THE CURSE OF TIME

MALIN'S POV

I rushed into the convenience store, my boss's voice cutting through the air, "You're late." I quickly apologized, slipping into my employee vest, my heart racing a bit. I had offered to cover for my colleague because of an emergency, and I wasn't about to turn down the extra cash. Every little bit counted as I was saving up to finally break free from the Ying family once I turned 19 in just a few weeks.

As I cleaned the shelves and sorted out expired goods, I noticed a man lingering outside the store. At first, I brushed it off, but as time passed, my nerves kicked in. I decided to confront him, wondering if he was stalking me. "Mister?" I called out when I stepped outside. "What are you doing here? Are you following me?" I asked, trying to sound more confident than I felt.

He looked surprised and replied, "No... why would I follow you? I'm here to buy something." I watched him walk in and head straight to the refrigerator, grabbing a can of beer. As he approached the counter, I felt a sudden urge to do something nice. "You should get yourself a tin of noodles too... on me," I suggested, surprising myself. "Why?" he asked, clearly caught off guard. I shrugged, "You helped me out earlier, so I thought I should repay." I replied..."You're going to repay my kindness with a tin of noodles?" he questioned with a smirk, and I felt a bit offended. "If not noodles, then you can just get anything in here... on me," I replied. "You don't need to repay me... I did what I did because I wanted to," he said as he handed me his credit card for the payment of his beer. He then grabbed his can and headed outside, where he sat on the seats assigned outside the store and started to have his drink. As I worked, I couldn't help but check on him. How long was he planning on staying here?

Just then, I heard a customer walk in. "Welcome," I said as a man who seemed drunk made his way towards me. "Give me a can of beer," he ordered. "Sir, you have to pick it up yourself and bring it here for payment," I explained, but he sighed and made his way to the refrigerator, where he got not one but five cans. He then brought them to the counter. "Wrap it up," he said, and I hesitated a bit. "You need to make the payments first before I pack, sir," I explained, but he glared at me. "Why? Do you think I am here to rob you? Pack the beer before I get angry," he said. "Make the payment first," I replied, but then he grabbed one of the beers and threw it on the floor, causing it to open and spill everywhere. "Sir, what are you doing?" I questioned as I rushed to stop him, but then he pulled out a knife on me. "I said wrap it up... pack everything up," he ordered, and I felt startled and frightened by the knife pointing at me...."Please calm down... and put that knife down..." I requested, my voice trembling as he waved it in my direction. Just then, I heard someone call out, and relief washed over me when I recognized the man who had been seated outside. "Put that knife out of her face," he demanded firmly. The drunk man scoffed, clearly unimpressed. "Who are you?" he spat back.

"A customer whose peace you are interrupting by creating chaos in here... so please stop and get out before I call the cops," he threatened, his tone leaving no room for doubt. The old drunk man, however, pointed his knife at him instead. "Okay, I didn't want to use force, but you're making this hard," the man said as he lunged for the knife, gripping it with his bare hand. I watched in horror as blood began to drip down his palm. "Come on... pierce me," he taunted, and the drunk man hesitated, fear flickering in his eyes. "Are you crazy?" he shouted before bolting outside. I couldn't believe what I had just witnessed.

"What a coward..." he exclaimed, and I rushed up to him, panic rising in my chest. "Are you okay? Your hand—what were you thinking?" I questioned, my heart racing as I took in the sight of his bleeding hand. He smirked at me, trying to downplay the situation. "I am okay," he replied, but I shook my head vigorously. "You're not! Your hand is bleeding!" I insisted, looking around in a frenzy. I grabbed my scarf and quickly tied it around his hand, hoping to stop the bleeding. "This will stop the bleeding for now... I'll get a first aid kit," I said, determined to help. "You don't have to," he tried to protest, but I was far from listening to him....

"Here is the kit... give me your hand," I said, trying to take control of the situation. "It's okay... I'll do it on my own," he replied, his tone confident. "Are you sure?" I questioned, still concerned. "Yes... I am sure," he insisted. I stood up, letting him handle it, but as I turned to leave, something made me stop in my tracks. I turned back to him, "Thank you..." I said softly, feeling a warmth in my chest. "Now I really owe you more than a tin of noodles," I added, and he smirked at my words. "I'll remember that," he replied, and I left to clean up after the drunk man.

