Minzy smiled at closing time seeing her brother working on his homework. Sighing as she cleaned the counters, she didn't notice the person that walked into the cafe. "Are you guys closed," Teddy smiled brightly as he stood at the counter. 

"Hey Teddy," Minzy smiled up at him as she finished cleaning the counter. 

"I brought some dinner," he said as he lifted the take out bag.

To which was quickly snatched out of his hands and opened by Zelo. "What do we have here," Zelo said as he rummaged through the bag. 

Both Minzy and Teddy chuckled before she tossed the rag at him, "So impolite!" Turning her attention to Teddy she grinned, "Thank you." 

"Sure thing," he nodded as he took a seat next to Zelo. 

 

The three laughed and ate as they talked about their day. It was mainly Teddy and Minzy talking with Zelo stuffing his face. "How was the first day of school?" 

Minzy rolled her eyes as she thought about her social dynamics. It was a disaster to say the least, "Let's just say it feels like I've never left high school." 

He nodded and smiled, "I would be starting my senior year if I stayed in school." 

"What? I thought you were ancient," Minzy teased. 

"I feel ancient," he chuckled. 

"Well we thank your ancient self for such a great dinner," Minzy laughed. 

"Thanks," Teddy grinned before going quiet as if he had something on his mind. 

Being the observer that she was, Minzy couldn't help but ask, "What is it?"

"Huh," Teddy hummed.

She sighed as she gave him a knowing look, "You look like you have something on your mind. What is it?" 

He sighed deeply as he thought of how to break the news, "Well...I don't know how to say this..."

"Just spit it out already," Zelo chimed in as he finished the last of his food. 

Taeyang looked from Zelo to Minzy before finally speaking up, "Your father....he got hurt." 

"How bad," Minzy felt her chest tighten. 

"Real bad Minzy," he softly spoke. 

"Take me to him," Minzy stood to her feet. 

"Me too," Zelo spoke up. 

Minzy shook her head, "No, Teddy can you please let him sit with you while I see our father." 

"Minzy he's just as much my father as he is yours," Zelo pouted. 

But Minzy was already out the door and waiting by Teddy's truck. She had a million things running through her mind as Teddy opened the car and they all drove off in silence. Pulling up to the hospital, Minzy had a really bad feeling as she sat staring at the building as Teddy told her where to find him. Sighing she turned to her brother who sat with pleading eyes, "Zelo let me do this first." Frowning he hissed as he leaned back into his seat in defeat. Allowing Minzy the space to pull herself together as she walked towards the hospital. Quietly entering, she thought back to the last time she was at the hospital. It was when her brother was in serious condition and now...shaking her head as she tried to clear her mind. She found herself standing in front of her father's room. Closing her eyes, she gathered the strength to push the door open. Walking in quietly, she gasped as she stared at the man laying unconscious. She fell to her knees and stared at him in disbelief. She couldn't believe what she was staring at.

"Minzy," her father mumbled in his unconscious sleep. The way he weakly called out to her, had her tearing up. Covering with her hand she shook her head as he continued to call out to her. 

 

When she was able to pull herself together, she returned to the car and asked her brother to come out of the car to sit with her at a bench. "Is it bad," Zelo curiously asked. She nodded with tear-filled eyes, "Yeah...he doesn't...look the same." 

"What does that mean," he frowned. 

She sighed as she took hold of his hand, "Come and see." 

Walking hand in hand, Minzy found strength in her brother's footsteps. Before they could enter, Zelo hesitated and pulled back. "I'm scared." 

"Don't be afraid," she whispered as she led her brother into their father's room. 

"Dad," Zelo breathed as he was on his knees by his father's bed. Tears were falling as he looked at his father who was bandaged from head to knees. He was amputated from the knees down. "My poor dad," Zelo cried with Minzy who followed suit kneeling as she cried along with her brother. 

"Minzy...Zelo..." their father breathed out followed by loud harsh coughs. 

"It's us dad, it's us," Minzy mumbled as she held tight to Zelo's trembling body. 

 

Minzy didn't realize that Teddy had stayed with them the entire time until she walked out into the hall to clear her mind. "Minzy," Teddy said and in seconds she was in his arms. She didn't realize she had started to cry again until she felt the dampening shirt against her face as he tried to comfort her, "We'll figure this out. We'll figure this all out." 

