As expected, the siblings were in the kitchen, indulging into cookie sandwiches and tea. They have changed into their pajamas, except for Hyewon.

“So…what are we going to do?” Hitomi asked as she served herself some tea.

“Right. We need ideas. Anyone?” Chaewon voiced out then looked at Hyewon. “Everyone?”

Hyewon was stale, her fingers busy typing something on the keyboard. Chaewon called her. “Hey! Are you with us?”

“Yes, I’m here…but I’m in New York time.” Hyewon voiced out. “I have a Skype call with my boss in a few minutes and I have to finish my report.”

“So…that explains the blazer despite the blazing cold.” Chaewon remarked.

“The cold doesn’t go ablaze, Ssamu.” Hyewon remarked. “But go on. I’m listening.”

“Okay then. Think! Come on!” Chaewon snapped and encouraged her sisters to come up with ideas. “Hmm…I’m sure those Yuehuas are -wipe dirty.”

“Unnie!” Hitomi snapped.

“Whatever. Those Yuehuas reek of dirty .”

“Ssamu-unnie~!”

“Obviously, those Yuehua asses don’t become rich immmediately if the do things dirty.”

“Ssamu-unnie! Sheesh…” Hitomi reacted again.

“How demure of you, Hiichan.” Chaewon chuckled. “That’s because you haven’t smelled an before.”

Hyewon and Minjoo chuckled lightly. Chaewon had a laugh herself until she had to stop her dirty mouth and revert back to the main objective. “Think! Come on!”

“But in all seriousness, what sort of business does the Yuehuas have?” Minjoo asked.

“Several.” Hyewon spoke, catching their attention and making Hitomi look at her laptop. “Yuehua is a corporate, a business tycoon in the field of entertainment, design, and livelihood. Their most profitable business is a chain of women-only spas.”

“So she IS listening.” Chaewon grinned as they all got closer towards Hyewon. “Let us see!”

Hyewon searched for more articles about the most profitable business. The siblings read them.

“Yuehua’s Spa: We give endless joy and happy endings?“ Chaewon read then she had her ‘Eureka’ moment. “Ha! Those Yuehuas ARE dirty. I knew it!”

“No, you don’t know it.” Hyewon mumbled while she was idle. “You don’t have evidence.”

“Unnie has a point,” said Hitomi.

“I have an idea. Superstition.” Minjoo raised. “If we can conceptualize a traditional wedding before them, they’ll be scared to marry in the same year.”

“I’m out of that.” Chaewon spat. “Wonyoung and I just got together. Hiichan’s also out of that because she’s an old maid.” She then pointed back at Minjoo. “You do it then.”

“Huh? Why me?”

“Because you have the longest relationship.”

“What about Kwangbae-unnie?” Minjoo pointed at Hyewon. “She also has a long relationship.”

“That’s a lame idea.” Hyewon said. “Unless you can stage a wedding by tomorrow, you can still stop them. And even if I love Jjoyul, I’m not going to rush into a wedding just to stop her from rushing into hers.” She looked back at Minjoo.” Unless Minguri’s willing to do it.”

“Are you?” Chaewon nudged her.

Minjoo scratched her head for she was uncertain about this plan. Then again, she had to go through it. “I’ll ask Kkura.”

“And if she says no?” Hyewon asked again.

Silence came. Hyewon noticed the uncertainty and drew a conclusion. “Yet another reason why it won’t work. Besides, can we even rely on her?”

And thus then tension returned. Minjoo and Hyewon are almost caught in a staring competition, Hitomi was just spectating, and Chaewon snickered for this chance made her come up with a plan.

“Oh, my gosh…bring back the past.” Chaewon added. “If you bring back the past, you shake up the present. Who’s the present? Yena. And who’s the past?”

“Goeun.” Hitomi pointed out.

