Hi! I want to apologize for not updating for so long. Life gets busy, doesn't it? But it's here and I am going to work as much on this as I can. Because I don't like not writing for a long time. I hope that this chapter won't be disappointing to you. Thank you for everyone who is sticking with this story and to everyone that enjoys it. Hope that everyone is doing well! Take care!

 

 

 

The front door flew open and then shut themselves with a loud thud as the sound of wailing filled the apartment. Nayeon and Momo glanced at each other and then left their shared room to check on Sana, most definitely. They last saw her in the morning, then she texted them about going with Mina to pick Chaeyoung up, which was unusual but they didn’t ask. Then it was radio silence from her. And at 10 pm she was back, her face absolutely puffy, her eyes red, tears were falling out of them with great speed. 

 

“What happened to you?” Nayeon exclaimed with panic as she jogged up to Sana, who simply collapsed on the couch without even taking her outerwear off. She took a deep, shaky breath and mumbled something. No one had idea what that meant though.

 

“Did you go drinking?” Momo asked, a bit more calm and joined the two on the couch. Sana shook her head and seemed like she was thinking about something, just to then let out a heavy sob and start shaking.

 

“Sana, you’re scaring us.” Nayeon pulled Sana gently into her arms and started patting her head. 

 

“We need to know what happened so that we can help you.” Momo joined in comforting Sana. And it took a few minutes for Sana to be able to say anything decipherable.

 

“I am an idiot.”

 

"Of course, you're not. You're-" Nayeon started but Sana shook her head.

 

"How could I allow myself to feel this way about her when she's a mom, she's married. I don't want to be a homewrecker." That took Nayeon and Momo by surprise. And there was no way that Sana was talking about a made up scenario, judging by the way she was acting. 

 

"What homewrecker? Who are you seeing?" Momo inquired further and it made Sana halt her sobbing. The atmosphere became not just concerning, but awkward as well. They waited for Sana to gather courage to explain it all further. All the while, they tried to figure it out on their own. The first one that connected the dots was Momo. Suddenly, Sana's behavior since they moved it had started making sense. 

 

"Oh god." Momo whispered and focused her eyes on Nayeon. Who in return looked back in confusion. Until she went over it in her head again and it all clicked.

 

"What the hell?!" She shouted and pulled Sana up to look at her face. Though, Sana did everything not to look at Nayeon or Momo.

 

"Let's just forget that I said anything. I will go take a bath and calm down." Sana's voice was tiny, the strain was easily noticeable. She couldn't get up though as both Nayeon and Momo held her down.

 

"You're into my sister?! You can't do that!" Momo sighed heavily at the way Nayeon reacted. She was sure that her friend didn't mean anything bad by that. She was probably just worried that at such a moment, Sana will steal Mina's attention and Nayeon would be put to the side.

 

"Look, there's a context there." Sana had to clear to even make a sound. And she looked to Momo for support.

 

"And what context is it? It seems pretty simple." Momo, though, just wanted to get to the bottom of it.

 

"So you didn't do all of that, talking to her, waiting for her, meeting up with her, for me but for yourself?!" Nayeon shook Sana lightly, her expression upset as she never was.

 

"When you say it like that it makes me look bad." Sana said, guilty written all over her face. "And I didn't just do it for myself. Did she steal my heart the first day we met? Yes. Did I forget about our plan? Not entirely… because she agreed to meet you after I talked to her so many times. And the fact that she's very-" 

 

"I don't wanna hear it!" Nayeon cut her in. No doubt Sana was about to use every epithet she knew to describe Mina. 

 

"You certainly chose the most complicated one." Momo patted Sana on the back reassuringly.

 

"I know. I was so happy today. I've got to spend so much time with Mina and we made plans for the rest of the day. Even Chaeyoung joined us. But once we arrived at her apartment, Haru was waiting for them with dinner. Family time…" Sana had gone through some upsetting situations in her life. So the expression showing on her face was eerily familiar. They couldn't help but feel awful.

