### Scene: Late Night Thoughts And Papers

### Scene: Late night thoughts and papers

Haeseol sat cross-legged on the floor of her room, a towering stack of textbooks and assignments staring her down like some insurmountable beast. Sighing, she rubbed her temples and glanced at the engagement ring on her finger—the promise ring that still gleamed with a soft, unspoken weight. She twisted it absentmindedly, a bittersweet reminder of everything that had come to a halt. Sixteen, engaged to Shinichi Kozu, her childhood best friend, and yet here she was, buried under homework instead of planning the wedding they'd talked about for years.

Or rather, the wedding they had called off.

Her adoptive parents, Jin-Soo and Ji-Woo Kim, were halfway across the world in Korea, but they still found ways to nag her about her studies. No matter what kind of chaos she was dealing with—whether it was her fame as a revered shaman, the Red Shield keeping tabs on her, or being the subject of secret governmental interest—one thing remained constant: her grades.

“Gotta stay ahead of the game, right?” she muttered to herself, flipping open one of her notebooks. The words blurred for a moment before coming into focus, the overwhelming realization of how far behind she had fallen hitting her. Months of assignments to catch up on. It almost felt like a cruel joke.

As if on cue, there was a knock on the door, followed by the quiet, almost serene presence of Sayaka Inatsu, her unassuming yet formidable bodyguard. Clad in her shrine maiden robes, Sayaka entered the room with a calmness that belied her role. She wasn’t just Haeseol’s protector—she was sent by him. Shinichi Kozu.

Her fiancé.

Or... whatever he was now. The whole situation was complicated.

Sayaka gently placed a tray of tea on the desk next to Haeseol and regarded her with a soft smile. “You should take a break soon. I’ve organized your assignments by subject. You have English and mathematics due tomorrow, and your history paper on Monday.”

“Thanks, Sayaka.” Haeseol sighed, flipping through the assignments that Sayaka had already neatly arranged. It was kind of funny, having a bodyguard who not only protected her from physical threats but also ensured her homework was submitted on time.

Sayaka, as always, had been gentle but firm. If it weren’t for her, Haeseol knew she’d probably be swimming in overdue work. “Do you need help with anything?” Sayaka asked, standing nearby, her hands folded neatly in front of her.

“No, it’s fine,” Haeseol muttered, grabbing her English textbook and flipping it open. “I just... need to focus.” But she wasn’t fooling anyone, least of all herself. Focus was the last thing she had these days. Her mind kept wandering back to Shinichi. Back to Japan. Back to the life they had been planning, one that now seemed distant and almost unreal.

The wedding they’d been talking about for years—it had felt so close, like it was just around the corner. But now... Now, everything had changed. They had both agreed to call it off. Shinichi, ever the composed and understanding religious figure, had accepted it gracefully. He knew better than anyone that the weight of the world was on her shoulders. Still, the thought of it left an ache in her chest. They had grown up together, always thinking they'd end up together. It wasn’t supposed to be this way.

And yet, here she was, sixteen years old, with her wedding on indefinite hiatus, staring down a mountain of schoolwork. The irony wasn’t lost on her.

Sayaka, noticing the faraway look in Haeseol’s eyes, spoke again, her voice gentle but firm. “Master Kozu understands, you know. He wouldn’t want you to be distracted by things beyond your control. Right now, your studies are important.”

Haeseol sighed, pushing her textbooks aside for a moment and leaning back. “I know, I know. It’s just... sometimes it feels like everything’s happening too fast. One moment, I’m just a normal kid, and the next... I’m some kind of public figure, with governments watching me, the Red Shield, the shaman stuff, on top of finding out two weeks ago that THE Captain America is my biological father...”

“And your wedding,” Sayaka finished softly.

Haeseol nodded, her eyes falling back to the ring on her finger. “Yeah. That too.”

Sayaka’s serene smile remained, but there was a flicker of understanding in her eyes. “Your path is a difficult one, but you are not walking it alone.”

“I just wish I could hit the pause button on all of this,” Haeseol said quietly, glancing at the stack of homework. “I don’t know what I’m supposed to be doing half the time.”

Sayaka’s expression softened, and she kneeled next to Haeseol. “That’s why you take it one step at a time. Start with this assignment, and then the next. Your parents and Shinichi want you to succeed, but more than that, they want you to be happy.”

Haeseol nodded again, though the weight on her shoulders didn’t feel any lighter. “I know. I’m just tired of everything piling up, you know?”

