Seoul, South Korea - September 23, 2013
The crisp winter breeze had a lazy effect on everyone. In Apartment Plot No. 15, the Kang family was no exception. It was a busy Monday morning, and the cold seemed to stretch each yawn a bit longer.
First, we have our fierce lion mom, Kang Bin Ju, then our timid dad, Kang Ran Bin, followed by the mischievous little brother, Kang Hae Hyung, and finally, our heroine, Kang Min Ju.
"Min Ju! Min Ju! Min Ju!" her mother called out, each shout growing louder. On the final call, Min Ju slowly stirred, letting out a lazy growl before rolling out of bed and landing on the cold, hard floor. Rubbing her eyes, she reached for her phone, muttering something incomprehensible, and then stumbled into the bathroom
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Now, let's switch scenes to our hero, Haeoseok Young, and his family - Jwang Hwa Young and Jeon Young. Haeoseok is the classic tall, smart, and charming topper. Despite his impressive profile, his best friend is none other than the chaotic, funny, and average Kang Min Ju.
It was around 8:30 a.m., and Haeoseok was already waiting at Min Ju's house. He had become a regular fixture there, as his doctor parents were rarely home, often tied up at the hospital. Over the years, the Kang family had become his second home, treating him like one of their own.
Of course, not everyone was thrilled about this. Fourteen-year-old Hae Hyung, Min Ju's younger brother, had never been fond of Haeoseok, mainly because his parents constantly compared him to their "perfect" guest.
Now, back to the present. Min Ju, finally awake, joined her family for breakfast. Haeoseok, having grown used to the Kangs' loving pestering, tried to eat quickly, his mind already on the ticking clock. Hours crawled by, each second stretching painfully. Finally, the doctors emerged, their expressions confirming the worst. "He's in a coma," they whispered, their voices breaking. Upon hearing this, Min Ju collapsed into uncontrollable sobs, her cries echoing through the sterile hospital corridors.
Her mother and brother tried to comfort her, but the guilt clung to her like a second skin, suffocating and unrelenting.
Days turned into weeks, but Min Ju refused to be consoled. Every day after school, she would visit Haeoseok, gently wiping his face, whispering to him, begging him to wake up. She read the books and comics they used to enjoy together, played his favorite songs, and clung to every faint hope that he might open his eyes again.
Haeoseok's parents, despite their own grief, tried to console her, urging her to take care of herself, but she wouldn't listen. The guilt had consumed her completely. Eventually, her health began to deteriorate, her mind and body breaking under the weight of her sorrow. Her parents watched helplessly, their hearts breaking anew as they saw their daughter unravel, but they understood - they missed Haeoseok too.