It was a normal day for Minjoo. She went to the recording studio where Sakura does her songs. Once she arrived, she saw her members arranging their equipment.

“Oh, Minjoo.” Aoi waved.

“Is the session over? Where’s Kkura?”

Aoi pointed at the technical room and Minjoo went outside. She froze as Kkura was hugging a tall woman from the back, snuggling onto it like hugging a plushie.

“Hi.”

“Uh…Minguri!” Sakura lets go. “Uhm…this is Kyani.”

“It’s actually Lee Kaeun.” The tall girl lent a hand.

“Well, I’m Kkura’s honey.” Minjoo shook back. “Nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you too.” Kaeun replied. “Uh…I’ll go ahead, Kkura.”

Kaeun walked ahead and Sakura bids her farewell like a love-struck woman. Minjoo looked back, feeling pissed off. It was then Sakura back-hugged Minjoo and pulled her to snuggle with her.

“Minguri, she’s just an accomplice…” Sakura added, kissing Minjoo’s cheek. “What must I do to prevent you from getting anxious?”

Minjoo’s anger started to fade. She thought about Sakura’s question and answered. “Marry me.”

Sakura froze. Minjoo got away from the hug and faced her. “Kkura…will you marry me?”

For Minjoo, she was serious. For Sakura, she found it funny and confusing.

“What?”

Those four letters were few but they created a big impact on Minjoo. It was then she made up a face so that she had nothing to lose. “What if…what if we got married, I mean.”

“Okay? What was that for?”

“It was something…just to stop Jjoyul’s wedding.” Minjoo spoke. “Why do you look so shocked?”

“Well, you looked so serious.” Sakura said as she hugged Minjoo.

“Aspiring actress right here.”

Sakura chuckled and snuggled her. Minjoo could only laugh it out, without knowing that her heart was letting its tears out.

+++

“I’m sorry, Yeonjung-unnie. I’ll send you some money soon.” Wonyoung spoke through a call. “I’ve got a lot on my plate right now. My love needed my help. I’ll visit soon, okay?”

The call had to end as Chaewon grabbed her to focus and that they were already at the destination. They were commencing the ‘spa plan’ and here they were, just in front of the said spa.

“Yuehua Spa. This feels exciting, though!” Wonyoung grinned.

Chaewon nudged her to keep still. She and Wonyoung looked at the call card and Chaewon drew a conclusion. “I know those Yuehuas are up to no good.”

Wonyoung wondered again when Chaewon pulled her to go inside the establishment. They got to the counter and Chaewon checked the spa’s brochure for their offers.

“Welcome to Yuehua’s Spa, ladies.” A male employee entertained them. “We have all the beauty care services you need but nothing beats our spa services. The Happy Ending package is the best one.”

She spotted the best one and showed him. It was what he recently said. “This is what we want!”

“For two, ma’am?”

“Just her.” Chaewon grinned as she puts Wonyoung up front.

“Yeah. That’s what I want.” Wonyoung agreed.

“Hey.” Chaewon whispered to her. “When the ‘happy ending’ commences, you call me, alright?”

Wonyoung nodded and grinned back at the employee, almost sharing stares with him. Chaewon noticed the latter in the zone towards Wonyoung that she glared at him and reminded Wonyoung again. “Don’t get too excited about this. You might not call me when the ‘happy ending’ commences. Remember what I told you.”

Wonyoung nodded again and the employee escorted her. And Chaewon had to become a broken record as she reminded Wonyoung again.

“Remember, my pride and my baby sister’s future depend on this plan.”

“I know~” Wonyoung whined.

Another male employee greeted them but he was more manly compared to the last. His attire was too fit, especially in the lower part. The sight froze Chaewon and Wonyoung, even the latter looked away.

“Maybe we shouldn’t do it.” Chaewon said while walking away.

“Halt.” Wonyoung stopped. “Remember, your pride and your baby sister’s future depend on this plan.”

“I know.” Chaewon said through gritted teeth.

“Okay. See you later, love.”

