A New Routine
It had been a few months since Soo-jin began her job at the hospital, working tirelessly in the emergency room. The demanding nature of her work meant she and Jian Chen saw less of each other. While she dealt with life-and-death situations daily, Jian was often immersed in his rigorous training schedule, preparing for upcoming tournaments.
Their time together was limited to fleeting moments in the mornings or late nights when both were too exhausted to talk much. Despite their busy lives, they cherished the small comforts—shared meals, brief conversations, and the warmth of simply being in the same space.
A Difficult Day for Soo-jin
One evening, Soo-jin faced one of the hardest moments in her career. A young patient brought into the ER was in critical condition. Despite her and the team's best efforts, they couldn't save him. The sight of the grieving family shattered her composure, and the weight of helplessness pressed heavily on her heart.
She held herself together at work, her professionalism masking the turmoil inside. But when she returned home, the facade crumbled.
Crying in the Night
Jian was already asleep when Soo-jin entered their bedroom, her movements quiet and deliberate. She changed into her pajamas and crawled into bed, but sleep wouldn't come. Instead, the memories of the day replayed in her mind, the pain overwhelming her.
Tears slipped silently down her cheeks as she buried her face into the pillow, her shoulders shaking. Her sobs were soft, but not soft enough to go unnoticed.
Jian stirred, his training-honed reflexes waking him at the sound. Turning toward her, he saw her trembling figure, her pain evident even in the dim light of the room.
Comfort Without Words
Without saying a word, Jian wrapped his arms around Soo-jin from behind, pulling her close. His embrace was firm yet gentle, his warmth offering the comfort she didn't realize she needed.
Soo-jin froze for a moment before turning toward him, burying her face in his chest. The tears came harder now, but Jian didn't say anything. He simply held her, his hand softly stroking her back as she let out her grief.
After a while, her sobs subsided, replaced by the sound of her steady breathing. Jian pressed a soft kiss to her forehead and whispered, "I'm here."
The Morning After
When Soo-jin woke the next morning, the sunlight streaming through the curtains, Jian was already up, sitting on the edge of the bed with a cup of coffee in his hands. He turned to her as she stirred, a small smile on his face.
"Feeling better?" he asked gently.
Soo-jin nodded, her cheeks coloring slightly. "Thank you for last night."
"You don't need to thank me," Jian replied, leaning over to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. "I'm always here for you, Soo-jin."
Her heart swelled with gratitude, and she leaned forward, resting her forehead against his.
The Thomas Cup Match
The Thomas Cup tournament in Bangkok was in full swing, and the badminton world was abuzz with anticipation. Jian Chen, also known to some as Haneul-i, was set to face China's best player, who also happened to be Jian's previous senior from his academy days.
The match was intense, but Jian showcased his dominance from the very beginning. His smashes were ferocious, his footwork flawless, and his strategy impeccable. The crowd watched in awe as he dismantled his opponent, proving to the world once again that he was a force to be reckoned with.
When the final point was scored, the announcer's voice boomed:
"Jian Chen, the man who returned from the shadows, has defeated China's top player with ease! Is this the rise of the next world champion?"
The crowd erupted in cheers, and Jian, though calm on the outside, felt a surge of pride and determination.
Back to the Hotel Room
After the match, Jian returned to his hotel room, his mind drifting to Soo-jin. He missed her presence—her encouragement, her care, and her smile. He pictured her face, and a small smile tugged at his lips.
But as he approached his door, he noticed something unusual—it was slightly ajar. His instincts immediately kicked in, and he entered cautiously, scanning the room. The living area was empty, but he felt a strange presence.
He walked toward the bedroom, his guard still up. When he pushed the door open, he froze.
Standing in front of him, fresh from a shower, was Soo-jin, her hair damp and her cheeks flushed. She was wearing one of his oversized t-shirts, and her surprised expression mirrored his.
"Soo-jin?" Jian exclaimed, his voice a mix of shock and disbelief. "What are you doing here? How did you even get into my room?"
Soo-jin smiled sheepishly, brushing a strand of wet hair behind her ear. "I asked your coach for your room key."
