Title: Neapolitan

Characters: Kang Mina, Cho Hyeyeon

Requested by: step1step2

===

The lights illuminated the whole area. There were also people like it was the Pacific as they swarmed around beams of various colors found in the spectrum. I wasn’t one of them. Although I was a renowned dancer, I’m too decent to be in their league. Such skills are inappropriate for it. I downed the last of my drink as my eyes averted towards a girl.

She was drunkenly sassy as she danced. She was too beautiful from head to toe but there was a catch. She has scars on her arm, especially by the wrists. I saw a Chinese woman heading towards her and I blended throughout the ocean of people. My eyes glared as I got myself in front of the girl. “Stand aside.”

“You stand aside, lady.” She said back.

“Whatever. Mina, let’s go.” I spoke and grabbed her away.

The Chinese woman got hold of Mina's other arm as I pulled her off and started a fight once again, starting a ruckus.

It was the usual ambiance in times of sulking. I wasn’t the pitiful one. I was more of the pair of godly eyes that watched over the servals of my image. Mina was the serval who has trapped herself onto sadness, regret, and longing. I huffed as I finished the Chinese off. As soon as the bouncers arrived, I grabbed Mina and we decided to head home.

+++

“, Mina!!” I yelled as I punched the code. “Why do you have to be-oh -heavy?!!”

I kicked the door open and hurried towards the bed and tossed her body on the bed. She smelt too much of alcohol that I went to get some cloth and warm water to ease her. As I wiped, I expressed my pity. Mina used to be so innocent, so cute. But something triggered her and in the end, it destroyed her. As I finished, I looked her as I held my chest.

“Why can’t you just move on, Mina?” I asked as if I was talking to her. “I’m here, aren’t I?”

“So…” Mina cried. “…I miss you…please come back to me…”

I sighed and decided to go to my room. I closed the door, wrecking stuff away from the table like a madman. I got to my bed and sniffled, almost as ed up as Mina.

Mina had a girlfriend before but they broke up due to circumstance. It had been a year and she still hasn’t gotten over her. I was furious. What made that girl special? Realizing my thoughts, I had gone jealous. Typical infatuation was always the reason. Persuasion was my weapon towards our relationship but I know it won’t be that easy.

I should’ve given up but I stayed…because you’d do anything for the one you care about, right?

•••••

Flickers of white met my vision until I see the ceiling, the fan spinning around slowly. I groaned as I slowly sat up. I ended up coughing and my stomach rumbled so loudly.

“Good morning, Mina.” I looked up and there was Hyeyeon. “I reckoned that you’re up now. I brought you some breakfast.”

“Oh, morning…” I mumbled as I yawned.

I could only sit as Hyeyeon got the breakfast by my bed. I thanked her and decided to dig in when Hyeyeon got the spoon and scooped up some soup.

“What are you doing?” I asked.

“Let me feed you.” She said.

Memories played at the back of head. I shed a tear. My love used to feed me like this.

“No.” I snatched the spoon away and fed myself. “You have something to do, right? Why don’t you do it, then?”

“I do but I’m not leaving until you-“

“Hyeyeon, just go.” I spat. “I want to be alone.”

She nodded lightly and left. I continued to eat, indulging onto this delicious meal. But when I had more spoonfuls, I cried more tears. I gulped and put a hand on my forehead, hearing the spoon fall onto the floor. I couldn’t take the food either. I taught this to Hyeyeon since she loved to cook. But my inspiration of that recipe was HER.

“S-So…” I sniffled. “…Sohye, come back…!!”

She’s gone. She won’t be returning ever again.

But I want her back. I miss her and need her more than ever…

+++

“Mina, you don’t look too good.” Doyeon spoke.

“Maybe you should rest again.” Yeunjung suggested.

“No way…” I answered as I sorted the files of my graphic designs. “…the logo needs to be done today.”

Doyeon and Yeunjung nodded and continued to work on our stations. I had to do the finishing touches of the logo just in time for a fellow designer to arrive.

“Looking good, Mina.” A midget spoke as she onto her lollipop. “But it needs more tone.”

I nodded and made the adjustments. As I was done, I noticed Yoojung look at a cubicle next to mine.

“Mina.” Yoojung spoke. “It had been almost a year and this cubicle isn’t cleaned yet.”

“You’re not touching anything within it.” I spoke coldly. “It’s the only memory we have left with her.”

“More like a memory left for you.” Doyeon batted. “Seriously, Mina. Sohye's been gone for so long-“

“She’s not!” I batted again. “The cubicle will be left untouched!”