Wonyoung chuckled and Chaewon nudges her hard. The employee called for Wonyoung and she followed him. Chaewon had her keen eyes locked towards Wonyoung until the inner doors were closed. She went to the sofas and waited…

…and waited…

…and waited with fidgety hands and feet and with her eyes lingering around the establishment.

“Yes! Oh, God! Yes!”

Chaewon snapped that her looks could kill anyone who looks back. Something in her got furious that she dialed Wonyoung quickly. During the dial, her anger and worry were snapping out. Nonetheless, she ended the call smoothly and dialed another number.

“Hello, chief.” Chaewon spoke. “I called you before about a speculation here in Yuehua Spa. Are you all ready?”

Ready, ma’am. We’ll be there in a few minutes.

Chaewon hung up and waited. Not long after, two female police officers arrived. Chaewon went to explain and show the situation despite the employees asking what’s going on and telling them not to go into a busy establishment based on policies. Chaewon shuts a particular employee and said, “Chief, it’s time to release the dirty stench of the Yuehuas.”

She opens the door and she and the police went inside to check more of the establishment. Chaewon even joined them and the police thought she looked like an idiot. Chaewon listened through the doors until she found it. The police would’ve gone in like it was a drug raid but alas, it only became a disturbance to a female masseuse and her beautiful and cute customer.

+++

Inside the spa, Wonyoung was slumped, body facing down. She was having the greatest massage in her life until her phone buzzed. She answered but it would be mistaken as something sensual. “Yes~?”

Are you the one that I’m hearing?! You sound like an idiot!

“Miss, are you ready for the ‘happy ending’?”

Wonyoung could only nod. She would’ve been relaxed but too much of it made her say gibberish.

Heck! It’s already the ‘happy ending’?! I’ll call the number Minguri sent. And don’t you ing enjoy that!

“Okay…” Wonyoung grinned and hung up.

She yelped as she was flipped over. But then, she was instructed to close her eyes…

…for she needed to be ready for the ‘happy ending’.

“Okay, miss. Think about anything or anyone that makes you happy. What is it, miss?”

Wonyoung sighed and the massage felt nicer. She smiled like the cutest rabbit in the world and said, “That Chaewon will say that she loves me too…” She breathed and added. “I love you, Chaewon-ah…”

“Are you happy of what you’re thinking, miss?” The masseuse asked again, earning a nod.

The massage went on and Wonyoung’s words of love burst out in intervals. The highlight of the massage would’ve come but alas, three people disturbed them. Wonyoung realized and rose her head up, shocked to see –

“Chaewon?”

“Ah! This must be your ‘happy ending’, miss!” The masseuse said as she finished.

Chaewon went inside with a shock face and a set of bombarded questions. “What…I thought there was a ‘happy ending’ going around here!”

“It’s been done, ma’am…and you were actually filling her ‘happy ending’.”

Chaewon was speechless again. She made a report to the officers about a ‘dirty impression’ about Yuehua Spa. It was why the police came in. But to put into conclusion, it wasn’t what Chaewon thought it would be.

“B-But, officer – “

“It’s already said! You’re the ‘happy ending’!” The chief said. “I can’t believe this. We came here because of some dirty mind…”

Chaewon realized that she had created a stupid idea and violated establishment policies and the efforts of public workers. What shocked her even more was that one of the Yuehua siblings was a witness.

“Seongjun – “

“The damage has been done.” He said and faced the officers. “Thank you, officers, for assisting us in preventing these erted minds from smothering this reputable establishment’s name.”

Chaewon thought it was over. It was then the real owner came in and boy, was he shocked?

“A Lee?” Sungyeon said, eyes peering into suspicion towards the girl.

Chaewon lowered her head and everyone was out of that room. The establishment had to close to deal with the situation. Chaewon and Wonyoung – still in her robe – were detained in the establishment as they face the officers and the two men from the Yuehua family.

Chaewon knew it was all her fault. Despite keeping her stance, she finally spoke her apologies and admitting her fault, adding. “The next time, you shouldn’t put a ‘happy ending’.”

