please take your seat, "aeyeon. nd thank you so much.? the older!oman interected.

?;lad to help, *rs. (ong.? the doctor smiled. (he opened the folder she!as holding. (he e5plained !hat each test mean, the inter)entionsgi)en to 0rian and ho! complicated the case has gotten. ?Honestly, Idon>t kno! !hat this is. nd I need more time to 3gure things out.

Please bear !ith me.?

?1ou can get all the time. &ust help him.? *r (ong begs. ?+ight,(tephanie$? he ga9ed at the silent girl.

?1'yes of course. Please, "ae' Dr. 4rica.? "i#any almost choked at thesound of "aeyeon’s name.

"he couple stood up and e5cused themsel)es. ?8e ha)e to go 3rst= !e!ill ust 35 our things. If you ha)e updates, ust tell it to our daughter'in'la!, "i#any. 8e !ill return immediately.?

?1es ma>am, sir. "ake care.?

*r and *rs (ong left the room. "aeyeon and "i#any couldn>t mo)e orsay a !ord. It !as a!k!ard for them both.


44/573

"i#any sni#ed and snee9ed. (he co)ered her nose and looked for ahandkerchief inside her purse. (he didn>t 3nd any. "aeyeon noticed. (hetook out a bo5 of tissue and ga)e it to the other girl. "he red headbo!ed a bit. (he took t!o pieces and patted her nose !ith them.

?1ou kne! he !as my 3anc2$? she straightfor!ardly asked the girlacross her.

"aeyeon !as shocked by the sudden :uestion. ?I didn>t, at 3rst. 8hen 1oona asked me to help her !ith a patient, I immediately said yes.? shetook a breath. ?nd then she said it !as 0rian (ong, the businessman. I

asked her if he has a !ife. (he ans!ered he>ll get married to you. I!anted to back out. 0ut I couldn>t ust say no !hen I already told heryes. nd I !anted to help too.?

?h, okay.?

"aeyeon a!k!ardly 3ddled her 3ngers. ?(o uh, ho! are you$ 8ith all of

these$ 8ith me as his primary consultant$?

?"aeyeon, don>t. 8e>re not friends. &ust do !hat you ha)e to do. I don>tcare about !hoe)er treats him, as long as he>s 3ne and as long as he>sgot to li)e. nd I don>t gi)e a damn e)en if it !as you.?

"he things !hich came from "i#any>s mouth left "aeyeon !ith no !ordsto say. (he kind of e5pected to hear harsh !ords from her e5'girlfriendbut surprisingly, to hear it from the "i#any she used to kno! !as morehurtful.

?nd can I ask you a fa)or$? "i#any intensely stared at her.


45/573

?8hat is it$? the !ide eyed girl replied.

?%ould you not fail me this time$ I beseech you.? "i#any didn>t !ait for "aeyeon to ans!er. (he stood up, took her purse and olted out of theroom. Her heart !as beating rapidly. (he couldn>t contain her angeragainst "aeyeon. 4)ery memory, e)ery bit of the broken feeling cameback !ith ust one look at her e5. (he started crying as she !alkedalong the hospital>s corridor. Ti*, you+re not crying over her again. -top your tears

/n the other hand, "aeyeon s!allo!ed a big lump in her throat. tearescaped her eye. (he !iped it !ith the back of her hand. (he could seethe anger in "i#any>s eyes. (he couldn>t blame her though. 8hat shedid to her !as unforgi)able. It !as the !orst.

'''

Somewhere between June and July of 2009

?0eep "his is Eim "aeyeon. I am busy right no!. Please lea)e yourmessage I>ll call you back. 0eep?

?"aeyeon'ah. 8hat !ent !rong$ Don>t you lo)e me anymore$ Did I saysomething that might hurt you$ Did I do something bad$ Please talk tome.? the sobbing girl from the other line appealed.


46/573

"aeyeon cried hard !hile preparing her things. (he looked at the planeticket stuck inside her passport.

Incheon-Los Angeles, July 2, 2009

(he sat on the edge of the bed, !eeping.

nother fe! rings came from her phone. "he nineteenth call !astransferred to another )oicemail.

?Please ust talk to me. I lo)e you. 8e>re going to get through this, Ikno!. I>ll !ait. t the same place on the same time, e)eryday "aetae,e)ery single day. %all me$?

(he started crying harder at her lo)e>s pleading. It breaks her heart tocause "i#any so much pain.

......

?"aeyeon'ah, !e>ll be lea)ing in a fe! hours. 8ake up no! Prepareyourself. 1ou don>t !anna be late.? her mother shouted from the 3rst@oor of their house. "aeyeon !as a!ake. (he !as in her room upstairs. "he digital clock read NM *. (he stared at the blinking numbers for;od kno!s ho! long. 0lack circles surrounded her eyes. (he barelyslept. (he didn>t mo)e until it !as ten. (he took a bath, put on her eansand shirt and ate one fourth of her meal.


