Dara's POV


What is Jiyong Kwon doing here? And the Ahjumma beside him is his Mom? Oh my. Why do I keep seeing him unexpectedly? Then my chest pound harder with that thought.

"Let's go home." Mi-Sook Ahjumma holds my arm and was about to pull me but we already realized that Jiyong's Mom is on our front.

"Hello to the both of you." She seems a lively person. "I am Jiyeon and this is my son, Jiyong."

"We knew him." Ahjumma said in a flat tone.

"Omo, really? Is it because you saw the news?"

"He went to our house."

That surprised her. She looked to his son, asking his confirmation. "Mom, I met Sandara few days ago. She encountered some problem so I accompany her to their house."

She looked back at me. "Sandara? Is that your name?" I just nodded. She smiled. "I am glad to meet you."

I only smiled back then looked to Jiyong. I don't know why but I suddenly became nervous on the way he stare at me. It made me feel so conscious.

"Sorry but we need to go now." Ahjumma pull me away from them and in few seconds, we already outside of the building. "Let's hurry." As much as I wanted to protest, I just let her. I don't want to make a scene here and while waiting for a cab, her phone rings. "Who is this?" Then her facial reaction changed before looking at me. "Yes. How have you been?" She gave me a slight nod then hurriedly went to the side area of the building.

"Sandara." I looked back and saw Jiyong with his Mom. "Is everything okay?"

I just nodded then suddenly became embarrassed knowing that I can't talk properly to his Mom but when my eyes met hers, she only smiled. Does she know that I am mute? I looked back to Jiyong, his stare is really making me feel uneasy. It's like he is looking to my deep within.

Ahjumma came back and it is odd to notice that she is looking intently to Jiyong. "Mr Kwon, can I talk to you?" That surprised me. Well, it goes the same with him. "Alone."

When his Mom nodded, he follow Ahjumma so I am left with her.

"Jiyong told me that you can't speak." I looked at her. "To be honest, I was quite shocked that you cannot talk but who am I to judge you? It's not your fault anyway." Then she sigh. "It's just that I don't know how to communicate with someone like you so I somehow feel frustrated."

I looked apologetically to her but just like earlier, she only smiled. Then I looked again to Jiyong and Ahjumma, I can't see their reactions clearly as I can only view their side faces. I wonder what they are talking about; it seems it is a serious matter. After few more minutes, they came back. Ahjumma pulled me away from them then hold my hands. "Dara, I'll be leaving tomorrow early morning and you're gonna stay with Mr Kwon while I am away."

That's so sudden and what she just said confused me. Why she is entrusting me to someone she said that she don't trust? Are you going to help your friend again?

"Yes."

But why do you have to leave me here?

"It will be at overseas."

I'll be fine at home.

"No, it will take almost four months so I can't afford to leave you alone this time."

I looked at her. Though I wanted to ask her more, I just nodded. She helped her friend two years ago on his business but only for few days so if she will going to be away for months, something definitely happened on her friend's business. For the first time, I feel so curious to her other activity. Please take care.

She kissed my forehead. "You too." We go back where Jiyong and his Mom is. "I am sorry for this trouble and I hope you wouldn't mind for having Dara for the meantime. Don't worry, I will try not to be away for so long. I really just can't afford to turn down my friend and I definitely don't want Dara to be alone."

Jiyong's Mom smiled. "It's perfectly fine. After all, I am usually alone at home if my husband and Jiyong are busy."

I bow at her. She is really nice like Jiyong. Then my chest pound hard by thinking that I'll live with him for a certain period of time.

"I'll get some of your things first then I will meet you again in the evening." Then she hold my hands again. "Be careful. Don't go anywhere without Mr Kwon."

I only nodded then she left. Something really changed on her after I went out without telling her. I just wonder if it was the reason. Or maybe she was just really being protective over me. Or maybe it was because of other thing.

"Sandara..." I looked to Jiyong then my chest pound hard once more when he smiled. "Let's go?"

I just nodded then silently sigh as I felt the old woman ghost's presence. I simply glance to Jiyong's Mom, she is beside her. Ahjumma, I still have time. I'll do it later, okay? Then she vanished.

When we reach their house, I unexpectedly feel calm as it gave me a homey feeling. The emotion I don't usually experience at our own house as the art room is the only place I felt safe. I still feel uneasy even I already surpassed those sleepless nights.

"Wait me here; I'll just arrange your room."

I smiled then looked to Jiyong. Please say thank you for me.

He chuckled. "Mom, Sandara says thank you."

She smiled. "You’re welcome, dear." Then she went upstairs.

"Do you know what the business of your Auntie’s friend is?"

I shake my head. I really don't give any interest to it.

Something spark's in his eyes. "I see but did you ever meet him?"

No. I know that he normally calls Ahjumma if he needs help. By the way, what did the both of you talked about?

"She only wanted me to make sure that you'll be safe."

I frown. From what?

"That's still uncertain for now."

What do you mean?

"Better ask her because she doesn't elaborate it when I asked her."

I sigh. I really should talk to her when she comes back so all unnecessary thoughts of mine will be gone. But for now, first things first. I glance to the old woman ghost who just appeared beside him. Can you help me?