Fate's Second Chance

AT. 1

Author

Hello guys.

Author

I am a author of this story.

Author

As you already know this was my first chat story.

Author

So I think before I start story. I tell my plan.

Author

Imagine a universe where every story ever told take place within the same Universe.

Author

That's why I write this story and upcoming story.

Author

But as you already guess my english not too good that's why.

Author

Point out any mistake that you find.

Author

Not only english also other language words that I use in this story or future stories.

Author

Also My stories take place in parallel universe. Similar but much larger. So you find country name little weird.

Author

Last think I don't have copyright of any image that use in this story.

Author

I only use because that give feel to that scene or character.

Author

Thank you to read all this. And now Author thought is over.

Author

Let's jump to the story.

Ep. 1

The rain had just stopped in **Soryang**, a quiet corner of Daehanri. Streetlights glowed against wet stone, and the smell of roasted chestnuts drifted through the narrow alley where **Mijin’s Table**, a small restaurant, waited with its door half-open.

Inside, the air was warm with broth and sizzling oil.

Cha Hae-in moved quickly between tables, tray in hand, her white shirt sleeves rolled up. The faint sound of *ballad* music played from an old speaker near the counter.

The bell above the door rang softly — *ding-dong.*

Cha Hae-in(FL)

Annyeonghaseyo, welcome to Mijin’s Table!

She turned — and froze.

A woman stood by the entrance, suitcase beside her, hair tied neatly, eyes tired yet bright with affection.

Cha Hae-in(FL)

Eonni…?

Her face lit up.

Cha Hae-in(FL)

Lee Saeng Eonni!

Hae-in rushed forward and hugged her tightly.

Lee Saeng(???)

(Laughing softly) You still smell like sesame oil, Hae-in-ah.

Cha Hae-in(FL)

It’s the restaurant, not me!

Cha Hae-in(FL)

(She laughed, wiping her hands on her apron.) I didn’t know you were back in Daehanri!

Lee Saeng(???)

Just for tonight. I missed your cooking.

Cha Hae-in(FL)

Then I’ll make you something special. What would you like?

Lee Saeng(???)

My usual — your kimchi jjigae. No one makes it like you.

Cha Hae-in(FL)

(Grinning) Arasseo, one special jjigae coming up.

She hurried to the kitchen. The sound of ladles, sizzling pots, and laughter from nearby tables filled the air. Minutes later, she returned, placing the steaming bowl before her guest.

Cha Hae-in(FL)

Here, Eonni. Careful, it’s hot.

Lee Saeng(???)

It smells exactly like before. You haven’t changed.

Cha Hae-in(FL)

Neither have you. Still traveling around, I see.

Lee Saeng(???)

Mm. Work keeps sending me everywhere. Hanarabi last week, now back here just for a night.

Cha Hae-in(FL)

(Pouring water into her glass) You must be tired. I barely have energy after my shift ends.

Lee Saeng(???)

You’re still doing the bakery job in the mornings?

Cha Hae-in(FL)

(Nodding) Yeah. Bakery at seven, café on weekends, and this one in the evenings.

Cha Hae-in(FL)

(Smiled faintly) Fashion dreams need rent money first.

Lee Saeng(???)

(Smiling warmly) Still the same Hae-in — stubborn as ever.

They laughed softly. Outside, a motorbike passed, scattering droplets against the window.

Lee Saeng(???)

Do you ever take a day off?

Cha Hae-in(FL)

Sometimes Sunday. I sit by the river with my sketchbook. It’s peaceful there.

Lee Saeng(???)

That sounds nice. You should show me your designs someday.

Cha Hae-in(FL)

Only after they’re good enough. (Grinned shyly).

Time slipped quietly between them, the restaurant emptying table by table until only the two remained.

Lee Saeng glanced at her watch and sighed.

Lee Saeng(???)

Aigoo, it’s late. I have to catch my flight.

Cha Hae-in(FL)

Already? You just got here.

Lee Saeng reached into her bag and pulled out a small hardcover novel— the edges slightly worn but carefully kept. The title on the cover read “The Sky Beyond the River.”

Lee Saeng(???)

Here. Your chuseonmul. A gift for your new beginning.

Cha Hae-in(FL)

(Eyes wide) A book?

Lee Saeng(???)

It’s a novel I read back when I felt lost. The main character reminds me of you — someone who kept walking even when no one believed she could.

Cha Hae-in(FL)

(Holding it close) Eonni… thank you. I’ll take care of it.

Lee Saeng(???)

Don’t just take care of it — read it. Maybe it’ll remind you that dreams aren’t so far away.

Cha Hae-in(FL)

(Smiling) I will. I promise.

Lee Saeng placed a few bills on the table and stood up.

Lee Saeng(???)

Study hard, dream big, and eat properly — no more instant noodles every night.

Cha Hae-in(FL)

(Laughing softly) Yes, ma’am.

Lee Saeng(???)

(Smiling) That’s better.

Lee Saeng turned toward the door.

Cha Hae-in(FL)

Eonni! Come back soon, okay?

Lee Saeng(???)

(Without turning) Always.

The bell chimed softly as she stepped into the cool night. Hae-in watched her through the window, the blue novel pressed to her heart.

Ep. 2

The night metro of Soryang city rattled softly through tunnels, half-empty except for sleepy students and office workers lost in their own worlds. The air smelled faintly of coffee and wet jackets from night’s rain.

Hae-in Sat by the window, her bag on her lap, her eyes moving over the pages of the blue-covered novel “The Sky Beyond the River".

The train lights flickered as it passed another station.

Her brow furrowed as she read, lips parting slightly in thought.

Cha Hae-in(FL)

(Murmuring to herself) What a stupid girl… the villainess had everything — family, wealth — and still threw it all away.

She turned the page, her voice barely louder than a whisper under the sound of the train.

Cha Hae-in(FL)

Her parents loved her so much. But she only chased power… even tried to steal the crown prince and poison the main girl.

Cha Hae-in(FL)

(Sighed quietly) And in the end, she’s executed in front of everyone.

The metro announcement chimed —

>Next stop: Daehwa Station.

She closed the novel gently, sliding it into her purse.

Cha Hae-in(FL)

(Softly, still thinking aloud) If I were her… I’d just stay with my parents. Live a small, happy life. No throne, no poison, no loneliness.

Cha Hae-in(FL)

(Smiled faintly) Anyway… I’ve read half. Let’s see what happens when the main villain appears.

The doors opened with a *whoosh.* She stepped out, blending into the night crowd — students and office workers rushing. The sound of traffic echoing above.

The Moon was climbing behind the tall glass buildings, painting everything in pale gold. Hae-in pulled her cardigan tighter and started walking home, her thoughts still tangled in the story.

...

Later, in her tiny rooftop room, she unlocked the door with a soft click.

Cha Hae-in(FL)

(Sighing) Finally home.

She placed her purse, keys, and the blue novel on the small table near the window. The wind carried a faint scent of instant noodles from the neighbor’s kitchen above.

She turned toward her sink — and froze.

Cha Hae-in(FL)

Ah, not again…

Water was dripping steadily from the ceiling, forming a small puddle on the floor. She grabbed a rag and bent down to clean, muttering to herself.

Cha Hae-in(FL)

The landlord really needs to fix this…

Cha Hae-in(FL)

Aigoo, my luck today.

She reached forward — her foot slipped.

The world spun for half a second before her head struck the corner of the table.

A sharp sound — *thud.*

Her body went limp, the rag slipping from her hand.