Seulgi stopped her car in front of the café to hang out with her cousins on the weekend. When she entered the café, she spotted the duo, Lisa and Wendy at the corner table. She quickly jogged towards them. Seulgi knows Lisa and Wendy will complain because she is late due to oversleeping. Do take note, Seulgi is not a morning person. On weekend or public holiday, she only available from 11 AM only until midnight

"Hi guys" she take a sit on the empty chair

"Our late queen finally arrived" Lisa said sarcastically

Seulgi glare deadly at Lisa then she pinch her arm "You shouldn't say that to unnie"

Lisa giggle "Okay, I will collect my words" she act like she eating something in the air

"Have you guys ordered something?"

"Yes, we order our drink already" Wendy said

"Shall I call the waitress?" Seulgi looking around then she saw a waitress walk towards them with the drinks that Lisa and Wendy ordered

"This is your drink, ma'am" the waitress put the drink in front of the girls while smiling politely

"Thank you" Wendy and Lisa eyes sparkle

"Irene-ssi, this girl haven't order anything yet" Wendy pointed her thumb at Seulgi who zoning out

"Oh yes, may I take your order ma'am?" Irene asking Seulgi

"Bubble tea for me" Seulgi smile shyly

"Okay ma'am" Irene leaved to the kitchen

"Yah, how did you know her name?" Seulgi looking at Wendy questioningly

"Aigoo, you don't see her nametag?"

"She zoning out while staring at Irene-ssi, that's why she don't noticed it" Lisa teasing Seulgi

"Yah Lalisa!" Seulgi raised her hand to smack Lisa’s head but Irene cut her off

"Excuse me ma'am, this is your drink"

"Thank you" Seulgi said politely

"This is the bill" Irene gives the receipt to Seulgi

"Alright" Seulgi takes out her wallet and pay for the drink while Lisa and Wendy grinning like idiot

"Thanks ma'am" Irene bow before she leaves the customers

"I can't believe that you so whipped in front of the waitress" Wendy laughing

"We should come here often so unnie will pay for our foods" said Lisa while Seulgi throwing glare at both of them

"Seul, is that love at first sight?" Wendy smile mischievously

Lisa covers "Unnie fell in love at first sight?"

"Quit teasing me you two. I will tell Eunbi and Jisoo that both of you flirt with the waitress" Seulgi threatened

"Yaaa, you shouldn't make up rumors!" Wendy and Lisa protest

...................

It was 7 PM when Seulgi was on her way back from the office. When she passed by one of the bus stops, she spotted someone familiar sitting there with luggage and backpack. As she was driving, she thought about where she met that person. She stop at traffic light and tapping the steering while recall back every places that she go past few week because she know she meet that girl recently

"Who is that girl?" Seulgi talked to no one in particular. Suddenly she remembered something "Oh that is Irene!" she snapped her finger

The light changes to green and she makes a U-turn to go back to go to the bus stop. Luckily Irene is still there and she parked her car in front of the bus stop

"Hi" Seulgi greet Irene

She noticed that Irene looked sad and her eyes slightly puffy

"Hi" Irene answered weakly

"Do you remember me?" Seulgi sit beside Irene

Irene silent for few minutes "Sorry, I don't remember"

"It's okay but first time I saw you at the café nearby you're working" Seulgi explained

"Oh sorry for that"

"It's fine, where are you going?" Seulgi pointed at the luggage

"I don't know where I should go. I could say that I'm homeless now" Irene said sadly

Seulgi was obviously shocked. "Are you running away from home?"

"No, I can't afford to pay my apartment rent so the house owner not allow to stay there anymore"

"Aigoo, where do you sleep tonight?"

Irene shrugged her shoulder "I don't know"

Seulgi sighs "Let's go to my house"

"No, I don't want to trouble anyone"

"I insist, let me help you. I can't let you sleep here. It's dangerous, especially you're girl. Lot of things can happen to you. Trust me, I won’t harm you. I’m a good person" Seulgi convince

Irene give in as she heard sincerity at Seulgi words "Okay"

"Come, we should go now. It's getting late" Seulgi help Irene with her luggage

……………..