47/573

?Bmma, I ust need to go some!here. I>ll meet you at the airport. I !on>tbe late. I promise.? she hastily grabbed a cab outside their gate.

"i#any !as !earing a pink top and ragged pair of eans. (he lookedtired and sleepy. 8ith nothing else to do, she ust played !ith the bagelshe ordered. (he didn>t e)en touch her co#ee.

-he has never been lifeless before. "aeyeon thought at the sight of here5 from across the street. (top !aiting for me, 6any'ah. It>s been days.nd once I board the plane, it>ll be years.

(he !atched at the tired looking girl for a fe! more minutes before shedecided to lea)e. (he closed her eyes hoping it>ll stop her from cryingagain.

'''

"aeyeon had her nth co#ee for the night. Her head’s hurting. (he read3)e books to look for an ans!er. (he couldn’t 3nd a treatment, let alonethe reason of 0rian’s situation.

“Bgh %ome on. ;i)e me the ans!er” her notes @e! on the ground!hen she leaned her upper body on her table. (he snee9ed.

“/h shi'” she ran out and looked for "i#any.


48/573

......

"i#any !as sitting ne5t to 0rian. (he !as crying hard. “I sa! "aeyeontoday. (he’ll be your doctor. 8as I !rong to !alk out on her like that$0ut I !as angry.”

“"he day you sa! me at "ony’s, I !as crying for her. (he’s the reason!hy I !as so hurt before. If you’re here, !hat !ill you do to her$” shesni#ed. “(he looks good though. (he’s prettier no'.” The hell " was

tal#ing about(

“I kno! you’ll get mad if you kne! I did that. I’ll ust say sorry. I missyou.”

......

"aeyeon came running to!ards the door.

“"i#any”

“8hat$”

“I ha)e a :uestion.” (he sat facing the girl. “0efore he got into theaccident, had he had colds$”


49/573

"i#any paused for a thought. “I'I think so$ 8hy$”

“Did he take any medications$”

“He has pills.”

“8hat pills$”

“cy'acy'” she shook her head. “I don’t kno!.”

“cyclo)ir. "hat’s it I think I kno! !hat happened.” (he took "i#any’shands. “6any'ah, I think I kno!.”

"i#any felt familiar !armth !ith the name she didn’t hear for four years.

(he conceded at the slight tug from "aeyeon.

......

"he (ongs together !ith "i#any sat around "aeyeon. "he doctor clearedher throat. “0rian has a history of colds. -oone kne!. He has been

taking cyclo)ir, an anti)iral. It can be to5ic to the kidneys'”

“8hat are you talking about$” *r (ong interrupted.


50/573

"aeyeon inhaled deeply. “Due to the accident, his kidneys !ere inuredand on great stress plus the cyclo)ir he took and the medicationsgi)en to him at the hospital. "hey o)er!orked that’s !hy they failed. "he failure of the kidneys caused the failure of the other organs.”

“8hy didn’t they kno! back in Eorea$ 8hy did all of you ga)e him moremedicines !hen you kno! his kidneys are stressed$” anger from *rs.(ong escalated.

“He needs the meds, ma’am. nd, like I said, no one could e5pect thereason for this mess.” (he looked at the couple !ith remorse. “I’ll be

gi)ing him a medicine that could help. 0ut his anti)iral induced kidneyfailure has been !ay too long, so I’m not sure if it could help.”

“/kay. Please do.” "he old man mouthed !hile consoling her !ife.

'''

“*eds !ere gi)en. 8e’ll ust ha)e to !ait. (o, co#ee$” "aeyeon handed "i#any a cup of bro!n co#ee. "hey !ere sitting on the seats across theI%B rooms.

“"hanks.”

“"!o interns ga)e me co#ee. "hey’re kissing my ass.” (he chuckled.


51/573

"i#any smiled a bit. “


52/573

“I !ant him to li)e, "aeyeon'ah.” "ears started to fall from her tiredeyes. "i#any leaned o)er "aeyeon’s shoulder.

“(sh. I kno!. 8e all !ant that.” "aeyeon rubbed the red head’s back incircular motion. (he felt a pang of ealousy to see ho! "i#any cared for0rian. 0ut she dismissed the feeling and ust soothed "i#any. In thatmoment, all she cared about !as "i#any.

(he !anted to let go but she couldn’t. "i#any missed ha)ing the

comfort the other girl gi)es her. Brian, don$t get jealous, alright( We$re just two people who used to #now each other.

“Bhm, Dr. Eim$” a tan girl in scrubs called from behind.

"he t!o instantly let go of each other. "i#any 35ed her face and "aeyeon straighten up. “1es$” she raised her head.

“%an you see a patient in room at !est !ing$”

"aeyeon stood up. “"i#any, I ha)e to go. If you need anything, thenurses are right here.”

(he took t!o steps and looked back at the sitting girl. “re you going tobe okay$”

"i#any smiled. “;o. (ee the patient. I’m okay.”


