*Kim Yuri's POV*
Feeling uncomfortable underneath, I grumbled and tried to open my eyes. My head felt heavy as if it had been stuck with a hammer several times. Blinking my eyes open, I found myself in an unfamiliar place. The air carried an otherworldly energy, and a soft glow enveloped my surroundings.
As my vision adjusted, I realized I was standing in front of a majestic statue that emanated hues of purple and red. The colours danced across the intricate details of the sculpture, creating an ethereal spectacle that captured her attention.
My initial confusion gave way to awe as I took in the mesmerizing scene. The statue, a testament to craftsmanship and artistry, stood tall and proud, its contours bathed in the radiant glow. The air seemed charged with an otherworldly presence, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I had stepped into a realm beyond the ordinary.
The surroundings were bathed in a surreal light, casting long shadows that played on the ground. I took tentative steps forward, my gaze fixed on the enigmatic statue. Each detail seemed to come alive in the shifting hues, telling a silent tale of mystery and magic. The ground beneath my feet felt solid yet tinged with an unfamiliar energy.
Just as I approached the statue, the colours intensified, creating a captivating display that seemed to respond to my presence. I reached out, my fingers grazing the cool surface. The sensation sent a shiver through me as if I had made contact with something beyond the realm of the tangible. The statue pulsed with an unseen heartbeat, its radiance casting a surreal glow on my features.
'Wait... What is this place?'
'I- How did I end up here?'
'Is this what heaven looks like?'
'Did I die such a pitiful death?'
'Does Joon Woo know I am dead?'
Although the thoughts circulated in my mind, the statue's beauty in front of my eyes was extremely mesmerizing and for a second, I forgot I was dead. The air hummed with an indescribable energy, and I found myself captivated by the inexplicable beauty of the scene.
The purple and red hues intertwined, creating a visual symphony that seemed to echo the rhythm of my awakening. I couldn't discern whether this place was a dream or reality, but the vibrant glow of the statue offered a sense of comfort as if it held the key to a greater understanding.
I took a moment to absorb the surreal ambience, the glow enveloping me like a cocoon of wonder. It was a moment frozen in time, a convergence of artistry, mystery, and the uncharted territories of my consciousness, or so I felt. As I stood before the radiant statue, I could feel it coming to life.
The once-closed eyes were slowly opening. I rubbed my very own with the back of my palm thinking I might have hit my head too hard to think that a rock could have human features, that worked.
To my astonishment, the eyes on the statue gradually opened, revealing a mesmerizing shade of violet that mirrored the glowing hues surrounding us. It was as if the statue itself was awakening, and a subtle energy emanated from its gaze. A mix of awe and trepidation surged through me, creating a palpable tension in the air.
The statue's eyes, filled with an ethereal intelligence, locked onto mine. It felt like a silent exchange, a meeting of consciousness transcending the boundaries of the tangible. I couldn't shake the sense that I was part of something much grander than my understanding could grasp.
Amid this surreal encounter, the statue began to emanate a soft, melodic hum. The sound, though gentle, resonated with a power that seemed to vibrate through every fibre of my being. It was a tune that echoed in the vast expanse around us, creating a harmonious symphony that blended with the mysterious glow.
As the hum enveloped me, I felt a surge of emotions – curiosity, wonder, and an inexplicable connection to the statue. It was as if the very essence of the sculpture reached out, inviting me into a realm where the boundaries between the tangible and the mystical blurred.
A soft voice, carried by the harmonic vibrations, echoed in the air. "Kim Yuri you must be special, as the Gods decided you to be sent here, where the world is unknown and destinies are written again."
The words just added to my confusion. 'I mean can someone please tell me whether I am dead or not? Is this the God that questions you after you die? I remember reading about it somewhere, the questions asked after dying, but what does he mean by God sent me here? Am I that useless that even they don't want me back?'
When I didn't reply, the statue's glow intensified, casting a radiant aura that extended beyond its sculpted form. It seemed to be an invitation to delve into the mysteries of this extraordinary realm, and I couldn't resist the pull of destiny that whispered in the very fabric of the glowing tapestry around me.
Without uttering a word, I felt a gentle pull, as if an invisible force guided me forward. The earth felt delicate and soft under my feet, and every step I took brought the ambient hum to life. The radiance surrounded me as I got closer to the monument, giving out a warmth that was not of this world.
"Love was the only thing that filled Kim Yuri's life on Earth. You gained insight into the meaning of love, but at what cost? The sky asks that you respond." The same voice resonated with the calmness of this enigmatic place.
"I-..." Feeling pressured, I could not think straight.
"What have I learned?"
