The four women sat together for lunch. The two younger women were nervous about the meeting and they were surprised at their mothers’ reactions towards one another. They were polite and almost smiling all the time. Wheein was extremely surprised at her mother’s warm and polite demeanour.

Yongsun watched as her mother laughed at every little thing that Auntie Jung said. She felt a little weird and somewhat jealous because her mother often scoffed at her lame jokes.

“Baby, are you sure that is your mother?”

“Tell me about it. This is the first time I see my mother making jokes.”

“And my mother is responding to that lame jokes while she denied mine.”

“I assume this meeting is going well.”

“More than well; they are getting very cosy.”

While the younger women were in deep confusion, the two older women were somehow in the world of their own. Taeyeon was caring and attentive towards Jessica and Jessica was reacting to everything Taeyeon did. They have forgotten about their two daughters who were intently staring at them.

Jessica noticed first and she pretended to cough to pre-empt Taeyeon. And the woman understood that cough; that was their code word for “we are in our own world and people are staring”.

She turned to find her daughter narrowing her eyes at her. She gave her stupid smile before she turned to her plate of food. She noticed Wheein’s plate was empty. She reached out for the younger woman’s plate.

“Why is your plate empty?”

“Huh?”

“You don’t like any of the food?”

“Wheein loves pasta.”

Jessica spoke up and Wheein smiled widely. Her mother still remembers her favourite food.

“Then you’re lucky. I made a lot for you.”

“Wow! You made it yourself?!”

“Yeah, it’s my favourite too.”

Wheein’s eyes sparkled and gleefully took the plate from Taeyeon. She tucked in immediately.

“Wheein’s palate for food differs from Yongsun. This woman loves meat.”

Taeyeon looked at her daughter as she was eagerly cutting through her steak. Her daughter hates vegetables just like Soo Yeon.

“Yeah, Yongsun really loves anything that has meat and she enjoys Korean and Chinese food just like Mommy. She hates anything green; again just like Mommy too.”

Jessica smiled as she gazed at Yongsun. Indeed, she’s her daughter after all. Taeyeon looked on as Yongsun and Wheein were happily feeding each other. They were surprised at how similar their biological daughters were with them. And they understood why both had a tough time raising their daughters up.

The girls reminded them of each other so much.

-

After lunch, they decided to hang out in the living room. Jessica bought some fruits and Taeyeon helped to cut them. The two girls were in Yongsun’s room. Wheein wanted to change into something comfortable; leaving the two women in the kitchen.

“Wheein is indeed me.”

“Of course, now you realize it huh?”

“I was watching her earlier on. I’m still amazed.”

“Yongsun is a picky eater, huh?”

“Yeah, like you. Did you see what she did to her greens? She gave them to Wheein.”

Jessica chuckled softly. She was reminded at how much she dumped her greens to Taeyeon when they were dating before. Taeyeon even gave up her beef steak to her; just like what Wheein did earlier on.

“It’s just so interesting to see myself in Yongsun.”

“I’m glad that we had this lunch.”

“I’m just glad that I’m here with you.”

-

Meanwhile in the room, Wheein was rummaging through her girlfriend’s cupboard. She was searching for something more comfortable. Seems like they would be spending the whole day at Yongsun’s place.

And while she was going through the pile of clothes; Yongsun was on the bed; rolling from left to right. Her stomach was full.

“Gosh, I would die for a nap now.”

“You’ll grow fat.”

“It’s okay. I exercise. I can lose those weight easily.”

“Lucky you. I’m still on diet.”

Wheein pulled out a white t-shirt and black shorts. She quickly changed into the comfortable clothes and joined her girlfriend on the bed. Yongsun took the opportunity to trap her girlfriend under her; hovering above Wheein and smiling slyly.

“What?”

“Don’t you know you look really yummy in my clothes?”

“I’m not a food.”

“You’re my food. The y kind.”

“Shut up, baby. Our mothers are just outside the room.”

“You’re huh?”

“I swear. You will die if you start it.”

Well, Yongsun was teasing but Wheein was the erted one. She leaned in closer and kissed Yongsun softly at first before the kiss became aggressive. Yongsun had a hard time breathing. She quickly pulled away; stunned by Wheein’s sudden attack.

