Yongsun was brooding at one corner of the house. No doubt she felt a little better however living without Wheein made her felt like there was nothing more left anymore. It was killing her softly because she misses Jung Wheein terribly. She thought the pain would go away but it never did. It just lingered.

Taeyeon was watching her daughter from the kitchen. Yongsun just had lunch with her but her mood swings were terrible. At one point she would be laughing happily but the very next second, she would keep her silence and just become lifeless like how she was now.

The older woman was worried for her daughter. She was exactly what Yongsun was now. She felt like dying. Every day, it felt like as though someone pulled her heart out and left it to die. It was not easy for her to move on but she forced herself because she has Yongsun. But now her daughter had nothing to hang on to. It was a terrifying feeling.

Just then, someone was knocking on their front door. Yongsun was ignoring it; or rather she wasn’t even paying attention. Her gaze was fixated at the view outside of their window. Taeyeon had to attend to the stranger instead.

She opened the door and was surprised to find an old gentleman; dressed in neatly, ironed white shirt with black pants. He looked like a fine gentleman. He bowed courteously that prompted Taeyeon to follow through.

“Can I help you?”

“I’m looking for Kim Yongsun.”

“Yongsun? Why are you looking for my daughter?”

“Ah, you’re Mrs Kim? How rude am I? I apologize for my imprudence. Let me introduce myself. I’m Wheein’s chauffer.”

“Wheein?”

Just then, Yongsun finally realized someone was at the door; she got up and walked over. She was a little surprised to find the familiar man standing at her doorstep. She recognized him – Wheein’s ahjussi.

“Ahjussi?”

The old man sighed a relief. Yongsun was safely at home. He went to the university earlier on to look for the young lady, but he was told she has left. He was a little worried that he was unable to find her. Fortunately, he met Moonbyul and Irene; that was when he found out Yongsun went home with her mother.

He got the address from the girls and made his way quickly. He recalled his promise to his little Missy.

“Wheein, Ahjussi will bring Yongsun to visit you today. Get well, okay?”

Wheein was in and out of consciousness. Her condition was terrible, and it seemed to get worse and the Jungs were worried. Of course, Jessica was at her worst. She had instructed Ahjussi to locate Yongsun.

“Please find Wheein’s friend and bring her here. I’ll be at home the whole day.”

It took Ahjussi an hour before he reached Yongsun’s hometown. He found the apartment quickly. Their little apartment was completely different from Wheein’s big mansion. This apartment was warm and Ahjussi could certainly feel that this house is filled with joy and happiness. He knocked on the door and waited. Some lady opened the door – she was Yongsun’s mother.

Taeyeon invited him since Yongsun knew him. Drinks were served and the old man was a little refined and soft-spoken. He has the calmest smile and Taeyeon felt comfortable with him even though she barely knew him.

“I’m here to look for Miss Kim.”

“Ahjussi, call me Yongsun. It’s too formal.”

“Ah, so is it okay if I call you Yongsunnie?”

“Yeah, that’ll be great.”

“Yongsunnie, Ahjussi needs your help.”

Yongsun’s tightened her grip on her sofa. Did something happen to Wheein? Did something bad happen to her baby? But she didn’t say anything. She waited for him patiently.

“Wheein is hospitalized. She fainted at home.”

“What?”

“She has reasons for not contacting you. Her phone was confiscated. She was grounded and she wasn’t allowed to return to the dorm. Ahjussi had to send her to and fro from home to school and then back home. She had suffered so much that she lost weight and wasn’t eating at all.”

Yongsun’s heart constricted. She was right. Wheein was suffering like she did.

“And Wheein knows what is happening to you. She is always hiding somewhere in school; and then watches you from far. It kills her each time you aren’t eating or losing yourself. She blames herself for your pain and Ahjussi knows that you’re not mad at her either.”

“I’m not. I will never get mad with her. I’m worried. I’m worried sick about her. When we had to leave each other for the semester break, Wheein suddenly changed. She became quiet and hesitant to return home. Is her relationship with her mother that bad?”

Taeyeon was just listening to their conversation. She was worried at first when she heard Wheein was hospitalized and now she sympathized with the young lady. It was not easy to be in love with another girl.

“Her mother loves her. But her mother went through a lot. I don’t really know much about her past but I know she cares about Wheein in her own ways.”