Jian blinked, still processing the situation. "But… your job? The hospital?"
Soo-jin's smile faded slightly, and she walked closer to him. "I quit."
"What?" Jian asked, his voice rising slightly. "Why would you do that?"
Soo-jin reached out and took his hands in hers. "Because I realized something. My job was important, but it wasn't what made me happy. What makes me happiest is being by your side, supporting you through everything. I don't want to miss any more of your journey, Jian."
Jian's heart swelled as he looked at her, her sincerity shining in her eyes. "You… you didn't have to do this for me."
"I wanted to," Soo-jin said firmly. "Because I love you."
A Quiet Moment
Jian let out a soft sigh, pulling her into a tight embrace. "You're unbelievable, you know that?"
Soo-jin chuckled against his chest. "So I've been told."
He pulled back slightly, looking into her eyes. "Thank you. For being here. For everything."
"You don't have to thank me," she replied with a smile. "Just win the Thomas Cup and become the world champion, okay?"
Jian smirked. "Deal."
That night, as they sat together on the bed, Soo-jin's presence filled the void Jian has felt since arriving in Bangkok.
The Thomas Cup Finals
The final match of the Thomas Cup was the most anticipated game of the tournament. Jian Chen, the rising star, faced off against none other than Zhang Wei, the world's 25th-ranked player and a seasoned veteran. The stadium buzzed with energy as fans, reporters, and players from around the world gathered to witness the clash.
The Intense Match
The first set was a fierce battle of skill and strategy. Zhang Wei's experience shone through as he narrowly edged out Jian with a 22-20 win.
In the second set, Jian adjusted his tactics, using his speed and precision to overwhelm Zhang Wei, winning the set 21-15.
By the time the third set began, the tension was palpable. Both players were evenly matched, exchanging smashes and drops that left the crowd on the edge of their seats.
The Shift in the Third Set
Halfway through the deciding set, Jian's mind entered a state of calm. The roaring crowd, the pressure, and even his opponent seemed to fade away.
Everything slowed down.
Jian's movements became fluid, almost effortless. His smashes were unstoppable, his defenses impenetrable, and his footwork flawless. Zhang Wei, despite his best efforts, struggled to keep up as Jian secured point after point, finally closing the match with a decisive 21-10 win.
Zhang Wei's Words
As the crowd erupted in cheers, Zhang Wei approached Jian at the net, a proud smile on his face.
"You've done it," Zhang said, shaking his hand. "You're one step closer to being the best. Keep going, Jian."
"Thank you," Jian replied, his voice steady but filled with gratitude.
Celebration with the Team
Jian returned to his team amidst cheers and applause. Soo-jin was waiting for him, her face glowing with pride. She handed him a towel and water, her touch gentle as she wiped his sweat.
"You were amazing," she said softly, her voice filled with warmth.
Jian smiled, his exhaustion evident. "Only because you're here."
Back in the team's dressing room, Jian found himself unable to stay awake. He lay his head on Soo-jin's lap, her fingers gently combing through his hair. Even in his sleep, he muttered softly, "I love you… Soo-jin."
Soo-jin's cheeks turned bright red as she realized his teammates and the coach were watching with amused expressions.
"Guess we know what motivates him," one teammate joked, earning laughter from the others.
Soo-jin glared playfully at them, trying to hide her embarrassment.
Returning to the Hotel
Later that evening, Jian and Soo-jin returned to their hotel room. Jian collapsed onto the bed, ready to drift into a deep sleep, but Soo-jin had other plans.
"Hey," she said, poking his shoulder. "You're not going to sleep like that."
Jian groaned, turning to look at her. "What do you mean?"
Soo-jin leaned closer, a playful smile on her lips. "You say you love me so much. Prove it."
Before he could respond, Soo-jin climbed on top of him, her hands resting on his chest. Jian's eyes widened, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten.
"Soo-jin…" he began, but she cut him off with a soft kiss.
The night deepened, their love for each other expressed in the most intimate way. For Jian, it was a perfect ending to a perfect day.
The Morning After
The next morning, Jian woke up to the sunlight streaming through the curtains and the warmth of Soo-jin beside him. Her head rested on his chest, her breathing soft and steady.