Sayaka offered her a reassuring nod and stood, moving toward the door. “You’re strong, Haeseol. Don’t forget that. I’ll be back in a little while to check on you.” With that, she slipped out of the room, leaving Haeseol alone with her thoughts and her mountain of schoolwork.

Haeseol leaned her head back against the wall, staring up at the ceiling. Strong. That’s what everyone kept telling her. But even strong people got tired, right?

She picked up her pen, ready to tackle her English homework. At least if she could stay ahead of her assignments, that would be one thing in her life she could control. And maybe, just maybe, everything else would fall into place eventually.

But for now, there was a pile of papers to get through.

Little Forrest (2018) dir. Soon-rye Yim

Haeseol + Taejun | | Analysis / Journal Entries

TRIGGER WARNING: blood consumption, violence, death, etc.

Journal Entry | October 2nd, 2024

I don’t know how to begin this. I don’t even know if I believe it—yet somehow, it all makes sense.

The dreams… they’re not just dreams, are they? Yueliang, Hae-Ri Jin, Bayan—these weren’t just stories my mind conjured up. They were real. They were me.

I’m struggling to wrap my head around it, but it’s like pieces of a puzzle I didn’t even know I was solving are falling into place. Every life, every tragedy, every sacrifice—it was me. And Tae-Jun… he was always there too.

It started with Yueliang and Zhongyuan. That was the first dream. The way Zhongyuan felt so familiar, the way his face and voice lingered with me even after I woke up. I didn’t understand it then. But now? Now I see why. I see it all.

Yueliang, Hae-Ri Jin, Bayan—they’re all me. I am them. And Zhongyuan, Tae-Mu-Ryeong, Dhan… they were all him. Tae-Jun. The arrogance, the power, the way he’s always in my life whether I want him there or not—he’s always been a part of me. Just like I’ve always been a part of him.

But how can this be? How can we be trapped in this endless cycle? Always meeting, always bound by blood and pain. And always, always losing each other.

Yueliang and Zhongyuan, enemies turned lovers, cursed by fate to destroy each other. Hae-Ri, the Siyo Goddess, torn apart to soothe the madness of gods’ sons, sacrificing her body, her blood, her eyes—just like I… just like I gave mine to Tae-Jun. And Bayan, my sweet Bayan, who embraced her fate with a smile, who believed in love so deeply that she chose to save Dhan, even when it meant her own death.

And now, there’s me. Haeseol.

I’m supposed to be this revered shaman, this living deity to the people around me. My grandmother trained me, raised me, just like Yueliang’s grandmother, just like Bayan’s mother, both of them blind—just like my grandmother. They all sacrificed their sight to change fate, to protect us, to give us a chance at something better. But at what cost?

I’m isolated, just like they were. Revered but alone. Loved, but trapped by the weight of it all. Just like Yueliang, like Hae-Ri, like Bayan.

And Tae-Jun? He’s always been there. Every life, every cycle, it was him. In every dream, every story, we were always bound. By blood, by fate, by something we couldn’t escape. And now… now I’ve done it again. I’ve saved him. I gave him my blood, and now he’s bound to me, just like Dhan was bound to Bayan.

But why? Why do we keep coming back to this? Why does it always end in tragedy? Every time, we love each other—whether we admit it or not—and every time, it ends the same. Blood, sacrifice, death.

I don’t want this. I don’t want to be trapped in this cycle forever. But how do I break it? Can I even break it?

I don’t know if I’m ready to face this, to admit that I’ve loved Tae-Jun for longer than I can remember, for lifetimes. But I think I’m starting to understand why. Even with all his arrogance, all the ways he’s pushed me, antagonized me, he’s always been there. Just like Dhan. Just like Zhongyuan. And despite everything, I care for him. I always have.

But what does that mean for us now? Are we doomed to repeat the same mistakes? Or can we finally find a way to break free from the pain, the violence, the sacrifice?

I don’t have the answers yet. I’m still reeling from the realization that Yueliang, Hae-Ri, Bayan… they were all me. That Tae-Jun is the reincarnation of every man I’ve loved and lost.

But one thing is clear. This isn’t just about me anymore. It’s about both of us. About breaking free from this cycle of fate that’s bound us for so long.

I just don’t know if we can.

But maybe, this time, we have a chance. If I can face the truth. If he can.

Maybe, just maybe, we can finally stop the endless bloodshed.

Maybe…

- Haeseol.

