Part III

The girls went their separate ways and returned to their families. Yongsun promised that she would talk to her mother and would introduce Wheein soon.

“Just spend time with her. We’ll talk about this when we return.”

Yongsun sighed. Wheein was pessimistic about their relationship but she didn’t want to stress her girlfriend more. She was probably worried about meeting her own mother. Yongsun found out that Wheein doesn’t really have a close relationship with her mother unlike herself.

“I’ll call you, okay? Please don’t brood too much. I’m sure your mother will be happy to see you again.”

“I hope so. I’ll see you, baby. I’ll text you once I reach.”

“How are you going to get home?”

Wheein pointed to a black sedan. An old gentleman was waiting at the side of the car.

“Ahjussi is picking me up.”

“Wah, you’re like a princess.”

“Shut up, baby. Don’t tease me.”

Yongsun grinned before leaning forward to hug her girlfriend. Wheein returned with a tight embrace and her lips lingered on Yongsun’s neck. The latter comforted her girlfriend with some sweet nothings.

“Don’t worry so much, I’ll protect you. Please remember that.”

“I know you will.”

“I love you, Jung Wheein.”

“I love you too, Kim Yongsun. I love you so much.”

Wheein reluctantly parted ways and left in the black sedan. Yongsun watched as the car disappeared from her view. She wondered how bad the situation was for Wheein at home. She had mentioned before, she was closer to her step-father.

Yongsun sighed before fishing out her phone from her back pocket. She texted her girlfriend with iloveyous and soothing words to calm her. Wheein replied with a heart and a kissing emoticon.

“My girlfriend is so cute!”

Yongsun smiled when Wheein’s photo appeared on her lockscreen. She then got into her car and drove back to her house. She was excited to see her mother again.

-

Wheein was in the car; sitting quietly; missing Yongsun as soon as Yongsun was out of her sight. She was slightly alarmed at how much her heart wanted Yongsun to be by her side. She sighed.

“Missy, are you okay?”

Ahjussi was watching her; observing from the rear mirror. Wheein was a little flabbergasted but she shook her head. However, ahjussi knew better.

“Is she your girlfriend?”

“O.O”

“Don’t give me that look. It was obvious to me.”

“Ahjussi, you cannot tell Mommy!”

“I won’t. I promise. There are a lot of things I have been keeping a secret since your middle school days.”

Wheein stuck her tongue out. Ahjussi was her supporter. Yes, there were a lot of times Wheein had requested the old man to keep her stuffs a secret. The man honoured his words.

“So, is she your muse?”

“Yeah, she is. We are roommates and one thing led to another.”

“I see. She seems nice.”

“She’s more than nice! She has been my pillar of strength whenever I felt down.”

Ahjussi was smiling widely. But Wheein was feeling a little sceptical about her relationship. She wasn’t too sure if they could last for a lifetime.

“Ahjussi, don’t you think I’m weird?”

“Why did you say that?”

“I’m supposed to like boys, not girls.”

Ahjussi chuckled softly. Then he shook his head.

“I watch you grow up, Missy. You’re never comfortable with the boys around you. And it’s fine if you love a girl. Just as long as both of you are happy with your life.”

“But Mommy is not going to like it.”

“Madam is concerned about you. But she loves you so much too. You’re everything to her; you’re her star.”

“I don’t know. I don’t have confidence about this at all. I felt like I might lose Yongsun.”

“Oh, her name is Yongsun?”

“Yeah, Kim Yongsun.”

“You’re still young. Both of you still have a long way to go. Don’t brood so much about it. Just take one day; one step at a time.”

Wheein bit her lower lip.

“I hope so.”

-

Yongsun finally reached her apartment. She took a deep breath and was glad to be back home after almost 8 months staying at the hostel. It might just be a 2-bedroom apartment but Yongsun had her best moments growing up in this apartment.

Her mother worked every day and night; she worked to bring food to the table. Even though so, Yongsun was given the best of everything – her mother was always there whenever she needed someone.

She quickly ran up the stairs; her apartment was on the 4^th level. She could smell sweet aroma and she knew it was her mother’s cooking. salivated and she started screaming for her mother.

“OMMA! I’M HOME!”