20 minutes driving to Seulgi house and both of them not talking to each other. Seulgi know Irene mind is in a mess now so she decide to not bothering her with lot of questions

"Welcome to my house" Seulgi walk Irene to living room

"You live alone?" Irene was amazed by the house design. It was really beautiful and she assumed that Seulgi is rich

"Yup, my parent stayed at mansion while my sister is study abroad"

"This house is too big for single person" Irene compliment

"Big and lonely too" Seulgi giggle "Let me show you your room" both of them walk upstairs "Here is your room"

"Wow" Irene awe by the room size and it's two times bigger than her old place

"From now on, you will stay here and my room is right in front of yours. If you need anything, just tell me. Make yourself at home. You can cook, eat and drink anything” say Seulgi

Irene nods her head "You haven't tell me your name"

"I am Kang Seulgi"

"I'm Irene or Bae Joohyun"

"I know your name already" Seulgi grin

“You can call me Joohyun” Irene chuckled "Anyway, thanks Seulgi because you let me stay here. I promise I will find new place soon"

"No Joohyun, you can stay here as long as you want. I don't mind that. Besides, no one is here with me so you can be my housemate" Seulgi said softly

"But I will trouble you"

"No, it's fine. You're not a burden for me. I'm happy that I have company here"

"Okay then"

"You should take shower first then we have dinner"

"Okay"

………….

Seulgi also washed up to refresh herself. After that, she goes to the kitchen to cook a simple dinner for both of them. Few minutes later, Irene come and she looked fresh

"Sorry I take too long to take bath"

Seulgi grin "It's fine. At least I can take time to prepare dinner for us"

"Anything I can help you with?"

"You can set the table because the food is ready"

"Alright"

"Are you working tomorrow?" Seulgi asked while eating her foods

"No, I quit from the café today"

Seulgi nods her head "You will stay alone at home because I need to go working tomorrow. Tomorrow is Friday so it still working day and I can't accompany you at home"

"Don't mind me. I will stay at home and cook for you" Irene said

"Wow, that's good then. I will come home tomorrow for lunch. I hope I'm not busy"

"Alright"

.......................

Next morning, Seulgi walks to the kitchen for breakfast before going to the office. She found Irene at the kitchen busy cooking something that smell make Seulgi’s stomach growling

"Hi, good morning" Irene greet with smile

"Morning Joohyun, I thought you’re still sleeping"

"Have a seat" Irene said and gave a glass of milk to Seulgi. She also makes a cup of black coffee that Seulgi loves so much. Last night she asked what Seulgi usually drinks in the morning and Seulgi said black coffee. Since she want Seulgi to consume healthy meal to start her day, she prepare milk for him to drink before drink coffee

"I woke up early to make breakfast for you" Irene put a pan of mouth-watering fried rice in front of Seulgi. Seulgi’s eyes sparkled as soon as she saw the delicious food. She can’t wait to eat the tasty-look fried rice

"Thanks, your coffee taste good" Seulgi give compliment after take a sip

Irene chuckle "I made fried rice from the leftover last night" she scoop the rice to the plate and give to Seulgi

"Smell so good, I can't wait to taste it" Seulgi almost drooling by smelling the aroma

"You should eat more so that you are not hungry later" Irene watches Seulgi eating the food happily. She not expect Seulgi is big eater judging from her slim figure

"You're really good at cooking" Seulgi give thumb up to Irene

"Aishh, stop praising me"

"You deserve a lot of compliments" both of them giggle “You must be really good at cooking. I can’t wait to eat more foods that you make”

“I’m not really good but I love cooking. You can request any food that you want to eat, I’ll make for you”

Seulgi nods her head excitedly “Alright, I could gain weight if you cook delicious food every day” they laugh lightly. Irene also join Seulgi breakfast while they talk about random gossips

……………..

