387: March 24, 2026, Liu Zhimin's Bubble

(Today is my day off, it's raining outside, and I'm feeling quite down.)

(While writing the aespa variety show segment, I suddenly realized a problem. When I write about Karina and Kim Minjeong, the plot flows incredibly smoothly, and I can also write specific character traits for Ningning, but I get stuck as soon as it comes to Eri.)

(I originally intended to treat everyone as real people in a parallel world based on their real-life personalities, but the problem is that SM doesn't seem to focus much on Eri in terms of resources.)

(So the team's resource tilt is reflected in my character descriptions. For Karina and Kim Minjeong, who have high resources, popularity, and exposure in the real world, their sections are longer, while Ningning and Eri get less. I think this is a vicious cycle...)

(Continuing to push popular members while neglecting less popular ones makes the popular ones even more so and the less popular ones even less so, which then leads to fan wars within the group. Although this is normal from an economic standpoint—after all, you can't ignore more profitable projects to push unprofitable ones—it lacks long-term vision. It's all about shoveling raw rice into one's mouth before even thinking about how to cook it.)

(It's really hard to handle Eri's length. Even if I want to be biased, there's too little content. The internet is full of WinRina, so it's difficult for me too. Plus, I don't have that much time.)

(The next few chapters will focus on Kim Taeyeon, but the title will still be Karina. Don't ask why; it's because Karina is my favorite.)

(By the way, regarding the segment about Karina's Double-skin milk shop mentioned in previous chapters—even though I overwrote it, I said back then it would be written by the middle of this month. I checked again today, and it will probably be next month.)

(The reason why I'm writing Karina Bubble will also appear in subsequent chapters.)

(One more thing, last night I dreamed of Kim Taeyeon eating instant noodles on a rotating giant wheel at an amusement park. It looked like she was filming a variety show, and I think I saw noodles stuck to her face... I can't remember clearly, I just remember laughing quite happily. It's definitely because I was thinking about new songs before bed.)

(Kim Taeyeon's new song concept, Mrs M??)

——

[March 24, 2026, 06:40 - First Selfie]

The rain outside had stopped at some point. The sky was still overcast, but the clouds seemed thinner, revealing a hint of faint light. Karina gently reached her hand out from under the covers and took a photo of the window. Droplets from last night's rain still clung to the glass.

Click.

She rubbed her eyes and slowly typed out the text:

"March 24, 2026, 6:40 AM. Tuesday. The rain has stopped. There are still raindrops from last night on the windowpane, one by one. The sky is still a bit grey, but it's a little brighter than yesterday. Did it stop where you are too? If it's still raining, remember to bring an umbrella. If it stopped, take one anyway when you go out, just in case it starts again."

Send.

[06:48 - First Video Reply]

Karina was still lying in bed, wrapped warmly in her duvet, her hair softly scattered across the pillow. She smiled gently at the camera, her voice soft and tender.

"I slept very well last night. The sound of the rain was with me the whole time, like someone whispering softly in my ear. I wonder if it was you. I dreamed of you. I dreamed the rain had stopped, the sky had cleared, and we were walking down the road together. There were puddles on the ground; you held my hand while I splashed in them, and you laughed beside me. When I woke up, the corners of my mouth were turned up. Thank you for giving me such a beautiful dream."

She pulled the duvet up a bit higher.

"I'll lie here for five more minutes. There's no need to rush today, I'll take it slow. You too—if you can still sleep, sleep a bit longer. You don't have to get up so early every day."

Video ends.

Send.

[07:05 - Second Selfie]

Karina got out of bed and walked to the window. She took a photo of the view outside—the sky was still cloudy, but the clouds were indeed thinner, and a bit of pale blue sky could be seen in the distance. The ground was wet, and cherry blossoms from the roadside were scattered everywhere, pink petals clinging to the pavement.

Click.

