===

Soyee and Sally couldn't help but fathom of an empty cubicle between their own. Soyee took it the most, almost formulating some ideas to where the main architect was at this juncture. Sally was just calm, assuring that Sejeong will come back to work eventually.

"Sally? You have dibs on where Sejeong would be?" Soyee asked her.

"I don't know." Sally answered. "She'll come back eventually. Just trust her."

Soyee nodded and resumed working. Sally did the same, all while some thought lingered her head. Her inner conscience just sighs.

Despite of being calm, Sally was overthinking. She felt something strange of Sejeong's absences. It would be like stepping on unknown territory but Sally was eager to find out for herself.

•••••

Sejeong was huffing until she got to a little cafe isolated from the streets and people of Seoul. It was her favorite cafe and she was glad only elites knew the place, mostly, she was glad not her friends knew the place.

She got to her favorite seat, ordering the usual cup of jasmine tea. She sighed and waited until she got her order. She looked to the server and she couldn't help her grin. As she got her order, the server got the tray to its place as she sat with Sejeong.

"Still trapped on a labyrinth you formulated, huh?" The server asked.

Sejeong sighed. Everytime she came here, she had composure to let her feelings out towards the server. A pat on the shoulder eased her lightly as Sejeong faced the server. "Help me, Chungha."

Kim Chungha was her cousin and her fellow worker at this cafe before, long before there was Shin Bora and Kim Nayoung. She was a single mother, raising a daughter, who was as old as Mina. Not only that, she was recently pregnant with her second child.

"Look, Sejeong..." Chungha sighed. "...the only way I can help you is through guidance and comfort. The main fighter in such a dillemma is yourself."

"I know..." Sejeong contained her tears. "It's just that...how can I let go of one of them? I love my wife...just as how I love Nayoung, my lover..." Sejeong added a hand on her forehead. "And I have my children, Mina and Hyeyeon..."

Chungha watches her cousin as she comforts her in any way she could do, to the least it'll lessen Sejeong's worries.

•••••

Sejeong had to settle another refute with Hana of leaving for work. Sejeong asked permission but somehow, Hana didn't want her to go. Sejeong persuaded her in all she can to get Hana's approval and in the end, she got to leave the house.

Sejeong felt guilty when she had to leave Hana. But as of this time, she was dying to see Nayoung again. Now, she was at home and was greeted by her baby Mina.

"Eomma~" Mina ran and hugged her mother tight.

Sejeong kisses her baby's lips and Mina giggled. Sejeong carried Mina towards the kitchen and saw Nayoung whipping up dinner for the two of them, plus Mina's finger food.

"Sejeong-ah." Nayoung smiled, turned off the stove and went to hug her lover.

Sejeong hugged back, all while gazing at their precious two-year old child. 

"Come on. Dinner's ready." Nayoung said.

Sejeong puts Mina on her chair as she helped Nayoung set the table and served Mina's finger food. They settled to sit down, ogling of Mina eating her food. Nayoung and Sejeong said their thanks and ate with their daughter.

•••••

Mina was walking around the living room as Sejeong and Nayoung watched her. Sejeong wondered of where Mina got her bright side and Nayoung jokes that it was from her.

Mina would stumble and Sejeong grew worried but Mina tries to get up again and she walked again. Nayoung loved the sight of their daughter learning some things on her own. She looked at Sejeong and noticed her expression, her sad expression.

"Sejeong, what's wrong?" Nayoung asked, holding her hand.

Sejeong didn't want her to worry. And she didn't want to tell her that she was distressed because of her other family. "I'm just a bit tired, Nayoung."

Nayoung and Sejeong looked at Mina again and she was asleep. Nayoung went to carry her daughter to her room and tuck her to bed as Sejeong went to their room. Nayoung managed to get inside their room, closing the door behind her.

She saw Sejeong already changed as she went to the bathroom to change again. She came and saw Sejeong standing up and drawing closer to her.

"Yes, Sejeong?" Nayoung wondered.

Sejeong didn't say anything. Instead, she cupped Nayoung's face and pressed her lips onto Nayoung's. Sejeong would kiss her lover again and again as she pulled Nayoung closer and laid in bed, making Nayoung on top.

The kisses didn't end there. Nayoung would slip a tongue and kissed back. Sejeong lets out a little whimper as her fingers messed with Nayoung's hair. Eventually, they had to break for air.

"Sejeong..."

"I miss you." Sejeong whispered, caressing Nayoung's cheek. "Please..." She drags one hand underneath her own shirt so that Nayoung touched her body. "I want you..."

Nayoung couldn't help herself. And with Sejeong's words, it hit her. She leaned closer and kissed Sejeong again. Then, her kisses went south as she undresses Sejeong. Sejeong whimpered and loved Nayoung's kisses as she held her, arms wrapped around her shoulders, her fingers messing with her lover's locks.

With her lewd sounds and feeling of pleasure, she thought of something. She felt guilty for leaving Hana again and she felt nostalgic and regretful as she remembered the time she had to let Nayoung go and start over with Hana.