“It’s because of that kind of spa service that made us rich. It keeps customers happy and relaxed.” Sungyeon explained. “The Happy Ending package encourages the customer’s happy thoughts and good vibes. It promotes a clean mind…unlike yours.”

“You have a dirty mind.” Seongjun said. “Right, my friend?”

“Right.” The chief officer nodded.

“It took you guts of wanting to find something dirty against the Yuehuas. How about we find something dirty against the Lees?”

“What? You’ll find nothing.” Chaewon shrugged. “We’re clean.”

“Are you sure?” Sungyeon asked. “No skeletons in the closet? No dirty little secrets? No little white lies? Hm?”

“None, sir…” Chaewon used whatever composure she had to answer. “I’m sorry again, Mr. Cho.”

“Just don’t let it happen again.” Sungyeon added. “And I don’t want any mishaps about this after this event. What was talked about here, stays here...”

The Yuehuas left and the spa resumed working. Wonyoung had to change quickly since she and Chaewon were told to get out and never visit the spa again. As they got out, Chaewon got angry and stormed away, with Wonyoung catching up to her.

“Chaewon-ah.” Wonyoung tries to stop her. “Chaewon-ah, would you please calm down?”

“Calm down?! Didn’t you hear what Mr. Cho said?!” Chaewon snapped. “Dirty little secrets! White lies! He’s going to do something so that she’ll find something dirty in me!”

They stopped by a corner. Chaewon faced Wonyoung, looking worried. “Could it be that they already found out about it? Do you think that egotistic conglomerate knows anything about me? About us? What if he had done his investigation about me?”

“Uh…obviously?” Wonyoung tried to answer.

“Obviously?!”

“Maybe!”

“Maybe?!”

“Why can’t you just admit, Chaewon?!” Wonyoung almost snapped.

“Admit what?!”

“The truth! The truth that I’m not a landscape architect and that you’re no longer a teacher.”

Chaewon snickered. It was then that she was at the tip of her anger and delivered a rant that could change her life forever.

“Oh…I see…” Chaewon added scratches on her head. “Do you want me to admit that when the crisis hit Spain, I was one of the teachers that got expelled out of the program because the principal told me that I wasn’t smart enough, is that it?!”

Wonyoung sighed. She knew Chaewon had a hard time but she wanted to help her friend through this way.

“They’ll understand. They’re your family, especially your mother.”

“Do you really think that my mother will understand that her favorite daughter is a failure with no proper aspirations for the future and most of all, she’s a fake and a liar?! Is that it?” Chaewon snapped again. “Is that it?!!”

“Chaewon-ah, it’s just a suggestion – “

“The next time you give suggestions, give the right ones! Not the ones that came from a idiot’s mouth and not the ones that aren’t planned!!”

Wonyoung would’ve been shocked. The words Chaewon gave were like knives piercing through her whole body. Instead, she lowered her head and thought about all she had done for Chaewon.

Who knew that all she had done was for nothing?

“You’re right. I’m an idiot.” Wonyoung spoke, looking sadly at Chaewon. “But I’m an idiot because of you.”

Chaewon froze as Wonyoung walked away from her. Chaewon was left mum to contemplate about her actions towards the Yuehua family and towards Wonyoung.

Her heart had cried. This wasn’t the end of the destructive situation she had caused.

+++

The word has spread to the Lee household and it was hell. Chaewon was constantly apologizing like a begging peasant but her apologies were turned to blind eyes and deaf ears by the source. The said source was a very angry Yuri.

“Jjoyul, I’m sorry – “

“No – no!” Yuri drove her arm away. “Unnie, what was that?! What were you thinking?!”

Hyewon came from her room and Hitomi came from the kitchen. They’ve heard Chaewon and Yuri’s conversation and realizing the tensions it created, they needed to know and step in too.

“What the , Ssamu-unnie?! It’s embarrassing for Yena’s family! It’s the business of my fiancée, the sister who’ll become your blood, and the future alpha mother of my future children!!”