She rushed through her gate and was about to jump on her mother; she realized it was a man instead; wearing an apron with his arms wide open. Yongsun was stunned at first but when she recognized the man; she shrieked in happiness.

“APPA!”

“Aigoo! Woori Yongsunnnie!”

She hugged the man tightly; she hasn’t seen him for years. The man she called Appa had been by her side ever since she was born. He was the one who acted like her real father.

“Yongsun ah, you’re so grown up now!”

“Appa, when did you reach Seoul?”

“I came back last night. Your Omma said you’ll be having your break soon and coincidentally, I was clearing my leave. So, I came back!”

Taeyeon stood at the hallway; looking on as her daughter animatedly chatting with her god-father, Heechul. Heechul became her godfather after Yongsun was born. The man didn’t want Yongsun to grow up without a father figure; he stepped in as her father – taking good care of her until she was 10 years old.

Taeyeon felt guilty that Heechul sacrificed his youth for her. So, she urged him to settle down and have his own family. He couldn’t possibly be on standby for her and Yongsun. Heechul took Taeyeon’s advice and went on to marry his co-worker. Heechul married Im Yoona and migrated to US. A year later, the couple had a daughter, Kim Seolhyun.

Yoona grew fond of Yongsun and she sympathized with Taeyeon. So, she didn’t mind being Yongsun’s godmother since Heechul’s her godfather. When Seolhyun was born, the couple returned to Seoul and introduced Seolhyun to Yongsun. The girl was ecstatic when she found out she was a big sister.

Just then, Seolhyun ran past Taeyeon and jumped on Yongsun instantly. She was only 11 years old.

“UNNIE!”

“SEOLHYUN AH!”

“I MISS YOU!!”

“Aww, I miss you too! Wow, you’re so tall now.”

“Am I? I will be taller than you, Unnie!”

“Right. I can see that.”

Yongsun rolled her eyes when Seolhyun stuck her tongue out at her. The 11-year-old was almost as tall as her. Seolhyun has her parents’ genes especially her mother. And she’s as beautiful as her mother.

“Have you forgotten about me?”

“Yoona MAMA!”

“How are you, baby?”

“You still call me a baby?!”

“Why? I can’t call you that? I still call Seolhyun baby.”

“She’s 11. I’m 21.”

“Age doesn’t matter.”

Taeyeon sighed. Yongsun was so lucky to have love from everyone who cares about her. She was ever thankful for Heechul and Yoona; who never stopped showing concern for Yongsun despite having their own child.

She remembered the first day she took Yongsun home.

-

Taeyeon cuddled her newborn in her arms; her older brother and Heechul were preparing for her discharge papers. Heechul stepped up as Yongsun’s guardian and god-father. He even made it official; producing lawyer letters so that he could assist Taeyeon with Yongsun’s birth certificate.

Jiwoong was packing up her stuff and when it was ready to go, Jiwoong helped Taeyeon to sit on the wheelchair. Yongsun was neatly tucked like burrito and she was sleeping most of the time. She smelled like lavender. Jiwoong grinned as he looked at his little niece.

“She’s so pretty. I’m just glad that you have this baby even though she belongs to Soo Yeon. Soo Yeon’s pretty; she sure has her mother’s features.”

“Are you in love with Yongsun now?”

“Geez, who wouldn’t? I’ll protect my baby niece from today onwards. Nobody is going to say mean things to her as long as I’m alive.”

“Oppa, are you ashamed of me?”

“Stop talking rubbish. I told you before. You’re my little sister. I don’t care what others say. We are a family, so trust me when I say I’ve never been ashamed of you. And you need to get out of that depression because you have a daughter to take care of. Yongsun was not born to let you live in regrets. She’s born to let you achieve new dreams; new heights and new goals in life. Forget about the past; look forward and build your future with your daughter. She has nobody but you now.”

Taeyeon understood her brother’s words well. She knew she had no time to dwell in her past; in her broken relationship; she had to build a new world with her daughter in it. Just then, Heechul came into the room with a smile on his face.

“Okay, her birth certificate is done. Kim Yongsun; daughter of Kim Taeyeon; ward of Kim Heechul – sounds so official. I’m a god-father!”

