Reverie of Resilience ( ON HOLD )

three: a spark of light

The sun painted the rooftop garden with a gentle warmth as Ji-eun and I sought refuge from the bustling hospital below. This sanctuary amidst the chaos had become our haven—a place where laughter and shared moments were woven into the fabric of our friendship.
Ji-eun, my ever-energetic friend, animatedly began recounting the latest escapades from her beloved kdrama. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and as I listened, the worries that lingered from the incident at the bar momentarily ebbed away.

"Okay, Lily, you won't believe what happened in the last episode. The lead—" Ji-eun's storytelling, a daily ritual during our lunch breaks, provided a comforting backdrop to the serene surroundings of the rooftop garden. The vibrant flowers, swaying gently in the breeze, seemed to echo the rhythm of our laughter.

As Ji-eun continued her narrative, my gaze wandered, and I noticed a colorful flyer caught in the wind. "Festival of Lights in Seoul," it announced, promising a spectacle of colors and enchantment.
Ji-eun's eyes lit up with excitement. "Lily, we have to go to the Festival of Lights! It's the perfect remedy for lifting your spirits. A dazzling night out in Seoul—it's exactly what we need."

Her suggestion sparked a glimmer of interest within me. A change of scenery, a break from the routine, sounded like a welcomed escape. "You know what, Ji-eun? Why not? Let's do it. Maybe some lights and laughter are just what the doctor ordered."

Ji-eun's grin widened. "That's the spirit! But first, we need to give you a festival-worthy makeover."
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After wrapping up with a patient in room 302, I walked down the corridor and spotted Ji-eun at the nurse's station.

Her expression was a delightful mix of shock and awe, her eyes wide like saucers. Drool threatened to escape the corner of her mouth—a telltale sign of her sheer disbelief. I followed her gaze and found the source of her fascination—her favorite kdrama actor, affectionately dubbed her "kdrama boyfriend," was standing before her.

I approached with a teasing grin. "Ji-eun, what's got you looking like you just won the lottery?" She turned to me, eyes still glazed with amazement. "Lily, can you believe it? My kdrama boyfriend just asked me to join him at another event! He's inviting me to something called 'Romantic Serenade Night' at the Grand Theatre. Oh my gosh!"

I couldn't help but laugh at Ji-eun's uncontainable excitement. "Well, well, it seems like your kdrama boyfriend has decided to step out of the TV screen and into your real life. What's the event about, anyway? Romantic serenades, candlelit dinners, and swoon-worthy moments?"Ji-eun nodded vigorously, her enthusiasm contagious. "Exactly! I mean, who would have thought, right? It's like a scene straight out of a drama. I've never been invited to such a romantic event before!" I playfully nudged her. "Looks like life is imitating art for you, Ji-eun. Better start practicing those dramatic stares and heartfelt sighs—you're in for a night of romantic bliss."

As we chatted about Ji-eun's unexpected invitation, the hospital's atmosphere buzzed with a blend of excitement and curiosity. Colleagues passing by couldn't help but join in on the conversation, congratulating Ji-eun on her romantic rendezvous with the kdrama heartthrob.

Later in the day, as we clocked out for work, Ji-eun couldn't contain her excitement. "Lily, can you believe it? I'm actually going to the Romantic Serenade Night with my kdrama boyfriend. Pinch me, I must be dreaming!" I chuckled, a hint of mischief in my eyes. "Just remember, Ji-eun, if he tries to pull off any dramatic gestures like in the dramas, be prepared to swoon. And if he hands you a bouquet of flowers, give him your best 'I'm touched but trying to play it cool' expression."Ji-eun rolled her eyes playfully. "You're the worst, Lily! But seriously, thanks for putting up with my fangirling. I
know it's a bit much." I bumped her shoulder gently. "Hey, it's all in good fun. Besides, you deserve a bit of romance in your life. Who knows, maybe this Romantic Serenade Night will be the start of your own kdrama-worthy love story." As we stepped out into the fading sunlight, the hospital behind us, Ji-eun's excitement remained palpable. The unexpected turns of fate, whether with kdrama boyfriends or charismatic grandsons, seemed to add a touch of magic to our lives.