Bubble text:

"I'm up. The rain stopped, but the ground is still wet. So many cherry blossoms have fallen; the pink petals are stuck to the ground like a flower path. It must feel very soft to walk on. I want to take that path when I head out today and see what a road paved with petals looks like. Are there cherry blossoms where you are? Have they fallen yet?"

Send.

[07:20 - Second Video Reply]

After washing her face, Karina recorded a video in front of the mirror. Water droplets still clung to her face, her skin clean and translucent. She gently patted her face dry with a towel, her movements slow.

"It's Tuesday today. The rain has stopped, and the air is incredibly fresh. When I take a deep breath, I can smell the scent of earth mixed with flowers. It smells lovely. Can you smell it where you are? The air is always especially good after the rain, like it's been washed clean. My mood has improved along with it."

She smiled at her reflection in the mirror.

"I'm going to train hard today, eat well, and miss you lots. You too—work hard and rest well. It's a new day, let's do our best together."

Video ends.

Send.

[07:40 - Third Selfie]

Karina stood in the entryway, ready to head out. She took a full-body photo in the mirror—today she was wearing a cream-colored knit sweater, light blue jeans, and a light grey thin coat over it. On her feet were white canvas shoes. Her hair was down, a canvas bag hung over her shoulder, and she wasn't holding an umbrella.

Click.

Bubble text:

"Heading out. I didn't bring an umbrella today because I don't think it'll rain anymore. If it does, then that's my miscalculation. I'll deal with it then. Anyway, getting a little wet doesn't matter; spring rain isn't cold. Did you bring an umbrella? Whether you did or not, don't get caught in the rain."

Send.

[07:55 - Third Video Reply]

Karina was walking through the neighborhood, the camera pointed at the small path covered in fallen petals. The pink cherry blossom petals covered the ground—wet, soft, and silent underfoot.

"Look, it's this path. It's covered in petals, so pink and soft, like a carpet. Walking on it feels like every step is on top of spring. It's so beautiful. Have you ever walked on a path like this? If not, I'll bring you here next time. We'll walk slowly; we don't even have to talk. Just walking on this path makes me feel happy."

She turned the camera back to herself and smiled.

"I'm taking this path to the Practice Room today, and I'm in a great mood. Because the flowers are beautiful, because the air is good, and because I'm thinking of you. When you see these flowers, will you think of me? I hope you do."

Video ends.

Send.

[08:15 - Fourth Selfie]

Karina arrived at the Practice Room and took a photo in front of the mirror. She was taking off her coat, revealing a bit of her cream-colored knit sweater. Her hair was a little messy from the walk, and her face was flushed, probably from walking fast.

Click.

Bubble text:

"I'm at the Practice Room. I walked very slowly on the way because I wanted to look at the flowers a bit longer. As a result, I almost ran late. But it's okay; seeing the flowers put me in such a good mood that I can forgive myself for being a few minutes late. Have you reached the office? If you have, work hard; if not, no need to rush. Take your time."

Send.

[09:00 - Fourth Video Reply]

Karina began her warm-up, recording a video while stretching. She propped her phone up in front of the mirror, her movements slow and fluid. Sunlight streamed in through the window; though not intense, it was very gentle.

"Starting the warm-up. The weather is much better today than yesterday. Even though the sun isn't fully out, it's much brighter. My mood is great during the warm-up too. You know, it rained all day yesterday, so seeing the ground dry when I woke up today made me feel like everything can start over. Every day is new. And every day, I like you even more than the day before."

She did a full split, slowly leaning her face against her leg, then looked up and smiled at the camera.

"Let's do our best today. I'll train hard because I want to show you the best version of myself on stage. You keep it up too. If you're tired, think of me; I'll be cheering for you."

Video ends.

Send.

[09:50 - Fifth Selfie]

During a break in practice, Karina sat on the floor drinking water. She held up her phone and took a photo of the sky outside—the clouds were thinner than in the morning, revealing a small patch of pale blue sky. A thin beam of sunlight leaked through a gap in the clouds.

