CHAPTER 2

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I glanced at the baseball she had given me earlier and couldn't help but smile, although I quickly stopped myself.

"Hey, what's wrong?" Jeongyeon asked as she walked over to me.

"Oh, nothing. It's just that the baseball got in the way," I explained.

"Well, Chief Kang wants us to gather for an assembly," she informed me.

"Alright, let's head over there, then" I replied, and we made our way to the assembly area.

...

We listened attentively to Chief Kang as he addressed us. This program was originally for male military training, but it had been modified to include female graduating students from the Women's Military Service department. Our male classmates had been assigned elsewhere. This was our final activity before graduation.

"For the Women Military students of Pusan National University,  you will be serving and performing actual service. Put your heart into learning and completing all tasks here. Is that clear?" Chief Kang asked seriously.

"Sir, yes sir," we responded firmly.

...

As we returned to our rooms, we were informed that the rooms on the other side belonged to the nursing staffs sent by the their own hospitals, so we were asked to show respect when we saw them.

In our room, there were two bunk beds, making a total of four spots. I was relieved that my best friends were my roommates.

"Lisa, you're taking the top bunk. I'm too lazy to climb up there," Seulgi joked, but I knew she was serious at the same time.

"Wait, but I-"

"No more excuses, I'm older than you," she interrupted.

This girl, every time we faced a situation like this, she always made sure to remind us that she was older.

"Lisa, don't bother arguing with her. Let's just understand where she's coming from she's turning 60" Jeonghan jokingly stated.

"Haha, exactly!" Dami high-fived Jeonghan, unable to contain her laughter.

I was about to join in their laughter, but she gave me a death glare, so I closed my lips to stifle my laughter.

"Try to laugh with them, or else I'll keep moving our bed so you'll fall at any time," she said, trying to sound serious.

Meanwhile, Commander Byul from our department stood at the door, so we quickly stood up straight to greet her.

"Tomorrow is the start of your training, and no one should be late. Get enough sleep to gain energy. Is that clear?" she firmly stated.

"Yes, ma'am!" we answered in unison.

"Good night then, you can close the door," she ordered.

We were required to keep our door open every evening at 6:00 pm so that the chief in charge could check on us. We could only close it if they commanded us to.

As soon as Commander Byul left, we relaxed again.

"Ugh, I already miss my phone. I can't sleep without it. Why did they have to take it away?" Dami complained.

"Well, there's nothing we can do. This is military training," Jeonghan said.

I sighed, realizing that they had really restricted our belongings. Our phones were confiscated and could only be used when we were outside of this facility.

This is a complete change and we really need to adjust since a lot will be different in our environment.

I got up from my bed and prepared to sleep.

Jeonghan went to the light switch area, saying, "I'll turn this off. Goodnight and good luck to us tomorrow, guys."

We agreed, and she finally turned off the switch.

I looked at the ceiling and thought to myself,

"This is it, Lisa. You're going to be a future military officer," before drifting off to sleep.

...

As we jogged around the oval, the early morning hour weighing heavily on our tired bodies, I couldn't help but feel the exhaustion creeping in. Dami, still half-asleep, snapped to attention when Commander Byul checked on us, reminding us of the importance of maintaining discipline.

By the time we reached our final lap at 6:30 AM,

"I'm so tired I think I'm gonna Die" Jeonghan's dramatic proclamation of being on the brink of death elicited a few tired chuckles from the group.

Thirsty and fatigued, we made our way to the canteen for breakfast, knowing that this routine would become a staple of our mornings during the training program.

"I'm going to the restroom, I'll catch up with you at the canteen," I announced before heading to the public facilities.

As I entered the restroom, I found myself inexplicably drawn to a figure in a white uniform leaning against the counter, her expression betraying discomfort. It took me a moment to realize that she was the same girl from yesterday.

I couldn't help but admire her beauty, the early morning light casting a soft glow around her. We locked eyes for what felt like an eternity, until the urgency of my bladder snapped me back to reality.

Hurrying into a cubicle, I tried to push aside the distracting thoughts swirling in my mind. This was my first day of training, and here I was, already distracted by someone I barely knew. I scolded myself for being so easily captivated.

After relieving myself, I hesitantly emerged from the cubicle, stealing glances at the girl who still seemed to be struggling.

Silently washing my hands, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. Was she alright?

As I dried my hands at the dryer, a sense of worry gnawed at me, seeing her visibly distressed.

"Are you okay?" The words slipped out before I could stop them, my concern overtaking any sense of restraint.

She glanced at me, her eyes weak and tired, with dark circles underneath. As she blinked slowly, she seemed on the verge of collapse, and I instinctively reached out to steady her.

"Miss, you don't look okay. I can take you to the clinic," I offered, my voice laced with genuine concern.

But she stepped back. "No, please. I'm okay," she insisted, avoiding my gaze.

An awkward silence settled between us, the weight of the moment hanging heavily in the air. Unsure of what to do next, I noticed a menthol inhaler on the sink, empty. I assume that's hers I didn't notice it earlier. Without thinking, I retrieved mine from my pocket, intending to offer it to her.

"Here, take it. You'll need it," I said, extending the inhaler towards her.

She looked at me, then at the inhaler, I can tell by her expression she was surprised by my action. Me wanting her badly to take it, I gently placed it in her uniform pocket.

"I believe you'll be needing this one," I said softly.

I could see the surprise in her eyes, mirrored by my own astonishment at my boldness.

As a loud beep sounded, signaling the start of breakfast, I realized it was time to leave.

"I need to go, and I hope that helps," I said, feeling a flush of embarrassment creeping up my neck as I turned to leave.

My heart raced as I walked away, my mind still reeling from the encounter.



Please understand that I'm currently dealing with my academic commitments. Updates for the chapters may only occur twice a week due to this. However, once my finals are over, Rest assured 'll be able focusing more on this story. Thank you for your patience. - Hamsy

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