DAYTIME STAR
chapter two - a chance encounter.

IM SOL SAT IN HER WHEELCHAIR, her eyes red from crying. The news of Ryu Sun-jae's passing had hit her like a ton of bricks. She couldn't believe that her idol, her hero, was gone.

The tears streamed down her face as she gazed out at the river, her mind numb with grief.

As she sat there, her watch that she got from the Auction that almost cost 3 million won suddenly slipped off her wrist and fell into the water. While crying she went down to the street to go to the river just to get her watch.

Without hesitation, Im Sol crawled to the edge of the river, her tears still flowing freely. She was determined to retrieve the watch, not just because of its sentimental value but also because it was a reminder of Ryu Sun-Jae using it.

As she peered into the water, the memory of his final words to her came rushing back. "Stay alive. Because it's so nice outside." The pain of his loss was overwhelming, and Im Sol felt like she was drowning in her own tears.

Just as she was about to give up, Im Sol noticed something strange happening around her. The world seemed to freeze, and the sounds of the city grew muffled. She looked up at a nearby building, where a news report on Ryu Sun-jae's passing was playing on a screen.

When Im Sol suddenly felt herself being pulled back in time, the world around her began to blur and distort. She experienced a disorienting sensation, as if the very fabric of reality was shifting beneath her feet.

In an instant, the familiar sights and sounds of the present day were replaced by an unfamiliar landscape - the classrooms, hallways, and faces of a high school from 15 years in the past.

"What?"

IN A MODEST, MODERN KOREAN HOUSE, Kim Su-Jin's room was a sanctuary of his passions. Surrounded by floor-to-ceiling bookshelves that threatened to buckle under the weight of his ever-growing collection, the walls were adorned with vibrant paintings and framed photographs that he had captured himself.

Canvases in various stages of completion stood in the corners, testament to his artistic talents. Sketchbooks overflowed with detailed drawings and doodles, each one a reflection of his vivid imagination.

Though not wealthy, Su-Jin's room exuded a sense of warmth and creativity that made it a haven for his soul.

Curled up on his bed, Su-Jin slumbered peacefully, his slim yet toned frame nestled beneath the soft, plush comforter.

Despite his slim but toned physique, his delicate features and long lashes gave him a distinctly feminine charm, especially when accentuated by the pair of glasses perched precariously on the bridge of his nose.

His full, pouty lips were slightly parted, and a stray lock of his silky, raven-black hair fell across his forehead, giving him an almost angelic appearance.

Suddenly, the tranquility of the room was shattered by the voice of his grandma, Kim Hye-Ja, who had taken him under her roof during his middle school years.

"Su-Jin! Wake up, you're already late!" she called out, her tone a mix of concern and exasperation.

Su-Jin jolted awake, his eyes wide with panic. "Grandma, why didn't you wake me up?" he complained, scrambling out of bed, his long limbs tangled in the sheets.

Oh, did I forget his height? His height is 5'11.5. And Su-Jin is still quite problematic about his height. He said to himself that he needs to grow more and grow taller!

If I were him actually, I'd be grateful if my height was just like his. Sighed. Going back.

Rushing to the bathroom, Su-Jin quickly shed his pajamas and stepped into the steaming shower, the hot water cascading over his slender frame.

He emerged a few minutes later, his skin flushed and his hair dripping wet. Toweling off hastily, he grabbed his favorite camera and sketchbook in his bag.

He carefully placed his glasses on the bridge of his nose before heading out to his room.

There, he saw his grandma, Hye-Ja, bustling around the kitchen, preparing a hearty breakfast. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, mingling with the scent of toasted bread and sizzling bacon.

Su-Jin's stomach rumbled in anticipation, but he knew better than to keep his grandmother waiting.

"Eat, Su-Jin," Hye-Ja said sternly, brandishing her spatula as a warning.

Well she was an Asian Mother that's why.

"You need to keep your strength up if you're going to school."

Despite his protests about being late, Su-Jin knew better than to argue with his grandma.

He immediately ate the bacon and a small cup of rice in his mouth. His grandma hit him using her spatula and told to eat slowly. He moaned because his grandma's cook never disappoints.

It's just bacon but he thinks of it as bacon with love.

Cringe I know. But Su-Jin really loves his grandma to the point that he is willing to put her in his top priority over everything.

After eating his bacon, he quickly stuffed a piece of bread with strawberry jam into his mouth and dashed out the door, but not before pecking a kiss on Hye-Ja's weathered cheek and bidding her a hurried goodbye.

Su-Jin's long legs carried him swiftly to the familiar streets. The morning sun cast a warm glow over the bustling city, and he couldn't help but pause for a moment to admire the way the light played across the vibrant colors of the buildings and the faces of the people around him.

"So pretty." he mumbled.

Reluctantly tearing his gaze away, Su-Jin quickened his pace. He knew his grandmother would scold him if he was late again, and he didn't want that!

In his school, while running his eyes suddenly landed on a girl who seemed to be in a rush. She was heading straight for the crosswalk, but to his horror, he noticed that the stoplight was red, indicating that it was not safe for pedestrians to cross.

Without hesitation, Su-Jin sprinted towards the girl, his heart pounding in his chest.

"Wait!" he called out, his voice barely audible over the din of the bustling school.

The girl, oblivious to the danger, continued to walk towards the crosswalk. Su-Jin's eyes widened as he saw a car approaching, its driver seemingly unaware of the girl's presence.

In a split second, Su-Jin reached out and grabbed the girl's arm, pulling her back just as the car sped by. The girl stumbled, her eyes wide with shock and confusion.

For a brief moment, time seemed to stand still as Su-Jin and the girl stared at each other, both of their hearts racing from the near-miss. Su-Jin's glasses had slipped slightly down his nose.

'Is this girl dumb or what?'

The girl's eyes were a deep shade of brown, framed by long lashes and delicate features. Su-Jin couldn't help but notice how beautiful she was, even with her hair slightly disheveled and her cheeks flushed from the adrenaline.

"Are you okay?" Su-Jin asked, his voice soft and concerned.

The girl nodded slowly, her lips parting as if to speak, but no words came out.

'Thank you to me? I want to scold her but why does she look so rushed?'

When the stop light turns green, she stares at the building where the Natatorium is.

Without saying a single 'thank you.' she just ran towards Natatorium leaving him, he stared at her while running and looked at his bread on the floor and with his disbelieving looks.

'Hey! At Least sorry for ruining my strawberry jam bread!'