Dan Hwa : What happened here?!

A rumage of people converged towards one of the accessory pillars—detached from the main stage—that had collapsed. Which in turn injured a performer. A nightmare for a Set production team.

For a moment, Dan Hwa felt herself almost paralysed to react to that turmoil. Very unlike her, who would rush in to fix any kind of damages with her first reflex, Dan Hwa stood numb this time.

She was only brought to movements when the event director flounced up, severly criticizing her negligence. Dan Hwa silently listened to the upset client, with no signs of defense from her side. She was aware of her responsibilities towards the situation and was willing to abide by them.

Fortunately Mr.Lee had arrived on time and quickly figured the matter by asking around. The next thing his eyes spotted were the event director and Dan Hwa — slightly away from the chaos.

He rushed over to them with his phone in his hand and stretched it straight to Dan Hwa.

Mr.Lee : Director Baek, the CEO is on the line. He wants to talk to you.

Flustered Dan Hwa took the phone without a second thought while Mr.Lee deviated the fuming client.

Mr.Lee : Director Seo, I am the direct In-charge. You can talk to me.

Dan Hwa walked away trying to receive a sound from the line. Only to find, Mr.Lee bluffed about the call.

She sighed, now realizing Mr.Lee's act to get her out of that cornering reprimand. A sense of revitality filling her up, Dan Hwa tied her hair tight as she marched straight towards the collapsed pillar. Once again, she was back to her form.

The Sokcho set team were already at managing the damage. And upon her inquiry on the same, she was detailed on the subject and the reason behind the collapse.

Jr.Manager : The unexpected pour in Sokcho last night made the land mushy and tender. Still the frame should've held on. I think, someone leaned against the pillar, enough to move the supporting rods and create this sinch gap on the ground.

Dan Hwa : Dry Gravel fillers?

Jr.Manager : Affirmative. Given the time, that's our best bet for the repair. It will stay beneath the covers and wouldn't affect the aesthetics.

Dan Hwa : All right, that works. Make sure to sturdy up the other one as well. Just because it is holding still, doesn't mean it isn't weak inside.

Jr.Manager : Roger that, Director Baek. We will be on it next.

.

.

.

The skies grew dim. The bright day finally met with the evening set, as the colorful clouds drifted away and beyond the horizon.

Dan Hwa persistently watched every little movement with the stage and the finishing work, implemented on by the junior team.

It was only after Lee Jun grabbed her attention that she noticed him, walking towards her.

Dan Hwa : How's that artist?

Mr. Lee : Oh, yes. She is fine. It's a minor wrist sprain. She will be able to perform in the event next week, quoted the medic. I offered to compensate in any way she wanted. But, she was kind enough to let it go.

Dan Hwa : And the authorities took it well too? 

He sighed wiping his forehead of the exasperation he went through a while back.

Mr. Lee : Let's just say, we are going to be fine... unless they feel like suing us. But it's under control for the time being. The good news is, we can both go home now.

Dan Hwa did not reflect much enthusiasm and watched the team pack up at a distance from them. The lighting, sound system, props and instruments, and finally the stage—all set upright and perfect in the end. Upto the par of Dan Hwa's taste.

Nonetheless, she did not feel very fulfilled and content this eve. More so, by herself. And her continuing incompetency and dependence on Mr.Lee.

Mr. Lee : Dan Hwa.

She looked up at him having a silence following after her name.

Mr. Lee : I know it hasn't been the best day. But, all that matters is that we tried our hardest to make the best out of it.

Although, Dan Hwa wanted to agree with him. All that could cut through her mind then, was that she did not try her best either.

Despite the conflicts in her head, she didn't voice it out to Mr.Lee— simply to save him more trouble to console her further.

Mr. Lee : And if it assures you at all, I am coming again tomorrow to check on everything. Moreover, the Drama shoot is off for a few days, implying, I would have more time to make sure everything here runs smooth.

Lee Jun turned her around and pushed her by the shoulders, guiding all the way to her car. She did not resist either and followed his lead, wondering about the sudden break from shooting.

Dan Hwa : Why is it off though?

Mr.Lee, at that point, was too tired to device an excuse anymore. Only a few steps away, Dan Hwa unlocked her car on their way.