Minzy was grateful for Teddy,  he had driven her back to the studio where she was able to grab some clothes for herself and her brother before explaining to Grandma their current situation. "Don't worry child, you both take care of your father and I'll make sure everything here is taken care of." 

"Thanks Grandma," Minzy said through her teary eyes. 

"Don't thank me, just take care of your family," Grandma smiled graciously as Minzy left. 

 

Quietly staring out the window of Teddy's truck. She was grateful that he didn't force a conversation on her, in fact she was feeling way grateful as she glanced over to the time and saw that it was getting late. Waiting until the car was parked, she turned and stopped Teddy from taking off his seat belt. "Leave it on. It's probably best you go home and get some rest. It's getting late." 

"But I want to stay," he said with sincerity in his eyes. "It really isn't a problem..." 

"Teddy," she cut him off. "I really appreciate your help, but I think I can handle it from here." 

He sighed as he turned to look towards the hospital. Taking a moment to himself, he nodded and gazed back at her, "I do have some things I need to take care of tomorrow morning. But afterward I'll be right back. I promise. Text me what you guys want for lunch and I'll bring it okay?" 

Grinning at the man who seemed torn about leaving, she nodded knowing this was the only way to get him to leave, "Alright." Getting out of the car, she waved before turning to head to the hospital. 

Minzy paused as she stood at her father's room door. Standing still, she gazed at the scene of her brother clinging onto the bed rail as her unconscious father laid there. Millions of thought came rushing to her mind, but it was the way her brother looked that had her crumbling to her feet. Sliding down onto the ground, she craddled her knees into her chest and bit her lower lip. Hanging her head low, she felt the tears welling up in her eyes. She knew what this meant and she knew what she had to do. Feeling the stress of what was to come weighing on her, she couldn't help but wallow in self pity. 

 

Minzy appreciated her counselor for being understanding of her situation. Making her way out of the office, she was surprised to run into someone. "Sorry..." 

"Well , already struggling with classes and need counseling," Fei teased causing both Hyuna and Bom to cackle along. 

"You do know that the counselors are there for more than just counseling right," Minzy scoffed as she shook her head. "Maybe you should actually try to set up an appointment with one," she shrugged as she moved past the other two glaring eyes. 

"Whatever hoe," Fei hissed. 

"It's pretty ironic that a bunch of would include me in such a category. You guys are pretty superficial you know. To think we ever were friends. It's a pity really, to have jealousy blind you so badly that you stoop to making fake friends and forget who the real ones are," Minzy hissed more towards Fei and Hyuna. 

"Well..." Bom started.

Minzy held her hand up to stop her, "Just shut the up! Like seriously, your opinion, your existence means nothing to me. So don't waste your ing breath." Turning her glare towards her ex best friends she couldn't help but shake her head, "Once s always ing s." 

"You take that back," Fei barked. 

Shrugging, Minzy gave them all a smug look, "Look at you all, pathetic s that can't seem to find men that actually want you." Her words struck a cord that had all three of them ready to pounce. Minzy stood her ground smirking as she watched them stampede her way, "Bring it es." 

"Whoa there ladies," Seunghyun swooped in between with Jiyong. Taking it upon themselves to become human shields as they held back the girls. "Calm down."

"Get out of my way Seunghyun," Bom growled as she tried to reach past the two young men. 

"Ladies let's be civil," Jiyong added as he held Fei against him.

"She deserves to get her beat," Fei said as she continually pushed up against Jiyong. 

Minzy flipped the three off as she flipped her hair and turned to leave. She figured since she was already in the petty state of mind why not continue. "I'd beat all your asses," she mumbled to herself as she walked away.

"I bet you would," Mino chuckled as he fell into step with her. Sighing she sped up her pace, hoping to lose him. "Wait up, we need to talk." Taking hold of her wrist to stay her, she clenched her fist in fury. 

Snatching her hand away she glared at him, "Do not touch me ever! Do you hear me?! I don't know you and would like to keep it that way!" 

Holding his hands up he gave her an apologetic grin, "I'm sorry. Can we please talk?"

Huffing, she folded her hands over her chest and stared off, "What?" 

"Do you have a death wish," Mino grinned in a teasing manner.

Minzy scoffed as she looked him square in the eyes, "Do you?! Do you even know Hyuna's background?! She usually doesn't go for boys like you. You should be careful. She's dated a lot of bad boys and some of them are willing to go to jail for her if you know what I mean." 

