Irene, Yeri and Joy arrived at the villa around 3 in the evening. All of them are wearing thick clothes since it is winter. The villa is 2 hours away from the city. Since the traffic a little bit jammed, they took almost 3 hours. They greeted by the house owner, Park Minyoung who smile brightly at the front door

“Unnie!” Joy run to her cousin and they hugging each other

“Aigoo, our Sooyoungie. You grown-up already” Minyoung patted Joy back

Joy pulled away from the embrace “You looked prettier unnie” she grinning toothily “Em, unnie…where is brother-in-law?”

Minyoung playfully glares at Joy “Don’t ask nonsense questions. Introduce me to your friends if you want brother-in-law”

“Unnie, you’re too old for my friends” Joy cackle. She remembered that she did not come alone. She beckon the sisters to come to join them “Unnie, look who we have here”

Minyoung gasped when she saw Irene “Rene! Aigoo, it has been a while” both of them exchange bow then give quick hug

“How are you unnie?” Irene asking

“I’m fine. What about you?”

“I’m good too, unnie”

Then Minyoung also greeted Yeri with a big smile. She squished Yeri cheeks making Joy and Irene cackle “Hey, let’s bring your stuff inside. It’s cold here”

The girls bring their luggage into the villa. Since this is the first time they visit Minyoung’s villa, they are amazed to see the simple yet luxury design. After walking them to their room, everyone gathers in the living room. They got one room each since there are a lot of rooms in the villa

“Unnie, your villa is so gorgeous” Yeri complimenting with sparkling eyes

“Ayy, there are lot of beautiful villa than this one” Minyoung said shyly

“Unnie, do you design the interior personally?” ask Irene

“No, I use interior designer service. Their design are the best”

“I agree” Irene nods in approval. She is in love with the interior design of the villa

Joy noticed there is only Minyoung in the house “Unnie, where is Chorong unnie?”

“She goes out to visit her subsidiary”

“Aigooo, I thought she take leave already”

“You know that person is workaholic. She said want to make surprise visit”

“Is she coming with her friends?”

Minyoung chuckle “She come with handsome man”

“Really?”

“Yes, he is handsome and charismatic” Minyoung speak like she is in love with that person

Irene teasing the older girl “Unnie, do you fall in love?”

“Of course not” Minyoung said shyly

“Unnie, is that person Chorong unnie boyfriend?”

“I’m not sure” Minyoung shrugs her shoulder

“What is his name?”

“Seulgi…Kang Seulgi” Minyoung stated

Irene, Yeri and Joy freeze soon as they hear that familiar name. They practically looked at each other with shock. They do not expect they will meet Seulgi here. Their hearts obviously thump very fast, especially Irene. She hope that will be another Kang Seulgi, not her ex-husband

Luckily Minyoung didn't notice their expression change. “Girls, I will make hot chocolate and get some snacks for us. You all rest here for a while”

“Okay unnie” said Yeri

After making sure Minyoung is far away from them, Yeri looks at Joy and Irene and says “Yah, is that Seulgi oppa?” she asked with low tone

“Joy, why don't you tell us that Seulgi came here?” Irene questioning

“Unnie, I don’t know he will come and I don’t know that he is close to Chorong unnie. I really don’t know unnie” Joy feels bad because she knows the conflict between Irene and her ex-husband. She also used to meet Seulgi few times when she hangouts with Yeri that’s why she know him

“It’s okay, don’t feel bad” Irene pats Joy head

“What to do now unnie?” Yeri asking

Irene closes her eyes and sighs “Let see how Seulgi reacts and we just follow the flow. Get ready to act”

“Okay unnie” the younger girls suddenly looked excited and they bumped fists. Irene just shake her head seeing their antics

……………………..