“Kwangbae, find Goeun on SNS. She’ll help us stop this wedding!” Chaewon delivered another idea. “When the MC says, ‘Speak now or forever hold your peace.’, she will say, ‘I object.’-“

“And I object to that idea.” Hyewon spoke. “One: Goeun isn’t here because she’s in Taiwan. Two: Why would Jjoyul leave Yena for the girl who broke her heart and who actually became a reason why Jjoyul met Yena?”

“So we’re stuck to square one and have no solution...” Hitomi finished.

“So…what are you going to do, Kwangbae?” Chaewon left the suggestion to her.

“Have you ever heard about the optimal stopping rule?” Hyewon was quick to answer. “You have to pick someone to be your mate – in this case, is Yena – thinking that that person has the highest weighted average of desirable qualities in a diminishing pool of options.”

“What?” The rest wondered.

“In other words, we need to expand Jjoyul’s – “

A ring disrupted their conversation. Hyewon had to excuse herself to answer her boss’ call, leaving the rest of the siblings to think about what she meant.

“Jjoyul’s…what?” Chaewon wondered. “Options?”

“Expand Jjoyul’s options…” Hitomi spoke. “Right?”

The three were in a deep hole of confusion. Hyewon’s idea remained in their minds, even at a time of rest.

+++

Yuri didn’t go home immediately after the formal courtship. Instead, she and Yena had a date to relief the tensions between their families and to have quality time together.

They may be different in social standings but their language of love is the same. Yuri loved Yena despite the insecurities she might actually have towards her. Yena loved Yuri for who she was and she was willing to adjust for her. The wedding would’ve played as a catalyst of union but it also played as a catalyst of boundaries towards their relationship, especially between their families.

For now, they were at the veranda of the Yuehua household, sitting together and sharing hugs.

“Love, I’m sorry about the prenuptial contract. That wasn’t part of the plan.” Yena spoke.

“It’s okay. I know you weren’t aware.” Yuri eased her by patting her back. “I should be the one apologizing for my sisters’ remarks.”

“It’s fine. They mean well. Your family’s protective towards you as much as mine towards me.”

Yuri agreed and ended up snuggling to Yena. Yena held her closer, kissing her forehead. “Anyway, why did they end the formal courtship so shortly? They even made us leave in such a hurry. Did I turn them off?”

“No, love…” Yuri reached to cup Yena’s cheek. “I think they’re just surprised. I also think that they’re not used to a person with such beautiful uniqueness as you are.”

Yena nodded. The two had their own worries about the impressions they gave to each other’s family. Despite her background, Yena was the most worried.

“What are we going to do, love?” Yena asked, pouting. “What am I supposed to do so that your family will like me?”

“You don’t have to do anything, love. Just be you and they’ll love you.” Yuri answered while hugging her. “I could ask the same thing to you about your family. Are you even sure they like me?”

“Yuri-ya…I love you…” Yena spoke, comforting her beloved. “…and they will learn to love you too. And I think they’re smart enough to know that.”

Yuri nodded with a smile, all the while her hug towards Yena was still intact. Hopefully, their families will settle their differences and that their wedding will commence.

+++

It was another day in the Lee household and a loud one at that. Chaewon had woken up with an idea to stop Yuri’s and Yena’s wedding that she immediately called for her sisters and knocking on their door. “Kwangbae! Hiichan! Minguri!”

Hitomi and Minjoo had that as an alarm that Hitomi had to rush and open the door of their room. And then came Chaewon, waltzing inside. “Oh, my gosh! I am so smart!”

“Ssamu-unnie…” Hitomi mumbled as she fixed her hair.

“Hiichan, call Miu-chan. Hurry! Hurry now!” Chaewon demanded then looked at Minjoo. “Remember what Kwangbae said?”

Hitomi went to call her. For Minjoo, she was still in dreamland until Chaewon nudged her to wake up.

“Ugh…Ssamu-unnie…”

“Shush. Listen to my plan.” Chaewon makes her sit up. “Remember what she said last night? Yuri only fell in love with Yena because she has no options.”

