*

 

Like mother, like daughter…

 

That was the first thing that popped in Yuri’s mind as she walked in her kitchen. She would have wanted to see her beautiful girls after a grueling day in court, but instead it was the stray cat (known as Sooyoung junior) scavenging through her fridge that welcomed her home.

 

 “Oh! Hey Aunt Yul!”

 

How Sooyoung Jr. gets inside her home, she doesn’t even know nor does she question it anymore.

 

The girl greets Yuri with a huge grin plastered on her face, while expertly juggling the jar of mayo, mustard, some cheddar cheese, meat and loaf bread in her arms.

 

“Hey Sooyoung Junior.”

 

Sooyoung Sr. (Yuri’s bestfriend for life) has this weird addiction for pulling pranks, not caring who the victim or where it takes place. Yuri and her entire family have fallen victims more than Yuri had hoped for. But Sooyoung’s pranks on her family was no match to what Sooyoung did to her own child. Sooyoung decided to gave her daughter a name that will get her own child mercilessly teased for the rest of her life.

 

Sooyoung Junior…

 

And I could call her Soju for short…

 

Yuri remembers Sooyoung telling her, before her bestfriend broke down in hysterics.

 

“I told you auntie, my name is Joy now.”

 

“Shouldn’t you be in soccer practice?”

 

“I’m injured.” Sooyoung Jr. / Joy answers nonchalantly, her full focus is on slathering an ungodly amount of mayo on her wheat bread.

 

Sometimes Yuri wants to ask Sooyoung if she feeds her kid, but then, Sooyoung Jr. or Joy’s stomach is probably a bottomless pit just like her mother’s.

 

“So, what’s for dinner tonight, Aunt Yul?”

 

“Spaghetti with meat balls.”

 

“Is the meat balls made out of tofu just like last time?”

 

Yuri was halfway through pulling out the tofu from the fridge when Joy’s words made her shove it back in the vegetable compartment.

 

She have been trying to switch things up in their household by subtly creating healthier options, much to the dismay of her junk food loving, meat addicted girls. Maybe tonight, she’ll cut them some slack.

 

“No, It’s made out of pure meat, Joy… just meat.” Yuri said tempting joy with the 70 percent lean ground beef. “Well, you know what? Joy, maybe tonight, I’ll make something special.”

 

Joy’s eyes trailed Yuri’s motion curiously, wondering what her mom’s bestfriend is trying to imply.

 

“Oh wow!”

 

Joy’s eyes glowed in excitement as Yuri started pulling out the packages of beef, pork and it only gets better when Yuri brings out the chicken.

 

“Oh yes. We are having barbecue tonight.”

 

“Oooohhh… I’m excited already.”

 

Seeing what’s for dinner pretty much sealed Joy’s fate, the girl wouldn’t leave anytime soon and Yuri thought maybe this was the best time to interrogate learn more about Wendy. Knowing Joy, this girl would pretty much spill anything for a freaking bag of skittles.

 

“So, since you play soccer? That means you’re pretty close with Wendy, right?”

 

“Wendy your daughter in law, Wendy?”

 

Breathe in and out, Yuri, breathe in and out.

 

“Yes her.”

 

 “Yeah we are. But not as close as her and Irene though.”

 

Joy’s lips quirk in a devious grin.

 

“Why? Are you curious about her?”

 

“Well, ummm- I mean… she’s dating my daughter.”

 

“Everybody knows her. She’s quite popular in school. Well, no scratch that, not quite, She’s unbelievably popular in school.”

 

“Like in a good way?”

 

“Yeah, you can’t just not know her. She’s the soccer captain, she sings the national anthem all the time, she’s an honor student. Like she’s everywhere. And she’s so friendly and nice. But the most important thing of all…”

 

Yuri’s watches in amazement as Joy’s jaw unhinged and takes a monster bite of her sandwich.

 

“She’s rich as .” Joy says.

 

“Oh she is?”