Yoojung nodded as she continued to her lollipop and got to her own cubicle. I continued to work when a ring was on the door.

“Customer for you, Mina.” Yeunjung spoke. “It’s Hyeyeon.”

I stopped as Hyeyeon got closer. We faced each other as I greeted her. “What brings you here?”

“I came to see you. Also…” She showed a pack. “…I bought you lunch.”

“Thanks.” I accepted the bag. “Why don’t you sit down for a bit?”

I grabbed another chair for her to sit to down. Although she preferred to sit on the chair by the vacant cubicle, I told her not to. Sohye used to work here and she sat on that chair.

“You came here just to give me this?” I asked.

“No. I was also tasked to request a design.” Hyeyeon answered and showed me a piece of paper. “Our company wanted to have the logo upgraded. I made a suggestive design but if necessary, you can add some modifications.”

“Okay.” I nodded as I ate. “I’ll work on it as soon as I finish eating. Anyways, you had lunch?”

“I did.” Hyeyeon smiled. “And Mina?”

“What is it?” I asked.

“Let’s have dinner together.” Hyeyeon said.

“Pass.” I answered. “I’m off to visit someone.”

“Who?” Hyeyeon asked.

“It’s none of your concern, Hyeyeon.” I answered.

“Okay…” Hyeyeon nodded. “I’ll get going now.”

I nodded and wave as she left. Minutes after, I finished my meal and cleaned my cubicle up.

“Mina, I’m curious.” Yeunjung came in. “What is your relationship with Hyeyeon?”

“She’s a friend. She’s also my roommate.” I answered.

“Oh, really? For a second there, I thought you two were a thing.” Yeunjung said. “She frequently visits her to give you lunch.”

“And so?” I asked.

“What do you mean ‘and so?’” Yeunjung sighed. “She likes you, silly.”

“That’s not a reason. And even if she does, I can’t accept it.” I said and decided to start my work again.

Yeunjung nodded and went back to her cubicle. I stuck to that belief.

Hyeyeon is just a friend. The only one I love is Sohye and no one else.

•••••

It was evening. The view of the buildings of Seoul was breathtaking, all while I listen to the clock ticking the seconds. It was already late in the evening and Mina hasn’t returned. I huffed and grabbed my phone to call her for the umpteenth time. She doesn’t answer her calls too. I had frustrated that I decided to go and look for her when my phone rang again.

“Hello?”

Cho Hyeyeon? This is Choi Yoojung from the IOI-99 Designs Studio, Mina’s fellow worker.

“Ah, yes!” I nodded. “Is she still at work?”

She’s here at the bar near our company. I called you because we tried to get her home but she had gone aggressive.

“I’ll be right there!” I spat and hung up.

+++

I ran inside the bar and it was almost empty. Except for a view that made me gasp. Mina was drunk again as she stood there wobbling and her fellow workers were sprawled on the floor, beaten to a pulp.

“What the are you doing, Kang Mina?!!” I yelled as I got closer. “Come on, we’re going home-“

“No!!” Mina spat.

I cussed and decided to help her friends out. My last stop was Yoojung as I asked. “What’s going on here? What happened?”

“Mina was triggered.” She winced. “She went to visit Sohye and we found here drinking. We tried stopping her but we ended up getting our asses kicked by her.”

“Mina hasn’t lost her fighting skills.” Yeunjung hissed as she grabbed her ankle. “She punches like a boxer.”

Now I was the one triggered. I got closer to Mina and pull her again. “We’re going home.”

“I’m not going!” Mina shoved my hand off. “Sohye’s coming here to see me. I’m not leaving until she comes.”

“Idiot!” I slapped her face. “She’s gone!”

Mina pushed herself away and puked. I ease her with a pat on the back and she fainted that I had to catch her. The others came to help me. This was one ed up night as we send Mina back home.

+++

“Thank you all for helping me.” I bowed.

“Thank you also for getting to Mina.” Yoojung said.

“It’s such a waste. You’re a good woman yet Mina treats you as if you didn’t exist.” Yeunjung spoke and I was hit with the honest words.

“Ah…it’s okay. I’m her friend after all.” I spoke. “Thank you again.”

They left and I went inside to Mina’s aid. She was asleep on her bed, mumbling stuff about longing. Hearing them made me sick. But I cannot be affected it. Mina needs me more than ever.

“So…” She spoke as she cried. “…why did you leave me?”