Heechul then bent his knees so that he could be on eye-level with Taeyeon who was on the wheelchair. He glanced down and smiled widely as he caressed Yongsun’s chubby cheeks.

“Yongsunnie, now you have a god-father. Nobody can bully you now.”

Kim Yongsun, only 2 days old but she had a protective squad around her. Nobody was going to let anyone hurt her for sure.

-

“OMMA~”

Taeyeon was shook from her thoughts; she came face to face with her grinning daughter. She burrowed her eyebrows together before gently smacking her daughter’s forehead.

“Ow.”

“You have to scream into my ears?”

“I called you a couple of times, but you ignored me.”

Yongsun was rubbing her forehead with her pouted lips. Taeyeon smiled before pulling her little rascal towards her. Yongsun, her baby daughter who was now as tall as her; growing up too fast for Taeyeon. She wished Yongsun would always be a baby so that she could keep her close to her. But she knew that wouldn’t happen.

She cupped her palms on her daughter’s cheeks and looked into her eyes. It has been a long time, but each time she looked into her daughter’s eyes; she sees Soo Yeon. Taeyeon has small eyes; even her whole family’s eyes looked like slits. But Yongsun has big round eyes; just like Soo Yeon.

Yongsun was slightly taller than Taeyeon; just like Soo Yeon. She’s everything of Soo Yeon and she has her mother’s voice. She could sing well; reaching high notes. Well, Taeyeon could do so too but Kim Yongsun is so much like Soo Yeon; sometimes Taeyeon couldn’t stop wondering how Soo Yeon is right now.

“There you go again.”

“What?”

“Am I that beautiful that Omma has to stare into my eyes like that?”

Taeyeon smacked her daughter’s back playfully.

“You’re so full of yourself sometimes.”

“I learn from Omma.”

Taeyeon rolled her eyes before Yongsun leaned in for a kiss on her Omma’s lips. She might be an adult now but Yongsun had always been generous with her affections. She never held back; she would express her love for her Omma any way she could. Even kissing on her mother’s lips came naturally for her.

“I love you, Omma!”

Then she ran off with Seolhyun behind her. Taeyeon was laughing softly; what else could she expect more? She has Yongsun.

“Yongsun ah, forgive Omma for hiding the truth about your mother. One day, Yongsun; one day when I’m brave enough, I’ll tell you the truth. For now, please; just be by my side.”

That was Taeyeon’s greatest wish and darkest fear.

-

Jessica waited for her precious daughter; shifting nervously on the sofa. She has seen her daughter’s results; she should be satisfied but Jessica thought Wheein could have done better. She folded her arms and waited. Minutes later, she heard the car engine and the car door closed. She looked up and Wheein was dragging her feet towards the door.

“Jung Wheein.”

She called out to her. Wheein was startled but kept her eyes on the ground. She somehow knew her mother would be waiting.

“Wheein ah!”

Wheein’s eyes sparkled when she heard her step-father’s voice. She looked up instantly and the man was already hugging her. He was home; Wheein felt relieved. She couldn’t stand being in the same place as her mother. But she was surprised to find her two older brothers jumping on her.

“WHEEINIEEE~”

“OUR BABY SISTER IS HOME!”

“OPPAA!”

The eldest brother cupped Wheein’s cheeks before making faces at her while the other patted on her back. They were glad to see her again.

“How are you doing?”

“I’m good, Oppa. How about you?”

“I’m fine; both of us miss you so we followed Daddy home.”

“Let me help you with this!”

The eldest brother, Tony picked up Wheein’s duffel bag while Tony, the younger one, dragged Wheein into their room. Jessica didn’t have the chance to greet her daughter. Taecyeon was looking at her direction. Jessica knew Taecyeon purposely deterred her intentions.

“You did this on purpose, right?”

“Give her a break, Sica. She just got home. She has done well. I don’t understand why you have to be so hard on her.”

“I was in the top 5%, Oppa.”

“Wheein is in top 10% of the cohort. She did well. So, take a chill pill. You’re not going to spoil my daughter’s mood today.”

Taecyeon his heels and went up to his son’s room. He had told Toby and Tony to steer Wheein away from her mother. Taecyeon had noticed Wheein’s facial expressions when she entered the house. She was so lifeless because she knew Jessica would be questioning her.