Mr. Lee : Well, I was meaning not to tell and crowd your mind. But, since I had it slip out, it's the actor, Baek Chan Heo. He's been having some health problems lately. The shoot is off until he recovers.

Dan Hwa : Wait- Baek Chan Heo? What happened to him?

Dan Hwa immediately wheeled around to him, worried for her cousin. Only that Lee Jun was oblivious of her relations with him. He feared any more negatives would further add to her already tedious and long day. Thus, Mr.Lee simply opened the door to her car and made her get in the front seat.

Mr.Lee : We don't know the details. It's not bad to have a little break once in awhile.

He shut the door gently and tapped on the roof of her car exclaiming, "Off you go!"

Dan Hwa slid her window glasses down to speak at his casualness.

Dan Hwa : You are not following?

Mr. Lee : I will. But after the rehearsal ends. Don't make me regret letting you stay today. Just go!

Dan Hwa did not rebel any longer, feeling herself a de trop. An unwanted load on the team.
Wrapping the seatbelt across her torso without much care, she accelerated away from the premise.

Barely any running cars overtaking her, Dan Hwa was alone driving on the endless open road. Having a rocky day outside her personal boundaries, it had taken a heavy toll on her.

Her beliefs were shaking. She convinced herself to seek help in the first place, only to make sure her work environment continues to be perfect. Just so, her inner struggles did not come to affect her surroundings, or her role as the director of Team Baek.

Fearfully, in the end, she realized she was wrong. As long as she was associated to her team, shortcomings and inefficiencies from her inner boundaries were destined to vitiate and interfere with her social performance.

Much engrossed in such thoughts, she didn't realize when she took the beach route from the divider.

The waterbody slowly came in sight on the left profile of the road. The navy sky hosting the parade of stars and the pageant of a few graceful clouds. The magnificent moon had a timid peek occasionally along with the scintillating stars.

After a short ride of quarter an hour through those plain roads, Dan Hwa's car was seen advancing much slower than her usual speed.

The internet connection fluctuating, the GPS was not giving her a clear navigation.

Dan Hwa : Is it the right roa-

A faint glowing light coming from a hotel caused her words to trail off.

Moving in a little, Dan Hwa restrained the car instantly—now coming to a good view of the beach hotel, Maple Inn, the psychiatrist had mentioned. She confirmed it with the text she received from Doctor Ban and reflected on her conflicting views about the trip.

Dan Hwa : What even am I doing here?

Maybe deep down, she desired to find some kind of relief in the psychiatrist's company. Like she had been doing for a few months now. Therefore, she pulled in, quite unconsciously, to the place she knew her doctor would be present.

However, before she took a definite side, Dan Hwa was cut off by a voice, coming from outside. She whipped her gaze to the source, only to find a man in a black mask and a hat, concealing his features.

He soon identified himself as Jimin, and Dan Hwa greeted him awkwardly.
Further, upon expressing his delight seeing her there, Dan Hwa made sure to highlight that she 'lost' her way back to Seoul.

Jimin had a sight of doubt at her unsynchronized words. Since, Dan Hwa could not have taken the wrong road that routed completely opposite to the Sokcho beach.

Fairly easy to convince her, Jimin effortlessly had her comply to his next suggestion : to greet the doctor on her way back to the 'correct' road.

And funnily enough, she was leading the way inside and Jimin quietly followed her in amusement.
Nonetheless, when the self-conscious and strained director headed to the wrong direction, Jimin had to speak up.

JM : It's this way though. The private reception. You know, for obvious reasons.

Jimin pointed to his face, backing his words on the line. While, Dan Hwa coughed dry, masking the embarrassment.

Dan Hwa : Right. Lead the way then.

Jimin, nodding along, walked a step ahead of her as they marched side by side now.

JM : Do you often lose your way?

Dan Hwa : No! I mean, I feel a bit absentminded today, so that might be it.

Jimin respectfully took her answer and there was a moment of silence between the two.
Simply them, walking next to each other quietly. Heading somewhere. To the same destination.

Identifying her earlier, Jimin began pondering about the day before. He, thus, decided to express it out then, having the opportunity at hand.

JM : Well, I have been feeling queasy about something. Specifically, after you left the doc's cabin yesterday.

Dan Hwa, least expecting it, felt a bit out of place. She contained it in her calm voice, however.

Dan Hwa : Oh, what about?

