Two years ago I reached to a certain conclusion, that a human faces and behaviors are no different comparing it to a flower. It's capable of deceiving you entirely with it's sweet and lovely appearance. Even when you get close to it, the scent will drag you closer and full you with desire to seize it for yourself or at least have a sense of it. And when you are committing that act of feeling it with your senses, the thorns suddenly startle you and the pain start to sting. That pain that leads you to regret letting your guard down so easily to fall in the trap.

Now, I am still convinced that humans are similar to a flower. But instead, I realised that there is another side to it's story than that one that invade my mind. I forgot that I was only considering my own feelings ignoring the flower side completely. Those thorns, it has existed for a reason. It's the only way to defend itself from intruders. The only defense it carry while facing different faces each day.

I never questioned myself why suddenly she showed those thorns when she seemed a harmless being. That only means a dangerous reason triggered her to do so. 

Playing with my feelings wasn't at all beneficial to her. She didn't demand anything from me and everything was so naturally flowing with no worries until that day came. The day that she broke my heart and blinded me completely. And I think that seeing you again, after those years, brought the light to my eyes. 

Now I can see and think clearly with a settled heart. No more hiding, it's the time to figure the truth and to get you back again.

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Chaeyoung and I are on our way to the house.

After deciding to come back to my old self, I feel that my heart is fully and widely open. As if now I got to breath again after a very long time struggling within. 

Determination has owned my spirit. I am going to find Sana and figure the truth. If she won't say it herself, I am going to find out on my own. 

When I saw her that day in the  woods, and heard that voice on the phone, I couldn't but get filled with worries and guilt as well. She sounded so broken and done with her own life. It's a tone that I never heard from her before. She used to be a person whose full of joy. But our encounter replaced it, to show her as an emotionless being in my eyes. But what I saw yesterday was beyond my expectations and knowledge that I concluded about her.

I have felt those broken feelings before and it was a terrifying experience that could drag you to a hill. Leaving you to decide whether to throw yourself away completely from this world, or to fight your way ahead to get out facing the outcomes. But for me, I done neither of those, and decided to stay still hanging between the two. Fearing to take a decision about the matter, it seemed the best solution at the time. As if ignoring that I am at the verge of dying and proceed to look up high, leaving life to decide what's my end is going to look like. 

Seeing her in pain didn't relieve me as I thought. And instead, it wake my old self back. It's funny how the same person who locked my door, has came to open it up again. 

Stores were passing along the road and my thoughts are taking me back to old memories. Part of me want to escape fearing that I will fall in the same mistake again. But my other part want to figure the truth, to confirm my assumption. 

My head shifted it's direction to Chaeyoung side. This little kid that has a big heart. Who never brought up any questions to me neither tried digging for answers. I am pretty sure she knows something about me. Her parents probably mentioned some stuff regarding my stay, may be not everything. But indeed she know something. 

I need to find answers not only for me, but for her as well. To live properly and finally get to talk seriously about our situation. Until then, I will make sure she's safe and protect her from anything around.

The last thing I want is to lose another precious person in my life.

As I was still looking at her with my inner thoughts, and while the car was waiting for the traffic light, my eyes captured a familiar figure outside Chaeyoung direction. My eyes widen in suprise. What kind of fate is this?

"CHAEYOUNG, COULD YOU PLEASE STOP HERE, I NEED TO GO THERE FAST, PLEASE."  I spoke in a high note to Chaeyoung to not move the car further. All what is in my head now is to go confirm what I just saw. As soon as I saw Chaeyoung pulled a little over to the side, I left the car and crossed to the other side of the road without paying attention much to my surrounding. I think even Chaeyoung was calling me but I needed to catch up to that person. 

When I stepped a foot inside the convenience store, I slowed my pace and start to look around carefully. Apparently, I saw her enter here. After couple turns, I finally found her sitting and preparing to eat her ramen. I could see her reflection on the mirror that's facing her. It's vague but enough to know that it's her. 

My heart is beating in a fast pace that I feel someone can hear it if they are near me. And my body shifted from a panicked to a more stable state but a little full of hesitation. Finally I would be able to take a much clear picture of her after those years passed. 

I heard sounds coming from her as if she's mumbling about something. So I came closer to hear what she might be saying.  

"What am I going to do now?" She was opening her chopstick. "All dorms are full for god sake, how could I forget to get a place for me this school year? Ugghhh..." Now she's moving her ramen in circles using her chopsticks to mix it. 

Is she talking about college? Don't tell me she didn't graduate yet. There is no way that's happening, she was already late to enter University in the first place. This kid tsk... 

"Paboya." I said this word while reaching the chair beside her to acquire it for myself. She seems to be in a shocked state as her position is frozen while facing my direction. She blinked multiple time. "Yes that's me. Don't tell me you didn't graduate yet." I raised one of eyebrow on her to get some reaction and it indeed worked.

