Since that day in the hospital, I didn't see or hear from Ji Hyo all that week, nor the following week. Following her collapse, she had cancelled her appearances on Running Man for the next couple of weeks. While I was tempted to ride out to visit her on the set of her drama, I worry that I might be intruding. I wanted to give her her space to sort out herself, so I stayed home or hung out with Erin and Yan, all the while keeping my phone by my side in case she called.

I was cleaning my apartment one day, wiping the dust off the shelves with a damp cloth when I heard a knock at the door. Opening it, I was surprised to find that it was Ji Hyo paying me a visit. She avoided my eyes, shifting about uncomfortably like she was embarrassed to turn up at my doorstep without warning. A thrill shot up my spine but it was quickly replaced by horror as I took in her appearance. She looked worse than I could have imagined having lost a substantial amount of weight. Had she not been eating at all? Her once full cheeks had sunk, making her cheekbones more pronounced.

Although the guys on Running Man often gave Ji Hyo grief on her weight, endlessly teasing her about how heavy she was, in reality, she was really fit from all the running and physical challenges of the show. Her toned arms were a testament to this. Yet, they now hung loosely by her sides, looking wispy and thin. It almost looks as though I could pick her up and snap her in half.

She must not have been sleeping well either. There were huge bags under her eyes and the circles under them were so dark, they were almost black, standing out against her pale skin. While the actress had always been fair, she was now deathly white. It was almost as though she hadn't seen the sun in weeks. Her black shoulder-length hair that framed her face appeared dull, lacking its usual shine and hung limply around her face.

She must be having so much on her mind, that she hadn't bothered taking care of her appearance. I cursed Chang Joo, hating him for causing such pain to her. I smiled at her, hoping to bring her out of her funk. She looks up at me and smiles a real smile, the edges of her eyes crinkling in delight. She was happy to see me. It was a little thing, but it meant the world to me. Standing aside, I gestured to the interior of the apartment, inviting her in. “Hi, Reg.” She greeted shyly. “I'm so sorry I haven't called you since that day in the hospital. I, I needed time to sort myself out.” She apologised, trying to explain.

I smiled gently in return. “It's alright. You don't have to apologise. I understand.” I said. “I never changed the access code you know? I kept it. In case you ever needed to come back,” I mumbled, feeling incredibly self-conscious. “My door's always open to you,” I added gently. “And to my annoying buddies as well,” I growled, rolling my eyes. She giggled softly at my exaggerated eye roll and I smiled at her. “Just know, that you're always welcomed here.” I told her kindly.

Reaching out for me, she pulled me into a hug. I sensed that she was seeking comfort and allowed the contact, holding her against me. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, I felt her pull away. Breaking apart, I studied her. Wondering if there was a reason behind her visit. I looked over at her questioningly. “Not that I mind, but what are you doing here?” I asked.

“Well, filming wrapped a couple of days ago. These past few days, I've had nothing to do and plenty of time to think. I guess work on my drama had been keeping me so occupied that I hadn't had time to think about things.” She explained. “I keep thinking about the way things turned out. Replaying the events in my head.” Shaking her head, she paused and took a deep breath. “A part of me wondered if I could have done anything better, differently. I know that I had done my best and that I wasn't at fault. This is just who he is and there's nothing I can do.” She said joylessly.

I read the sliver of doubt gnawing at her and saw the sadness in her eyes. I couldn't help but wonder; how do you really reach someone who is hurt? Can anyone really feel someone else's pain and get in there with them? It feels so alone to be in a state of depression, but it feels just as lonely watching someone you love go through it.

Tossing the damp cloth aside, I took her hands in mine and grinned at the Korean. “Alright. Come on! Time to get you out and about! What do you want to do?” I chirped.

“Yay!!!” Ji Hyo cheered, wrapping her arms tightly around my waist as we sped off towards Muiido. She was seated so close to me that a couple of times, she knocked helmets with me. My heart thumped wildly in my chest and my spirits soared. The actress had decided that she wanted to enjoy what remained of summer by heading to a beach in Muiido. I obliged, wanting only to make her happy.

After finding a shady spot under the trees to park my bike, we hopped onto the ferry for a short ride across to the island. Once on Muiido, we headed to one of the numerous beaches. At the beach, Ji Hyo rolled up her jean legs. Freeing our feet, we carried our footwear and proceeded to stroll barefooted along the shoreline. The sand was warm, heated by the rays of the sun. The warm sand between our toes was like a million molecules of the earth's beads massaging our feet all at once. We enjoyed its tickly sensation, the way the sand clung to our skin, wedging itself up into our toenails and coating the bottom of our feet; like butter on toast.

Stopping to look up at the sky, we closed our eyes and let the sun kiss our faces, its rays warming us up. The cool salty sea breeze tossed our hair about, sweeping it into an unruly mess. Already, I could feel Ji Hyo's spirits lifting. She let out a tiny laugh and I joined her. Taking hold of my arm, she hugged it and leaned into me. She seems completely comfortable and at ease with me and I feel the same way. It’s like she’s been with me every day for the past year — there’s no sense that I hadn’t seen her in weeks. We clicked together. Just like we always have. Kindred spirits.

A pair of gulls flew over the sea, squabbling over scraps. We watched them, casual observers. Their fight was not ours. The outcome of it was inconsequential to us. Just as our troubles were to the world at large. Sneaking a side glance at the actress, I saw that she too, had arrived at the same conclusion. The cares she had been carrying, started to wash away; like the waves of the sea, washing away our t