Shin Ryujin

Night. Yeji, a single woman who had long since graduated from university, was strolling through a Seoul park. The shops were closing early: New Year's was approaching, and everyone was rushing to celebrate with their families. But Hwang herself had no one to celebrate with. She had no family: her alcoholic mother had given her up to an orphanage. She promised to return and pick up her daughter, but she never made it—alcohol had taken its toll, and she was never able to keep her promise. Yeji grew up and was given an apartment in Seoul. She moved in and lived alone, making no friends, working, going out, watching movies, and doing nothing else except for these after-work strolls.

But surely miracles are supposed to happen on New Year's Eve? And so, for Yeji, a miracle had arrived; it sparkled in the eyes of the little girl, warmly wrapped in beautiful clothes. She pulled the scarf down, called the girl "Mom," and began to tug her along. Hwang might have wanted to resist, but in her shock, she simply allowed herself to be pulled wherever this sweet little creature wanted to go.

Later, Yeji's gaze fell on a girl reading on a bench. She was dressed elegantly, as if from another century, while Yeji felt awkward in her wet sneakers and fluffy, warm hat. The girl eventually looked up and took in what turned out to be her daughter, then looked at Yeji, who was still holding the little girl's hand.

Ryujin chuckled and stood up, putting the book away in her beautiful leather bag. Her voice was deep, low, and insanely beautiful.

"Sorry, did Miyeon do something? I was distracted for a couple of minutes and didn't notice her," Shin looked into her eyes, then at her rosy cheeks, which were getting even redder, to which the girl quietly chuckled to herself.