Chaerin smiled as she finished her story. Hayi crawled into Chaerin's lap, looking at her sister's face.

"Then, when I see the lights, I'm going to think of the person with that light too."

"Yes, and don't forget to thank God that the person is there, alive. Like the world whispering to me, 'We're here, we're here,' the person's heart must hear it too, and feel less lonely."

"Ne...but, unni..." Hayi was thoughtful for a moment. "What happens then, when they turn off the light when they go to sleep? Does that feel lonely?"

Chaerin laughed wholeheartedly at Hayi's supposition.

"No, that just means they're tired."

Hayi rushed all morning around the house, drinking her coffee, stuffing things into her bag; and grabbing her coat by the door, she stuffed her feet in her shoes and got ready to go.

"'Bye Mom, Dad, Unni. I need to go, my boss is calling already." She blew a kiss to the general direction of their dining area, where her father and Chaerin were sitting, and her mother who was getting more dishes in the kitchen. Chaerin waved.

"Wait, you can't go without breakfast," her father shook his head disapprovingly. "I'll grab something to eat on the way, Dad."

"Then take this and buy some bread downstairs." He stood up and handed her some money.

"Thanks Dad, though I'm not a student anymore." She grinned, taking the money. She kissed his cheek and ran off.

She found herself taking an unnecessary long minute staring at the array of bread in baskets before her. She loved warm bread, and since it was very early still, the smell of all the new bread baking in the kitchen wafted to her nose, and made her judgement a bit hazy. She straightened up, and turned her head to the side in surprise at a tall figure beside her.

He was looking sleepily at the bread, but he looked sideways at her and smiled. She bowed slightly, still a bit surprised.

"Have you decided already, Hayi?" The shop owner smiled at her over the counter. Hayi nodded, turning back to the owner. "The cream cheese bagel, please."

"And you?" the owner turned to the boy beside Hayi. "Oh, Hanbin-ah! Nice to see you again. What are you buying?"

"Uhh...I think Mom said she wanted a whole wheat loaf. And this one, please," He pointed at a basket and the owner nodded.

"Okay, wait a while. Hayi, I'll do yours first because it's breakfast."

"Thank you," they both said at the same time. Hayi fidgeted uncomfortably, while Hanbin stood quietly and yawned once in a while. This is the closest they've ever been.

"You're too early to be going to work already," Hanbin commented. Hayi sighed and smiled. "My boss is a bit demanding."

"You haven't eaten yet?"

"No. I was in a rush." she paused. "You?