 

"I am sure that Mina doesn't love him. Neither does he love her. You're not going to destroy anyone's marriage." Nayeon seemed to have calmed down and realized that it wasn't a tragedy that her close friend was into her younger sister. 

 

"Yeah, but they are still married and they're raising Chaeyoung together. To her, I will be the bad guy that broke her family." They all knew that she was right. But it didn't sit well with them, to end their talk on a negative thought.

 

"And did you talk to Chaeyoung?" Momo spoke up, determined to give Sana some hope.

 

"Of course. She wanted to show me her drawings. And she told me all about her toys. She's so endearing and smart. Oh, and she hugged me before I left." A small smile appeared on Sana's face as she recalled the way Chaeyoung acted around her.

 

"Then it looks like you're on the way to making her comfortable with you. And I'm sure that she'll love you. And thanks to that, she won't feel as awful when it all comes to an end." Nayeon said sincerely and wrapped one arm around Sana. "Besides, this is actually perfect. I need Haru gone. You will be a much better spouse to Mina."

 

"And you were complaining about a few minutes ago." Momo pointed out with a laugh.

 

"I was just surprised. And you know that I'm right." Nayeon replied with a nonchalant wave.

 

"I don't think this whole thing is as easy as you make it out to be. I'm still not 100% sure if Mina wants to start anything with me. I mean, I can feel the connection between us. And Mina says and does so many things that are far from platonic. But she never brought it up. Never asked…" Sana lost herself in thought. Most likely thinking about whatever Mina was doing around her. Nayeon and Momo didn't need all of the details though. 

 

"It hasn't been that long. Give yourselves some time. And we have witnessed some things. From your weird behavior to whatever it was when we met all together last time." Momo could tell that Sana wouldn't just stop worrying after these words. But she couldn't say anything.

 

"Yeah, you somehow know things about Mina that even I don't know. So don't feel stupid. It's not something you can control." Sana stayed silent in between them. But after a moment, she nodded 

 

"Ok. I am not going to give up." 

 

"And we'll be there with you every step of the way. As Mina's sister, I can also provide more information." Nayeon's 180° in terms of reaction was very on brand for her. But it was obvious, that no matter what, getting Mina out of her predicament was more important than worrying about Sana stealing the spotlight.

 

"Even if you don't want us, we'll be there." Momo followed up and Sana finally smiled genuinely. 

 

"Thank you. And I am sorry for not telling you earlier." They shook their heads and squeezed her in between their bodies.

 

"We get it. Don't worry about it. And let's get you cleaned." Nayeon let go and jumped off the couch to pull Sana up. With an understanding nod, Sana listened to her friend and went straight to the bathroom. And for that night, they had enough worrying for a week.

 

Of course she didn’t want to avoid Mina. She didn’t want to stay away. But she couldn’t pretend that she didn’t feel a bit reluctant to go to Mina’s office to have their daily lunch together. She felt guilty for just leaving the previous day, without a proper goodbye. Though she was going to feel even worse if she wasn’t going to join Mina. So she proceeded with her usual routine. She prepared their drinks and grabbed their favorite pastries to carry them all on the tray. And she made her way to Mina’s office, with a drag in her step. Her mind kept trying to come up with the best words to use when she would stand face to face with Mina. Because she couldn’t just tell her the truth. Mina probably wasn’t even upset with Sana in any way. 

When she was finally at her destination, her legs halted before she reached the door. Mina’s secretary sent her a telling look. Sana wasn’t sure what it was exactly telling her though.

 

“Just go in, she’s waiting for you.” Ms. Kim spoke up encouragingly. Mina usually didn’t remember that it was lunch break. So it was surprising that she was waiting for Sana.