"Thanks, but I think I can handle myself," he grinned.

"Sure," she shrugged. 

"Minzy I really want to apologize, I'm sorry..." 

"Don't worry about it. I can handle it myself," she cut him off. "Is that all?" 

He shook his head and frowned, "Actually I was wondering if we can start over. If we can help each other out in our business class and be study buddies." 

"You want to cheat off of me and you don't even know how good I'll be in that class?" 

"I don't want to cheat off you. Something I learned about business is that you need allies or a support system to keep a business a float. Plus if you've read over our class syllubus we are to reach out to other classmates to help build portfolios and get feed back on projects." 

Pursing her lips together, she cursed the fact that he was giving her a good offer. She had read through the class agenda and was planning on finding other classmates to help her through the semester, but she had gotten too busy to do so. "I..."

"Have you started on the first class project yet," Mino asked. 

"Uh..." 

"Have you even read up on what the first class project is," he eyed her hoping she had.

"Well..." 

He shook his head and gave her a knowing look, "It's due at the end of the week, that's in a few days." 

"Thanks mom," she rolled her eyes sarcastically. Glancing at her phone, she realized she had to head back to the hospital for a family meeting with the doctors. Suddenly her phone was snatched away from her hands as she watched Mino look in it. "Hey," she swatted at his arm and tried to snatch her phone right back as he continued to fumble through her phone. "Give that back," she hissed as she finally retrieved her phone from him. Looking down at her phone she realized it was dialing a number. 

"Call or text me if you have questions about the first assignment," Mino's voice rang through the phone as he stood waving at her. "Talk to you later," he grinned before turning to walk away. 

 

Minzy sat wringing her hands in her lap. She didn't know why she was feeling nervous but she was. Hearing the clattering of shoes making their way down her direction, she looked up to see a team of doctors before her. Quickly standing on her feet, she respectfully greeted each doctor. "Thank you for coming to see us," the doctor up front spoke. "Will you please follow us so that we may discuss the details of your father's treatment plan." Nodding, Minzy followed the group into a private visitor's room. After everyone was situated, the head doctor began talking again, "Ms. Gong we thank you for taking the time out of your busy life to come and meet with us today. First off, we want you to know that your father is a fighter." Minzy inwardly scoffed at the notion. "Secondly I'm afraid what is to come is life changing." The doctor's statement made her shiver as she folded her arms over her chest. "As you know, your father no longer has the ability to walk but thanks to modern medicine and technology there is a possibility of after his recovery getting some prosthetic legs." Nodding in understanding, she wondered just how much that would cost them. "And lastly..." the doctor went quiet for a moment, causing Minzy to look him straight in the eyes. "We've run other checks and have found that your father has mouth cancer..." The words that followed were a blur as Minzy tried to grasp what she had just heard. 

"He...has....cancer," she breathed in disbelief.

"Yes Ms. Gong, it has spread so far that we can't treat it." It was as if the doctor had thrown a punch right into her gut as she clutched onto her stomach trying to focus on her breathing so she didn't pass out. "I'm so sorry Ms. Gong. We've tried our very best. The best we can do is allow him to live out the rest of his days comfortably." 

"Days," she gasped.

"After consulting with a couple specialists, we predict a couple of months at most," the doctor said.

"How long have you all known?"

The doctors all glanced at each other before looking at Minzy, "We apologize that we weren't able to detect it sooner due to the more visible and just as serious injuries at hand."

She knew and understood very well that what the doctors were telling her was all they could do, but still she held out hope. "There has to be something else...you guys can't try any treatments or something like that?" 

The lead doctor pursed his lips tightly together as he shook his head, "It would only worsen his current condition. There is no cure..."

Minzy sat still as the rest of the doctor's words fell upon deaf ears. Her mind and heart became hallow and the only thing she felt like doing was dissolving into thin air. 