 

“Yup. Her mom owns Blanc and Enclare that place where I couldn’t even afford to window shop and her other mom Tiffany Hwang-”

 

“Wait… Tiffany Hwang?”

 

“I don’t know. Do you know any other Tiffany Hwang? She’s like the CEO for Lion Heart Entertainment.”

 

Well now, isn’t that a trip? Who knows Tiffany Hwang and Jessica Jung manage to stay together despite of their bloated egos?

 

“And so, with their powers combine, they have Wendy. Wendy’s so rich that the people in her school calls her Wondy or Seungwon.”

 

“Oh Really?”

 

“Yup.” Sooyoung placed a sliced ham on her sandwich before adding. “She’s so friggin rich, that she wipes her sweat with 100 dollar bills.”

 

Yuri narrows her eyes, this child no question is really Sooyoung’s.

 

“She’s so rich that instead of a mattress she sleeps on dollar bills.”

 

“She’s so rich, she doesn’t just buy a drink, she buys the entire vending machine.”

 

“Alright I get it.”

 

Joy pats her Aunt Yul on her back, bobbing her brow suggestively.

 

“If Irene marries her, you’ll be set for life, Auntie.”

 

*

 

Despite of the sweltering heat and the aching muscles, her soccer team was still playing as if their lives and the lives of their families are depending on it. Their soccer coach Choi Sooyoung beams with pride at the 24- no- 23 (her daughter fake an injury again and skip practice) girls who poured out their heart and souls in the field. At the midst of it all, was their Captain Wendy Hwang- Jung, who plays with so much heart, that Sooyoung nicknamed her Ms. 200 percent.

 

And with a captain that played with so much passion and dedication, the entire team was sure to follow.

 

Sooyoung could already imagine the championship trophy in her fingertips this season. 

 

She blew out her whistle and her entire team slowly gathered around her as she gives them a final pep talk before dismissing them for the day.

 

The soccer coach turned her heels when she caught sight of her captain, swinging the mesh ball bag over her shoulders before sprinting to the other side of the field.

 

“Wendy!”

 

“Yes coach?”

 

“Is there a reason why you’re still here?”

 

Wendy was pulling out a ball and lining them up one by one in front of the goal.

 

“I’m sorry I promise I won’t be long, I just think I need to work on my chip shot.”

 

This must be the effect of having Tiffany Hwang as a mom. Nothing is ever good enough.

 

“It’s Friday and we have practice tomorrow.”

 

“I know coach, but our first game is in two weeks.”

 

“It’s all about balance, not only with soccer but with everything. And besides… you don’t want to keep her waiting, do you?”

 

Wendy’s brow knitted in confusion, wondering what her coach was trying to say. Sooyoung’s lips broke into a wide grin while motioning Wendy to look over at the  bleachers.

 

Right there laughing shyly with a couple of classmates was the most beautiful girl that Wendy had ever seen.

 

“Ok Wendy, breathe.”

 

Irene probably has no idea how much the entire world is slowly falling for her, but nobody could compare to how hard and how fast Wendy was falling.

 

That’s my girlfriend…

 

Wendy’s lips curved into a proud smile as she gaze lovingly at Irene.

 

And as if Irene could sense someone looking back at her, she turns back to her own MVP, startling herself when she caught Wendy’s gaze. She gave Wendy a shy wave, and even from a distance she could see the huge grin on Wendy’s face, as she waves back.

 

“You’re right, coach. I’ll ummm work on it tomorrow. Thanks!”

 

“You’re welcome!”

 

“Have a good weekend coach.”

 

Sooyoung didn’t get a chance to answer as Wendy already sprinted towards Irene. Irene’s shy smile quickly widens seeing Wendy running over to her.

 

Wendy broke into a sprint and Irene couldn’t help but worry on how quick those little legs could go, but just as she was a few feet away from Irene, Wendy screeches into a halt as the truth dawned on her.

 

“I need to take a shower.”

 

“Wha-“

 

Irene didn’t even finish her word when Wendy dashes back to the locker rooms.

