Dr.Ban : That girl... I know her now.

Doctor Ban sighed long, thinking about it. And the dentist, well acquainted with her friend's past scars and wounds, grew worried at the mention of that girl.

.

.

Five years back

.

.

That girl. She had a black cloak accenting her pale face, swollen eyes and a characteristic white bow-clip clung on to her hair. It was Dan Hwa.

Her standing by her mother's funeral stage–petrified and scared–had been an unforgettable sight to Doctor Ban.

She did not show any typical mourning visuals, attracting waves of negative attention from the people around.

Contrary to the muttering comments, Doctor Ban noticed the silent lament trapped under her strict poker face. As sometimes, dry eyes conveyed the deepest layers of grief.

He could empathize with her the most among the societal fakers. That still silence following from the horrifying shock of losing a loved one unexpectedly. Doctor Ban knew that feeling all too well, experiencing it first hand himself.

.

.

Presently in the hospital cafeteria, both the doctors seated across, Doctor Ban showcased a gloomy mien reminiscing that day.

Dr.Ban : So, I decided not to tell her anything.

Reading the ambience, Doctor Min stayed silent.

Dr.Ban : It would burden her way beyond her threshold.

There was an air of quietude on the table. Doctor Min picked up her chopsticks and began to eat as she placed a simple question before the psychiatrist.

Dr.Min : Do you blame her too?

She continued without looking at him.

Dr.Min : For that accident?

Before a second thought could breach in, the male doctor responded almost in a reflex.

Dr.Ban : What? Of course not! I- I mean-

Doctor Min observed his hesitance and seemed to have figured what was distressing him.

Dr.Min : A year after that incident, you were the one who came to me with evidence as to what had actually caused the accident.

Dr.Ban : Right. Strayed road spikes.

Dr.Min : Exactly. So, why are you doubting your own judgement now? You did not free her from the blame out of pity. You have dug out the actual cause of it to do so fair and square.

Too gripped with his personal emotions, the psychiatrist failed to maintain his unbiased view of the catastrophe.

Dr.Min : No one but you believes her. Basically, you are her only hope in humanity. People must've scarred her with words.

Dr.Ban : You are right. I was wavering a little, to be honest. Seeing her from close... learning about her a bit more. I couldn't help but...

Sweeping the blame to the next person had been one of the easiest and most commonly seen coping strategies of human. The moment the psychiatrist had confirmed Dan Hwa being the girl he had been looking for, he grew victim to the same mechanism inevitably.

Nonetheless, having his worn out map of beliefs freshly redrawn on by Doctor Min, the psychiatrist couldn't be more grateful.

He felt significantly lighter now that he could once again see the line between his personal inclinations and his professional role as Dan Hwa's doctor. Someone, she had trusted her soul with.

It appeared as if the dentist has swapped her roles with the psychiatrist, she could read the relief in his expressions. And felt it safe to move on from that topic.

Dr.Min : What brings you to see me though?

Dr.Ban : Im? Oh, right.

Doctor Ban drank some water to bring life to his dry throat as he prepared to present his quandary.

Dr.Ban : You know, I have these two intriguing characters. Initially, it appeared so that they had no similarities. But, as I study them more and more, I am proven wrong.

Dr.Min nonchalantly resumed to relish her lunch, while registering each piece of information to later solve the case. Well revised of his terminologies, she knew it was a tale of his patients.

Dr.Ban : At times, they seem to have complete opposite opinions while sometimes they speak the exact words. There's like no inbetween.

His eyes had gleams of passion and enthusiasm as he talked about them. Doctor Min adored that sight.

Dr.Min : That's interesting.

Dr.Ban : I know, right? You see, they could be having the same problem. But the two are still very reserved. It's like they have an impenetrable truth that they are trying to shield.

Doctor Min savoring through her meal listened to him attentively, with her occasional fillers to show interest in his story.

Dr.Min : Well, isn't that your job description to find the ticket to that forbidden land?

Dr.Ban : Forbi- (-chuckles-) Anyway. So, I was-...

He looked around and gestured the dentist to scoot forward for him to whisper.

Dr.Ban : So, I was thinking to put them together for instance. And see how that goes.

The female doctor in utter fluster leaned back immediately and commented at his unconventional methods. It sounded almost illegal to her, at a stretch.

Dr.Min : Is that even an option?

Dr.Ban : It isn't. In the books. Look, I know, it maybe risky. But, I really want to give this a try. It could open me a new road to approach each of them, could be entirely different or just the same. It will bring some change, I feel.