I can see that for the most part, she didn't change that much. She still as beautiful and appealing as ever, even with her casual look. But, if you look into her eyes, all you see is an exhausted figure. Don't underestimate my abilities when it comes to figuring out people. I am pretty good in that area. But only if I was on the mood to do so though.

Finally she seems to regain her composure and redirect her vision into her ramen away from me. Her eyebrows no longer in a suprised state and instead, it seems extra relaxed and free. It gave a sad vibe if you try looking into them. "So I guess you probably spent your time in those years to help your family as you always do, right?"

She took out her chopstick and placed it down away from the bucket. Then she looked to me in the eyes seriously. "What do you want Mina?" Now I am the one who's suprised. I didn't expect her to be this direct to me and react in such a way. "I don't think you have the right to speak this way to me after what you did." 

My friendly tone disappeared and now serious talk begin. "This is exactly why I am asking you what do you want from me. After what I have done, I expect nothing less than an irritated tone when you speak to me. You're not the type of person who would look for a revenge and I know that very well. But that doesn't mean that people don't change their mentality after going through multiple life experiences. That's how we learn and change to the better or worse Minari. I just never really thought that the day would come were you would be the one who approach me." 

What she said is indeed true. I did have a change of heart in those past years. And I decided to shut my own self away form other people surrounding me. But, you would reach a point were you would have to realize, that you should learn from your mistakes to better your understanding about everything in life. It just simply, change the way you look to the world.

"I indeed changed Sana, and this is exactly why I am here right now." All what I want is an explanation for what she did. I want to know... No... I have to know. 

"Great, despite whether you changed in a good or bad way as long as you learned your lesson, I am still going to ask again. What do you want from me Mina?" 

Okay, it's now or never. Today I won't leave until I get out with a satisfying results. "Why?" I simply asked. And she seems to kind of get what I am trying to refer to. She took a calm sigh before speaking again. "Could you be more specific?" 

" Simply I am asking, why did you get play with my feelings two years ago? I want to know, and I have the right to do so." Deep inside I want to believe that there is an explanation for what she done. I want a small reason that would make a change of heart toward her. Hating her is something I don't think I ever felt like doing. She never once hurted any small being. To do such thing at the time to me, I should have known that she's not that kind of person. There is absolutely a reason behind it and I need to know.

"Allow me to make it clear to you. Whether I state the reason or not, l don't think you're going to believe whatever I am going to say. It's only right for it to be the case in your situation. So stating reasons is useless at this point. And you won't gain anything out of this other than opening your old wounds. So I advice you to keep believing your own inner thoughts about our situation. It's easier that way for you and me."

Does she really think that I am going to give up this easily. "First, I am the one who will decide if whatever your going to say will hurts me more or not. And secondly, if you really are this bad of a person, then why do you care about me getting hurt again. Just say it. Spill the truth already. The words you just said only made me more determined to know. So stop being selfish and say what you need to say Sana." 

"I never was selfish about you Mina. 

"And I never said I was referring to me regarding this matter." She stared confusingly to me as if shocked with what I just said. I think she never expected such answer. Yes, I always thought that she took care of people around her and never get the chance to take care of her own well being. 

"Mina, I have nothing to say. I am sorry. Apologizing is all what I could do toward you at this point. Nothing more, nothing less." So she's not going to answer yet. But that means she's going to do so later. I am kind of satisfied with this outcome for now. "Yeah, keep being your coward self Sana."

"If me being coward will save you misery, then I will gladly accept that." I could calm my heart for now with her last words. She's only confirming my thoughts about our situation. So it means that there is something more to what it seems happened before. She shifted her attention back to her warm ramen and start eating as if cutting the conversation here with no intention of going further than this. 

I stayed silent eyeing her while she's eating. "Aren't you going to leave?" 

"It's a public place, so I can stay as much as I want. Now tell me, I heard you saying that you have no place to stay for this school year, so are you planning on missing this year as well?"

This time she sigh heavily but went with the flow. "Yes, I was stupid enough and forgot to get myself a place this semester. And you know, it's not going to be easy for me to find a place with a cheap rent that's near the school. So, I am kind of screwed." 

Yeah, that's absolutely disastrous in her situation. Even before, she used to be very busy with work and school life and barely spent sometime with herself. That I am thinking of it, she used to always create some time to spend with me. I kind of miss those days. I guess she's still the same Sana I know. 

Still, what happened in the woods worries me about her mental state. I need to do something. 

"I could help you pay some of your expenses. I don't use my money that much really. Also I have savings for god knows what for. So, I guess the time came to put it in use." She eyed me in an annoyed look. "Who told you I am going to accept anything from you?"