“So what’s the plan?” Minjoo asked while yawning.

“We’ll give Jjoyul options! Options, options, options!”

Hitomi returned with Miu. Chaewon lets her sit on the bed and gave her instructions.

“Introduce Jjoyul to various people her age. Show her what she’ll be missing if she marries Yena.” Chaewon added. “Friends night out~”

“I’ll talk to Kkura!” Minjoo suggested as she opened the door while she peed. “I can talk to her because she recommend the best bars to meet with people.”

Chaewon thought it was a good idea while Hitomi tells Minjoo to close the door.

“Pick a decent bar, alright?” Chaewon instructed again.

“Yes. We only want decent people for Jjoyul. College graduates someonwe who’s prim and proper, also sweet and sophisticated.” Hitomi added.

“Yes…and someone who doesn’t wear a duck-themed disco ball to a proper courtship.” Minjoo added, opening the door again.

“Yes again. Also, pick people with unparalleled beauty and unparalleled voice, got it?” Chaewon added again.

“Oh! Just like Goeun!” Minjoo added as she finished peeing.

“Yes. That’s simple and easy.” Miu nodded, crossing her arms in agreement.

“But…don’t tell Jjoyul that we instructed you.” Chaewon warned.

“As if we don’t know anything, okay?” Minjoo pointed out and Miu nodded.

“If you say that we’re involved in this, we’ll deny it.” Hitomi added.

“Ah! So…it’s a secret assignment! I love it!” Miu said as she lent her hand. “So…let me have it?”

“Have what?” Hyewon asked as she arrived in the room.

“The budget, of course.” Miu said. “Do you expect me to shoulder everything? What will do to meet up with decent people if we have no budget?”

“What?” Hyewon was confused.

“She meant a friends’ night out!” Chaewon said then nudged Hyewon. “You’re late so you’ll be paying!”

Hyewon watched her sisters leave the room. She was frozen while looking at Miu asking her for money. She guessed that it was for the plan to stop Yuri’s wedding so she agreed to give a budget.

Ah…the things they’ll do for Yuri.

+++

It was evening and Miu’s plan for a friends’ night-out was put into action. Yuri arrived at the bar with Chowon and Wonyoung but she was shocked of seeing male and female strippers. The three felt uneasy and wondered where Miu was until they found her.

“Welcome to Miu’s Paradise!” She spoke as she presented the strippers and their table.

Yuri was still confused but she never liked the ambiance. She decided to leave, saying that it was wrong.

“Jjoyul!” Miu stopped her. “I prepared this all for you! Please don’t waste my efforts!”

“But you said you’ll take us to a decent bar to meet decent people…” Wonyoung spoke, closing her eyes as a dancing male stripper was in front of her.

“They ARE decent people. They came here in school uniforms and business attires,” said Miu.

Yuri still complained. Miu decided to let them sit down by their table filled with munchies and flavored beer. Miu then explained to Yuri that newlyweds usually have parties before the wedding proper.

“Just look. No touch.” Miu advised. “Window shopping.”

Yuri shook her head. Chowon patted her back, saying. “Let’s just…eat.”

“And drink.” Miu said as she opened a bottle.

Miu gave Yuri the first bottle. Yuri didn’t want to do this but she didn’t want to waste Miu’s efforts. With that, she shrugged and downed her first bottle.

+++

It was a early new day. The Lee siblings were worried since four of their members haven’t returned from their friends’ night out. Chaewon and Minjoo decided to file a missing report to the police while Hyewon and Hitomi tried to call either of the four.

“What’s that status? Did Jjoyul answer?” Hyewon asked.

“No. What about Chowon?” Hitomi asked as she dialed again.

“She didn’t either. Where did they even go?

“Miu-chan didn’t spare a word.”

“When does Mama Eunbi wake up?” Hyewon asked again as she dialed Miu this time.

“7 AM; time for breakfast.” Hitomi answered after a failed call.

“I’ll just make up excuses.” Hyewon sighed.