“Jessica has to stop doing this. I must look for Kim Taeyeon. She needs to stop killing herself over this.”

Taecyeon made a promise to himself.

-

Jessica was still sitting at the sofa. She recalled Taecyeon’s last words to her. She glanced to her side and saw Wheein’s transcripts. She had scored well but her peers were much better than her. Even Soo Young told her that the standards were different now. Wheein had done well for her first year in university.

She closed her eyes; suddenly felt tired with her own behaviour. She didn’t mean to treat Wheein this way, but she just couldn’t forgive herself. Jessica knew she was indirectly blaming Wheein for the pain she was going through. She was in pain because Wheein has her mother’s eyes.

Her white porcelain skin; her soft small eyes and her cute dimple – all inherited from Kim Taeyeon. People used to ask her if Wheein looks like her father. And Jessica would politely say yes but it wasn’t helping her. When Wheein was growing up, Jessica discovered another trait that Wheein took from her mother – her love for painting.

Wheein wasn’t fashionable; she dressed very simple and sometimes a little tomboyish just like Taeyeon. God, why was Wheein so much like her mother? True that she was Taeyeon’s flesh and blood, but Jessica had a hard time when she was raising Wheein.

During the first 3 years of Wheein’s life, Jessica was a little firm and stern on her. The toddler was terrified of her and Jessica’s parents often chided her.

-

“Jung Wheein, why did you spill water on the floor?!”

Wheein was in Seoul to visit her grandparents. Jessica returned with her alone. Taecyeon was with his boys at his parents’ place. Wheein’s grandparents were delighted to see their granddaughter. The toddler was pretty much pampered by them.

But not Jessica. She was the disciplinarian. Wheein couldn’t answer her; she was shaking in fear. Jessica didn’t hesitate to smack on her buttocks which made Wheein yelp in pain. Her father saw it.

“Jessica, what are you doing?”

“I’m disciplining her.”

“She’s only 3, Jessica. She’s still a baby.”

“Appa, you’re pampering her too much.”

But Mr Jung didn’t accept that. He swooped in and carried his grandchild in his arms. He then turned to face Jessica with his stern glare. Jessica was a little taken aback.

“I don’t remember being this tough on you.”

“I don’t want her to turn out to be like me.”

“Even though so, she’s still a child. She’s practically shaking in fear now.”

Jessica looked at her daughter; Wheein quickly turned away and buried her face in her grandfather’s neck. The girl didn’t cry. She knew if she did, Jessica would be even angrier.

“This child is not even crying because she’s scared of you. Do you wish your daughter to be afraid of you while growing up?”

Jessica focused on the ground.

“Your mistakes are clearly yours. Wheein is not a mistake. You chose to bring her into this world. So, don’t blame it on her because you felt like your life is worthless. I’ll take Wheein with me for now. Think about what I’ve said. My granddaughter is precious just like you are to me.”

Her father left Jessica in the living room. Jessica looked on; she knew she made a mistake because Wheein refused to look at her. She then slumped onto the floor. Her dad was right.

Wheein is not a mistake. She was the one in the wrong; not her daughter. She took it too literally and tried to atone her mistakes by being harsh on her daughter. What if Wheein grows up; hating her?

She wouldn’t like that to happen. She knew she had to do something to salvage her relationship with her baby girl. Just then, Mrs Jung appeared in front of her. She pulled her firstborn to the sofa and clenched Jessica’s hands in hers.

“Your father told me what happened. Wheein started crying the moment I held her. She’s in a lot of pain, Jessica. You think hitting her buttocks won’t hurt but she’s a little child. She would feel worse than anyone of us.”

Jessica didn’t answer. She was reflecting on her actions. Tears fell from the corner of her eyes. Who said it didn’t hurt for her? It hurt her twice as much.

“I know you want to protect Wheein. I know you love her. And I know you don’t want her to follow your steps. But Jessica ah, she’s still a child. She’s barely 3 years old and hardly know how to talk. She cannot fight with you now but she might when she’s older.”

“Omma, I didn’t mean to hurt my daughter.”