 

From the sidelines, Sooyoung could only shake her head at the display of young love.

 

“Aish… just like their moms.”

 

Speaking of moms.

 

*

How can it be possible that even after all these years, Yuri could still make Yoona laugh like this? The two were sending each other texts, Yuri telling Yoona that they might as well adopt Joy since she pretty much live in their house. When the sound of banging on her car window made her jumped out of her seat.

 

 “What the?!”

 

Sooyoung burst out laughing, Yoona had known her for decades but how she’s still amuse by the simplest things hadn’t change.

 

“Yah unnie!” Yoona yells out warningly as she rolls down the window.

 

“Heard my captain got caught going down on Irene.”

 

 “Yah!” Yoona yells out again as Sooyoung lips slightly twitch deviously like the evil incarnate that she is. “That’s not what happened.”

 

“Relax, Wendy and Irene is not like you and Yuri. I mean, Wendy drives a BMW, can you believe if you or Yuri had a car in high school? You and Yuri would probably had Irene in high school already.”

 

“That’s not how two women make babies.”

 

“You and Yuri already met her.”

 

“Yeah, saw her on a tree. Nervous as heck.”

 

“Nervous? Then, that’s good. It means she’s sincere.”

 

Yoona smiled, she can’t deny that she had a soft spot for the girl.

 

“I wish my Junie would find someone like that.” Sooyoung sighs.

 

“She will, isn’t she with Seulgi?”

 

“No! My daughter just happens to be an iljin thug who bullies the heck out of that poor girl. That’s not exactly a relationship.”

 

“I wonder where she got that from?”

 

“Not from me. But I ship Seulgi with my Junie though. But really Yoong, I have been coaching Wendy since her freshmen year, I don’t think I would root for anyone else for my God daughter other than Wendy.”

 

But still, it’s your child you know? No matter what anyone says, you can’t help but worry about your kid.

 

“Mom! Hey, Coach!”

 

“Oh! There’s my little fireball!"

 

Yerim’s chest puffed with pride making her mother chuckle.

 

“Well, let’s talk soon unnie.”

 

“Alright. You two take care.”

 

Yerim climbs up on her mom’s SUV, waving maniacally at her coach before Yoona pulls out from the curb.

 

“Hmmm, I haven’t chat with Yuri for awhile, Maybe I should go over tonight for dinner.”

 

*

 

“Mom! Can we go to Mcdonalds?”

 

No.” Yoona answers quick and curtly, hoping Yerim gets the point.  “Your mom is preparing something special for tonight.”

 

Yerim slouches on her seat in disappointment.

 

“But it’s gonna be that healthy cra-“

 

Yoona shot her mini me an angry look before she could even finish what’s she’s going to say.

 

“I mean stuff. Last week she made Vegetable lasagna! Who does that? What kind of sadistic psychopath takes all the meat out of a lasagna and put veggies instead?”

 

“It was good. And you probably wouldn’t know it was veggie lasagna if your mom didn’t mention it.”

 

Yoona took her wife side although she’s just as disappointed when she learned about the vegetable lasagna.

 

“Oh but I did. It doesn’t take a genius to know the difference between ground beef and veggies.”

 

Yoona just answered her daughter with a low hum.

 

“No McDonalds and that’s it.”

 

Yerim huffed noisily, crossing her arms and thought quietly. If her mom thought she gave up on having a Quarter pounder, large fries and Mcflurry for dinner, then she’s dead wrong. Because if there is one thing that Yerim got from both her moms, it’s stubbornness.

 

*

That was the quickest shower in the history of mankind that Wendy wonders if she had shampoo still left in her hair. Irene told her not to rush, but that wasn’t cutting it for Wendy. There was no way on Earth that she’s going to make Irene wait longer than 10 minutes. (She showered for 8 minutes and 43 seconds).

 

She was supposed to pick up Irene from dance practice, that it surprised her when she saw the latter was already waiting for her after soccer. As silly as it sounds, the gesture made Wendy feel tingly inside. Getting spoiled sure feels nice.