Haeseol’s journal entry reveals her internal struggle as she confronts the weight of her past lives and the cyclical nature of her relationship with Tae-Jun. The key themes of this entry revolve around recognition, destiny, and the desire for freedom from fate. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements:

The Unveiling of Past Lives:

Haeseol is realizing that the recurring dreams she's had are not mere figments of her imagination but echoes of her past lives. She has begun to see the connections between herself and her previous incarnations—Yueliang, Hae-Ri Jin, and Bayan—each of whom experienced love and tragedy with Tae-Jun's past selves. This reveals a rich lore where their souls are continually reborn and entangled in a painful cycle of love, blood, and sacrifice.

Isolation and Duty:

Haeseol’s role as a shaman, revered and adored by her community, parallels the sacrifices her past incarnations made. The blind, self-sacrificing figures in her lineage emphasize the cost of this venerated position, as their power comes with isolation. She recognizes how she, too, is trapped in a similar life—feared, respected, and burdened by expectations, but fundamentally alone. This emotional isolation runs parallel to the physical sacrifices that bind her to Tae-Jun across lifetimes.

Tension with Tae-Jun:

Haeseol’s present relationship with Tae-Jun is one marked by friction. His arrogance and aggression mirror the domineering figures from her past lives, yet she acknowledges that even though he antagonizes her, she is drawn to him. The complex dynamic of their frenemies-to-lovers relationship is layered with centuries of reincarnated connection. Haeseol now has the added burden of knowing that her strong reactions to Tae-Jun aren’t just about their present relationship but about the weight of their shared history.

Love, Blood, and Sacrifice:

The idea of love and violence being intrinsically linked is a central theme. Haeseol recalls how each past incarnation faced tragedy—be it Yueliang and Zhongyuan’s mutual destruction or Bayan’s ultimate sacrifice to save Dhan. Haeseol’s recognition that she’s always given parts of herself (literally and figuratively) to Tae-Jun’s past selves reflects the deeper existential question: is love destined to be painful for them? She has already given her blood to save Tae-Jun in this life, cementing their bond once more, and this terrifies her because it mirrors the destructive cycles of the past.

Desire to Break the Cycle:

Haeseol's growing awareness leads her to question whether they can finally break free of this endless cycle of suffering. The idea that their love is intertwined with tragedy and loss weighs heavily on her. Her uncertainty about whether they can escape this fate adds a layer of tension, as she considers whether this life will end like all the others. There is hope, though—it is faint but present. Haeseol hints at the possibility that this time could be different if both she and Tae-Jun confront their pasts and choose a different path.

Emotional Conflict:

A significant aspect of this entry is Haeseol's emotional turmoil. She is caught between her disdain for Tae-Jun’s behavior in their present life and her growing understanding that she has loved him for many lifetimes. This conflict is central to her character arc, as she must reconcile her resentment of his arrogance with her deeper connection to him across time. The complexity of their relationship adds richness to the narrative, as Haeseol must navigate feelings of betrayal, love, and responsibility all at once.

Tae-Jun’s Unawareness:

A critical dynamic at play is that Tae-Jun is still oblivious to this shared history. While Haeseol has begun piecing together the truth, Tae-Jun remains in the dark, unaware of their past lives and the deeper bond between them. This creates a potential narrative tension, as Haeseol grapples with her feelings while Tae-Jun continues behaving as the arrogant bully he has always been. Haeseol’s knowledge places her in a position of power, but also of vulnerability, as she must decide how to move forward knowing what she does.

In summary, Haeseol’s journal entry is a window into her conflicted emotions as she comes to terms with the profound realization that she and Tae-Jun are trapped in an eternal cycle of love and sacrifice. Her struggle is both internal, as she processes her reincarnated past, and external, as she must confront Tae-Jun, who remains unaware of their shared history. The central conflict moving forward will likely involve whether Haeseol and Tae-Jun can break free of the tragic patterns that have defined their relationship across time.

Journal Entry | October 5th

I don’t even know where to begin. Maybe it’s because I’ve spent so much time trying to understand what I’m feeling, and now, it’s all tangled up inside me—too big to fit into words. But if I don’t write it down, I think I might burst.

It’s Tae-Jun.

It’s always been him, hasn’t it? Every time I close my eyes, I see him. Not just the Tae-Jun I know now—the one who infuriates me with his arrogance, who’s always challenging me, always so sure of himself. But him in every lifetime, every face I’ve loved, every hand I’ve held before it slipped away. Zhongyuan, Dhan, Tae-Mu-Ryeong… He’s always been there. He’s always been him.

