FIVE YEARS LATER

Minzy’s eyes slowly fluttered open, letting out a soft hum of approval as the smell of coffee wafted into her room. Looking to the time, she rolled to sit up.  Grabbing a baggy t-shrit she tossed it over herself and stumbled out towards the smell. Mumbling a good morning to the young man grinning over to her, she grabbed the pot and poured her a nice big cup. She chuckled as she felt strong arms wrap around her small waist. "Good morning," he breathed into the crook of her neck and placed a sweet kiss onto it. 

Leaning into his strong embrace, she sipped at her coffee to help her wake up. "Thanks for making the coffee. I needed this," she grinned as she turned around and pecked his cheek. 

He in turn began to pepper her face with more kisses, making her giggle as he squeezed her tightly against him, "Maybe we can keep this going?" 

"You would want this to keep going," she smirked knowingly up at him and shook her head as she slipped out of his grasp. "You know I'm not that type of girl." Winking at him, she lifted her cup of coffee and smiled brightly, "Thanks again. I have to get ready for work." 

Pinning her long hair in a messy bun, she came rushing in to just barely make it on time. Smiling victoriously as she rushed over towards the racks of aprons, she reached out to take hers and place it around her waist. "Great job, you made it on time," her coworker teased from behind the counter. 

"Thanks," Minzy smiled as she joined her fellow coworker to start making the baked goods. 

Taking out the various ingredients, her mind always seemed to think back to Grandma's cafe. The way it looked to her when she first applied. The way she had learned how to make the baked goods Grandma's way. The way she and Zelo had found hope in a better tomorrow. So many great memories ran through Minzy's mind as she prepared to open up shop. 

After the morning rush, she excused herself from the kitchen. Placing her aprone back up, she made her way out of the bakery and towards her car. Gazing at the time, she grinned seeing that she would be right on time for her lecture today.

Slipping into a desk, the professor began his lecture as she focused in to take good notes. Studying abroad was something she didn't imagine she would ever learn to love, but she eventually did. After she had spent the first year traveling and getting familiar with New Zealand, she figured she should do something with her life. Though at times she faultered and wanted to retreat back to see Grandma, Zelo and Teddy, she knew better. How could she? She found herself saying in her moments of weakness before she carried on with her day. One moment in particular came to mind when she had to return back to Korea to apply for her student visa. In the few days of being in Korea she found herself coming close to forgetting her plan and retreating back to Grandma's cafe. But doubt and the drama of what would happen if she returned gave her a reality check to stay put. Shaking the thoughts that threatened to set her back, she tried harder to focus on the lecture. She had no time to dwell on the past she told herself. Having a double major studying culinary arts and business, as well as learning English to be able to communicate with others in New Zealand.

Minzy had grown to love the greenery and deep blue ocean that surrounded it. Not only was she able to love her surroundings, but also the people that came with it. She was able to make some friends from Korea who also came to study in New Zealand. These friends soon became like family, as she spent every waking free moment with them. Laughing at her best friend Chaerin who was teasing her current guy crush Taeyang who made that good cup of coffee for her in the morning, about some simple dance moves, watching the two mimick each other's moves had her mind flashing back to her past when her brother and Teddy had their own dance competition. 

"What are you laughing at," Chaerin teased seeing her best friend smiling. 

Minzy shrugged as she looked at the time, "I gotta go." 

"It must be hard to be a double major," Taeyang was quick to be by her side. 

Meanwhile her best friend pulled back to let the pair talk, "I want to own my own little bakery or cafe one day." Minzy's words had her thinking about Grandma's cafe. Even if she had left that small cafe, she couldn't deny that she missed it and hoped that one day she would be able to return.

"Does this bakery or cafe exist already or do you wanna build one," he continued to ask.

She nodded as she thought about the various memories of the cafe, "It exists." 

"If you were so happy there why did you leave," Taeyang asked.

Minzy had thought on that question many times before, but hearing it being asked to her out loud she didn't know what to say, "Well...I would like to go back. I just...no longer have to courage to face them." 

"Hmm..." Taeyang hummed as he listened to what she was saying. "So you're a run away? It all makes sense." 