 

They were walking back to her car when she thought about something. It was weird how she and Irene would talk and text until 3 am, but when they’re in public they suddenly grow quiet.

 

Should she take Irene’s hand? I mean, they are dating.

 

Her palms started getting itchy, as if it’s demanding her to hold Irene’s hand. She wants too, Oh my God, she really wants too. But before she could reach out for Irene’s hand, she felt Irene’s arm looping around her own.

 

“You smell good.”

 

“Thanks! It’s Guava and hibiscus. My body scrub I mean, it’s ummm… guava. My mom said it’s good for the skin.”

 

Irene playfully sniffs Wendy, before giddily smiling.

 

“Your mom is right.”

 

“Thanks. You smell awesome too. Ummm, would you like to grab coffee or something?”

 

“Right now?”

 

“Yeah? Would you like coffee or do you like something else? Cause we could get something else, it doesn’t have to be coffee? You like fastfood? We could get-“

 

Irene presses a finger over Wendy’s lips before chuckling.

 

“You’re overthinking again.”

 

“I guess I am. So, coffee is alright?”

 

“Coffee is perfect.”

 

 “Step away from the girl, Hwang- Jung, Step away from the girl.”

 

Wendy didn’t just step away, she literally jumps off of Irene, standing a good three feet away from her. It didn’t dawn on her until a few good sane seconds later that it was no other than Irene’s mom and sister, who were now bursting out in laughter at her expense.

 

Wendy let out an awkward laugh, but Irene wasn’t pleased at all, clenching her teeth before she could rage on her embarrassing family.

 

Ohhhh… Yerim is sure going to get it tonight.

 

 “Hey unnie! We are going to Mcdonalds! You and Cappy want to come?”

 

“No were not going to McDonalds.” Yoona shoves Yerim’s face back on her seat. “So, what are you two up to?”

 

“Hello Mrs. Im.” Wendy bows down 180 degrees. “Were just gonna go grab some coffee.”

 

“Don’t drink too much coffee or you two would stop growing.”

 

“Mom, don’t you and that little squirt have somewhere else to go?”

 

“I heard that!”

 

“So, Wendy maybe after you and Irene have your coffee date. You two could come over and have dinner with us.”

 

Irene who is usually calm and poised suddenly looked petrified of the thought of her family with Wendy.

 

Please God no, no, no, no, no

 

“Sure, I’ll be happy too.”

 

How can life be this cruel?

 

“We’ll good, see you then.”

 

Yoona smiles at her eldest daughter, now Wendy knows where Irene’s gorgeous smile came from.

 

“See you later, sweetheart.”

 

*

“Hey, Aunt Yoong!”

 

Joy who lives next door shouldn’t be the first one who should be welcoming her at home, but she was so used to seeing the girl that it barely registers to her anymore.

 

“Yoh Unnie!”

 

“Yoh Yeri!”

 

“Look at what mommy Yoong got me!”

 

“A game Yoona? Really? A rated M zombie game, How many zombie games are out there?”

 

“Quite a lot really...”

 

There’s her gorgeous wife, fresh out of the shower, watching her intently with those sharp eyes as she walks to their room.

 

Keep your cool Yoona, keep your cool.

 

“Well… I’ll play with her so she doesn’t get scared.” The truth was Yoona was dying to play it too. Isn’t that the purpose of having with kids? So, you could buy games?

 

“Lim Yerim, you better not go sleep with us tonight when you get scared, do you hear me?”

 

Yerim was too busy ripping the plastic cover out of her new zombie game to listen.

 

“Lim Yerim?”

 

Mumble. Mumble. Mumble… more ripping.

 

“Kwon- Lim Yerim, do you hear me?!”

 

“I did! I did!” Yerim yells out before grumbling.

 

“What was that?” Yuri asked once again.

 

“Nothing…”

 

*

 

 Yoona was halfway out of her work clothes when Yuri walks in their bedroom.

