"How did I end up like this? Am I falling for you? I don't even know why"
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Aera's exhaustion was palpable as she scribbled through the charts, her words barely above a whisper. "I need sleep." Jiwon couldn't help but yawn in sympathy.
The late night moon streaming through the window highlighting the fatigue etched on their faces. Past 11 pm, and still, they toiled away, updating patient charts and tackling university assignments online.
"Just two more days and we'll be out of here" Jiwon muttered lazily, her eyes drifting shut. But her reverie was short-lived, as memories of the village flooded her mind.
She didn't want to leave the peaceful environment, the serenity that had enveloped her during their stay. Aera's reassuring words broke the spell. "It's alright, we'll come back here together during holidays."
Jiwon nodded, a faint smile on her lips. "Yeah." Aera's sudden shyness caught her off guard. "By the way" Aera spoke hesitantly, her voice tinged with an uncharacteristic nervousness.
Jiwon's brow rose in query. "What happened?" And then Aera dropped the bombshell. "I confessed to Gyu." Jiwon's eyes widened, her gasp echoing through the room. "Oh my god! And no one even told me anything? How long? Are you both couples now?"
Aera chuckled lightly, a soft blush spreading across her cheeks. "It happened at the festival, and yeah, we are." Her nod was accompanied by a radiant smile, illuminating her entire face.
Jiwon smiled gently, grabbing Aera's hands. "I'm so happy for you! Why didn't you tell me sooner?" She playfully scolded, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Aera shrugged, her shyness dissipating. "I wanted to keep it private for a bit, plus we've been busy with uni and rotations." She grinned mischievously. "Gyu's been amazing, by the way."
She looks so happy
Jiwon's gaze lingered on Aera's beaming face, her thoughts wandering to the elusive concept of love. She couldn't help but wonder if this was what happiness looked like - a radiance that seemed to emanate from within.
Aera's words echoed in her mind: "It's like having a home, a sense of belonging." The phrase resonated deeply, stirring a longing in Jiwon's heart for that same sense of security.
As she pondered love's mysteries, Jiwon couldn't shake off her skepticism. Was love a fleeting high, a momentary escape from life's realities? Or was it a lasting bond, forged through shared experiences and quiet moments? Her thoughts swirled, searching for answers.
But one thing was unmistakable - Aera's transformation. Her friend's love had brought an unmistakable glow, a quiet confidence that commanded attention. Jiwon noticed the subtle changes: the way Aera's eyes sparkled, the gentle curve of her smile.
"Maybe love is real" Jiwon thought, her skepticism softening. Perhaps it wasn't just a myth, but a tangible force that could reshape lives. As she watched Aera, Jiwon felt her perspective shift, ever so slightly.
✗
Jiwon's gaze lingered on Eunseok outside the hospital entrance, her exhaustion momentarily forgotten. "Oh hey" she muttered, a faint smile creeping onto her lips. Eunseok's gentle smile was infectious, and she found herself relaxing in his presence.
"You've been waiting for me?" she asked, her voice hoarse with the coldness. Eunseok nodded, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
"It's late" he said, his deep voice soothing. Jiwon hummed in agreement, falling into step beside him. Their feet pattered against the mud floor, the only sound in the stillness.
The moon cast its silvery glow above, casting a tranquil ambiance over the scene. The calmness between them was palpable, a comfortable silence that needed no words.
Jiwon felt her exhaustion melt away. The calmness of the night, coupled with Eunseok's peaceful presence, was a balm to her frazzled nerves.
"We're going to the city in just two days" Jiwon said, her voice laced with a certain tint of sadness. Eunseok nodded thoughtfully, his eyes fixed on the path ahead. "That's one good piece of news," he replied, his deep voice soothing.
Jiwon smiled faintly, her gaze drifting to the surrounding landscape. The village's serene beauty would soon give way to the city's hustle and bustle. "I'll miss this place," she thought, the realization surprising her.
Eunseok's observation broke the silence. "The environment here is good, though." His words hung in the air, a simple statement that spoke volumes. Jiwon sensed no hidden agenda, just a genuine appreciation for the village's tranquil atmosphere.
Their footsteps continued in harmony, the only sound in the stillness. The night air enveloped them, a soothing blanket that wrapped around their quiet companionship.
No words were needed; the silence was comfortable, a testament to their growing connection.
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