As I finished my work, he walked back in. "Thank you for this," he said, and I couldn't help but ask, "Is your hand okay?" "It's fine," he assured me, but I could still see the remnants of the earlier chaos. "What time do you get off?" he asked, changing the subject. "Uhmm, in an hour," I replied. "Okay then, I'll have that tin of noodles... and another can of beer," he said with a grin, and I smiled back, rushing to get them for him. He went outside to eat, but even after he finished, he stayed nearby. It felt good to have someone keeping watch over me; for the first time in a long while, I felt protected.

Once I closed up, he was still there. "Are you done?" he questioned, and I nodded. "Yes, I am heading home now." "Okay then, I'll get you a taxi," he said, and I chuckled softly. "Are you always this kind? We're technically strangers, but you protected me from the drunk man earlier and then stayed back to keep watch on me... and now you're offering to call a taxi for me. Don't do so much for me that I won't be able to repay," I replied...I am not doing this for you... I am doing this for me... for my conscience, I mean," he replied. "Well, put your conscience to rest... I'll be fine... my home is only a couple of blocks away," I replied. "Okay then..." he said as I turned to leave. "Mister!" I called out. "Thank you... and good night," I said to him as I turned to leave.

Arriving at home, I sneaked in like I usually do, but just as I got in, the lights of my room were turned on. "I guess we need to seal your windows if we want to keep you in," Mrs. Huang said as I got startled by her sudden appearance. "I am not going to even ask where you're from, but you're definitely getting a punishment for staying out late... we had a party, and everything downstairs is pretty much disorganized... so make sure to organize it all before you go to bed," she ordered as she left.

"Okay, let's do this," I said as I rushed downstairs and cleaned everything up. After I was done, I took a quick shower, and before I went to sleep, I crossed out another day on my calendar and even placed some of my savings in my savings box. In a few days, I'll be out of here... out of this hell called a home..

*

*

The next morning, I was jolted awake by the loud sound of my alarm. I quickly showered and slipped on my school uniform, but as I packed my books, I noticed my workbook was missing. "Hana!" I exclaimed, rushing downstairs where I found the three of them having breakfast. "Where is my workbook?" I demanded.

"Well, good morning to you too, Malin," Mrs. Huang said, her tone dripping with sarcasm as I scoffed in response. "What workbook?" Hana asked, trying to play dumb. "My math workbook! I carefully placed it on my desk after finishing my homework, and now I can't find it anywhere. Who else around here would have taken it but you?" I said angrily, feeling my frustration boil over as she chuckled.

"I don't know what you're talking about," she replied, feigning innocence. "Hey!" I yelled, my voice rising. "Malin, stop. If you're not here to have breakfast, then head to school already. Stop ruining everyone's morning," Mrs. Huang interjected, and I glared at Hana, anger coursing through me. "Goodbye, Malin," she said, and I helplessly clenched my fists. Being their real daughter, she got to do whatever she wanted while I had to put up with all of it. But I reminded myself that I would be out of here in a few days. That thought comforted me as I stepped out and headed to school.

LEE YI / SHI YI'S POV

"Good morning," I said as I sat down and sipped on a cup of coffee. The warmth of the mug felt comforting against my hands, but my gaze was quickly drawn to the bandage on his hand. "Good morning... what's with the bandage?" he questioned, and I stared at my hand, momentarily forgetting about it. "Oh, I forgot about this," I replied, peeling it off.

His curiosity was evident as he asked, "Why did you come in so late last night?" I chuckled softly, teasing him a little. "Aren't you caring about me a little too much?" I shot back, and he scoffed in response. "You pay me. If something happens to you, then I won't be getting that salary," he replied, and I couldn't help but roll my eyes at his practicality.

"I was at the convenience store," I explained, recalling the late-night trip. "The same store you asked me to leave you?" Hajun questioned, raising an eyebrow. "Yes... if I remember correctly, the Shi family residence from back then was located around there," I elaborated. A pang of nostalgia washed over me....

"Wow, you still remember all that..." he replied, and I nodded. "To other people, it's been over a century, but to me, it's like yesterday," I said, a hint of nostalgia creeping into my voice. I quickly shifted the focus back to business. "Enough about me... did you get something more on Yingzhen?"

"Yes, and it's something you're going to love," he said, a glimmer of excitement in his eyes. "What's that?" I questioned, leaning in. "Apparently, he's looking for an investor... behind the picture-perfect image for his hotels is a man drowning in debt," he explained. A smirk spread across my face at the thought. "And yet he pushed aside my offer for the sword. I even gave him a blank check," I replied, feeling a mix of irritation and amusement.

