The news of Hyunjin's severe injury reached his family with the impact of a thunderclap. Lady Hwang nearly fainted, clutching her chest, while Lord Hwang stood motionless, his face ashen with worry. The household was thrown into disarray, servants rushing to attend to their distraught masters.

In the days that followed, the Hwang estate was shrouded in a tense, oppressive silence. Lady Hwang's once sharp commands were reduced to soft murmurs of prayer, her stern demeanor replaced by a constant, underlying anxiety. Lord Hwang, usually a figure of stoic strength, now paced the halls restlessly, his thoughts consumed by his son's fate.

Hyunjin's absence had created a voic that neither parent knew how to fill. Lady Hwang spent her days in the shrine room, offering fervent prayers for her son's safe return. She refused to eat or sleep properly, her health beginning to decline. Lord Hwang, thought more composed, was equally distraught. He found himself haunted by memories of Hyunjin's childhood, the carefree days that now seemed so distant.

Months passes, and the war with China ended in a hard-won victory for Joseon. The capital was a scene of mixed emotions as soldiers returned home. The streets were filled with families, their faces a tapestry of grief and joy. Some were inconsolable, mourning their lost loved ones, while others wept tears of relief and happiness, embracing the soldiers who had made it back.

Yeon-mi and Lady Hwa-yeong stood among the crowd, their eyes scanning the returning soldiers. Yeon-mi's heart pounded in her chest, her eyes wide with hope and fear. As each wave of soldiers passed, her anxiety grew. She clutched the folds of her hanbok tightly, her breath catching in her throat.

But Hyunjin was nowhere to be seen.

Lady Hwa-yeong placed a gentle hand on Yeon-mi's shoulder. "Yeon-mi, don't lose hope. I've received word that Lord Hyunjin has been take to the hospital. He is alive, but he needs time to recover."

Yeon-mi's knees nearly buckled with relief and exhaustion. Her heart was heavy with worry, but the knowledge that Hyunjin was alive gave her strength. Lady Hwa-yeong arranged for a tram to take them to the hospital.

The hospital was a somber place, filled with the wounded and dying. The air was thick with the scent of medicinal herbs and the quiet murmur of healers attending to their patients. Lady Hwa-yeong led Yeon-mi though the corridors until they reached a private room where Hyunjin lay unconscious.

Yeon-mi's breath caught in her throat as she saw him. Hyunjin looked pale and fragile, a stark contrast to the vibrant, playful man she had fallen in love with. His injuries were severe, and he was covered in bandages, but he was breathing. He was alive.

Lady Hwa-yeong gave Yeon-mi a moment of privacy, leaving the room silently. Yeon-mi approached Hyunjin's bedside, her heart aching with a mixture of relief, sadness, and overwhelming love. She gently took his hand in hers, caressing it softly.

"Hyunjin," she whispered, her voice trembling. "You're alive. You're here."

Tears welled up in her eyes, spilling over and rolling down her cheeks. She leaned over, her forehead resting against his hand, her body shaking with silent sobs. She was overwhelmed by the intensity of her emotions, the sheer relief of seeing him alive and the deep sorrow at his condition.

She gently hugged, Hyunjin's still form, her amrs encircling him with care. "Please, come back to me," she whispered through her tears. "I need you to wake up. I need you to be alright."

Time seemed to stand still as she held him, her tears soaking into the sheets. Despite the sorrow, there was a sense of profound gratitude. Hyunjin had returned to her, and for that she was endlessly thankful.

Lady Hwa-yeong watched from the doorway, her heart heavy with empathy for Yeon-mi. She had seen the depth of the young servant girl's love for Hyunjin, and it touched her deeply. She vowed to do everything in her power to support them, to ensure that their love could endure despite the obstacles they faced.

As Yeon-mi continued to hold Hyunjin, whispering words of comfort and love, Lady Hwa-yeong knew that their story was far from over. There would be challenges ahead, but there was also hope. And in that hope, she found strength.