“I’m here! Let’s go, Hiichan.” Chaewon came out of the house. “Kwangbae, just wait for our call. We’ll go to the police immediately.”

“Unnie, maybe you’re just overreacting.” Hitomi said.

“If we don’t file a missing report, how will we find them ourselves? There’s a lot of bars in Seoul,” said Chaewon.

“But what if they get here before you manage to find them?” Hyewon asked then sighed. “Fine. Just call me if you find them.”

They froze as they saw their van close to the gate. What shocked them more was the sleeping figures inside. Hitomi rushed to open the van’s front door when Yuri collapsed like a carcass. The sisters rushed to open the van’s other doors and saw Miu slumping on the driver’s seat. For Chowon and Wonyoung, they were in the middle, almost cuddling to each other.

“Oh, my – “Chaewon slaps a bag towards Wonyoung to wake her up. “You all have bonded like superglue!”

“Chowon. Chowonie, wake up…” Hyewon nudged her and she groaned. “Erii might see you like this. Where have you been?”

“Ugh…m-motel?”

“Motel?”

“What the did you in a goddamn motel?!” Chaewon snapped, nudging Wonyoung.

“Window shopping…” Wonyoung whined as she rubbed her temples.

“What? What window shopping?!”

Chowon and Wonyoung were still drunk but they muster their strength and point at Miu. While easing a drunk Yuri, Hitomi reached and slapped Miu’s head with a fan.

“Miu-chan! ao Miu!!” Hitomi slapped again and Miu got to her attention. “What did you do?! Why were you window shopping in a motel, huh?!”

“You said so~” Miu mumbled.

“What?!”

“You all said…to give Jjoyul a good time.”

With Miu’s efforts, Yuri decided to eat and drink with her, Wonyoung, and Chowon. With every gulp Yuri downed, a random candidate was presented to her, to which she always declined. But with every gulp made them lose to numbness and temptation. For Yuri, she was never to let this slip and thank the stars, she didn’t.

Miu swore to what the sisters have planned: to introduce Yuri to various people her age and how her what she’ll be missing if she marries Yena so that she’ll have options, options, options! In other words, window shopping.

Or shopping window…at least, that’s what a drunk Wonyoung would mumble.

The sisters were pissed. Chaewon had it hard and hits Miu’s head with her heavy tote bag. “We said in a decent bar!! Why the did you take them to a motel?!”

Miu realized her mistake and felt stupid. She face-palmed, saying. “I’m sorry…”

The sisters wanted to rant since the four drunkard’s well-beings were jeopardized, especially Yuri’s. Nonetheless, the sisters helped the four out of the van and relieve them from their hangover before Eunbi notices.

“I can’t believe you came up with this stupid idea!” Hyewon snapped at Chaewon as she helped Chowon.

“Hey, hey! This isn’t just my idea!” Chaewon snapped back as she carried Wonyoung on her back. “As you said before, the reason Yuri fell for Yena is because she doesn’t have any options…so I gave her some.”

“By giving her a party filled with slaves with chances of STDs?”

“Hey! I didn’t ask Miu-chan to hire e for the party.” Chaewon hissed and hoisted Wonyoung up again. “That’s a result of her idiocy.”

“No. That’s a result of your misinterpretation of what I said.”

“Well, if you don’t want to be misinterpreted, then shut your mouth.” Chaewon spat.

“And if you want me to shut my mouth, then don’t ask me.” Hyewon spat back. “And Hiichan! You agreed to this?”

“That’s because we have the same interpretation of what you said!” Chaewon said as she placed Wonyoung down.

“Why? What did you expect?” Hyewon asked as she lets Chowon sit down. “That Yuri is going to dump Yena just because some dips flash their s or in front of her?”

The drunkards managed to rest again, even Miu was already sober. The sisters sighed about their stupid plan and wondered what to do about it.

“Maybe Jjoyul was right. Maybe you do think low of her.”