"So what's the plan?" I asked, eager to hear his strategy. "Simple... he has contacted two investment companies, and both seem ready to invest in him. But that doesn't work out in our favor, so we need to talk these investment companies out of investing in him. Once they withdraw their investments, we step in like heroes to save him. He'll be driven into a corner, considering the board is eating him up about saving the hotels in just a month's time or he steps down as CEO. Driven into a corner, we come in and offer him an investment in exchange for the sword," he explained, and I couldn't help but smirk at the brilliance of the plan.

"Okay, so set up meetings with these investment companies. Invite them for dinner or something... I'll talk to them," I replied, feeling the thrill of the chase. "As for Yingzhen, if he proves to be stubborn even after this, then we might resort to your original plan."

"You mean steal the sword?" Hajun questioned, his eyes gleaming with mischief.....

"Tone down the glow of mischief...we can only resort to that if this doesn't work out," I added. Still, never in all my 26 years of knowing you did I ever think that he would suggest doing anything unlawful..you are literally my mother's definition of good influence. " He replied and I scoffed "And I am going to continue to be...so don't think of doing anything wrong." He chuckled softly, "Okay, dad," he mocked, and I raised my hand to slap him when my phone rang.

"Hello...okay, I'll be there soon," I said as I stood up. "Where are you going?" he asked. "House hunting...it looks like we might be in Qingzhen longer than I expected. We should get a place to live and check out of the hotel," I replied. "You want me to come with you...I should come with you. I don't trust your taste," Hajun said, and I scoffed again. "No need...work on getting me that appointment with the investors," I replied as I turned to leave and get ready.

"Based on your requests.. We've rounded it down to two houses. This one has a master bedroom, two secondary bedrooms, and even a guest room for when you have visitors. The layout is quite spacious." the realtor explained

I took a moment to absorb the details...

He continued, "The kitchen is modern and fully equipped, perfect for cooking up meals. The living room flows nicely into a terrace that overlooks the backyard, which features a swimming pool. It's an excellent spot for relaxation or entertaining guests."

I raised an eyebrow, impressed. "That does sound appealing. What about the other house?"

The realtor smiled, clearly pleased with my interest....."The other house is pretty much the same," he replied.

"Then why did you say that you rounded up to two houses?" I questioned, a hint of confusion in my voice.

"Well, they are both in different directions," he replied with a chuckle, and I couldn't help but grin at his lightheartedness.

"Okay, so can I physically visit both houses? I can only choose after overseeing everything myself," I asked, feeling more determined.

"Absolutely! We can visit the houses and see what you think," he said, nodding in agreement.

We checked out the houses and I was feeling pretty good about my decision. "So which one is it going to be, Mr. Lee?" he asked, looking at me expectantly.

"I'll go with the first one," I replied confidently.

"Okay then... I'll draft a contract for you, and you can make your payments after reading through it," he said, already pulling out his notepad.

"Okay then... thank you," I said as he held out his hand for a handshake.

"Have a nice day," he added as I turned to leave. Just then, my phone rang.

"Hello," I answered.

"Are you done house hunting?" Hajun asked.

"Yes..." I replied, feeling relieved.

"Well, I've contacted the investors, and they agreed to meet with you tomorrow afternoon," he said.

"Okay... thanks for the hard work," I said, appreciating his effort.

He chuckled, "Just thank me with a bonus to my salary."

I scoffed, "I shouldn't even be paying you at all considering our relationship."

"What relationship exactly...?" he asked playfully.

"Just keep paying me, and I'll keep doing a good job," he added with a laugh.

"Okay, okay, bye," I said, hanging up quickly. Since I had some time, I decided to take a little tour around Qingzhen. As I walked, I came across a spot on the bridge where people tied wish locks.

"They have this too..." I said to myself with amusement as I stared at the locks. Suddenly, I heard screams.

"Someone has fallen!" they shouted, and I looked down to see someone struggling in the water. I glanced around, noticing that no one seemed willing to jump in and help. Without thinking, I took off my coat, climbed over the rail, and jumped into the water....I managed to grab hold of her and pulled her out of the water. As I got a closer look, I was shocked to see that it was the girl I had seen at the convenience store and Mr. Yingshen's house. "Hey!!" I called out, my heart racing as I quickly began administering CPR. I pressed on her chest, feeling the urgency of the moment. After a few tense moments, she spat out the water and stared at me, but then she fell unconscious again.

It felt like an eternity before the ambulance arrived, and they took her away. I stood there, still in shock, when an old lady approached me. "Young man, are you okay?" she asked, handing me my coat.