“Ahjussi, can I visit Wheein?”

The old man nodded and smiled widely. It was under his Madam’s instruction for him to find Yongsun and bring her over to see Wheein.

“Madam Jung is convinced that you may be the only person who can persuade Wheein to have proper meals and nurse her back to health. I know it’s irresponsible of Madam Jung to push this to you but Ahjussi is worried for Wheein too. Our little Missy is no longer happy. I miss her smile.”

Yongsun bit her lower lip. It hurt to hear that Wheein suffered so much. And all the while she thought; Wheein didn’t care but among the two, Wheein was probably at the worst end. At least her mother was supportive of her. Yongsun reckoned.

“Yongsun, what are you thinking of, sweetheart?”

Yongsun faced her mother. Taeyeon was always smiling. Her angel; Yongsun felt grateful that she has Taeyeon as her mother. She knew she could always rely on her mother when she needed someone.

“Should I go visit Wheein?”

“Do you want to?”

“I’m just afraid I might trigger unhappiness for her mother.”

Ahjussi patted on Yongsun’s back and smiled.

“Don’t worry about that. Madam Jung will not be around. She’s at home now. You can visit Wheein. If you still feel worried, you can bring your mother along.”

“Omma? Can you?”

Taeyeon smiled widely and nodded.

“Of course, anything for my baby.”

“Omma, Ahjussi is here.”

“So? Are you embarrassed of me now?”

“Omma! What did I say about calling me baby in front of strangers?!”

“You’re my baby and always be. Now go change.”

Yongsun pouted before grumbling her way back to her room. Ahjussi was looking on; somehow felt envious and sorry for Wheein. If only Madam Jung was like Mrs Kim.

“My apologies. I tend to get very affectionate with my daughter.”

“I understand. You must have loved your daughter so much.”

“There’s nobody else I can put my attention and shower my life on. Yongsun’s my only love now.”

“That’s how it should be.”

Taeyeon could only smile. Ahjussi was probably referring to Wheein and her mother but Taeyeon knew she had no right to comment. So, she excused herself and changed to get ready.  

Ahjussi watched as the mother and daughter moved around the house swiftly as they got ready. He smiled unknowingly. He was somehow relieved. If Madam Jung approves of their relationship, Wheein would find warmth in this family. He was certain Kim Yongsun would protect her well.

-

“Why are you home?”

Taecyeon was surprised to find Jessica sitting in the living room. She had her face buried in her palms.

“I got Ahjussi to find Wheein’s friend.”

“Wheein’s friend?”

“The one she’s in love with.”

Taecyeon was stunned that he stopped whatever he was doing. His tie was hanging weirdly from his neck; his mouth wide open; he stared at Jessica.

“Who are you? What did you do to Jessica?!”

“Shut up, Oppa.”

“Wait, are you sure you’re Jessica Jung?”

Jessica rolled her eyes at Taecyeon before moving closer towards him. She grabbed his tie and assisted him to make it neatly against his power suit. They might be husband and wife but Taecyeon treated him like his little sister. He cares about her genuinely.

“Why did Laura leave you? I still couldn’t figure out.”

“I can be an sometimes.”

“Glad you realized that.”

Taecyeon pouted before picking up his blazer and hung on his arm. He turned to Jessica and squeezed her hand tightly.

“Anyway, you did great. Are you seriously letting Wheein be who she wants to be?”

“I think she has showed her rebellious streak; protesting quietly.”

“I don’t think she wanted to do this.”

“I know. She just doesn’t know how to overcome the sorrow.”

“You know something, I was little concerned that Wheein might kill herself. But thank god, she didn’t.”

“That’s why. That’s why I’m letting her do whatever she wants. I’m not willing to lose her like that.”

“But shouldn’t you be there in the hospital? You can meet her friend too.”

“I’m not ready yet. Let her meet Wheein first.”

Taecyeon nodded. He understood.

“Okay, I’ll go to the hospital today after I’m done with the meeting. Get some rest. You haven’t been sleeping for the last two days.”

Taecyeon left after that. Jessica went to her daughter’s room instead. She looked around; there were baby photos of Wheein all over her study table and entertainment set. Wheein was such a lovable baby. Her deep, cute dimple was her greatest asset and of course, Wheein was a little cheeky child.

