Bae resident

Irene and her mother are watching TV in the living room. Both of them sit in silence since they don’t have anything to talk about until something comes to Irene's mind. She slowly turn her face to her mother

“Umma”

“Em?” Mrs. Bae hummed

“I want to ask one question but don’t scold me okay?”

“Depend on the question”

“Umma~, I just curious” Irene shake her mom arm

“Alright, what do you want to ask?”

Irene bit her lips “Umma, why do you never plan to marry again after appa leave us?”

Mrs. Bae takes a few seconds to answer her daughter's question “Umma don’t think it necessary to marry again because umma have you already. Umma worry if I marry again, my husband can’t treat you properly and abandon you. I don’t mind being a single mom as long as both of us live our life happily. Having you is enough to make me happy”

Irene pouting then hugging her mother sideways “I just want you to have someone that you can rely on, someone whom you can share your problem with and someone that can take care of you if I’m not around. Now Uncle Yul is married, he can’t always be there for us like before. He has priority even though he is still here with us. No one day I stop thinking of you and grandma. Sometimes I think I want to quit from industry so that I can take care of both of you”

“Hyun, we’re fine. Don’t ever think of giving up on your dream for us. You’d worked hard for it so live your dream. Umma and grandma are fine here. Your uncle also never changes even if he is married. He is the same Yul. Your aunty understands why she decided to move in with us. Don’t think too much, okay? Umma is happy with your grandma, uncle and your aunty”

“Okay umma” Irene rested her head on her mom shoulder “Umma”

“Yes baby”

“Do you think appa still remember us?” Irene asking question that she never ask

Mrs. Bae sighs heavily “It's almost 30 years since he left us. I don’t think he still remembers you and umma. He also has his own family already”

“Sometimes, I think I want to look for appa but I know he will not recognize me. To be honest, I miss him, umma” Irene mumbles

Mrs. Bae eyes are teary because of her daughter's confession. Irene never talks about her father since then and now she did, it breaking her heart. She knows Irene longs for her father's love. Even Yul is there to shower her with fatherly love but he can’t replace the love and affection from her own father. Honestly, she also misses her ex-husband so much but there is nothing she can do because his family does not allow them to be together. None of them want that separation but they are forced by his family. For her and Irene safety, her ex-husband decide to follow his parents order

“I’m sorry, baby. I’m sorry because I fail giving you a complete family like other kids. I know you need your dad but umma can do nothing to bring you to see him. It’s hard for umma too but seeing your face giving me strength to move forward” Mrs. Bae crying as she hugging her daughter

Irene feels guilty for making her mom cry “Umma, I’m sorry. I will not talk about appa again. Don’t cry”

“It’s not your fault. Umma is just emotional. You can tell umma anytime if you have a burden in your mind. Umma will listen to you”

“Okay umma”

Mrs. Bae kisses her daughter's forehead “When Seulgi will come?”

“She will come tomorrow but she needs to meet her staff first before coming to our house. She will stay for few days before we go back to Seoul on Sunday”

“Okay, umma wants to take a nap first. If you go to your room, lock the door. Your aunt will come home together with your grandma”

“Alright umma” Irene sadly watching her mom back leaving the living room

She grabs her phone on the coffee table then calls Seulgi through video call. She knows Seulgi is free today because her secretary updated her about Seulgi's daily schedule. At first she didn't care too much about Seulgi's schedule since she had nothing to do with that but now she is getting used to it. Every morning Seohyun will send Seulgi's schedule to her and will update if there are additional or changes in the CEO schedule. Whatever Seulgi does in her daily life, she will include the details about the client that she will meet. She not ask for it but it is what Seulgi wanted so she appreciate it

“Hello Baechu!” Seulgi chirped from the other side

“Hello bear, how are you?” Irene smile lovingly

“I’m not fine” Seulgi pouting

“Why?”

“I miss you”

“Aigoo, finish your work quickly then come to see me”

Big smile spread on Seulgi's face “Shall I fly to Daegu tonight?”

“Nope! Don’t ever try to give a surprise. Just come tomorrow after settling your work. I will tell daddy that you skip your work if you come early that scheduled” Irene said firmly

“Okay big boss, I will see you tomorrow in the afternoon” Seulgi slumped her shoulder as she busted on the spot

“Good”

“Are you alone at home? Not going to a restaurant?”

“No, I cleaned the house today. Umma is at home with me. She not feeling well this morning so she not go to restaurant”

“Aigoo, do you bring her to the clinic already?”

“No, she just drinks meds. She is fine now”

“Okay”

“Do you eat lunch already?”

Seulgi nods her head quickly “I eat with mommy and Soojung”

“Where are Sinbi and daddy?”