"I'm good... thank you," I replied, taking a deep sigh, still overwhelmed by how fast everything had happened.

"I think she was trying to kill herself," the lady commented, her voice heavy with concern.

"Huh?" I questioned, my heart sinking at the thought.

"Well, someone said she was seated on the rail before she jumped in," she added, and worry washed over me.

"Thanks for the coat," I said, feeling a rush of gratitude as I quickly left for the hospital, my mind racing with thoughts of her safety and what could have led her to that moment.

The old lady's words echoed in my mind as I stared at the girl I had saved. Just then, a voice pierced through my thoughts. "Lee Yi!" I turned to see Hajun approaching, worry etched on his face.

"Hey! Are you okay?" he asked, concern evident in his eyes.

"I am fine," I replied, trying to reassure him.

"If you're fine, then why are you in a hospital and why are you wet?" he questioned, his gaze shifting to the girl. "Who is she?"

"Mr. Yingzhen's daughter... the adopted daughter," I explained, feeling the weight of the situation.

"What happened to her?" he pressed.

"She fell in the water earlier... and I pulled her out," I said, my heart heavy with the memory.

"Did you bring the clothes?" I asked, hoping to change out of my soaked outfit.

"Yes... they are in here," he replied, holding up a bag.

"Well, I'll go and change. Keep an eye on her," I said, turning quickly to leave. After I got ready, I returned to the room.

"Are we going to stay here until she wakes up?" Hajun asked, glancing at the girl.

"The lady from back there said that she fell into the water on purpose," I said, my voice low.

"She was trying to kill herself," I added, feeling the gravity of my words.

"What!" Hajun exclaimed, his eyes widening.

"Yes... well, I'm not so sure, but if that's the case, then what if she tries to do it again after realizing that she was saved?" I replied with a sigh.

"She's so young... why would she want to take her own life?" I questioned, the sadness washing over me.

"That's a question only she can reply to," Hajun said quietly.

"But for someone who wants exactly the same as she does... you seem scared," he pointed out, looking at me intently.

"My situation is different," I replied defensively.

"Is it...?" he questioned, leaving me to ponder his words as I stared at the girl...."It is... I've already outlived all I can live in this life... but she has a long way to go..." I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

Hajun's words hung in the air, heavy with truth. "Well, everyone has their own struggles they can't share, and these days death is no longer something people fear but rather a means to escape the pain and hellish life..." he said, and I turned to face him, feeling the weight of his perspective settle in my heart.

"If you ever need someone to talk to... about anything, then talk to me. Don't keep things to yourself... especially when they are weighing you down," I offered, hoping he could sense the sincerity in my voice. He chuckled softly, a sound that felt both reassuring and distant. "I know..." he replied, but I could see the shadows of his own burdens lurking behind his smile.

"Should we call her parents? They might need to know about her situation," he suggested, glancing back at the girl lying unconscious. I turned my gaze to her, the fragility of her life striking me deeply. "Let's wait for her to wake up... she can decide if she wants to let them know or not," I said, leaning back in my seat, the uncertainty of the moment wrapping around us like a thick fog.

*

*

MALIN'S POV

Because of my failure to hand in my workbook, I, along with a few other students, was punished to sweep the school compound. Honestly, I thought it was better than cleaning the bathrooms. As I was sweeping, someone threw a juice box right where I was working. "Hey!" I exclaimed, looking up to see Hana standing there with a smirk on her face.

"Sorry, can you help me throw that in the trash can?" she said, her smile irritating me even more. I scoffed in anger and went back to my sweeping, trying to ignore her. "I wanted to give you this," she continued, tossing my workbook at me. "Is this?" I questioned, confused.

"Yes, your math workbook. I must have borrowed it from you but forgot I had it," she replied casually. "You borrowed it and forgot you took it?" I shot back, feeling my frustration boiling. "Yes... well, I've returned it now. Nice cleaning," she said, turning to leave. That was it; I couldn't hold back anymore. In a moment of rage, I grabbed her hair. "What are you doing?" she exclaimed, pulling away. She wanted to retaliate, and before she did anything, i slapped her across the face, and she retaliated by grabbing my hair too. "Get off!" I screamed as we started fighting, drawing the attention of other students who gathered around us.

