❝ Stardust & Heartstrings ❞ YEONBIN FF

Chapter 1: A Heartfelt Desire

Yeonjun sat beside his grandmother's hospital bed, holding her frail hand in his. Her eyes, once bright and full of life, now seemed sunken and weary.

"Yeonjun-ah, I want to go back to Pohang," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Yeonjun's heart skipped a beat. "Halmoni, what's wrong? You're getting better, aren't you?"

His grandmother's gaze drifted away, lost in thought. "I've lived in Seoul for 10 years, but my heart remains in Pohang. I want to see the ocean, smell the salty air, and feel the sand between my toes one last time."

Yeonjun's mind raced. He had never seen his grandmother so determined. "But Halmoni, the doctors say you need to rest and recover here."

A faint smile crossed her lips. "I've lived a long life, Yeonjun. I know what I want. Take me back to Pohang, my boy. Please."

Yeonjun felt a lump form in his throat. He couldn't deny his grandmother's request, no matter how difficult it might be. "Okay, Halmoni. I'll take you back to Pohang."

Yeonjun stepped out of the hospital room, his eyes scanning the bustling corridor. He spotted the doctor, Dr. Lee, and approached him.

"Doctor, how is she doing?" Yeonjun asked, trying to sound calm.

Dr. Lee's expression was sympathetic. "Yeonjun, your grandmother's dementia is progressing. We've tried various treatments, but...she needs something more. Something that can trigger her memories and emotions."

Yeonjun frowned. "What do you mean?"

Dr. Lee hesitated. "She needs to experience familiar places, people, and things. It can help slow down the progression. And, Yeonjun, she's been asking for Pohang."

Yeonjun's heart sank. Pohang. The place he'd tried to erase from his memory. He hadn't set foot there in years, not since...

"No," Yeonjun said, shaking his head. "I won't take her back there."

Dr. Lee's expression turned stern. "Yeonjun, this is about your grandmother's well-being. Pohang is where she wants to be. It's where she needs to be."

Yeonjun felt a wave of guilt wash over him. He knew Dr. Lee was right, but the thought of returning to Pohang, facing his past...it was too much.

"I'll think about it," Yeonjun said finally, turning away from the doctor.

As he re-entered the hospital room, his grandmother's eyes locked onto his. "Yeonjun-ah, did the doctor say I can go back to Pohang?"

Yeonjun forced a smile. "We'll see, Halmoni. We'll see."

But deep down, he knew he couldn't avoid it forever. Pohang was calling, and he'd have to face his demons eventually.

Yeonjun gently covered his grandmother with the hospital blanket. "Sleep, Halmoni. I'll be right back."

He quietly exited the room, his eyes scanning the empty hallway before making his way to the parking lot. The cool evening air enveloped him as he reached his car. He slid into the driver's seat, letting out a deep sigh.

Yeonjun rested his forehead on the steering wheel, his mind racing. Pohang. The memories he'd tried to suppress came flooding back. The beach, the lighthouse...Soobin.

He hadn't thought about him in years, yet the mention of Pohang brought his face to the forefront of his mind. Yeonjun's heart ached, a mix of emotions swirling inside him. Guilt, longing, regret...

Why did his grandmother have to ask for Pohang? Why did it have to be now?

As he sat there, lost in thought, Yeonjun felt the weight of his past bearing down on him. He knew he couldn't avoid it forever. Eventually, he'd have to face the memories he'd tried so hard to forget.