And somehow, I’ve always been drawn to him. Pulled to him like gravity. I used to think it was just fate—this invisible thread binding us together no matter what we did. But now, I’m starting to wonder if it’s more than that. If maybe, despite everything, I’ve always cared for him. If maybe, in every life, I’ve always loved him.

The thought scares me. It terrifies me. Because every time, we’ve lost each other. Every time, it ends in blood and heartbreak, and I don’t know if I can survive that again. I don’t know if I can watch him slip through my fingers once more. But then I think about the way he looked at me the other night—so vulnerable, so real—and all that fear falls away. I just want to protect him. I want to give him something more than the pain and sacrifice we’ve known for so long.

I want to give us something more.

When I gave him my blood, it felt different this time. I wasn’t just saving him because I had to, because some ancient thread of fate demanded it. I did it because I wanted to. Because seeing him hurt, seeing him broken—it did something to me. Something I didn’t expect. I realized in that moment that I care for him, more than I’m ready to admit, even to myself.

But how can I admit that? How can I allow myself to feel something for him when I know how this always ends? When I know that every time, we’re torn apart, left bleeding and broken?

I don’t want to be Yueliang, or Hae-Ri, or Bayan anymore. I don’t want to be the woman who loves and sacrifices and loses. I want to be more than just another tragic love story. I want to break this cycle—not just for me, but for him too. I want to give us a chance at something better. A chance at a future where we don’t have to bleed for love, where we don’t have to lose everything just to hold onto each other.

I want to see him smile—not out of arrogance or victory, but a real smile, one that comes from happiness, from peace. I want to be the reason for that smile.

I can feel it in my bones—this is our chance. This time, things can be different. I don’t know how yet, but I’m determined. I’m not going to let fate win this time. I won’t let us be pulled apart again. I’ll protect him, and I’ll protect us. Because for the first time, it’s not just about me. It’s about both of us.

And I think, deep down, I’ve always wanted this. I’ve always wanted him. Even when I didn’t understand why. Even when he was just a dream, a memory from another life, some part of me always longed for him. Even when he was arrogant and frustrating, I couldn’t push him away. I couldn’t stop myself from caring.

And now, I think I’m ready to face that. I think I’m ready to admit that what I feel for him isn’t just a result of fate pulling our strings. It’s real. It’s mine. And no matter what happens, no matter what’s to come, I’m going to fight for it. For us.

I’m not saying it’ll be easy. I’m not saying that everything will magically fall into place just because I’ve realized how much I care for him. But for the first time, I feel like we have a real chance. A chance to break the cycle, to stop the endless pain and tragedy. A chance to rewrite our story into something beautiful, something full of love instead of loss.

I don’t know if he feels the same way. I don’t know if he’s ready to face the truth of who we were, of who we’ve always been to each other. But I think that, in time, he will. I think that when he looks at me, some part of him already knows. He’s just as scared as I am, but he’ll come to see it too. I know he will.

Because this time, it’s different. This time, I’m not going to let fate control us. I’m going to fight for us. And maybe, just maybe, we’ll finally get the ending we deserve. One where we don’t lose each other. One where we don’t bleed for love. One where we can just… be.

Together.

—Haeseol.

This journal entry from Haeseol reflects an emotional turning point in her internal journey as she comes to terms with her complex feelings for Tae-Jun. There’s a deep sense of self-awareness in her words as she grapples with her past lives, the cyclical nature of her love with Tae-Jun, and her own determination to change the course of their fate. The entry captures her emerging realization that her connection with Tae-Jun, despite being shaped by fate, is driven by her genuine feelings, not just destiny’s demands.

### Key Themes and Emotional Conflict

Revelation of Love and Fear: Haeseol is beginning to admit that she has always cared for Tae-Jun, but she is still afraid to fully embrace these feelings. Her repeated use of the phrase “I don’t know if I can survive that again” emphasizes her fear of inevitable loss, which has defined every lifetime they’ve shared. Her budding love is bittersweet, tinged with the knowledge of how things have always ended before: in tragedy.

Compassion and Desire to Protect: Her compassion for Tae-Jun is a driving force in this entry. Haeseol doesn’t just want to break the cycle for herself—she wants to save him, too. Her desire to protect him is evident when she recalls giving him her blood. For the first time, it’s not simply about duty or fate, but a conscious choice to help someone she deeply cares about. She wants to spare him the suffering they’ve both endured in past lives, reflecting a protective instinct born out of love.