Dr.Min : What if it backfires? Sure you said, they have similarities, but they also have contradictory opinions. And so, what if their thoughts end up clashing?

Being the competitive player he was, the psychiatrist played all his cards well : to win the debate regardless.

Dr.Ban : That is why, I will be there with them. To prevent something unfavorable.

Doctor Min faintly sighed in defeat, recalling his stubborn mouth.

Dr.Min : Well, it's a losing game already. So, what are you on?

Dr.Ban : A trip. Traveling is a very positive aspect to bring in a session. New settings could be keys to new doors. Who knows, some facets of it might trigger something important.

Like every other time, Doctor Min putting all her stakes at his expertise, did not rebel any longer. She only concentrated on her food, as if avoiding to advocate the conventions.

Dr.Min : So, what seems to be the issue?

Dr.Ban : That, I am not sure where to take them. I don't want it being in Seoul. You know, it needs to be somewhere away from the place they are all too familiar with. But I am blanking out. So, help me. Huh?

Finally realizing her role in his masterplan, Dr.Min munched on her food unbothered. It, known to help her think more efficiently until the bulb in her head light up with some solution.

Dr.Min : Oh! how about, Sokcho? You visit there every year anyways. Why don't you take them with you this time? Moreover, the hotel, Maple Inn's manager, is your close friend too. He could come handy in arranging your adventures.

The psychiatrist passed on a corny smile at her sarcastic remark. But also considered her suggestion.

And consequently with a quick thought to it, a satisfied expression could be seen dawning in the psychiatrist's face.

Dr.Ban : As expected, you were the right person to crash at. Farewell!

The dentist was speechless to see him disappear right after he found his solution, leaving her mid lunch.

She sighed shaking her head at her heavenly expectations from him. However, the same was startled moments apart by him appearing again.

Dr.Ban : You don't have any worries to talk out lately, do you?

She broke out of her startled phase and slurped the soup-dipped seaweed-strips, dangling from her mouth.

Dr.Min : Forget it, you moron!

Dr.Ban : Okay, eat well!

.

.

The day had arrived when Jimin and Dan Hwa were called in for a special favor their Doctor wanted to ask them of. It was a brief visit to the hospital before the weekend : their usual session routine.

Both of his patients fixated their eyes on the psychiatrist, not bothering to steal a glance to their side.

Doctor Ban, watching Dan Hwa, reminded himself of his professional boundaries once again–before he introduced the two characters.

Dan Hwa : A trip?

JM : The three of us?

Despite the psychiatrist's adamance on his little experiment, he did not force either of them to comply with his favor and respected their wishes openly.

Henceforth, turning the doctor's request, Dan Hwa roared off from the premise. Not long, second guessing her hasty decision. While Jimin ended up joining the seemingly harmless trip.

On her way, Dan Hwa received a call from Designer Lee. Feeling it might be something urgent, she accepted the call.

Dan Hwa : Yes, Mr. Lee Jun?

Mr.Lee : Director Baek, where are you right now?

Dan Hwa : On my way to EunHaSu. Why?

Mr.Lee : All right, let's talk once you are here.

Dan Hwa : You are getting me on edge. What's the matter?

Mr.Lee : That...

He sighed before keeping his worry in her sight. And after providing her a brief record of the blunder with a specific festival stage, Mr.Lee attempted to cushion his damages.

Mr.Lee : Okay, in my defence–first, a rookie team have to learn from projects like these. It's big, but easy. And secondly, we were too occupied with the Drama sets.

He took a brief moment to pilot the water if Dan Hwa retorted back, before continuing. While in her head, she had the realization of her inefficiencies. How it had been half her work on Mr.Lee's shoulders, yet she argued with him for his shortcoming acumen.

Mr.Lee : Anyway! We have to go to Sokcho tomorrow. If lucky, we wouldn't have to stay overnight.

She remained quiet over the line, crammed in a sense of guilt.

Mr.Lee : So, Dan Hwa, cover for me this one time. Please?

Dan Hwa : Fine.

Mr.Lee : That's it? You'll go?

He sounded rather confused at her quick hasslefree agreement. While she had a dose of determination running through her veins.

A car race later, Dan Hwa zoomed in the EHS building and made her clean way to her department. Designer Lee caught on with her walk from there, and updated her on the necessities of the situation.

Mr.Lee : The Junior team manager and the cable technicians from that project are seated in the conference hall. Waiting for you.

Dan Hwa's bold and commanding walk came to a sudden halt as she turned to Designer Lee.