Hitomi got the gist quickly, sharing details to Hyewon. Chaewon was still like a begging peasant and continued her apologies. “Jjoyul, I’m sorry. Unnie’s sorry, okay? I didn’t know there was no malice about the ‘happy ending’ – “

“You’re the one only one who thinks that way! Don’t you know that Samcheon Jung and Samcheon Sungyeon want to sue you?!” Yuri snapped. “I had to beg in front of them just so that they won’t do that! But if you did that to me, I’d send you to jail!”

“Jjoyul.” Hyewon called, getting a snide from her. “That’s too much. She made a mistake, admitted to it, and asked for forgiveness. Is that not enough?”

“No, it’s not enough!” Yuri snapped, pointing at Chaewon. “I want to know and understand why she did it!”

“Obviously, she’s concerned about you.”

“We don’t want you to be associated by someone who has a questionable background.” Hitomi added despite Yuri’s reaction. “So, we did what we did…”

“What?! Wait! So, you knew about this?!” Yuri continued to snap. “Why didn’t you stop Ssamu-unnie?!”

Not known to the others, Minjoo arrived from directing a new movie. She was frozen as she witnessed the tension between her siblings. She saw a guilty Chaewon, a composed Hyewon, an angry Yuri, and a neutral Hitomi. She also witnessed Yuri bombarding questions to Hitomi, asking if she was involved in some plan.

“We’re all involved!” Minjoo voiced out, joining in. “Because we didn’t want to – “

“All of you?!” Yuri disrupted then faced Hyewon. “Kwangbae-unnie, did you agree with this?”

“I did not. I did not agree to this…” Hyewon answered. “…or to whatever plan that we’ve talked about.”

“So, you guys have a plan?” Yuri huffed then gritted her teeth. “All of you? What is that plan, huh?!”

“The plan was to make you realize that you shouldn’t marry Yena.” Hyewon answered as composed as she was.

Chaewon had that look, even Hitomi and Minjoo. Hyewon realized that the plan shouldn’t be slipped but with Yuri’s persistence to know the truth, hiding it was no longer the best option. The yelling has stopped but Yuri raged through one profanity, through slumping on the chair, and through putting her hands on her head.

“Didn’t you all promise me?!” Yuri asked. “Remember during the formal courtship?!”

“We did.” Hitomi added. “We behaved as what we’ve promised you, even if your future in-laws are condescending, insensitive, and judgmental.”

“Just because there’s a prenuptial contract, you consider them as condescending?!”

“Well, what is there to perceive?!” Minjoo spat. “Hello?! They insulted you and they insulted us! What do you see and think of that?!”

“What?! How dare you?!” Yuri spat at Minjoo. “You say as if you’re not the one to insult anyone!”

“What?” Minjoo raised her eyebrow.

“I’m still offended that you called Yena an ugly duckling!”

“Is it wrong for me to say an opinion about your ugly duckling of a girlfriend?!”

“How about I say that your girlfriend’s an of a cherry blossom?! Huh?!”

“Jjoyul!” Chaewon scolds her but Yuri drives her hand away.

“Well, she IS one…because she played with you and Kwangbae-unnie!”

“Jjoyul!” Hyewon snapped, getting a snide from Yuri again. “Don’t even go there!”

“That’s the truth!”

“Even so, you’re too much!”

“YOU are the ones that are too much!” Yuri was almost broken to tears. “You all meddle too much!!”

“Because we love you so much!!” Hyewon yelled. “You should’ve thought of that before raising your voice towards us!!”

“Jjoyul, I was just trying to protect you.” Chaewon spoke. “You’re our baby sister.”

“You’re our precious gift. We prayed to Hananim for you and He gave you to us…” Minjoo added, lowering her head.

“I know that…I am your precious gift…but just in case you missed it, I’m no longer a baby! I’m now a grown-up woman making grown-up decisions!” Yuri added. “And I hope you all do the same…and I hope you learn the fact that my wedding with Yena will happen whether you like it or not!!”

Yuri stormed off of the scene, leaving her sisters to think about what they’ve done. But then, it wasn’t a matter of epiphanies but a matter of more arguments and fingers pinpointing at each other.