He smiled, wrapping an arm around her. "Good morning," he whispered.
Soo-jin stirred, her eyes fluttering open. "Morning," she replied with a sleepy smile.
For a moment, they lay there in comfortable silence, basking in the joy of each other's presence.
The Proposal
New Year's Eve in Korea was alive with celebration. Streets were filled with laughter, lights twinkled in every direction, and the countdown to midnight loomed closer. Jian Chen and Soo-jin stood amidst the crowd, their hands entwined as fireworks lit up the sky.
But Jian had his own moment planned.
As the clock struck midnight, he turned to Soo-jin, his heart racing. Dropping to one knee, he pulled a small velvet box from his pocket and opened it to reveal a stunning ring.
"Soo-jin," he began, his voice steady but filled with emotion, "you've been my everything—my support, my strength, my love. Will you marry me?"
Tears welled in Soo-jin's eyes as she gasped, her hands flying to her mouth. "Yes! Of course, yes!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around him.
The crowd around them erupted into cheers as Jian slipped the ring onto her finger. His father, standing nearby, raised his glass and declared, "It's going to be a grand wedding!"
Wedding Preparations
The following weeks were a flurry of activity as everyone prepared for Jian and Soo-jin's wedding.
Jian's Father:
Jian's father took charge of organizing the event, ensuring no detail was overlooked. He rented a luxurious venue overlooking the mountains and hired the best planners, caterers, and florists in the country. "Only the best for my son and daughter-in-law," he said, overseeing every decision.
Soo-jin's Dress:
Soo-jin spent countless hours with Ji-eun, her designer friend from the village, crafting her perfect wedding dress. The gown was elegant, with intricate lace details and a flowing train. Ji-eun couldn't stop gushing, "You're going to look like a dream!"
Jian's Suit:
Jian, with the help of his team and Soo-jin, chose a tailored black tuxedo that highlighted his sharp features and powerful presence. Soo-jin teased him as he tried it on, saying, "You might outshine me in this."
The Villagers:
The villagers from Joam-ri insisted on helping with traditional decorations and preparing homemade dishes for the wedding feast. "You'll have a bit of home at your wedding," the chief told Jian.
Feng and the Team:
Feng and Jian's badminton teammates planned a surprise performance for the reception, showcasing their camaraderie and humor. "We can't let the wedding be all serious," Feng joked.
Li Wei:
Despite her feelings, Li Wei attended with grace, contributing a heartfelt toast to Jian and Soo-jin, wishing them a lifetime of happiness.
The Wedding Day
The big day arrived, and the venue was breathtaking. Flowers adorned every surface, soft music filled the air, and the view of the mountains created a serene backdrop. Jian stood at the altar, looking sharp and composed, though his heart raced with anticipation.
When Soo-jin appeared, walking down the aisle in her radiant gown, Jian felt his breath catch. She was stunning, her smile lighting up the room.
As they exchanged vows, their love for each other was evident in every word, every glance.
"You've been my strength," Jian said, his voice steady, "and now, I vow to be yours forever."
"And you've been my heart," Soo-jin replied, tears glistening in her eyes. "I promise to love you with all of mine."
The crowd cheered as they kissed, sealing their commitment to each other.
The Reception
The reception was a lively affair, filled with laughter, dancing, and heartfelt speeches. Feng's performance with the team had everyone in stitches, and Soo-jin's father's toast brought tears to many eyes.
Jian's father, beaming with pride, declared, "This is just the beginning of a beautiful journey for these two."
The Wedding Night
After the celebration wound down, Jian and Soo-jin returned to their house, now adorned with congratulatory flowers and decorations.
As they stepped inside, Soo-jin turned to Jian with a playful smile. "So, husband," she teased, "what now?"
Jian wrapped his arms around her, his eyes filled with love. "Now, we start forever," he replied.
What followed was a night of intimacy and love, their connection deepened as they celebrated the start of their life together in the most private and heartfelt way.
The next morning, as sunlight streamed through the windows, Jian and Soo-jin lay entwined, their hearts full and their future bright.
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