"Joohyun, I have to go now" Seulgi said as she finished her drink "Thanks for the delicious food. I seriously will gain weight at this rate" she patted her tummy

"No problem, Seulgi"

Seulgi took her wallet from her bag and take out generous amount of notes to give to Irene "Here is your pocket money"

"No Seul, I have my money. You don't have to give me" Irene said awkwardly

"Joohyun, just take it. Who know if you need money when I'm not around" Seulgi pull Irene hand and put the money on her palm

"T-thank Seulgi"

"Alright, I will call you before lunch to let you know if I can come home to have lunch. Don’t worry, I’ll try my best so I have time to lunch with you" Seulgi light up the mood by smiling brightly

"Okay, do you have my phone number?"

Seulgi gasped "Omo, I forgot to ask you"

"Give me your phone" Seulgi give her phone to Irene and the older girl save her number in Seulgi phone "Here you go"

"Alright"

Irene walk Seulgi to her car "Drive carefully"

"Okay, take care at home"

"Alright" Irene waving at Seulgi to send her off then she go back to the house

...........................

Red Velvet Group tower

Seulgi skips to Wendy's office after she leaves her stuff at her office. When she enter, Wendy still busy with her phone

"Yah, are you that busy?" Seulgi sits on the chair in front of Wendy

"I busy with the game that Yerimie introduce to me recently" Wendy eyes still glue to her phone

"She successfully brainwashed you already?" Seulgi chuckled

"Yup, now I really addicted to this game"

Seulgi laughing "I can't believe the company president playing mobile game at office"

"Don't tell anyone. This is our secret" Wendy whisper playfully

"My secretary also knows it, doesn't it?"

"Yeah, Rose is in our team and she's top dog"

"Aigoo you guys" Seulgi shook her head

Few minutes later, Wendy stop playing and she put her phone on the table with arrogant smile on her face

"Win?" Seulgi asked annoyingly

"Yup" Wendy answered proudly "So what brought you here this early? We don’t have schedule together this morning if I not mistaken"

"Aigooo Seungwan, I have something to tell you" Seulgi face suddenly looked excited

"Yes, tell me now" Wendy excited to hear

"Do you remember Irene the waitress at the café where we hung out a few weeks ago?"

"Ah yes, I remember" Wendy answer quickly

Seulgi glare at Wendy "You always remember every girls around you"

"I remember because I know her name and her face that make you drooling like idiot" Wendy glared at Seulgi

"I thought you remember her because you want to flirt"

"Do you want Eunbi to flying kick me?"

"Aigooo, The Great Son Seungwan so whipped for her girlfriend now" Seulgi teasing Wendy

"Are you coming here just to tease me?"

"Alright, I will back to our topic now" Seulgi slightly laughing "You know, I found Irene at bus stop last night when I'm on the way home" she said in serious manner

Wendy gasped in shock "Really? What is she doing there?"

"She kicked out from her rented apartment and nowhere to go"

"What happened after that?"

"I bring her to my house and she stay there now"

"Luckily you found her. It really dangerous for a girl to stay outside at night"

"First she resist to go with me because she don't want to trouble me but I convince her that she's not a burden to me" said Seulgi

"You're doing well. Just keep her safe at home" Wendy patting Seulgi’s shoulder

"Yeah, I told her she don't need to find new place since she can stay with me"

"Shall you introduce her to us? I mean me and Lisa know her but not as friend"

"Sure, I will bring her to meet you guys when all of us are free. We can’t meet tomorrow because Byul hyung still outstation"

"Alright"

.................

Since she has a housemate, Seulgi often leaves the office early. She doesn't want Irene to wait for her because she once arrived at home at 9 PM and forgot to inform Irene. It resulted in Irene waiting for her to have dinner and fall asleep at the dining table. Seulgi felt really bad that day. After that incident, she promised that she will not work overtime if not necessary because she knows Irene wants to have dinner with her even though the older girl never mentions it verbally. She also tells her secretary that she will not accept any appointment to have lunch with business partners, clients or whoever it is because she wants to have lunch at home. It may not be professional but Seulgi doesn't care. Foods that Irene cooked are tastier than expensive foods at restaurants.

As usual, today Seulgi returned from office early. However, she noticed no trace of Irene as soon as she enter the house

"Joohyun?" She checks the kitchen but no one is there "Joohyun, where are you?" suddenly she panic

She tries to call Irene's phone but the girl does not answer "Aigoo, where is she?"

