46. Contradictions of the Heart

Starla and Luna strolled leisurely down the hospital corridor, their footsteps echoing softly. The walls were lined with pastel-colored paint, and the occasional sound of distant conversations and beeping medical equipment added to the hospital ambiance. The air was cool and sterile, but the warmth of their conversation created a comforting bubble around them.

They paused when they saw Brad approaching from the opposite direction. His stride was purposeful, yet relaxed, and he seemed to exude an aura of calm amidst the clinical surroundings. Brad’s face brightened as he recognized them, his relief at seeing Starla evident in his eyes.

Brad's appearance was striking. He was tall and athletic, with a smile that exuded warmth and confidence. His casual outfit—a fitted white shirt and dark jeans—highlighted his relaxed yet polished demeanor. The way he carried himself spoke volumes about his self-assured nature, and there was an air of quiet strength about him.

His eyes, a deep shade of brown, seemed to hold a certain depth, hinting at experiences and stories untold. As he stood there, his posture was upright and commanding, yet there was a gentleness in his expression that made him approachable. He exuded an effortless charm that drew people in, making it easy for others to feel at ease in his presence. Whether he was engaged in conversation or simply observing his surroundings, there was an undeniable magnetism about him that left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Luna greeted him first, her tone a mix of surprise and curiosity. "Brad, I didn't expect to see you here!"

"Of course I came," Brad replied. He then turned his attention to Starla, his expression becoming more serious. "I'm sorry it took me so long to visit. I should have come earlier."

Before Starla could respond, Luna interjected, a teasing glint in her eye. "You’re still late, Brad. Starla's already well enough to be discharged."

Brad chuckled lightly, shaking his head. "I might be late, but at least I can give you both a ride home instead of making you take a taxi."

Luna sighed, admitting defeat. "Yeah, you're right, Brad."

Brad extended his hand, taking the bag from Luna. "Let me carry that for you," he said, his tone gentle yet insistent.

With that, the trio walked toward the elevator. The soft hum of conversation filled the air as they moved together, their steps echoing slightly in the spacious hallway. They all seemed in good spirits, especially Starla, whose face was illuminated by a genuine smile that hadn’t been there in a long time. The relief of being able to walk without pain, combined with the knowledge that the person who had been bothering her was now in police custody, gave her a newfound sense of freedom and security.

Luna and Brad walked beside her, their own expressions mirroring her happiness. Ha-neul glanced at Starla, his eyes reflecting his relief and pride in her strength throughout her recovery journey. He had been there for her every step of the way, providing support and encouragement when she needed it most. Luna, too, was overjoyed to see Starla in such high spirits. Her vibrant personality had always brought light into their lives, and seeing that light dimmed had been difficult for everyone.

As they approached the elevator, Brad pressed the button, and they waited in comfortable silence. The gentle ding of the elevator arriving broke the quiet, and they stepped inside, the doors closing softly behind them. The ride down was smooth, and Starla found herself reflecting on how far she had come. The fear and anxiety that had once gripped her were slowly being replaced by a renewed sense of hope and possibility.

---

The next morning, in the kitchen of her apartment, Starla stood by the stove, immersed in the peaceful routine of cooking breakfast. The early sunlight streamed through the kitchen window, casting a warm, golden hue over the room. The kitchen was tidy and inviting, with potted herbs on the windowsill adding a touch of green to the serene space.

The burner was on, and a pot simmered gently, sending the comforting aroma of freshly made soup wafting through the air. Starla moved gracefully, her movements calm and practiced. She dipped a spoon into the soup, blew on it to cool it down, and then tasted it. The rich, savory flavor met her taste buds, and she smiled, murmuring to herself, "Just right."

Starla's gaze wandered momentarily to the small dining table set for one, a simple white plate and bowl ready for her breakfast. The quiet of the morning was punctuated only by the gentle bubbling of the soup and the occasional chirp of birds outside. This was her favorite time of the day, a time to gather her thoughts and find tranquility before the world outside demanded her attention.

Her phone buzzed with an incoming message, disrupting the peaceful silence. Starla wiped her hands on a nearby towel and picked it up from the counter. She read the message from Luna, her face lighting up with curiosity.

Luna: Hey, are you up yet?

Starla smiled and quickly replied.

Starla: I've been up for a while.

A response from Luna came almost immediately.

Luna: Usually you're a late riser. Oh, I get it—you’re up because your boyfriend is coming over.

Blushing, Starla typed back.

Starla: He’s not my boyfriend!

Luna's reply was swift.

Luna: Lol! I bet you two will be dating soon.

Starla, her face still flushed, replied.

Starla: Stop teasing me! You’re so annoying!

With a chuckle, Starla locked her phone and set it on the table. Despite her protests, she couldn't deny her true feelings. Deep down, she longed to be Ha-neul’s girlfriend. She leaned back in her couch, allowing herself a moment of quiet reflection. The gentle hum of the bustling city around her apartment to fade into the background as her thoughts drifted to Ha-neul. His warm smile, the way his eyes lit up when he talked about his passions, and the comforting sound of his laughter echoed in her mind. They had shared so many wonderful moments together, each one deepening her affection for him.

"Typical Luna," Starla muttered.

Time passed quickly. After about thirty minutes, Starla glanced at the wall clock, noting how swiftly the evening had moved along. She stretched slightly, feeling the familiar satisfaction of preparing a meal for someone special, then rose and returned to the kitchen with a purposeful stride.

In the kitchen, the warm aroma of her meticulously prepared soup filled the air, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. She approached the stove and lifted the lid, allowing the steam to escape in gentle wisps. Starla picked up a wooden spoon and stirred the soup one last time, savoring the rich, comforting scent that promised a delicious and heartwarming meal. With a practiced hand, she tasted a small spoonful, ensuring the flavors were perfectly balanced. A smile of contentment spread across her face.

Satisfied, she turned off the stove and carefully poured the steaming soup into a large, beautifully decorated bowl, its intricate patterns catching the light. She carried the bowl to the dining table, her steps light and graceful, placing it at the center with a touch of pride. The table was set simply but elegantly, with neatly arranged cutlery and a soft, linen tablecloth that added a touch of warmth to the setting.

Just as she placed the bowl on the table, her phone buzzed, the vibration a sudden interruption in the tranquil evening. Her heart skipped a beat as she reached for it, a flutter of anticipation in her chest. She picked up the phone and saw Ha-neul's name on the screen, the message notification causing a small thrill of excitement. She took a deep breath and opened the message.

Kim Ha-neul: Starla, are you busy?

Smiling, she quickly typed her response.

Starla: Not at all. What’s up, Ha-neul?

His reply came soon after.

Kim Ha-neul: I’m in the lobby. Could you come down and get me if you’re free?

Starla’s smile widened, her excitement palpable.

Starla: Wait right there. I’m on my way.

She hurriedly grabbed a sweater, slipped it on, and dashed out of her apartment. The hallway was dimly lit, and her hurried footsteps echoed off the walls, a rhythmic reminder of her urgency. As she reached the stairwell, she opted for the stairs instead of waiting for the notoriously slow elevator, her breathing growing heavier with each step.

When she arrived in the lobby, her heart sank. Ha-neul was chatting with a beautiful woman, their conversation filled with easy laughter and animated gestures. The woman possessed an effortless elegance that seemed to complement Ha-neul's charm perfectly.

A pang of jealousy and discomfort washed over Starla. Her chest tightened, and she felt a strange, unwelcome warmth spread through her at the sight of Ha-neul with someone else. It wasn't just the fact that he was with another woman; it was the ease with which they interacted, as if they had known each other for a long time. Starla found herself grappling with a mix of emotions.