Blooms of the Battlefield

ONESHOT

In the wake of his recent graduation from university, Hyunjin found himself suspended in a state of eager anticipation, anxiously awaiting responses from the multitude of job applications he had sent out. However, as the hands of time ticked away in the waiting game, he made a decision that would alter the course of his immediate future - he took up the mantle of overseeing his late grandmother's quaint flower shop.

Nestled on the outskirts of town and in close proximity to the border of his country, Hyunjin's residence became a haven for both solace and industry. Yet the air was charged with tension, mirroring the somber reality of an ongoing war between his nation and its neighboring counterpart. This geopolitical conflict cast a pervasive shadow, necessitating heightened security measures that palpably affected the daily lives of those residing near the border.

Undeterred by the formidable circumstances, Hyunjin dedicated himself to the delicate artistry of flower commerce. With a mere week of experience under his belt, he emerged as the steward of his grandmother's legacy, navigating the intricate dance of selling flowers amidst the tumult of war.

His home, with its strategic yet precarious location, hosted a backyard where an array of vibrant blossoms thrived despite the discord that surrounded them. In the early morning light, Hyunjin would venture into this floral sanctuary, carefully plucking each bloom with a sense of purpose. These flowers, a testament to the resilience of nature in the face of human conflict, became the centerpiece of his daily mission.

Yet, the backdrop of the ongoing war had tangible effects on Hyunjin's burgeoning enterprise. The once bustling streets were now eerily quiet, with a mere handful of customers braving the tension to engage in the simple act of purchasing flowers. The fragrant symphony that once echoed through the air was replaced by an uneasy silence, punctuated only by the distant echoes of geopolitical strife.

Undaunted by the challenges, Hyunjin persisted. Each day, he stood behind the counter of the flower shop, his hands adorned with the colors of hope and resilience. The delicate petals he offered became not just tokens of beauty but also symbols of endurance, reflecting the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

As Hyunjin diligently navigated the complexities of his new role, he became a silent observer of the ebb and flow of life at the border. The rhythm of his days was punctuated by the cyclical routine of plucking flowers from his backyard, each bloom a testament to the dichotomy of life persisting amidst conflict.

In the hush of an ordinary morning, bathed in the gentle caress of the rising sun, Hyunjin embarked upon his ritualistic journey into the backyard, the realm of resplendent blossoms and sweet-scented air. The flourishing flowers, swaying in silent harmony, awaited his touch as he meticulously plucked them, each movement a choreography of practiced grace. A soft melody, born from the depths of his soul, escaped his lips, adding a harmonious soundtrack to the blooming symphony of nature.

Yet, amidst the rhythmic dance of petals and the hum of a familiar tune, an anomaly disrupted the serene tableau. Hyunjin's discerning eyes caught sight of a disheveled bush - a stark contrast to the pristine beauty surrounding it. Broken stems betrayed a struggle, fallen leaves whispered tales of an unseen skirmish, and the once carefully arranged flowers now lay in a state of disarray.

Intrigued and slightly perturbed, Hyunjin, inquisitiveness overcoming him, approached the beleaguered bush. The anticipation of the unknown lingered in the air as he parted the foliage, revealing a sight that would etch itself into the canvas of his memory. A man lay unconscious, a solitary figure behind the curtain of damaged foliage.

A wave of initial fear coursed through Hyunjin's veins, thoughts racing through his mind like a tempest. The implications of discovering an unconscious man in his backyard, especially in the midst of an ongoing war, loomed large. Yet, as he surveyed the unconscious figure, a subtle recognition crept in. The insignia adorning the worn uniform resonated with familiarity - this was not just any man; it was one of his country's soldiers, a guardian of the nation, lying vulnerable and incapacitated in the sacred refuge of his backyard.