Then, we found ourselves sitting in the principal's office, both of us looking worse for wear with our hair pulled out and faces scratched and bruised. She looked at us with a mix of disappointment and disbelief. "Ying Hana, Hong Malin, you are the last two people I expected to be fighting on school grounds," she said, and I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks. "She started it!" Hana quickly defended herself, but I scoffed, unable to let it go. "It's because you took my workbook and then mocked me about it!" I shot back..and right then we started exchanging insults..." Sitting in the principal's office, tension wrapped around me like a heavy blanket. The principal's voice echoed in my ears, urging us to calm down. I shot a glare at Hana, knowing that when our parents arrived, they'd likely take her side. The disappointment in Mrs. Huang's voice cut through the silence as we left the office. "Fighting on campus... I thought I raised you both better than that..."

Hana wasted no time, launching into her defense. "She started it... she grabbed onto my hair and then slapped me across the face..." Frustration bubbled inside me. "That's because you stole my workbook and pretended you didn't know where it was!" I shot back, but Mrs. Huang brushed me off. "The workbook again... what's wrong with your sister taking something from you?" Her words stung, making me feel small. "Wow... so now she's my sister... what's wrong with you people?" Tears threatened to spill as I continued, "We are not related... at least I haven't felt part of this family since I joined it... you all treat me like trash... a stranger. So why suddenly am I supposed to think of her as family?"

"You're not my family!" I yelled, tears streaming down my face. "You haven't been and never will be... so let's stop pretending already." With that, I stormed out, my heart heavy with anger and hurt. I found myself at the bridge, a familiar refuge. Sitting on the rail, I tried to catch my breath and clear my mind. Just as I began to find some peace, a loud explosion startled me, and in that moment of panic, I slipped and fell into the cold, rushing water. "Help me..." I gasped, struggling against the current, fear tightening around me like a vice....But as I struggled for a moment, I gave in... like I was ready if death suddenly came up to me and took me. I didn't feel like fighting to survive anymore. But in that moment, I felt someone grab hold of me. "Mom... mom, don't leave," I desperately called out in my dreams. This is a dream I often get. "Please... don't leave," I said.

"Are you okay?" A voice pierced through my thoughts as I slowly opened my eyes to the presence of a man... a man I knew. I recalled meeting him at the convenience store and the party. "Mister!" I called out, looking around and realizing I was in a hospital. Then it all came back to me—the fall into the water at the bridge earlier.

"Are you okay?" he asked again, and I stared back at him, nodding. "Well, I'll go call the doctor and tell him you're awake," he said as he turned to leave. I grabbed onto his hand, my heart racing, and stared at the watch on his wrist. "6 PM!!" I exclaimed, panic rising in me. "I'm already late!" I looked around for my phone. "What's wrong?" he asked, concern etched on his face. "Phone... where is my phone?" I asked, and he handed it over to me. But this old thing had been drenched and spoiled by the water. My heart sank..."Are you sure I don't need to call a doctor?" he asked as I stared back at him. "No... I am fine," I replied, trying to sound more convincing than I felt. I looked at him closely and recalled the person who saved me from the water earlier. "By any chance, are you the one who saved me from the water?" I questioned, and he nodded. "Wow... I keep owing you more and more," I said, feeling a rush of gratitude. "Well, thank you so much again."

I turned to take out the IV needle, but he stopped me. "What are you doing?" he questioned, his voice firm. "I am taking this out to leave. I am fine now," I insisted, but he scoffed at my determination. "The doctor instructed that you complete the entire bottle and have some rest in addition to that... so I am not going to let you leave."

"Look, I have somewhere to be, and I had to be there by 4 PM, but it's 6, and my boss could be angry right now, so I need to leave," I explained, but he refused to let my hand go. "Please?" I added, hoping to sway him. He finally let go but quickly said, "Give me your boss's number."

"What?" I questioned, taken aback. "Your boss... I can call him and tell him that you're sick and can't make it to work," he replied, but I shook my head. "Well, that won't be necessary... plus, I don't know his number by heart," I said, feeling a knot of anxiety in my stomach.

"Well then, it's settled. You said you had to leave by 4 PM; it's been two hours, so I'm sure he knows that you aren't going to be able to make it," he replied, sounding logical. "Well, I don't want him to think that way. I need this job," I insisted, feeling a sense of urgency. "Is this the job at the convenience store?" he questioned, as I nodded...I couldn't help but scoff at his question. "How much are you paid each time you work?" he asked, curiosity lacing his tone. "Why?" I shot back, intrigued but cautious. Then he offered, "I'll give you that money... you just have to complete the IV drip... and have some rest." I chuckled, amusement bubbling up inside me. "I can't tell if you're just flaunting your wealth or being kind."