“Hey. You’re saying things below the belt.” Chaewon snapped again.

“Huh? Why?” Hyewon asked. “If I say the truth, it hurts? But if you say a joke – even if it hurts – it’s fine?”

“That’s why it’s called a ‘joke’. You’re not supposed to get hurt by that.”

“Jokes are half-meant.”

“You always have an answer to everything.”

Hyewon and Chaewon would’ve batted when someone made a surprise visit. It was Yena.

“Unnies, good morning.” Yena bowed to each of them then stopped as she saw Yuri. “Unnies, what happened to Jjoyul?”

The sisters didn’t answer immediately, even Chaewon waited for Yena to suspect something bad.

“She got drunk.” Hitomi answered for them. “She had a friends’ night out.”

“Oh…no wonder…” Yena added. “No wonder I had the feeling to bring hot chocolate and breakfast today. It will remove her hangover.”

The sisters couldn’t believe it. What made it worse was that Yena called and got her sisters – Sihyun and Yiren – with some servants to come with her. They got inside the household, carrying a bag of ingredients, a coffee maker, and a waffle maker.

“Jjoyul, my love…we’re really meant to be.” Yena got closer and patted her head. “I already know what you need without you telling me.”

Yuri fidgeted and almost collapsed when Yena caught her. Yuri even hugged Yena and nuzzled her neck.

“Ah…my love’s so cute…” Yena adored her, adding a kiss on the forehead then facing the Lee sisters. “Oh no. It looks like all of you are exhausted. Don’t worry, unnies. I’ll cook breakfast for all of you.”

The Lee sisters had their mouths shut off. But for the first time, Hitomi felt triggered.

“In my kitchen?!”

+++

The kitchen became busy. The Yuehua sisters and their servants whipped up a buffet of luxurious breakfasts from around the world. The sight made Hitomi furious since the kitchen was her turf. It was her sole area of work during breakfast for she always cooked breakfast for the family.

“Hiichan, what about the breakfast you cooked?” Miho asked as she admired the Yuehua sisters’ work.

“It will still be served, Myao-san.” Hitomi spoke while resisting the urge to feel jealous.

Miho nodded and uncovered the dishes: kimchi fried rice, sausages and Spam, and a pot of miso soup.

“Unnie.” Yena called. “The breakfast you cooked looks delicious.”

“Agreed. Reminds me of what Appa Seungyeon would make.” Sihyun added.

“Thanks.” Hitomi said. “It IS delicious.”

The feud had to stop there when Hitomi served her dishes first, with Miho helping her. Hitomi also prepped Eunbi’s medicine, saying. “Breakfast is served. Let’s eat.”

“Hiichan, is this what Yena cooked?” Eunbi asked.

Hitomi shook her head when the Yuehua sisters got to the table, serving batches of bacon, pancakes, sausages, and waffles. There were also special stacks for Eunbi and Yuri.

“Specially for you, Eommonim.”

“Thank you, Sihyun and Yiren.” Eunbi smiled and wowed of her stack of blueberry pancakes.

“Wow! Finally. Something I can eat.” Erii clapped as the waffles were placed next to her.

Yena asked if Erii liked continental food and she got a nod. She went to Yuri and served her favorite stack of waffles.

“Good morning, my love. Are you okay?” Yena asked as she cupped Yuri’s cheek.

“Yes, my love…” Yuri nodded as she nuzzled her hand. “I love you so much…”

“I love you more.” Yena added, giving a forehead kiss and serving the stack. “Now eat.”

The Yuehua sisters joined them and they all indulged on the food. Eunbi got a taste and reacted. “This is delicious. Is this a ready mix?”

“No, Eommonim. It’s a Yuehua sisters’ recipe.” Yena answered.

“Yena-unnie cooks it the best, Eommonim,” said Yiren.

Eunbi had another bite and it was even more delicious then lets the other sisters try it. Chaewon only wanted to eat Hitomi’s breakfast but Wonyoung feeds her a waffle. Hyewon got a try and was silent because it was truly delicious. Let’s also say she felt jealous of Yena’s cooking skills.