A slam from the door of Yuri’s bedroom was the start. Hyewon would’ve been the most composed but she was the most reactive of what happened.

“Oh, my ing God…you pursued that stupid plan?!” She snapped at Chaewon. “No wonder Jjoyul got mad!”

“Kwangbae-unnie…”

“No! That plan is really stupid!” Hyewon batted again. “How could you even think about doing it?! Didn’t you use your brain?!”

“Alright! I get it! It failed! Now stop shoving it in my face again and again!!” Chaewon snapped.

“Now, instead of making her leave Yena, it gave her more determination to marry her!! Stupid, I say!!”

“I’m wrong but I’m not stupid!!” Chaewon snapped again.

“Huh? When did I say that you’re stupid?” Hyewon defended herself.

“Didn’t you hear yourself? You just said it, didn’t you?!” Chaewon grew furious that Minjoo went to calm her down.

“You’re misinterpreting me again! I meant the idea, not you!” Hyewon also grew furious that Hitomi went to calm her down. “You should let me finish so that you won’t misinterpret everything I say!”

“Save your ing excuses, Kwangbae!” Minjoo spat.

“What?!”

“You think that you’re the most privileged and that you’re the New Yorker makes you better than us!!” Minjoo added, clenching Hyewon’s collar.

“Oh, so this is about me now?!” Kwangbae snapped, forcing Minjoo’s hand off of her.

“Yeah! It’s always about you and how good you are!”

Something in those words made Hyewon lose her cool and batted both Chaewon and Minjoo. Chaewon snapped as well but she stopped Minjoo from snapping out towards Hyewon. Minjoo was just as uncontrollable as Hyewon. For Hitomi, she was trying to prevent her sisters for squishing their faces and fists towards the argument.

Miho got inside the house and got crossed seeing the siblings fight. “Hey! The four of you! You’ve done nothing but fight ever since – “

Miho’s voice made them stop, especially when another person arrived.

“Is there a problem?” Eunbi spoke as she placed her bag on the chair. “Are you four arguing?”

The siblings gulped and moved away from each other. They couldn’t speak the truth because they didn’t want to worry Eunbi.

“No, Eomma.” Minjoo spoke first. “We’re just playing…uh…”

“Charades!” Hitomi added. “We’re just playing charades, Eomma.”

Hyewon and Chaewon joined in the excuse, even Minjoo told Hyewon that it was her turn. The siblings went on with the flow, with Eunbi and Miho watching them.

Eunbi may have accepted their reason but deep down, she knew what was going on. The feeling made her heart break.

+++

It was further towards the evening. Some of the family members were asleep but not Eunbi. She was roaming around the house, stopping at the wall of achievements and at the small cabinets with all their family pictures on top. She looked at each frame, caressing the glass as the memories of their family lingered.

Those memories were bittersweet. She and Chaeyeon had their backlash before but they faced it, loved each other, and raised their family together. But ever since she passed away, she had to become the only beacon for their children. She may have Miho and Miu in the future years – even her own children – but even since their children grew up and had their own lives, their relationship was breaking apart slowly.

Eunbi realized it ever since and it really broke her heart.

“Worrying isn’t good for you, remember?” Miho got to her, handing her a cup of tea. “You wouldn’t want to get stressed. You might get sick again.”

“I’m just sad, Myao-san.” Eunbi shared. “I hoped that when my children returned home and reunited with each other, they would get along again, just like when they were kids.”

Miho eases Eunbi and hands her the cup. Eunbi thanked her and had a drink.

“If only they remained as children…always having fun…” Eunbi added. “…because even if they argue, they’d still make up in an instant.”

“They’ll also go there even if they’re grown up. It’s just going to get harder because they have their own beliefs, their own opinions, and their own principles to uphold.” Miho spared her advice. “But if you think they’ll drift apart because of it, that’s not going to happen…because their lives are already intertwined. It’s intertwined of your love and Chaeyeon’s love.”

Eunbi couldn’t help her smile and gratitude. Miho decides to her to bed and tell her not to worry or be stressed out about what’s happening.

