My Last Letter (2023)

🏵️ Chapter Fifteen : Two Strangers

Jeongguk's nod of understanding only served to deepen the connection between them, their shared moment of understanding bridging the gap between two strangers.

"That's admirable," Jeongguk remarked, a hint of admiration in his voice. "It must be rewarding to bring joy to their lives."

Lisa smiled, touched by his understanding. "It really is. Seeing their smiles brightens my day."

"I can imagine," Jeongguk said, a faint smile playing on his lips. "You have a way of lighting up a room."

The compliment caught Lisa off guard, and she felt a blush creeping up her cheeks. "Thank you," she murmured, feeling a flutter of warmth in her chest.

As they exchanged these few words, a gentle breeze swept through the courtyard, rustling the leaves of nearby trees and carrying peace.

Lisa glanced around, taking in the vibrant colors of the flowers in bloom and the laughter of children playing nearby.

Jeongguk's gaze lingered on her, his eyes tracing the delicate curve of her profile.

There was something captivating about her, he realized, something that drew him in despite their brief interaction.

Meanwhile, Lisa couldn't shake the feeling of warmth that spread through her whenever she looked at Jeongguk.

There was a kindness in his eyes and a sincerity in his smile that made her feel strangely at ease.

Lost in their own thoughts, they sat in comfortable silence, the quiet hum of the courtyard enveloping them like a gentle embrace.

For a brief moment, it felt as though time had slowed down, allowing them to exist in this shared space without the pressures of the outside world.

But as the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the courtyard, reality intruded once more.

With a reluctant sigh, Lisa rose from her seat, casting one last glance at Jeongguk before turning to leave.

"I'm afraid I have errands to do," she said softly, a hint of regret coloring her words. "Before I go, can I have your name?"

"Jeongguk," he told her.

"Call me Lisa," she said with a warm smile, extending her hand for a handshake.

Her touch was gentle, and Jeongguk couldn't help but feel a spark of warmth at their brief contact. "Thank you for the conversation, Jeongguk."

Jeongguk nodded, his gaze following her as she walked away. "Anytime," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper.

And as they went their separate ways, each carried with them the memory of this brief encounter.

Hyun appeared, his expression fraught with worry as he spotted Lisa walking past him.

Panic gripped him as he realized he had let Jeongguk outside, contrary to the doctor's orders.

"Is that the doctor looking for you all the way here?" Hyun asked anxiously. "I'm doomed. I shouldn't have let you outside."

"No, she's not," Jeongguk corrected calmly.

"Oh," Hyun breathed a sigh of relief, realizing his mistake. "But, why was she here?"

"She had nowhere to sit. So, I offered her our seat," Jeongguk explained.

Hyun nodded, but then noticed a blush creeping up Jeongguk's cheeks, a stark contrast against his pale complexion.

Hyun observed, causing Jeongguk to turn to him, his expression a mixture of embarrassment and curiosity.

As Hyun observed Jeongguk's flushed cheeks, he couldn't help but tease him a little. "You're blushing like a schoolboy, Jeongguk," he remarked with a chuckle.

Jeongguk's cheeks grew even redder at his brother's teasing, but he couldn't deny the truth of the statement. "It's nothing," he mumbled, attempting to brush off Hyun's observation.

But Hyun wasn't convinced.

He knew his brother well enough to recognize when something was bothering him.

Hyun studied his brother for a moment, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "Well, whatever it is, it seems like you made quite an impression on her too," he remarked. "Come, let's have some snacks."

Jeongguk glanced in the direction Lisa had gone, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

Despite the awkwardness of their encounter, there was something undeniably intriguing about Lisa.