“Hiichan-unnie.” Yuri called as she ate. “You should try. It’s delicious.”

“Sorry, Jjoyul.” Hitomi raised an eyebrow while smiling. “I don’t like sweets.”

During the breakfast, Minjoo arrived and managed to catch up. But then, she wasn’t alone.

She brought Sakura with her.

“Minguri.”

“Eomma, sorry I’m late. The gig ended just now.” Minjoo said as she greeted her.

“Good morning, Imonie.” Sakura bowed.

It became palpable, especially with Hyewon. For Sakura, she felt a bit nostalgic seeing her and was bemused when she saw Chowon and Erii. In Yena’s case, she was shocked in admiration since she was a fan of Sakura.

“Unnie, isn’t that the idol Miyawaki Sakura?” Yiren whispered to Yena.

“Yes! Mind me, my love.” Yena felt giddy as she held Yuri’s hand. “Sakura-san is my idol of all idols. She was my inspiration of becoming an idol myself. She’s more beautiful up close!”

“That’s cute, love,” said Yuri.

“Why didn’t you tell me that you know her?” Yena squealed then got closer and bowed. “Sakura-san! I’m such a big fan!”

Sakura chuckled and said her thanks. The talk may have ended there but Yena’s inner fangirl couldn’t be kept. She told Sakura that she was pretty – with permission from Yuri, that Sakura’s songs were her playlist since young, and that she would marry her.

Too late, Yuri thought. Yena already has her. And too late for the Lee family since the tensions have lingered around the house, especially with Hyewon’s.

“Sakura-san! I don’t usually see you play your guitar. Can you play me your songs?”

“Sure.” Sakura agreed and Yena thanked her.

+++

After breakfast, Sakura and Yena did a jamming session. Everyone gathered around to listen, even Erii wanted to watch despite Hyewon telling her to take a bath. Even if it was a time of good music, the tensions remained.

In the dining room, Hitomi helped the servants clean up while Minjoo was there to whip up some coffee for Sakura. Hitomi went to Minjoo and decided to talk.

“Minguri, why did you bring her here?”

Minjoo finished and said, “She moved on, right? Besides, my sisters can bring their partners and I don’t?”

The two of them got to the living room. Minjoo served Sakura’s coffee and sat next to her while Hitomi got close to Chaewon and Yuri. Nonetheless, the jamming went on with Sakura and Yena singing together.

A lyric came in and it made everyone react inside, with Hyewon having the greatest impacts and Yena and the Yuehua sisters being unaware of what’s going on.

“Oh, my gosh…that spells Hyewon’s name.” Erii mumbled.

Chowon was next to have her reaction impacted. She looked composed but deep down, she felt ridiculed and jealous. What made it worse was that Sakura was sparing glances at Hyewon.

“Ha. Good for the kid because she knows how to spell.” Chaewon cackled.

“How insensitive, Jjoyul.” Hitomi added.

“Unnie, she doesn’t know.” Yuri defended. “Do you think I can tell Yena of what happened between Sakura and Kwangbae-unnie? Of course not.”

The gestures were still obvious. Chowon decided to let Erii take a bath, leaving Hyewon to restrain herself from this whole atmosphere. She saw Sakura look at her and walked away. Sakura felt dejected and played anyway.

Little did she know, Minjoo was a witness and was starting to feel jealous herself.

+++

None of the guests lasted the whole morning. The Yuehua sisters had to go for work while Sakura had another gig. Between the two guests, Sakura left last. For now, she was prepping her motor and strapped her guitar. Minjoo came outside with her and with the tensions inside the household, she had to say something about it.

“Looks like that song brought some memories, huh?” Minjoo added. “Wow…you really felt it.”

“Did I choose the song?” Sakura raised.

“I didn’t say you did. You looked at her like a love-struck woman.” Minjoo commented. “You had a piercing gaze…like a killer’s.”

