v. the fifth step

Despite all the troubles she encountered the past few weeks, Minji finally allowed herself a genuine smile as Minyoung chatted away about her holiday to Jeju Island with her boyfriend last week. Her sister's presence was enough to chase away the negativity that surrounded her.

“How’re your studies?”

Minji continued to steer the wheel, focusing on the road ahead. At the mention, she felt her mood drop a little before shrugging it off.

“Alright. I have an upcoming exam that I have to study extra hard for.”

Minyoung shifted in the passenger seat to face her little sister. “Uh-oh, it’s that time again where you lock yourself in your room for days.”

She could hear the disapproval in her voice and Minji felt touched by the concern. Her sister was the only one who ever showed it.

“But don’t I do that all the time though?” she replied dryly.

“Exactly! I’m worried your social life is going down the drain.”

It was not the first time the subject was brought up. While her parents couldn’t care less if she had friends or not, Minyoung was more than worried to be the only one that her sister reached out to. Unfortunately, she wasn’t aware of how Minji distanced herself away from her peers that the idea of a social life was almost absurd. Like a fanciful dream.

“Well, isn’t that one of the reasons you supported me and my dancing? Anyway, it’s fine. I don’t have time for it. You know how mother and father is, they’ll notice even the slightest drop in my grades.”

Minyoung took a moment to ponder over her sister’s explanation before saying, “Min, I just want you to know there’s more to life than studying. I know our parent’s pressuring you to graduate as one of the top students but I don’t like what it’s doing to you.”

The girl smiled sadly, knowing her older sister was right. “Sis, how did you do it?" 

What she really wanted to ask was how her sister found another person to trust. If there’s anything Minji learned in school, it’s that no one can be trusted. As quick as people flock to you, they leave just as fast. She learned it the hard way in middle school. That was why it hurt less when she came to the academy. By that time, she has learnt to harden her heart.

When they reached a red stop, Minyoung laid a hand on her sister’s arm as if she knew what she was thinking.

“Min, you can’t keep people out forever. I know you’re scared but don’t let the past control your future.”

With nothing to say but eyes slightly misting, Minji did not reply and instead stepped on the pedal once the light turned green. When they reached the destination of the party her sister was sneaking into, Minyoung unbuckled her seatbelt and seized her clutch. With one leg already out, she turned the younger girl.

“You really don’t want to come?”

“I told you I have a test coming up. Oh, and I have dance tomorrow.”

“Alright, alright. Can you pick me up when I call you, then? I promise it won’t be too late.” Minyoung batted her lashes at her sister.

Minji rolled her eyes, a grin forming on her face. “ If you say so, sis, if you say so. You’re just lucky, I’ll be up revising. Have fun!”

The woman giggled in response and blew her sister a kiss. And then, she was gone. 

Minji kept going, absorbing the material before her without interruption. It’s been hours and even as the endless numbers and formulas imprinted on the paper began to stir a headache, she pulled through.

Realising she revised a whole chapter already, she heaved a satisfied sigh at the rate of her productivity. Now, it was break time. Pushing away from the desk, she was about to grab a snack when her phone vibrated.

Perfect timing.

According to the clock mounted on the wall, it was nearing two in the early morning. Her sister actually kept her word seeing as she usually called at three the latest. Any later, she’d call a taxi. Grabbing her keys, she tip-toed out of the house. Careful to not wake any of the maids or staff, or worse her parents. As soon as she reached her car, she sped off.

Minji parked near the curb of where the party took place—a more or less average-looking house that emitted an array of colourful lights from its windows. From outside, she could imagine the thick air that must be swirling inside, carrying the rancid odour of sweaty bodies and alcohol. It was a party hosted by a middle-class, no doubt.

Minyoung had always preferred them. She deemed it a break away from the high society they were in. A thrill and that was why she pretended to be a part of them. If their parents ever found out, they’d be horrified but thanks to the sister code, Minji wasn’t telling them anytime soon.

“Hey, I’m outside already. Where are you?” Minji asked over the phone when the other side picked up. However, the only response she got was all sorts of sounds that was not her sister. “Unni?”

Annoyed, she waited for a couple more seconds wincing at the indecipherable noise from the other end. And then, a familiar voice.

“—Minji-ah? Oh, you’re here, I’m sorry. I’m coming out now!”

Huffing, Minji ended the call. Igniting the engine once more, the girl saw her older sister stumble out of the front door with a laugh. Another girl was holding her up, leading her towards the car. Minji recognised her. Park Bom. They barely stepped out of the porch, when Minji decided to come out and help them.

“Mingkki!” Bom called out when she saw the other Gong sister take Minyoung’s left arm.

“How much did she drink, Bom-unni?”

“Hey!” Minyoung cut in with a slurred cry. “I’m not that drunk!”

“Eh, quite a bit as you can see. Couldn’t stop her, sorry about that.”

Bom managed a sheepish smile that Minji could only return. With effort, the two managed to haul the girl into the seat and strap her seatbelt on despite her protests. Eventually, she ceased moving and sank into her seat. She finally fell unconscious.

“Thanks for the help,” Minji sighed, rubbing her neck from the energy she just exerted.

The older girl shook her head with a grin. “It's okay, Minji. You know, she’s lucky she has you. Anyway, I was actually wondering if I could catch a ride with you. If it’s alright with you. You’re the driver.”

“Of course.”

The rest of the girls climbed into the vehicle, joining the unconscious one inside.

“You haven’t moved houses have you?” Minji began, starting the vehicle.

“Well, I don’t think so,” Bom giggled, fastening her seatbelt. “How’s she in the front? Hopefully, you guys don’t get caught.”

“Don’t worry, this is not the first time and it won’t be our last. I’ve become an expert at sneaking out and in,” Minji said with a smile.

As the two delved deeper into their conversation, they began to drive off but no more than a second later, the car screeched into an abrupt halt, causing the girls inside to lurch forward. Even Minyoung groaned, her head lolling back and forth.

“Are you okay, Minji?” Bom cried from the back.

“Yes, I’m sorry! These idiots just—!” Minji narrowed her eyes at the people in front of the car as she parked at the nearest curb. They came out of nowhere, walking from the pathway and into the road without looking. She could’ve hit them!

“Ugh, looks like they’re from the p