Moving On With You, Jinjoo

9: Doing What Matters

Midnight Coffee. Two things that aren't supposed to go together. Minju wasn't a fan of caffeine at night. But she does consume it on days she has night shifts or on days like this.

While the machine diligently brewed her capsuled long black, Minju's gaze drifted downward to her own hands. They lay on the countertop, fingers poised like a pianist's before a grand performance. Her hands were slender and capable, yet they held the weight of a daunting responsibility—a responsibility she willingly accepted.

Her mind wandered to the trials she had faced during her clinical rotations—cardiology, internal medicine, and general surgery, each demanding an insatiable hunger for knowledge and a thirst for understanding. As she deepens into her third year, emergency medicine, her ultimate calling, requires her to be a master of all.

As her coffee machine finally completes its work, her phone vibrates against the countertop, distracting her from her thoughts.

Yujin: Are you awake?

As Minju felt a smile tugging at the corners of her lips, she quickly suppressed the rising warmth of emotion.

Minju: I am now.

Yujin: Sorry. You can go back to sleep. I'll not disturb you.

The brunette leans against the counter.

Minju: You can't sleep?

She wonders what the girl is up to at two in the morning.

Yujin: I have too many things in my head. It's keeping me awake.

Minju looks at the cup of coffee and into the living room where all her work lies. She decided to make a little time for the girl.

Minju: Do you stay near the cafe?

Yujin: It's a walk. Why?

Minju: Then do you know where the redwood bridge is? The one behind the building.

Yujin: I do go there often. Near the park. Why?

Minju: I'll meet you there.

Yujin: Now?

Minju: Yes.

—

Standing by the sidewalk, not a single car drives by at this hour. Maybe a handful. Minju kicks the little pebbles, pacing along the side of the mini redwood bridge. She looks afar as she waits for the younger girl, a hand in her jacket pocket, the other holding onto a mini thermos flask.

A minute passes as a figure walks into the park, crunching on dried leaves. Minju squints to see Yujin all huddled up in a grey oversized hoodie with LONELY embroidered across her chest in blue, waddling towards her. She waved slightly so Yujin could see her.

Minju couldn't give a reason for the unsteady beats of her heart when the younger girl approached a step at a time. The thought that she was here made her feel that way. A little nervous and a little joy.

Yujin stops in front of her. "Of all places, you made me come here." She worries Minju might feel cold at this time of the night.

The older girl shoves the warm thermos flask into her uninjured hand.

"What's this?"

"Hot chocolate." She went to sit on the bench as Yujin followed her. "What's on your mind?" She saw the girl struggling to open it and helped her.

Yujin thanks her. "You made me come here to ask me that?" She sees Minju nod. "Good choice." She tries the warm beverage, humming in delight when it soothes her taste buds.