"Fleeting Moments"

The machines surrounding her bed continued to beep erratically, but Sang-woo tuned them out, his focus solely on Sae-byeok's fragile form. The medical staff worked quickly, their faces set in determined lines as they tried to stabilize her. Gi-hun's sobs had grown quieter, but Sang-woo could sense his presence, a reminder of the events that had led to this moment. As the chaos swirled around them, Sang-woo felt a desperate need to be alone with Sae-byeok, to hold her hand and tell her... tell her what? That he was sorry? That he loved her? The words got stuck in his throat, and all he could do was stare at her pale face. The medical team worked for what felt like an eternity, their beeps and murmurs growing more urgent. Sang-woo's eyes never left Sae-byeok's face, his grip on her hand tightening as if he could will her to stay with him. Finally, the machines flatlined, and the room fell silent. The medical staff exchanged somber glances, and one of them nodded curtly. Sang-woo felt a scream building in his chest, but it was trapped, unable to escape. The medical team slowly backed away, their faces etched with compassion. Gi-hun stumbled out of the room, his shoulders shaking as he wept. Sang-woo was alone with Sae-byeok now, the only sound the soft hum of the machines. He leaned in close, his lips brushing against her ear. "Sae-byeok, forgive me," he whispered, his voice cracking. "I'm so sorry." Her eyes fluttered open, and she gazed up at him, a faint smile on her lips. Sang-woo's heart shattered into a million pieces as he realized this was it – their last moment together. Without thinking, he pulled her into his arms, his mouth crashing down on hers in a desperate, passionate kiss. Her body was limp, but her lips responded, a soft, gentle pressure that sent shivers down his spine. As they kissed, Sang-woo felt her slipping away, her body growing heavier in his arms. He knew it was futile, that she was dying, but he couldn't stop. He couldn't let go. In that fleeting moment, they were alone, lost in their own world of pain and regret. Sang-woo's fingers tangled in her hair, holding her close as their lips moved together in a dance of sorrow and longing. As they broke apart for air, Sae-byeok's eyes locked onto his, a spark of recognition still burning within them. Sang-woo smiled, tears streaming down his face. "I love you," he whispered, his voice barely audible. Her lips curved upward, and she whispered back, "I love you too." In that instant, time stood still. The machines, the hospital, the world outside – it all melted away, leaving only the two of them, suspended in a sea of nothingness. And then, she was gone.