“So you were dating a girl all this time?” Yongsun asked.

Wendy sighed, hand rubbing her face (she wonders why there’s a swelling bump on her forehead) while the other hand carries the mug she likes so much, “Y-Yeah, I guess.”

“You guess?”

“…” Wendy took a sip.

Yongsun got annoyed, she took the cup away from Wendy’s hand and glared at her, “Son Seungwan.”

“Are you disgusted by me yet?”

“What?”

“Are you disgusted yet? Appa and Eomma are, what about you?” Wendy’s eyes started to get teary. She looked away so Yongsun wouldn’t see them. “I’m okay, the door’s open. I bet you’re sick of me now.”

Yongsun’s heart ached more.

She stood up and wrapped Wendy in her embrace, “You know eonnie’s not like that…”

Wendy gripped her shirt tightly, she tried to resist the tears but with Yongsun cradling her like this. It’s hard not to cry.

So she did.

She sobbed like it would hurt more if she didn’t, she let the tears fall as if she only has now.

“T-They…don’t love me, u-unnie…”

Yongsun’s eyes were now filled with tears as well. She thought she’d never feel this but here she is,

Empathizing with her also ruined cousin.

“It’ll be okay, Seungwan…” She tried not to sob as well, “…They may take a while but for now…” she choked on her own tears as the pain from the past came back to hit her hard, “For now let’s hold on to those who accept us, o-okay?”

She felt Seungwan freeze then nod.

They held onto each other tightly. Relieved to know that they’re not further alone anymore.

Yongsun’s feet dragged her to the rooftop. Eyes skimming the horizon before she started to sing.

She willed herself to touch the part of the bench where Byulyi would usually sit.

turned into a thin line.

“She told me that she wouldn’t love me much before,” Wendy said, “She told me she didn’t want to hurt me but I insisted on doing it. It’s better to try than not to, I told her.”

Yongsun nodded. She wondered why Byulyi doesn’t seem like she was holding up a lot of things. Why she seemed so carefree.

“I guess it wasn’t really her fault,” Wendy pondered, “She did warn me. I was just too persistent…A-And I believed I changed her so when she broke up with me… I got too disappointed, I guess.”

“So do you still think it’s her fault?”

“No,” Wendy smiled, “I never did when I got a grip on reality. I just drank today because of my…parents.”

Yongsun nodded, she reached out to ruffle Wendy’s hair, “Well stop thinking about them for now, okay? They’ll come around soon. For now there are other beautiful girls out there.”

“How am I supposed to know?”

“You go out of this house,” Yongsun stood up and wore her shoes, “And engage yourself with a lot of people and activities. Who knows, right?”

“Moon Byulyi, hmm?” Yongsun smiled, she sat down and sighed, “Why are you so mysterious…Moon Byulyi?”

“Enjoy your meal!”

A brunette entered, staring sceptically at the grinning cashier and slowly walked towards her.

“You’re blonde now?”

“…Hey,” the blonde smiles, leaning forward to tap the other girl’s nose, “It’s been so long since you’ve last went here.”

“I was busy,” the brown haired girl shrugged, “It’s not like you’re not here anyway.”

“You dyed your hair too? Blonde suits you though…”

“I’m not messing with your blonde hair so don’t mess with mine! Anyway, how’s that thing going on with the professor?”

“What professor?” Byulyi feigned innocence. She looked down at the notepads scattered on her table before neatly arranging them.

“You know who I’m talking about,” the brown haired girl gave the blonde haired one a mischievous smirk, “How was it? Did you ask her out already?”

“You’re kidding,” the blonde one rolled her eyes. She turned around and made her way out of the booth. “Chanyeol, do the cashier stuff for now.” The tall boy nodded and went to the booth where Byulyi was a few seconds ago.

The brunette followed Byulyi out of the booth then up the stairs. “You like her.”

 “I like her as a friend.” Byulyi untied the knot of her apron while the brunette gave her the key.

“And you’re attracted to her, it’s not hard to notice, Byulyi.”

“It ain’t happening.”

“What’s not going to happen?”

“Her and I.” Byulyi opened the door and they both entered the office.

“Nothing will if you don’t make a move.” The brunette said in a matter of fact. She made her way to her own table, across Byulyi’s.

Byulyi slumped on the leather seat and groaned, “It’s too soon…”

“Love is never too soon…” The brunette took a seat on the leather seat opposite Byulyi’s.

“I just broke up with Seungwan,” Byulyi groaned again. “And I hurt Seungwan, I don’t want to hurt anybody anymore!”

“Then you don’t.”

“It’s not that easy,”

“Yes, it’s never easy…But, it will be if you let someone in or if you allow yourself to open up. You hardly did the latter to Wendy, are you aware of that?”

Byulyi slowly nodded.

“Just,” The brunette patted Byulyi’s head before grabbing the apron from her, “Don’t screw this one up. It looks like she’s going to stay and you do need someone like her. It’s been years. And I was surprised to see you closed to her when a month just passed.”

“How’s the dance studio?” Byulyi tried to change the topic. The brunette got the hint.

“Well, it’s okay. But I missed you there, you should visit soon. The kids also missed you teaching them so you better get your game back ASAP.”

“Alright,” Byulyi smiles, she fixes her spectacles and smiled, “Hey Seulgi?”

“Yeah?”

“Thanks a lot, buddy.”

Seulgi turned around and smiled, “I’ll always look after you, buddy.”

Yongsun inhaled, she looked at the café across the street before her feet walked towards it.

Her hand gripped the metal knob and pushed it open.

The aroma of sweet and coffee filled her nose and the sight of pastel colored walls greeted her.

A small smile.

“Hello, professor.”

Yongsun gave a smile, told herself to calm down.

“Hi Byulyi.”

“The usual?”

“I’m actually thinking of taking you out for dinner, is that okay?”

“Well…” Byulyi turned around and saw one of her trusted co-worker giving her a thumbs up, “I am hungry. What do you have in mind?”

“I’m wondering if Indian cuisine suits you right now.”

“Let’s go?”

“Okay.”

As they made their way to Yongsun’s car, the latter can’t help but be amazed at how Byulyi’s shoulders seemed like they’re not carrying anything heavy. It seemed like Byulyi doesn’t have any problems.

But that just gave more reason for Yongsun to know who she really is.