Instead of staying away, I got closer, sitting by her side. I couldn’t stand her crying that I wiped her tears away as my hand remained, cupping her cheek.

“Yah…why can’t you just get over it?” I batted, feeling a tear coming down. “This is too much, Mina. It has been a year. I can’t bear too see you hurt like this…” I wiped my own tears off as I continued to talk. “Why can’t you just choose me? I’ll be here for you, to take care of you, and to make sure you don’t get hurt again…”

Despite of wiping it, my tears continued to drop. I sniffled, holding her hand with the other. “You should’ve just been here with me. I wished it was me that you cared for. I wished I was yours…”

I cried beside her that night and stayed.

•••••

I woke up at the apartment again. I reckoned Hyeyeon took me here again. And just as I suspected, she was beside me, sleeping as if she was sitting. I saw her hold my hand and I shoved it away. But then, I couldn’t just let her sleep uncomfortably. So I got to her side and carried her towards her room, letting her sleep on her own bed.

There was still work to be done. Getting myself a piece of toast, I got to my workstation, turning on the Mac as I started formulating the logo Hyeyeon wanted to look like. Most of it would be based on her design with some modifications I’ll be adding to make it look nice.

“What are you doing?” “You should be sleeping.” I spoke as I continued to work. “Sleeping on the floor might’ve been uncomfortable.”

“I didn’t feel uncomfortable, Mina. My head’s slumped on your bed.”

“Seriously, Hyeyeon. You need some sleep.” I said again.

She pouted and looked at my Mac. I couldn’t push her away on this one, to the least she doesn’t disturb me or that she critiques my work. “Just don’t slump. Sleep if you feel it.”

“Ne…” Hyeyeon just nodded.

I worked as Hyeyeon watched. She added critiques and I modified anything she asked for the logo.

“Break.” She spoke as she held my hand.

Usually, I pushed her off since contacts like these were meant for Sohye. But I didn’t remind Hyeyeon as she retracted right away.

“Alright.” I sighed. “I’ll take a break.”

Hyeyeon clicked the folder of my graphic designs and wowed of each one inside it. I couldn’t help but look at her, smiling seeing her react of my works.

“Omo-you made this Gugudan picture?” She clicked and opened her e-mail. “I want this!”

“Aish, let me do it.” I chuckled.

I logged in onto my phone and sent her a picture. Hyeyeon was giddy as she received it.

“You’re the best, Mina.” She smiled and hugged me tight that I froze of the contact.

Only Sohye can love you, you fool!

Really now?

Of course! Hyeyeon is just your friend.

“Hyeyeon.” I spoke coldly. “You know the drill.”

Hyeyeon lets go right away and lowers her head. “Mina, I’m so sorry…”

I looked away and heard her footsteps leave my side. I sighed in relief but then, I heard sniffles. It came from Hyeyeon's room.

What have I done?

+++

“The shift's over~~” Yeunjung yelled across the office as we cheered.

“Now let’s go!” I yelled also, getting my stuff. “We can’t let her wait!”

I got my keys and bag as the rest of us followed. I got the car running as they all sat on the back. We drove until we got to a field, almost in the middle of nowhere. I stopped the car as Yeunjung sighed in relief as she had the flowers.

“Mina, slow down next time.” She sighed. “You almost got us killed!”

I made a peace sign as we walked, up until we got to a cemetery. I let the three of them go first until we got to the right grave. I was behind them as Yeunjung puts the flowers and Dodaeng got the old penguin plush and replaced it with a new one.

“Hey, Sohye…” Yoojung greeted. “It’s been a while since the three of us visited you.”

“We miss the Head of our company. You shouldn’t have left, Sohye…” I heard Yeunjung sniffle. “…the company hasn’t been that lively without you.”

“We’re sorry for visiting just now. Hope you’re happy in Heaven, Sohye. We missed you.” Doyeon spoke. “Mina missed you.”

I waited for them to say their prayers and finally got the chance to get closer to the grave. Yoojung handed me the old plush. I hugged it tight despite of the filth.

“Hi, love…” I started. “I’m here again. If you were this plush, you’d slap me because you almost have enough of my presence here everyday.”

I heard the other three chuckle. I did too but it replaced quickly with tears as I hugged the plush tighter. “Mind me for the constant visits. It’s just that I miss you so much. I had been so lost without you…”

Sohye and I had our relationship running smoothly. But despite the happiness hid the pain. I became too possessive. And despite of working in the same company, I was too averted to work and away from Sohye. It was pure torture as if the spark was gone. I wanted her to leave but she didn’t want to leave me. But why did she leave me now? That’s because she got herself on an hit and run accident, all thanks to me forgetting my flash drive back home filled with my graphic designs, in which she tried to bring for me.

