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I tapped my foot against the cold linoleum floor, the faint echo lost beneath the hum of distant machines and muffled voices. My fingers found their way to my mouth, nails grazing my teeth—a nervous habit I'd never managed to shake, especially in this place. The sterile scent of disinfectant lingered in the air, mixing with the quiet dread that always seemed to follow me here.

My eyes flicked to the clock on the wall. Again. The minute hand had barely shifted since the last time I checked, though it felt like hours had passed.

"Y/L/N!"

The sound of my name snapped me back to reality. I looked up, spotting a familiar figure standing in the doorway. Rising from the uncomfortable plastic chair, I smoothed down my jacket and walked over to her.

"Hello, Y/N," Ha-eun greeted me with a kind smile, her clipboard tucked against her chest.

"Hi, Ha-eun," I replied, my voice tight.

Ha-eun had been here as long as I could remember, her face one of the few constants in this ever-changing maze of hallways and hospital rooms. We weren't friends, exactly, but there was a comfort in her familiarity.

"How is he?" I asked, bracing myself for the answer.

Her smile softened. "He's been asking for you all morning."

A small, involuntary smile tugged at the corners of my lips. "Can I see him?"

"Of course. Right this way."

She stepped aside, holding the doors open as we moved through the bustling corridor. The faint squeak of rubber soles against the floor and the low murmur of conversations created a symphony of quiet urgency around us. We walked in silence, the weight of our destination hanging heavy between us. Finally, we reached his room.

Ha-eun slid the door open with practiced ease, stepping aside to let me in.

And there he was.

In-su sat cross-legged on the hospital bed, his small frame dwarfed by the tangled mess of blankets and tubes surrounding him. He was holding his favorite purple zebra, the well-loved toy clutched tightly in his hands. When he saw me, his entire face lit up.

"Y/N!" he exclaimed, his voice breaking into a wide, toothy grin.

"Hey, kiddo," I said, my heart swelling and aching all at once. I crossed the room in a few quick strides and bent down to hug him, careful not to disturb the IV line snaking up his arm. He climbed to his knees, wrapping his thin arms around my neck with more strength than I expected.

"Whoa, easy there," I said with a soft laugh, gently guiding him to sit back down. "You're supposed to be resting."

"I missed you," he murmured, his voice small.

"I missed you too." I brushed his messy black hair back from his forehead, taking in the pale shadow of his face. "But you know you're in good hands here, right? The doctors are taking care of you."

He looked away, his gaze dropping to the thin tubes that trailed from his nose. He fiddled with the edge of the blanket, a gesture that made him look even smaller.

"Hey," I said softly, leaning closer. "I've got a deal for you. Once your surgery's done and we get out of here, I'll take you out for a sweet treat. How does that sound?"

His dark eyes flicked back to mine, a spark of hope returning. "Anything I want?"

I scoffed, pretending to think it over. "We'll see. But I promise, we'll make it happen."

The corner of his lips lifted into a smile, and for a moment, it felt like everything might be okay.

Ha-eun stepped forward, slipping on a pair of gloves. "In-su, I'm just going to check your blood pressure, okay?"

"Okay," he said, leaning back against the pillows as she wrapped the cuff around his thin arm. The machine beeped softly, the numbers flickering across the screen as I watched.

"How are you feeling?" Ha-eun asked, her voice calm and steady. "On a scale of one to ten?"

"Six," he said after a moment's thought.

"Any pain?"

"A little. In my tummy," he admitted, placing a hand over his stomach.

"Alright. I'm going to press on your tummy a little, okay? You tell me when it hurts."

He nodded, watching her hand closely as she gently applied pressure.

"Right there," he said, flinching slightly.

Almost on cue, his stomach let out a loud growl, breaking the tension. Ha-eun and I exchanged a glance before laughing softly.

"Looks like we solved the mystery," I teased.

"I'm just hungry," In-su said, looking at me with wide, innocent eyes.

"Hungry?" I raised an eyebrow. "Didn't they just feed you breakfast?"

"I know," he said quickly, as if trying to defend himself. "But I'm still hungry."

I crossed my arms, pretending to be stern. "And what exactly are you craving, Mr. Hungry?"

"Kimchi fried rice," he said, his voice hopeful.

I blinked, taken aback. "Kimchi fried rice? Wow. Someone's got good taste."

"Please, Y/N," he added, his tone shifting to that perfect balance of pleading and charm that always managed to win me over.

It was hard to say no to him. It always had been. Especially here, in this room, where the weight of his illness hung heavier than I liked to admit.

I turned to Ha-eun. "Do you think I could grab him something to eat?"

She glanced up from her clipboard, her expression thoughtful before breaking into a smile. "Of course. It's great that he still has an appetite—it's a good sign."

I nodded, turning back to In-su. "Alright, I'll be back in twenty minutes, okay? Kimchi fried rice, just for you."

His face lit up. "Promise?"

I crouched down, brushing his hair back again. "Promise."

"You're the best," he said, beaming at me.