Click.

Bubble text:

"The clouds have thinned out, and the sunlight is peeking through. It's just a very, very thin beam, but it's so bright. Like the light in your eyes when you smile. It's not much, but it's exceptionally bright. Do you see it? That beam of light."

Send.

[10:20 - Fifth Video Reply]

Karina faced the camera and began sharing her training for the day.

"Today I'm practicing the lyrical dance from the middle of the concert. The movements are slow, but they need to be very emotional. The teacher said to imagine the person you love most standing opposite you and put all those feelings into the movements. Then I thought of you. When I thought of you, the movements came naturally. When I raised my hand, it felt like I could actually touch you. The teacher said I did exceptionally well today and asked who I was thinking of. I said it's a secret. It's you. You are my secret."

She pursed her lips, smiling a bit shyly.

"From now on, every time I dance, I'll be thinking of you. That way, every single dance is for you. Did you receive it? My feelings."

Video ends.

Send.

[11:15 - Sixth Selfie]

The sky had cleared up. Karina walked to the window and took a photo of the view—the clouds had dispersed, revealing large patches of blue sky. Sunlight hit the building opposite, the glass reflecting the light brilliantly.

Click.

Bubble text:

"It's cleared up. The clouds have all dispersed, and the sky is so blue. The sun is out, shining on the building across the way, all bright and shiny. Has it cleared up where you are too? If it has, why don't you go out and soak up some sun? Spring sunshine is very comfortable—not hot, just right. Basking in it for a while will make you feel better."

Send.

[11:45 - Sixth Video Reply]

Lunchtime. Karina opened her lunchbox—today it was a vegetable salad with grilled chicken breast and a small bowl of pumpkin porridge. She took a slow sip of the porridge for the camera.

"Lunch is quite light today: salad, chicken breast, and pumpkin porridge. The pumpkin porridge is sweet and delicious. What are you eating? If you haven't eaten yet, go get something tasty. Don't forget to eat just because you're busy. It hurts my heart if you're hungry."

[part:gemini-3.1-flash-lite]

She scooped up a spoonful of pumpkin porridge and waved it at the camera.

"This spoonful is for you. It's sweet, just like you. Did you know? Every time I eat something sweet, I think of you. Because you are sweet. My heart feels sweet, and my days feel sweet, too."

Video ended.

Sent.

[12:30 - Seventh Selfie]

After eating, Karina stood by the window to soak up the sun. Sunlight shone through the window, casting a faint glow over her. She lifted her phone and took a photo of her own shadow—the shadow cast on the floor, long and thin.

Click.

Bubble caption:

"Soaking up the sun. My shadow is cast on the floor, long and thin. Are you soaking up the sun, too? If you are, your shadow will be long as well. Our shadows, in different places, are illuminated by the same sun. When I think of it this way, I feel like we are very close."

Sent.

[13:00 - Seventh Reply Video]

Before afternoon training started, Karina sat on the mat and slowly stretched. The sunlight shone on her, warm and cozy.

"It's afternoon, time to continue training. I'm in a great state today because the weather has improved, and because you are always here. You know, to me, you are like today's sunlight—not blinding, but very warm. When you are here, I fear nothing. When you aren't, thinking of you, I still fear nothing."

She slowly straightened up and smiled at the camera.

"I will train well. You should work hard too. Let's both put in our best efforts, and then meet in our hearts. Okay?"

Video ended.

Sent.

[14:45 - Eighth Selfie]

Training ended. Karina sat on the floor, fine beads of sweat on her forehead. She lifted her phone and took a photo in the mirror—her hair was a bit damp, her face flushed, but her eyes were exceptionally bright, as if they held an entire spring.

Click.