For Eunbi, she hopes for the best for her children and as a mother, she’ll make sure to love and support them in the best way she knew how.

+++

Despite the heated argument, Hyewon had to wake up early in the night for work. She was working like a graveyard shifter, eating cookie sandwiches and drinking coffee. She would’ve been calm in her solitude when Erii came towards her.

“Hyewon! I’m hungry!” She whined.

Hyewon took a while to respond and sighed, grabbing a pack of cookie sandwiches and giving it to her.

“I’m also thirsty.”

Hyewon huffed and went to the fridge to get some water.

“I don’t want water. I want juice.”

Hyewon placed it back and grabbed a bottle of orange juice.

“I hate orange. I want grape.”

Hyewon would’ve flipped because, hello? Dealing with a brat can be wholesome. Nonetheless, Hyewon lets her come with her.

“Come on. Off to the convenience store.” She mumbled. “I’ll buy whatever food and drink you want.”

+++

Hyewon and Erii made the said stop to the convenience store, with Hyewon giving Erii the grape juice she wanted. For Erii, she was yapping about her and Chowon, especially to why Chowon liked her. She even added about her late mother and Hyewon just sighed. “Oi. What is it now?”

“Chocolate~” Erii got to the aisle and went to pick.

Hyewon followed her like a zombie while she listened to more of Erii’s words. She decided to wait for Erii to finish picking when she saw someone, causing herself to hide.

The sight was of Sakura and another woman. She saw them teasing each other, even Sakura pulled the taller woman and nipped her neck and ear.

That …

“Hyewon, I’m done~” Erii nudged her.

“Sh.” Hyewon spoke. “Go and pick some more.”

Erii agreed and picked more treats. Hyewon got another look and gasped of seeing the things they bought. What made it worse was that Sakura was initiating more PDA towards the woman. Hyewon waited until Sakura pulled the woman, leaving the store.

“Hyewon. I’m officially done.” Erii got her attention, holding a lot of treats.

“Okay. Let’s go.” Hyewon helps her with the stuff.

Despite the task, Hyewon never thought of witnessing Sakura with another woman. She knew that she had a right hunch about Sakura and knew that Sakura was going to break Minjoo’s heart.

With the information she got, she was going to make sure to let Minjoo know.

+++

It was another day and Hyewon was up early to finish her work. Not only that, she was calling Chowon while keeping an eye on Erii who was playing near their fountain.

“Erii, be careful! Don’t climb the fountain!”

“I won’t, Hyewon. I’m fine.” Erii waved.

“Yeah, babe. I can see her. Yes. Okay.” Hyewon resumed her call with Chowon. “Call me of your arrival, okay? I love you so much. Bye.”

Hyewon ended their call until another ring was heard. She got a call from her worker and answered. “Hello? Yes, is it urgent? Can I call you later?”

Hyewon ended a call again and was so stressed. It wasn’t work and it wasn’t Erii. It was that scene from the store about Sakura and the woman she was with. She knew to herself that Minjoo had to know but her mind was running about the timely opportunity to tell her. Until she had said the truth to Minjoo, the scene will be haunting her for a while.

“Kwangbae, are you going somewhere?” Eunbi asked as she outside for work.

“No, Eomma.”

“Where’s Ssamu? Where did she go?”

“I don’t know, Eomma.”

“Minguri?”

“Present~” Minjoo got outside for an errand, sparing a hug and kiss to Eunbi. “Is there a roll call, Eomma?”

“Wherever you’re going, make sure to be back here by 5 PM. The Yuehuas will come over.” Eunbi instructed.

“What? But Eomma…” Minjoo reacted. “…we still need to shoot for our movie. I have to work.”

“Please. A little sacrifice for your baby sister.” Eunbi added then instructed Hyewon. “You better make sure your other sisters know about this.”

Eunbi left with Miho escorting her. Minjoo huffed and quietly ranted about not having a break from her family. It was then Hyewon had to use this chance to talk to Minjoo.

 “Minguri…” Hyewon called to stop her. “Can we talk?”

Minjoo stopped for a bit but she answered. “Not now. Maybe later.”

