After all this time, her friends still think that she hasn’t moved on yet. For her though, she has. She had become used to waking up alone, used to eating alone, used to work alone, used to take on life alone, but that’s about it. Her life had become such a dull routine that sometimes she seems nothing more than a broken shell of a person without a soul, walking around aimlessly. It’s almost as if she sold her true self to be locked away in exchange for barely getting by. It was too high a price to pay, but at least she’s getting by; and for her, that means she had moved on.

You know what they say when you just can’t dance your problems away? Well that’s not entirely true for Bomi. Because for her, even just a fleeting few hours in her studio gives her space to breathe and that’s more than enough when you already have your head under the tides. Of course, all that hard work would take its toll eventually. She could have her solitude, but she’d come home dead- tired to an empty house. Apparently, not tonight.

She was startled to see Chorong sprawled across the couch with her hand dangling on one side. It almost looked comical, but with Chorong there, it looked utterly divine. It’s not the first time in years that she came home with someone waiting for her, Eunji and Namjoo frequently stayed over too. This time it’s different though. Bomi didn’t know what to do with what she’s feeling, whatever it is; but for one thing, she’s relieved that Chorong was still there. She slowly pushed forward until she’s close enough to fully grasp the wonder that’s in front of her. It felt weird for her, staring at a stranger like this. It’s almost borderline creepy, but she couldn’t help it. There’s definitely something about this woman that made something inside her stir. She doesn’t know what yet, but she’s really tempted to find out.

Just as Bomi was tucking her in a blanket, Chorong shifted.

“Oh. You’re home.” Letting out a yawn while she rubbed her eyes. “I thought I’d wait for you but I suppose I fell asleep. Have you eaten yet? I made dinner after cleaning the house, just in case.” Chorong was beaming. She was surprisingly in a good mood after what seemed to be a tiresome day.

“I- Yeah, I just got home. I didn’t think you’d still be here.” Wait. That sounded so wrong. “Not that I didn’t want you here.” Bomi quickly added, trying to redeem herself. “I just thought you’d left already since you didn’t call or anything. Not that I’m worried- I was! But not that worried. I just-” What the hell am I saying? She sighed in defeat. “I just wish you called.” Well that was smooth. Good job, idiot.

Chorong let out a hearty laugh after seeing Bomi ramble on. “I didn’t know you can be such a dork. It suits you."

The younger one was slightly caught off guard by Chorong’s remark. “Oh. Yeah, I’ve been told.” Dropping her head to hide her cheeks. What the hell is this? Since she showed up, I’ve been feeling weirdly warm and more…human.

“Well then, have you?” Chocong said as she picked up Bomi’s face by her chin.

“I- Have I what?” Clearly startled, Bomi’s cheeks became a furious shade of crimson. Did I say that out loud or she can read minds? Seriously?  It’s a good thing the light was dim.

The older girl giggled. “Have you eaten dinner yet?” She reiterated.

“Oh. That.” Smiling at her momentary paranoia. “Actually, I haven’t.” She cleared as she tried to regain her composure. “What’s for dinner then?”

Chorong stood up excitedly as her lips broke into a smile. “Chicken feet.”

“Well, that’s new.” Bomi murmured sarcastically but found herself smiling too.

As the older girl prepared the table with their dinner, Bomi couldn’t keep her eyes off her. She started noticing more of her adorable subtle quirks like how she puffs her cheeks, or how she tucks and untucks her hair. She’s not exactly ogling at her, but she’s watching her. With eyes fixed on Chorong so intensely, she looks like she’s trying to decipher the meaning of an intricate painting.

“You’re making me nervous, you know.” Chorong said without even glancing at Bomi. “Stop it already.” She turned her back on the younger girl and smiled to herself.

“I’m not doing anything. I’m just patiently waiting for dinner.”

Chorong just shook her head and brought her dish to the table. “Dinner is served.” Grinning proudly.

“You really made these?” Bomi was looking skeptical but took a bite anyway. “Daebak! You should open a restaurant!”

The older girl dropped her head shyly at the comment. She’s grateful, really; but it reminded her of the restaurant she owned. Or at least, the one she thought she did. She cleared to get Bomi’s attention. When the younger one acknowledged it, she started. “I talked to the orphanage this morning. They said I left a few days ago to start a new life. I must’ve hit my head so hard before you found me that I can’t even remember them. What’s worse is that I remember a completely different past.”

Bomi just nodded while she was finishing the piece she’s holding. “I went to talk to Eunji. The only thing she could tell me was that you must’ve had a very vivid dream when you were unconscious. She said it’s unlikely though. But you’re still recovering so don’t strain yourself too much.”

She appreciated the concern and smiled with gratitude. “It leaves me with a trail of problems though. For one thing, I don’t have a job.”

“I can help with that.” Bomi said smacking her lips. “I know a place where you can sell these bad boys.”

“Omo. Really?!” Chorong exclaimed as she went to hug the younger one. “That’d be so great! Thank you Bomi-yah!”

Fortunately for Bomi, she had her back on Chorong, because right at that moment, her face was bright red. “Don’t mention it Unnie, I’m glad to help out.” Patting Chorong’s arm with her left hand.

Just then, something on Bomi’s hand caught Chorong’s eyes. “Oh my. You didn’t tell me you’re married!” She suddenly released the younger one from her embrace. “When is he coming home? Yah! Does he mind that I’m here? I suppose I could rent a place… But I doubt they’d let me in if I don’t have a cent on me. I could go back to the orphanage…” Chorong was so busy rambling on while pacing back and forth that she failed to notice how Bomi turned pale all of a sudden.

“It’s fine.” Bomi’s voice became stern. The air between them suddenly became heavier. “I didn’t know I was supposed to tell you that I’m married, but I already told her your situation and she’s fine with you staying for a while. She’s not around anyway.”

“Oh. Bomi-yah, I didn’t mean it like that. You didn’t have to tell me. I just-”

“It’s okay. Really. Don’t stress yourself out.” Clearly, the environment has changed. “Thank you for the food. It’s really good. You don’t have to clean up, I’ll take care of it tomorrow. But right now, I’m tired.” She stood up and nodded at Chorong. “You should rest too. I’ll take you to the restaurant where you can work tomorrow. Good night.” Bomi coldly said over her shoulder as she made her way to her room.

Chorong stood frozen on the spot. When she finally registered what happened, Bomi was already closing her bedroom door behind her. What was that about? No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t figure out why Bomi suddenly turned ice cold. Was it because she demanded to be told of her marital status? But she was just kidding. Are they not in good terms right now? But how should I know? After getting the dishes done without arriving to a reasonable conclusion, she gave up and went to bed. She felt really bad for what hap