"And who told you I am waiting for your permission?" I fixed my eyes in hers and she locked it on me as well. Suddenly a voice cut our staring contest. 

"How about you leave this matter to me?" I looked to my right and I was surprised to see Chaeyoung standing giving us a warm smile. "Hello, you should be one of Mina friends. Since she came running out the car just so that she could catch up to you. It must have been a long time since you guys saw each other."  

Dammit, now I feel embarrased. I kind of don't want to look at Sana direction. But, in the same time, I shouldn't admit defeat easily. So I adjusted my position and pretend that everything normal and faced her. She had her hands folded, staring at me with one eyebrow raised. "Really?" She was asking but still her eyes on me. Then Chaeyoung spoke again cutting through us.

"By the way, I am Chaeyoung. It's nice to finally meet one of Mina friends." She offered l a handshake with Sana. And I simply glared to for her to accept Chaeyoung hands. She better not be rude to her. 

Surprisingly, she welcomed her with a warm smile. "Sorry to cut your small talk a moment ago. I couldn't help but hear what you guys were talking about. But yeah as I said, just leave it to me. I will make sure to find you a suitable place near the University and with a convenient pay."

I don't think Chaeyoung heard all our conversation, right? I really hope she didn't. Sana was about to reject her offer but I stopped her immediately. "Thanks bu..." 

"Oh that's great Chaeyoung." Then I looked at Sana. "I know she would be able to find you a good place. I wouldn't trust anyone else in this matter." I saw her phone on the table, so I snatched it away from her. And she tried to take it back but I jumped from my seat and went beside Chaeyoung. "Wow, I don't believe that you still have the same password for your phone. Anyway, I saved my phone and don't dare to remove it. Chaeyoung, could you please type your phone as well." I handed it to her to type it in. Now that I think of it, did I ever asked for Chaengie phone number? I don't think I did. 

Anyway, let's leave this matter for another time. After making sure that both our numbers in her phone, I placed the phone where it was the first time. "We won't bother you longer. Wait for a call from us and don't IGNORE." I made sure glare at that part. Off course I made sure to call my phone and Chaeyoung well so that we can save hers on our devices. 

"Let's go Chaeyoung," she bowed to Sana and I did the same. And before I get away from her further, I turned back and said, "I am glad that we meet again." She was sitting there not making any move, neither saying anything. And just like that, I was gone from her sight.

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Chaeyoung and I reached the house without saying any words along the road. It was quiet for me as I thought we might be able to talk about Sana somehow. I went straight to our room.

As I opened the door, I saw a figure coming out of the bathroom and terrified my soul at the spot. "AHHHHHH..." I couldn't help but scream upon what I saw. The person screamed as well and tuned yo face me. And I was shocked to see who it was. My body was frozen and my eyes were wide open staring at her. It was Jihyo, what in the world she's doing here?

She was also startled with wild eyes that more bigger than mine. Then I heard foot steps coming toward me. "Mina, what happened?" It was Chaeyoung followed by Jeongyeon. And I simply pointed at Jihyo. "What is she doing here at the house."

"Oh Jihyo, you are awake. Sorry I should have told you that she's sleeping in out house." Then she walk toward Jihyo, "did you sleep well?"

Jihyo figure came to stable or more I would like it an annoying state. "Oh yeah, the bed was like heaven. I slept like a baby all that time. As I told you, as long as my head has a place to rest on, I would be able to sleep well and travel to dreamland easily." 

I was kind of confused, is she going to live live here with us? I looked at Chaeyoung with a question look. "Is this girl going to live with us from now on?" Then I saw a smirk on that annoying girl face before she open again. Her went around Chaeyoung shoulder, "yeah I am going to live in this room from now on, right Chaengie?" 

Wait, is she trying to tease me right now. I don't understand why I get irritated fast about this creature existence. My eyes went to Chaeyoung and Jihyo was looking at her with eyebrows going up and down. 

"Oh yeah, might as well let Jihyo join our humble house instead of her sleeping in the library. So, I guess she is." Jihyo face was more suprised than I was. She looked at her confused with both her eyebrows up high, "wait, I am?" Is what she said which only made me lost more.

Then out of the blue, Chaeyoung brust out laughing. "I am sorry, but with those faces you both have, o could but laugh about it." She wiped her eyes and spoke again. "I only said that to see how both of you would react. I just love how much effect Jihyo have on you Minari." Now she faced Jihyo, "and you are more than welcome to join us here in the house. There is going to be more than the three of use the upcoming weeks. So might as well just make you join us." 

Before any of us could react to what being said, she spoke again. "Let's continue our lovely talk on the dinner table down. Our Unnie Jeongyeon has cooked for us for the first time since she joined our family. Sold let's go ahead and eat before it becomes cold. And you Minari, take your time to change and we will be waiting down stairs for you to eat together." Just like that she grabbed Jihyo outside the room leaving me to so my own business. 