Dan Hwa : Why are you here at this hour? Who is at the Drama shoot?

Mr.Lee : I left with the cameras on roll. They wouldn't need me for the time being. And here you go. The draft. I got it printed out for your convenience.

Dan Hwa took the file almost in a reflex and straightforwardly turned his excuse down.

Dan Hwa : I can handle the Sokcho Project. I want you to return to the shoot and make sure not to leave the team without supervision. Now!

Designer Lee did not rule her out and respectfully complied with her request.

Director Baek, picking up her pace, walked in the direction to the conference hall while studying through the project draft. The proud clatter of her heels displayed her poise and conviction.

Standing right outside the room, with a deep breath of confidence, she revised to herself, "You got this," and boldly went in.

The manager of the Sokcho team provided her with the first hand elucidation about the very issue with the stage. The unforeseen weather conditions led its image to be seen as a 'fluttering stage'-a term in Dan Hwa's dictionary.

She focused her mind entirely to implement the rectifications to the best interest of everyone. Almost completely erasing her visit to her psychiatrist a while ago.

Redesigning a few of the vital areas, she worked untiringly with the understaffed Sokcho team.

And like the diligent director she needed to compensate for, Dan Hwa drove to Sokcho, on an early morning the next day.

The open air field stood serene and still, the director was welcomed by the twilight of dawn and the humid blanket of mist.

Right away to work, Dan Hwa made a few calculative calls from a practical vision of the problematic structure. Occasional swoon of the climatic wind wobbling its wings and cables, quite literally theatered her imaginative sight of the fluttering stage.

Completing the circumference of the structure from the back as she appeared to the front again, she was alarmed by a startled voice of Lee Jun, the set designer. Who, was required to be focusing solely on the Drama set. But, attuned with the shooting timelines, she knew it had a few hours. Therefore, Dan Hwa gulped in her rebuking urges.

And keeping her unwavering composure, she walked up to him checking through the noted details on her hand.

Dan Hwa : Why are you so early?

Mr.Lee : I could ask the same.

Satisfied with her convictions on the paper, Dan Hwa forwarded it to him.

Dan Hwa : Here.

The male set designer clutched on the sheets and handed her the instant coffee he poured out from his thermos. The one object he cannot survive without in his hectic day. He needed his energy booster at his fastest reach.

She took his offering gladly and sipped from the steaming hot liquid, looking passionately at the stage. Despite the minor shortcomings that were basically weather related, Dan Hwa mentally commended the pristine work done by her junior team.

"Nice." She mentally remarked.

Meanwhile, Lee Jun studied the calculations and retouches Dan Hwa made on their rectifier design.

Mr.Lee : Wow. And I woke up this early to do the job you have already done. But...

Very confident of her judgments, Dan Hwa instantly grew concerned at his doubts.

Mr.Lee : Everything is perfect. But, instead of the premium-3oS cables, I feel sub-premium Mi24 could be a cost-effective alternative here. They are essentially identical beside the added 'thin-plating' of the former.

Dan Hwa revised the said fact internally and realized it to be accurate. Mr.Lee glanced at the paper design and the live version of it in their sight, to make his next comment.

Mr.Lee : And since these cables will go on the top row only, meaning there are no lifting requirements from them, they would not pop out to the naked eyes either. Especially with that camouflaging background. All in all, SP-Mi24 would do the job just fine. What do you think?

Dan Hwa, known to rely more on the finest quality, held down her confliction then. In hindsight, agreeing with his suggestion.

Dan Hwa : You make the call, you are the Set designer.

She took a coffee sip as a cover to naturally avoid eye contact.

Mr.Lee rested the paperwork securely and smiled knowing all too well, that it wasn't her upset face. Rather, it was a look of suppression of her opinions-specifically in matters that she respected a better judgment, whether or not it came from someone with any level of acuity and experience.

Mr.Lee : I know," best" is your fundamental priority. And sometimes if that costs beyond the estimate, you don't seem to care. Because, artist safety comes before anything.

Having not much enthusiasm imparting from her even at his vocal acknowledgements, Mr.Lee singled to explain his viewpoint rather than forcing it on her.

Mr.Lee : Dan Hwa-ya, it's the best one you chose. But, we are also tight in budget because of the unforeseen circumstances. Artist safety should be the first priority, no doubt. But if that can be ensured within a cost-effective figure, wouldn't that be better?

Dan Hwa was receiving such a perspective for the first time. Although she claimed she understood the concept of savings. Yet, she could never really grasp the idea of compromising over quality.