“I know you don’t. And I know you’re hating yourself every single day because you left Taeyeon. And it didn’t help that Wheein is a lot like her mother. But Wheein is not at fault. You gave life to her. Both you and Taeyeon. She never asked to be born in the first place.”

“I’m sorry, Omma.”

“You didn’t do wrong. But Wheein is still young. You should nurture her; shower her with love and attention; give her the best of your world. You can be strict with her but of course, with validations. Spilling water on the floor doesn’t render you to hit her.”

“Where is she, Omma?”

“She’s asleep now. Your father refused to let me take her to you. He’s furious that you hit his precious granddaughter.”

“I understand.”

“Let him cool down. When Wheein’s awake, I let you know. Just go to your room and rethink of your actions.”

-

Later that night, Mr Jung relented when his wife persuaded him to bring Wheein back to her mother. He ignored Jessica during dinner. And besides Wheein was asking for her mother.

“Haraboji, I want Mommy.”

“Okay, I’ll bring you to her.”

“Yay!”

Wheein was smiling widely. The little one must have forgotten what happened in the afternoon. Mr Jung knocked on Jessica’s door; it was instantly opened. Wheein ran to her mother and hugged around her legs tightly. Jessica’s heart sank; she started tearing up. She picked up her daughter and hugged her tightly.

“Wheein loves you. No matter what happens, this girl has you only. So, please don’t be so stern on her. It hurts me when you hit her earlier on. Appa is sorry, Jessica.”

“No, it’s my fault. I should be apologizing to you.”

“No, you should apologize to Wheein. She needs to understand why you hit her today.”

Mr Jung left them and went back to his room. Jessica closed the door behind her and gently placed her daughter on the bed. Wheein was rubbing her eyes with her small hands.

“Mommy, Wheein is sleepy.”

“Oh? Okay, let’s get some sleep.”

“Mommy will sleep with Wheein?”

“Yes, I will sleep with you.”

“Come here then.”

Wheein was patting on her side as she made room for her mother on the single-size bed. Jessica laid next to her daughter; she stretched out her arm and Wheein rest on it. The little one then cuddled next to her mother; her little arm around Jessica’s chest.

Jessica kissed her daughter’s forehead; and murmured a soft sorry. She patted on Wheein’s thighs as the little girl drifted to slumber. Jessica watched as Wheein’s eyes closing and then a while later, she heard a soft snore. Wheein was fast asleep.

She stared at her daughter’s face. She then kissed her daughter’s forehead and whispered softly.

“I’m sorry sweetheart. I didn’t mean to hit you earlier on. I know you did nothing wrong, but I lost my mind for a second. I know I’m hard on you. I’m sorry, baby. I love you, Wheein. Mommy loves you so much.”

She wiped her tears away; before leaning in to kiss her daughter’s forehead again.

“Don’t ever leave me, Wheein. Don’t ever leave Mommy. I need you, baby. I need you with me.”

-

“Mommy?”

Jessica looked over her shoulder; her daughter was standing behind her. She smiled.

“Why are you sleeping here?”

“Oh, I fell asleep I guess.”

“Are you tired?”

“Nope, I’m just sleepy. Anyway, is there anything you want?”

“Oh.”

Wheein bit her lower lip but somehow managed to move on the balls of her feet. She stood next to her mother.

“I miss you, Mommy.”

Jessica’s eyes softened. She then tapped gently on the sofa; inviting her daughter to sit next to her. Wheein did and sat quietly. Jessica looked on as her daughter shifted nervously. She then hugged Wheein tightly.

“I miss you too, Wheein.”

Wheein managed a soft smile. She nodded and put her arms around her mother.

“And I’m so proud of you.”

She pulled away to find Wheein’s eyes grew larger. The girl was a little taken aback with her mother’s sudden declaration. She must have not been praising Wheein much. Jessica regretted not doing that often.

“I may not say much to you. I should have but you know how I am like. I should have praised you often but that’s not my style. I’m sorry, Wheein.”

“No, Mommy, please don’t apologize. I understand. I understand your feelings.”

“I’m proud of you. You’re in the top 10% of your cohort. And I’m aware how difficult it is now for you to attain such achievement. But Mommy is a little greedy. I used to be in top 5% in that university.”