Bubble caption:

"Training is over. I'm in a great state today, and I've mastered the new dance. I want to buy some flowers on the way home; yesterday's bouquet is a bit wilted. Spring means having flowers at home—it puts me in a good mood when I see them. Why don't you buy a bouquet to keep at home, too? When you see the flowers, you'll think of me."

Sent.

[15:30 - Eighth Reply Video]

Karina walked on the road home, the camera pointed at the sky. The sky was very blue, the clouds very white, and the sunlight felt warm on her. Outside a small shop by the roadside, there were several pots of colorful flowers.

"On my way home. The sky is so blue, the clouds so white. Look at that cloud, doesn't it look like a heart? I saw it the moment I looked up, as if it knew I was thinking of you and deliberately turned into the shape of a heart for you to see. Did you see it? If not, it's okay, I saw it for you. Everything I see belongs to you."

She stopped and took a close-up of that pot of flowers.

"I want to buy a pot to put on the windowsill. Can you help me choose? Red or pink? Red is a bit more passionate, pink is a bit more gentle. What do you think? Whatever you like, I like."

Video ended.

Sent.

[16:00 - Ninth Selfie]

Karina stood in front of the flower stall, holding a pot of small pink flowers in her hand, and took a photo for the camera. The flowers were small, soft, and pink, with vibrant green leaves.

Click.

Bubble caption:

"I chose pink. Because it's gentle. Because you are gentle. Because you make me gentle. I'll put it on the windowsill when I get home, along with the previous flowers. That way, the windowsill will be lively. It's like keeping you in my heart—full and warm."

Sent.

[16:30 - Ninth Reply Video]

Karina arrived home, placed the flowers on the windowsill, and took a photo of them. The sunlight shone on the petals, pink and soft, with white daisies and pale pink eustomas next to them, huddled together, looking very beautiful.

"I'm home, the flowers are set. Look, the windowsill is so lively now. White, pink, pale pink, huddled together like a family. You are the white one, quiet and still. I am the pink one, right beside you. We are together; it's wonderful even without words."

She gently touched the petals.

"Let's grow well today, too. Me too. And you too. Let's do it together."

Video ended.

Sent.

[17:15 - Tenth Selfie]

Karina changed into loungewear and curled up on the sofa. The sunlight outside the window turned golden, shining on the flowers on the windowsill, coating the petals in a warm glow. She lifted her phone and took a photo of the flowers.

Click.

Bubble caption:

"The afternoon sunlight has turned golden. The flowers look exceptionally beautiful in the light. Is it this time of day over there, too? The sun is about to set. Did you have a happy day today? I had a very good one. Because the weather improved, because training went smoothly, and because you are always here."

Sent.

[17:45 - Tenth Reply Video]

Karina walked into the kitchen and tied on her apron. She smiled at the camera; the apron was still that light blue one with little cats printed on it.

"Preparing dinner. I want something simple today—cooking some ramen, adding an egg, and some rice cakes. On a night after the rain, eating something hot is very comforting. What are you having for dinner? No matter what you eat, make sure it's hot. Spring nights are still a bit chilly, don't eat anything cold."

She opened the fridge and took out eggs and rice cakes.

"You know, every time I cook ramen, I think of you. Because you once said you liked eating ramen. In the future, when I cook it for you, I'll add two eggs. One for you, one for me. Then you eat the noodles, and I drink the soup. That would be perfect."

Video ended.

Sent.

[18:30 - Eleventh Selfie]

Dinner was ready. Karina scooped the ramen into a bowl, added the fried egg and rice cakes, and sprinkled on some green onions. She took a photo—the noodles were steaming, the egg was fried just right, and the yolk was still runny.

Click.

Bubble caption:

"Dinner is ready. Ramen with egg and rice cakes. Looks pretty good, right? Have you eaten? If not, go eat quickly. Don't go hungry. I'm starting to eat. You start, too."

Sent.