 

“Really Yoong? A zombie game? You know how Yerim acts all tough, but gets really scared at night with those things.”

 

Yuri got on her wife, while ing Yoona’s blouse.

 

“Don’t worry about it.” Yoona tried to charm her wife with a peck on the lips. “I’ll handle it when it happens.”

 

Yuri kisses her back.

 

“How’s work today?”

 

“Just made a grown man cry, so it’s all good.

 

 “How’s yours?”

 

They stole a kiss again before Yoona walks in the closet.

 

“Good, were finally finished with the project so I’m all yours this weekend,” Yoona shouted.

 

“Good. I hope you didn’t eat too much French fries, Yoong.”

 

Yoona’s head pop out of the closet, smiling nervously at Yuri.

 

“Wh-what French fries?”

 

“I can taste the heart attack in your lips.”

 

“Ahhhhh… Yerim was hungry.”

 

Yuri narrowed her eyes at her fretful wife.

 

“And blaming it on our daughter too.”

 

“But it’s really her fault.”

 

“Just admit it Yoong, you are so whipped.”

 

Yoona groans in surrender.

 

 “Fine… By the way, I hope you’re making a lot for dinner because I invited Wendy over for dinner.”

 

“Oh, you did?”

 

“Yeah I saw her and Irene on their way to their little date.”

 

“Date? Irene’s going on a date and she didn’t tell us?”

 

“She kinda told me. And it’s just coffee, it’s not like they’re going on a love hotel or something.”

 

“Oh my God, Yoong!” Yuri clenches her head at the pounding headache that’s about to take over. She laid down on their bed as she felt the room started to spin.

 

“Relax babe," Yoona said, kissing her lovely wife on the shoulder.

 

"Whenever I think about the things we did when were in high school Yoong, I couldn't help but get paranoid about Irene. I mean, didn't we went to a love hotel when were 16? What were we thinking Yoong?!"

 

Yoona's lips curve into a smile.

 

"We were young and stupid and so in love. We always thought we'll be together forever, and we weren't wrong, I mean... look at us now, were still together, aren't we?"

 

"I just couldn't help it."

 

 “We met Wendy, and you saw how much she respects Irene."

 

"I guess so, I just have to trust Irene."

 

 "You should. So, what are you making for dinner, babe?”

 

“Didn’t you already have Mcdonalds?”

 

“OH c’mon, you’re not gonna drop this, are you?”

 

“Well, you like Mcdonalds than my own cooking.”

 

“Of course not!” Yoona tugs Yuri in bed with her. “I love that crappy vegetable stuff you make.”

 

“Yah Yoong!” She smacks her wife on the stomach. “You better get up, you have to make dinner.”

 

 “Wait? What do you mean I have to make dinner?”

 

Yuri smirks deviously, “You’re making barbeque tonight.”

 

*

 

“What do you think your family would like a black forest cake or a Tiramisu?”

 

There goes Wendy’s brows again, furrowed in worry as her face was plastered to the glass with the cake display.

 

“Or maybe I should get both? Yeah… that’s right… Oh wait… maybe I should get French macaroons, it’s so pretty everyone likes it.”

 

“Relax.” Irene tugs Wendy closer to her, before fulfilling her duty of thumbing down Wendy’s frantic brows. Sometimes Irene wonders if Wendy’s brows have a life of its own, with how much it bobs at every expression. “Don’t worry about it.”

 

“I will worry about it, the first time your parents saw me I’m on a tree.”

 

“My monkey, do you want to know a secret?”

 

“Yeah? I promise I won’t tell.”

 

“I know you won’t. The secret is my parents like you. So, whatever you bring they will like it.”

 

“You think so?”

 

“I know so, I mean I only knew them since birth.”

 

“Good point.” Wendy tugs on Irene’s hands, refusing to let go as she walks to the counter. “Hello.  Can I have a carrot cake please?”

 

“Carrot cake?”