“I know. Daddy told me.”

“Yup, I guess I was a little disappointed but that doesn’t mean I’m angry at you. I’m really proud of your achievements.”

“I understand, Mommy. I’ll work hard in my next semester.”

“I’m sure you will. But don’t put pressure on yourself. I just wanted to tell you how I felt.”

“Don’t worry, Mommy. I will be in top 5% in my next semester. I’ll make you proud, Mommy.”

Jessica was relieved. Her daughter understood her initial feelings. She also realized that Wheein has indeed grown up well. Wheein was a little awkward at first but she cares for Jessica just like how Jessica cares about her little girl.

“Let’s go to the kitchen. I have cooked your favourite.”

“Oh?”

“We will be having samgyeopsal today. I got Ahjussi to buy you lots of meat today. Eat until your heart’s content, okay?”

Wheein’s eyes sparkled brightly. Her smile was so wide that her dimple deepened. Gosh, she looks so much like Taeyeon but Jessica refrained herself. Instead, Wheein leapt forward and kissed her instead.

“Thanks Mommy! Tony Oppa! Toby Oppa! Mommy bought samgyeopsal! Let’s eat together!”

She ran off; and disappeared up to the second level. Wheein was happy. She was extremely happy today and Jessica felt at ease.

“Wheein, I promise you. I’ll do whatever I can to make sure you’ll be happy like this always. My precious girl; my precious daughter.”

-

Yongsun dropped a text to Wheein. She was a little worried about Wheein. She texted Yongsun an hour ago saying that she has reached. But then, she never replied after that. 2 hours later, Yongsun was still waiting for her reply.

“Is she alright?”

She was about to call Wheein when a message came in.

BABY! Sorry, I was busy eating samgyeopsal with my family. I forgot to text you. Oh, my brothers are home! And my Daddy too! So, we just spent time talking. I’m sorry, baby. I know you’re worried about me. But don’t worry, I’m doing great. Let’s talk to night okay? I’ll call you.

Yongsun let out a sigh of relief. Wheein was busy with her family that she has forgotten to text. Yongsun was not going to complain. She just wanted to ensure that Wheein is doing fine without her.

Seolhyun was lying on her bed; attacking her laptop keys furiously. What on earth was this girl playing?

“That keyboard will break one day.”

“Daddy will buy me a new one.”

“Geez.”

Yongsun laid next to her; she was browsing through the photos of Wheein on her phone. She smiled sweetly as she reminisced those moments she spent with her girlfriend. Seolhyun noticed and she peeked as well.

“Wow, she’s beautiful.”

“Isn’t she?”

“Is your friend?”

“Yeah, she is.”

“What’s her name?”

“Wheein.”

Seolhyun nodded and then focused back to her game. Yongsun was still in her own world when her mother walked in. She didn’t even notice when Taeyeon laid next to her; she was looking at Yongsun’s phone as well.

“Isn’t that Wheein?”

Yongsun was stunned; she sat up quickly and threw her phone on the floor. Taeyeon was a little taken aback at her daughter’s reaction. Seolhyun was surprised too.

“Unnie, why did you throw your phone away?”

“Err, reflexes.”

“Why? Am I not allowed to see your photos?”

Yongsun bit her lower lip. She was flabbergasted and Taeyeon was unfamiliar with this Yongsun. Her daughter was too nervous. Just then, Seolhyun heard her mother calling so she left the room; leaving Yongsun with her mother.

With Seolhyun out of the room, Yongsun decided that this was the best time to talk to her mother. She plucked up her courage and looked at her mother. Her heart was thumping too fast.

“What’s wrong, Yongsun?”

“Omma, I have something to tell you.”

“Okay, what is it?”

Yongsun rushed to her bedroom door and closed it. She locked it so that she could have some alone moments with her mother. She swallowed hard and tried to focus elsewhere because Taeyeon’s eyes were boring into hers.

“Kim Yongsun, why are you panicky?”

“Omma, I – I have a secret.”

“What secret?”

“I – I’m seeing someone.”

Taeyeon’s eyes grew larger but then softened. Her daughter was a grown-up woman. It was time for her to fall in love.

“And? Why are you being like a wet chicken?”