She used to dance and sing for Jessica. She was only 3 or 4 years old; and it was Jessica’s birthday. She got up on the coffee table and started singing. Those were memories Jessica remembered fondly. Whatever Wheein did reminded her of Kim Taeyeon. It was no doubt that Wheein has her mother’s blood in her.

When she was in middle school, she started to have fascination with colours. She would get paints and brushes; Taecyeon would entertain her and he even renovated an empty room for Wheein to draw and colour whenever she liked it. And that girl had in-depth knowledge and presentation of colours.

Jessica felt that she was raising young Taeyeon. Wheein was like a dork just like her mother too. Only when she started attending high school, Jessica was strict on her upbringing. She changed her dorky daughter into a young, sophisticated woman just like her. Of course, it wasn’t Wheein’s true colours but Wheein respected her mother. She just obeyed whatever her mother told her.

Result? Her daughter was constantly unhappy; constantly restricted and constantly aware of Jessica. She had to watch her mother’s mood swings. She couldn’t even talk freely or openly communicate or show affections towards her mother. Neither did Jessica. Both felt awkward.

Well, Jessica had to blame herself. If she wasn’t strict or too protective over Wheein, things wouldn’t happen like this. Now her daughter was just showing her rebellious streak; not in the worst ways but in a way that would hurt her own self.

What should Jessica do now?

How could she mend those broken lines now?

She could only hope; with the presence of Wheein’s girlfriend, Wheein could at least heal.

-

Yongsun was rushing; her balls of feet moved quickly almost leaving her mother behind. Even Ahjussi had a tough time catching up with the young lady.

“Kim Yongsun, can you slow down?”

“I’m sorry. I’m just worried.”

“I know you are, but you don’t even know the direction. And Ahjussi is breathing so hard because of you.”

Yongsun turned and Ahjussi was finally behind her. Yeah, he did have some laboured breathing.

“Wow, you’re really fast for a young woman.”

“She does yoga and gym.”

“That explains her stamina. Either that, I’m getting too old now. Anyway, Wheein’s room is just ahead. Go ahead first.”

Ahjussi slipped a piece of paper in her hand. It was Wheein’s room number. She immediately ran forward; just leaving dust behind her. Ahjussi and Taeyeon were blinking their eyes. Taeyeon rolled her eyes at her daughter who had long forgotten about her.

“I’m sorry, Ahjussi. Yongsun is a dork sometimes.”

“It’s okay. You raised a beautiful daughter. I wish Wheein had the chance to feel her mother’s love like Yongsun did.”

Taeyeon nodded knowingly. She couldn’t really comment on it.

“Yongsun is the only child I have. Sometimes I do get really hard on her.”

“That’s okay. But I can see Yongsun is extremely comfortable with you. Our Missy would always be awkward around her mother.”

“I see. I understand, Ahjussi.”

“I hope you won’t stop Yongsun from falling in love with Wheein. Only Yongsun brings out the life in Wheein; Yongsun is Wheein’s colours. Her world becomes bearable because Yongsun is the reason why she’s alive.”

Taeyeon smiled.

“Don’t worry, Ahjussi. I will take care of Wheein just like my own daughter. If I have the chance to.”

Ahjussi was satisfied with Taeyeon’s reply. Both then slowly made their way to Wheein’s room.

-

Wheein was facing the window; tears kept falling. Her eyes were red and swollen. Her lips were parched but her heart was dying. All she wanted was Yongsun. And she wished every single night that Yongsun would appear in her sight.

Even if it was just a hallucination, Wheein would be satisfied. Just like as though her prayers were answered; Wheein saw a reflection of Yongsun standing in front of her. Wheein’s eyes were brimmed with tears once again.

“Yongsun ah.”

She tried to reach out, but her arms were too weak. She couldn’t even sit up on her own. She cried out for Yongsun. But to her surprise, her hallucination felt warm and real. She could feel Yongsun’s flesh; her familiar warmth and that dimples on the sides of Yongsun’s lips.

“Wheein ah.”

Wheein was stunned. Hang on, this was no hallucination?

“Jung Wheein, how could you? How could you take my sunshine away and leave me with grey skies?”

“Yongsun, is that really you?”

“Yes, it’s me. I’m here for you. I came for you, Jung Wheein. You stupid girl!”