Throughout my entire life, I was never able to prioritize myself. My parents were wonderful people who always believed that I should put others before myself, and I did just that. Just because I came from a well-established family does not mean that I am wealthy. Even while what I had learned might not be anything others would take pride in, it was sufficient for me to achieve my personal goals.
"I was taught to love, I learned how to give without feeling hesitant, I learned to appreciate people irrespective of their identities... I learned to forgive even if it meant letting go of everything I had..." I could feel the tears that had begun flowing from the corners of my eyes, but I wasn't able to comprehend why.
The voice resonated again, now softer, "Your heart, Kim Yuri, has borne the weight of love in all its forms. But love, like the delicate petals of a flower, must also be nurtured within. The cost you speak of is not one of loss but of a journey to rediscover the love within yourself. The sky awaits your response."
As the words hung in the air, I felt a profound truth settling within me. The tears that flowed were not just of sorrow but also of a realization. In giving so much of myself to others, I had neglected the most crucial recipient – my own heart.
"I have learned to love, but now I must learn to love myself," I whispered, the words carrying the weight of newfound understanding. The statue's glow shimmered, acknowledging my response and the surroundings seemed to ripple with approval.
A gentle breeze brushed against my skin, carrying with it a sense of liberation. The enigmatic place, suspended between realms, became a canvas upon which my journey of self-love unfolded. The statue, now a beacon of guidance, radiated a serene energy that embraced me like a comforting embrace.
The voice echoed once more, "In the vast expanse of existence, the love you cultivate within will ripple across time and space. Your journey, Kim Yuri, is intertwined with the cosmic dance of love's endless possibilities. Embrace the echoes of your heart, for they resonate through the tapestry of creation."
I couldn't clearly understand the words said, but I could feel they held a strong meaning to them. With each word, profound tranquillity settled over me. The tears that had flowed transformed into a cleansing rain, washing away the remnants of self-doubt and insecurities.
"Am I dead? Is this how my life comes to an end?" The enormous monolith in front of me begged me to inquire.
Being convinced that my question was ludicrous I heard numerous others laughing around me, which let me realize that there wasn't just one person in this presumably sacred land.
"All that exists in life is a sequence of events. Kim Yuri, you've learned enough from this world through your life." The same voice responded leaving me contemplating what it meant by 'this world'
"So I am dead!" The hand that unconsciously made its way to my chest made me realize that my heart wasn't beating. My eyes grew wide with horror, and I knew then that it was all over.
"Kim Yuri, you have gone through love, hate, rage, and grief in this life. You've learned enough from this world; are you ready to experience life once more?" The voice that appeared this time was melodic. It originated from behind me and sounded younger than the statues.
I turned and glanced up and noticed a man approaching me. His long, straight black hair was gleaming next to the white robes that covered him. He was entirely attired in silk, resembling the ancient Gods I had read about in my history textbooks.
"I ask you, Kim Yuri, do you want to live life again?" Now, the man approached me stopping just a few feet apart and asked.
I couldn't help but be struck by this man's beauty; his features, although not overly masculine, perfectly complemented his striking face. If not God, he was undoubtedly an angel that had fallen from the sky.
I mean, I was already in Heaven or so I like to believe, but his stunning face set the expression perfectly.
In response to my boldness, he gently cocked his head and posed the same question: "Kim Yuri, may I ask you if you are willing to live life again?" and I heard him this time.
'Did I want to live all those betrayals, loneliness and pain again??'
'I had my regrets, but was I strong enough to live it all over again?'
'I need my closure... I never wanted to die in such a state, but can I bear such losses again?'
The man in front of me rudely interrupted my stream of thoughts. He cleared his throat, provoking me to scowl and look at him. "I have seen many humans in the afterlife, but no one as astonishing as Kim Yuri, no wonder the heavens chose you"
"The heavens choose me? Huh! What do you mean?" I raised my eyebrows at him and immediately realized my action was wrong when his forehead displayed the creases of a frown. "I am sorry!" I bowed and heard a light chuckle from the man in front of me. Looking up I could see the man's face covered with an amazed expression.
"I am the God of time, Min JayHun. I was assigned the task of sending a human off to a new world. But I wasn't sure what would there be. Now that I speak to you Kim Yuri, I feel you are chosen by the Gods for the better." The man, no God, now having a name spoke as he started strolling through the path covered in thick grass.
"God of Time... So this is the afterlife!" I looked around trying to take in the surroundings. Not like you can see heaven every day.
"No, this is the thread between the afterlife and life, you have not yet entered the heavens... or hell" The pause before hell made my stomach drop.
"So Kim Yuri, do you want to live? Or should I send you off for your trial?" God Min JayHun smiled at me as he stretched out a hand in my direction.