Chorong and Seulgi arrived at the villa about one hour later. Chorong skipped the living room without waiting for Seulgi. She was surprised to see they had guests. Happy smile spread on her face because she knew them too. After fooling around with Joy, she greet the sisters

“Irene-ssi, long time no see” Chorong exchange bow with Irene

“You’re right Chorong-ssi. Last time we meet is few months ago during SONE Hotel launching event” Irene is very nervous but she try to look relax

“Girls, both of you know each other?” Minyoung ask happily

“Yes unnie…we work in the same industry so it is impossible if we never meet at least once. We also used to work together for some project” Chorong answer without know Irene nervousness waiting for Seulgi arrival

“The world is so small” said Minyoung

“You’re right”

“Then don’t use honorifics. We’re not working right now”

“Sure thing” Chorong turned again to the guest “So, who is this cutie?” she looking at Yeri

Irene patting Yeri head “This is my sister”

“Nice to meet you. My name is Bae Yerim but just call me Yeri” the maknae bow politely

“Nice to meet you too, sweetie. I am Park Chorong. Just call Chorong unnie”

“Okay unnie” Yeri reply with sweet smile

Minyoung looking at her cousin “Where is Seulgi?”

Chorong flinch makes everyone a bit shocked seeing her reaction “Yah, where is Kang Seulgi?” she jog to the front door and yelling Seulgi name

“Yah, Kang Seulgi! Where are you?”

Seulgi walk leisurely while holding a can of Pringles “Noona, I’m here~”

“Yah, come inside. It’s cold here” Chorong drag Seulgi on his arm

“Weather is good today. We shall enjoy it” Seulgi shove a pile of potato chips into his mouth

“You can enjoy the weather later but greet our guest first”

Seulgi turns his face to see the guest then he chokes his food. He coughs hard and almost throws up the chips in his mouth. However, Chorong quickly covered his mouth with her hand and ran him to the kitchen. She attend him while nagging as usual

Minyoung just cackle “Aigoo those two”

Few minutes later, they come back “Seulgi-ah, are you okay?”

“Yes noona, I’m okay” is the same as Irene, Seulgi also nervous and shocked to death when his ex-wife appears in front of him. He does not expect Irene will be there with them. He knows that Joy is close with the Bae sisters but doesn't know that she invites them here too. He can see the awkward and nervous look on Irene 's face. He thought about how he should react. He can’t act like he doesn't know them. Now he needs to squeeze everything in his mind to make everything less awkward. The sisters now depend on him. They waited for him to react first. It obviously seen in Yeri eyes

“What shocked you just now?” Chorong interrogate

“I’m surprised to see Joy and Yeri here. You never tell me that you’re related to them” Seulgi doesn't know when he gets the idea to answer the question. He just say whatever come across his mind

“Sooyoung is my cousin while Yeri is her best friend. Irene is Yeri's sister and my acquaintance too. She is the boss of Starlight Holding. Their company is one of our business partner but you haven’t have chance to work with them yet” Chorong explain

“Oh, I see” Seulgi said like he just know about them

“How do you know Yeri and Sooyoung?” Minyoung ask

Seulgi scratched his nape before answering “I met them at college. I used to be one of the speakers in seminars in their college and they are in my group. That’s how I know them. We still keep-in-touch though. I just don’t have idea that Joy is your cousin”

“That’s good that you all know each other. You just need to introduce yourself to Irene” Chorong signal Seulgi to greet Irene

Seulgi looked at his ex-wife nervously and Irene gave him a short smile “Nice to meet you Irene-ssi. I am Kang Seulgi”

“Nice to meet you too Seulgi-ssi” Irene bow her head

“Shake hand” Chorong command

“Eh?” Seulgi eyes turn wide

“I said shook hands with Irene. I teach you to shake hands with everyone you just meet, don’t you?”

Seulgi gives in because that is the manner that Chorong teaches him every time he meets new people. She told him to shake hands as a sign of greeting. He slowly walked to Irene and held out his hand. Irene nervously accepts it. She know Seulgi can feel her cold hand because of nervous

“Seulgi” he said

“Irene”

Seulgi returned to his seat after that. His hand was practically sweating and he noticed that Irene's hand was also cold but soft. Meanwhile, Yeri and Joy holding their smile when see their interaction

“Are you all staying here until New Year?” Chorong looking at Irene, Joy and Yeri

“Yes, we decide to spend holiday here” said Joy

“We really don’t have plans for the holiday. If we not come here with Joy unnie, we really doing nothing at home” Yeri cackle follow by the others