I stood up and headed for the door, pausing to give him one last wave. He waved back, his little hand clutching the zebra in his lap.

As I stepped into the hallway, the cold air hit me like a reminder of where I was. But for now, I had a mission. Kimchi fried rice. For him, I'd do anything.

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The streets of the small town bustled with quiet life. Cars rolled by slowly, their engines purring, and people moved in clusters—families, couples, old friends—all with their own rhythms. I kept my head down, my feet carrying me past rows of small shops and food stands, my breath visible in the crisp air.

The familiar scent of spices and sizzling food stopped me in my tracks. I glanced up to see the little stand tucked on the corner, its faded sign swinging gently in the breeze. This was it—In-su's favorite spot for kimchi fried rice.

I approached the small building, its outdoor tables and chairs vacant, their surfaces glistening faintly from the morning dew. As I stood there, waiting, I heard the faint shuffle of footsteps. From behind the counter, Ms. Hae emerged, her broom in hand.

"Oh, Y/N!" she called out, setting the broom aside with a warm smile. She quickly walked around the stand, wiping her hands on her apron before pulling me into a hug.

"Hi, Ms. Hae," I said, hugging her back.

She pulled away just enough to cup my cheeks, her eyes scanning me with a fondness that only years of knowing someone can bring. "Oh my, you've grown so much! Look at you."

I smiled faintly. "It's been a while."

"How's little In-su? Still in the third grade?" she asked with a cheerful lilt.

The question caught in my throat for a moment. My smile faltered, but I forced it back up as quickly as I could. "He's... still in the hospital," I said softly.

Her expression immediately shifted, the warmth in her eyes dimming with concern. "Oh, my dear..." She placed a hand over her mouth, then moved it to rest on my shoulder. "I'm so sorry."

"It's okay," I said, clearing my throat. "He's doing a lot better than he was last month. The new treatment seems to be helping. I'm staying hopeful."

"Well," she said, squeezing my shoulder, "you know my offer still stands. If you ever want to work here, you'll always have a place."

I nodded, appreciating the gesture more than I could say. "I really do appreciate that, Ms. Hae. I mean, I've known you since I was a kid. But... I can't. Not right now. In-su needs me to be there for him at the hospital."

She nodded, though a hint of sadness lingered in her expression. "Of course, my dear. You're a wonderful sister."

I tried to smile again. "Right now, though, he really wants some of your famous kimchi fried rice."

That earned a laugh from her, the lines of worry easing from her face. "That boy," she said, shaking her head fondly. "Always hungry. Alright, let me whip up a box to go."

She disappeared into the stand, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I exhaled slowly and looked around, taking in the quiet chatter of the street. Across from me, a young boy ran up to his parents, laughing as he held a stick of cotton candy. They pulled him into a hug, his giggles filling the air as they each took a piece of the pink fluff.

A lump formed in my throat. I wondered if In-su would ever get to have moments like that—carefree, happy, surrounded by love. There were so many things I had promised him that I wasn't sure I could promise myself.

Money had been tight for years. Between medical bills, debts, and trying to keep us afloat, I had done everything I could—cleaning streets, volunteering for odd jobs, even begging when things got desperate. I'd started working when I was just twelve, doing whatever it took to keep us going. But it was never enough.

He's all I have left, I reminded myself, my fists clenching at my sides. I can't lose him.

"Alright, dear."

Ms. Hae's voice broke through my thoughts, and I turned to see her holding out a small plastic bag. "One takeout box of kimchi fried rice for little In-su."

I smiled as I took the bag from her, the warmth of the food seeping through the plastic. "Thank you, Ms. Hae. He's going to be so happy."

She rubbed my shoulder again, her touch gentle. "That'll be 14,721 won," she said, heading back to her register.

I froze for a moment, then reached into my jacket pocket, pulling out my battered wallet. Flipping it open, I began counting the bills inside. My stomach sank as I realized I was short—just a couple of dollars, but short nonetheless.

"Shit," I muttered under my breath, snapping the wallet shut.

Looking back at her, I gave an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, Ms. Hae. I don't have enough. I'll have to come back later."

Her face fell, but only for a moment. Then, with a small shake of her head, she stepped out from behind the counter and pushed the bag toward me.

"Don't worry about it, dear," she said softly.

"No, I can't—"

"Please," she interrupted, her tone firm but kind. "You've been through so much. Just take the food. It's on me."

I hesitated, my hands still hovering over the bag. "I promise I'll pay you back," I said, my voice cracking slightly.

She waved me off with a smile. "Hush now. You don't owe me a thing. You were my first customer, Y/N, from the day you were born. I've watched you grow into this strong, caring young woman. This is the least I can do."

Her words brought a tightness to my chest, but I managed to smile. "Thank you, Ms. Hae. Really. I'll tell In-su you said hello."

"Do that," she said, giving me a gentle push toward the street. "Now go. That boy's waiting for his food."

I waved goodbye as I walked away, clutching the bag tightly. The scent of the fried rice drifted up, warm and comforting.