She scoffed as she stopped in her tracks, "Excuse me?" It had been a while since she had last been told she was "running away."

"It makes sense why you've dodged any advances," he began.

"What advances," she eyed him suspiciously.

"Meaning..." he moved to take her hand in his. Intertwining their fingers, he stepped face to face with her and grinned. Using his free hand to brush the stray hairs out of her face, he leaned forward and watched as she moved back, "Like I said...dodging any advances." 

Minzy released her hand from his and cupped her heated cheeks, "I'm sorry. I just can't." It was one thing to have Taeyang secretly over and hanging out one on one, but out in public together was taking things to the next level. A level she knew she wasn't ready for.  

Chaerin stepped up and pulled her friend away, "Sorry Taeyang, we have to get going. She'll be late to her next class." 

"Alright cool," he said trying not to sound too hurt. 

After the pair of friends had moved away from Taeyang, Chaerin pulled her friend to an empty hall, "What the girl?! You can't keep doing this to every guy that wants to be with you!" As much as Minzy appreciated her dear friend's advice, Chaerin could never truly understand why she was the way she was. Minzy had never really shared her past and was grateful that Chaerin never really asked about it. Being in New Zealand the past few years Minzy had been trying to peice herself back together or at least trying to mold herself into the person she was trying to be today. Learning to be at peace with her past and attempting to follow her dreams in learning about business and culinary arts. All for the goal of one day owning and running Grandma's cafe. It was what motivated her, not romantic relationships. If relationships taught her anything, it brought nothing but pain and suffering that she did not need or want. Therefore Minzy only hung out with guys from time to time never getting into something serious. Never letting any guy getting too close to hurt her again. But in her friend's eyes she was a player and Minzy was glad to put on that front. It was easier than explaining her past experiences. So instead of explaining she took her friend's yapping and sighed, "Did you hear me," Chaerin pouted seeing her friend stare at her with glazed eyes. 

"Yeah I heard you," Minzy smiled as she waved off her friend as she made her way to her next class. Gladly entering the class, she walked over to her cupboard and put on her chef's coat and hat before washing her hands. Cheering with the other students as the guest chef introduced himself, Minzy was grateful to have such an opportunity to learn from a world reowned chef. Taking serious notes, she was clapping as the chef bowed at the end of his presentation.

Switching from her culinary clothing to business attire, she rushed across campus to get to her business classes. Smiling to herself, she held her note cards proudly as she walked out of her presentation. Thinking about her proposition and seeing how intrigued her professor was, she knew she was going to ace her class. Waving over to Chaerin, who walked over and slung her arm over her shoulders. The pair began to chat about where they should go to eat for lunch. Grinning to herself, Minzy felt like everything was going according to plan. Nearing her apartment, Minzy came to an abrupt halt. Gawking at the person sitting outside her apartment complex, she rubbed her eyes and stared in disbelief, "Do you see an old woman sitting over there?"

Chaerin turned her gaze towards the same direction as Minzy and nodded, "You talking about the old woman sitting outside your apartment area?" 

Minzy gasped as she caught hold ot her friend's side, "Really?!" Taking quick strides, Minzy felt her heart pounding as Grandma looked into her direction. Minzy felt light headed as Grandma extended her arms out to her, "Grandma." Stepping forward, she nearly lept into the old woman's arms. "What are you doing here?" 

"I've come to bring you back home," Grandma said with a sad smile. 

"What's wrong? Did something happen," Minzy asked feeling nervous, yet she didn't know why. 

"Would you come with me if there wasn't," Grandma countered.

Minzy shrugged as she knew she couldn't say such thoughts to Grandma. "Grandma I don't really have a home." 

"I'm sorry you feel that way," Grandma frowned deeply. 

She was quick to wrap her arms around the older woman's waist again. It felt good to hold the woman she thought so much about over the years, "I didn't mean it like that. What are you doing here by yourself? How did you even find me?" 

"I have my ways," Grandma said triumphantly. 

Minzy sighed not knowing where this was going. Pulling away to look Grandma in her eyes, she felt so small, "I don't know what use I would be if I went back with you. There's nothing left for me back in Korea." 