“Who invited me here? Who asked me to come here?” Sakura got crossed. “Who insisted?”

“Kkura-“

“You should’ve put blinders on me, like a horse. That way, I wouldn’t have to see anything!” Sakura batted and started her motor. “I shouldn’t have come here…”

Sakura zoomed out, leaving Minjoo’s apologies to be blown with the wind. Minjoo was pissed at herself and walked towards her room.

“I knew it. She shouldn’t have let that woman come here.” Hitomi spoke as she watched through the kitchen. “I feel sorry for Chowon. This might cause a rift between her and Kwangbae-unnie.”

“Let her be. She’s Ms. Smarty Pants,” said Chaewon, drinking her tea. “She’ll resolve that rift. She knows everything.”

“Ssamu-unnie…”

“Oh. It’s why she blames us, remember? Because she knows everything?”

“Unnie…” Hitomi sighed. “…Kwangbae-unnie was just speaking her mind. I think she didn’t mean to offend.”

“Well, the next time she doesn’t want to offend us, she should just shut . She talks to us like we’re her employees. Even if she’s the eldest, she should know her place in authority and know how to respect her younger sisters.”

“Are we going to fight about this? We only want the same thing and it’s to stop Yuri from marrying Yena.” Hitomi added. “What are we going to do? We’re only a week away from the wedding.”

“What about…the spa?” Chaewon suggested. “I can look into it. I have a gut feeling that’s a dirty operation – “

“But Kwangbae-unnie said that it won’t work unless you have evidence.”

“Her again!” Chaewon flipped out. “Fine! I’ll take care of it! Don’t worry about it if I make a mistake because Kwangbae won’t have to say ‘I told you so.’ because I’ll take the hit myself!!”

Chaewon walked out of the kitchen to devise the plan herself, leaving Hitomi to sigh and wonder what to do about their sisterhood as a whole.

+++

Minjoo was in her room, removing her shoes and throwing them roughly at her closet. The fiasco from a while ago caused a stir in her. She thought inviting Sakura wasn’t a problem but it caused another because of her and Hyewon. Minjoo was pissed at herself for coming up with a stupid idea, all the while she wanted to prove something towards Hyewon.

A knock disturbed and Minjoo lets the person come in. Eunbi came into view and Minjoo knew she was in trouble.

“Why did you invite Sakura here?”

“Eomma…” Minjoo spoke. “…how long will it be for you to welcome her to the family?”

“When you and Kwangbae make up.”

“But Eomma…you know I’ve apologized to her millions of times. Ever since she got back, I tried talking to her, to make up ther just like you wanted…” Minjoo voiced up, almost crying. “…but she ignores me. I can’t be the one who always adjusts for her. It’s about time she learned how to forgive. Will you always think I’m wrong?”

“It’s your timing that’s wrong.” Eunbi spoke. “What you did was so insensitive.”

Minjoo was at the losing streak once again. Once Eunbi left the room, Minjoo’s tears fell. She felt useless and felt burdened that she was the mistake in all the feuds she and Hyewon had. With the ignorance that Hyewon kept delivering to Minjoo, Minjoo was uncertain of what to do next.

She was uncertain if she’ll ever have Hyewon’s forgiveness.

+++

It was nighttime and it was one day before Chowon leaves for work. Hyewon was willing to prepare Chowon’s things and everything else she needed for the trip. She had been willing to do so since Chowon had gone mute after Minjoo invited Sakura over.

Hyewon noticed Chowon’s coldness and felt so sorry.

“Your passport’s not inside yet. Don’t forget to bring it.” Hyewon spoke as fixed Chowon’s bag. “Do you want us to take you to the airport tomorrow?”

“You never told me she wrote you a song.” Chowon spoke for the first time in a while, eyes averted from her laptop.

“I’ve forgotten all about it.”

“Well…it’s not a very good song.” Chowon added as she returned to her work.