 

Death makes a person weird. At least that's what was running through Minzy's mind as she found herself standing in front of the house that held so many painful memories for her. Exhaling deeply, she pushed the past aside and walked into the house. Flipping on the lights to the empty home, all that could be heard was the clatter of her shoes against the cool wooden floor boards. Walking around, she was impressed to find how neatly kept the house was. There wasn't trash lying on the ground or even an empty bottle of liquor. In fact it felt as if this was what home would have looked like if her mother would still have been in the picture. Scoffing at the thought of her mother, she made her way into the bedrooms. It was there that everything was discovered. Rolling her eyes, she walked about her father's room and picked up the trash and empty bottles lying on the ground. After giving the bedrooms a good clean, she made her way into the kitchen and frowned. It was completely bare, not even a grain of rice was found. Making a mental note to go shopping, she was startled by the sudden knock at her front door. Curiously she made her way to the door to find Teddy smiling from ear to ear with bags of groceries. "Can I come in?" 

She returned the smile and stepped aside and allowed him in, "Sure." 

"I hope that I cleaned up the house to your standard," he called over his shoulder as he made his way into the kitchen. "I also noticed that everything in the kitchen was old and moldy so I threw it all out. It's not like it was much," he continued as he began to pulling various food items out of the bags. 

"Teddy," she sighed as she reached out and took his hand. "You didn't have to do all this." 

He stood unmoving, staring at her hand before looking up to meet her gaze with a smile, "I know, but I wanted to." 

The glimmer in his deep brown eyes caused something to stir within her and it wasn't until his gaze shifted back down that she realized her hand was still holding his. She coughed an awkward laugh as she released his hand, noticing her hand pulsing a bit as she tried to push aside whatever that was. "Even so, you didn't have to, but I'm grateful." 

"You'll be praising me even more, when you get a bite of my mean bulgoggi," he wiggled his eyebrows at her. 

His silly nature made her giggle as she shook her head, "I should be the one cooking. You're the guest here. Plus didn't you tell me that you couldn't cook?" 

He shrugged as he went about grabbing the utensils in the kitchen as if he had done so before, "I can't. I bought it presliced and marinated. I hope you don't mind, I mean at least your father liked it." His words struck a cord in her and she couldn't help but eye him quietly. She couldn't help but wonder who this guy really was. He had spent the Summer helping her and her brother fix up their studio and somehow got around to cooking dinner for their father? Something seemed to be a little off to her and she couldn't help but wonder what it was. 

"What," he chuckled as he looked over his shoulder to see her staring at him intently. 

She shrugged as she hopped onto the counter and stayed staring at him. "I'm just trying to figure you out." 

"What is it that you want to know," he asked as he poured the meat onto the sizzling pan. 

"Does your wife know you've been spending all your time taking care of my family?" 

He let out a hearty laugh as he turned his focus all on her, "I feel like we've had this conversation. I thought I told you that I wasn't married or seeing anyone at the moment." 

"Ha! So a girl broke your heart and you spend all your time worrying over other people's problems so you don't have to worry about yours," she grinned victoriously at her assumption. 

Placing his hands on his hips, he looked her dead in the eyes, "Not like my love life is any of your business, but what you're saying is somewhat true." 

"Should we go and jump her for giving you a broken heart," she teased as she drove her fist into her palm. 

"I don't see how that would do us any good since she passed away and all," he shrugged as he turned back around to focus on the food.

"," Minzy hissed under her breath for being so careless with her words. "I'm sorry..." 

"Don't be, she gave me a better perspective on life. She taught me that life is too short to let our flaws stop us from loving and being loved," he smiled over his shoulder before looking back at the pan.

Minzy couldn't help but grin and nod, "She sounds like she had life figured out." 

"I'm just blessed that I had whatever time I got to spend with her," he turned back around with a plate full of delicious smelling meat. 

She inhaled deeply as the aroma hit her, "Smells like heaven." 

"Tastes like it too," he raised the plate up to her. 

Both giggling as she took a hot piece of bulgoggi and quickly popping it in , "I would be lying to you if I disagreed." 

 

After cleaning up, Minzy sighed as she found herself staring at her business assignment. It was due in two days and yet her proposal on her business idea had not even been started yet. Groaning as she face planted into her couch cushion, she felt an on coming head ache. "Why?" 

"Why what," Teddy appeared as he took a seat next to the mopping young lady. 

Turning to look over at him she frowned, "My business proposal is due and I haven't even started it. Not to mention my father is coming home tomorrow and I won't have time to even think about it then." 

"Well there's no time like the present. I can help you work on it right now if you like. I mean I write those for a living," he chuckled boasting about himself. 