Minjoo went off again but it wasn’t going to stop Hyewon. “I saw Sakura with another woman.”

Minjoo froze. She faced Hyewon again and asked. “What is it now?”

“Sakura’s cheating on you.”

“Just because she’s with another woman, she’s cheating? Can’t she have other female friends?”

“She’s flirting with that woman and buying condoms.” Hyewon clarified again. “Do you think that’s what ‘friends’ do?”

Minjoo snickered. It was almost starting to get in her nerves. “Why are you saying this to me now?”

“To let you know that Sakura’s playing with you.”

“Wow. You’re concerned, huh?” Minjoo added. “Didn’t you say, ‘Don’t make comments about my personal life because I don’t make comments about yours.’? I got it, right?”

“Okay.” Hyewon shrugged. “I’ve said my piece and I’ve done my role as a sister.”

Hyewon walked away and fixed her things. Minjoo was triggered and had to talk to her.

“What? Wow! I haven’t heard that crap in five years and you say I’m your sister?!” Minjoo snapped. “Well, I didn’t feel it that way after those five years of you avoiding me because your ex and I got together!!”

“My God, Minguri!” Hyewon snapped. “After everything you’ve done to me, do you think I’ll really talk to you after all those years?!”

“You two already broke up when I came into the picture!”

“You coming to the picture was the reason we broke up!”

“You broke up because you left her!” Minjoo batted again. “You chose your work in the U.S. over her!”

Hyewon felt a tear run down. She couldn’t believe what Minjoo said. “That was for our future – “

“Future, my ! You just wanted to go ahead because all you cared about was your career!” Minjoo added. “Just so you know, Kkura lost it when you left her!!”

“So, you replaced me?”

“How many times have I told you to take her back?!” Minjoo batted.

“And less than six months, you two got together!” Hyewon batted back.

“Hey! I asked for your blessing because Kkura was trying to hit on me! I asked you if it was okay for us to be together and you gave your blessing – “

“And you really think I meant it?!” Hyewon was close to yelling.

“Of course! It came from your mouth!”

“Read between the lines, Minguri!”

“Bull! I didn’t do anything wrong!”

“Yes, you did!” Hyewon snapped. “Because if you had any amount of decency in your body, you would not have asked in our first place!”

“Don’t go and use those big words on me!”

“Big words or not, you know what I mean!” Hyewon snickered. “Admit it! You liked Sakura for a long time but she courted me!”

“Fine! You win!” Minjoo flipped out. “You’re right and I’m wrong! I stole her from you, I’m the stupid one, and I’m the biggest mistake in the goddamn world!”

“Don’t use your supposed stupidity as an excuse for all the pain you’ve caused me!!” Hyewon batted, eyes already watery. “It’s not the intelligence that you lack, Minguri. It’s the responsibility and respect of our sisterhood.”

“So, are you saying that I’m not a good sister?!”

“Why are you fighting?” Erii came in after playing.

Hyewon and Minjoo were caught in a staring contest of watery eyes and urges of fighting each other again. But with Erii around, Hyewon had to resist her anger, even her tears.

“Erii, let’s go inside.”

“Hyewon~” Erii whined.

“Erii, please…” Hyewon looked at her.

Erii noticed Hyewon’s eyes that she obeyed her. The two left Minjoo to go to her work in tears. For Hyewon, she instructed Erii to take a bath. As Erii went inside the bathroom, Hyewon couldn’t bear her emotions and cried.

Hyewon recalled her moments with Sakur. She recalled her first years of working in another country. She recalled meeting Chowon and Erii and starting her life with them. She recalled going home and seeing her family. But what overlapped those moments was Minjoo and of everything they’ve been through, especially with their recent argument.

She couldn’t believe she was crying. She was hurt because of her pain and because of Minjoo and of how she hurt her back.

She felt hands holding hers and looked up, seeing Erii. “Hyewon, are you crying?”

Hyewon regained her composure, telling the little girl that she wasn’t crying. She resumed her responsibility as her caretaker and decided to disregard the bad moments and remain strong.