Chapter 139
**sarah pov**
I packed up the steaming hot food with care, the aroma of the traditional Korean dish wafting through the air and teasing my senses. The scorching afternoon sun beat down on me as I hailed a taxi, its bright rays relentless even through the tinted windows. I gave the driver the hospital's address, and we navigated through the city's congested streets, the sounds of honking horns and chatter filling the air. As we arrived at the hospital, I paid the driver and stepped out into the sweltering heat. The hospital's automatic doors slid open, and I was enveloped by the cool, sterile air. I made my way to Hyun Min's room, my footsteps echoing softly off the walls. The corridor was quiet, the atmosphere subdued, a stark contrast to the bustling city streets I had just left behind. The nurses and doctors moved with purpose, their white coats a blur as they hurried to attend to their patients. I passed by them, exchanging gentle smiles and nods, and reached Hyun Min's room. I gently pushed open the door, the soft creak of the hinges announcing my presence.
Hyun Min lay on the bed, his eyes fixed on the ceiling, his expression lost in thought. As I entered, his gaze shifted, and our eyes met. He sat up slowly, his movements languid, his eyes looking red and puffy. I felt a pang of concern, and my voice was laced with worry as I asked, "What's wrong? You look like you've been crying."
Hyun Min's expression was inscrutable, and he didn't answer immediately. Instead, he beckoned me to come closer, his voice low and husky. "Come here, I need you closer," he said softly, his eyes never leaving mine. I walked over to him.
"I'm glad you brought lunch. I was just about to starve to death." I raised an eyebrow, teasing him about being about to go have lunch while lying down on the bed. Hyun Min chuckled, the sound low and throaty, and explained, "Well, I was thinking of standing up and making a grand entrance, but you ruined the moment by walking in." His eyes sparkled with mirth, and I couldn't help but smile, feeling a warmth spread through my chest.
"I guess I'll just have to settle for eating lunch instead," he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Thanks for bringing food. You're a lifesaver." I smiled, feeling happy that I could do something for him. "Anytime," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
I settled beside him on the bed, the soft rustle of the lunch bag filling the air as I unpacked the food. As I handed him a plate, his eyes met mine, and he mentioned, "I'll be discharged today." My eyes widened in surprise, and I exclaimed, "Really? That's wonderful news!"
But before I could bask in the excitement, I steered the conversation toward a more pressing matter. "I don't know what's going on, but that woman... That claims she's your mother..can't you just give her a chance?" I asked, my voice laced with concern. Hyun Min's expression turned somber, and he looked away, his eyes drifting toward the window.
" she appeared out of nowhere, begging for forgiveness," he said, his voice low and measured. "And what's even more surprising is that my parents confirmed her identity. They're vouching for her." I was taken aback, unsure of how to react. "I don't understand," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
Hyun Min's expression was calm, but I could sense the turmoil beneath. "My parents have confirmed it too," he added, his voice steady. I looked at him, searching for answers. "So, have you forgiven her?" I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me.
Hyun Min's gaze drifted off, and he said, "If she did what she did for a reason, if her actions were motivated by love or concern for me, then who am I to withhold forgiveness?" His words were simple, yet profound, and they spoke volumes about his character. I looked at him, feeling a sense of admiration for his capacity for forgiveness, and the quiet strength that seemed to emanate from him.
The tension in the air was palpable, and I could sense Hyun Min's unease. To break the silence, I decided to focus on the food. "Let's shift gears," I said with a warm smile, unpacking the last dish. I arranged the Korean food in front of him, trying to create a visually appealing presentation.
Hyun Min picked up a piece of food and took a bite, and his reaction was immediate. He spat it out, his face contorting in distaste. "What's wrong with this?" I asked, concern etched on my face.
I tried the food myself, and my eyes widened in surprise. It was ridiculously salty. I had followed a traditional Korean recipe, but it seemed I had added a disproportionate amount of salt. Hyun Min looked at me, his expression incredulous. "I thought you were a decent cook. How did you manage to make it this salty?"
I chuckled, feeling a bit embarrassed. "I can cook, but I guess I got a bit carried away with the seasoning." Hyun Min's expression softened, and he said, "Well, in that case... let's ditch this and grab lunch at the hospital cafeteria instead."
Before I could respond, he swung his legs over the side of the bed and slipped on his slippers. He took my hand, pulling me toward the door. "What about the food? Should we just leave it?" I asked, hesitating.
Hyun Min turned back, covered the food, and picked up the entire lunch bag. "We'll take it with us. And trash it on her way." he said, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
As we strolled to the hospital cafeteria, the soft hum of conversation and the aroma of food filled the air. Some female patients couldn't help but notice Hyun Min's chiseled features, their eyes lingering on him as they whispered to each other. "Wow, he's absolutely stunning!" one of them exclaimed, nudging her friend with a sly grin.
I rolled my eyes good-naturedly and teased them, a playful smile spreading across my face. "Ladies, focus on your own lives. He's off-limits. He's my boyfriend, and I'm not sharing," I said, wrapping my arm around Hyun Min's waist and pulling him close.
The female patients giggled and blushed, their faces lighting up with embarrassment. Hyun Min chuckled and leaned in close to me, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "You see, I'm a catch. You should consider yourself lucky to have someone like me by your side," he whispered, his breath tickling my ear.
I looked up at him, a mischievous glint in my eye. "Oh, please. You think you're handsome? I'm not impressed. In fact, I'm starting to think you're more of a pretty boy than a real catch," I teased, poking fun at him with a grin.
Hyun Min's laughter was low and husky, and he pulled me closer, his arm wrapping around my shoulders. "Is that so? Well, I guess I'll just have to work harder to impress you," he said, his voice filled with playful promise.
We walked away, laughing and joking together, the tension and seriousness of the hospital momentarily forgotten. The sound of our footsteps echoed down the corridor, accompanied by the soft hum of conversation and the clinking of dishes from the cafeteria. It was moments like these that I cherished, the playful banter and teasing that kept our relationship light, fun, and refreshingly real.