(repost - sorry it took so long to get this up again)

Saerin’s POV:

I woke up the next morning and my eyes felt puffy from crying. I didn’t ball my eyes out or something, but just.. Tears formed.. I sighed and went to my bathroom to wash up. After washing up, I changed into my maid outfit and got ready for work. 

I headed downstairs and all of my unnies were already in the kitchen preparing breakfast. “Good morning!” they all chorused at me. 

I gave them a small smile. “Good morning.” 

“Go set the table. Breakfast is almost ready.” Jiyune Unnie gave me a huge toothy smile and pushed me out of the kitchen. I did as told and got plates and cups and forks and knives. While setting the table, Youngmin came downstairs in his school uniform. He cleared his throat. 

“Annyeong.” he said and gave an awkward wave. 

I stared at him. “Annyeong.” I mumbled and walked back into the kitchen. “Unnie.. I’m not hungry. Can I skip breakfast?” I asked Jiyune.

“Mwo? Andwe. You have to eat. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day! How can you go through your day with no energy from breakfast?” she smiled. 

“Erghh... Fine.” I grumbled. I was about to leave the kitchen when someone grabbed my shoulder. 

“Yah. Waegeulae? Did something happen?” Soyeon asked me. 

I shook my head. “No. Nothing happened. Don’t worry.” I smiled, hiding my sad thoughts. 

Soyeon scrunched her eyebrows and shrugged. “But if you ever need anything... I’m here. So are the other Unnies. Promise.” 

“Gomawo.” I said. I walked out of the kitchen only to hear my name be called again. 

“Saerin-ah! Good morning to you.” Mr. Jo chuckled a throaty chuckle. 

“Good morning, Mr. Jo.” I bowed to him. 

“Omo. Did you have a good nights rest? How come your eyes are all puffy?” Mrs. Jo came up to me and touched my face tenderly. I smiled, yet again, hiding my pain. 

“Gwenchana. It’s just uhh... Allergies?” I lied. 

“Oh, I’m sorry. I will get you some medicine later.” Mrs. Jo offered. 

“No, it’s okay. I don’t need them. It’s just... small. Don’t worry about me, Mrs. Jo.” I said. 

“Neh... But don’t look so sad, okay? If you need anything, I’m here.” she gave me a very tender smile. I nodded and bowed to her before leaving the dining room. 

I was about to walk up the stairs when I bumped into somebody. “Oof.” I was knocked back a step and nearly fell. “Waah!” I squealed until someone put a hand on my back. 

“Gwenchana?” Kwangmin caught me. 

“Ah... Yeh... Gomawo.” I stood up straight and bowed slightly. 

Kwangmin chuckled. “Why are you acting so weird? We’re friends. You don’t need to bow to me.” 

“Mian.. I’m out of it today.” I said. 

Kwangmin then came up and touched my face. He gave me a serious look, but then smiled. “If you’re sad, just say so. You don’t need to be strong anymore. You have us to rely on. I promise we only want the best for you, so if you need a shoulder to cry on, just tell us. We’d all be happy to be that shoulder.” 

After hearing his words, it felt like a huge wave of every emotion hit me. Happiness from his kindness, love from his friendship, sadness from all that has happened, thankfulness.. Everything! I ended up wailing like a baby and I clung onto his uniform jacket as I cried onto his shoulder. Kwangmin gently pat my head and held me close, making me feel safe and secure. He waited until I got most of my tears out before pushing me back so he could look at my face. Using his thumbs, he gently wiped my remaining tears away and hugged me. 

“Feel better, Saerin-ah. I’ll always be here for you.” Kwangmin said. 

I was so touched by his actions I cried a little more, but silently to myself. He pulled back one last time and gave me the most loving eyes I’d ever seen. If I hadn’t known any better, I would’ve thought my heart was beating faster. Kwangmin leaned in and planted a soft, gentle kiss on my forehead. “Smiles suit you better than tears.” And with that, he walked into the dining room to have his breakfast. I was shocked from his action this time and stood firm on my spot. My eyes were wide as saucers as I processed everything that had happened. Kwangmin let me cry on his shoulder and he hugged me and comforted me and just kissed me. Whoa. I felt my heart pound in my ears, which didn’t make sense because I thought I liked Youngmin. Maybe because the two look so much alike, my heart is confused. 

I slapped my cheeks gently. “Get a hold of yourself, Saerin. Kwangmin is a nice guy. He’s your friend and he was just helping you.” I was going to head upstairs to have some time alone when my name was called, again. 

“Saerin-ah...” Youngmin said from the bottom of the stairs. 

Great.. The person I just wanted to see... “Mwo?” I said, firmer and harsher than planned. 

Youngmin flinched at my tone and I felt bad for being so rude. “Look, I’m sorry for what happened yesterday. I’m really, truly sorry and I hate seeing you sad like this. Please, don’t be mad at me, or sad. I know you don’t have allergies. I’m sorry I made you cry. Will you forgive me?” 

I was still bitter and even though it was mean, I wanted to show him how he made me feel. “Hmm.. Will I? I don’t know. Let me think about it. I’ll get back to you.” I said with some attitude. I felt horrible afterwards, but I couldn’t help it. I was still in pain. I’m sorry, Youngmin, but this is what I have to do to keep you away from me for a while so that I can calm down.