5 AM.

Awoken by the sound of her alarm, Seo Ina finished getting ready for work and left the house.

As if on cue, the front door of the neighboring unit opened.

With a mask covering more than half his face, only Seo Jiho’s forehead and eyes were visible.

“Did you sleep well?”

“Jiho, you should go back to sleep. Why did you come out?”

“I woke up early. Are you okay?”

“Yeah. You go back inside.”

Ina frowned, her voice displeased.

Last night, Jiho had complained of a sore throat and slept separately in his own place, worried he might pass a cold to Ina.

The over-the-counter medicine he took didn’t seem to help much.

Ina was filled with worry hearing Jiho’s hoarse voice, so different from usual.

“It doesn’t hurt that much. I can drop you off and come back to sleep.”

“Your voice is hardly coming out. I can just take a taxi, so rest at home and make sure to go to the hospital.”

“……”

Ina felt bad for making Jiho sleep alone even though she knew he was sick. Seeing that he had woken up and come out so early in the morning made her feel even worse.

Ina grabbed Jiho’s arm and tried to forcibly pull him back to the front door.

Jiho, who had been resisting without budging, lightly lifted Ina and moved her into the elevator that had just arrived.

“Ah, what are you doing?”

There was no way to overpower Jiho with strength.

As Ina narrowed her eyes, Jiho’s finger pressed firmly between her brows.

“You’ll get wrinkles. It only takes 30 minutes to go and come back at this hour. If I was really sick, I wouldn’t even be able to come out. I came out because I’m well enough. So stop frowning. At least for the sake of the person who came out to see your face.”

Jiho, who was only holding her hand tightly, had no intention of going back inside at all.

“Sigh. I can’t dissuade you.”

Ina just sighed as if she had given up.

It was a moment she deeply regretted not properly learning how to drive.

Ina’s car, for which she had a license but lacked confidence in driving, always stayed parked in the same spot like a fixture of the parking lot.

It could only escape from here when Jiho occasionally took the wheel.

During the drive to the hospital, Ina sat turned towards Jiho.

“You must have been very tired preparing for the concert. Seeing as you got sick right after it ended.”

“I think the sudden release of tension did it. I’ll be fine after resting for a few days. I don’t have any schedules for a while. I’ll report back after going to the hospital, so don’t worry.”

The sun was rising red beyond the car window.

The tired look in Jiho’s eyes, glinting in the sunlight, caught Ina’s attention.

No matter how good his physical condition was, it must have been hard to endure the fatigue accumulated over a long time.

Jiho had released the full-length album he had worked on for several months and successfully completed the concert he had prepared along with it.

In just a few years, he was recognized for his skills as a composer and for the first time filled an entire full-length album with songs he had created himself.

There were people who said his starting line itself was different thanks to his innate talent, superior looks, and background. But Ina, who had watched Jiho closely, knew his efforts better than anyone.

After gaining confidence in singing, which he had been doing as a hobby, Jiho showed an irresistible charm that went beyond the sexiness of a working man for all to see.

The overwhelming popularity he gained in a relatively short period of time was the result.

Jiho, who had easily obtained what he wanted all his life and was always confident and at ease, proceeded unhindered in this field as well and made what he wanted his own, as he always had.

Ina fell for such a Jiho countless times and sometimes admired him.

“This is the first time I’ve seen you sick. How can I not worry?”

Even though she said this, she might forget at some point once she got caught up in the work that rushed in as soon as she went up to the ward. She shouldn’t, though.

“Make sure to go to the hospital. And text me. I’ll check right away.”

The car that arrived while Jiho was nodding several times as if telling her not to worry turned on its hazard lights and stopped.

Jiho, who got out of the car instead of listening to her telling him to go straight inside, came over to Ina.

As if it didn’t matter if people saw, he gently hugged Ina and let go.

If it wasn’t for the cold, they would have shared a light kiss in the car. It was a rather regrettable goodbye.

“Go inside. I’ll pick you up at 6.”

“Don’t come and just take your medicine and sleep.”

Just as another argument was about to start, the sound of running footsteps came closer and closer, and a familiar voice was heard.

“Seo Jiho!”

“Oh, long time no see, Aera.”

Jiho, who was heading to the driver’s seat, stopped when he spotted Aera.

Aera had been on a dispatch internship at a hospital in Daejeon for the past month and returned to Seoul starting this month.

“Wow. Meeting Jiho first thing in the morning, off to a good start today?”

“Have you been well? You still look energetic.”

Jiho slightly lowered his mask and raised it again.

“Yeah. I’m the same as ever. You’re working hard dropping your girlfriend off to work so early in the morning. Thousands of women scream at the sight of your smile, but in reality, you’re Ina’s shuttle to work… Our Ina is so lucky.”

Ina chuckled seeing Aera only looking at Jiho.

It had been quite a while since the two had met like this, so she understood Aera’s joy to some extent.

“Your latest concert was so moving, Jiho.”

“Thank you. For always coming.”

“Thank me? I plan to go for the rest of my life.”

Throughout the concert, Aera cheered and went wild beside Ina more enthusiastically than anyone else.

To the point it was confusing who Jiho’s girlfriend was.

Jiho laughed, telling her to keep that promise. After that, Aera’s worries poured out as she noticed Jiho’s hoarse voice.

“Aera, Jiho is sick, so let’s send him off quickly.”

“Ah, there’s still plenty of time… What a shame.”

“Jiho, we’ll go inside. Be careful on your way.”

“Okay, go on in. Aera, let’s meet again later.”

“Alright. For sure!”

Ina turned around, taking Aera who seemed rooted to the spot with her.

**

“Ina, I went to meet a friend yesterday and ran into some ski club members by chance.”