Rolling her eyes, she sat up and nodded, "True, but it's late. You probably need to go and get some rest." 

Shaking his head, Teddy smiled over at her, "I'm actually assigned to look after you all until the company finds a way to settle everything legally being the accident happened at work and all." 

She couldn't help the feelings of disappointment that arised in her, "Oh..." 

"But that doesn't mean I don't want to be here," he said in a hurry seeing the disappointment in her face. Standing up, she reached her hand out to him. Giving him expectant eyes, to which he took her hand and stood next to her. Giving him a grateful smile, she led him down the hall and towards the front door. "Wait," he squeezed her hand and tugged her back. "Don't you need my help with your paper?" 

Honestly it would help a lot if he did stay to help, but she knew better than to request such a selfish thing of him. "You did, you fed me and it gave me the motivation to get started," she forced her half hearted grin into a smile. "Thanks for everything. I'll see you later?" Seeing the hesitation in his eyes, she turned and opened the door, "Good night Teddy." 

Letting out a sigh of relief, he moved to embrace her tightly, "I'll be over tomorrow okay? I'll help you get your dad settled in."

She smiled to herself knowing he would do just that, but that smile was also a smile of recognition. He smelt like fresh spring soap again, soap that she could have sworn never smelt as good as it did on him. Catching herself being weird, she abruptly moved out of his grasp and hugged her torso at the loss of warmth. "Thanks, like I said you don't have to." 

"I know, but I want to," he said sincerely as he waved. "Goodnight Minzy." The way he said her name sent a tingling sensation down her spine. Quickly waving and closing the door, she leaned against it and gasped. Placing her hand over her pounding heart, she didn't know what was coming over her. Fanning herself with her free hand, she remembered that she had a paper due soon and had better get on it. 

 

After pulling an all nighter, she grinned happily at her saved proposal. Doing a victory dance, she reached for her phone and read through the requirements of the paper just to make sure she hit all the points. Frowning at the last bullet, she groaned as she noticed there was a missed bullet. She didn't want to, but knew it was her only option to text Mino. 

Hey this is Minzy. Sorry to bug you but do you think you could come by and proofread my proposal this morning? I know it's last minute and everything, but I have other things to take care of later today.

 

Hey, I was waiting for your text. For sure, shoot me your address and I'll come through. I need you to return the favor and proofread my proposal as well.

 

Sounds like a plan. I'll drop you the address and I'll see you soon. 

Scoffing at how annoyed she is that she has to give him her address. She knew that was the only way to get anything done, since she wasn't in her right mind to drive anywhere at the moment. Begrudgingly texting him her address, she sighed as she laid her head onto the kitchen table to get a little shut eye. 

"Minzy...Minzy," her name was called out, but she found it hard to come to. She found it hard to open her eyes until she felt something pressing against her lips. Slowly her eyes began to open to see Mino kissing her. "Hey," he smiled boyishly. 

Jumping out of her seat, she panicked as she glanced around to grasp her surroundings, "What's going on?"

"I just wanted to let you know I went over your paper and it looks impressive for being last minute," he complimented her. 

But that was the least of her worries as she kept her hand over her lips, "Thanks, but I think you need to leave now. I have to get ready and..."

A knock came at the door causing both to look towards that direction. Sighing, Minzy pushed herself up and walked to the door and opened it. Teddy smiled brightly with her father along side him. "Good morning." 

"Here let me help," Mino was at her father's other side in a instant. 

"Thanks," her father mumbled as both young men helped wheel him in. 

After everyone was in the house, Minzy quickly turned to Mino, "Thanks for coming. Let me show you out..." 

"Sir I would like to introduce myself," Mino bowed. "I am Mino. Minzy and I attend the same college." 

"Nice to meet you son. But I'm sorry to say that I am not up for visitors at the moment," her father tried to be as pleasant as he could. 

Mino quickly nodded in understanding as he turned to look at Teddy, "You must be..." 

"A family friend," Teddy nodded. 

"Well I guess I better get going," Mino grinned before walking towards the door with Minzy following close behind. Letting himself out he stopped and turned to look back towards her, "I'll catch you later." 

"Thanks again," Minzy smiled gratefully as she waved goodbye. Turning around she was met with Teddy's gaze. Staring back at him he seemed to have a look about him, she couldn't put her finger on it as she smiled. "I guess I'll see you later as well?" 