Defiance Against Fate: Haeseol’s determination to defy fate stands out as a pivotal moment in her character development. She doesn’t want to be the tragic heroine anymore—she’s tired of the role of the sacrificial lover who always loses. This resolve to break the cycle shows her growing strength and independence. The line “I’m not going to let fate win this time” highlights her defiance, marking a shift from passive acceptance of her destiny to an active desire to change it.

Budding Feelings and Hope: Despite her fears and the heaviness of their shared history, Haeseol is filled with hope. Her feelings for Tae-Jun are blossoming, and there’s a tender sweetness in how she reflects on wanting to see him truly happy, to be the reason for his smile. This hope gives her the strength to believe that they can rewrite their story. The hope in this entry provides a counterbalance to the sadness of their past, suggesting that love could offer a path to redemption and freedom from their cycle of pain.

Acknowledgment of Tae-Jun’s Role: Haeseol’s reflection on Tae-Jun shows that she understands how deeply he has always been a part of her life, in every incarnation. She realizes that her feelings aren’t just a byproduct of fate, but a real, personal connection she has always had with him. This marks a crucial turning point in her perception of their relationship. She no longer views herself as a mere pawn of destiny, but someone who has chosen to care for him again and again, in every lifetime.

### Character Development

This entry represents a major shift in Haeseol’s internal state. Previously, her perception of Tae-Jun was shaped by frustration, confusion, and fear. Now, she is beginning to embrace her love for him, even though it scares her. This demonstrates significant growth, as she is no longer running from her feelings or hiding behind the idea that fate is controlling her. She’s taking ownership of her emotions and her life, which shows strength and maturity.

Her determination to protect Tae-Jun, to fight against the cycle, and to give them both a better ending also demonstrates her evolution into a more active and empowered character. She is no longer content to be swept along by the tides of fate—she wants to steer her own destiny.

### Haeseol’s Conflicted Nature

While Haeseol’s love for Tae-Jun is growing stronger, she is still conflicted. The fear of losing him again looms large in her mind, and this inner conflict is palpable throughout the entry. Her desire to protect him and her burgeoning love are tempered by the scars of past lives, making her vulnerable and cautious. However, the journal entry ends on a hopeful note, indicating that Haeseol is willing to confront her fear and take a risk for the sake of their shared future.

### Thematic Exploration

Thematically, this journal entry explores the timeless struggle between fate and free will. Haeseol, trapped in a cycle dictated by destiny, is choosing to fight against the forces that have controlled her for so long. This is an exploration of agency and love—she wants to define her relationship with Tae-Jun on her own terms, not based on the tragedies of their past lives.

At its core, this entry is about love’s potential to transcend time and fate. Haeseol’s realization that her feelings for Tae-Jun have persisted across lifetimes suggests that love is not merely a product of fate, but something deeply personal and powerful. It’s a love that survives despite the pain and loss, and it’s a love that Haeseol is willing to fight for.

### Conclusion

This journal entry captures the complexity of Haeseol’s emotions as she grapples with her love for Tae-Jun and the tragic cycle they’ve been caught in. It’s an important moment of reflection and growth for her, as she acknowledges both her fear and her hope for something better. Her determination to protect Tae-Jun and break the cycle of suffering suggests a newfound strength and agency, positioning her as someone who is no longer a victim of fate, but a woman prepared to change her story.

In many ways, this entry reflects a turning point—not just in Haeseol’s feelings for Tae-Jun, but in her entire worldview. She is no longer resigned to tragedy; instead, she is choosing hope and love, and is willing to fight for a future where they can finally find peace and happiness together.

Scene: The Wedding Invitation

The morning light filtered through the windows of Haeseol’s family estate, casting soft golden beams across the room where she sat. A soft knock echoed at the door, followed by the entrance of a familiar face—one of the attendants. The woman’s eyes were bright with excitement as she approached Haeseol, bowing slightly as she extended a beautifully wrapped invitation.

“Ms. Kim, you’ve been invited to attend the wedding of Baek Il-ho and Min Su-yeon. They would be honored if you could grace them with your presence.”

Haeseol blinked in surprise, taking the invitation and studying its intricate details. She was used to these kinds of invitations—the expectations that came with her status—but something about this one felt different. Maybe it was the careful wording, the humility in the request. There was a sincerity to it that touched her.

She glanced up at the attendant, a soft smile curving her lips. "I’ll attend," she replied gently, knowing that her presence would be seen as a blessing to the couple. Weddings were joyous occasions, and offering her blessing, her presence, always felt like a small way to bring happiness to others.