Out of nowhere, Wheein jumped up and Yongsun caught her. Only God knew how she got her strength. Yongsun enveloped Wheein tightly in her arms. She brawled like a baby and murmured “sorrys” to Yongsun. Ahjussi and Taeyeon were just looking on from the door; letting the two girls expressed their anger; their longing; their pain and everything that came in between. The cries turned into sobs and soon after, Yongsun pulled away slightly before she cupped Wheein’s cheeks with her palms.

Wheein was staring up; her red bloodshot eyes caused Yongsun’s heart to ache so badly. She wiped Wheein’s tears away with her thumbs before resting her forehead against Wheein’s. Wheein closed her eyes as she slowly took Yongsun’s familiar scent. She felt Yongsun’s warm breath against her cheek. God, she misses this closeness; and then she felt a soft peck on her lips.

She slowly opened her eyes and Yongsun let out a cute chuckle.

“Why aren’t you kissing me anymore?”

“My mom is here and Ahjussi is watching us.”

Wheein finally realized that they were not alone. Two pair of eyes were watching them intently. She released Yongsun from her hold and almost slipped when she wanted to bow to Taeyeon. But the older woman caught her arms instead.

“It’s okay. You’re still weak.”

Taeyeon lifted her up easily. She was frowning away. Wheein was too light for her height. Too light for comfort. The moment Wheein leaned against the bedframe, Taeyeon finally realized something. Wheein looked a lot worse than her daughter. At least Yongsun’s chubby cheeks were still evident.

“Hello Auntie Kim.”

“Hi Wheein, how are you doing?”

“I’m getting better, I guess.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah, since Yongsun’s here.”

Taeyeon smiled; she was relieved. She gently ruffled Wheein’s hair; much to the girl’s surprise. She looked at Yongsun.

“Why aren’t you kissing her?”

“Omma, don’t start.”

“You can kiss her. I won’t judge you.”

“OMMA!”

“I’m so glad you’re still sensible enough not to jump on Wheein.”

Yongsun’s face was turning so red that Ahjussi was amused. He ended up laughing. Yongsun was embarrassed; she hid under Wheein’s blanket. Wheein chuckled softly before she ran her fingers through Yongsun’s long locks. She missed this so much.

Her once hot and cold body now turned warm and she could feel happiness seeping through her heart and down to her hands and legs. It was a wonderful feeling which Wheein thought she would have lost the ability to feel it again.

Yongsun suddenly pulled out and then stood up. She grabbed Wheein’s hands tightly. She turned to Ahjussi.

“Ahjussi, has she been eating?”

“Nope. She went on a hunger strike.”

“You what?!”

“I cannot eat without you. I don’t have any appetite.”

“Me too! But people forced me to eat. Why didn’t Ahjussi force you to eat?”

“He couldn’t. I’m as stubborn as a bull.”

Yongsun rolled her eyes before pinching Wheein’s arm lightly. Then she hugged her girlfriend tightly.

“No, you have to eat something. Is she on some diet? Or she can eat anything?”

“If you can get her to eat, that’s good enough.”

“Ahjussi, let’s buy something to eat! I’m hungry too.”

“Didn’t you eat at home?”

“Omma, you’re not really a good cook.”

“Kim Yongsun.”

“Okay, bye! Baby, I’ll see you in a short while! Come, Ahjussi!”

Yongsun dragged Ahjussi with her; leaving Taeyeon and Wheein behind. She didn’t want to leave Wheein but her mother’s deep glare prompted her to escape.

-

Taecyeon made his way to the hospital. He was done with his meetings and he was getting worried for Wheein. The doctor often updated him with Wheein’s condition. She couldn’t eat anything; she would throw up after that.

This was no longer a physical sickness but a mental and emotion illness that plagued his step-daughter. She was too heartbroken. But after the conversation with Jessica earlier on, Taecyeon was hoping that it would change things.

Taecyeon adores Wheein so much because he had always wanted a daughter. Honestly, Wheein was his perfect daughter. She may not be his, but he loves her dearly. He could still recall the day Wheein was born.

-

Jessica was still working late in the office despite being heavily pregnant. Her pregnancy was a secret and Taecyeon kept it nice and clean. He had kept his marriage a secret for the longest time; it wasn’t easy, but he was determined to help Jessica too. Jessica was pregnant when she came to US. And she was expecting a baby girl much to Taecyeon’s delight. He admitted; his excitement on Wheein’s arrival did took a toll on his marriage with Laura. His then wife refused to have more children after Tony and Toby.