He matched her smile and nodded, "I guess so, unless you want me to stay to help a little longer." 

She shook her head and grinned, "No thank you, you've done more than enough." 

"Yes, thank you Teddy for all your help. We can take it from here," her father added. 

Shrugging, he couldn't help but repeat Mr. Gong's discharge orders as he placed a folder onto the coffee table, "There will be a nurse coming by tomorrow along with other health professionals to set up your home health care plan." 

"I'm not deaf boy, I heard every word the doctor told me," her father sighed. "Now you better get going. I know you're behind with some of your projects. You have to learn how to manage your time better."

"Well I did have an assistant for a little while," Teddy smiled over to Minzy. "If ever you decide to come back..." 

"Sorry but I already have a job," she chuckled and was startled as her father coughed loudly.

Teddy stooped down to check on Mr. Gong who quickly shooed him away, "Go boy before you get stuck here and never leave." Nodding he left, waving to the pair before heading to his car, "He's a good man. Sometimes too good for his own good." Minzy didn't say anything as she closed to door and walked back into the living room, picking up the folder she quietly went through the paper work. "You don't have to read through that. I can handle everything on my own." 

She scoffed as she continued reading, "I can tell..." 

"Don't ing start with me..." her father grumbled before he began a coughing fit. Quickly Minzy was on her feet, grabbing a cup of water she was at his side offering it to him. The cup was hit out of her grasp and onto the floor as her father growled, "I don't want that!" Sighing as she did her best to drop it, she walked back to the folder and began to read through his papers again. "Are you ing stupid?! I told you not to read those didn't I?! I can do this..." 

"On your own? Give me a ing break," she shook her head. "Look at you, you just discharged from the hospital all weak and . I bet you can't even wheel yourself anywhere," she snapped. 

"Even if I can't. I don't want your ing help. Did you hear Teddy? I will get help from..." 

"ing strangers?!" Minzy shook her head as she tossed the folder onto the coffee table and walked up to her father. Glaring down at him, she hated how he always brought out the worst in her. Closing her eyes, she inhaled deeply as she dropped to her knees. Gazing up at him she was surprised to see his eyes were glistening with water but more importantly with streaks of pain. In some kind of twisted way, she felt as though she was staring back at a reflection of herself. "Father..." she softly spoke. Reaching out, she placed her hand on top of his. Not surprised by his reflexes of flinching back, she took a firm hold of his hand. He was still too weak, which she was grateful for as she held his hand tightly. "I...don't want to fight. Though I can't deny that I ing hate your guts. You are still my father and no matter how much we don't see eye to eye I am your daughter." Her father's head dropped as if giving in to hear what she had to say, "We can't fix the past, but we can take advantage of the fact that at least we know we have a time line." Her father scoffed at her words as if she had an underlying motive. "I don't want my last memories of my father being that of us fighting and I know you don't have the strength to fight so let's accept the facts. You're dying and I am here. There is no one else here but me. You know why? It's because through it all we are ing family. Family until the very end." The pair were both crying, holding back their sobs as they nonverbally spoke their truce. 

 

Minzy huffed as she did her best to counter her father's body weight. "," she hissed barely being able to lift his body. 

"It's fine girl, I'll just sleep in this chair," her father grumbled just as frustrated. Placing her hands onto her hips she tried to think of what to do. Thinking of all the possibilities, she knew she had to find assistance quick before it was too late to call anyone. "Don't call Teddy. He must be busy trying to get caught up at work." Nodding she began to tap her foot as she was thinking about who to ask, knowing very well Zelo was out of the question. He was helping Grandma out picking up the slack while she was away. "Call Seunghyun, he's strong enough to lift me. I mean, he's lifted me when I did have legs," he scoffed as he recalled a memory. 

"Umm..." Minzy didn't want to, she had been avoiding him and she wanted to keep it that way. 

"If you don't call that boy," her father hissed as he reached for his phone and dialed Seunghyun's number. 

Panicking she snatched the phone away, "What are you..." 

"Hello? Mr. Gong are you drunk again," Seunghyun's voice echoed through the phone. 

Inwardly groaning, Minzy placed the phone against her ear, "Worse...he just got out the hospital and..." 

"Are you still at the hospital," Seunghyun asked in a panic as if getting up. 

"No we're here at home," Minzy admitted. "But if you're busy..." 

