Choices And Crossroads

Ji-won sat at her desk, fingers flying across her laptop, sending out job applications one after another. Her mind was elsewhere, but she kept herself busy — work had always been her escape.

Her grandmother entered quietly, holding an apple in hand. "Ji-won, come eat this," she said gently.

Ji-won glanced up, smiled faintly, and took the apple, biting into it absentmindedly. She continued typing, her focus still on the screen.

Minutes passed, and she realized her grandmother hadn't gone back downstairs. She finally stood, walking over and sitting next to her.

"What's wrong, Grandma? Are you okay? Do you want to go somewhere?" Ji-won asked. "I already got my scooter ready."

Her grandmother shook her head. "No, no. I'm fine. I want to talk to you... about something."

Ji-won raised an eyebrow, confused. "Talk? About... work? Don't worry — I'll apply to more jobs. You know how talented and hardworking I am. Any company will hire me, no problem."

Her grandmother smiled softly. "It's not about work. I want to talk about something else."

Ji-won leaned back, wary. "About what?"

Her grandmother's voice softened. "Marriage."

Ji-won's expression immediately darkened. "Grandma... you know it's not that I don't want to marry. I just haven't found someone who's a true gentleman, genuine, independent, respectful... someone who understands me without me having to say it out loud." She sighed, letting the silence speak her frustration.

Her grandmother patted her head lightly. "That's why you can't find a guy — you have high standards!" She laughed softly. "Yaya, no marriage, no husband, I'm fine alone. You're with me, that's enough."

Ji-won smiled faintly. "Yeah, I'm fine with that too, Ma."

Her grandmother's smile faltered slightly. "What if I leave you someday?"

Ji-won's eyes softened. "Ma... that's not going to happen. Now, let's go to your favorite restaurant."

The grandmother's eyes twinkled with a secret. "I know a young man... he's just like your list. Respectful, independent, good humor, mature, and hard-working."

Ji-won's eyes widened in mock shock. "Grandma, are you searching for a guy for me behind my back? Haha, Ma... maybe you saw it online, you know how fake it all is!"

Her grandmother shook her head firmly. "Ji-won, I am serious. I want you to marry someone I choose. I'll never think badly of you. I know him since he was a child. Last time I saw him, he was seventeen or eighteen."

Ji-won rolled her eyes. "Seventeen? Ma... you saw him as a teen and now expect me to marry him? How can you even say he's nice without meeting him?"

"He is your father's best friend's son," her grandmother explained gently.

Ji-won froze. "Wait... what? My father's... best friend?"

"Yes. He is a good young man."

Ji-won shook her head, exasperated. "Ma, I can't marry someone I don't know. I can't marry someone I don't love. Try to understand."

Her grandmother's expression softened but her tone was firm. "Then at least meet him. I can arrange a meeting. His grandfather also wants to meet you — he is seriously ill and wishes it too."

Ji won: what? Grandpa ? Who ?

Grandma : He is your grandpa's beat friend.

He also wants the same that i want.

Ji won: Ma but i don't want.

Ji won groaned quietly, grabbed her keys, coat, and bag, and walked out the door, her mind already racing.

At Restaurant

She entered there and sat alone, staring out the window. The rain began softly, tapping against the glass, before quickly turning into a steady downpour.

A group of doctors burst in, laughing and shouting orders:

"Bibimbap! Another one!"

"Tteokbokki too!"

"Samgyeopsal!"

Ji-won sipped her coffee quietly, watching the chaos unfold. Her phone buzzed. It was Lee Hye-rin

"Yaaa, Ji-won-ah! I have a surprise for you!" he shouted over the phone.

"What? Another boyfriend?" she teased,

Hye-rin rolled her eye saying "No! Come pick me up at the airport — I'm coming to Korea!"

Ji-won's jaw dropped. "WHAT?!"

Every one in the next bench looked at her curiously. She immediately bowed to apologize to the surrounding tables for shouting.

Ji woon slowly answered what you are coming korea? When?

Hye-rin: The day after tomorrow come to pick me ok i am busy now bye bye.

Hye-rin hung up, leaving her stunned. Ji-won sat back, letting out a deep breath.

Her attention then shifted to a nearby table. A group of doctors were talking:

"Call Doctor Kang... maybe he can join?"

"He's busy, do you know how many patients he has?"

One guy is in the call: Mmm Dr.kang if you are not busy then come in our regular restaurant we are having dinner.

But dr.kang hung up the call.

All of them laughed.

Ji-won listened silently, curiosity piqued. She sipped her coffee, watching them laugh and gesture animatedly.

Ji won slowly stood up and pays the bills.

She saw that it is raining outside she sat there for a 10 mins but rain is not stopping.

She thought now no matter what she needs to go.

She stood up and she is goes outside wearing her coats her bag in hand scooter keys. When she goes Min jun entered the restaurant ( they didn't saw eachother)

All the other doctors yelled ohhhhh Dr.kang come come.

Ji won heard the noise when she goes but she ignored.

The rain didn't let up. Ji-won left the cafe . At the parking area, she noticed a couple arguing. At first, she ignored them, focusing on her scooter.

But then, she saw it in her mirror: the man slapped his girlfriend. He was biting and kicking her stomach relentlessly.

Her heart pounded. She rushed forward as he ran away. The girl was bleeding, weak, and frightened.

Ji-won's hands shook, adrenaline surging. This wasn't just a scene from her reporting — it was real. And she couldn't look away.

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