“YA! YOU JUST SAID OUR MOMS ARE OUTSIDE!”

“You started it first.”

“You’re so aggressive!”

“Try me, sweetie. I’ll make sure you’ll melt forever in me.”

Yongsun felt something weird so she quickly got out from the bed and sat on the sofa instead. She needed to clear her mind. She might end up doing something else with their mothers in the living room.

Wheein bit her lower lip and then slyly winked at her. Yongsun rolled her eyes. Damn it. Her girlfriend is a ert.

“Stop it. Let’s go out. We will be out of control if we continue to stay in here.”

Yongsun went out of the room; leaving Wheein laughing as she followed her embarrassed Yongsun to the living room.

-

The four sat comfortably in the living room but the two girls chose to sit next to her mothers. Yongsun was still feeling it and Wheein didn’t want to leave her mother alone. The older women appreciated it.

“So, Miss Jung, what do you do for a living?”

“Ah, I took over my father’s business.”

“Oh, that’s great!”

“And yourself?”

“I’m a freelance; I paint and organize art exhibitions every now and then.”

“You do?!”

Wheein took interest in that. She’s a painter too.

“Yeah, I do. But the exhibitions are not on huge scale. Just those simple ones that you can see along the streets.”

“That’s awesome! I visit those areas sometimes.”

“Then you might see my Omma’s paintings before. She paints all the time.”

Yongsun added on. Wheein’s eyes grew larger. That was a huge revelation. Yongsun went on to pull out an album. She has taken photos of her mother’s paintings before she puts them on displays.

“These are her paintings.”

She passed the album to Wheein; the latter eagerly flipped through it. She was fascinated and full of awe. Then she pointed to one painting and gasped.

“I have this at home!”

“Hm?”

“I bought this at the exhibition. The title is Loneliness of 4 Seasons, right?”

Yongsun and Jessica leaned closer and saw the paint Wheein was referring to. They could see only colours and could never understand or appreciate the underlying meaning of the painting. But not Wheein. She could see it and empathized with it.

“This painting caught your eye?”

Taeyeon was smiling when she asked the question and Wheein nodded.

“The sadness of these colours was appealing. I teared up the moment I saw this painting. The colours were rich yet depicted loneliness and sadness perfectly. It was a little expensive, but I got it. It’s hanging in my room. I was thinking, wow the painter is really suffering so much. She or he must be really lonely.”

Jessica looked up and saw Taeyeon’s eyes. They were soft and almost teary. How lonely was Taeyeon when she did this painting.

“I painted this few months after Yongsun’s birth. She was just few months old. Her grandparents took her back to my hometown and I was alone in Seoul. Without Yongsun, I felt alone and detached. I needed to do something, so I started painting. And this was my very first painting I did for the exhibition.”

“Did Heechul Appa take this photo then?”

“Yeah, he did. He took it since it was my first painting.”

“No wonder. I wasn’t aware of this painting. Because I remembered Omma’s paintings really well.”

“Hang on, this means that painting is almost 21 years old?”

“Yeah, someone must have sold it and you happened to buy it after that.”

“Wow, this is amazing! I’m going to treasure that painting even more.”

Jessica couldn’t help but felt amazed. How did their lives intertwine so much? They weren’t aware of each other yet; things like these pulled them together. And the fact that Wheein took a huge liking in Taeyeon’s paintings without even realizing it; it made Jessica realized that the bond between a mother and daughter could never be broken whether they knew it or not in the first place.

Taeyeon turned to look at Jessica. She finally understood why Jessica had a hard time with Wheein. Wheein was her; the mini Kim Taeyeon. She felt sorry towards Jessica; the difficult moments Jessica had faced while raising Wheein, her ex-girlfriend’s daughter.

Yongsun suddenly pulled out her blanket; Taeyeon chuckled softly. This daughter of hers; that rainbow blanket is a must for her.

“Do you have to?”

“What?”

“There are guests and you’re hugging your blanket?”

“This is my security blanket. It makes me feel safe and comfortable.”