 

“All right, thank you.” She replied awkwardly and adjusted the tray to hold it between her arm and waist so that she could open the door. She entered the office and tried to smile as widely as she could, and as the secretary said, Mina was waiting for her. As soon as Sana appeared, Mina was on her feet, walking toward the guest with…a box in her hands. Sana was so focused on it that she didn't register Mina's apologetic and guilty expression, and the close proximity they were in 

 

"Hi, Sana. I know that our plan didn't work yesterday. And I feel disappointed. I thought that simply saying sorry won't do it. And then I thought about the fact how much you like the doughnuts with vanilla custard so I decided to make a few for you. It's not much but you looked so devastated yesterday. It didn't feel right. Why are you crying?" Mina finished her speech once the first tears started falling from Sana's eyes. And all Sana wanted to do was to pull Mina into a hug. But with the box and the tray between them, she just stood there and sobbed. She closed her eyes and listened to the sound of footsteps and then she felt the tray being pulled away from her hands. The last thing she felt was Mina's arms wrap around her, her body flush on Sana's, the lilac scent hit her nostrils, and Sana held Mina back. 

And Mina didn't try to pull away, Sana didn't feel like she wanted to end the hug. They were in their own world. Sana didn't want to leave. But it was hard to pretend that she was crying for an hour and their legs would get tired as well. So after a few minutes, she started to free herself very gently from the embrace. Mina didn't resist the action. 

 

"I always end up crying around you." She joked and wiped her tear-stricken cheeks.

 

"I am not proud of that." Mina replied softly and…reached up with her right hand to Sana's cheek. She grasped Sana's hand and intertwined their fingers. "You can tell me what is eating you up." And Sana wanted to. She wanted to exclaim her feelings. She knew better though. But she still could hold Mina's hand, it wasn't a crime.

 

"I'm just touched. You made doughnuts for me. You probably woke up extra early to do that." Mina didn't give a response, her face was unreadable. And that was suspicious. "Mina?"

 

"I might've stayed up actually." 

 

"Did you sleep at all?" Sana asked, worried. She didn't want Mina to lose sleep over her.

 

"Yes. Just not for as long as one should. I could tell that our meeting, the interactions with Chaeyoung meant so much to you. And they mean a lot to me as well. I want you to know that. And I hope that our meeting is canceled today?" Mina explained and even though it didn't make Sana less concerned, she let it go. She thought that perhaps what was most important was the fact that Mina cared about her.

 

"Thank you, Mina. I can't even describe how touched I am." Mina smiled charmingly at her and squeezed Sana's hand. 

 

"That's fine. Sometimes words aren't enough to convey what we feel." Sana couldn't disagree. But the only way to convey what she felt to Mina she could think of was by kissing her then and there. Which was out of the question. 

 

"Oh, I know. Momo always conveys her annoyance when I don't fold the couch in the morning. You sent me to sleep on the couch so deal with the consequences." Sana said to change the subject. Mina let her do that, with a warm smile. Her hand gave Sana's hand one more squeeze before attempting to let go.

 

"Right, you have to…" Mina stopped briefly when she felt Sana's had cling to hers. She didn't let go."Tell me how you ended up on the couch." Mina then pulled her along to the sofa she had in her office that they somehow didn't use much. And Sana learned that was probably for the best because there was no space between them once they were sat. Their hips, thighs, knees, calves, their shoulders, all connected. And for a second, Sana couldn't form a single thought in her mind. 

"Sana?"

 

"Yes?!" She jumped up and turned her head in to face Mina, another mistake, because Mina's face was centimeters away. Sana could've sworn that even Mina felt bashful after this. 

 

"You just spaced out, I didn't mean to startle you." Sana shook her head and cleared . They made no attempts at separating themselves on the sofa. 

 

"Forgive me. I was just…a bit distracted. But I'm back! Should we grab our lunch?" She chuckled awkwardly and scratched the back of her head. And Mina stood up with a nod to grab everything and bring it closer. Sana didn't want to think the cliches like she missed Mina's warmth next to her. But she definitely thought that. Fortunately, it took only a few seconds for Mina to be done with everything and she returned to the sofa, to the same position they were in. And Sana remembered what Mina asked her about.