 

Wendy’s lips curved in a sweet smile that was enough to have Irene blushing for days.

 

“That’s my girlfriend’s favorite cake.”

 

*

 

 “They're here!”

 

Yerim’s voice boomed in the entire house, as she happily announce Wendy and Irene coming home.

 

“Oh! What’s in that box?” The freshman’s eyes beamed in excitement.

 

“It’s carrot cake.”

 

“Oh?”

 

How disappointing.

 

“But I have ice cream cake for you.”

 

“Ohhhhhh!!!!” The life came back in Yerim’s eyes as she takes the cake “Marry her, unnie! Marry her!”

 

“Hush, squirt! Where’s mom?”

 

“They’re in the backyard.”

 

“Oh hey guys come in.” Joy welcomes the owner of their home inside.

 

“Hey Joy. Is your ankle okay?”

 

“Oh ummm… yeah, it’s better.”

 

Irene narrows her eyes at her childhood frenemy. As soon as Wendy turned her back, Irene looks at Joy before mouthing…

 

“Liar…”

 

Joy retaliated by making the grossest kissy faces ever known in mankind.

 

“Oh. Everyone’s here.”

 

 Irene’s smile falters as the quiet family dinner she expected turned out more like a backyard picnic, with her mommy Yoona manning the grill, her mommy Yuri making the side dishes, Joy (who she shouldn’t be surprise at all), and Her auntie Sooyoung.

 

“Wow… even coach is here.”

 

“Yeah ummm, she’s like my mom’s bestfriend. It’s okay, right?”

 

“I think it will be.”

 

“You’ll do great.” Irene whispered at Wendy who looks equally as nervous. "Hey mom..."

 

"Oh hey Irene, hi Wendy."

 

Yuri looks intently at her daughter and her girlfriend, looking for a sign that their date went further than just coffee. 

 

No kiss marks, no rumpled clothes, no ed buttons and no messed up hair. Good... it's either they didn't do it, or they cleaned up well after themselves.

 

"Ummm mom?"

 

"Oh yes. Sorry."

 

"Mrs. Kwon, thank you for inviting me for dinner, I ummm brought carrot cake."

 

"Oh awesome! Just place it over there. You guys should stay in the living room while we get things ready."

 

“Yup, someday you kids will cook for us too, right Junie?” Sooyoung calls out to her child, making her daughter moan.

 

“It’s Joy mom, my name is Joy now!”

 

“I carried you for 9 months and was in labor for almost a week, I can call you whatever I want!”

 

*

 

Joy waited for the right opportunity when Yerim’s 15 year old brain is too distracted with the zombies to finally ask Irene the question that she’s been dying to ask.

 

“So, c’mon you two, aren’t you going to spill?”

 

“About the confession?”

 

Joy snorted, “No, I meant the kiss. Like what kind of kiss was it that Ms. Lee had to come to class and talk to us about STDs?”

 

Irene’s eyes went big to whatever Joy was trying to imply.

 

“Joy, if you don’t hush now- I swear…”

 

“OMO!” Of course Joy is not going to hush. “You French kiss her on another body part.”

 

“I’m going to kill you!” Irene says, smacking Joy hard on the arm.

 

“Wendy save me, save me from this abusive girl.”

 

Wendy just chuckles as she watches Irene and Joy wrestling on the couch. This place felt so different than the first time she came, where she almost suffocated from the heavy tension in the air. But now, as she looks around, she couldn’t help but feel right at home. Yes, Irene’s home is a quarter size of her house but it made Wendy feel more welcomed than her own place.

 

There wasn’t anything garish in the Kwon- Im household, no paintings that’s worth someone’s college tuition, but instead there were pictures of the happy family, of Irene and Yerim growing up and of Irene’s parents so young and just as in love.

 

This was a loving home and she could clearly tell with how close Irene is with her family.

 

 “Halllllooooo…”

 

Irene froze as she sees the fashion terrorist standing by their doorway.

 

“Auntie Hyo?”