Mr.Lee : The trick is in getting the best out of the least.

Unlike others who simply tried to stamp facts and expected her to accept them without a question, Lee Jun was the one who focused on answering her questions and doubts.

Having a subjective approach, Dan Hwa could finally get a clear vision of the reason. The reason, behind her obsession with the finest qualities offered.

Dan Hwa : "I wouldn't be able to come today, instead take this card. Eat whatever you may please and have fun with your friends."

Mr.Lee was initially flustered at her words which sounded more like a quotation. But soon wrapped his head around it once she spoke the follow up.

Dan Hwa : I thought the more expensive something is, the better experience it would give. The better it would compensate...

"...for Appa's absense," Dan Hwa completed her words in her mind. Growing up, money had been the figure to provide the security she had craved for as a child. She was manipulated by the unsaid conclusions that she would be safe until there was money in her hand. She would be loved. She could buy it in the form of luxury and comfort.

But she was snapped out of that concept in a gruesome manner. When, the existence of it alone could not save her mother. It could not replace her in any shape or form. No matter how stuffed her room was with extravagant items, she could always sense the missing essence of her mother. The expensive fragrance could not replace that warm scent of her.

Even the natural moisture of Dan Hwa's eyes, had some kind of unspokeable wist in them. Mr.Lee caught on them, and sense of empathy brushed through him.

Mr.Lee : But, your apartment seemed...

Dan Hwa : Ah, I left all my lavish spents back in my parent's home. I left behind that Dan Hwa. But I guess, the poor economy management habit still remains.

She had been unconsciously trying to look for the missing pieces of those people, who were supposed to be her guardian, in those heavy purchases.

A ribbon of wind swirled over filling the silence between the two.

It was a seldom episode, where Dan Hwa ever let a human eye to witness one of those incarcerated events of her childhood. The privileged one. The affluent child, who suffered a poverty, ironically.

Designer Lee had many questions. He wanted to ask them all. But, he could not forget the foundation of their friendship : no forceful intrusion into one's background and personal life.
Therefore, he quietly rested beside her. For the needed while.

Mr.Lee : You know what, you should go home. You had the weekend off; that is a miraculous situation in itself. So, I don't want you to give it up because of me. I will handle the rest, I promise.

Dan Hwa : Oh, you will! But, I can't rest before I watch this stage function perfectly. Consider me a guest here.

Mr.Lee : Glad to serve you, Mi'lady.

Before long, the on-site team arrived at the field in their van. They rushed seeing the seniors on the site and greeted them alongwith the Junior team manager.

And establishing his power, Mr.Lee commanded the team to get on move with a pretentious air of dominance.

Dan Hwa chuckled to herself watching Designer Lee give her a sneaky smile and put that act before her.

She sat back and watched the team implement the rectifications accordingly.

A few hours into the process, Mr.Lee drove down to Seoul to navigate the Drama sets there, and had planned to travel back and forth to balance either sides. An extra hoop of exhaustion that he gladly took, as he desperately wanted Dan Hwa's weekend to span in the comfort and rest she had taken the leave for.

And subsequently like he wished, the scenes before Dan Hwa played like a cued sequence while she was 'resting'.

.

.

And gradually the light turned warmer and softer in resolution. Dan Hwa found her little self seated on a wet bench caused after a seasonal shower. Sulking and upset.

She had an open wound glazing from her pale knee, as she recalled the marathon that had gone wrong a while ago.

"Dan Hwa!" A familiar voice called her out from a distance. However, the little version of her did not budge from her fixated gloom.

A strange hush embraced Dan Hwa in the next second, as the young voice of her began to echo in that abyss of subconscious.

"Just admit that you only wanted to boast about your father's stardom."

.

.

"No!" She jolted awake.

The inconspicuous words in her head were outweighed by some whirring chaos reaching her ears around her.

Dan Hwa was startled at an unidentified clash of sound. It took her a second to familiarize herself with the surrounding. It had been a dream, she figured.

Noticing people swarming towards the stage in panic, Dan Hwa stumbled out of her rest and sprinted towards the commotion.

Dan Hwa : What happened here?!

_______

Sincere apologies for the delay
The chapter was done, I just didn't have the time to crosscheck and upload ):

Update on my schedule for this book :
Every alternate weekend i.e., twice a month.
I am sorry for such a slow schedule but I feel that's the best I can manage to do as of now, considering my personal aspects outside of wattpad.

Happy reading! ^^