In a world that often felt cold and unforgiving, there were still moments of kindness—small acts that reminded me there was still good to hold onto. I looked down at the bag and smiled.

"Hang on, In-su," I whispered to myself. "I'm on my way."

And with that, I began making my way back to the hospital, my steps a little lighter than before.

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I stepped through the hospital's sliding doors. The bag of food hung in my hand, its warmth barely cutting through the cool, sterile atmosphere. I approached the front desk, where Nurse Ji sat typing away, her glasses perched precariously on her nose.

"Hi, Ji," I said softly, leaning on the counter.

She looked up, her face brightening when she saw me. "Oh, Y/N! You're back. How's our little fighter today?"

I smiled faintly. "Still himself. Hungry, as always."

Ji chuckled, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Well, that's a good sign. Go ahead."

"Thanks, Ji," I said, giving her a small nod before heading toward the double doors that led to the patient rooms.

The sound of my footsteps echoed faintly against the polished tiles as I walked down the corridor. The bag in my hand swayed slightly with each step, its contents a small piece of comfort for the boy waiting for me.

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I was just steps away from the double doors leading to the patient rooms when they burst open. Two doctors rushed past me, their white coats billowing behind them as they ran. I stopped in my tracks, watching them disappear down the hallway. I didn't think much of it at first—emergencies were common here—but as I pushed through the doors and stepped into the hallway, a strange feeling began to settle over me.

The air felt different, heavier somehow.

I kept walking, the bag of food swinging gently at my side. The familiar sounds of machines beeping and faint murmurs of conversation filled the space, but something about it felt off. My steps slowed when I saw another doctor join the others, this one pushing a crash cart. They hurried toward the left hallway—the direction of In-su's room.

My heart stopped for a moment, and then it began to race.

No.

I quickened my pace, my breaths coming faster. The knot in my stomach tightened as I rounded the corner and saw them. They were all gathered outside his door.

No.

The bag slipped from my hand as I broke into a run. The world around me blurred, the sterile walls and muted colors becoming a haze. I pushed through the small crowd of doctors and nurses, my voice trembling.

"What's going on? What happened?!"

I shoved the door open, and the sight before me shattered something deep inside.

In-su was lying there, motionless, his small body dwarfed by the hospital bed. The monitor beside him was flatlining, its sharp, relentless tone slicing through the air like a knife.

"No, no, no," I whispered, my voice breaking. I ran to him, my knees hitting the edge of the bed as I cupped his face. His skin was cold, too cold. "In-su! Wake up."

I shook him gently, tears streaming down my face. "In-su, it's me. I'm here."

"Miss, you need to step back!" a male doctor said, his tone firm but urgent as he reached for me.

"No!" I shouted, refusing to let go. "He's my brother! I just—I was just with him! He was fine!"

But then I felt hands on me—gentle but insistent. A female doctor pulled me back, her voice steady but unyielding.

"Please, miss. Let us work."

"No! No! He needs me! Let me stay!" I screamed, my hands grasping at air as they pulled me away from the bed.

They laid him flat, cutting open his tiny hospital gown to expose his fragile chest. My legs gave out beneath me as I watched them rub the paddles of the defibrillator together.

"Clear!" one of the doctors called out, pressing the paddles to his chest.

In-su's body jerked upward, but the monitor remained flat.

"Still nothing," another doctor said, her voice clipped but controlled.

"No, no," I whispered, shaking my head violently as tears poured down my face.

"Clear!"

The jolt sent his small body upward again, but the monitor didn't change.

I pressed my hands against the glass window of the door, my vision blurred by tears.

The world around me felt like it was collapsing, the walls closing in, the air thinning. I couldn't breathe.

"Y/N."

A soft hand landed on my shoulder, but I didn't turn around. My eyes stayed fixed on the small window, on the scene unfolding inside the room.

"Y/N, come over here," the same voice urged, this time with more insistence.

I couldn't move. I couldn't look away. "No... I have to stay. I have to see him."

The hand on my shoulder tightened gently. I felt someone pulling me back, but I fought against it, my legs dragging as they led me away from the door.

"Y/N, it's better if you don't watch this," the woman said, her voice steady but thick with sympathy.

"I can't—I can't leave him," I whispered, my voice breaking.

"Come on, let's sit over here." She guided me to a bench further down the hall, but I kept craning my neck, desperate to see through the small window one last time.

"Please," I begged, my voice a broken whisper.

The woman knelt in front of me, her face level with mine. "I know this is hard," she said softly, her hands gently gripping my arms. "But you need to let the doctors do their job. Right now, he needs them to try everything they can."

I swallowed hard, my chest heaving as I tried to breathe through the panic. Tears blurred my vision, and my hands trembled as I clutched them to my chest.

"I was only gone for a few minutes," I whispered, more to myself than to her. "I should've been here. I should've—"

"Shh," she said, her voice soothing. "This is not your fault."

I couldn't respond. My eyes darted back to the door, my heart aching as I prayed silently—desperately—for any sign of hope.

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