 

“Irene, I’m hearing a lot about you these days!” She grin widely, showing her lipstick stained teeth, Irene covers before she could blurt out something.

 

“Excuse me,” Irene rushes to the kitchen. “Ummm mom?”

 

Irene runs over to Yuri who was finishing up chopping the lettuce.

 

“Aunt Hyo is here. You didn’t tell me she’s coming!”

 

“Oh she is? I didn’t even know she’s coming. It’ll be okay, babe.”

 

“But it’s aunt Hyo! Mom, she got lipstick on her teeth again.”

 

Yuri just chuckles, Her kids and Joy don’t call Hyoyeon, crazy auntie Hyo for nothing.

 

“And you left your poor girlfriend with Hyo?”

 

“Oh no… oh no… oh no…”

 

Irene rushes back to the living room, but it was too late…

 

Her auntie Hyo was now circling her girlfriend like a predator eyeing their next meal.

 

“So, you’re Tiffany Hwang’s kid?”

 

“Ummm yes? Nice to meet you.” She bows down.

 

“Oh! So polite! I know Tippani back in high school, she dated everyone who did she end up with?”

 

Wendy didn’t know whether to brush it off or take it as an insult.

 

“My mom’s Jessica Jung.”

 

“Jessica Jung? No way! I know her too! She sleeps a lot in class, does she still take naps?”

 

“She’s kinda busy these days.”

 

“Irene!”

 

Wendy tumbles sideward as Hyoyeon pulls her into a side hug. “Irene, I love this girl already.”

 

“Ummm… thank you, auntie.” Irene reaches out for Wendy, but Hyoyeon pulls Wendy away.

 

“But I’m just getting to know her! What a small world, who would have thought that your daughter would date Hwang Jung’s kid?”

 

“Nice seeing you too, unnie.” Yoona welcomes Hyoyeon. “C’mon guys, time to eat.”

 

The kids made their way to the backyard, a feast awaits them as the table was filled with delectable meat surrounded by side dishes that was enough to make everyone’s mouth water.

 

“Pretty good job there, babe.” Yuri compliments her wife.

 

“Come sit next to me!” Hyoyeon drags Wendy to the seat next to her. “I’m gonna be your auntie now.”

 

Hyoyeon says before flashing her lipstick stained smile.

 

*

 

The dinner was less intimidating that Wendy thought and she knew she had Irene’s crazy aunt Hyo to thank for.

 

Hyoyeon was definitely the life of the party as she cracks jokes about almost everything from the latest KPOP to her lovelife. As Wendy was listening intently to Hyoyeon talked about why balloon pants is going to be the next best thing, she felt a warm hand slides between her own. She turns to the girl sitting next to her, whose fingers were now interlaced with hers. The two exchanged a knowing smile before turning their attention back to Hyoyeon.

 

Hyoyeon always the intuitive one, smiled as she quickly picked up at the shy couple’s sweet gesture.

 

“Do you know how your parents got together, Wendy?”

 

“I ummm… my parents never really told me about it, all I really know is they met in high school.”

 

“Well, let me tell you about Hwang and Jung. There’s this girl in high school Kim Taeyeon, look like a freaking kid but got the voice of a freaking Angel, and both your moms were in love with her.”

 

“Oh…” Wendy’s voice faltered, her grip loosened but Irene hold it tightly.

 

“And they were fighting for her, it was freaking funny.”

 

“It was…” Sooyoung agrees.

 

“They were fighting over this girl?”

 

“Yes. And you know how competitive those two are, still probably is. They tried to do everything to impress Taeyeon in their own way.”

 

“But ummm… who did Taeyeon choose?”

 

“With this turd name Baekhyun, both your moms were heartbroken. But look at them now, they’re not the power couple of Korea for nothing.”

 

“Ahhhh… sweet revenge.” Sooyoung took a sip of her soda.

 

“So, so… you young lovebirds…” Hyoyeon smiled, a lettuce stuck between her teeth. Irene quickly pulls her hand away, before her aunt announced it to her parents. “How did you two meet?”