53/573

"he other girl creased her forehead. “(ure$ s in really sure$ I can stay,you kno!.”

“"aeyeon.”

“/kay, okay. I’ll go.”

"i#any couldn’t help but smile as she !atched the disappearing girl.(he sighed loudly as she reali9ed she lost the battle against herself. (he3nally admitted she missed the petite girl.

'''

Enock. Enock. Enock. -o response. 8ith a co#ee on her left hand, shegently opened the door !ith her right. “"aeyeon$”

“"he nurse said she’s here.” "i#any mumbled. (he pouted at the co#eeshe !as holding. “Hey co#ee, I think you’ll stay here alone.”

(he placed the cup on "aeyeon’s table and left. "he door from the !ashroom and opened and "aeyeon came out. (he creased her bro!s on thecup on her table. “"hose interns.”


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(he !as about to thro! the plastic cup !hen she sa! the small noteaA5ed on it. (he unkno!ingly smiled.

“(orry. nd thank you.

".”

%hapter 7I

To /esitate

?7itals are doing !ell. 0lood tests that shot up before are no! slo!lygoing do!n.? "aeyeon smiled.

?(o, you>re saying, he>s getting better$? "i#any in:uired.

?8ell, that>s the plan.?

"he old couple !ho ha)en>t smiled for t!o !eeks beamed.

?8e>ll continue the treatment, !atch out for his delicate organs andmonitor his progress. 4)ery day.? "he doctor ga)e a reassuring look to0rian>s lo)ed one.

"he couple hugged "aeyeon. 8hile "i#any, !ho>s standing behind them,


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smiled at "aeyeon, the smile "aeyeon missed the most. (he could seethe sincerity behind those tired eyes. (he smiled back.

fter the short hug, *r (ong turned to "i#any. ?8e !ill head home 3rst.(tay !ith him tonight, (tephanie.?

?/f course, appa.?

"i#any and "aeyeon !ere left alone in "aeyeon>s oAce. "he red headsti@ed a ya!n before standing up.

?8here are you going$? sked the sitting girl.

?/ut. I>ll !atch o)er 0ry.? "i#any ans!ered tiredly as she reached for thedoor knob.

"aeyeon hurriedly stood up and blocked the door. ?-o. 1ou>re staying.?

"heir faces !ere ust t!o inches a!ay. "i#any could feel the !armth of "aeyeon>s breath on her right cheek. 0lood came rushing up in her face!hich made her blush. ?8hy$?

?0ecause I !anted to.? "aeyeon>s breathing became ragged !hen she

sa! "i#any blushing. (he looked at the other girl>s forehead, do!n hernose, her slightly opened lips and up to her eyes.

"i#any turned around as soon as "aeyeon met her ga9e. ?-oone>s gonnalook after my boyfriend.?

?"he nurses are out there, ust across 0rian>s room. I told them tospeci3cally call me !hen something>s up.? "aeyeon opened therefrigerator and took out a glass of milk. ?Look at you. 1ou>)e lost!eight. 1ou ha)en>t had a nice rest. Here, drink.?

?*ilk$?

?1es. nd here, eat this.? "aeyeon ga)e "i#any a lunchbo5 !ith rice andmi5ed )egetables inside. ?1ou ha)e to eat real food 6any'ah.?

"i#any took the bo5. Deep inside, she>s grati3ed by "aeyeon>s care for


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her, after all these years they>)e been apart. ?"hanks.?

?fter you eat, sleep here in the couch.? "aeyeon said more of an orderthan an o#er. (he laid a blanket and a pillo!, setting her stu#ed peaaside. ?I>ll ust make rounds on my patients. I>ll be back and I e5pect to

see you here.?

"i#any could only stare at "aeyeon. 0ut her hearts s!elling !ithappreciation.

?4at. -o!.? "he doctor pointed at the lunchbo5. (he put her coat on andhead out.

"i#any !as surprised that she !as really hungry. (he emptied the glassand the lunchbo5. /pening her bag, she took out her toothbrush and!ent inside "aeyeon>s !ash room.

fter cleaning herself up, she snuggled on the couch "aeyeon preparedfor her. 6i5ing her position, she accidentally laid her eyes on the peas!ith eyes looking back at her. ? respected physician, and this$(eriously$? (he unconsciously smiled. fe! minutes passed and shedo9ed o#.

'''JO

?1ay 8e !on? "aeyeon shouted !hile doing !eird dances. 6or the pastt!o hours, they>)e been playing games at the amusement park.

"i#any laughed at the shorter girl>s dorkiness. ?"aetae, people arelooking at us.?

?I !ant the peas 6any'ah "he peas?

?0ut I !ant the pink one.?

"he other girl pouted. “0ut the peas$”


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"i#any took the stu#ed toy and ga)e it to "aeyeon. “7ery mature of youEim "aeyeon.”

'''

“Dr. E!on, ho!’s *rs +obins$”

“(he’s been doing !ell. Her appetite’s increased and she passed a stool3)e hours ago.” "he tan intern ans!ered.