"I'll be there in a little bit. Hold on," he said before hanging up. 

Sighing she plopped onto her father's bed and frowned. Running her fingers through her hair, she became lost in her thoughts. "He's a good young man," her father spoke up breaking the silence between them. Minzy was pulled back into the moment as she glanced over to her father, "After you and your brother left I was alone. Seunghyun had come over to find you, but instead he found me laying out in the hallway too drunk to move. He came and helped me into bed in one go, as if I was as light as a feather." 

"Obviously you're not," Minzy chuckled to herself causing her father to grin. 

"Even so, he was here all throughout the Summer...even when I had insisted that you were gone," her father continued to recall his memory. "I just..." 

Minzy raised her hand to stop him, "I'm glad he helped you out." The room grew quiet as they heard foot steps approaching. 

Watching the door swing open, Seunghyun sighed deeply as he gazed down to see Mr. Gong in the wheelchair, "Look what you got yourself into." Stepping back, Minzy quietly watched the two interacting. Both giving knowing looks as if this was some normal routine and just like her father said Seunghyun lifted him up and gently placed her father into the bed. Tucking him in, Seunghyun whispered something that had both of them chuckling. Their interaction seemed intimate and too personal for her to watch as she swiftly made her exit. Placing some water onto the stove, she took a seat at the table and waited for it to boil. Inwardly sighing as she heard footsteps heading her way, she did her best to stay calm. "Your father is all tucked in and ready for bed," Seunghyun called out to her. 

Grinning over her shoulder she was grateful he stood at the doorway, "Thanks." 

But that gratitude was short lived as he took it as an invitation to take a seat next to her, "Making some tea?" She nodded, as she pressed her lips tightly together as he sat down. Diverting his gaze, she leaned her chin upon her hands and stared off. "Could I get some as well?" 

"Yeah," she mumbled as she stood on her feet and walked over to the stove as if checking on the water knowing very well it was far from being ready. Hissing to herself, she did her best to stay busy. Getting the cups out and tea packets, she grew stiff as he stood up and leaned against the counter watching. It was very unnerving being observed by him. So much so, she found herself taking a seat back at the table. Hoping he wouldn't follow suit, but it was a false hope as he took the seat next to her once again staring at her intently. "What," she sighed as she finally looked over at him. 

"You know," he chuckled to himself as he clasped his hands together as if second guessing what he was going to say. "All Summer I dreamt of all the possibilities of our reunion. Even though your father said time and time again that you were never coming back," he pointed to himself and nodded. "I knew better than to believe him. When you answered my phone call over the Summer it gave me hope. I stayed focused on basketball and pushed myself all Summer with you in mind. Then I saw you over the weekend sitting with my parents and I couldn't believe my eyes. You were where I wanted you to be." He went quiet as he smiled to himself, "Then I saw you later at the bar and couldn't help myself. I couldn't let you walk out before telling you just how much I've missed you. I couldn't help but taste that sweetness in our kiss." 

She didn't want him feeling all special when she inwardly noted that he felt the same way in their kiss. Keeping the thought to herself, she sighed, "I'm glad you were able to focus on basketball and I'm grateful that you've been taking care of my father while I've been away."

"It was all out of selfish intent," he sheepishly admitted.

Shrugging off his comment she walked towards the stove to find the water boiling, "Either way thank you." 

 

Minzy awoke to the knocking on the door. Coming to, her eyes fluttered open to see Seunghyun leaning his head upon her shoulder. Pushing his head up gently, she placed a pillow underneath his head before going to the door. "Breakfast from the cafe," Teddy chimed as he held up the paper bag. 

"Yum," she hummed as she stepped aside to let him in. 

"Is that that Seunghyun guy," Teddy asked as he noticed the sleeping young man.

Minzy nodded as she walked back to peek into her father's room to see that he was still fast asleep before heading into the kitchen. Taking a seat next to him, she felt her stomach grumble at the smell of grandma's deliciously baked goods. "Thanks for bringing this." 

"Having sleep overs with him..." 

Minzy grunted as she snatched the bag out of Teddy’s hands, "Are you trying to call me a ?" 

Teddy put his hands up and shrugged, "I'm sorry, it's just a little weird..." 

"Change the subject," she grumbled as she bit into a freshly baked pastery good. 

"Gladly since he's all I hear about," Teddy shrugged it off as he joined in. 

