Yun-ji broke the silence, her voice steady yet laced with wonder. "I'm Yun-ji. We've crossed paths before … only, you weren't awake. You were lying in bed, struggling to breathe."
Min-Ho's eyes widened, her voice soft with disbelief. "I'm Min-Ho. I did feel a presence … but I thought it was a dream. I remember clutching my necklace, feeling something … warm."
The words echoed between them, and Yun-ji's gaze dropped to the delicate chain around Min-Ho's neck, the crystal glowing faintly. "So, this chain … it's our link," she murmured, almost to herself. "But how? I don't remember knowing you."
Min-Ho's hand tightened around the crystal. "Our rebirth," she finished quietly, as if testing the word's weight. Their eyes met, and in that instant, trust sparked between them. It was as if their shared pain and loss had created an unbreakable bond that even time couldn't sever.
Yun-ji extended her hand. "Let's test it. Hold on to the chain, and close your eyes with me."
The girls gripped the crystal together, feeling a surge of warmth pull them forward. When they opened their eyes, they were somewhere else entirely—a different room, filled with books. They exchanged a silent, awestruck look and closed their eyes again, this time picturing Min-Ho's own space. They opened their eyes and found themselves in Min-Ho's room, confirming the chain's mysterious power.
As they sat down in Yun-ji's room later, they spoke of their past lives and the secrets weighing on their hearts, piecing together their pain but finding no link—except one: they were both orphans, adrift and betrayed.
Determined, Yun-ji turned to her friend, her voice fierce. "Min, I can help you. I can draw out the poison that's slowly killing you."
Min-Ho's eyes shimmered with gratitude, but she shook her head. "I trust you, Yun. But I can't let the Kang family know. I need to keep pretending, at least until I learn what they're hiding."
Yun-ji's lips curved into a sly smile. "What if I could treat you in secret? You could keep up the ruse with makeup, look as frail as they need you to be, but in reality, you'd be growing stronger."
Min-Ho looked at her with cautious hope. "Do you really think that could work?"
Yun-ji nodded confidently. "It's risky, but we've faced worse. If you can trust me, we'll make sure you stay one step ahead of them."
Min-Ho went to her room as she knew she couldn't stay away too long—if anyone discovered her absence, suspicions would grow. Tonight's task had to be quick and flawless.
Sitting by the dim glow of her desk lamp, Min-Ho pulled out her sketchpad, her hand trembling slightly as she began drawing for Ji-yeon. She forced herself to stay in control, holding back her true talent to create something impressive but amateur, just good enough to ensure Ji-yeon's acceptance without attracting too much attention. If her work became too exceptional, her adoptive family might question her sudden skills—and Min-Ho couldn't risk any extra scrutiny.
She heard footsteps down the hall and it felt closer every minute. Without turning, she knew who it was. Sure enough, Ji-yeon's quiet, practiced footsteps approached her desk.
"Min-Ho," Ji-yeon said with false gentleness, placing a drink by her side. "You must be exhausted. I brought you something to keep you going."
Min-Ho forced a grateful smile, masking the distaste simmering inside her. She took the glass, her fingers barely brushing against it as she lifted it to her lips, pretending to drink. The slight bitterness confirmed her suspicions—Ji-yeon's "care" was only a front. This was the same drink she'd been given every night to keep her weak and dependent.
"You're working so hard," Ji-yeon cooed, leaning closer to examine the drawing. "It's coming along beautifully, Min-Ho. I'll make sure they see your hard work."
Min-Ho nodded demurely, sensing Ji-yeon's satisfaction as she drifted back toward the door, glancing over her shoulder one last time before leaving the room. She waited, counting the seconds, until she heard Ji-yeon's door close down the hall.
Then, with a steady breath, Min-Ho's hands resumed their true work. She erased and redrew, smoothing lines and adding detail, making Ji-yeon's figure graceful yet subtly flawed—flawed enough that only a trained eye could see it. She held herself back just enough, perfectly imperfect, the image a reflection of the fragile facade she presented every day.
As Min-Ho carefully put the finishing touches on the drawing, Ji-yeon returned, her voice honeyed as she said, "Ah, Min-Ho, it's finally complete! Let's celebrate with dinner. You've worked so hard."
Min-Ho masked her irritation with a faint smile. She knew Ji-yeon's invitation wasn't out of kindness. Her adoptive sister was only keeping her close to ensure she didn't do anything outside the family's watchful gaze. "Thank you, Ji-yeon," she replied quietly, folding the drawing with deliberate care.
At the dinner table, Min-Ho sat silently, nibbling at her food while the others chatted idly. Ji-yeon kept glancing at her with a mixture of satisfaction and thinly veiled smugness, likely thinking she had Min-Ho completely under her control. Min-Ho, in turn, kept her demeanor meek, avoiding eye contact and giving short responses when spoken to, the perfect picture of an obedient daughter. She could almost feel the invisible chains tightening, but tonight, she had a plan.
Once dinner was over, Min-Ho excused herself with a yawn, feigning fatigue. Back in her room, she slipped into bed and listened for the signs she'd come to know so well: her father's heavy footsteps heading to his study, her mother's soft murmur as she retired for the night, and finally, the unmistakable click of Ji-yeon's door closing.
Waiting another hour to be certain, Min-Ho finally clutched the crystal chain that linked her to Yun-ji and reached Yun-ji's room.
"Did anyone suspect you?" Yun-ji whispered, studying Min-Ho's face with concern.
Min-Ho shook her head. "No. They think I'm in bed, as obedient as ever."
Yun-ji smirked, a fierce glint in her eyes. "Good. Tonight, we begin the treatment. Are you ready?"
Min-Ho took a deep breath, feeling a surge of resolve as she gripped Yun-ji's hand. "I've been ready since the moment I woke up in this second life."