“;ood. nd ho! about you$”

“Doctor$”

“1ou’re not focused. Did something happen$” "aeyeon asked in Eorean.

“&ust had more co#ees than usual, I guess.” Dr. E!on 1uri shook herhead and hands.

“/kay. (o that’s the last for tonight.” "he shorter doctor smiled. (he

handed the pile of patient’s charts on 1uri. “+est.”

“"hank you.”


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'''

"aeyeon sa! no one inside her oAce !hen she opened the door. “8hatshould I e5pect$” she mumbled. /bli)ious of the girl sleeping soundlyon the couch, she took out her coat and lied on the @oor. “7ery tiring”

"i#any mo)ed a bit and "aeyeon heard it. !ide smile has sho!n onher face upon seeing the red head sleeping. "aeyeon cra!led near thecouch. (he knelt in front of the sleeping girl’s face. %ou got prettier. "can say even if you loo# tired.

(he inched her face closer to "i#any’s. nd the latter slo!ly opened hereyes. "i#any’s eyes !idened !hen she sa! "aeyeon’s face near hers.

"he shorter girl scooted instantly and cleared her throat. “I !as ust' I!as ust about to !ake you up.”

"he surprised "i#any s!allo!ed and decided to stand up. “ny!ay,thank you for the food and the couch. I’ll ust, uh )isit 0rian.”

“(ure. (ure. ;o on.”

"aeyeon grunted !hen the door closed. What the hell was that(


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'''

“0rian (ong. It’s been a month 8e both kno! the prognosis !eeks agoand you didn’t e)en tell the family about it$ 0rian’s not there anymore 1ou kno! that” the older doctor e5claimed.

“0ut'”

“/nce those machines !ere disconnected from him, he’ll die.”

“I kno! Dr. nderson. 0ut !e are hopeful.” (he e5plained ner)ously.

“Do you see this$” Dr. nderson thre! the electroencephalogrampapers on "aeyeon’s face. “6lat -o brain acti)ity for a month ndyou’re still hopeful$”

“


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“8here is the 4rica I kno!$ 1ou’re not his friend. 1ou are his doctor forPete’s sake. 6i5 this.” "he head physician eyed "aeyeon. “/r you are o#the case. nd frankly you may lose your ob.”

“1es, sir.” (he sighed.

'''

8ith no one to talk to, "aeyeon !ent straight to the cafeteria. (heordered a cup of co#ee and a pack of %aesar’s salad. (he looked for anempty seat. -e)er in her life has she fought for a patient. (he barelykne! the man. 0ut because of "i#any, she risked her ob and her career.

“Hi doctor. (eat taken$” 1uri smiled.

“”-o, no. "ake a seat.” (he gestured at the chair beside her. “I need totell 0rian (ong’s family about his prognosis.”

“-ot good, eh$”

“-o.” she fro!ned.

“We have to do what we gotta do. "hat’s !hat you told us, a thousandtimes. (o, !hat do you got to do$”


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“I don’t kno!, 1uri.”

“If he’s someone you don’t kno!, !hat !ould you do$”

“"ell them.”

“45actly.” "he intern drank her apple uice.

"aeyeon and 1uri !ere talking about med school, career andspeciali9ation !hen "aeyeon noticed a red haired girl paying at thecashier. 6or a month, they’)e become more comfortable !ith eachother. "hey started talking casually and they started oking around.

"i#any e)en introduced her to 0rian during a )isit to the I%B. "aeyeonsa! ho! "i#any lo)ed the man. It hurt her. 0ut she !as 3ne !ith that,as long as she has "i#any again in her life. 0ut ho! !ould she ruin agood start !ith a bad ne!s$

"i#any looked around for a seat. (he caught sight of the short doctorand !as about to go to her !hen she sa! "aeyeon talking animatedly!ith another doctor she !as familiar !ith. (he !as a bit disappointed

but dismissed it. 6inding an empty table, she rushed to!ards it andacted like she didn’t see "aeyeon at all. Bpon seating, she couldn’t helpbut side glance at the t!o girls. (he opened her meal and startedche!ing. "hen she felt a pull on her hair.

“Hey.” "he bro!n haired girl sat ne5t to her. “1ou didn’t see me$”


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“Hi. Huh$ 8here !ere you$” "i#any lied.

"aeyeon chuckled a bit !hen she recogni9ed "i#any’s look. (he kne!then that the other girl !as lying. “I !as !ith 1uri.” (he pointed at thetan intern. "he latter !a)ed her hand to them.

“8hy are you here$”

“1ou’re alone. "hat’s unhealthy.”

“1ou’re the boss no!$” "i#any mocked.

"aeyeon laughed. “/kay, okay. (hould I lea)e no!$”

“;o on.”

“1ou’re supposed to say no.” "he doctor pouted.

