My deep soul

Chapter 24

The clinic was quiet that afternoon, filled only with the faint smell of dried herbs and parchment. Jinyoen sat at the low table, carefully sorting bundles of ginseng and mugwort, but her hands trembled. The truth she had uncovered days ago still echoed in her heart like a wound that refused to close.

The door slid open with a soft creak. She looked up, startled, to see Sunwoo standing in the doorway. His face was grave, his eyes downcast as though weighed by guilt he could no longer carry.

“Jinyoen…” he began quietly.

She froze, her heart quickening. For days she had avoided him, afraid of what she might feel or say. But now, here he was.

“I’m sorry,” Sunwoo said, stepping further in. His voice was rough, trembling at the edges. “I didn’t want you to get hurt. When Mak-moon died… I promised him. I promised him I would protect his sisters. That I would keep both of you safe.”

Jinyoen’s lips parted, but no words came.

Sunwoo’s hands clenched at his sides. “I know I’m not him. I know I can’t replace the brother you lost. And I don’t want to. But… you are my sister, Jinyoen. Whether by blood or by bond—it doesn’t matter. You’re my little sister. And seeing you hurt like this…” His voice broke, eyes glistening. “It kills me. I don’t want your forgiveness. I don’t deserve it. I just… I just want to see your warm smile again. I want to see the twinkle in your eyes. That’s all.”

He turned, as if to leave before the tears betrayed him.

But Jinyoen suddenly reached out, her hand grabbing his sleeve. “Wait.”

He stopped, stunned. Slowly, he turned back, his eyes meeting hers. She was trembling, but her gaze held steady.

“Do you… really think of me as your sister?” her voice cracked, fragile as a bird’s wing.

“Yes,” he said without hesitation. His eyes softened, brimming with sincerity. “Yes, Jinyoen. You are my sister. You always will be. I love my little sister.”

Tears spilled down her cheeks, but this time they weren’t born of heartbreak. She stepped closer, gripping his hand with both of hers.

“I love you too, orabeoni,” she whispered, her voice breaking.

Sunwoo’s eyes widened at the word—*orabeoni*. The title she had once given to another now fell from her lips and wrapped around his heart. His breath hitched.

“You… you called me…”

“Yes,” Jinyoen said, a smile flickering through her tears. “You are my orabeoni. I can’t lose you too. Promise me—promise me you’ll never leave me again.”

Sunwoo’s throat tightened, but he nodded firmly. “Never. Don’t worry, Jinyoen. You have your brother for everything—from now on, for always.”

Before he could say more, Jinyoen threw her arms around him, burying her face in his chest. Her sobs came freely now, but they were softer, releasing the grief she had carried. Sunwoo’s arms closed around her, steady and strong.

He smiled faintly through his own tears and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, lingering there as though sealing the promise he had just made.

“You’ll never be alone again,” he whispered.

And for the first time since she had learned the painful truth, Jinyoen’s heart felt the faint flicker of peace.

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The faint scent of ink filled the little clinic room. Afternoon sunlight streamed through the papered windows, painting golden patches over the floor. Jinyoen sat cross-legged at the low table, her brush dancing lightly across the parchment. Her lips curved with a quiet smile—ever since Jidiwi had given her those precious colours, drawing had become her small comfort.