"Your brother is really sick. After finishing his service in the military he got real sick and his health keeps declining," Grandma confessed. 

As much as she felt worried for her brother, she couldn't help but feel skeptical, "Did he ask you to come for me?" 

"Does he need to," Grandma countered sternly. 

"So he doesn't know," Minzy let out a deep sigh. "I don't know..."

"Minzy will you stop being such a stubborn girl and come with me. This trip in itself has taken a toll on me. Please," Grandma snapped. As soon as it was for Grandma to snap at her, she was already apologizing. "I'm sorry dear, please forgive me. I seem to lack patience as of lately."

Minzy nodded in understanding as she turned to her best friend who stood by watching it all, "Grandma this is my best friend Chaerin."

"Nice to meet you dear," Grandma turned to the other young woman and smiled. "Would you be a dear and tell your friend here that she needs to come home with me?" 

"Minzy," Chaerin bumped her shoulder against hers. "The semester is basically over and you can email your final papers that I know you finished last week. Just go." 

Minzy cringed inwardly as she looked between the two women before her. If only it were that simple, if only she could take courage in their words. But she knew better, shaking her head she frowned, "I will come under one condition...let me take care of your cafe." 

"Dear I was planning on letting you and your brother take it on after I passed anyway. Is that all," Grandma asked somewhat offended.

Shocked and in awe by Grandma's response, she felt her stomach tighten, "Really?! I mean...I don't know what to say." 

"Say you'll come home," Grandma pleaded with a sad smile.

Embracing the old woman tightly, Minzy could feel just how fragile Grandma had become. Sighing at how fast Grandma had declined in a few years, she planted a soft kiss onto Grandma's head, "Let's go home." 

Minzy felt like she was going to lose her mind. Wringing her hands in her lap, she began to doubt her decision to return with Grandma. "You'll be fine dear. You'll be fine," Grandma said as she took Minzy's hand in hers. Giving her hand an encouraging squeeze as the plane touched down in Seoul. Minzy felt her heart pounding in her chest and her ears ringing as the plane pulled up to the gate. Panicked and overwhelmed with doubt, she closed her eyes tightly and wished that she could just go back to New Zealand. "Minzy we have to get off the plane now," Grandma's voice echoed as she snapped her eyes opened to see other flight attendants standing by with a concerned look. Not wanting to alarm anyone, she cooly got up and held tight to Grandma's hand. Following Grandma out, she gazed around and took in all her surroundings. Shaking her head, she continued to follow Grandma out and was grateful to be met with a limo driver. Slidding in next to Grandma, she couldn't help but cuddle up next to her. 

"Will you take me to the nearest hotel? I would like to rest a bit," Minzy mumbled into her shoulder.

"No, you're going to be staying with me in my house," Grandma stated in a matter of fact. 

"But..."

Grandma leaned her head upon Minzy's and grinned, "I gave you your space and let you handle things your way and now I will handle things my way." Minzy was a bit taken aback by how sassy Grandma had become, it was a whole other side that Minzy could not comprehend. "Trust me dear, I need you here with me." 

"Grandma, I've been gone longer than how long we've known each other. I don't know what difference I'm making being here," Minzy sighed as she voiced her concern. 

"Time is a funny thing. You could know someone forever and still not know who they truly are. That goes the same for having an instant connection with someone you just met, that's us. We became family in a short time that we've spent with one another. Now I'm needing you as family to be by my side. Can you do that for me," Grandma asked. 

Gazing up into Grandma's eyes Minzy couldn't deny that she felt the same way. Nodding, she couldn't help but smile, "I will always be by your side no matter where I am." 

"Then be here with me. At least until I'm ready to let you go again, please be by my side," Grandma grinned as she turned to kiss the top of her head. Minzy couldn't deny her request as she thought back to when she and Zelo had fled from their home. Grandma had taken them in with no questions asked, just love. Love and adoration was all she felt as she found herself gazing out to the home that held many painful memories for her. Dropping her gaze to the ground, she took hold of Grandma's hand and allowed her to guide her into the house. Using the old woman as a shield, she kept her gaze down as she was led further into the house, more like a mansion as she realized that she was in a different part of the house she had never seen before. Coming to a halt at a door, Minzy felt a sudden rush of nerves. She wanted to turn and run, but stayed due to the anchor that held her in place, Grandma. "Go on child." 

