Entangled Hearts

The Thief

The community centre for homeless children stands as a two-story building with a charming blend of traditional Korean architecture and modern touches. Its exterior is adorned with vibrant flowers and a well-maintained garden, creating a serene atmosphere. The gate, crafted with complex patterns, opens to a path leading up to the entrance.

Jeongyeon stands in front of the gate, her silhouette framed by the soft glow of the evening sun. With a bag of gifts in hand, she gazes at the familiar entrance, memories flooding back.

Two decades ago, a younger Jeongyeon stood in front of the orphanage gate, her expression a mix of uncertainty and hope. The building, then less adorned but still full of promise, held the echoes of her past. Clutching a small bag, she took a deep breath before pushing the gate open.

"Kyung-Wan, are you going to stand there, or would you like to come in?" A loud voice shook Jeongyeon from her thoughts. She smiled brightly before opening the gate and walked towards the voice.

A compassionate figure with greying hair and kind eyes, looked at Jeongyeon with the same bright smile. Miss Bora opened her arms wide for the latter to fall in for a hug.

"Aww my baby. Where have you been? Are you not eating well? Look at you. You are so skinny." Miss Bora checked Jeongyeon up and down as she spoke.

"Eomma, can you stop being so worried? I am fine. I was busy at work so I couldn't visit last week." Jeongyeon explained and held on to the older woman.

"Alright...alright...now come on. You are right on time for dinner. The kids will be happy to see you especially Haeun." Miss Bora all but dragged Jeongyeon inside. The latter followed obediently.

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"Miss Myoui, you are going to get me in trouble." Mina's chauffeur whined as he parked the car near the dance studio.

"Shhh..Marcus. I told you no one will find out unless you don't stop talking. " Mina shushed him quickly before glaring at him. She scanned around the area and exited the car wearing a completely different outfit from what she wore in the morning. A track pant and hoodie. She held a gym bag over her shoulder and pulled the hood up.

"Now when my dad calls, tell him I am at Momo's. Do you understand?" Mina pointed her finger at the scared chauffeur and eyed him.

He frantically nodded. " Good boy." Mina smiled victoriously and walked towards the building, leaving a nervous Marcus alone in the car.

Momo sat on a bench in the dance studio, tapping her foot to the rhythm of an unheard song. She glanced at the clock, waiting for Mina, who finally arrived, looking elegant as always.

"You're late!" Momo teased, looking up from her spot.

"Sorry, but not sorry. Unlike others I have to sneak my way in here." Mina retorted towards her friend. 

Momo laughed." Yeah...yeah... I know your dad. Everything needs a schedule, and spontaneous dance sessions aren't exactly in his planner."

Mina sighed. "I know, but it's the only way I can have some space. He's so focused on his 'grand plan' for my life. I just need a breather sometimes, you know?"

Momo placed a reassuring hand on Mina's shoulder. "We'll figure it out, okay? Until then, let's make the most of our time." 

The piano played a delicate melody as Mina took a deep breath, centering herself. With each movement, her body became an elegant expression of the music. Her arms moved with precision, creating sweeping lines in the air. The gentle pliés and graceful tendus showcased the strength and flexibility she had honed through countless hours of practice.

As the tempo increased, Mina's movements became more dynamic. Mina's focus was unwavering, her face a picture of determination. Every jump, turn, and extension spoke of her dedication to mastering the art form. Her passion for ballet evident in the sweat on her brow and the satisfied smile on her face.

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Mina stepped out of the dance studio, feeling happy after a good practice.

"Minari, today's session was awesome! Can you believe how much we've improved?" Momo said, excited. 

Mina smiled back, agreeing, "Yeah, we did great!"

They walked together to the studio's exit. Looking at her watch, Momo said, "Oh God! its already eight. I need to rush. See you next week Minari." 

Mina agreed, "Absolutely. Take care, Mo. See you soon." They shared a quick hug, Mina watched as Momo went in a different direction, disappearing into the city.

Mina reached into her bag to retrieve her phone and call Marcus. Before she could react, a swift movement and a sudden yank sent shockwaves through her. A thief, clad in dark clothes, had snatched her bag and darted away like a shadow into the night.

"Hey, stop! That's my bag!" Mina exclaimed, her heart pounding. Panic set in as she realized her wallet, and personal belongings were all in the bag.  

"M-Marcus, I need you to come quickly! Someone just stole my bag!" Mina shouted into the phone; her voice filled with urgency.

Marcus, her trusted driver, responded promptly, "I'm on my way, Miss Mina! Just stay on the line"

Mina navigated through the dimly lit streets, the sound of her footsteps echoing against the buildings. The adrenaline pumping through her veins fueled her determination to catch the thief. She could see the running silhouette ahead, zigzagging through the alleys in an attempt to lose her.

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Jeongyeon had just finished buying groceries from a nearby store when she saw something alarming. A thief was running with a lady's bag. Without thinking twice, Jeongyeon decided to chase after him.

"Hey! Stop! You!" she shouted. 

As the thief tried to escape, Jeongyeon tackled him to the ground. After a brief struggle, she managed to grab the bag from the thief's hands. Although the thief squirmed away and escaped, Jeongyeon stood there, holding the recovered bag. 

Mina hurried towards the corner and saw someone in a hoodie, looking somewhat similar to the thief, standing with her bag. She couldn't clearly see the person's face. Assuming it was a man and possibly the thief, Mina shouted " "Hey, stop right there! What do you think you're doing?" her voice filled with anger.

Seeing Mina with the recovered bag and witnessing what seemed like a struggle, Marcus, without fully grasping the details, acted impulsively. Believing Jeongyeon was the thief, he tackled her to the ground.

Jeongyeon, taken aback by the sudden force, tried to explain, "Wait I was helping this lady get her bag back!"

However, before she could clarify further, nearby police officers, alerted by the commotion, approached swiftly. Misinterpreting the scene, they arrested Jeongyeon without giving her a chance to speak.

The situation escalated as Jeongyeon, bewildered and handcuffed, struggled to convey her innocence. 

Mina caught a glimpse of Jeongyeon's eyes through the chaos. It was a brief moment, but in that instant, Mina could vaguely see the confusion and surprise in Jeongyeon's eyes.