393: March 25, 2026, Liu Zhimin's Bubble

(Work is so tiring.)

(At work, slacking off watching the replay of Karina's birthday party from last night. Phones keep ringing, it's so annoying. But I haven't been watching carefully anyway, I've forgotten what the performances were, I just know Karina is super beautiful.)

(Help! She's seriously killing me with her beauty!!)

— —

[ March 25, 2026 06:50 - First Selfie ]

The sky outside has brightened up significantly. Last night's dark clouds have completely dispersed, and the faint morning light filters through the gaps in the curtains, painting a thin line of gold on the floor. Karina stretches her hand out from under the quilt and takes a photo of that ray of light.

Click.

She slowly edits the text:

" March 25, 2026, 6:50 AM. Wednesday. Good morning. It looks like it's going to be a sunny day today; light has snuck in through the gap in the curtains and secretly kissed the floor. Is the sun out where you are? If not, it should be soon. The spring sun is always punctual. "

Send.

[ 06:58 - First Reply Video ]

Karina is still lying in bed, covered warmly by the quilt, her hair spread softly on the pillow. She smiles at the camera; her eyes aren't fully open yet, but the corners of her mouth are already curled up.

" I slept really well last night. I didn't dream, or if I did, I don't remember it. When I woke up and saw the light sneaking in through the gap in the curtains, my mood brightened up instantly. You know, whenever I see light, I think of you. You are my light. Not the blinding kind, but the morning kind—soft, warm, just enough to wake someone up without being too urgent. You are the perfect kind of light. "

She pulls the quilt up a bit.

" I'll lie here a little longer. It's rare to have sunlight shining in, so I want to stay in the light for a bit. You should too. If the sun is shining on you, lie down for a while longer. The feeling of being woken up by the sun is very blissful. "

Video ends.

Send.

[ 07:15 - Second Selfie ]

Karina gets out of bed and walks to the window to pull the curtains completely open. Sunlight floods in all at once. She squints her eyes and takes a photo of the view outside. The sky is a pale blue, with a few thin clouds drifting by, and in the distance, Namsan Tower stands quietly in the morning light.

Click.

Bubble caption:

" I pulled back the curtains, and the sun has already risen. The sky is so blue, the clouds so thin, and the wind shouldn't be too strong. Today is truly a great day for going out. Is it like that where you are? If it is, you must go out for a walk today. Even if it's just going downstairs to buy a coffee, you should soak up some sun. "

Send.

[ 07:30 - Second Reply Video ]

Karina has finished washing her face and is recording a video in front of the mirror. Water droplets still cling to her face, and the sunlight shining in from the window casts gentle light and shadows across her features. She wipes her face gently with a towel, her movements slow.

" The weather is so nice today. Standing in front of the window after washing my face, the sunlight on my face feels warm, and I don't want to move. You know, sometimes happiness is just like this. It doesn't require anything big to happen, nor any special reason. It's just waking up in the morning, seeing the sunlight, thinking of you, and feeling that today will definitely be a good day. I'll be thinking of you today, too. Always thinking of you. Thinking of you every day. "

She smiles at herself in the mirror.

" Alright, time to change clothes. I need to train hard, eat well, and think of you diligently today. You should too. It's Wednesday; the week is already half over. Just two more days, and then we can rest. Let's work hard together. "

Video ends.

Send.

[ 07:50 - Third Selfie ]

Karina stands in the entryway, getting ready to leave. She takes a full-body photo in the mirror—today, she's wearing a white short-sleeved T-shirt, layered with a light blue thin cardigan, beige wide-leg trousers, and white canvas shoes. Her hair is tied in a low ponytail, and she has a canvas bag on her shoulder. She didn't bring an umbrella.

Click.

Bubble caption:

" Heading out. I'm dressed a bit lightly today because it's really warmed up. White and blue, just like today's sky. Walking down the street, I should match the sky pretty well. Have you headed out yet? What are you wearing? Whatever you're wearing, as long as it's comfortable, that's good. The weather is nice today; no matter what you wear, it'll be a happy day. "

Send.

[ 08:05 - Third Reply Video ]

Karina is walking down the street, the camera pointed at the sky. The sky is blue, a few thin clouds drifting slowly, and the sunlight shines on her, casting a long shadow.

" Walking down the street, the sky is so blue. Look, that cloud is drifting over slowly; doesn't it look like a little lamb? Round and soft, taking a stroll in the sky. I'm taking a stroll, too—we're both taking a stroll. It's in the sky, and I'm on the ground. Where are you? No matter where you are, we're looking at the same sky. When I think of it that way, I feel like you're very close to me. "

She turns the camera back, smiling at herself.

" I'm in such a good mood today. Because the weather is nice, because the flowers by the roadside are still blooming, and because I'm thinking of you. Are you in a good mood today? I hope so. If you're not, just think of me, and you'll feel better. I'll be cheering you on. "

Video ends.

Send.

[ 08:30 - Fourth Selfie ]

Karina arrives at the practice room and takes a photo in the mirror. She's in the middle of taking off her cardigan, revealing a piece of her white short-sleeved shirt. Her hair is a little messy from walking, and her face is flushed—probably because she walked a bit fast.