[19:00 - Eleventh Reply Video]

After eating, Karina sat by the window. The sky outside was already dark, but not completely black; it was a faint blue-gray. The Namsan Tower in the distance had lit up, like a star.

"Finished eating, so full. Ramen with rice cakes, simple but delicious. Especially the runny egg; when the yolk flows out and mixes with the noodles, it's especially fragrant. Do you like runny eggs? Next time I'll make them for you. I guarantee they'll be fried just right—the yolk won't be too raw or too cooked."

She hugged her knees and rested her chin on them.

"Today went by so fast. In the blink of an eye, it's already night. But today was very fulfilling. Because the sky cleared, because the flowers bloomed, because training went smoothly, and because you were always here. Thank you for spending this day with me. Every day is good with you."

Video ended.

Sent.

[19:45 - Twelfth Selfie]

Karina showered, changed into pajamas, and curled up on the sofa. Today's pajamas were that light gray cotton set, her hair was dried and draped softly. The flowers on the windowsill were blooming quietly under the light.

Click.

Bubble caption:

"Finished showering, changed into pajamas. The weather today was truly great, going from rain to sunshine, just like my mood. It was a bit gray in the morning, but it cleared up in the afternoon. Is it the same where you are? No matter how the weather changes, my heart that misses you remains the same. I miss you on sunny days, rainy days, and cloudy days. I miss you every single day."

Sent.

[20:15 - Twelfth Reply Video]

Karina curled up on the sofa, holding a pillow, her whole body soft. The night outside quieted down; one could hear the occasional sound of cars in the distance.

"Today, March 24th, is almost over. I've missed you so many times today. I missed you in the morning, during training, while eating, while walking, and I'm missing you now too. I can't even count how many times. Because you are always in my heart, no matter what I do, I'll think of you. Is this missing you too much? If it is... well, there's nothing I can do. Because it's already started, and I can't stop it."

She smiled softly and rested her face on the pillow.

"Are you missing me too? I hope so. You don't have to miss me all the time, just occasionally is fine. If the corners of your mouth curl up when you think of me, that's enough. That's all I want, it's that simple."

Video ended.

Sent.

[20:45 - Thirteenth Selfie]

Karina lay in bed, covered warmly by the quilt, revealing only her gentle face. The bedside lamp was on, the warm yellow light shining on her face, and the flowers on the windowsill cast faint shadows in the light.

Click.

Bubble caption:

"In bed, ready to sleep. Today's weather: cloudy to clear, 8 to 16 degrees. Tomorrow's weather: sunny, 9 to 18 degrees. It's finally sunny, and it will be a bit warmer. You can wear one less layer tomorrow. But it's still cool in the morning and evening, remember to bring a jacket when you go out. Goodnight, my love. Today was another day of missing you. See you in my dreams."

Sent.

[21:00 - Last Reply Video]

Karina was almost asleep, her voice soft and light, as gentle as a spring breeze.

"Today... the sky cleared... cherry blossoms fell all over the ground... walking on them is so soft... like stepping on clouds... Have you ever walked on a path like that... Next time... I'll take you... We'll walk slowly... We don't even have to talk... Just holding hands is enough..."

She opened her eyes slightly and smiled at the camera, a very light and gentle smile.

"Goodnight... my love... Thank you for making today a good day... Whether it's a rainy day or a sunny day... Having you makes it a good day... Always... See you in my dreams... I'll be waiting for you..."

Her voice grew lighter and lighter, until finally, there was only the sound of even breathing. The flowers on the windowsill bloomed quietly, accompanying her to sleep.

Video ended.

Sent.

[21:05 - Last Text Reply]

Before turning off the lights, Karina sent a message:

"March 24, 2026. The sky cleared, flowers have fallen all over the ground, it's so soft to walk on. I missed you so much today, too. Tomorrow's weather is sunny, 9 to 18 degrees, a bit warmer. Remember to bring a jacket. Goodnight, my love. See you in my dreams."

Sent.