“ct your age.” "i#any sho)ed a slice of bread in "aeyeon’s mouth. 6orthe both of them, it felt familiarly comfortable. "hey started to gain thefriendship they lost. 0ut "aeyeon !as scared. (he might lose "i#anyagain.

“1ou’re gaining !eight no!. "hat’s good. nd you’re eating more.”


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“8ell, ho! couldn’t I eat !hen a doctor’s al!ays there to bug me$” "i#any che!ed a spoon of rice.

“(he cares.” (he paused. “ll doctors should. -ot only for the patient,but for the family as !ell.”

“/h, come on. 1ou ne)er talked to the relati)es for more than tenminutes.”

“1ou noticed$ /kay, so you’re special.” "aeyeon smiled, !hichimmediately disappeared !hen "i#any a!k!ardly cleared her throat. "aeyeon tried to remember e)ery moment they’re okay. " might missthis.

(he decided to lea)e. “I gotta go. *ore patients and more familymembers.”

“(ure.”

"i#any enoyed "aeyeon’s company. 0ut it !as 0rian !ho stops her fromenoying. It felt like cheating, she reasoned. Why does it feel li#echeating when we don$t do anything bad( 0o, the one " love is Brian.

This is not cheating.

phone ring snapped her out of her da9e. “Hello, &essi$”

“4rica Eim.”


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“8hat about her$”

“(he is "aeyeon.”

“


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“1ou don’t say'”

“&essica &ung. (top. Don’t e)en get there.” "i#any interrupted.

“0ut'”

“I ha)e to go. "alk to you later.” (he pressed the cancel button on herphone. 0o, that can$t be right.

111

(unny passed an ampule of nalbuphine, an analgesic to the slopeddoctor in front of her. “(hould I administer this to you$”

"he other girl nodded.

“(top o)erthinking. E!on and nderson are right. 1ou are a doctor. "heydeser)e to kno! the truth.” (unny e5plained. (he opened the ampule,aspirated the medicine !ith a syringe and inected through "aeyeon’sdeltoid.

"aeyeon hissed !hen she felt the inection. “I’m hopeful about this one,(unny.”


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“0ecause he has a chance or because of "i#any$” the short haireddoctor pulled the syringe. “I kno! you "aeng.” (he added.

“/kay, okay. I can’t hurt her anymore. (he’s been through a lot.”

“1ou can ne)er decide on !ho’s gonna li)e and !ho’s gonna die. 1ou’reno ;od. 8e all ha)e limitations. 4)en you.”

“"hat’s !hy I told you to back out. 1ou shouldn’t ha)e been on thatcase.”

knock on the door interrupted the talk. “"aeyeon$”

“Hi "i#any” (unny stood and side hugged "i#any. “+emember me$”

“1es of course. Look at you "he t!o of you became doctors. I

remember !hen you talk about med school !ay back in Eorea.” "i#any!armly smiled.

(unny !ent to "aeyeon’s side and !rapped her arms o)er the othergirl’s shoulder. “8e should go out sometimes, grab a meal or !hate)er.”

"aeyeon elbo!ed (unny.

“8hat$” the shorter girl asked.


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“"hat’d be great I’ll bring &essica !hen she gets here.”

“&essica$ 1ou’re o)erly cold and rude friend$” (unny asked. nd she

earned another nudge from "aeyeon.

“!” (unny rubbed her belly. “8ell, any!ay I ha)e to go. (ee youaround "i#any. It’s really nice to see you again.”

(he took her hand bag and !ent out the room.

"aeyeon and "i#any nodded.

“8hat !ere you t!o talking about$” "he read head asked. “8hen Icame in, you suddenly tensed.”

“/h nothing, ust hospital stu#.” "aeyeon ans!ered coolly.

“/kay. 1ou okay$ 1ou look in pain.”

“-ah, ust a headache. -o !orries.”

“Did you take a medicine for that$” "i#any stared at "aeyeon !orriedly.

“1es maam.” (he sho!ed "i#any the shot of nalbuphine she had earlier.“(unny ga)e it to me.”


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“;ood. I don’t !ant to !orry about t!o people at the same time.”

“(o. 8hat brought you here$” "aeyeon discharged !hat "i#any said.

"he latter !as saddened but understood the shorter girl. "t$s theheadache.

"aeyeon !as happy that "i#any still cared for her. 0ut the thought oftelling her about 0rian’s condition clouded her mind plus the headacheshe’s been tolerating. "f it$ll hurt me or hurt her, " better start acting professional. " should e2pect for the worst.

“-othing, I thought maybe you can oin me for dinner before I go home$ppa and umma’s going to look after 0rian tonight. I’ll get home later.Ha)e you eaten yet$”

“I couldn’t go !ith you. I ha)e patients to see.”

“/h. /kay. I'I think I should go no!.”

“(ee you later 6any.” " would love to &any1ah. But " couldn$t enjoy thesemoments with you if " #now "$d hurt you again.

%hapter 7II


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3etting 4o

“I’ll tell it to them sir. I called the family members to talk about this.” "aeyeon !as in Dr. nderson’s oAce again.