"Right, so. We played rock, paper, scissors to decide who takes the couch. I lost, as you can imagine."

 

"Is it uncomfortable? Does it feel a bit unique? I have never slept on the couch past childhood."

 

"We got a comfortable couch honestly, so it's perfect. Does it feel unique? A bit. I don't have to share a bed with either Momo or Nayeon." Sana said with a bit of humor and picked up her coffee to bring relief to her dry mouth.

 

"So it's like you became the winner." Mina responded with a nod and a satisfied smile. 

 

"Absolutely. They both move around in their sleep. I have no idea how they didn't end up kicking each other off the bed yet." Sana eyed the box with doughnuts Mina made after finishing her sentence.

 

"Go ahead. They're for you after all." Mina giggled sweetly and pushed Sana ever so slightly with her shoulder.

 

"You have to eat one too." Sana requested immediately and grabbed the box so that she could open it and grab one of the goods Mina prepared. The doughnuts looked cute. They weren't like Sana expected, perfectly shaped and decorated. They were glazed quite chaotically, some had sprinkles some didn't. Some had chocolate shavings. She might've had an idea why they looked the way they did.

 

"So, Chaeyoung helped me decorate. She woke up and couldn't go back to sleep because she had a weird dream. She wanted to help." Mina chuckled a bit bashfully but Sana could feel her gaze on herself, unwavering.

 

"I can see that. It's adorable, Mina. I love it so much, I don't wanna eat it." 

 

"No, please do eat it." Mina laughed heartily and Sana followed suit. 

 

"Only for you. But I would like to keep it preserved, hang it on my wall." Sana wasn't lying. She had never received such a heartwarming gift from anyone. And to that without any special occasion. Because Sana didn't think that what happened the previous evening counted as a special occasion. 

Alas, they both reached into the box, their hands collided and they both giggled shyly. Mina moved her hand a bit to the left and that's how they managed to grab a doughnut for themselves. And of course they were delicious. Mina must've made them while keeping a hawk eye on the recipe. 

 

"They're delicious, I wanna cry again." Sana said with full, Mina only chuckled at her and took a bite of her own doughnut. 

 

"Hm, they did turn out well. I was so worried that they wouldn't taste well. Chaeyoung liked them but she likes anything sweet, Tzuyu just gave me a weird look when I showed them to her and refused to try. And I didn't even think about trying them myself." Sana couldn't help but swoon at the way Mina was describing everything she did. Mina cared about her enough to do all of that. Sana smiled warmly at Mina and her right arm s around Mina's left arm. And she locked them that way. Even for just a short fleeting moment, they can enjoy themselves like that.

“I love that we can be like that.” Sana mumbled. She thought that Mina didn’t hear her. But of course, the reality was different.

 

“I feel the same way. These moments are new to me, but I love them nonetheless.” Mina admitted and Sana forgot how to think. Was that an indirect confession? Did Mina just let her know that it was all right? That they could give it a try? But was it right to say anything more forward than that? They were still in that complicated situation. And what if Haru actually…liked Mina as well? Who would be the one with a broken heart in that scenario? The husband and the father or the new friend and a homewrecker?
“Sana? If you’re not well, maybe you should lie down?”

 

“No! It’s all right. But can I stay like this?” She asked bashfully, her head lowered.

 

“Of course.” Mina answered warmly and reached out with her other hand to bring Sana’s head to her shoulder. And it was truly the day she could die. Because she experienced so much at that moment, she probably fulfilled her life. “We don’t have to talk either. I didn’t want to say anything but you do look like you didn’t sleep yourself. You can close your eyes.” Sana felt Mina’s deep and low voice deep inside and she couldn’t refuse. She relaxed and made herself comfortable on Mina’s shoulder. Then she closed her eyes. With a soft, constant feeling of Mina’s hand smoothing her arm and with the sound of her even breathing, with the lilac fragrance, Sana drifted into a calm slumber.