---

Meeting the Groom

The sun was setting when Haeseol arrived at the estate of Lord Baek Il-ho. The sky was painted in shades of pink and orange, casting a romantic glow over the venue. As she stepped out of the carriage, she was greeted by the sight of the groom standing near the entrance, clearly nervous but eager. Lord Baek, a tall and gentle man with a kind face, bowed deeply upon seeing her.

“Miss Haeseol,” he greeted, his voice warm yet respectful. “It’s an honor that you’ve come. Lady Su-yeon and I… we are truly grateful.”

Haeseol gave him a warm smile, feeling his genuine humility. “It’s my pleasure to be here,” she responded. “A wedding is a sacred event, and I’m glad I can share in your joy.”

They exchanged a few more pleasantries before Lord Baek cleared his throat, shifting nervously. “There is… one thing,” he said hesitantly. “Lady Su-yeon told me she has always admired your singing. I know this is a bold request, but if it wouldn’t be too much trouble, would you consider singing during the ceremony?”

Haeseol blinked, momentarily taken aback by the request. It wasn’t often that someone asked her to sing at a wedding. Her reputation usually came from her family’s status, not her voice. But seeing the hopeful look in the groom’s eyes, she found it impossible to refuse.

“I would be honored,” she answered softly. “I’ll sing something fitting.”

---

The Wedding Ceremony

The wedding day arrived, and the atmosphere was filled with an air of quiet reverence. Guests had gathered beneath a canopy of red lanterns, their soft glow flickering in the evening breeze. Haeseol stood by a grand piano set at the edge of the courtyard, her fingers lightly brushing the keys as she took a deep breath.

She had chosen a song—a song that came to her almost instinctively, as though it had been lingering in the corners of her mind for years. The melody was soft, gentle, like a lullaby from a distant memory.

As she began to sing, her voice carried through the air, a haunting and beautiful sound that silenced the crowd.

---

Haeseol’s Performance of Yueliang’s Song

( listen to it here - cc for subtitles | slight flashing and blood imagery )

Her voice began softly, almost like a whisper, as her fingers danced across the piano keys:

Step by step, tears fall under the cold moonlight

Despite my terrible fate, I eventually met you

A gentle breeze blows red lanterns into the night sky

My dry heart overflows with you.

The notes rose delicately as her voice gained strength, every word laced with emotion. Unknowingly, she was singing the song of Yueliang—the ancient song that had been passed through time, connecting love and fate in a way that transcended lifetimes.

Before I knew it, it started raining

And you blossomed in my heart like a flower

I give myself to you

You, who embraced me with kindness.

Her hands moved across the piano as the melody swelled, carrying the weight of every emotion. The guests sat enraptured, not daring to move, as Haeseol’s voice wove the tale of enduring love. Her own heart began to ache as she sang the words, though she didn’t know why.

A destiny woven from above, bound by red thread

Even when it's tangled, it keeps going

Even a painful death can't stop it

As long as we hold on to each other, we'll be together forever.

Her eyes fluttered closed as she felt the depth of the words, the sadness and beauty of them sinking deep into her soul. It felt as though the song belonged to someone else, yet she could feel it in her own heart—an ancient love, unbreakable, despite the trials it faced.

Your face reflected in the ripples of that blue lake

If I could always see the person I long for

Gentle and kind, I brushed your dark hair

I'll never forget the feeling of my fingers around it.

Her voice trembled slightly, not from nervousness but from the sheer weight of the emotions the song carried. She didn’t understand it, but it felt as if she was channeling something from long ago, something powerful and filled with longing.

At the far end in my nightmare

You're the light that banishes the darkness

I smile at you

You, who God gave me as a companion.

As the final lines of the song approached, Haeseol’s voice grew softer, more intimate, as though she were singing directly to someone in the room. She didn’t know who, but the feeling was undeniable.

A destiny woven from above, bound by red thread

Even when it's tangled, it keeps going

Even a painful death can't stop it

Because you and I are connected,

I'll be the sun and stay by your side until the end of my days.

Her fingers stilled on the piano as the last note faded into the evening air. Silence followed. For a moment, no one moved, as if the entire world had been held in place by the song. Then, slowly, the guests began to clap, the sound building into a wave of applause.

Haeseol stood, offering a soft bow, but her heart was still heavy with the lingering sadness of the song. She wasn’t sure why she had chosen it, or where it had come from, but something told her it wasn’t just a song. It was a memory. A promise. Something far deeper than she could yet understand.

As she looked out at the happy couple, she hoped that their love would not be bound by the same fate as the one in her song.

Botanical book from 1918 🌼