 

“Well, were classmates since freshmen.” Wendy answered. “And ummm… I like her since then, but I never really got a chance to ask her out until now that were seniors.”

 

“Oh… you’re slow. Yoona and Yuri were already dating back when they were freshmen.”

 

“Oh yeah!” Sooyoung joined in. “Yoong even though she was a freshmen, that didn’t stop her from asking Yuri out.”

 

“Your mom was pretty popular back in high school cause she’s like the 2^nd best dancer next to me of course, and you know what they say about dancers.”

 

“Hyo!” Both Yoona and Yuri stop before Hyoyeon could say anything.

 

“Was mommy Yoong popular?” Yerim asks.

 

“Are you kidding me?! Your mom is like this cool iljin thug.”

 

“Yah unnie… I wasn’t like that.” Yoona reassured her children.

 

“Yes, she was. The doe eyed rebel they call her.”

 

“The doe eyed rebel?” Yerim couldn’t contain her giggles.

 

“But no matter how tough Yoona is, she is no match to your mommy Yuri.”

 

“Oh yeah…”

 

Sooyoung and Hyoyeon laughs in delight at Yoona’s expense.

 

“She was so whipped. I could remember Yoona joined the dance club and pretended that she didn’t know how to dance so Yuri could teach her.”

 

The younger kids all looked surprised, who knew that cool mommy Yoona was so cheesy back then?

 

“Oh wait… you didn’t tell them this, Yoong?”

 

“Nope.” And she wasn’t planning too.

 

“Anyways,” Hyoyeon continues, “On the spring fling dance, Yoona finally approaches Yuri and ask her to dance… and what did you say to Yuri then, Yoong?”

 

“I forgot.” Yoona didn’t but there was no way she’s going to let her kids know how cringeworthy she was.

 

“Oh I remember! I remember!” Sooyoung taps her chopsticks enthusiastically as the high school memory came back. “I was saving my dance for you, Yuri unnie.”

 

The kids all stuff their hands in their mouths at the puke inducing cheesiness of this revelation.

 

Yoona continues to stuff in embarrassment, Yuri smoothing her wife’s heaving back to soothe her. As cheesy as the confession might be, Yuri never thought she’ll fall for anyone else that night except for the skinny freshman.

 

“I guess mine and Irene’s aren’t as… you know.”

 

“Are you kidding?!” Hyoyeon cuts Wendy. “Everyone young and old, has their own love story to tell. And yours and my pretty niece’s love story,” Hyoyeon smiles. “Yours is just beginning.”

“Yeah,” Wendy smiles brightly, her hold on her girlfriend’s hand tightening. “The best is yet to come.”

 

*

 

“Ummm… unnie?” Yerim starts fiddling with the doorknob, groaning as she finds her Irene unnie’s bedroom locked. “Oh great.”

 

“Yerim?”

 

Yeri jolts back before composing herself. Who wouldn’t be startled when someone calls out their name at 2 am? She turns around and sees her mommy Yuri tying her robe standing outside her parent’s bedroom door.

 

“Hey mom, I was just you know… trying to get some water.”

 

Yuri’s lips curved in a knowing smile, the zombies game must have freaked out her youngest daughter more than she thought.

 

“In your unnie’s room?”

 

Damn, she’s been caught…

 

“I ummm…”

 

“C’mon, babe.” Yuri wraps her arm around her youngest child. “I want to get some water too.”

 

*

 

“Yul?”

 

*

 

It wasn’t hard to figure out where Yuri might be, and Yoona’s hunched was 100 percent right. She should have known that her wife wouldn’t let Yerim lay wide awake in fear. There was Yuri, her arms wrapped around their youngest daughter, the two squeezed tightly in Yerim’s twin size bed.

She walks over to them, tucking the two, before walking back to their bedroom.

 

 “Who’s whipped now?”

 

TBC

 

Once again, I hope you enjoy and thank you for reading!