“I kno! you !ould do the right thing 4rica. 0ut that’s not the reason Icalled you in here.” "he older doctor took out a stack of papers from hisdra!er, !hich he passed to "aeyeon. “Look into them. Eim, they needorgans. nd they matched !ith your patient.”

"aeyeon couldn’t utter a single !ord !ith her boss’ idea. (he openedthe 3les and scrutini9ed each case. "he patients needed a cornea, aheart, bo!el and ner)es. “0'but'“

“I can tell them if you can’t. "hat’s an easy ob.” Dr. ndersonthreatened.

“I'I’ll do it myself.”

"he head dismissed the younger doctor. "aeyeon !ent out of the room!ith a hea)y heart. Her hopes !ere crushed. "he thought of seeing "i#any happy again has disappeared. “I thought !e could make a ne!start e)en as friends, e)en !ith 0rian around. 8hy$”


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'''

6or the past months, she’s been under great stress. (he has cried a lot.Life has been unfair to her, she al!ays thought. "i#any sat do!n on oneof the benches outside the hospital. (he dangled her feet like a child.(he missed the times !hen she !as the happiest. +eminiscing the oyfulmoments, she thought of 0rian’s proposal. (he tried to reli)e e)erymoment !hen another memory came rushing in. It !as the memoriesshe had !ith "aeyeon.

'''

“6any'ah, sa! this one today and I thought of you.” "aeyeon handed hergirlfriend a pink unicorn. “(o I bought it. I kno! you’ll lo)e it as much asI lo)e the peas you ga)e me.”

“Ho! @u#y” the girl took the stu#ed toy e5citedly. “"hank you.”

“nything for you. I lo)e you 6any'ah.”


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“I lo)e you too "aetae. I am the happiest” she hugged "aeyeon tightly.“I !ill keep this.”

“1ou should” "aeyeon pouted. "i#any kissed her lips.

'''

"i#any opened her eyes and it !as dark. (he grimaced !hen she lookedaround. (he remembered she put the light in the kitchen on before lyingon her couch. fter turning on the lights, she had a glimpse of "aeyeonsitting on a chair !ith a letter on hand.

“8hat’s that$” "i#any asked.

“1ou kno! I’m not a good talker. I stutter, I get ner)ous and I get allblanked out. (o I !rote !hat I !anted to say.” (he cleared her throat,straightened herself and stretched the paper in fron of her. “6any'ah, afe! nights before this night, I couldn’t sleep. I !as thinking !hat to gi)eyou on our 3rst anni)ersary. nd I thought, I ga)e you a lot of materialthings and I’)e surprised you a lot. (o, !hat should I do$”

"i#any stood there and ust looked at "aeyeon :uestioningly.

“nd then, I sa! a piece of paper on my desk. I started !riting. Here itgoesM


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Happy 3rst anni)ersary to the lo)e of my life. I’m sorry I could only o#eryou !ords that my heart holds. 0ut they mean like a lot for me. "heseare the !ords I couldn’t tell you because you tease me about being socheesy.

6any'ah, I may run out of gifts or surprises but this'” she pointed at herchest. “"his !on’t run out of lo)e for you. "i#any, I lo)e you. 4)ery!aking moment of my life, I lo)e you. nd e)ery day, I lo)e you e)enmore Qbecause you made e)ery day a 7alentine’s day. 1ou ne)er askedme !ho you are to me. I’ll ans!er it for you. 1ou are my girlfriend, mybest friend, my lo)e, my heart and my e)erything. nd I’m kinda hopingyou’ll also be my future.” "aeyeon !iped her tears and chuckled softly.“1ou ne)er asked !hat I lo)ed about you. I’ll ust tell it to you then. I

lo)e it !hen you tease me. "rue. I lo)e it !hen you take care of me, Ilo)e your mood s!ings, I lo)e ho! you opened yourself to me, I lo)e!hat you do to me5 you make me happy, you make me cry, you makeme ealous, you make me mad, you make !anna kiss you all day' and6any, I lo)e the !ay you lo)e me. /ur relationship is an accident, !ene)er meant to fall in lo)e but hey, !e did. nd if I die and there’s apart of my life !here I can go back, I !anna go back to the part !hereyou are there.” (he stood up and cupped "i#any’s face. “0ecause that’s!here I became so happy. 1ou are my happiness and I thank ;od e)eryday for gi)ing you to me. Ho! about planning a family of t!o$” "aeyeon

smiled at the girl’s !hose tears are steadily @o!ing.

“/h, "aetae, !hat did I do good to deser)e you$” "i#any kissed "aeyeon. “Happy anni)ersary.”

'''

“"i#any.” "aeyeon sat near the crying girl. “8hat’s !rong$”


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"he other girl looked "aeyeon in the eye. “8hat really !ent !rong "aetae$ 8as it me$”

“8hat are you talking about$” "aeyeon asked. (he felt a familiar surgeof pain and guilt.