JM : Tell you the truth, this trip was a good idea. I didn't even know I wasn't really breathing back there. In Seoul.

Jimin sighed laying out his actual view about the whole idea that he refused to let his doctor know. Spending the entire day, bickering and complaining to him instead.

While Dan Hwa carefully listened to his words, she tried recalling her conceited attitude from the previous dawn. She did not mean it to come across that way, Dan Hwa thought to herself.

JM : The air. The freedom. The quiet. It's good. But-

He closed his eyes and inhaled a confident breath to make himself as clear as possible, while being grounded and polite.

JM : Look, I don't know what your reason to deny the trip was, but if it's because of me, then I wanted to ask...

Dan Hwa looked at him at the short silence, his raw side profile came to her sight. It was devoid of any kind of smoothening affects; his face was just gently bare and neat. Those definitions didn't seem too important or eye-catching before this very moment. It seemed almost like a fresh perspective now.

JM : ...Can't you trust Doc in this?

Being distracted by his visual, Dan Hwa once again took a second to link the words to understand him.

JM : I feel, Doctor Ban is the last person to put us in an uncomfortable situation. Don't you think?

Her steps came to a halt as his words ended. All the unknown creases in her temples and thoughts now flattened down at the realization. She never doubted their doctor's intentions too. Yet she turned him down carelessly, the reflection dawned upon her.

They were in the hotel lobby by then. Faint clatters of people echoing the gleaming wide space.
Jimin turned to her and walked backwards as he passed on a friendly comment.

JM : I am just saying, it's good to see you here.

His remark followed a harmless smile as he turned around again, walking to the spacious lounge. Where, he nudged Doctor Ban‐ who was reading a book.

Dr.Ban : Oh, where have you been?

JM : Just, strolling around the shore. And I brought someone with me. I thought you'd like it.

In a beautiful harmony, Dan Hwa reached them promptly when the psychiatrist got up from his seat to look.

His face instantly lit up, who was almost in the verge of losing hope that Dan Hwa would actually come along.

Dr.Ban : You came!

Experienced by the same degree of enthusiasm moments ago, Dan Hwa did not take a chance and blurted out her festival stage excuse.

Dan Hwa : ...And I might've taken the wrong turn.

.

.

.

The lights were now warm and cozy, the dinner tables were arranged in large spaces and set far apart from each other. Giving the perfect amount of privacy and room to all its diners.

Taking the hide of the dark sky, Dan Hwa decided to stay in for one night. And now the three were served their desserts to aptly conclude their supper.

Dan Hwa reflecting on her behavior from the day before, took a step forward. Not good with words however, she let her actions speak for her.
Therefore, she made the first gesture to sit next to Jimin without any obligations or unease, to relay her best impressions this time. And to affirm, that he does not make her uncomfortable.

A good observant man, Jimin, smiled to himself at her silent conduct. And decided to loosen his mind as well. The well-suited report and harmony between the two, warmed the psychiatrist sitting across the table.

Nibbling on their sweet dishes, Dan Hwa decided to fill in the silence. One of her intents to build a comfortable air between the three, to express her similar trust in the psychiatrist.

Dan Hwa : It seems like a trip.

The Doctor very well appreciated her efforts and simply played along.

Dr.Ban : Well, it indeed is a trip.

Dan Hwa : No, I mean, I thought it was some session-trip-kinda thing(?)

JM : Exactly, my words!

As much as the psychiatrist enjoyed their unity and mutual compassion over the topic, he held his storyline strong.

Dr. Ban : Ay, I told you already. I don't have friends to go on trips with. And I am not the solo sorta guy.

Jimin crossed his arms, scoffing at his comment.

JM : Yeah, yeah. Apparently, he only gets along with his patients.

He made sure to inform Dan Hwa about the questionable decisions their doctor had made in his life. Dan Hwa lightly chuckled at their bicker.

Dan Hwa : Then, how about your colleagues? They are doctors too. You'd have common grounds to talk about.

JM : Ooh, nice point!

Jimin and Dan Hwa felt confident upon posing a potential challenge before the professional.

Dr.Ban : You see, seeing colleagues in the workplace is kind of enough communication with them. And, besides, they are busy.

JM : Excuse me, Doctor Ban Jin Sang, we are "busy" too. Director Baek came from an active work few hours back . . .

