15. Weird Feeling

That afternoon, sunlight gently filtered through the hospital window, creating beautiful reflections on the gleaming marble floor. Inside one of the rooms, Ha-neul sat on a comfortable chair, his gaze fixed on the phone screen he had just placed on the small table beside the bed. His smile spread, bringing warmth that permeated the corners of the room, which had previously been filled with worry and anxiety.

Ha-neul had just finished calling Starla, explaining why he couldn’t meet her at the airport yesterday. His family’s sudden hospitalization had disrupted the carefully laid plans. The worry and guilt that had haunted him slowly faded when he received Starla’s reply. Her message was full of understanding, instantly erasing Ha-neul’s concerns.

“Don’t worry, Ha-neul. Your family comes first. We can meet in London tomorrow. I can’t wait for your arrival.”

Those words echoed softly in Ha-neul’s heart, providing the tranquility he had longed for. He gazed out the window, watching birds freely flying in the blue sky, mirroring his feelings of lightness and freedom. The hospital, which usually felt gloomy and filled with an aura of sadness, now looked different. The warm sunlight seemed to bring new hope and happiness.

The room where his family was being treated felt brighter, and the usually monotonous sound of medical machines now sounded like a soothing melody. Everyone passing through the hospital corridors, both patients and medical staff, seemed to carry a glimmer of hope in their steps. Ha-neul felt this atmosphere seep into him, giving him the new spirit he had needed.

While waiting for the confirmation of his family’s improving condition, Ha-neul’s thoughts drifted to London, where he would meet Starla. He imagined the city with all its beauty—grand classical buildings, green parks, and the ever-vibrant city atmosphere. The anticipation of meeting Starla gave Ha-neul new energy, making him increasingly eager to depart.

“One more day,” he thought excitedly. “One more day and I’ll be in London with her.”

“I’m sorry for causing you trouble and interrupting your work.” The soft voice came from the bed behind Ha-neul, momentarily halting his thoughts about the upcoming meeting.

Ha-neul turned around, looking at his sister, Kim Ming-sun, who lay weak but still tried to smile. With steady steps, he walked toward the bed, his calming smile widening. “It’s okay, Ming-sun. You’re not troubling me at all. The important thing is that you and my nephew are okay.”

Ming-sun was Ha-neul’s sister, the only family he deeply cared about. They had gone through a lot together, especially after losing their parents a few years ago. Ming-sun’s pregnancy, initially filled with joy, turned into worry when complications arose. Ha-neul immediately left his job and rushed to the hospital upon hearing the news, leaving all other plans and responsibilities behind.

He gently held Ming-sun’s hand, feeling her heartbeat becoming more stable. “Now you rest and recover. I’ll stay here to make sure everything goes well.”

Ming-sun looked at her brother with teary eyes, grateful to have Ha-neul always by her side. “Thank you. I’m lucky to have a brother like you.”

Ha-neul just smiled, his eyes looking at his sister with warmth. “We’re always together, right? Now, you focus on getting better, and I’ll ensure everything is fine.”

His days, once filled with sorrow, were now brimming with anticipation for the long-awaited meeting. The image of Starla’s smiling face, her gentle voice, and her warm touch made Ha-neul’s heart beat faster. A warm feeling spread through his heart every time he imagined that moment.

“Are you still going to London tomorrow?” asked Ming-sun weakly but full of concern.

Ha-neul nodded, looking tenderly at his sister. “Yes, are you okay with me leaving for a few days?”

“Do you think I’m a child?” she protested, her tone playful. Ha-neul couldn’t help but laugh, relief and happiness mixing together. Ming-sun rolled her eyes, then smiled mischievously.

Ha-neul smiled, feeling calmer. “You’re right, you might even be more mature than me now. But still, you’ll miss me.”

“No, it’s you who will miss me, Kak. I can survive a few days without seeing your handsome face,” Ming-sun joked, making Ha-neul laugh again.

“Haha, alright. But seriously, I’ll make sure everything is arranged before I leave. The nurses know what to do, and I’ll always be ready on the phone if you need anything.”

Ming-sun nodded, her eyes shining with affection. “Thank you. I know you always take care of me. And you also need to take care of yourself.”

“Oh, by the way, who were you calling earlier? A business partner?” asked Ming-sun again, her voice full of curiosity.

“No, it was a friend...,” Ha-neul replied, a bit hesitant, trying to hide the smile starting to spread.

“A girl, right?” guessed Ming-sun playfully, and as usual, her guess was spot on.

Ha-neul nodded reluctantly, then smiled broadly, as if there was a happiness he couldn’t hide.

“So, a friend or a girlfriend?” she asked again, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Ha-neul chuckled, trying to calm his nerves. “A friend.”

“A girlfriend, maybe?” Ming-sun teased continuously, her face cheerful despite lying weakly.

Ha-neul shook his head with a smile, “No, she’s really just a friend.”

Ming-sun finally relented with a soft tease, “Alright, I believe she’s just a friend. But do you like her?”

That question made Ha-neul silent, pondering for a moment. His dark eyes stared far out the window, as if seeking an answer in the clear blue sky. Ming-sun’s words seemed to hang in the air between them without a definite answer.

Ha-neul thought about Starla—her charming smile, her gentle voice, and the warmth that always enveloped their conversations. The feelings he had kept tightly hidden now surfaced, pressing to be acknowledged.

In the corner of the room, a vase of beautiful white roses added to the serene atmosphere. Ha-neul rose from his chair and walked slowly to the window. He opened it slightly, letting in the fresh air, bringing the distinctive scent of spring that refreshed.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the hospital, Ha-neul found peace within himself. He knew that tomorrow would bring a new chapter in his life—the journey to London and the long-delayed meeting, which this time was not to say goodbye as originally planned. For a moment, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath, feeling the joy spreading through his entire being. He didn’t know exactly what he was feeling now, but it felt incredibly wonderful.