Knowing that his best friend was an avid reader, as usual Mingyu gifted Selene a bunch of new released books on her seventeenth birthday.

Just like the year before, and the year before and ever since they’ve known each other.

Selene had two huge shelves of Mingyu’s gifts. The genres varied, from young adult and romantic fantasy novels, to literature and the wonders of astronomy. 

Once for her thirteenth birthday, the boy gave her a collection of historical tales in a language she could not read and one she assumed Mingyu only pretended to understand. 

Despite her dislike for some of the books he gave, Selene kept her own growing collection in neat shelves, arranged in an alphabetized order, and most spines facing forward to display the titles. 

“Happy birthday, Sel.” 

Mingyu didn’t bother to wrap the gift, aware that Selene won’t get mad.

It was already beautiful on its own. A thick blue velvet-bound book with Selene’s name engraved on the cover.

There was no title or an author’s name on the face, making her confused. 

“Go on, open it.” said Mingyu, stopping her before she could toss the item onto the other piles of gifts. 

Selene let out a tsk sound as she opened the book, only to find it all blank and empty.

“What’s this, idiot?” She wrinkled her nose playfully. 

“It’s a diary, loser.” Mingyu flicked her lightly on the forehead. 

“What am I supposed to do with it?” Selene pouted. 

Mingyu laughed. “I know you’re not that much of a writer, but it’s for you to jot down your personal thoughts, your feelings or anything you desire to write. You can even use it as a sketch pad since you doodle and draw most of the time.” 

“I know what a diary is, idiot, and thanks for not denying that I’m bad at writing.” Selene half laughed, and half snickered as she closed the book-like diary, placing it on her study desk.

“Nonsense, you’re interesting when you try.” 

Their joined laughters echoed, filling the empty spaces of Selene’s big bedroom. 

* *

Seven years ago when Selene turned ten years old, two members were added to the Choi family nest.

The babies were fraternal twins. The older twin was a girl named Scarlet, and they named her after Wendy’s beloved, deceased mother while the younger twin was a boy named Alec. 

They may be the best thing that happened in their lives, but they could be annoying, mischievous, and a royal pain in the ɑss if they want to. 

“Mommy, do you know that Selene noona has a crush on Mingyu hyung?” 

“Alec, honey, you’ve already said that for the millionth time this week.” Wendy remarked nonchalantly. “And I believe that your noona doesn’t have a crush on her best friend.” 

“Why don’t you believe me?” Alec frowned, folding his small arms over his chest. 

“Errrm… because it’s not true.” Wendy raked her fingers through her golden blonde hair. 

“But it’s true, mama.” Scarlet chimed in. 

“Then give me a proof, Scarling.” A playful smirk arose Wendy’s lips as she challenged her seven year old daughter. 

“We saw it on unnie’s diary.” 

“Do you know that prying on people’s privacy is a bad thing?” 

“Does that mean you believe us?” The twins asked in unison, awkward grins plastered on their faces.

“Let me think,” Wendy tapped her chin before exclaiming. “Well my sweethearts, the answer is no. There’s no way your big sister is in love with