Minzy began trembling with fear, shaking her head as the tears started to swell in her eyes, "I can't. Don't make me do this." 

"You need to see what you left behind," Grandma sighed as she released her grasp and opened the door. Stepping into the dimly lit room, she walked over to the bed side where someone lay. "I have a special visitor for you," Grandma said lovingly as she bent down and kissed the person's forehead before turning back. "Come," Grandma nodded. 

Folding her arms over her chest, Minzy slowly moved into the room. She didn't know why she felt the tears spilling over her cheeks, but she continued to slowly move forward to reach for Grandma's hand. Taking it once more, she felt a small tug and stumbled into the bed side. Closing her tear filled eyes, Minzy began to shiver at the chill that ran down her spine. "Minzy..." a soft familiar voice croaked. Hearing her name, her eyes fluttered open to see the owner of the voice. Shaking and crying, she draped herself over the young man that lay sick in bed. He seemed more mature for his age, but that didn't compare to the evident pale and fragile look he had about him. Reaching forward with trembling hands, Minzy found herself cupping the sick young man's face and looking into his eyes. They flickered with recognition and love that she was so sure was gone when she left. "You came home," he breathed before violently coughing. Groaning out in pain, Minzy wanted nothing more than to take whatever sickness he had upon herself. "I'm glad you finally came home," he said through a raspy voice after the coughing subsided. 

Minzy couldn't comprehend what he was saying, as she embraced him tightly in her arms. Crying as she buried her face into his damp hair, she felt an overwhelming guilt wash over her, "Zelo." Rocking him in her arms, she felt his weak arms trying to hold onto her as well. "Zelo..." she kept repeating out loud as she cried harder. 

After a good cry, Minzy found herself dipping a rag into a bowl of cool water before dabbing it along her brother's forehead and neck. Dipping it back into the bowl, she squeezed some of the water onto his head to help cleanse the sweat off of his head. Placing the rag into the bowl, she ran her fingers into his hair to squeeze out the excess water and to give his head a light massage. Taking another dry rag, she gently massaged it against his scalp to help dry the rest of it. Looking up from where she sat with Zelo's head in her lap she saw Grandma staring at them from a distance. Giving her a grateful grin, Minzy sighed, "What's wrong with him?"

"The doctors have yet to find out. He gets worse by the day," Grandma revealed.

Meanwhile Minzy sat listening as she continued to run soothing through her brother's hair, causing him to drift back to sleep. "Can I try something?" 

"By all means, please try to solve the mystery," Grandma nodded. 

Slowly shifting Zelo's head back onto the pillow, she moved to open the blinds in the room followed by the window. The air was cool and crisp as she inhaled the fresh air. Turning to Grandma, she asked if there was an aid or nurse to help shower and change Zelo's clothing and bedding. Nodding, Minzy asked Grandma to get whoever was responsible for those things to come and do just that as they headed out to the stores. Grandma nodded and took out her phone, dialing some numbers, while Minzy found herself gazing back at her brother's face. Zelo appeared to have more defined features as if he had grown into a stunning young man. She figured he would, but he seemed to be very becoming with his strikingly handsome looks even with how sick he looked. Watching as he shivered due to the cool breeze, she grinned as she bent down and kissed his forehead. 

Minzy was grateful to have an aid come and assist her in bathing and changing him. It was something she knew she couldn't do alone and she wasn't going to depend on Grandma to help in the cause. Taking the last blanket and tucking it under her brother, she grinned and turned to Grandma who had let her know that the items she requested had arrived. Graciously Minzy asked Grandma to lead her to the kitchen where she had prepared a home made soap to take back to her brother. Waking Zelo back up was a bit alarming as he didn't respond at first. Not giving into the temptation of freaking out, she gently began to his face, coaxing him to open his eyes to the freshly made food. After some time, she was able to get him to slighty open his eyes as she began to spoon feed him. Slowly he was coming to enough to sit up on his own. Finishing the bowl of soup, she sat in amazement as he leaned his head upon her shoulder. It brought her great comfort and easy as he used the strength he had to wrap his hands around her waist and pull her against him. 