Then she heard the front door open. Irene came with a plastic bag on her hand "Joohyun?" Seulgi looked at Irene with worried on her face

"Seulgi, are you okay?"

Seulgi nodded shortly "Where are you from?"

"I go to the grocery store to buy our food stock. The fridge almost runs out of stock"

"Aigooo, I thought you run away"

Now Irene got it why Seulgi's face looked worried earlier "I'm sorry for worrying you. I forgot to text you earlier"

"It's okay, just don't do it again. If you want to go somewhere, wait until I arrive" Seulgi said

"I can't wait until you're home because I have to prepare our dinner. The store is not that far so it's okay for me to walk there" Irene explained

"At least answer my call!" Seulgi unconsciously raise her voice, startling Irene

"I put my phone on silent mode, I'm sorry" Irene lowered her head as she felt guilty "Sorry for troubling you. I promise I won't do it again"

Seulgi noticed that she's too much just now so suddenly she felt bad towards Irene "Joohyun, I'm sorry. I don't mean to scold you"

"No need to be sorry, I understand" Irene smile shortly "Now if you excuse me, I want to make dinner for us"

"Okay" Seulgi answer absentmindedly

……….

During dinner, both of them just eat in silence, no one talks like usual. Seulgi doesn't know how to start the conversation because she thinks that Irene is upset. She's not good at comforting someone

Inside her room, Seulgi is still thinking about what she should do to make things right between them. Irene goes straight to her room after dinner and leaves Seulgi alone in the living room. As she was out of ideas, she decided to call Wendy who is really an expert in love. She makes video call to her cousin and it was answered after few second

"Hi bro!" Wendy greet happily from the other side

"Hi" Seulgi answer lazily

"What made you call me suddenly?"

"I can't call you anytime I want?" Seulgi glare at Wendy

"You never make video call except when you have something serious to talk with me" Wendy state the matter-of-fact

Seulgi gave in because it was useless to debate with Wendy about that topic "Okay, I have a problem now. A really big one"

"Alright, what is it?"

"I guess…I make Irene upset" Seulgi confess

"Are you serious? Isn't it so early to make her upset? I mean both if you just stay together but you already do something that made her upset" Wendy face-palm herself

"I really don't mean it, Wannie. I don't mean to scold her. She don't even talk to me until now"

"What is the source of the problem?"

"She not telling me when she goes out and not answering my calls so I scold her" Seulgi pouting

"Aigooo, you know her current situation and scolding her is not the right choice. Maybe her emotions are still not stable. Now you scolding her, it really devastating her"

"I just worry if she run away"

Wendy rolled her eyes "Do you think she has another place to go if she leaves your house?"

"No"

"That's why you should think positive. She is not telling you, maybe she is worried if she is disturbing you at work. You should ask her first. I know when you're upset you can't think straight but as I told you before, you have to control your emotion. It is not good for you. I can understand when you react like that in certain situations. I’m immune to your short-temper but what about the others? Will they cope with you that easily? Not all people can do the same like I did. Grow up Kang Seulgi. You're a big girl now" Wendy said seriously while Seulgi was just listening to her. Only Wendy can calm her down since she obey the Canadian girl more than anyone else

"I'm sorry" Seulgi said

"Apology to her, not me. It’s her who you mess with"

"I don't know what I should do. You know I'm not good at comforting someone" Seulgi pout

Wendy groaned "Aigoo, are you never in a relationship before?"

"I do but I’m at comforting"

"Talk to her softly. Bring out all tenderness in you. Don't shout or whatever negative action that you always do"

Seulgi sigh "Okay"

"You have to be patient this time. She is in a fragile state so if you do the wrong move, you will break her more. Don’t make her scared to be around you. Remember she has nowhere to depend on. She only has you right now. I don’t want you to hurt her. If you make her cry again, you’ll deal with me. This fist will break your nose" Wendy show her fist to Seulgi

"Okay, I will do my best"

"Good, it's hard to handle a fragile woman. I have gone through it a lot since I dated Eunbi. It make me learn how to handle the situation so I hope you will do too"

"Alright" Seulgi smile happily

"By any chance, do you like her?" Wendy asking curiously

The question caught Seulgi off guard "I can't figure it out yet. I have been staying with her for a week now. I can’t give you proper answer"

"But you looked like one" Wendy wiggle her eyebrows

"Really?"

