HAERIN
As Minji lay on the hospital bed, the doctors thoroughly inspected her, tending to the scars she had sustained, possibly from her altercation with the security officer. Danielle earnestly discussed Minji's condition with the medical staff. I remained steadfastly by my best friend's side, unwilling to let her out of my sight, while the worry and sorrow for her condition weighed heavily on my mind.
After several tense hours in the hospital, Minji awoke and called out my name. Her eyes were filled with confusion as she asked, "Haerin, where are we?" Gently holding her hand, I explained, "We're in the hospital, Minji. They're treating your wounds. You need to rest now." Despite my attempt to stay strong, tears slipped down my cheeks. Yet, seeing Minji awake and coherent provided a sense of relief – she appeared to be regaining control of her faculties and was not in the midst of a troubling mental health episode.
Following several thorough examinations by the doctors and Danielle, we have been provided with the release form, which means we can go home soon. All of the test results indicate that Minji is in good condition, but we still need to closely monitor her actions. Danielle has taken on the responsibility of overseeing Minji's condition.
As we arrived at her home, we noticed that she seemed to be doing well and acting like her usual self. She greeted Manang Ester when she arrived and even requested her favorite food for her house help to prepare. I decided to stay in her house until I was convinced that she was fine. Danielle also suggested that someone should keep an eye on Minji.
While we were having dinner, she seemed completely normal and fine. It was clear that she knew about the engagement proposal, but she didn't mention it. Perhaps she wasn't ready to talk about it or didn't want to remember it at all. I also decided not to bring it up, thinking it might be best to avoid triggering another mental episode or causing her unnecessary stress. She apologized for her earlier actions towards me and assured me that it wasn't her intention to hurt me. "Haerin, I hope you can forgive me. I will try my best to stay calm and think before acting in a way that could harm anyone," she said as she gently rubbed my arm and looked at me sincerely.
"Minji, I want you to know that I truly forgive you. I understand that you never meant to cause me harm or anyone else any harm. Please always remember that I am here for you. We share a deep bond as family, just the two of us. Our connection is stronger and more meaningful than anything else in the world. Since the day we were born, we have been inseparable. We are soulmates, bound together through thick and thin," I reassured her, emphasizing that my support for her is unwavering.
She gave me a sweet smile, one that I hadn't seen in two days.
"Haerin, you don’t need to stay here for me. I am totally fine, and I know you haven't had enough rest as well. Manang Ester is here with me to check on me from time to time if you still feel worried," she insisted when I told her that I would stay at her place for a few days.
"Minji, I can't just leave you alone after being discharged from the hospital this afternoon. Besides, Danielle specifically asked me to keep a close watch on you," I replied to her.
"You don't have room to sleep. My mom and sister's room is already converted into a stock room where all of their stuff is kept. Also, I don't want you to stay in my room. I know you have a hidden desire for me," Minji said jokingly.
"What the heck, dude! Now that it's confirmed you are totally fine, you started to banter and play along with me, huh?" I replied, "Okay, I will only leave you if you drink your pill in front of me, since it is time to take it."
She took the pill from the container, held it up for me to see, placed it in her mouth, and then swallowed it with a glass of water. "Let me see your mouth to make sure you took it," I said to her. "Sure, mom!" she replied, opening her mouth. "Stop treating me like a baby! That's embarrassing," she added with a laugh as we both chuckled together.
As I bid her farewell, I made sure to remember everything Danielle had told me. Minji had retired to her room and was peacefully asleep. I had a discussion with Manang Ester, ensuring she was aware of all her responsibilities and reminding her to regularly check on Minji. Fortunately, Minji had also agreed not to lock her bedroom door, allowing us to easily check in on her if necessary.
MINJI
As soon as Haerin left, I carefully concealed the pill inside my pillowcase. I chose not to ingest it because I believed it would serve no purpose. In front of my best friend, I feigned normalcy, concealing my true feelings. I didn't want her to worry or be distressed. Witnessing her anxiety and restlessness only added to my own emotional pain.
I find myself in the midst of the darkest phase of my life. It feels as though everything I held dear and that brought me joy has slipped away - my mother, my sister, my girlfriend, and even my job. I'm feeling the same way my mom and my sister felt before. I'm filled with the fervent desire not to be a source of burden to Haerin. I can't bear the thought of her enduring suffering, sadness, or worry because of me.
YOU ARE READING
another world
Fanfiction"Will you marry me?" I asked my girlfriend, feeling so much love for her. "Minji, I love you, but I'm sorry, I can't marry you. I can't compromise my future with you. I want to have a normal family, and that wouldn't happen with you."