One night, while Jessica was preparing to return home from work, she started to feel contractions. It was the worst kind of pain Jessica had ever felt. Thank goodness, Taecyeon was picking her up from work and instead of heading home; they rushed to A&E. Little one was too early; she was supposed to be a June baby but instead of that, she decided to enter the world a day before her mother’s birthday.

Jessica had a tough time; she felt like she could die trying to deliver her little baby but Taecyeon kept encouraging her. Yes, he was in the delivery room together with Jessica and Laura. He asked Laura to meet him at the hospital.

So, the couple helped Jessica with her delivery. It took Jessica at least 8 hours before the little girl screamed her lungs out the moment her head popped. Gosh, her screams were loud; but the moment Jessica held her; she calmed down instantly. She was whining instead.

Jessica held her; stared at her daughter’s face and then tears fell instantly. Taecyeon was looking at her with concern; Laura felt worried too. Jessica’s expression was rather grim.

“She looks like her mother.”

That was her first sentence. Of course, the little girl would look like the other woman because she’s hers naturally. Taecyeon took the girl in his arms.

“She’s beautiful.”

“She is.”

“You don’t seem happy.”

“I’m both. Both sad and happy. Can I survive this?”

“Yes, you could. You chose to keep her; carry her and then deliver her into this world. You made that decision, so you have to keep up with it.”

Jessica ended up crying. And Laura was quick to hug her. Taecyeon felt sorry for her; and also for the little girl in his arms. He glanced down and the little one cuddled closer to his chest.

“Do you have a name for her?”

Laura asked.

“Wheein. Jung Wheein.”

“That’s a nice name. No English name?”

“Gabriella Jung Wheein.”

Taecyeon smiled then he spoke up.

“Wheein sounds nicer. The name really suits her.”

“Yeah, that’s what I thought so too.”

Laura wanted to hold Wheein too so Taecyeon gave the baby to her. Laura fell in love instantly. Wheein’s little dimple was to die for.

“Oh my god. She has the cutest dimple! I’m in love!”

Taecyeon grinned widely. He watched as his wife lovingly staring at Wheein and Jessica was smiling with tears on her face. He knew he had to protect these women; these 3 females in his life especially Little Wheein.

He made a promise to himself.

Wheein would be his utmost priority until the day he dies.

-

Wheein suddenly felt a little lost without Yongsun. She glanced to her side; Yongsun’s mother was sitting next to her. She bit her lower lip; suddenly awkward and shy. It was probably because she didn’t have much communication with her mother; Wheein couldn’t say anything with Taeyeon.

But Taeyeon beat her to it. She was the one who broke the ice first.

“How are you feeling, Wheein?”

“I’m feeling a little weak but better I guess.”

“Because of Yongsunnie?”

Wheein nodded.

“It must have been tough on you.”

Wheein finally looked up. That sentence hit her hard. She was trying hard not to cry but Taeyeon was reaching out to her instead. She held Wheein’s free hand.

“Yongsun had a hard time too. But she didn’t share with me. I just knew something wasn’t right with her. And I was right.”

“Are you angry with me? I hurt Yongsun.”

“No, you didn’t hurt her. Circumstances did.”

A tear escaped from Wheein’s left eye. She wiped it away quickly. How could Yongsun’s mother be so understanding?

“When you fell in love; it was nobody’s fault that it happened. You and Yongsun fell in love because it was meant to be. But it was just circumstances that pulled you two apart.”

“I couldn’t do anything without her with me. But I was afraid that I might hurt her or my mother would something to her.”

“So, you were protecting Yongsun?”

“I thought I was but not until I saw her lifeless emotions; she didn’t eat well and sometimes she cried in school; I felt at my worst.”

“Yet you chose to endure it all by yourself. You’re the greatest person on this Earth, Wheein.”

God, Wheein couldn’t take it any longer. Nobody had ever praise her like that before. She eventually broke down and cried. Taeyeon felt for her; she knew how it feels so she leaned closer; sat on the bed before pulling the crying girl into her arms.