I wonder what's going on. So does she mean that there will be other people that is going to join us. Is the company doing bad that she has to rent the rooms. I literally have no idea. So, I went fast to take a quick shower as I can't wait to listen to whatever she's going to say at the dinner table. 

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Jihyo and I were in the dinning table waiting for Mina.

"So Chaeyoung, why in the world you would want me to live here with you guys? Did you forget that I have my own place. It's not like I sleep outside all the time." Will that wasn't the reason exactly why o said that. To be honest, I feel like having more people to our life will somehow bring happiness to all of us. What I am thinking is that additional to Tzuyu and the other girl with her bodyguard, might as well let Momo and Jihyo join us. I mean we all go to the same school and even though our agreement is different but I feel that this kind of diversity well be a great experience to look forward too. Also there is the reason that I kind of get used to dorm life. And if Mina wasn't around, I don't know what my life would have looked like. 

"Wouldn't it be fun if we all lived together going to the same school everyday? Also we are not technically starngers. We do know at least some things about one another. And I am getting that robot Momo to join as well. Oh and there is going to be an additional three people that I am going to introduce to you guys whenever they show up. Oh wait, and I think there is an extra girl that is going to live with us as well." Wow, I almost fogot about Mina friend. To be honest, I thought that at least Mina is going to have someone that she know to live with us her. 

The way she was talking with that girl Called Sana is so new to me. She was very calm until I saw this side of her today. I mean, she kind of showed it around Jihyo as well, which I can't really figure when exactly such personality of her appears.

I want her to be fulled with life and enjoy other people accompany. For sure that would make her look to life a little more different than what she already have in mind about it.

"Wait, wait wait wait, are you kidding me right now. How in the world are you going to fit all these people here? Are you crazy? Do you need money? Is the company going bankrupt?" Before I could say anything, Mina popped out from behind joining the conversation.

"Did I hear bankruptcy right now? Chaeyoung could you please explain what's going on." Mina now is sitting to my right side while Jihyo to my left. "You guys have a wild imagination. Mina you remember that day when I said that one if my friends is going back to Korea?" She nodded, "so she counting a place in the dorm since probably this year there is a lot of students who joined. So I offered her to stay with me as I already use to live with her in th dorms in US. Also, today I went to see Mr. Jinyoung and he asked me for a favor and it includes me taking car of a girl as she suffer the same problem my friend face. But also her bodyguard is go to join as well. And last but not least, I was thinking of letting Sana come live her as well. At least you would have one of your friends join us so that would be more fun. I kind of got used to dorm life and having people in the house would not be a big deal to me." 

I was looking at Mina and waiting to see what's her thoughts about what's going to be done. And she indeed start speaking her mind. "It's your own house Chaengie, you could bring and kick whoever you want. But I didn't think that you're going to let Sana live with us." 

I can't tell her that I am bringing the girl for her to start open up her heart more. So instead I said, "you were going to offer your own money to help her, so why would you do that when we have this sight house that we cam share with others who we love and adore. I wouldn't trust anyone. So having her here is safe. We can all live under this house that used to give me comfort. Now that the warmth has left it forever, I want it to go back again somehow. This could be a big step toward it." 

Both Mina and Jihyo didn't utter any other word after what I said. They were just listing until I finished and falling in silent after that. Then my phone rang shaking the quiet atmosphere. I grabbed it and smiled as soon as I saw the me of the caller. It's my tall Yoda. If you saw her in person you would understand why I call her that way. 

"Hello my little cute Yoda. How are you doing?" 

"Oh so you are coming this week. Great, I am going to pick you up when the time comes." 

"I am doing great. And would be even better when I see my Tall Yoda again."

"Haha, okay okay, I am not going to tease you more. I will see you soon. Take care of yourself, okay?"

"Alright, bye Tzu Tzu." And just like that I ended the call. 

"This is my friend that I told you about. She's going to come this week. Let's got together when the time comes." Mina nodded with a small smile. While Jihyo seems to be in another world. "Hay Jihyo, are you okay." Then she got snapped again to reality. "Oh yeah, I just remembered something. I actually have to go." She went up straight leaving us to the outside. I tired following her but she was already takeout away from my sight. I couldn't tell which way she left too. It could be urgent that's why she left suddenly in a hurry. I went back to sit and eat along with Mina and Jeongyeon. 

I was munching my food when something hits me. Thinking of Jihyo made me think of her book as well. Her title has the words Tzu in it. Could it triggered her in some way. Because it's not the first type my words has create some effect on her. Oh, how I wish to solve her puzzle. She seems to look fine looking at her from the outside, but from the inside, she's full with mystery. Just like Mina I would say. I know the day will come, and when it does, all pieces would be put together and the complete picture would be as clear as either to our eyes.