Jessica recognized that blanket. It was hers. She had left that blanket with Taeyeon. She turned to Taeyeon.

“Ah, she found this blanket in my cupboard when she was a child. She told me she wanted this, and it stuck to her ever since. This blanket has a history too. It has been with her for the last 21 years of her life.”

The faded colour on the blanket was visible. The rainbow colors were almost diminishing. It was smaller than Yongsun but the girl needed it for sleeping or just hugging it whenever she watches television.

“I know. When we were in the dorm together, she misplaced her blanket. She cried when she thought she lost it. It was actually at Moonbyul’s room.”

“Hey! You don’t have to tell my Omma about my embarrassing moments! And your mom is here too!”

Yongsun pouted her lips and Wheein leaned closer to kiss her. It was a quick peck but both girls were red on their cheeks. Their mothers looked on in amusement.

“You haven’t told me who this blanket belongs to, Omma.”

“Ah, it belongs to your father.”

“Huh? Really? You never told me about my father.”

Taeyeon then turned to Jessica. And Jessica knew who she was referring to. “Father” was Jessica.

“Your father is an athletic person. He plays soccer and tennis. He even took up boxing but quit shortly after.”

“Wow, so I’m like him? Omma doesn’t play sports but I’m good with them.”

“She is?”

Jessica was surprised.

“Yeah, back in middle school; she was one of those few girls who took up soccer as their extra-curricular program. Then in high school, she took up yoga, hung out at the gym and even took up kick-boxing for fun. Look at those trophies on the shelf.”

Wheein was the first one to walk over and she was proud of her girlfriend. She has an athletic girlfriend and she loves Yongsun’s biceps. Jessica was there too; she carefully looked at the plaques and trophies. Yongsun was a champion in kick-boxing and she saw gold medals for other sports.

“Baby, you’re so talented!”

“You’re equally talented too!”

Their mothers had to agree. Both girls were good in something they did before.

-

“Do you want to spend the night here?”

“I can?!”

“Yes, you may. What’s wrong with that?”

“Mommy, you’re the best! I’ll come home tomorrow.”

“Just be good. Listen to Auntie Kim well.”

“Okay!”

“I’ll send you home then, Miss Jung. And Yongsun, no hanky panky.”

“OMMA! AUNTIE JUNG IS RIGHT HERE!”

“I just need to warn you.”

Yongsun was embarrassed and Wheein’s cheeks were red too. The two younger girls couldn’t hide their excitement, yet they knew they had to behave.

“I’ll send your mother home, Wheein. I’ll see you girls later.”

“Omma, maybe me and Wheein will be heading out for late night movie.”

“Alright then.”

Taeyeon handed a couple of bills from her purse to her daughter. Yongsun was elated. She was running out funds anyway.

“Get a taxi there and back home. Don’t you dare try to walk home on your own like you did the last time.”

“That was because Wheein left me.”

“So, you’re blaming her in front of her mother?”

“What no! I mean, I had a reason for walking home alone!”

“You walked all the way home in the middle of the night all by yourself?!”

“She walked home from Han River back to our place.”

“BABY!”

“Okay! I did! But I was heartbroken!”

“I’m so sorry, Yongsun ah.”

“No, that’s not right! Auntie Jung, I never blamed you or Wheein!”

“Look at my daughter freaking out. She must have loved Wheein so much to be reduced to this mess.”

“Omma, stop embarrassing me!”

Taeyeon had a fun time teasing Yongsun like always. One of the reasons why she did that because Yongsun’s reactions were exactly of her mother. Soo Yeon was reactive to every little thing Taeyeon did. Yongsun was the same.

“Okay, I shall not disturb you further. Be careful and look after Wheein.”

“I will. Thanks for coming, Auntie Jung! I will send Wheein home tomorrow. I promise!”

“Thank you, Yongsun. Erm, can I ask for a favour?”

“Sure!”

“Can I hug you before I leave?”

Taeyeon, Wheein and Yongsun looked at each other before turning to Jessica. Wheein was moved; her mother was slowly accepting and getting comfortable with Yongsun. Yongsun was feeling awkward. But nevertheless, she leaned closer. And Taeyeon; she was tearing up.

