Deepest apology for my absence T T

005

“Yah, Irene Kang!”

Seulgi was enjoying it too much. She’s been reminding Irene of being a Kang ever since their plane ride.

But it was annoying that Irene hadn’t move an inch after they got their bags yet she also had to admit, seeing the older girl nervous is something cute.

“Seulgi…” Irene whined.

“Let’s go or I’ll leave without you.”

The taller girl was already a few meters away and her smile widened when Irene immediately ran towards her.

“You’re mean.”

“You’re cute.”

Seulgi wasn’t able to hold it in and her words did not help the worried girl.

For whatever was burning inside Irene, Seulgi just added more fuel to it.

How can she say that in this situation?!

A frown appeared and the younger girl sighed.

“Where’s the spirit Ms. Bae?”

“I told you I’m nervous.”

“You’ll be fine. You’re a teacher.”

“In case you forgot, I’m meeting your family Seulgi. Family!” Irene starting to feel her palm getting sweaty.

“And in case you don’t know, I’m an introverted kind of person.” She continued. “Not that you care.”

Confused, Seulgi insisted while tilting her head, “But you’re a teacher.”

“Well it’s different with students!” She added. “It’s my profession.”

Tired of the conversation, Seulgi continued to walk and didn’t even bother to look if Irene was following behind her.

“You’re weird.”

“I’m not.” She hears Irene answers.

“They’re still people, Irene. They don’t bite.” Seulgi said in a matter of a fact.

She’s getting a bit irritated of how the older girl reacts and making her family like a big deal to meet. And if only Irene could hear her thoughts, there was no question that the teacher would prove her point that it is a big deal to meet the Kangs.

“Seulgiii.”

The said girl tried so hard not to roll her eyes because Irene wouldn’t stop whining like a baby.

“What now?” She turned to see Irene frowning.

She swears! If only Irene didn’t look so adorable she would’ve immediately sent her off back to Seoul.

“I’m going to repeat myself again, Ms. Bae.” She faced Irene and held her shoulders. “You’ll be fine.”

Irene had to look up because of the height difference but it was a wrong move. Because Seulgi just had to look at her like that.

“I’ll be with you.” She added which only made Irene caught her breath.

For a moment they were just staring at each other’s eyes in silence but as the charming idiot she is, Seulgi just had to break it with her playful comments.

“You’re blushing.”

Embarrassed, Irene immediately looked away and break free from the latter’s hold.

And Seulgi burst into laughter when she said, “Idiot.”

“C’mon, they’re waiting.” Seulgi went ahead and Irene followed behind, making sure to give distance from each other.

*  *  *

“I know I shouldn’t be surprised but…” Irene was out of words when they entered the gates.

The car was heading to a big wooden mansion that looks so classic but elegant at the same time. And as they were on the way, Irene couldn’t help but admire the greens inside. There was even a large field near the river.

“Surprise of what?”

She didn’t even notice that Seulgi was already leaning behind her and once again, she was too close for Irene’s liking.

“What are you doing?”

“Looking at what you’re looking through the window.” She nonchalantly answered with bored eyes.

“Ah boo-yah.” Irene pushed her softly for distance which only made Seulgi smirked.

“What?”

“Nothing.” Seulgi said after some time staring at the brunette.

The car went to a stop in front of the mansion. Seulgi had to open the door for Irene who was still in daze while Mr. Cho takes their bags together with some helper who greeted Seulgi.

It was then that Irene was finally back to being shy and nervous because Seulgi felt her gripping to the hem of her shirt.

She looked at the smaller girl and was about to say something when a loud familiar voice reached her ears.

"MY BABY!"

Seulgi threw her mother a disgusted look as she approached them.

"Really, mom?"

Shinhye ignored her remarks and engulfed her daughter to a bear hug. It didn't take that long after noticing Irene behind, smiling so bashfully.

"You look more beautiful than the last time I saw you." Shinhye smiled dearly and hugged Irene.

"It's wonderful to see you too Mrs. Kang."

"Oh what did I tell you? It’s mom to you now!”

Irene was embarrassed. She slightly bowed her head, smiling sheepishly. "Sorry…mom."

It sounded so foreign to call someone mom again for a long time but Irene also admit that it felt great because she receives nothing but warmth from Seulgi's mother.

"C'mon mom, don't force her." Seulgi said while taking Irene because her mother became so clingy to her so called wife.

"We're not even real."

And that she earned a slap on her arm because of her reckless remarks.

"Don't be rude! I didn't raise you to act like this, Kang Seulgi." Her mom glared.

"I'm just saying, geez." Seulgi hissed while rubbing her arm.

"Well if you don't have anything good to say, shut your mouth."

Seulgi shook her head and walk ahead of them.

Irene badly wished Seulgi would wait for her though. For the record she just wants her to stay by her side because she doesn't know what to do, especially that Shinhye clings to her.

"I apologize for her behaviour, I swear I didn't taught her that."

Irene couldn't help but laugh at Shinhye's remark. Well at least, she's trying to make her feel comfortable.

"Let's go?"

Irene smiled, following behind Seulg who actually waited for them with her hands inside her pocket.

And Irene knew she remembers what she said to her earlier.

"I'll be with you."

Irene thinks it was thoughtful despite of the apathy Seulgi's showing. She couldn't help but smile at the taller girl but Seulgi immediately looked away and look into the house.

"Where's grandpa?" Seulgi asked after wandering her eyes around the spacious living room.

"He's still asleep. You're aunt Jinkyung and Somi went to the market place for a while." Shinhye explained when her daughter approached her.

"The others are still on their way here, you both get some rest first. I know you're tired from the flight." She added while pushing Irene towards her daughter.

Irene smiled sheepishly when Seulgi gave her a look after bumping to her.

But before Seulgi’s mother could have another say, she pulled Irene with her following with questions from the latter.

“Where are we going?”

“My place.” Seulgi shortly answered.

They got out of the mansion and were heading to the bungalow near the river.

“You have your own place?” Irene asked almost sounding surprised when Seulgi opened the door for her.

She didn’t need answer from the taller girl because as soon as they entered, it was filled with her stuff that really speaks of her.

Some of unfinished paintings were leaning on the wall. A guitar on the floor and of course, Seulgi’s trophies from her soccer matches.

Probably from her younger years, Irene thinks.

Seulgi walks upstairs, to the attic, where her room is. She threw herself on the bed and let out a grunted sigh while Irene follows, sitting at the edge of the bed.

It was a big bed, near a big window that can lead to the roof.

“Aren’t you going to get some rest?”

“I’ll check my inbox first.”

Seulgi turned to her side and looked at Irene with sleepy eyes.

“The bed’s big enough for us, just saying.”

The last time Irene remembered, Seulgi never ever shared