One Task

09: Fragments

Under the shade of ancient oaks, the park bloomed with vibrant life. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, dappling the ground with patches of warmth. A gentle breeze carried the sweet fragrance of freshly mown grass, mingling with the delicate scent of blossoming flowers.

Families frolicked in the open spaces. Children's laughter echoed as they chased each other around playground structures, their giggles blending harmoniously with the chirping of hidden birds.

Beneath a huge tree, a girl with fair skin and short wavy hair could be seen with her head hung low. The mood around her is contradicting the park's lively one as hers was more of a defeated one.

The furrowed brows, downturned lips, and eyes clouded with emotion formed an upset look etched across her face. Her normally bright eyes dulled with disappointment, casting a shadow over her usual vibrancy.

This was after one of Lee Jieun's failed auditions. After many tries she still couldn't be able to pass one of her many auditions. The young girl has sacrificed lots of things just to reach her dreams, to become a star.

Her disappointment towards herself is so evident in her face. Her confidence wavering, the uncertainty slowly creeping in, thoughts whether she will succeed or continue to fall.

In the midst of it, a faint sound came from Jieun's stomach. Her lips parted as her mind fixated on the thought of food. It distracted her from the negative thoughts.

"I'm hungry..." Her feet drags her around the park in search for food stalls.

In the distance, she was able to finally spot one. One which doesn't seem to have that much of a customer, however, the kimbap they're selling looks promising.

Behind the stall stood a woman in her late thirties, a warm and welcoming smile etched on her face. However, Jieun felt something was wrong with her facade but decided to not pry since they're total strangers. Beside the woman, stood a young boy who helped manage the small stall.

"Hello, young miss! How may we help you?" The woman's voice, rich with enthusiasm as she greets Jieun which the younger girl returned.

Jieun skimmed through the menu and sees that there are different types of kimbap such as; tuna, spam, egg, and more.

Feeling conflicted, she decides to order three servings of different kinds, asking recommendations from the vendor herself.

"Thank you very much!" Jieun handed the payment after receiving her order and then giving out a bow to the older lady.

The way Jieun acts earned a lighthearted chuckle from the woman, "Aigoo, you're so cute! You're just like my daughter."

A soft hue of pink crept onto the young girl's cheeks, as she wasn't used to compliments. Most of her childhood, she was never considered as one of the pretty and cute girls. Receiving the compliment from the older lady was an odd experience for her.

"Thank you very much for your kind words..." Jieun expressed her gratitude once more before bidding them farewell with a small smile on her face.

Hearing his mother's statement about the girl, the boy behind the stall couldn't help but stare at her leaving figure. He gave Jieun a look of curiosity as he somehow forget his task which is to chop up ingredients. Of course, if one hears their mother telling somebody that they're similar with their sibling, they won't be able to stop curiosity.

"Yah, Sungmin-ah... it's bad manners to stare." He could hear his mother whisper beside him with a playful tone, causing him to quickly revert his gaze back to the ingredients.