"I can't believe you're really here," he breathed.

"Grandma told me that you were super sick," she sighed as she leaned onto her brother. 

"I am super sick, but I think the medications the doctor prescribed are starting to kick in," he sighed.

Minzy eyed Grandma who just shrugged as she then looked back at Zelo who sat cuddled up against her. As much as she wanted to question it all, she didn't. Instead she enjoyed the fact that she was next to her baby brother once again. Leaning her head upon his, she sat quietly until she felt his breathing slow down as he fell back to sleep. Gazing up at Grandma, she grinned as she slipped out of his grasp and laid him back against his bed once again. Walking up to the old woman, she bent down and grinned as she took the old woman's hands. Holding them in her hands she smiled brightly. "Thank you," she breathed as she got up and kissed Grandma on the forehead. "I'm going to go take these back to the kitchen," Minzy said as she exited with the dishes in hand.

Walking back to the kitchen she was greeted by a house maid offering to take the dishes. But she politely declined as she made her way to the sink and washed the dishes herself. Frowning at the fact that most of the mess she made had been cleaned up by the maid. Sighing, she allowed the maid to instruct her where the items went and stayed assisting the maid who continually told her that she had everything under control. Simply smiling and nodded, Minzy continued to help until the kitchen was clean. As the maid thanked her, she in return thanked the maid for all the help and asked if it was possible for her to make a quick phone call in the kitchen. The maid politely excused herself as Minzy pulled out her phone. Dialing Lawyer Lee's number, she told her of her whereabouts and wanted to have a meeting on her financial standings with both her law and financial teams. Minzy nodded to herself as her lawyer informed her that it would take two days to compile and put together the teams' presentation of the last five years. Agreeing, Minzy asked the lawyer if at all possible to look into finding her an apartment near Grandma's cafe along with getting a car for transportation. After all was said and done, she hung up and turnned to head back to Zelo's room. She was startled for a second at the sudden appearance of her wide eyed mother. The feeling was mutual, but she wouldn't admit to it as she moved to walk past her. 

"What are you doing here," her mother growled as she moved to block her exit. Minzy stood still as she thought of her options. "Why have you come," her mother asked again with so much venom. It was surprisingly refreshing to hear such bold words from her mother, but not as refreshing as the fact that she pushed past her and moved back to Zelo's room. Opening the door, she was caught by the wrist and turned back. "I asked you a question!" Minzy scoffed, a little annoyed now that she was being hounded by this woman. Shaking her head, she turned back and moved into the room. "I want you out of my house now!"

"Your house? From what I remembered, you live in my house," Grandma spoke up startling her mother.

"Grandma Park," her mother gasped as she quickly bowed her head in embarassment. "I didn't realize you were here." 

"So this is how you treat your family," Grandma sighed. "Go and prepare the room next to mine. Minzy will be staying there..."

"But what about Bom..." Minzy's mother said in a panic.

"What about her? Go and do as I've asked. Minzy is a guest in my house," Grandma responded. Watching her mother cower in Grandma's presence, she saw the old side of her mother come out. As she watched her mother disappear, Grandma called her attention, "When the room is prepared I will have Mina show you your room." Nodding she grinned and was surprised by the grumbling in her stomach. Clutching her empty stomach, she chuckled as Grandma stood to her feet, "Let's go get something to eat." 

"Alright," Minzy smiled gratefully as she linked her arm with Grandma's. Following her out, they got into a limo and drove off. Minzy and Grandma laughed and talked about her adventures in New Zealand. "I graduate soon. You should come out to New Zealand some time with me so I can show you around." 

"I would love that dear," Grandma smiled. 

"You know, while I was gone I couldn't help but realize what I wanted to do after schooling," Minzy sighed as she sipped at her tea. "It might be a small and simple dream to others, but I don't care. I agreed to come back because I do want to eventually run your cafe Grandma. While I've been away I've sought comfort and peace when I think of how to improve and how to continue your legacy in the cafe," she confessed. "Is that a weird dream to pursue?" 

"No, it's very admirable and I'm touched that you would feel so deeply about my cafe," Grandma smiled.

