Inked Hearts, A sign from the Universe

Chapter Ten

"Ouch, Lexi," I muttered, pushing her leg away from mine.

"Morning," she mumbled, rubbing her eyes and stretching lazily. "How's your leg?"

"Better, but it still hurts," I replied, wincing slightly as I shifted my position.

"So, what will we do today?" she asked, her voice still groggy from sleep.

"I'm planning to go to the library. I need to buy some books," I answered, already thinking about the titles I wanted to pick up.

"You're such a nerd," Lexi teased with a yawn, a playful grin spreading across her face.

"Shut up," I said with a giggle, playfully nudging her as we both started to wake up fully.

One hour later, we were both dressed and ready for the day. Halmoenim had prepared my favourite seaweed soup with mandu dumplings. The comforting aroma filled the kitchen, making my mouth water.

"This soup will nourish you," she said with a warm smile as she placed the bowls in front of us.

"You always know how to make me fall in love with you," I replied with a grin, munching on a dumpling.

"Enough, enough. Keep those sweet words for that mysterious man of yours," she teased with a smirk.

"Halmoenimmm!" I exclaimed, feeling my face flush with embarrassment.

Both Lexi and Halmoenim Kang burst into laughter, their joy contagious as we all shared a lighthearted moment together.

''Halmeonim, mianhaeyo. Sijange gati mot gayo. Gakkai inneun doseogwan-e galgeyo'' I said while apologizing 

"Gwaenchanha, aegi. Lexi-ga nareul gati galgeoya," she said with a reassuring smile

"I'll join you later, Lexi. Once you're done buying your books, we can visit Jogyesa Temple together," Lexi suggested.

"Yeah, that's a good idea," I agreed.

Halmoenim, who had been listening in, chimed in, "It's currently 8:00 AM. Come back at 13:00 for lunch. I'll invite some friends too."

"Make it for dinner instead," both Lexi and I added in unison. "We want to buy some snacks too."

Halmoenim chuckled, "Alright, dinner it is. Enjoy your day, girls."

Both Lexi and Halmoenim Kang set off to the market, likely preparing for a feast tonight. Before leaving the house, I washed the dishes and decorated the room with fresh roses from the garden, their delicate fragrance filling the air. I grabbed my bag and stepped outside, greeted by the beautiful sky and the fresh morning air. The warm sun gently kissed my skin as I walked, feeling a sense of calm.

Last night, I finished the latest book by Kim Ryu, and his words still echoed in my head: "Leave the rest, do your best. Giving is the essence of living." Those words had a way of lingering, sparking deep thoughts.

For years, I've wondered about Kim Ryu—how he looks, what inspires him to write such profound philosophy. Ever since I was a college student, I've been writing too, crafting poems and quotes that seem to resonate with the same emotions he conveys. In many ways, it feels like we are two peas in the same pod, connected by our shared love for words and the emotions they carry.

"Sian!" I heard my name called as I was walking towards the library. I looked around, expecting to see someone I knew, but instead, I saw a little girl running towards me with a cute smile.

"Annyeong," I greeted her with a smile.

"Joesonghae, geunyeo-neun naji ya," the woman said with a bow, apologizing for the interruption.