“Since there are still 2 days before Christmas, we should go for Christmas shopping tomorrow then decorate our house” said Minyoung

“I agree!” the girls said while Seulgi nods his head because he still munching Pringles

“We haven’t buy gifts yet” said Irene

“We also have not prepared anything yet. We can go to the mall to buy stuff” said Chorong

Seulgi cough a bit then he nudge Chorong side “I want to take a nap”

“Okay, I will wake you up before dinner. Shower before you sleep”

“Okay boss”

“Put dirty clothes in the basket. I will collect it later”

“Alright, got to go now girls” Seulgi said then he go to his room

“Who wants to take a nap just go upstairs. It still too long before dinner time” Minyoung said

“I want to rest too” said Yeri

“Me too” Joy stretch her body

“Okay then, unnie will prepare our dinner” said Minyoung

“I will join you unnie” Irene chirped

“Are you tired after driving?”

“No, I’m fine”

“Alright, suit yourself”

“I will join both of you too but I need to check Seulgi first” said Chorong

“Okay” then everyone goes to their own place. Yeri and Joy go to their room to rest. Irene and Minyoung to the kitchen while Chorong go to her room to change then get dirty clothes from Seulgi room

……………………….

In Seulgi room

Seung Wan: Hello Seul

Seulgi: Yah, do you fly to Canada already?

Seungwan: Not yet, our flight is tonight. What’s wrong? You want to go with us?

Seulgi: No, I have a news

Seungwan: What is it?

Seulgi: Irene is here

Seungwan: What?! Irene? You mean Irene Bae? Your ex-wife?

Seulgi: Yes, she came here with Yeri and Joy. You know what, Joy is Chorong noona's cousin. Not only that, Irene and Chorong Noona are also close acquaintances. Minyoung noona also close to her

Seungwan: Aigoo, what a small world. All of you are in the same circle. What are you going to do?

Seulgi: I don’t know. Thankfully Yeri and Joy did not freak out when they saw me earlier. Somehow, they looked nervous and shocked. I feel sorry for them because I only introduce them as a college student that I just met

Seungwan: Hmm, what about Irene?

Seulgi: She don’t say anything but from her eyes, I can see she is very awkward

Seungwan: Oh, did Chorong noona know that you are Irene's ex-husband?

Seulgi: She doesn't know. She even asked me to shake hand with Irene

Seungwan: *laughing* Just enjoy your holiday. Act naturally. Don’t show your resentment towards Irene. If possible, use this chance to talk to her

Seulgi: I'm still not ready to talk with her. Just seeing her make me hurt again

Seungwan: It’s okay, take your time. You have a lot of things to distract yourself from her. Besides, Chorong noona and Minyoung noona are there so you can spend time with them

Seulgi: Hm, they are very close with Irene

Seungwan: You will be fine. Don’t think a lot. You are still healing now. Remember the doctor said you can’t stress yourself. Don’t forget to drink your meds, okay?

Seulgi: Okay, I will be good

Seungwan: Alright, have fun. I will inform you when we arrive at Canada

Seulgi: Yup, take care and safe journey. Bye

Seungwan: Bye Seul

Seulgi spacing out for a while after talking to Seungwan. Later, he groan and tossed his phone to the bed then close his eyes

……………………………..

10 PM at the villa

Everyone sits in the living room watching a movie that Yeri and Joy picked up on Netflix. While watching TV, they have warm tea and snacks that Minyoung brought from Italy. After the first movie ends, Yeri chooses another movie for them.

Chorong looking at the wall clock then to Seulgi who busy play game in his phone “Seul, it’s your sleep time now”

Seulgi checking his phone clock then frown since he still want to play the game “Yah, I still want to play”

“You can continue tomorrow”

“Okay then” Seulgi stretch his body “Help me stand-up” everyone quickly turn their head to Seulgi

Chorong circles her arms on Seulgi waist and helps him to stand “Is it hurt again?”

“Just a little bit numb”

“Can I walk?”

