My Stars Say Your Name | WOOSAN

👣

A week later, Wooyoung's recovery was marked by remarkable progress. The once somber and reflective young man now greeted each day with a smile, his spirits lifted by the routine of physical therapy and the companionship of Mia. The room, which had been filled with a heavy silence, was now alive with the sound of laughter and playful banter.

Mia, who had been a steadfast support throughout Wooyoung's journey, couldn’t hide her delight. She would often tease him about his newfound enthusiasm for small challenges, like racing to the bathroom or debating over the best way to organize his books. Wooyoung, in turn, responded with light-hearted arguments and witty comebacks, his laughter ringing through the room.

One afternoon, as Wooyoung struggled to pick up a book from the bedside table while still attached to his drip stand, Mia playfully scolded him. “Careful there, Wooyoung! I don’t want to see you overdoing it and ending up back in bed.”

Wooyoung grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “I’m just testing my limits, Mia. Besides, I think I’m getting pretty good at this whole walking-with-a-drip-stand thing.”

Mia laughed, shaking her head. “You’re a handful, you know that? But it’s a good kind of handful. Seeing you so animated and full of life makes all the difference.”

Their playful arguments and cheerful exchanges became a daily ritual. Mia would often bring small surprises—like a new book or a favorite treat—and Wooyoung would respond with a mix of gratitude and teasing remarks. The dynamic between them had shifted from caregiver and patient to genuine friends, each bringing joy and comfort to the other.

Mia cherished these moments, knowing how far Wooyoung had come from the days of his initial trauma and fear. His progress was a testament to his resilience and the strength of their bond. The room was no longer just a space for recovery; it had become a haven of hope, laughter, and camaraderie.

As they continued their playful exchanges, Mia couldn't help but marvel at the transformation. Wooyoung’s smile, his laughter, and his light-hearted arguments were signs of a new chapter in his life. The road to recovery was still long, but the emotional and physical improvements were a beacon of hope for both Wooyoung and Mia.

Together, they navigated the challenges and joys of his recovery, finding solace and strength in their shared moments. The hospital room had become a place of healing not just for Wooyoung's body, but for his spirit as well.

However the happiness didn't last long. Mia’s announcement came like a sudden storm, her voice steady but carrying a weight that Wooyoung couldn’t ignore. She had seen the remarkable progress Wooyoung had made and felt confident that he was on the right path. As a result, she needed to leave for a three-month program abroad to further her own studies and professional development.

“Wooyoung, I’ve been accepted into a program abroad,” Mia said, her tone gently apologetic. “I’ll be leaving in a week. I want you to know that this is a great opportunity for me, but I also want to assure you that your progress is incredible, and I’m really proud of how far you’ve come.”

The words hung in the air like a heavy fog. Wooyoung’s face fell, his eyes widening in disbelief. The warmth and comfort Mia had provided were a lifeline for him, and the thought of facing the upcoming months without her was overwhelming.

Tears welled up in Wooyoung’s eyes, and he tried to hold back his emotions, but they spilled over despite his efforts. “Mia… I—I don’t want you to go,” he choked out, his voice trembling. “I’m not ready to be alone. You’ve been my rock. What if I fall back? What if I can’t handle it?”

Mia’s heart ached at the sight of Wooyoung’s distress. She moved closer, wrapping her arms around him in a comforting embrace. “I understand how hard this is for you, Wooyoung. It’s hard for me too, knowing I won’t be here with you every day. But you’ve made so much progress, and I truly believe you’re strong enough to handle this.”