“8as it me$ 8hat happened to the family of t!o !e planned$”

“-o, no. Please. Hush no!.”

“I'I ha)e to go.” "i#any stood up and disappeared through the cro!d.

&any1ah, what happened( Why the sudden 6uestions(

'''

(he rushed through the corridors looking for a red head. (he looked atthe cafeteria, at the I%B, at her oAce and at the comfort rooms. 7Whereare you(8

“Dr. Eim” 1uri called out from the nurses’ station.

“1es$ 8hat is it E!on$”


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“*s H!ang is in the lobby. (a! her a !hile ago.”

“"hanks 1uri. I’ll tell Dr. 0lack to let you assist him in his surgery.”

1uri punched the air. “"hanks, doctor”

'''

“"i#any I ha)e something to tell you.” (he said !hile !alking to!ardsthe girl.

“8hat is it$ If it’s about !hat I beha)ed'”

“-o. %ome.” "aeyeon took the other girl’s hand. "i#any relented.

"hey stopped at the glass !indo! of one of the rooms in the medical!ard of the hospital. “drian ickman. J. husband to a 3ne younglady and a father to a pair of beautiful t!ins. His heart’s tremendously

failing. He’s on the transplant list for N months no! and he’s dying. Heneeds a heart.”

“8hat’s'“ before she could 3nish her :uestion, "aeyeon dragged her tothe ne5t room.


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“&esse Harris. N. painter and a musician. (he got into an accident!hich ruined her right hand, her dominant. Her ner)es got burned andno!, she can’t mo)e her hand, the one she uses to play and paint.”

“Helen 8alker. RC. Has bo!el cancer. (he’s a mother of three and agrandmom of t!o. (he still !orks to support her gro!ing family.”

“nd 3nally, &ensen 6oster. J. 0lind since he !as born. -e)er sa! thebeauty of the !orld.”

"i#any raised her hands to interrupt "aeyeon. “8hat’s this$”

“"i#any, they all matched 0rian’s organs.” (he e5haled.

“I don’t understand.”

"i#any got pulled to 0rian’s room. "aeyeon closed the curtains andlocked the door. “Look at this.” (he pointed at theelectroencephalogram. “"his determines 0rian’s brain acti)ity, themaor organ of our body. nd this @at line sho!ing here means hisbrain’s not !orking anymore. It’s been for a month.”

"i#any took her time to digest !hat "aeyeon !as talking about, still shecouldn’t understand. “8hat are you saying$”


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“He’s brain dead. nd once these machines !ere unhooked from him,he’ll stop breathing, and e)ery organ in his body !ill die. "he onlythings that are keeping him ali)e are these machines.” (he thoroughlye5plained. " hate to do this Ti*any.

“(o you’re saying''”

"he doctor nodded.

“-o, no He’s there. I kno!, "aeyeon'ah.”

“I’m sorry "i#any.”

“I thought !e’re friends I thought you’re doing your best$ 8hat’s thisall of a sudden$” "i#any argued. Luckily the room !as soundproof andno one could hear them.

“It’s been !eeks "i#any. I couldn’t bring myself to tell you because I !ashopeful too. 0ut I’m not ust a friend, I’m also a doctor. nd I shoulddecide. 1our time, e#ort and money ha)e been going to !aste. "i#any,he’s been long gone.”

“-o! that’s rude 1ou don’t kno! ho! much he means to me.”

“"i#any, you ha)e to learn ho! to let go. He has to go.”


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“/h yes please, tell me about lea)ing and letting go. 1ou’re an e5pert onthat.” "i#any hissed. “1ou left me four years ago and he took me in. Hehad me at my !orst !hile you, you sel3sh SSSSSSS had me at my )erybest. 1ou took a!ay e)erything !hen you left. I !as empty. He 3lledthat emptiness you caused. nd no!, you’re telling me I ha)e to let him

go$” she sobbed. “8ho are you any!ays$ 1ou’re ust someone !ho’s sobent in ruining my life I !ish I ne)er met you. I !ish you’re the one!ho’s lying on that bed. 0ecause you deser)e that He’s a good personand you’re not.”

"aeyeon started crying. “6any'ah, stop. Please.”

“(top calling me 6any. 1ou don’t ha)e the right nd no, I !on’t stop. Ibegged you. I !aited for you 1ou ne)er came back and you didn’t e)enha)e the decency to at least e5plain 1ou are heartless. &ust !hy in the!orld did I see you again$ nd !hy did I let you in after !hat you did$ Ihate myself for e)en thinking !e could start again. 1ou al!ays ga)e mefalse hope. "his is your entire fault. If you ne)er left'' lea)e. &ust freakin’lea)e -o!”

"aeyeon left the room crying. "i#any’s !ords stabbed though her fragileheart. (he !ished she could undo things. (he !ished she could go backin time and make things right for them. 1et, a !ish is ust a !ish.4)erything has gone !rong.