“Yes”

“I will walk you to the stair then I heat milk for you”

“Okay”

Both of them slowly walking to the stairs before Chorong go to the kitchen to get a glass of milk for Seulgi

“What’s wrong with him? Is he sick?” Irene hurriedly asked. She is jealous seeing their interaction but her worry about Seulgi takes over her jealousy. There must be something wrong with him that he need assist to stand up

Minyoung also has a curious look on her face “I don’t know. He looked just fine yesterday”

“Let ask Chorong unnie later” said Joy

Chorong came back and everyone looked at her curiously. She noticed everyone's eyes were on her “What?”

“Unnie, what’s wrong with Seulgi oppa?” Yeri asking

“He just feel numb on his leg”

“It looked quite serious” said Irene

“Yes, he have slipped disc on his lower back and just got his surgery 3 weeks ago”

“Aigoo, it must be hurt” Joy said

“Is his pain very serious that need surgery? Usually some case can heal after therapy” said Minyoung

Chorong shakes her head “At first he goes to a therapy session but numbness on his leg gets bad and in the end he needs surgery. His legs are still weak but not as bad as before. His current situation is not worrying but still needs a monitor because Kang Seulgi is very active. It’s hard to control him sometimes. He can’t stay still doing nothing. Sometimes I need to be strict so that he listens. He only listens well to Seungwan. According to Seungwan, his slipped disc happens because Seulgi often does intense workouts. It start to hurt last year but he not telling us”

“Oppa like to keep things for himself” Yeri sighs softly

“You’re right, he will not tell us until he can’t hold it anymore”

Irene massages her nose bridge while thinking about Seulgi condition. She really worries about him. He looked fine but actually had a lot of pain. “Is he hurt again today?”

“Only numb on his legs but will be fine later. He just need rest” Chorong said and Irene feel relieve

Yeri and Joy know that Irene is worried about Seulgi. The maknae asked again “Oppa drink milk every night before sleep?”

“Yes, he can’t sleep well without warm milk”

Joy and Yeri cackle “Oppa is a little boy” the other also giggling with them

“He is insomnia fighter that’s why he need milk before sleep”

“Oppa also suffers insomnia?” Yeri eyes turn wide

“Yes, he is. He started to have insomnia 3 years back then when he was still studying. According to Seungwan again, his personal problem is the main resource of this. He doesn't have other causes of insomnia. It is from his mental state that practically in a mess” Chorong paused for a few second “When I met him, he was really down. He covered his problem with a strong façade that no one noticed his burden. He almost gives up on everything but thankfully he listens to Eunji and she tells me about his problem. Seulgi is a strong man. He suffered depression for a few months but he’s able to overcome it. His psychiatrist is also proud of him. However, his insomnia sometimes attacks him once in a while. It has been a while since he had insomnia but it came back after his slipped disc worsened. He told me that he is fine but actually there are a lot of things going through his mind. Seulgi is stress because he unable to do lot of activities like he used to”

“A strong man indeed” Irene said unconsciously. Yeri softly caressing her back to sooth her

“I feel sorry after hearing about him. When I first met him, he was very cheerful and funny. He flirted with me too. I not expect that his life is painful” Minyoung said sadly

“I told you that he has a strong façade. He will not show his burden to us. Thankfully his life is getting better since the past few years. He being honest to me that there is no more burden in his shoulder except work and my nagging” all of them cackle

“Hey, I’m curious about his family. He never talks about them. He is so close with your appa and umma” Minyoung stares at Chorong. Her question also gaining attention from Bae sisters

“Seulgi is reserved when it comes to his family. He never talks about them. The only person who knows everything about him is Seungwan. When people ask about his family, he said his only family is Seungwan. He is very happy when meet with appa and umma. He loves them so much. Now appa and umma closer to him than me”

‘That’s mean Chorong don’t know about me and Seulgi’ – Irene thought

“Unnie, are you dating Seulgi oppa?” Yeri asked boldly

Chorong laughing “I’m not dating him. We looked like a couple but actually not an item. We just have sibling relationships. Seulgi and I are completing each other. Seulgi said he had a terrible past relationship and it is a trauma to start a relationship again. Lot of people asked this question and we only gave the same answer. We are not dating. We are comfortable with our relationship now. No love, no headache and no pain. We’re free to go anywhere, hangouts with anyone and no one controlling us”