Dan Hwa had a recollection of the incident back with the festival stage. She felt undeserving of someone acknowledging her work today. And Jimin's remark just rekindled something she had extinguished by force.

Unwillingly, her focus was snatched back to her demeaning inner voice. She failed to hear anything Jimin and the psychiatrist talked after. Although, Dan Hwa tried her finest to concentrate back on the table, for a split moment, her ears completely stopped receiving any sound.

JM :  . . . invite me here. This is a con, I tell you.

Dr. Ban : Hey, I never said it would be a session out in the nature. You assumed it on your own. And. For the record, I am paying for all the expenses here.

JM : Wh- Really?

Dr.Ban : It was my favor afterall. And having to forcefully steal your weekends, I planned to pay for everything. It's only fair that way.

JM : You... almost sounded cool, doc.

Dr.Ban : Almost?

JM : Yes. I am still rusty . . .

Amidst that friendly quarrel, the males failed to notice Dan Hwa's sudden seap into silence. Despite her heavy attempts, their voices once again seemed to muffle down to her.

And when she stood up almost abruptly and left her seat, did their goofy attention draw to her. Dan Hwa walked away, heading to the deck that was sighted towards the enchanting sea. She hoped the waves would break her out of the paralysing chaos in her head.

Jimin nervously looked back at the doctor and whispered.

JM : Was it me again?

The doctor leaned in to whisper back.

Dr.Ban : Let's just follow along.

The psychiatrist and Jimin followed her quietly to the timber platform, stretching out from the indoor diner. They rested beside her by the railing, with the doctor in the center.
The three simply devoured the serenity stretched before them. And the sea breeze playfully hugged them in a peaceful blanket of comfort.

The ironic hush in the shore waves, lit memories in each of their heads. Sweet memories that spread their lips into a smile and touched their eyes in a wistful glaze. The cramming voices faded out slowly.

Dan Hwa : Coming to a beach like this, is just a memory now.

The two were alerted back from their thoughts and they carefully absorbed Dan Hwa's sign of a better mood.

Further, to keep that one constant aspect of both Jimin and Dan Hwa's sessions : the one that makes them feel secured, heard and understood, the psychiatrist embarked on his ship of tales. This time, he sailed it to the island of memories. He envisioned to them the intricacies, the variants and some of the shenanigans that these play.

Dr.Ban : You see, there are a few broad dimensions to memories. One, that we don't remember at all or do it very faint. The second, that we do very vividly. And the last...

Dan Hwa : There's a third after these?

Dr.Ban : Yes. Interestingly, the third one is, an altered memory.

JM : Altered, you say...

Jimin's expressions, in lieu of someone curious, were rather impassive and empty now. The professional, as if speaking something very oridinary, guided them farther into the folds of the wood : the human psyche.

Dr.Ban : The alteration could happen because of various factors. Could be a trauma; could be something very hurtful or causing severe confusion and/or guilt in us.

Both his voyagers attained a certain quietude after the disclosure of this new and unbeknown approach. To something so common and simple yet so unbelievably complicated.

Dr.Ban : The brain either erases those events completely or alters them to make it seem trivial. And we remember the altered ones quite well. It's just that, you wouldn't call it a memory anymore.

Having addressed those depths that no one had ever reached for them, Jimin and Dan Hwa alike felt their doctor's sympathetic succor. That homely company, they grew to seek and crave for.

Dr.Ban : We reconstruct the occurrence with incorrect informations-or should I say-the information we want it to be. Making it all distorted.

Dan Hwa's entire childhood played in front of her eyes. The words spoken, the things that happened. Now, realizing that all the resent and remorse she had pired her whole life, could be a lie. The past she remembered, could all be nothing but distorted memories. This reality disturbed her.

Jimin, watching those soothing sea waves, experienced a certain something, water his numb areas alive.
Likening the bioluminescent glowing by the shore, a sparkle of realization flickered in him too. That, he might be liking something just because he insisted on liking it. And that, with time, might've become his only reality.

Their hearts now throbbed with a fear. Fear of the unknown past. Or more appropriately-forgotten pieces of bygone.

Dan Hwa : I think . . .

______

😬
Not hoping we are good here... let's just say how do we like the chapter?
Anyone?
No?
Okay.