Click.

Bubble caption:

" I've arrived at the practice room. I walked too fast on the way, so I'm a bit hot. But I'm happy because the sunlight shone on me the whole way. Have you arrived at the company yet? If you have, work hard; if not, take your time walking. Since the weather is so nice today, it doesn't matter if you walk a little slower. "

Send.

[ 09:00 - Fourth Reply Video ]

Karina starts warming up, recording a video while stretching. She sets her phone up in front of the mirror, and the sunlight shines in from the window, casting a faint layer of light over her. Her movements are slow and graceful.

" Warming up now. The sunlight is shining into the practice room today, and the whole room is bright. I'm in a really good mood while warming up because I'm surrounded by sunlight. You know, every time I'm touched by the sunlight, I think of you. Because you're like the sunlight, too—warm, gentle, and always there. Even though you're not by my side, I can feel you. "

She slowly bends over, her fingers touching her toes, then straightens up.

" I'll train hard today, too. Because I want to show you the best version of myself on stage. You should work hard too. Let's do our best together. "

Video ends.

Send.

[ 09:45 - Fifth Selfie ]

During a break in practice, Karina sits on the floor drinking water. She raises her phone and takes a photo of the sky outside the window—there are even fewer clouds, the sky is almost pure blue, and the sunlight makes the windowsill shine.

Click.

Bubble caption:

" The sky is even bluer now, and the clouds have disappeared. The entire sky is blue, clean, and clear. Like you. Is it like your eyes? I don't know. But I think it must be. Blue, clean, and very, very deep. The kind you can't get out of once you look into them. "

Send.

[ 10:15 - Fifth Reply Video ]

Karina faces the camera, starting to share about today's training.

" Today I practiced the opening dance for the concert. There's a part where I have to stand on a lift and rise up. I was a little scared the first time I stood on it, but today I'm not scared anymore. Because the weather is nice today, because the sunlight is shining on me, and because I'm thinking of you watching me from the audience. As long as you're there, I'm not afraid. You know, you are the source of my courage. When I encounter something scary, I think of you, and I'm not scared anymore. When I encounter something difficult, I think of you, and I feel like I can try one more time. Thank you for making me a braver person. "

She purses her lips, smiling a bit shyly.

" I will keep being brave. Because of you. "

Video ends.

Send.

[ 11:00 - Sixth Selfie ]

Karina stands by the window, taking a photo of the view outside. The sunlight is just right, shining on the glass of the building across the street, reflecting a dazzling light. On the small path downstairs, someone is walking a dog—a small white dog, running very fast.

Click.

Bubble caption:

"Someone is walking a dog downstairs. A little white dog, running so fast, its owner is being dragged along. So funny. Have you ever raised a dog? I haven't, but I want to. How about we raise one together in the future? A white one, a small one, the kind that runs really fast. We can take it for walks every day and watch it run around. A life like that must be very happy."

Send.

[11:30 - Sixth Reply Video]

Lunchtime. Karina opens her lunchbox; today it's simple gimbap and a small box of fruit. She picks up a piece of gimbap and waves it at the camera.

"Lunch, gimbap. Training is pretty tight today, so I'm having something simple. The gimbap has spinach, carrots, egg, ham, and a little bit of beef inside. It's delicious. What did you have for lunch? If you haven't eaten yet, go eat quickly. Don't skip meals just because you're busy. If you get hungry, I'll really feel heartbroken."

She takes a bite and chews slowly.

"Yummy. How about I make it for you next time? I can make many kinds—tuna, beef, vegetable. I'll make whatever you like. Come quickly, okay?"

Video ends.

Send.

[12:15 - Seventh Selfie]

After eating, Karina stands by the window to soak up the sun. The sunlight is warm, making her feel all soft and relaxed. She raises her phone and takes a photo of her shadow—the shadow cast on the floor, its outline very clear.

Click.

Bubble caption:

"Soaking up the sun. The shadow is clear because the sunlight is so good. Are you soaking up the sun? If you are, your shadow will be clear too. Our shadows are in different places, but they are illuminated by the same sun. When I think about it like this, it feels like we are together."

Send.

[12:45 - Seventh Reply Video]

Before afternoon training begins, Karina sits on the mat and stretches slowly. Sunlight shines in through the window, casting a layer of warm light on her.

"It's afternoon, time to continue training. My condition is great today because I soaked up the sun this morning, because I had delicious gimbap for lunch, and because I've been thinking about you the whole time. You know, you're just like today's sunlight—not overly intense, but just right. Just warm enough, just bright enough, just enough to make me want to stay by your side forever."

She slowly straightens up and smiles at the camera.

"I'll train hard. You work hard too. Let's both work hard, and then meet in our hearts. Okay? Okay. I've decided for you."

Video ends.

Send.

[14:30 - Eighth Selfie]

Training finished. Karina sits on the floor, fine beads of sweat on her forehead. She raises her phone and takes a photo in the mirror—her hair is a little damp, her face is flushed, but her eyes are exceptionally bright, as if they hold an entire spring.

Click.