"I don't need your money... I'll stay and complete the drip... you're right anyway, it's already past time... I can explain things to him tomorrow," I replied, sighing as I settled back, accepting the reality of the situation.

"You must be hungry," he said, and I tried to deny it. But my stomach betrayed me with a loud growl. "I'll get you something to eat," he offered, turning to leave, but then he stopped, a commanding tone creeping into his voice. "Don't you think about leaving." I raised an eyebrow at him. "Don't!!" It felt like a challenge. "I can leave whenever I want to," I retorted, leaning back.

After a while, he returned, placing a bowl of porridge in front of me. "That's it?" I thought to myself, a mix of surprise and disappointment swirling in my mind. "It's good for your stomach... you can have a heavy meal later on," he replied, almost as if he could read my thoughts. I appreciated the gesture, so I said, "Thank you," and turned to eat.

But then I realized the needle was still pierced in my right hand, the very hand I usually used to eat. I attempted to use my left hand instead, but I kept spilling porridge everywhere. Frustration bubbled up, and just as I was about to give up, he offered, "I'll help you." Before I could respond, he picked up the spoon and started feeding me.

I felt my cheeks heat up, flustered by his kindness and the intimacy of the moment. It was so unexpected, and I found myself caught off guard by how much I appreciated his help. Each spoonful felt like a mix of embarrassment and warmth.

*

*

After a while, the drip was done, and I started preparing to leave the hospital. I went to inquire about my bill, only to be told that it had already been paid. "Did you pay my hospital bill?" I questioned, surprise evident in my voice as he nodded.

"Well, I'll pay you back... give me your number, and I'll wire the money," I replied, pulling out my phone. "I don't need it," he said, his tone calm. "But I do... I told you I hate owing people, and I already owe you for that time at the convenience store, so I can't let this one pass."

He held out his hand, and I raised an eyebrow. "What?" I asked, confused. "Your phone. You said you wanted my number," he replied. I handed it to him, and he returned it with a smirk. I noticed he had saved his number as "Lee Yi!" "That's your name," I exclaimed, realization hitting me. "Yes... what's wrong with it?" he asked. "Nothing... I've just realized that we interacted a lot, but I didn't know your name," I replied.

"Well, mine is..." I started, but he interrupted, "Hong Malin... I know." "How?" I questioned, surprised. "Firstly, it's written on your tag, and secondly, you said it to me when we first met at the party," he replied, a hint of amusement in his voice. "I did," I admitted, feeling a little embarrassed. "Well, I'll send you the money now," I said, checking my balance and realizing it wasn't enough to cover the hospital bill. "I'll send it to you once I get home," I corrected myself, and he smirked again. "Let's go," he added. "Where?" I questioned, still puzzled. "I'll take you home," he replied firmly. I stared at him, my curiosity piqued. "Do you know me?" I asked...As I sat in the passenger seat, I couldn't help but feel a mix of confusion and curiosity about this guy, Lee Yi. "Huh!" I exclaimed, trying to wrap my head around the situation. "I mean... we have only interacted thrice, but you being..." I trailed off, unsure of how to express my thoughts. Before I could finish, he interrupted me, "Don't overthink it... I sent you to the hospital, and now I'm sending you home... it's all for my conscience."

His words hung in the air as he led the way to his car. I felt a strange sense of comfort as he helped me into the passenger seat. "Fasten your seat belt," he instructed. I fumbled with the strap, only to find it stuck. "What's wrong?" he asked, concern etched on his face. "Is it stuck?" he added, leaning closer to help me. His proximity sent my heart racing, and I could feel it pounding in my chest as he worked to fasten the belt for me.

Once we were on the road, I tried to focus on the scenery outside, but my mind kept drifting back to him. After a short drive, we arrived at my house. As I stepped out, I turned to him...." "Thank you..." I said to him as I turned to leave, feeling a mix of gratitude and something else I couldn't quite place. Just as I was about to step inside, he called out, "Excuse me!" I turned around to see him stepping out of his car, and my heart skipped a beat.

"You forgot this," he said, handing me a bag of medicine. His expression was serious, and I appreciated the concern in his voice. "Make sure to take it on time..." he advised. I nodded, feeling a warmth spread through me. "Oh, thank you... I'll make sure to wire the hospital bill money on your phone tonight," I replied, wanting to assure him that I wouldn't forget.

"Good night, Hong Malin," he said as he stepped back into his car. Hearing my full name come from his lips made my heart race in a way it never had before. I quietly watched him drive off, a smile creeping onto my face.

*

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