30

Bona could not stay too long due to her work. After making sure that Eunseo was not longer in danger, she appointed Exy, who has nothing to do, to play the role of custodian and caregiver.

"Since you're a vagrant, you're the most suitable person to take care of Eunseo. Watch her carefully until she is fully recovered." Bona was smiling, with her arm surrounding Exy's neck.

Exy felt unhappy. She would still look after Eunseo even if Bona did not tell her to do so. But hearing Bona said she was idling, she felt wronged about that.

She is a quite well-known music producer and lyricist after all. Maybe she does not have a fixed working time, but at least she is not completely unemployed.

Exy brought her luggage, basic necessities, some her working equipment while accompanying Eunseo. Meiqi and Luda also paid their visits regularly.

Only Seola never appeared in front of Eunseo since then. She went to the hospital before and after work, but only secretly peeked to see Eunseo from the glass window on the door.

Even if they met Seola outside the ward, Meiqi and Luda have never mentioned anything about it in front of Eunseo.

Except Exy, who acted senseless and ignored Seola's request.

On the third consecutive day when she saw Seola was standing outside the ward, Eunseo's condition has gotten much better. She has received the approval from her doctor in charge telling her that she could discharge on the next day. Exy could not hold it anymore and asked, "Eunseo, do you still have some feelings for Seola? Meiqi said you were in daze when you're eating bread that day, saying Seola will love the bread."

Eunseo put the bowl of porridge down, suddenly lost her appetite, "Eonnie, let's not talk about this."

"You know, I'm really supportive on the breakup at first..." Exy gave it a thought and decided not to say bad things about Seola, as she might be standing outside the room, "But Seola really changed, if you still like her, why not giving her another chance?"

"She might have changed, but guilt and grievance won't make a person to fall in love with someone." Eunseo quietly replied.

"Maybe she actually loves you, but just can't clear her mind that time?"

"It's hurtful to leave her, but it will only last temporary, because forgetting is the nature of humanity. Isn’t it?"

"Eunseo, she really changed a lot. You can really give both of you another try. Just take this as her probation, if she fails, dump her away. Yeah, that's right! Dump her right away and leave her if she can't pass her probation. Make her ashamed. How cool that will be!"

Eunseo rolled her eyes, how could Exy's mischievous be applied in dating?

"Eonnie, I'm sleepy."

Exy pouted and helplessly leveled down Eunseo's mattress.

"I'll go to your house to clean it up later. If you wake up, don't get down from your bed. Doctor's advice not to touch your wound. Don't forget."

"If Bona eonnie knows you nag more than me, she won't find I'm that annoying anymore."

"Trust me, I'm only one half of how much you can nag. Now, just sleep."

Exy covered Eunseo with a blanket. After confirming Eunseo has fallen asleep, she left the ward quietly.

Sure enough, Seola was there.

"Have you eaten?" Exy asked.

"I'm not hungry." Seola shook her head.

Exy looked at her watch. Seola must be making use of her lunch time to come here. There was still some time left. Exy knew if Seola did not eat anything now, she would probably be starving herself until late evening. She sighed, wondering why this elder sister cannot take care of herself properly.

"I'll get you a sandwich. Don't make Eunseo's health replaced by your illness. I couldn’t take care both of you at the same time." Exy moved to the back of Seola and pushed her gently. "Eunseo is still sleeping. Just go in and take a look. She won't find out."

Should I go in? Seola lowered her head, she did not know since when she has lost confidence in herself.

What should I do if she wakes up and sees me? Will that make her unhappy?

Seola opened the door, just a step into the ward and she stopped. It's enough just to look at Eunseo sleeping peacefully like this.

31

After Eunseo was discharged from the hospital, Exy stayed at her house and was responsible for her current living.

Although Eunseo repeatedly emphasized that she can do everything on her own, Exy just could not rest assured, imagining Bona returns from the States and kills her for leaving Eunseo alone.

"Come out if Eunseo hasn't got up."

After reading the message, Exy walked to the door subconsciously, she saw Seola standing outside from the peephole and opened the door.

"You're here at the right time. She'll be up in about ten minutes."

"I know, you told me." Things she could not directly ask Eunseo, she could get the answer from Exy. Whatever Exy told her, she noted them down, fearing she would forget them because of her bad memory.

Noticing Seola's voice was a bit down and hoarse, Exy frowned, "Are you sick?"

Seola did not respond, but shoved a thermo container into Exy's arms. "This is for her, black boned chicken soup. Good for her body recovery."

"You cooked it? Edible?" Exy would never forget what had happened during the Home Economics class when Seola almost got the whole kitchen dismantled, and almost caused their teacher got burned.

Seola's eyes flickered, scratching her hair awkwardly. "My aunt cooked it. I watched her cook."

"This sounds much safer."

"You're the one who cooked it."

Exy widened her eyes. "Me? How could I be free..." They have befriended each other for years, Exy can easily tell what Seola is thinking by only looking at her eye signals. "Fine, I'm a genius. I can cook it empty-handed. It's not a big deal to wake up early to cook this soup."

"Thank you."

"You sure you don't want come in and take… take a look at her..."

Seola turned around and walked away after thanking Exy, did not even wait Exy to finish her words.

Exy closed the door, looked at the thermo. She felt life is too tiring for her, though she is only 24.

32

The weather was nice, the sky was so blue without clouds.

Wearing a mask, Seola could not help but coughed again. She looked up at the sky, thinking Eunseo must be enjoying this weather. Perhaps she was bothering Exy at this moment to go for a walk. Unlike her, who preferred to stay at home, seeing no one, idling in the sofa.

Sometimes, Seola wondered why Eunseo likes her. They have completely different personalities, her poor living ability, and they do not share any mutual interest. Eunseo is extrovert, getting energized by meeting people and Seola is introvert, getting energized by staying alone. They are so different that how Eunseo could have fallen for her.

Or maybe what Exy said was right. Both of them were blinded. Eunseo was blinded to fall in love with her, she was blinded to ignore Eunseo’s love.

The sound of door knocking interrupted Seola's thoughts. It was Mrs. Ahn.

Mrs. Ahn closed the door and sat in from of Seola. "Everything's settled. Thanks to her work she submitted before, it's really well done. Mr. Lee gladly agreed to wait for her recovery and will let her to continue her internship. The Lyon advertiser will call later and send her their offer letter officially. Don't worry."

Seola was relieved to hear the news, could tell she was smiling behind that mask, "Thank you."

"You and Bona owe me again." Mrs. Ahn studiedly gazed at Seola.

"Bo... Bona?" True, Bona will never neglect Eunseo with folded arms. Seola lowered her head, she seemed to do more than is required.

"Bona said Eunseo is a sister to her, that's why she came to me. What about you? Who's that girl named Son Eunseo to you? That girl who made you to put your pride down and seek help from me..."

Seola tightened her lips and said, "Friend." In fact, they are no longer friends.

"Better be." Mrs. Ahn shrugged but did not delve into it. “It's a good thing though. At least there's someone that can lead our cold-hearted Kim Seola who only lives in her own world to take such initiative. It's definitely a good thing. Keep it up. Open you heart and care for others. But please take care of your health too. Our next case is very important. Cheer." Mrs. Ahn rose and patted Seola's shoulder before leaving.

Live in my own world? Seola was slightly at a loss. So, this was how she is, in the eyes of others.

Eunseo must have tried very hard to enter her world, right? Back then…

Seola could not control her cough, tearing up while letting out the unbearable coughs. If she opens the door of her world to Eunseo once again, will Eunseo still willingly come inside?

To be continued...