“Wet chicken? Is that even legit?”

“I was just saying. So, when are you going to introduce your boyfriend to me?”

Yongsun bit her lip too hard; she could taste blood, but she had never felt so nervous in her entire life. She wasn’t too sure how her mother would react. She closed her eyes tightly and then prayed silently in her heart. Oh god, save me. Just save me.

“Girlfriend.”

“What?”

“I have a girlfriend.”

“Huh?!”

“Omma, I’m in love with a girl. And her name is Wheein.”

Taeyeon was loss for words.

-

Wheein was on her bed; she left a text to Yongsun. She had a great dinner with her family. Her mother was a little friendly and treated her warmly. Being in top 10% did good for her; well almost. She needed to push herself a little bit harder to be in top 5% just like her mother did. She knew she could do it.

Tonight was bearable. Wheein could breathe a little. She wasn’t feeling suffocated as before and she was a little surprised with herself. Earlier on, she plucked up the courage to greet her mother. She saw her mother with her eyes closed on the sofa; the same sofa she saw her 3 hours ago. Her mother didn’t leave her seat.

Wheein bit her lower lip; she wondered if she should call out to her mother. But she remembered Yongsun and how the girl often gave her the courage and encouragement to get close to her mother; Wheein knew she had to do something. Either she or her mother had to start the effort.

Wheein decided. She should start it first. And boy, it was a good move. Her mother was affectionate; soft and even hugged her tenderly. She even praised Wheein. For the last 21 years of her life, her mother hardly said good things to her.

To be able to hear that appraisal from her mother; Wheein felt like she has achieved something big in her life. Wheein was convinced. Her mother loves her.

Just then, her step-father walked into her room. She sat up immediately and Taecyeon sat on the bed next to her. Wheein wrapped her arms around her father’s neck from his back and smiled widely.

“Someone’s happy.”

“Yeah, I’m really happy, Daddy.”

“Because of Mommy?”

“Well, because of a lot of things. Of course, Mommy is the main reason.”

“You’ve done well, Wheein ah. You did extremely well today. Take one step at a time. Your Mommy is a good person. She loves you the most.”

“I know, Daddy. I know Mommy loves me.”

Taecyeon gave a soft kiss on his step-daughter’s cheek. The pair talked for a bit more before Taecyeon probed further.

“Say, since you’re studying in a university, have you attracted any suitors?”

Taecyeon was giving her a cheeky grin; Wheein’s face turned red. Her mind suddenly thought of Yongsun, the love of her life. She wasn’t too sure if she should indulge on Yongsun with her step-father. But he was the best person to talk to.

“Daddy, I’m seeing someone.”

She started cautiously. She wanted to see his reaction; testing waters. Of course, Taecyeon wasn’t surprised. Jung Wheein is pretty enough to have suitors.

“I should have known. Have you seen this person for quite some time?”

“We’ve been together for at least 7 months now.”

“Aww, puppy love!”

“Daddy! Stop teasing me!”

“Our Wheein’s in love!”

Wheein gave him a shy smile. Her heart felt warmth whenever she thought of Yongsun. She’s that one person who gives her so much love and Wheein knew if she loses Yongsun, she could never get over it.

“So, what’s his name?”

Now, this was the hardest part. Unfortunately, the person she loves is not a guy. The person she wants is a girl. Her stomach was churning with discomfort. Her heart was beating so fast; she wasn’t too sure if she could even confess that she loves a girl.

“Wow, are you that shy to even say his name?”

“Daddy, there’s something you should know.”

“What is it?”

“I love someone who might not be your ideal person.”

“What do you mean?”

Taecyeon was frowning away. Was she in love with a bad boy?

“I love a girl, Daddy. I’m in love with my roommate.”

Taecyeon was surprised. Well, he wasn’t the only one. Unknown to them, Jessica was just outside Wheein’s bedroom door. She overheard their conversation. She was gripping the doorknob tightly.

She didn’t like it. She closed her eyes.

Was history going to repeat itself?

No, she wouldn’t allow. Wheein was not going to experience what she had before. She rushed in and shouted for Wheein.

“JUNG WHEEIN! WHAT DID YOU SAY?!”

Wheein was stunned; she was deadmeat.

-