 

She was woken up by a gentle tug at the arm and a melodious voice calling her name. It took her a few seconds to come to full consciousness and to a realization that she fell asleep in Mina’s office. On Mina!

She jumped up as if burned and slammed her head into Mina’s with full force. They both hissed at the pain in their heads, but Mina started laughing heartily almost instantly. Sana frowned and looked up at her with confusion.

 

“Why are you laughing? I could’ve killed you!” Sana said probably way too seriously. Mina stopped laughing just a tiny bit and reached out to pat the sore spot on Sana’s head.

 

“I believe that it wasn’t enough force to kill anyone. And it’s my fault for scaring you like that. I just had to wake you up because we have to leave. It’s 3 pm.” Sana did not register one word in her head as Mina’s hand smoothed head. Oh how bad she wanted to close the very tiny space between them and lock their lips in a sweet kiss. But then Mina stopped and her hand left Sana’s head. And Sana just stared at Mina, with wide eyes.

“Are you ok?”

 

“I…I didn’t hear what you said.” Mina smiled at her but Sana could see that she was a bit lost.

 

“It’s 3 pm. If we want to proceed with our meeting we should leave.” And it all hit Sana like a truck. 

 

“YOU LET ME SLEEP HERE FOR SO LONG?” Sana exclaimed, embarrassed. She should’ve never let herself fall asleep. 

 

“Sana, calm down. You were clearly exhausted. It’s fine.” Mina reassured her and squeezed her hand. Then she started getting up and she pulled Sana along with her. 

 

“Thank you, Mina.” Mina waved and went over to gather her things from the office. 

 

“I would do it in a heartbeat again.” Sana wasn’t sure how to respond to that confession in a different way than revealing her feelings for Mina. So she remained silent as Mina cointuned packing her things. And then another thought hit her.

 

“Wait, I still have work?!” 

 

“Don’t worry. I called your new supervisor. I explained to her very respectfully why you will be absent and that she should be more appreciative of your work.” On one hand, Sana thought that perhaps that was too much, but on the other hand, she was happy to receive such a special treatment. 

 

“Thank you, though it might’ve been too much.” Mina walked up to her with a warm smile.

 

“It wasn’t. Now, do you need to take something before we leave?” 

 

“Oh, my sketchbook and the plans.” She explained a bit frantically.

 

“Let’s go then. We will grab them and go straight to the car.”

 

They did just that. And in all honesty, Sana could barely focus on the things Mina said. As they walked through the corridors, so close, with Mina’s hand holding onto hers ever so slightly. Sana knew that she was supposed to wait, the most logical solution. But throughout the whole time they were on their way to Mina’s apartment, Sana wanted to do one thing. Ask Mina for one chance. Because Mina didn’t love her husband. She might’ve liked Sana just enough though.

 

She couldn’t keep pondering and staring at Mina as if she put up the stars in the sky anymore once they entered the apartment. Because as soon as they set one foot inside a high pitched voice squealed and in a split second Mina almost fell on the floor from the collision. Chaeyoung jumped into her mom’s arms quite effortlessly. 

 

“Welcome back, mommy.” Chaeyoung giggled cutely right after greeting Mina. And the smile on Mina’s face was blinding.

 

“Hello, ChaengChaeng, everything is fine?” Mina asked and put Chaeyoung down on the floor. And as the little girl inhaled and got ready to talk she noticed Sana and with a gasp she jumped to hug the other woman as well.

 

“Sana! You came!” Sana hugged the girl back and patted her head before they pulled away.

 

“Of course, I did. I promised.” Chaeyoung nodded enthusiastically and grabbed Sana’s hand.

 

“I prepared the drawings. Come to my room.” 

