Serenade of Shadows: A Redemption

Souls awakening

Eun Ji and Tsetseg took turns caring for Jae In. The pale hospital walls bore witness to the dedicated vigilance of her friends, ensuring she felt the warmth of companionship during her recovery.

Jae In's only connection to family, her elderly grandmother residing in a village near Seoul, remained blissfully unaware of her granddaughter's hospitalisation. Respecting Jae In's wish for discretion, Eun Ji and Tsetseg kept the situation a well-guarded secret, shielding the elderly woman from unnecessary worry.

Eun Ji, during her shifts, often found solace in the quiet moments spent with Jae In. The room, punctuated by the rhythmic beeping of machines and the occasional rustle of medical staff, became a sanctuary of shared memories and unspoken support.

Tsetseg, with her gentle demeanor, provided comfort during her turns at Jae In's bedside. The hospital room, an unexpected meeting place for friendships to deepen, witnessed the genuine concern etched on Tsetseg's face as she wished for Jae In's swift recovery.

In the quiet confines of the hospital room, Heesik sat by Jae In's bedside, the dim light casting a serene atmosphere. The rhythmic beeping of the monitoring equipment provided a steady backdrop to their conversation.

Jae In, her face bearing the signs of recovery, looked at Heesik with a mix of gratitude and exhaustion. "Sunbae, you didn't have to stay, you know. I can manage."

Heesik, feigning nonchalance, replied, "Someone has to make sure you don't cause chaos even in a hospital bed. Can't trust you to behave."

Jae In rolled her eyes, a playful glint in them. "Behaving is overrated, Sunbae. You should know that by now."

Heesik, leaning back in his chair, let out a sigh. The playful banter shifted to a more serious tone as the weight of their work crept into the conversation. "Jae In, this mission against Doogo Chains-it's getting riskier. We need to be cautious."

Jae In nodded, her expression turning solemn. "I know. But we can't back down. Too much is at stake."

Heesik, his gaze fixed on the hospital floor, spoke with a rare vulnerability. "I worry about you, Jae In ah. More than I'd like to admit."

Jae In, taken aback by his genuine concern, felt her defences waver. "You worry about me? That's rather unexpected. I always thought you harbored some aversion towards me."

Heesik nonchalantly shrugged, a subtle yet sincere smile gracing his lips. "Why not? You're my esteemed hoobae, and in your own way, quite precious to me."

Jae In's expression shifted from surprise to a gentle fluster as Heesik's unexpected admission left an indelible mark on their dynamic.

__ __ __ __

As the days passed, Jae In's recovery progressed, and the once-hospitalized detective found herself back on her feet. The hospital room, once a cocoon of healing, now gave way to the vibrant hues of her apartment as she stepped through the familiar threshold.

Heesik, dedicated to her well-being, had become a constant presence during her recovery. With a caring touch, he fed her updates on the ongoing police operations, ensuring she stayed connected to the world she temporarily left behind.

One evening, the duo found themselves in the cozy confines of Jae In's living room, the aroma of comfort food wafting through the air. Heesik, ever the vigilant colleague and friend, shared the latest happenings in the police station.

"Jae In, you've missed quite a bit during your recovery. The drug distribution operation you planned is still ongoing. We're collecting more evidence against Doogo Chains.", Heesik updated her.