"Grandma you've saved me more times than you know," Minzy smiled back at the old woman. 

Returning back to the mansion, Minzy yond feeling the jet lag hit her, "Grandma do you think the room is ready. I'm exhausted from the flight over." 

"It should be dear. Let's go check," Grandma led her down a hall into another section of the mansion. Coming upon a room that had various maids going in and out of the room, they came to a stop to see Mina walk out and bow. "Is her room ready?" 

"Just about. But I feel..."

"Thank you, you may take your leave along with the other maids," Grandma cut her off as she walked into the room. Minzy didn't say a word as she followed Grandma into the room. Minzy could have sworn it was the size of a studio with how spacious it was, but it wasn't as beautiful and comfortable looking as the bed was looking back at her. "I hope you like it. Your bags are here if you need to change into something more comfortable. This room also as a bathroom connected to it." Minzy gasped in awe at the western styled bathroom. It had both a jetted tub, next to a walk in shower. What surprised her even more was the built in mini fridge next to the tub filled with wine. "I had them fill it, to help ease your stay." 

"I will most definitely be using that," Minzy nodded as she saw the candles and wine glass sitting on the ledge. 

"Good, then I will leave you to it," Grandma smiled. "I will let the maids know to not disturb you." 

Minzy had drank a bottle of wine as she sat in the nicely heated jetted tub. It was all heavenly as she heard her phone ring. Smiling as she answered her phone, she talked with her best friend and drank more wine. 

Minzy awoke to the loud thumping at the door. Coming to, she slipped the silk robe on and made her way to the door. Yonning as she opened the door, she was met with a red faced Bom. She looked furious as she began to shout at the top of her lungs. "Why are you here?! Who said you could be in this room?! You can't be here! Get out," she reached to take hold of Minzy's arm. 

But Minzy moved her arm back and eyed her, "Can I help you?" 

Tears began to stream down her face as Mina, what she was now going to refer to her mother as, came trying to comfort Bom, "Get the out of there! You can't be in that room! No one is allowed in there!"

"And why not," Grandma appeared. "Since when did you get to dictate who gets to stay where in my house?" 

"Grandma," Bom began to cry. "That's Dara's room!"

"It was," Grandma agreed. "But she is no longer here and your sister would've wanted you to treat our guest nicely." 

"Our guest," Bom said hysterically as she cried. "No, she can't stay here! I won't allow it!" 

"As I've told Mina, I will tell you as well. This is my house and I will not tolerate any hostility towards my guest. It is not like it will matter to you anymore. You'll be moving out soon won't you?" 

"Grandma that's not fair," Bom cried. "Do you not care if I'm around?" 

"Bom why are you crying? You've made up your mind and I've made up mine. Do as you please with your life as for my guest leave them be," Grandma said as she stood next to Minzy. After Bom stormed off with Mina following quickly behind, Grandma turned to smile at her, "Are you still tired?" 

"Who is Dara," Minzy asked curiously.

Grandma's smile faltered as she walked into the room and sat upon the bed. Patting the spot next to her, she sighed as she frowned. "Dara was Bom's older sister. She passed away years ago. And Bom is right, this used to be her room." 

"Oh..." Minzy said simply understanding the frustration of Bom. 

"When Dara passed, everyone coddled Bom, including me. I was too busy mourning the loss of my granddaugther to see what my other granddaughter was becoming." Sighing deeply, Grandma shook her head, "Bom has become a constant headache as of lately. I fear I have spoiled her too much to realize that life doesn't revolve around her." 

"It happens," Minzy tried to sympathize with her. "But I see why she is upset." Hearing her phone ring, she looked to Grandma apologetically and quickly answered her phone. Grateful for such good timing, Minzy hung up and hugged Grandma, "I found a place to stay. I'll be staying near the cafe." 

"But you should stay here..." 

"Grandma me being here in general has caused enough havoc. I'll stay at the apartment and come over to take care of my brother and spend time with you," Minzy smiled. 

"You're a little too independent for your own good," Grandma nodded as she sighed. 

"After I freshen up a bit I would like to see my brother before I head out," Minzy smiled at the compliment.