“Sure!”

Yongsun didn’t think of anything much but leaned closer. Jessica wrapped her arms around her daughter; her heart sank, and she felt bitter inside. Her biological daughter; her flesh and blood; how much time has she wasted?

She thought of many things she could do to make up to Yongsun. And one of those things was to give her daughter a tight hug. She tightened her hold on Yongsun.

Yongsun let her. She reciprocated her hug with soothing words. She thought Auntie Jung might still be upset about her walking home in the dark while she was on the break with Wheein. She thought Auntie Jung was feeling bad and blaming herself. She had to comfort Auntie Jung somehow.

“Don’t think so much, Auntie Jung. I’m fine now. Everything will be okay now. And if it makes you feel better, you can treat me like your daughter. And I’ll treat you like my mother too.”

“That’ll be great. Then I’ll have 2 wonderful daughters.”

“You can call her Omma if you want to.”

Taeyeon added on; the 3 ladies were taken aback and all of them were staring at Taeyeon. But the woman just smiled and shrugged her shoulders before speaking.

“We have reached to this level of understanding and we are comfortable with each other. Wheein can call me Mommy too if she wants.”

“Can I do that too?”

Wheein whispered softly. And Taeyeon stretched her arms out; welcoming the younger woman into her embrace.

“Come over here.”

Wheein moved closer and hugged Taeyeon tightly. This time, Jessica was tearing up. Damn this Kim Taeyeon. She was always as smooth as ever.

“So, what do you want to call me?”

“Mommy. Mommy Taeyeon.”

“Okay, Wheein ah. I’m your Mommy Taeyeon.”

Wheein smiled widely; Yongsun was elated too. Things went smoothly somehow.

-

The drive back to Soo Yeon’s place was silent. Both women were reminiscing their short secret reunion with their biological daughters. Soo Yeon was grateful towards Tae Yeon.

“Taeyeon ah, how could you be so smooth like you were before?”

“What do you mean?”

“By suggesting that the two girls call us Mom.”

“Ah, I saw your struggle when Yongsun hugged you. I know you wanted so much to tell her that you love her and you’re her mother. It was all written in your eyes, Soo Yeon ah.”

“I wanted to make it up to her. I wanted to hug her.”

“How did you feel when Yongsun calls you Omma?”

“I feel like that huge stone on my shoulders became a puddle of water. It melted instantly and I felt so warm inside.”

“I felt the same when Wheein called me Mommy.”

“Wheein is a little tomboyish. But she’s full of aegyeo. When I saw how she persuaded and comforted Yongsun after you ; I saw you instead. I saw your reflection in Wheein.”

“Yongsun is you. Did you see how she reacted? It was you when I teased you.”

“You’re so mean. How could you do that to my daughter?”

“Because the both of you are so cute and have become the love of my life. And now Wheein will take over you two.”

“She should. Because I’m going to be a good mother to Yongsun too.”

“Let’s do it together then.”

Taeyeon stretched her palm out while steering the car in one hand. Soo Yeon took it and clenched it tightly with hers. Taeyeon smiled as she felt Soo Yeon’s smooth skin touching hers; her warm palm enveloping hers.

That familiar feeling sent a shudder down her spine. Soo Yeon could still create that effect on her and Taeyeon knew; she understood and aware that she could never stop loving Soo Yeon. She loves this woman; right from the very first day she laid eyes on this woman.

It was just too sad that they couldn’t reunite and be together like they used to before. They have other responsibilities to take care of and the one important responsibility they had was their daughters.

Taeyeon couldn’t hurt Yongsun and Wheein. If this secret was never left unspoken; then Taeyeon would bring to her death; to her grave. But for now, all she wanted to do – to make it up to Wheein and give her all the love she needs. That has become her priority.

Soo Yeon had the same thoughts. Bringing Wheein back into this world was the best thing she had ever done. She never knew that Wheein was the reason why she’s in Taeyeon’s life and discovered that she has her own flesh and blood baby – Kim Yongsun.