With that, I had my regrets. Every second after her death was , especially with love and towards Hyeyeon. She may be a friend but I could sense her actions. She wanted me to move on and she wanted to fall for me. But it was never something I’d submit into. Only Sohye can be loved that way and I will never replace Sohye in my heart.

“Yah, Mina! It’s getting cold already.” Yoojung spoke as Doyeon wrapped herself around the midget. “Let’s go home.”

I pressed my automated key and opened the car so that they’d get in. They got and I remained at the grave, sitting on the wilted grass and hugging the plush close to me.

•••••

Evening has passed and I became frantic. Mina hasn’t returned and who knows, maybe she was off drinking again. That thought made me decides to look for her and call her. Calling her was already a failure so I decided to go to her company. I rushed outside my room when I changed when I tripped onto my rag. I hissed as I got up when I noticed an unfamiliar box in Mina’s room. With such curiosity, I decided to check it.

The box was blue and it had a note onto it. It was also large, making me wonder what the content was. A touch by the cover and I pulled and pushed. The next thing I know, Mina was inches away from me.

*badump*

“What are you doing here?” She asked, gazing at me.

I couldn’t say anything. I was too flustered towards everything I didn’t know where to start.

“This is my room. What right do you have to come inside and touch my stuff?” Mina asked.

“I’m so sorry.” I spoke abruptly. “I was about to look for you when I tripped by my room and found out about the box…and I got curious.”

I lowered my head. Usually in things like these, Mina either yells at me or pushes me away.

“I’m here now. You may go back to your room and change.” Mina said. “Don’t invade my room next time.”

I nodded and hastily ran towards my room.

+++

Night, a time of rest but a time of struggle for me. I panted as I felt like sweating bullets despite of the air conditioner. I even felt having a seizure.

. Why do I have a severe fever now?

“Mina…” I called. “M-Mina!!”

She didn’t hear me and I could cuss of the fact that I was about to faint. I wanted to get up and get something to drink but I ended up collapsing. I closed my eyes and cried, wanting the pain to go away.

I couldn’t move nor speak. But the last of it was that I was losing consciousness slowly and that a silhouette came inside my room.

“M-Mina…”

•••••

Morning, a new beginning yet a ed up one at that. I managed to adjust my vision and I was shocked to be in a different room. Feeling a weight by my shoulder, I gulped. I was in Hyeyeon’s room.

It was late in the evening and I was thirsty. I went to the kitchen when I heard someone calling my name. I got to the source when I saw Hyeyeon shaking. I grew worried that I got closer and carried her to her bed. She was too warm. I cussed of the severe fever she had and usually, she gets seizures because of it. I went back to the kitchen and prepared some hot water and cloth. I wiped her slowly and I sighed in relief that she wasn’t shaking anymore. She eventually calmed and I placed the cloth on top of her forehead.

A part of me shouldn’t do this but most of it wanted to stay by Hyeyeon's side, worrying that anything bad might happen due to the fever.

I sighed. And somehow, I couldn’t help but steal glances towards Hyeyeon. She looked peaceful on her sleep. I felt one strong thump in my chest, even my hands went out of control as I reached for her face.

No. Don’t…that’s not Sohye…

My conscience was right. I can’t deliver such feelings to another woman. Sohye is the one I’ll always love…

“Mina?” Hyeyeon slowly opened her eyes and I retracted my hand and looked away.

But I was fazed as I felt a hold by my hand. I watched Hyeyeon hold it closer to her face, letting that hand touch her cheek. That one thump multiplied into many thumps. But I couldn’t do it again. I just can’t…

“Hyeyeon…” I let go and sat up. “I’ll make breakfast.”

I rushed away and headed towards the kitchen, my mind all frantic from what’s happening.

This is madness. How could I let myself slip onto that moment? What would Sohye think of me?

Little did I know, I was releasing my frustrations in the kitchen as the utensils fell onto the floor. Not only that, the counter was a mess because I spilt orange juice.

“Mina…” I saw Hyeyeon and she was worrying. “…are you okay?”

“Why are you up? Go and rest. You’re still sick!” I scolded her.

“I’m fine, Mina. My fever’s gone.” She spoke. “Let me help you-“

“No!” I backed away as the frustrations grew worse. “Don’t come any closer!”

“Mina-“

I closed my eyes and looked away when I felt a hug by my back. It froze me.