(he took out her phone and dialled a number.

“Hello !ho’s this$” the person on the other line ans!ered.

“"his is "aeyeon. I’m sorry to bother you but can you please go here$”


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“Eim "aeyeon$”

“1es.”

%hapter 7III

'enial

“8hy$”

“I told "i#any that 0rian has to go.” (he sni#ed “Help me clear hermind. (he’s really mad at me.”

“/kay "aeyeon. I’ll ust settle things out here. nd I’ll come. re youcrying$”


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“I’m 3ne. "hank you.”

“It’s totally okay. I !as planning to go too.”

'''

“8hat$ H'he can’t'”

“Dear, your blood pressure.” *r (ong soothed her !ife.

“I’m really sorry maam, sir.” "aeyeon looked at the couple alternately.“It’s been a month and there’s no brain acti)ity that’s seen. I !as ashopeful as you are. /ther doctors, e)en the head of our department toldme to let this one go. I !as hesitant, yes, but they’re all right. /nce the

machines !ere unattached from him, he !on’t sur)i)e e)en for an hour.I hate to say this but, I think !e should let him go.”

“(tephanie, !hat do you say$”

“


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“I’m sorry. I’ll ust'' go ahead.” "aeyeon bo!ed and took her !ay fromthe grie)ing lo)ed ones.

'''

E!on 1uri !as taking notes from the charts "aeyeon left. (he has herco#ee !ith her. (he ya!ned and slightly closed her eyes, hoping for a:uick sleep. “Doctor. re you done !ith the charts$” a nurse asked.

“-o not yet.” (he opened her eyes. “Lisa, you ruined my sleep.”

"he brunette nurse snickered. 1uri took her cup and sipped. Her !orld

stopped and e)erything !ent slo! !hen she sa! a glimpse of a blondegirl looking at di#erent direction as if lost.

“Holy crap *y scrubs Hot. Hot. Hot” she yelled !hen she accidentallyreleased the cup of co#ee. (he took a bunch of tissue from the tableand !iped her scrub suit.

“45cuse me$ I’m looking for uh, Dr. 4rica Eim. Is she here today$” theblonde asked one of the nurses.


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Korean( -he loo#s li#e a doll. !nd crap, she spea#s 9nglish well. Why is

she loo#ing for 'r. Kim( 1uri s!allo!ed as she smelled the scent of themysterious girl ust beside her. :anilla, isn$t it(

“8ait for a second maa’am. I’ll call her oAce to check if she’s there.” "he nurse replied. “8hat’s your name again$”

“&essica. &essica &ung.”

"he nurse turned around to phone "aeyeon’s oAce. fter a fe! rings,the nurse looked at &essica apologetically. “I’m sorry but no one’sans!ering. 0ut she’s on duty today. *aybe she’s out to see herpatients. 8ould you like to lea)e a message$”

“/h no, I’ll look for her myself.” "he blonde shook her hands in the air.“"hank you.”

1uri, on the other hand, used all her con3dence and talked to &essica. "hough ashamed !ith her !et suit, she !ent close to the other girl.“(he’s my boss. I come !ith her during rounds. (o, I kno! !here herpatients are.”

“/h, great %an you tell me !here they are$” &essica smiled.

4ood lord /er smile1 " can$t1

“I'I can take you there, if you !ant, that is.” (he hopefully o#ered.


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&essica !eighed her option. Less e#ort and less stress, she thought.“/kay Let’s go” she took 1uri by her arm and !alked.

“0ut my scrub suit, I need to change 3rst.”

“-ope. 8e’re gonna look for your boss no!. -. /. 8.” the blondedemanded. “8here are !e going 3rst$”

"he dumbfounded doctor pointed at the ele)ator. “"hird @oor.” (heans!ered deectedly.

“/kay” &essica hopped to!ards the ele)ator, still dragging 1uri. (hepress the button number three and !aited. (he crossed her arms o)erchest and tapped for foot like a boss.

1uri couldn’t help but stare at the beauty beside her. (he unconsciously

smiled to herself.

“re you staring at me$” &essica asked sarcastically.

“I' uh no of course not. Bh, the uh'” 1uri stuttered.

"he other girl raised her one bro!.

“"'there’s bug in your hair and I got distracted. Here let me ust get it.” 1uri reached out her hand and picked an imaginary bug. “"his one.”


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“Huh.” "he blonde sco#ed.

Due to ner)ousness, 1uri put both her hands in her pocket.

“4!. Did you ust put the bug in your pocket$ "hat’s. &ust. ;ross. Doctor'” &essica s:uinted her eyes to read 1uri’s name tag. “E!on. Did Isay ew already$ 0ecause I !anna say it again. 4!.”

“-o t'there’s no'”

Ding "he ele)ator opened and the t!o immediately !ent in. &essica!as again tapping her feet. 1uri mentally face palmed. The hell wasthat(

"he ele)ator door opened at second @oor and )isitors hurried in.

a chance to life by meotjin

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