"Yep, I behaved like that when I met Eunbi. I really care about her. I also worry when I know that I make her upset and judging you, you never really care if you make someone upset. You not even think to apologize so it's obvious that you have feeling towards her"

"Aigoo, am I that obvious?"

"Literally" Wendy said straight forward

Seulgi rubs her face "Maybe I like her but not in a romantic way yet. I don't want to rush things. I'd told you that this time when I date someone, I will date for marriage. I want us both to be comfortable with each other and develop the feeling together. I’ll surely make a move but step by step”

"That’s good then"

"I will take it slow and figure out my feelings for her. I don't want any of us hurt. If we're made for each other, sooner or later we will together"

"I salute you for that word of wisdom. As expected from my cousin" Wendy said proudly

"Silly" both of them laughed

"Seriously Seul if you together with her, I will be really happy for you"

"Why?"

"Because I think both of you suit each other so well. I'm waiting for big news from you"

"I will work for it" Seulgi feel motivated suddenly

"Okay, good luck cousin"

"Thanks Seungwan"

"Are you going to bring her to meet us soon?"

"I will notify you again after I clear the mess"

"Okay, make sure you apologize to her. Don’t come to the office if you do not say sorry. I’ll kick you out from the building”

Seulgi sighs "Aigoo, why are you so scary suddenly. Wannie, I got to go now. Thanks for advice"

"No problem, goodnight"

"Goodnight"

Seulgi tossed her phone to the empty space beside her then she stared at the ceiling. She decides to talk with Irene the next morning. Not because of Wendy’s threat but she feel guilty to Irene

.................

"Good morning" Seulgi smile at Irene who busy prepare their breakfast but just get short smile in return

"Morning"

"What do you cook today?"

"I made pancake" Irene said as she take her seat

"Okay" both of them start eating and silent as the previous night. Seulgi decide to break the silence "Joohyun, I have something to say"

"Go ahead"

"I'm sorry for scolding you yesterday"

"You apologized yesterday, right?"

"I know but I still feel bad because I make you upset" said Seulgi

"It's me who is supposed to say sorry because I make you worry. I not upset but I feel guilty"

Seulgi smiled after that "Let's make it clean between us, okay?"

"Okay" Irene smiling showing her beautiful eye smile

"If you need anything or you want to go somewhere, just let me know. Even if I can't go with you at least I know where to find you in case something happen" Seulgi hold Irene hand softly

"Okay, I will tell you whenever I want to go out"

"I don't mean to be possessive but it for your safety"

"I understand, Seul. I'm thankful that you really care despite we just know each other for a week"

"Alright" Seulgi smiles sweetly "Joohyun, my friends want to meet you so are you okay if I introduce you to them?"

"Sure, I would like to meet them too" Irene said excitedly

"Okay, I will arrange our meeting soon" Seulgi say with big smile painted on her face

…………….

On Saturday, Seulgi brings Irene to the café where she and her friends plan to meet. They walk to The Velvet Café but Irene confused when the café is close

"Why are we here? It said closed here" Irene pointed at the CLOSED sign at the door

Seulgi giggle "Don't worry, see there are bunch of idiot inside" she pointed inside the café where her friends are gather waiting for them

"Aigoo"

"Come in" Seulgi open the door for them

"Hey Kangseul!" Wendy waving her hands happily

"Hi everyone" said Seulgi as she smile proudly beside Irene

"Wow, your friend is beautiful. You should introduce her early to us Seul"

"Kim Solar-ssi, you forgot that we're working and your wife just returned from outstation yesterday?" Seulgi playfully poking Solar’s shoulder

"Chill dude" Solar grin innocently

"Hi, I'm Irene Bae. Nice to meet you all" Irene bow her head politely

"Aigoo, beautiful girl with beautiful name" a tall girl beside Seulgi said

"Since she introduced herself, you guys should do too" Seulgi command "You start first" she nudging the girl beside her

"Hi, I am Park Sooyoung but my stupid fri