“I know. It’s cheesy.” Hyewon chuckled.

“Did you listen to it every day?” Chowon snickered.

“I only listened to it once…” Hyewon responded, adding a sigh. “…when she proposed to me.”

“And you said yes?”

Hyewon couldn’t say anything. Deep down, Chowon was very disappointed. Hyewon didn’t want them to be in bad terms before Chowon’s trip and she had no intentions to hurt her. 

But why couldn’t she say anything?

“Well, at least now I know you’re not allergic to marriage.” Chowon spoke. “Do I have to write a song for you too, for you to say yes?”

Hyewon gulped and didn’t want Chowon to be mad at her any further. She directly inched closer and cupped Chowon’s face. “Hey…I love you…”

Chowon thought Hyewon didn’t mean it that she looked away. Hyewon makes Chowon look at her again, wanting her to know that her feelings are true.

“I love you…”

Hyewon couldn’t help but hug Chowon tight. Chowon hugged back, adding a kiss on the cheek.

For Hyewon, it was a sign to open her heart wider towards Chowon. For Chowon, it was a sign to wait a little longer for Hyewon.

+++

It was trip day for Chowon. While Hyewon was helping her with her luggage and having a phone call with her boss, Chowon was using her remaining time to comfort a crying Erii in her arms.

“Erii…I can’t take you to Singapore. Daddy’s meeting a lot of clients and I can’t take care of you, okay?” Chowon whispered and patted her back. “You have to stay with Aunt Hyewon.”

“Why are you leaving me with her? She’s bad and I don’t like her!” Erii cried.

“Erii…hey…” Chowon comforts her again. “Come on, my big baby…”

“She hates me! I know she hates me!”

“No, that’s not true…” Chowon puts her down and looks at her. “Erii…she doesn’t hate you.”

“She does!”

Chowon watched as Hyewon stopped her phone call. Surely, Hyewon heard Erii’s words but Chowon had to sugarcoat.

“Your Aunt Hyewon loves you.” Chowon said to her daughter again.

The taxi Miu hitched has arrived. Chowon comforts her daughter and tells her to be a good girl as Hyewon places Chowon’s luggage on the back compartment. Chowon went to Hyewon and they share a hug.

“Hopefully, when I return, you could win her heart and you two would get along.”

“Chowonie…it seems your daughter and I are a hopeless case…”

“Babe…just try, please?” Chowon gave her a pleading look. “For me? For us?”

Hyewon couldn’t assure her. Chowon had a little ounce of patience to understand that, saying. “I want us to be a family…and when I return, you’ll already wear this.”

Chowon gave Hyewon the ring, sealing it in her hand. Hyewon gulped, saying. “Is this an ultimatum?”

“This is me…saying my love for you.” Chowon spoke as she gave Hyewon a kiss.

After the kiss, Chowon hugged her daughter again. She said her goodbye and Hyewon and Erii could only watch Chowon leave. Little did they know, Minjoo witnessed everything.

“Erii, let’s go inside.” Miu escorts her.

“Stop hurting my Daddy.” Erii said to Hyewon, still crying.

“What?”

“Stop making her ask you to marry you when you’re just going to keep saying no.”

Hyewon felt heartbroken as Erii went inside with Miu. The words had hit her like a rock.

“The kid has a point.” Minjoo came out to open the gates. “If you’re just going to let het wait, it’s best if you should end it now.”

Hyewon was still. They were some words that hit her again.

“She looks like a good person. She loves you…and it seems that you love her too.” Minjoo added. “Why don’t you marry her? You’ve been together for a while.”

“I could say the same thing to you and Sakura.”

Ouch. Hyewon’s a sturdy rock once more.

“You love her. She loves you. Why don’t you get married then?” Hyewon batted as she drew closer to Minjoo. “You don’t know how I feel. So, don’t give comments about my personal life because I don’t give comments about yours.”

Hyewon went back inside the house, leaving Minjoo on another failed attempt to bring peace towards each other.