Bubble caption:

"Training is over. My condition was great today; the opening dance went smoothly, and I'm not scared of the lift anymore. I want to buy some fruit on the way home. Spring is the time for strawberries. Why don't you buy some strawberries to eat too? Red and sweet, just like you. No, wait—you're sweeter than strawberries."

Send.

[15:15 - Eighth Reply Video]

Karina walks home, the camera pointed at a small shop by the roadside. In front of a fruit shop, there are baskets upon baskets of strawberries, red and fresh.

"Look, strawberries. So red, so fresh. The owner said they just arrived today and are very sweet. I'm buying a box to eat slowly at home. Do you have strawberries where you are? If you see some, will you buy a box too? We'll eat the same kind of strawberries, and that way it'll count as eating together. Sweet strawberries, I have to share half with you."

She buys a box and waves it at the camera.

"Okay, got them. I'll go home, wash them, put them in a bowl, and eat them slowly. Will you go buy some too? I'll wait for you."

Video ends.

Send.

[15:50 - Ninth Selfie]

Karina arrives home, washes the strawberries, and puts them in a white bowl. She takes a photo of the bowl—the strawberries are red, the water droplets are bright, and it looks beautiful.

Click.

Bubble caption:

"Home now. The strawberries are washed and in a white bowl. Red, with bright water droplets, like gems. Did you buy any? If you did, wash them and put them in a bowl too. Then we'll eat together. I'll eat one, and you eat one. That way, we're eating strawberries together."

Send.

[16:15 - Ninth Reply Video]

Karina is curled up on the sofa with the bowl of strawberries. She picks one up and holds it to the camera.

"The strawberry is so sweet. Did you get to eat one? I tasted one for you, and it's very sweet. So, you've tasted it too. You're welcome. Thank me next time when you actually eat one."

She puts the strawberry in her mouth and chews slowly.

"You know, whenever I eat something sweet, I think of you. Because you are sweet. When I'm in a good mood, it's sweet; when I think of you, it's sweet; when I talk to you, it's also sweet. What are you made of? How can you be so sweet."

Video ends.

Send.

[16:50 - Tenth Selfie]

Karina has changed into loungewear and is curled up on the sofa. The sunlight outside has turned golden, shining on the flowers on the windowsill. She takes a photo of the flowers—little white daisies, pink eustomas, and that pot of pink flowers she bought yesterday, all huddled together, gilded with a layer of warm light by the sunset.

Click.

Bubble caption:

"The afternoon sunlight has turned golden. The flowers on the windowsill look especially beautiful in the light. Is it this time of day where you are too? The sun is about to set. Did you have a happy day? I had a great day. Because the weather was nice, because the strawberries were sweet, and because you have been here the whole time."

Send.

[17:30 - Tenth Reply Video]

Karina stands in the kitchen, tying on her apron. She smiles at the camera; the apron is still that light blue one with little kittens printed on it.

"Getting ready to make dinner. I want to make kimchi fried rice today—simple, but very fragrant. What are you having for dinner? No matter what you eat, make sure to eat well. The weather is nice today, so your appetite should be good too. Eat plenty, don't go hungry."

She opens the fridge and takes out the kimchi and rice.

"You know, whenever I make fried rice, I think of you. Because you said you like kimchi fried rice. Next time I make it for you, I'll add lots and lots of kimchi and a fried egg. You'll definitely like it. Anything I make is good."

Video ends.

Send.

[18:15 - Eleventh Selfie]

Dinner is ready. Karina scoops the fried rice into a bowl, adds a fried egg, and sprinkles on a little sesame. She takes a photo; the fried rice is golden yellow, the kimchi is red, and the egg is fried just right.

Click.

Bubble caption:

"Dinner is ready. Kimchi fried rice with a fried egg. Looks pretty good, right? Have you eaten? If not, go eat quickly. Don't go hungry. I'm digging in. You dig in too."

Send.

[18:45 - Eleventh Reply Video]

Karina finishes her meal and sits by the window. The sky outside isn't completely dark yet; it's a pale blue-gray. In the distance, Namsan Tower lights up, looking like a star.

"I'm done, so full. The fried rice was delicious, and the egg was soft-boiled—the yolk spilled out and mixed into the rice, it was so fragrant. Do you like soft-boiled eggs? I'll make them for you next time. I promise to fry them just right, not too raw and not too cooked."

She pulls her knees up and rests 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 weather was nice, because training went smoothly, because the strawberries were sweet, and because you were here the whole time. Thank you for accompanying me through this day. Every day with you is wonderful."

Video ends.

Send.

[19:30 - Twelfth Selfie]

Karina has finished her shower, changed into pajamas, and is curled up on the sofa. Today's pajamas are that creamy white cotton set, and her hair is blow-dried, hanging softly. The flowers on the windowsill are blooming quietly under the lamplight.

Click.

Bubble caption:

"Finished my shower and changed into pajamas. The weather was so good today, sunny from morning to night. Is it the same where you are? No matter how the weather changes, my heart for you remains the same. I think of you on sunny days, rainy days, and cloudy days too. I think of you every day. Every single moment."

Send.