Two Days Earlier

Back at the Hwang estate, the tension was palpable. Lady Hwang sat in her room, clutching a letter from the military with trembling hands. The letter had arrived the previous day, informing them of Hyunjin's severe injuries but offering little detail. Lord Hwang stood by the window, staring out into the distance, his mind racing with a thousand possibilities.

"We should go to the hospital," Lady Hwang finally said, her voice barely a whisper. "We need to see him."

Lord Hwang nodded, his expression grim. "Yes, we must. I will arrange for the carriage."

At the hospital, Hyunjin's parents were led to his room. The sight of their son lying motionless on the bed was almost too much for Lady Hwang to bear. She collapsed into a chair, sobbing uncontrollably. Lord Hwang stood at her side, his face etched with worry and sorrow.

"Hyunjin," Lady Hwang whispered, reaching out to touch his hand. "My son, please wake up."

Lord Hwang placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "He is strong, my love. He will come back to us."

As they sat by Hyunjin's bedside, the days stretched into a blur of worry and hope. They spoke to the healers, learning about the extent of Hyunjin's injuries and the long road to recovery ahead. Despite their differences, their love for their son united them in this time of crisis.

Present Day

Yeon-mi continued to visit Hyunjin daily, her presence a source of comfort for both him and his parents. She brought small gifts, flowers, and letters, hoping that the familiar scents and words would reach him somehow.

One afternoon, as Yeon-mi sat by Hyunjin's side, gently reading one of her letters to him, Lady Hwang entered the room. She paused at the doorway, watching the young woman with her son. A mixture of emotions played across her face—relief, gratitude, and a hint of jealousy.

"Yeon-mi," Lady Hwang said, her voice sharp and laced with disapproval.

Yeon-mi looked up, startled. She quickly stood, bowing deeply. "My lady."

Lady Hwang stepped into the room, her eyes narrowing as she approached. "What are you doing here? This is a private matter for family."

"I-I only wish to see Lord Hyunjin recover, my lady," Yeon-mi stammered, keeping her gaze lowered.

Lady Hwang crossed her arms, her tone cold. "Your presence here is not appropriate. Leave now."

Yeon-mi's heart sank, but she nodded, bowing again. "Yes, my lady."

As Yeon-mi turned to leave, Lady Hwang's gaze softened slightly, though her voice remained stern. "If Hyunjin finds comfort in your presence, you may visit, but only when I am not here."

Yeon-mi looked up, surprised. "Thank you, my lady."

"Do not mistake this for acceptance," Lady Hwang warned, her eyes hardening once more. "You are still a servant, and my son has a duty to uphold his family's honor."

Yeon-mi nodded, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. "I understand, my lady. I only wish to help him heal."

Lady Hwang gave a curt nod, turning away. "Then see to it that you do not forget your place."

Days turned into weeks, and Hyunjin's condition slowly began to improve. He remained unconscious, but the healers were optimistic about his recovery. Yeon-mi and Hyunjin's parents continued their vigil, their hope unwavering.

One evening, as Yeon-mi sat by Hyunjin's bedside, holding his hand and whispering words of love and encouragement, she felt a slight movement. Her heart leaped, and she looked down to see Hyunjin's fingers twitching.

"Hyunjin?" she whispered, her voice trembling with hope.

Slowly, painfully, Hyunjin's eyes fluttered open. He blinked, disoriented, his gaze eventually focusing on Yeon-mi's tear-streaked face.

"Yeon-mi," he croaked, his voice weak.

Tears of joy streamed down her cheeks as she leaned closer, gently cradling his face. "You're awake. Oh, Hyunjin, you're awake."

Lady Hwa-yeong watched from the doorway, a soft smile playing on her lips. She knew that there were still many challenges ahead, but in that moment, she allowed herself to believe in the power of love and hope.

As Hyunjin's parents entered the room, their faces lighting up with joy at the sight of their son's awakening, Yeon-mi stepped back, allowing them their moment. She knew that the road to recovery would be long and difficult, but she also knew that Hyunjin would never walk it alone.

With a heart full of gratitude and love, Yeon-mi silently vowed to stand by Hyunjin's side, no matter what the future held. And in that promise, she found the strength to face whatever came next.