 

“ChaengChaeng, maybe after dinner?” Mina asked with a sweet laugh, but Chaeyoung didn’t listen. She pulled helpless Sana along to her room. Sana took one last glance at Mina before disappearing inside of the room. And as always, Mina was watching her.

 

“Sana, look.” Chaeyoung got her attention and again as they stopped before the small bed. On top were lying drawings of different princesses. Sana didn’t get to admire that many child drawings so to her, they were adorable. She herself needed to be skilled in drawing, of course the theme was different, but she learned the theory. But Chaeyoung’s drawings were simply charming.

 

“Chaeyoung, they are so good. Is this princess Ariel?” Sana pointed at the drawing with a figure that had red hair and a fish tail. And Chaeyoung beamed at her proudly.

 

“Yes! She is swimming with her friends.” Sana nodded along to accentuate her interest.

 

“You really are talented. And is this princess Elsa?” Sana continued to ask and kept pointing at the drawings one by one. It was heartwarming to observe the excitement and the grin Chaeyoung had. It was something so simple. But it seemed so important to the little girl. And that fact made it important to Sana as well. 

 

“Can we play with my dolls? You’ll be the boy, ok?” Chaeyoung said once they finished talking about the drawings. Sana just followed her with a smile. They sat on the carpet and Chaeyoung took her dolls out. She handed Sana the male doll and Sana took this opportunity to show that she cared about whatever the little girl told her.

 

“His name is Bob, right?” Chaeyoung nodded with a grin and sat closer to Sana. “Is he still fighting with Nana?” 

 

“No, they made up yesterday. Bob promised to take Nana to the cinema.” Sana let out a sound of understanding and as soon as Chaeyoung was settled comfortably, she began talking in a voice she thought would suit Bob.

 

“My dear, Nana. Are you ready to go to the cinema like I promised?” Chaeyoung giggled at Sana’s impersonation and it made the woman laugh as well. 

 

“I want to go see a movie with animals.” Chaeyoung replied as Nana and walked closer to Bob with her doll. Sana moved the doll to make it bow.

 

“As you wish. Shall we leave then? Do you want snacks too?”

 

“Yes! Popcorn, peanuts, and jellies, oh and chips too. And a soda!” Sana stifled a laugh at how loud and serious Chaeyoung sounded. Something told her that the little girl wanted to eat those snacks, not the doll she was playing with.

 

“Then we’ll get everything you want. I have lots of money.” Sana said proudly and Chaeyoung made her doll hug the male doll.

 

“Are you going to tell them that we should eat?” Sana almost didn’t hear the low voice through the car sounds Chaeyoung was making. Of course, Haru was there. It was his apartment. Sana heard Mina’s sigh perfectly fine.

 

“They are having fun. I don’t want to interrupt.” Sana stopped the movement of her doll and smiled apologetically at Chaeyoung. The little girl stopped and stared at her questioningly.

 

“I think that dinner is ready.” Sana explained and pointed behind as she turned her head to look at the door. And she saw Mina. Standing in the doorframe. Watching them with a hard to read expression. But it changed when Chaeyoung got up and skipped to her mom. Sana got up as well, ready to apologize for forgetting about time.

 

“Thank you, Sana. You looked really happy there together.” Mina explained with a soft expression and an even softer voice. 

 

“Yes, it was fun. I guess that’s how it feels.” She said awkwardly. “I meant, I mean, I don’t know what I meant exactly.” Mina giggled at her struggle softly and put her hand on Sana’s gently.

 

“I understand. Come now, you didn’t really eat lunch so you might be hungry.” And she didn’t let go of Sana’s hand. And Sana didn’t want her too. Even when they were in the living room she saw Haru eye their hands with a glare.

 

“Sana, sit next to me.” Chaeyoung said cutely and Sana couldn’t refuse. And once she was seated, the dinner began. And although they tried to make the atmosphere normal, Sana could feel that not everyone wanted her there. 