+++

There was never a day that Hana and Sejeong separated in doing almost everything in school. Sally was aware of that and she was fine with it, gaining another friend like Jieqiong, although she missed Soyee so much. Mimi was also aware but she felt jealous as hell.

Hana and Sejeong were grabbing lunch for today when Mimi came to them, holding Hana's hand. 

"I got your lunch by my table. Mind if I borrow Hana this time, Sejeong ?" Mimi asked.

Sejeong didn't mind but Hana grabbed her hand before she could go. "Join us, Sejeongie."

"I'd love to but I have an errand to go to. I'll just order gimbap then I'll go." Sejeong answered.

Hana was a bit sad and Mimi saw that, almost cussing about it. Sejeong bid her goodbye to the two and went to order.

***

Sejeong was munching the last of her gimbap as she used her phone, calling some people.

"Sally?"

*Is this another expedition for Nayoung? As much as I love to help, I can't and I won't. I thought you'd start over. Hana's here, right?*

"You said so yourself. Nayoung could be alive." Sejeong reasoned.

*It's been three years, Sejeong. And we did all we could and still no contact from Nayoung or her family. I'm also sorry to say this but I can't help the feeling...that Nayoung is dead.*

"She's not." Sejeong refuted. "She's still alive and waiting."

Sally just hummed and Sejeong hung up. Sejeong puts a hand on her forehead and decided to go back inside the campus.

***

Sejeong got to the classroom and went to sit by the balcony. Sejeong was seeing the wonderful view of the sky and the students. She was lost in thought when she felt a nudge. Sejeong faced the persons and was tackled for a hug.

"Sejeongie~" It was Hana.

Mimi was behind her, turning her head away. Sejeong hugged Hana back and they broke.

"How's the errand?" Hana asked.

"Fine." Sejeong answered as Mimi went closer. "What's up, Mimi?"

Mimi didn't want to do a hi-five with Sejeong. Hana wanted to as she sighed and hi-fived Sejeong. "Hey...what's up? Is it me or your errand finished quicker than expected?"

"It did." Sejeong answered.

"Aigoo...don't develop a spark now." Hana got in between the both of them. "I'm so happy for the Big 3's reunion. And I'm happy I'm with my best girls."

Mimi and Sejeong laughed. Hana pulled them off to eat, not knwing there was a spark of competition behind her.

Mimi may be decent with Hana's feelings but not anymore. Whenever Hana had fun with other girls, she gets jealous, especially when Hana was with Sejeong. She wasn't that aware if Sejeong had feelings for Hana but to her, Sejeong was a major threat in keeping her from getting closer to Hana.

Sejeong was aware that Mimi had feelings for Hana. She saw the jealousy on her eyes everytime she spends time with Hana. Then again, she was also competitive. She was developing feelings for Hana after all.

Poor Hana. Would she be able to find out about it?

***

"Unnie, any news on Nayoung?" Sejeong asked through another call.

*I have searched for a long time...and I think I got a number...*

Sejeong's eyes gleamed and she was almost crying. "Is it Nayoung's?"

*It's her aunt's. I called her before and...*sigh*...she's got up last year.*

"How is she?" Sejeong asked as her tears fell.

*She managed to wake up and live again. She was even calling for you.*

"Can I have her aunt's number, Haebin-unnie? I want to call her..." Sejeong pleaded.

*I would but as of this time, you can't talk to Nayoung.*

"Why?"

*She had a concussion and she's in comatose again.*

"I-I see..." Sejeong wipes her tears away. "Thank you so much, Haebin-unnie."

*No problem. I'll inform Soyee and Sally.*

Haebin hung up as Sejeong was left to contemplate. Sejeong sighed and decided to go home when she saw Hana. Hana gleamed in seeing Sejeong that she tackled for a hug.
"Hi." Hana greeted.

"Hi, Hana," greeted Sejeong.

"Your eyes a puffy. Is everything okay?" Hana asked.

"I'm fine." Sejeong assured. "I'm hungry, though. Do you want to grab something at the canteen with me?"

"I'd love to." Hana agreed.

Sejeong felt that assurance again as she spent another day with Hana.

***

"W-What?!"

Sejeong couldn't hear the words on the other line filled with sobs. Sejeong was getting restless as she asked again. "What do you mean 'dead'?!!" She ruffles her hair. "She can't be dead!"

*Haebin-unnie called, Sejeong. Nayoung died this morning.*

Sejeong hung up Soyee's call instantly. Sejeong went to a private sector, far from the school premises only she could know and screamed her lungs out. 

She was in pain. She couldn't believe that sudden call from Soyee. Kim Nayoung, her first love, the person she thought who was dead for three years, already confirmed as dead...brain-dead. And she couldn't believe that it can't be stopped. 

"Sejeong?"

Sejeong turned around and there was Sally, teary-eyed. 

"What are you doing here?" Sejeong huffed. 