“Oh, you two looked like a couple” said Joy

“I agree” said Minyoung “You two looked good together”

“I heard that statement a lot,” Chorong grinned widely. “Last night he did not sleep well because there was no milk. I forgot to buy milk for him at the mart. This morning he is cranky and throwing tantrums here and there. He can’t stop whining. I had to let him sleep for an hour in the car before he got back in his mood. He was really childish when his mood ruined. When he wakes up, he whines because he is hungry. He was not eating properly this morning. One thing I don’t like is when Seulgi throws a tantrum, he will be really whiny and noisy. He will not stop whining until he get what he want” Chorong annoying and laughing together with the others

“Why he don’t just stay at home and sleep? Besides, I’m not going anywhere earlier so I can cook for him” said Minyoung

Chorong rolled her eyes “He said he is shy to stay alone with you”

“Yah!” Minyoung's eyes widened while other girls laughing heartily “What makes him shy around me? Usually he love to flirt with me”

“Seulgi is unpredictable. The longer you stay with me, the more weird antics of him that you will find out. You see in this one week, how many stupid attitude you will see from him”

“I will twist his ear tomorrow. How could he shy around me?” Minyoung dramatically groan bring laughter to the girls

……………………………..

Today Seulgi and the girls go to the mall for Christmas shopping. All of them are wearing thick clothes since the weather is so cold. Seulgi and Chorong wearing matching color jackets that resulted in both of them looking like a sweet couple. Minyoung, Yeri and Joy teasing both of them while Irene just forced her smile. She tries her best to look okay in front of them. Seulgi also hasn't talked to her. He just giving her short smile and avoiding her eyes all the time

They enter the mall following Chorong and Minyoung. Suddenly, Chorong stop walking make everyone behind her also halted their footstep

“What’s wrong?” Irene furrowed her eyebrows

Chorong turns around then looking at Seulgi “I want to bring Seulgi to the salon. You all can walk around while waiting for us”

“Yah, I thought your hair care routine was only on the first Saturday of the month and your salon only in Seoul” Seulgi stared at Chorong confusedly. Everyone can expect that Chorong always drag Seulgi along because he know Chorong routine

“Not I but you must get your haircut”

“My hair still short” Seulgi touching his hair

“No such things. You haven’t cut your hair this month. Let’s go. We haven’t eat anything yet so let’s cut your hair quickly then we go to eat” Chorong grab Seulgi wrist

“Hm…noona~” Seulgi pouting

“No protest or you want to eat at a vegan restaurant?” Chorong wiggle her eyebrows

“Noona~” Seulgi whining

“Chorongie, since you just sent him to cut his hair. We will walk around first then find the restaurant for us to eat” said Minyoung

“Okay unnie, just text me the place then we will meet you all there”

“Alright, see you two later”

“Okay, let’s go baby” Chorong drag Seulgi with her while the others go to opposite direction

Yeri noticed her sister looked like someone not in mood so she linked arms with her “Unnie, you okay?” she whisper

“I’m fine” Irene nods her head

“Everything will be okay. Cheer up. We come here to enjoy our holiday. Don’t show that face. Chorong unnie and Minyoung unnie don’t know about your history with oppa so don’t let them discover it. Let’s not make oppa upset more, alright? Just follow his acting”

“Okay” said Irene

“Let’s walk faster. We’re too far already” Yeri and Irene fastened their pace to catch up with Minyoung and Joy who don’t notice they are leave behind

……………………….

The girls decide to eat at Italian restaurant at the mall. They are waiting for Chorong and Seulgi since Chorong said they are almost done. While they gossiping around, Chorong show up at their table but she is alone

“Where is Seulgi oppa?” Joy look behind Chorong but she don’t see Seulgi

“That stupid stop at claw machine at the front. He still compete with a little boy to get tiger doll” Chorong rolled her eyes

“Calm down unnie” Yeri cackle

“I try my best to not pull his ear, you know” Chorong pulled her hair in frustration “Do you all order your food already?”

“Yes…we don’t know what you and Seulgi want so we not order for you”

“It’s okay” Irene call the waitress for Chorong then she order food for her and Seulgi “Hmm, Seulgi don’t like