“Don’t cry, Wheein ah. You don’t have to worry about me. I’m supportive of you and Yongsun. I know how it feels to be in love and being apart from the one you love the most. And don’t worry so much about anything else; I’ll take care of you if you need me to.”

Wheein burst to tears on Taeyeon’s chest; it was an ugly scene but Wheein couldn’t understand why she felt at ease; like it was natural to lean on Taeyeon and cried her heart out.

It was probably because Taeyeon was nice to her; or probably because she cared for her; and she loves Yongsun; just like how Wheein loves Yongsun. It was a common trait that they have for Yongsun; probably she felt like she knew how it felt to be apart from Kim Yongsun.

And Kim Taeyeon, she felt the same too. She felt the need; the urge to hold Wheein in her arms and comfort her in the best way she could. Her heart strings were tugging; and she felt like she owed Wheein something.

There was one thing Taeyeon couldn’t understand – why her heart wanted to protect Wheein so much.

-

Taecyeon was walking up to Wheein’s room. He wanted to resolve all the issues tonight with Wheein. She needed to know that he’s hurting too seeing her like this. But he was surprised to find a woman hugging Wheein in her arms. He frowned.

“Who is this person?”

He couldn’t see her face clearly because her back was facing him. But Taecyeon was perplexed because she could easily calm Wheein down; and Wheein even took a pinch of cake which the woman offered.

Jung Wheein was eating the cake a stranger gave her. Taecyeon was relieved and thankful but he was curious. As he was about to walk in; the woman turned. Taecyeon’s eyes grew larger than they already were.

He recognized her face. He knew that woman. It was the same woman he was searching for the longest time.

“KIM TAYEON?!”

Taecyeon screamed in his head.

“WHAT IS SHE DOING HERE?! HOW DID SHE FIND WHEEIN?!”

He was extremely perplexed.

-

Yongsun skipped happily back to Wheein’s room. Ahjussi had to leave because he needed to run errands. He has bought Wheein’s favourite and even Yongsun’s tteokbokki. Yongsun was surprised earlier on.

“How did you know I like to eat this?”

“Missy told me. You’re a monster when it comes to tteokbokki.”

“Hehe, it’s my favourite!”

“Good, I’m buying for you. Just share with your mom later.”

“Okay, Ahjussi. I’ll return to Wheein now.”

“Sure, tell her I’ll come by tomorrow.”

“Arraso.”

Yongsun managed to text Moonbyul and Irene. They were eager to know why an old man was looking for her. So, she explained to them. Irene was so relieved and Moonbyul said she would jump on Wheein. Yongsun rebuked her. Of course, Moonbyul wouldn’t dare to. Hyejin was also on Wheein’s side.

Just then, she saw a man standing outside the door. He was peeping in and Yongsun was concerned. She quickly went up to the man and tapped on his shoulder. The man turned almost immediately.

“Sorry, what are you doing, ahjussi?”

“Oh, I’m Wheein’s step-father.”

“O.O”

“Don’t be surprised. Do I look like a bad guy?”

Yongsun immediately bowed and greeted him. The man was amused.

“You’re Wheein’s girlfriend huh?”

“Ah?”

“I’m right, huh?”

“Err, yeah. I’m Kim Yongsun.”

“Ah, Yongsunnnie. I’m Uncle Taecyeon.”

“Hi Uncle! It’s nice to meet you.”

“Yeah, I finally have seen Wheein’s darling that makes her sick like this.”

“Urm.”

“Don’t be so nervous. I’m not mad at you. So, you’re here alone?”

“Nope! My mother’s inside with Wheein.”

The man’s eyes grew larger again.

“I’m sorry, what did you say!?”

“I came here with my mother.”

The man then turned to stare inside the room; he was rooted to the ground. And Yongsun was a little amused with his reaction. She stood at the door; still staring at him.

“Uncle, you’re coming in?”

“Err, later. I need the washroom.”

“Okay! I’ll see you later.”

-

Meanwhile Taecyeon was having a mini war in his brain. He was panicking. Wait, Yongsun is Wheein’s girlfriend. That woman inside hugging Wheein is Yongsun’s mother.

Kim Yongsun.

Kim Taeyeon.

“! NO WAY! YONGSUN AND WHEEIN ARE SISTERS?!”

He almost peed in his pants. This was insane.

This was so crazy.

Either way, both girls would get hurt.

-