"Calming my nerves of Nayoung's passing." Sally said and sat next to Sejeong. "I know I advised you to move on from Nayoung but as a friend, it pains me of what happened her..." Sally have Sejeong a pat on the back. "And it pains me that you lost someone you love."

Sejeong just cried. Sally comforted her, joining her sadness. For Sejeong, Sally had a point on one thing.

Nayoung is confirmed as gone. It's time for her to move on.

***

Hana was walking angrily by the kiosks. She had a refute with Mimi about Sejeong and she didn't like Mimi's refutes against Sejeong. They had some arguments and Hana didn't like arguing with her best friend so she walked out.

Just as she was about to scream her lungs out, another one stopped her. She looked to the side and saw Sejeong. Hana grew worried and went closer to her, hugging the girl tight."Sejeongie..."

"Hi, Hana." Sejeong greeted.

"Are you okay?" Hana asked.

Sejeong broke from the hug and looked at Hana with the saddest eyes. "No..."

"What's the matter?" Hana fixes her hair. "Talk to me."

"Everything..." Sejeong mumbled. "Particularly losing someone dear to you."

Hana just hugged her. "Don't cry. The person is happy up there. Remember that he/she cared for you back when he/she was still alive...and they will always be in your heart."

Sejeong's heart beated quickly. She felt at ease of Hana's hug and of her words.

Moving on from Nayoung might take a while as she wondered of something.

Could she start over with Hana?

***

Months have passed and Sejeong and Hana developed. Hana was still in good terms with Mimi but mostly, she spends time with Sejeong. 

Sejeong was starting to like Hana. Hana liked her since day one. Now, who would make her first move?

Hana was talking with Sally with something when Mimi came to them. 

"Mimi..." Hana saw her.

"Can we talk?" Mimi asked her.

Sally excuses herself to get a drink as Mimi sat beside Hana. 

"What is it, Mimi?" Hana asked.

"I..." Mimi couldn't hold a little blush on her face. "I've been meaning to tell you something."

"Hana?" Sejeong came into view. 

Mimi watched as Hana paid attention to Sejeong. Sejeong saw Mimi's look and said. "You and Mimi should talk. I'm just going to..."

Hana watched Sejeong leave. Hana sighed and went back to Mimi's attention. "Yes, Mimi? What is you want to say?"

Mimi looked at Hana sadly as she huffed. "Hana..." Mimi held her hands. "...each day that passes by as we remain friends, I like you...I like like you..."

"Mimi..."

"I am thankful for every moment we shared, Hana. Despite the odds, mind me of these developed feelings. I hope I could prove myself to you as much as you've proven yourself to me, even though you didn't need to."

Hana was too stunned for the revelation. She never thought Mimi had feelings for her. She was torn now.

"Mimi...I..." 

"Please give me a chance..." Mimi spoke.

"Let's not talk about that now." 

Those words hit Mimi. Hana sighed as she lets go of Mimi's hands and left her. Mimi felt defeated and went to the other direction, leaving the benches.

Sejeong came back and wondered where Hana went. She went to look foe the girl to see her by the kiosks, all distressed. Sejeong rushed towards her. 

"Hana, what's wrong?"

Hana could only lean her head onto Sejeong's shoulder. Sejeong felt a little thump on her chest and she tries to gain composure. Sejeong pats her back and comforted her.

Hana felt the same thump on her own heart. She felt at peace, feeling Sejeong's hand by her back. Hana reached for Sejeong's hand and held her hand, intertwining their fingers. Sejeong and Hana gazed onto each other's eyes and their feelings were mutual.

None of them confessed yet but somehow, it was a start of their spark towards each other.

+++

Mimi was at the household, playing with her goddaughter, Hyeyeon. Hana giggled of the two as she gazed at the door, always waiting for Sejeong to return home from work.

With the ring of the doorbell and an excited Hana, Mimi went to put Hyeyeon down and gor her stuff ready. As Sejeong was greeted by a very happy Hana, Mimi smiled lightly and went closer. 

"Thanks foe keeping them company for me, Mimi." Sejeong said.

Mimi just gave a pat on the back and left, with Hana bidding her goodbye. Hyeyeon walked towards her parents as Sejeong hoisted her up. "Aigoo...how's my baby Hyeyeon?"

"She's been well, Sejeongie." Hana pouted.

"And how could I forget my beautiful wife?" Sejeong kissed her and Hana giggled on the kiss. "Sorry for coming home late."

"Mommy~~~" Hyeyeon spoke. "Me want to kiss Daddy~"

Sejeong pecked Hyeyeon's lips and Hyeyeon gurgled, making her parents ogle of her cuteness. Hana loved the sight of her best girls as she hugged them.

"I bought some food." Sejeong grinned. "Let's have dinner."

The family got to the dining room and ate dinner while enjoying each other's company.

===

That was the fourth. Although my final exams are still ongoing, I couldn't help but update. Mind me for the flow of this chapter. Stay tuned.