Painful hours passed, the hospital hallway echoing with the quiet sobs of two grieving families. Finally, the surgical doors swung open, and the exhausted doctors emerged, their faces a mix of relief and sorrow.
"The operation was successful," the lead surgeon announced, his voice heavy, "but... we're so sorry for your daughter."
Min Ju's parents collapsed into each other's arms, their bodies trembling as they clung to the fragile thread of their daughter's final sacrifice. Haeoseok's parents wept openly, their tears falling like rain, each drop a silent prayer for the girl who had given everything.
Five hours later, a nurse stepped out, her expression soft but somber.
"You can visit him now, but please... don't overwhelm him."
The two families entered the dimly lit recovery room, their eyes red and swollen. They gathered around Haeoseok's bed, their breaths catching at the sight of the boy who now carried the heart of their beloved Min Ju.