 

Minzy frowned as she placed two fingers onto Seunghyun's neck. He was in fact breathing and his pulse felt normal but he was still fast asleep. He had slept through out the entire morning and through all the appointments that came through to assess her father. It was now becoming evening and he hadn't even got up to use the bathroom or eat either. "What did you give him again," Teddy asked as he came to stand next to Minzy to stare at the sleeping man. 

"Did you accidently give him a sleeping potion or a poisionous drink that was meant for me," her father darkly teased.

Rolling her eyes she shrugged in confusion, "I only made him what I made myself. A tea." 

"You need more than a poisionous tea to kill you," her father continued to joke.

"His long Summer must finally be hitting him," Teddy offered. 

Minzy gave him a side glance before looking back at Seunghyun, "And how exactly was his Summer?" She asked as a joke as she recalled her conversation with Seunghyun the night before, realizing they hadn't once talked about their Summer apart. 

"She who shall not be named obsessively talked about him and his well being all Summer," Teddy rolled his eyes in disgust. "According to her perspective she saw a side to him she hadn't seem before. Most likely it was because of that stunt she pulled of being pregnant. To which her father almost died of a heart attack after hearing what she did. But that's besides the point, this guy here basically shut her out along with everyone else. To my knowledge he spent his Summer with family and saving your father."

"Yes his name was captain save a drunk," her father added with a chuckle. 

"She who shall not be named had been pinning after this guy all Summer but his family didn't help one bit. They of course heard of her little stunt and shunned her from their home. Not to mention his mother, she was as I recalled the dragon lady." 

Minzy coughed a laugh as she shook her head, "Seunghyun's mother is not the dragon lady. She's one of the sweetest woman I know. She was like a second mother to me." The thoughts of Seunghyun's mother caused her chest to tighten. She made a mental note to see her sometime soon. 

"Yes, Mrs. Choi is highly respected in our home. She had Seunghyun bring me some dinners throughout the Summer when she heard I was alone," Mr. Gong agreed. This hit Minzy hard as she added a note to bake some goodies to take along with her for the visit.

"I'm not the one who said that, I'm just the messenger," Teddy spoke up to defend himself. "I'm just telling you from one side." 

"Thanks Teddy," Minzy smiled brightly as she reached out to pat his arm. Sighing she looked at the time and reached into Seunghyun's pocket to pull out his phone. Grinning at the photo of him and his brother plastered on his phone, she typed in his pass code and watched as it opened. Of course it was still the same, but she didn't expect to see what his screen saver was. It was an old photo of them together under their favorite tree smiling brightly. Minzy remembered that moment as clear as day, because that was when they first decleared it would be their tree. Their tree to escape whatever high school was going to throw their way. Their tree where she insisted on taking the perfect picture of them starting their new adventure together. Pushing aside those past thoughts, she quickly dialed Seunghyun's mother. 

"Seunghyun," his mother's voice rang through the phone with great concern.

"Hi Mrs. Choi, this is Minzy..." 

"Minzy dear, it's so good to hear your voice," his mother let out a sigh of relief. 

"Thank you, it's good to hear your voice as well. I just wanted to call and let you know that Seunghyun is here at my house helping me out with my father..." 

"Oh that's good to hear. How is your father? Would you like me to make some dinner for you guys tonight," she asked. 

"No thank you, we appreciate it though. I just wanted to make sure you knew where he was at," Minzy smiled. 

"Thank you dear, keep him as long as you like. Your father needs all the help he can get with everything that's going on and all," Mrs. Choi said sincerely. 

Minzy loved Mrs. Choi for her kind gesture, "Thank you Mrs. Choi. I must bring you some baked goods at the very least for being so good to my family." 

"I won't turn down sweets from you dear. Send my love to your father for me," Mrs. Choi bid her farewell before hanging up. 

"You're right. she doesn't sound like a dragon lady at all," Teddy spoke up after listening into the conversation. 

Minzy scoffed at the absurd notion, "I've known that woman all my life. If she was a dragon lady it was because she needed to be." 

 

Author's Notes:

Sorry, I had to take this fic down and tweak it a bit before putting it back up. It was getting a little messy. But I'm hoping to get this fic done sooner than later. I've written a couple of chapters and will be posting them throughout the next few weeks. Thanks for your patience and reading!