 

“So, now that Mina isn’t supervising you, shouldn’t it be harder to meet up like that?” Haru directed the question at Sana. He didn’t sound rude, but she could feel that he wanted to be mean to her. 

 

“I guess so. Though lunch is the same for everyone.” Sana replied with a smile and an upbeat tone.

 

“Hm, I’m just surprised, because Mina should be still at work today.” Sana wasn’t sure how to react to that. Mina didn’t mention that she was busy.

 

“It’s not like that. I told the team that after 3 pm they should contact me only in emergencies and through a business phone.” Mina rushed to explain. And it made sense.

 

“Right. Sorry, I’m just trying to understand what brought you two so close. Mina isn’t one to make new friends.” What the hell did he even mean by that? And the way he accentuated the word friends didn’t sit well with Sana.

 

“I’m just really friendly. Mina saved me on my first day of work and it honestly stole my heart.” Sana wanted to shoot herself for blurting that out like that but she didn’t get to defend herself.

 

“Stole your heart. I see. So that’s what you’re after.”

 

“I think that we should eat and not talk.” Mina cut in, quite stern.

 

“You can’t be this blind, Mina. She’s clearly in to get into your pant-”

 

“I am not!” Sana shouted before Haru could finish the last word. And he just scoffed. And Sana wanted to punch his stupid disgusted face.

 

“Chaeyoung, can you wait in your room?” Mina asked gently and Chaeyoung listened to her with a worried expression. And when the door closed Mina wanted to say something. Haru beat her to it though.

 

“You’re not? Then what’s the goal? You are even trying to get close to my daughter.”

 

“Haru, stop.” Mina warned. 

 

“There is no goal, I just like Mina.” Sana said truthfully. That was something she didn’t need to hide.

 

“You like Mina? The same woman who is married and has a child.” Haru challenged her. Of course, he was right. And Sana couldn’t defend herself.

 

“That’s quite enough.” Sana had never thought that Mina’s voice could be this loud. And she felt guilty, she wanted to apologize. Haru looked the complete opposite.

 

“I see how it is. I am afraid that I can’t support our family to be broken. I can’t support you two being close.”

 

“Why should it matter what you want? You’re just a controlling .” Sana didn’t manage to stop herself from talking back. He clenched his jaw. 

 

“I am Mina’s husband and Chaeyoung’s father. I am not gonna let some friend of my ex ruin my life?” 

 

“Get out.” She didn’t scream. She didn’t even move. Mina said these words with calmness. And yet, even Sana felt scared. Haru went silent. He stared at Mina, taken aback. 

“Haru, get out.” 

 

“This is my home, she should be the-”

 

“No. Stop. Get out.” Sana just watched the whole thing frozen. She honestly couldn’t care less about the names Haru could call her. But it seemed to have angered Mina. “We will discuss it once you think about your behavior.” And after a moment, he listened to Mina. He stood up and moved to leave the apartment. 

“Sana, I am so sorry. I should’ve predicted that he would-”

 

“It’s all right, Mina. I don’t care about what he said about me. I am just sad that he is treating you this way. Like you’re an item not a human.” For the first time Sana had no trouble with figuring out what Mina felt. She could see the shame in her expression.

 

“I told you. I had to marry him. And he is manageable. I just hate that he treated you like this. You’re nothing like that.” Sana smiled softly and decided to get up and walked around the table to give Mina a warm hug. It was accepted without a second of hesitation. Sana didn’t want to let go of Mina until she felt like the atmosphere became less suffocating. But soon Chaeyoung appeared in the living room, looking at them unsure and Sana smiled at her invitingly.

 

“Come here, Chaeyoung. Mommy needs a big hug from you.” She explained and let go of Mina to make room for the little girl. And no one had to convince Chaeyoung to jump into Mina’s lap and embrace her mom tightly. With one hand, Mina held onto Sana’s hand securely. 

 

“Do you have to go?” Mina asked, hesitant.

 

“No. I can stay.”