“Mina…” Hyeyeon whispered. “…don’t push me away. I’m right here…I’ll stay, okay? I’m not going to leave you…”

Such words thawed my heart in an unexplainable way. I couldn’t do anything but hold her arm wrapped around mine.

Am I…am I starting to fall for Hyeyeon?

+++

I woke up again, seeing myself on the couch. I got frantic and looked around, wondering where Hyeyeon was.

“Mina.” The voice was familiar.

I looked around away and stopped to see a familiar woman that I jolted up and hugged her tight. “S-Sohye-ya…”

She hugged back and I felt tears running down my face. I broke to look at her, cupping her face.

“I miss you so much…” I cried looking at her.

“I miss you more, Mina-ya…” She smiled as she patted my head.

I felt it by my head then reached for it, kissing it. Looking at Sohye all white, I realized that it wasn’t real.

“Sohye, don’t wake me up…” I begged. “…I don’t want to face a world without you again…not again…”

“I’m sorry, Mina-ya…” Sohye was shedding tears too. “I cannot do that. And I won’t be staying for long-“

“Please…” I hugged her again. “…don’t leave me…”

“I haven’t. I’ll always be here…” Sohye felt my chest. “And you’re always in mine…but it’s making you sad.”

“It’s okay…” I pecked her forehead. “I love you. Even if I lost you, you’re the one I only love.”

“Mina-ya…” Sohye spoke. “Please do me a favor.”

“What is it, love? Anything…”I spoke.

“Move on from me.”

“S-Sohye-ya…I can’t do that…” I shook my head. “I love you…you and only you…”

“You’re crying because of me. Your heart is torn because of me. I don’t want that…” It was her turn to sniffle. “…I want you to be happy…”

“Sohye-ya…”

“You don’t have to forget us. Just go on and be happy. And if you fall in love again…don’t be afraid to fall…” Sohye said as she hugged me again. “…can you do that for me?”

Was I even ready to do that? There were even a lot of what-ifs.

“You won’t forget me. I trust you, Mina-ya…” Sohye said. “Just continue living for me…” Sohye’s words gave me assurance that I hugged her again.

“Okay…”

“I love you, Mina-ya…” Sohye spoke as she hugged me back.

“I love you too…” I felt her one last time. “I always have and always will…”

“Hyeyeon!” I jolted up.

It was evening and I slept at my workstation. I huffed and wandered my eyes around. It was the real world. No sight of Sohye, not even Hyeyeon. My Mac was still on. I looked to see that the logo Hyeyeon asked was already done. Seeing it made me realize something.

I was falling for Hyeyeon.

The logo was Neapolitan ice cream, since Hyeyeon was a sales manager on an ice cream shop. Plus, it was her favorite. It was our memory as friends, eating ice cream together, trying those three delicious flavors up to our heart’s content.

This is what my Sohye meant. I needed to be happy. I needed to love again. I needed to repay Hyeyeon's feelings for me, especially of her decision to stay. But looking around, she wasn’t here.

“Hyeyeon?” I called as I went to her room. “Hyeyeon, are you there?”

I opened the door and gasped. Her room was completely empty, like her stuff was gone. I looked around for any clues, my hands shaking and my heart worrying. “No…”

I got out and looked for a clue everywhere. From the living room to the fridge, I looked. My heart was worrying too much. I lost Sohye before and I can’t bear to lose Hyeyeon this time.

My last stop was at the fridge. I opened it and I saw a pint of ice cream with a folded sticky note. I grabbed it and read that was actually a letter.

Mina,

This is our latest brand of Neapolitan ice cream. I saved this special pint for you. I hope you’ll love it.

See the thing is…I’m leaving now…for good.

I had an opportunity to work at the Australian branch and will work there permanently. I got my stuff out as you slept and moved out, paying the last of the share of rent. I’m sorry if I had to do this.

You were hurting and I was in the way that you would push me away. I really wanted to stay, Mina. My heart couldn’t take it. My heart couldn’t take the fact of leaving the one you love, even if you don’t feel the same. But I couldn’t hurt you any longer. It was better for me to leave.

Please live happily this time. I care for your being, okay? I love you. I really do.

Hyeyeon

I closed the fridge shut and ran out. Memories with Hyeyeon from when we were kids up until now replayed on my mind and they were one of the best moments in my life that I couldn’t bear that they’ll be lost forever. I’ll live life again and be happy…with Hyeyeon.