“Really? Where?”

“You know. That place we used to frequent. They were gathered there. So I sat down for a bit and had a beer with them.”

“Must have been nice to see them.”

After advancing to the main program, both Aera and Ina rarely attended club gatherings. They were too busy with endless exams to have the leisure time they once did.

The passionate Aera went a little longer than Ina, but at some point, both of them stopped going.

“Yeah. They said they really miss you.”

“Don’t you mean they missed Jiho, not me?”

“Well, you two come as a set. They missed both of you. We agreed to all meet together next time before parting ways.”

The two walked down the corridor connecting the main building to the annex. It was quiet in the lobby as it was not even 6 AM yet, with only employees coming to work present.

“Especially Lee Juhee said she really misses you.”

“Juhee?”

After hearing that she was preparing for the announcer exam, Ina had lost touch with her.

Remembering Juhee’s voice, always saying nasty things, Ina unconsciously frowned.

“Yeah. She worked at a broadcasting station in Busan for 2 years and recently changed jobs to become an in-house announcer at W Corporation. She did end up becoming an announcer.”

“Ah. I see.”

“She told me to make sure to bring you next time.”

Ina shuddered slightly. Even if they met by chance, she didn’t want to acknowledge knowing her.

Ina stopped in front of the annex elevator and asked.

“Is Juhee still the same?”

“Just the same. As soon as she saw me, she asked if you and Jiho are still dating well. If there were any breakups in between, if Jiho is really such a lady’s man as the rumors say. I just said you’re dating well without saying much else, in case Juhee goes around spreading strange rumors.”

“Good call.”

“I heard from Sunah while Juhee briefly stepped away that day. Apparently, there were bad rumors about her within the broadcasting station. That’s probably why she changed jobs. You know how loose-lipped and nasty Juhee is. Remember?”

“Of course. I can never forget.”

Ina nodded, chuckling. It was also surprising that Sunah, who was an engineering student, was in the same class as Juhee at the broadcasting station.

“Anyway, it was nice to see everyone’s faces after so long. Reminded me of the days when we used to drink and hang out all the time. Hehe.”

“Yeah. Those were the best times.”

Looking back, it was also the most unforgettable period in Ina’s life.

There were miraculous days when she first met Jiho, loved passionately, and was overflowing with happiness at twenty-one.

A smile crept up as the pleasant memories came to mind.

**

– He said my throat is just a bit swollen. Got 3 days’ worth of medication and came home. (9:32 AM)

As soon as her phone vibrated in her pocket, Ina immediately checked the message.

– That’s a relief. Take your medicine and rest well.

– Wow! Such a prompt response. Should I get sick every day?

She could picture Jiho’s surprised face at the reply sent in real-time.

Usually, she would reply after a few hours or sometimes even a day later.

It might be a given for some couples, but she suddenly felt sorry for treating it as if it were some big deal, even adding an exclamation mark.

Things she had just taken for granted because that’s how it had always been.

Was she too indifferent, not realizing it wasn’t a given but consideration? Her conscience pricked at her.

As she paused for a moment, reflecting on her own, her phone rang again.

– I’m just kidding, don’t frown.

– …Don’t get sick.

– I’m not sick at all, so don’t worry.

– Okay. See you in the evening.

– Yeah. Make sure to eat lunch properly, don’t skip it.

Reading his fatherly nagging, she suddenly thought of her dad.

“Ina, are you and Jiho still doing well? It must be hard dating a celebrity, are you okay?”

“Yeah. I’m fine.”

“Good. As long as you’re okay.”

When he first found out Jiho was a singer, Won Jin was not pleased.

But now, after watching the two for 6 years, he cherished and liked Jiho more than anyone.

He deliberately sought out his songs to listen to and never forgot to ask about Jiho whenever he called Ina.

“Ina, when are you thinking of getting married?”

“Huh? All of a sudden?”

“You’ve dated long enough. If you’ve been together that long, it’s about time to get married.”

“……”

“If you’re sure he’s the one, there’s no need to put it off. I really like Jiho. As long as you’re happy, I’m in favor anytime. If you’re dating with marriage in mind anyway, it’s better to do it as soon as possible. It’ll be more stable for both of you.”

“…I’ll think about it.”

“Jiho looks like he wants to do it right away.”

“I know.”

“You’re so busy these days, you don’t even have time to meet. What if Jiho runs away while you’re at it? Aren’t you being too complacent just because he’s by your side?”

“Nah. No way.”

Some time ago, she suddenly got marriage pressure from her dad as well.

Even though Jiho was busy, he met up with Won Jin, ate dinner, and drank with him. He must have scored some serious points.

Frequently visiting instead of the busy and tired Ina, calling him “father” and sticking to him like a son, Won Jin couldn’t help but be smitten.

“Next time, don’t just send Jiho, come together.”

“Yeah. We’ll definitely go together next time.”

Ina answered, reflecting on her own indifference and making excuses.

Thinking of Won Jin living alone, she knew she should treat him better than before, but it wasn’t as easy as she thought.

5 years ago, Yoo Mi had fled to the United States as if running away. A few months later, she returned to Korea with severe depression symptoms.

While receiving psychiatric treatment, it was revealed that Yoo Mi was involved in Jiho’s scandal, and Won Jin was furious to find out it was because of her hatred for Ina.

The attending physician, Won Jin’s close friend, opened Pandora’s box by bringing it up out of concern for Ina.

Under Won Jin’s interrogation, Soo Min confessed everything herself, and Ina also honestly admitted the hardships she had endured.

After that incident, Won Jin and Soo Min, who had turned cold to their daughter, eventually decided to split up after more than a year of separation.

There was no secret that could be hidden forever.

It was karma.