She was fascinated with Yongsun. She never knew that comfort she had whenever Yongsun came closer to her. Yongsun’s beautiful smile and the way her eyes danced whenever she conversed and irritated her mother with stupid jokes. She had permanently framed that beautiful sight of Yongsun’s smile in her mind.

She was thankful to Taeyeon for raising Yongsun up the best way she could. And she had promised herself that she would do anything to make it up to Yongsun.

Because she wanted to give Yongsun the same kind of love she had for Wheein.

Both are her daughters; both are her precious and Taeyeon; the love of her life; was doing this with her. She found it bearable. She found it doable.

And if this secret was to be kept forever from the girls, then Jessica would do it. She would die with this secret. She loves her daughters so much.

-

Meanwhile at home, Yongsun was preparing to head out for a late-night movie with Wheein. Wheein was sitting in the living room; she was ready to go. She was just wearing her long sleeves white shirt and her faded jeans. She was so androgynous and Yongsun loves her for that.

“Baby, can you wait a little longer? I need to iron my dress for a bit.”

“Sure, I will wait in the living room.”

“If you’re bored, you can look through the albums in the cupboard.”

“Okay, then take your time. I’m sure I can find stupid photos of you.”

“Be my guest. But I must warn you. I was such a chubby baby.”

“I’ll love you the same.”

“Urgh. You’re so mushy. I’ll get ready now.”

Wheein smiled before Yongsun disappeared back into her room. Wheein settled comfortably on the sofa before pulling out albums after albums. There were plenty of old albums and Wheein was smiling away as she flipped one page after another.

Yongsun was indeed a chubby baby. She was so cute; her cheeks were calling for a pinch. Wheein could see how happy Yongsun was as a child. Every photo of hers was smiling or grinning cheekily at the camera. The baby photos led up to her toddler years and then her pre-kindergarten; kindergarten and through her high school.

“Oh, she has always been chubby until high school.”

Wheein chuckled softly but her expression changed when she saw some explicit photos of Yongsun. She frowned. What was she thinking?

“Baby, can I ask you something?”

Wheein screamed across the room. Yongsun heard it; she popped her head out.

“Huh? What is it?”

“Why are there photos of you in just sports bra and sports wear? You were like bearing too much skin, weren’t you?”

Wheein was jealous; it was clear to Yongsun. She ran out of the room in her bathrobe; she sat next to Wheein. She tried to appease her girlfriend.

“Oh, this was during my modelling days. I needed some cash, so I took these photos for a friend.”

“You have good abs.”

“I did a lot of sports back then.”

“Well, you’re forbidden to take these kinds of photos anymore. Only I can.”

“Yes, baby!”

Yongsun gave a soft peck on Wheein’s lips. Then slowly, the kiss grew into something else. Wheein was cupping her palms on Yongsun’s cheeks; pulled in closer and deepened their kiss. They made out for a few minutes before Yongsun pulled away.

“Okay, we need to stop doing this. We are late for our movie.”

“I can’t help it. You’re just in your bathrobe.”

“Thanks to your jealousy.”

“Okay, just hurry. I will stop.”

“Good.”

Yongsun stood up and the album fell off from her thighs. Wheein leaned down to pick it up when she saw two old faded photos fell out from the back of the album. She picked them up.

She frowned. Yongsun noticed it.

“What’s wrong?”

“Who is this lady?”

She showed the photos to Yongsun. She pointed to one of the women.

“Oh, that’s Omma.”

Wheein’s expression changed. She stared at Yongsun for the longest time; Yongsun was concerned.

“What’s wrong, baby?”

Wheein’s mind was in turmoil. She took a deep breath before she turned to the photo once again. If this woman was Taeyeon Mommy, then what was she doing with her mother?

Yongsun called out to her again.

“Sweetie, you’re scaring me. What’s happening?”

“This lady here.”

She pointed out to Yongsun; Yongsun stared at the photo.

“She’s my mother.”

Yongsun’s eyes grew larger.

“You’re saying they know each other?”

Wheein then turned over the photo. The two of them were in a deep shock. Their mouths were wide open. There were writings on the back of the photo.

And those words killed the two girls.

“Soo Yeon ah, saranghae.”

“Taeyeon ah, I love you forever.”

-