•••••

Tears ran down my eyes as I got to the airport. Sure, it was nice to have an opportunity overseas but I really did made the decision to sacrifice my happiness.

Mina was my happiness but I became her anger and her regret. Maybe destiny wasn’t meant for us. In the end, I’ll only cause her trouble.

I never wanted to leave her not because of pity but because I love her. She had faced too much pain ever since Sohye left. I was jealous that Mina still felt the same way for Sohye but if Sohye we’re to talk to me right now, she wanted me to be there for Mina, to help her live on with life and be happy.

Sorry, Sohye-ya…I failed…

“Hyeyeon!” I froze of that familiar voice.

I turned around, shocked to see Mina. Not only that she was panting. I couldn’t face her after I left that pint and the letter. “You…you must’ve read it, huh?”

“Hyeyeon, why are you leaving?” Mina asked.

“It says in the letter.” I spoke back. “I have a permanent opportunity in Australia. Living there would just be a waste since I won’t return.”

“Why?” She got closer, almost inches away.

I huffed and lowered my head, feeling my tears drop. “To finally give you your peace.”

“Hyeyeon…”

“I tried, Mina.” I decided to look at her, disregarding the fact that I was crying. “I was really in love with you. I loved you since we were kids. But when you and Sohye had mutual feelings, I didn’t stand a chance. I kept it that way and maintained our friendship. The accident happened and you lost Sohye and your sanity. So I doubled my efforts to always stay by your side and help you in whatever you need, to help you move on, at least.”

Mina had her turn to cry. I couldn’t blame her if she couldn’t accept my efforts wholeheartedly. She was in love with someone else. Forcing her might hurt her even more.

“But I failed. You didn’t want it, you pushed me away, and you were afraid…” I sniffled. “This opportunity was a blessing in disguise so I accepted the offer. I will leave the country for that opportunity…and to give you the peace you deserve.”

Flight to Sydney will be in ten minutes.

“Mina, I’m sorry…” I spoke. “I need to go now.”

I can’t believe this. Here I am, leaving the person I loved my whole life. I look at Mina, finding her beautiful despite of tears. Too bad it will be the last time I’ll see her.

I bowed lightly to leave when I felt a hold on my arm. Turning around, Mina was the one holding onto it. I tried pulling myself away but Mina was strong, holding onto my arm tight. I gasped.

The next thing I know, I was being hugged by her. “Don’t go…”

My heart found its right set of thumps. It was all too good to be true that I wanted to slap myself, to prove that this was a dream.

“Don’t leave me…”

I heard it again. I was too overwhelmed. Mina is actually saying those words to me.

“I lost Sohye…and I can’t bear to lose you too…” I heard Mina sniffle. “I only have one of you. I’m sorry to push you away. I was starting to fall for you but I was afraid…”

I waited so long to hear those words from her and I’m finally hearing them now. I cried, hugging her back.

“I apologize and thank you for being patient with me…” Mina spoke. “…but here I am, telling you that I love you…and that I don’t want you to go…”

I would be missing my flight and missing the opportunity to work overseas. But hearing Mina finally saying those words to me, I won’t regret not being able to go.

I was too happy. Who the knew the person that I loved and tried to run away from would be the person who has finally loved me back?

+++

It was a wonderful night, as if the stars had rewritten themselves to look so beautiful. We were in the cemetery, the candles glistening around a precious grave. I placed the flowers and the new plush as I got the old one and gave it to Mina. I crouched lightly, grabbing her frame and wiping it gently.

“Hello, Sohye-ya…” I greeted. “…how are you up there? I always hope you’re doing well.”

I took my breath and bowed. “Thank you so much for letting me take care of Mina. I won’t fail you this time. I’ll be here for her…as much as you did before…”

I felt a person hugging me from my back and I smiled, holding her arms. She lets go and sat down next to me, setting three bowls and three spoons. I watched her opening the pint and scooping ice cream for each of us. She placed the third bowl on Sohye’s grave. She gave me a spoon, adding a kiss on the cheek.

“You opened the pint just now?” I giggled.

“Yeah. It’s better to enjoy this through sharing.” Mina said as she got a spoonful. “To us.”

“To us.” I said as I got mine. “Do enjoy this one, Sohye-ya.”

“Love will enjoy it well.” Mina smiled and I leaned my head on her shoulder.

We enjoyed eating ice cream as we spend quality time with Sohye on a wonderful. And I also had my wonderful time with Mina as each other’s one and only.

===

This has been Neapolitan. For the one who requested this, I hope you loved it. :)))