“Daddy visit our new mall at Apgujeong and Sinbi have lunch with officer at security force”

“Oh I see, don’t forget your dinner too and no ramyeon! I will ask Seohyun to order food for you”

Seulgi suddenly showing puppy eyes “I want blackbean noodle and tangsuyuk”

“Plus salad”

“Hyun~” Seulgi whining

“No excuse, tonight your dinner is jjajangmyeon, tangsuyuk and salad. I will call you again during dinner time and will monitor you dinner. You must have balance diet”

“Alright”

“Go do your work. We continue on text, okay”

“Okay, bye baby. I miss you” Seulgi waving her hand while showing cute face

“I miss you too baby. Bye~” Irene hang up their call

…………………..

“Yul” Mrs. Bae earn attention from her brother and his wife, Choi Sooyoung

“Yes noona”

Mrs. Bae fidgeting her fingers then she talks “Joohyun talked about her appa earlier”

Yul quickly looked at his sister “What did she talk about? It’s rare. She never talks about him before”

Mrs. Bae tell Yul about her conversation with her daughter earlier “Unnie, maybe she miss her dad” said Sooyoung

“I guess so. From her expression, I can see that she longing for him”

“Hm, she never talks about her dad. Maybe she really miss him” said Yul

Sooyoung asked “Do you all ever try to look for him?”

Yul and her sister shake their heads “We never hear anything about him ever since he left us. He is also not allowed to meet Joohyun even though she is his biological child. He disappear like a dust since that day” said Mrs. Bae

“Aigoo, I’m sorry to hear that”

“It’s okay Sooyoungie. I’m grateful that Joohyun really understands children. She did not make a fuss when I told him that her father left us when she was 7 months old. She accepts everything open-heartedly but I know, as she grown up she always think about him” Mrs. Bae said sadly

“Don’t worry unnie, Yul and I are always there for her. Yul still does his duty on behalf of her father. Besides, Jesse oppa also treats Joohyun like his own daughter. I’m sure she feel fatherly love from Jesse oppa too”

“Yeah, I’m thankful that the Seulgi family is treating her well. They love her so much. I noticed that Joohyun is happier since dating Seulgi. She also has less stress than before. Seulgi really take care of her properly” Mrs. Bae smile

“That kid is random and unpredictable but she is responsible and reliable. She has been very independent since high school. Her mother tried controlling her so she let Seulgi do whatever she wanted but was still under her monitor. That is the reason why Seulgi rarely goes to LA with her family. She busy doing her not-so-called part-time job” Sooyoung said as she cackle together with Mrs. Bae

“I do not regret blessing Joohyun to date Seulgi. She is really a nice person. I believe that Joohyun is in safe hand”

“I agree with you unnie”

……………………

Irene runs to the front door when she hears a car sound outside. Her face turned bright as she saw her lover get out of the car. Without wasting time, she jump to Seulgi embrace

“Kang Seulgi!” Irene cling to Seulgi like a koala while peppering Seulgi face with kisses

“Miss me?” Seulgi asks after kissing Irene's lips. She walk into the house while carrying Irene

“I miss you so much” Irene said cutely

“I miss you more baby”

Grandma Bae groaned as she saw her granddaughter carried by Seulgi “Bae Joohyun, why do you let Seulgi carry you? She is tired”

“I just excited grandma” Irene cackled then she jumped down. Both of them sit on the couch joining her grandmother

“Seulgi-ah, how’s work?” the grandma ask

“Everything goes well grandma. I have plenty of projects at Daegu so I will visit Daegu often after this” said Seulgi

“Yah, you will leave me alone in Seoul?” Irene protest

Seulgi ruffle Irene hair “You will come with me when you’re free”

“Joohyun is such a kid” Grandma Bae said “What about your new restaurant project with Yul?”

“It’s still under renovation. I guess it will be in 2 or 3 months. Uncle Yul prepare a lot for the restaurant”

“You also help him a lot. Yul is very happy and excited to open his new restaurant”

“We also plan to open another branch in Seoul, Jeju and Busan” Seulgi added

“That fast?!” Irene and her grandmother shock

“Yup, that is our future plan and I already survey few hotspots to open his restaurant”

“Daebak!” Irene squish Seulgi cheeks

Grandma Bae smile warmly watching the kids interaction “Looked like Yul will stay at Seoul often”

“Grandma, you can go to Seoul with me and Joohyun if you want” Seulgi wiggle her eyebrow

“Seulgi is right. You rarely go out of Daegu so short getaway is not bad” Irene chirped

“Ayy, I don’t want to trouble you two when I go to Seoul. Next time, when both of you are free; bring me anywhere you want. Right now just focus on your job”

“Okay grandma!”

“Joohyun, let’s prepare our lunch. I’m sure Seulgi is hungry. Seulgi go change your clothes then we eat. I made your favorite beef stew” said Grandma Bae

“Okay” Seulgi go to bedroom while Irene and her grandma prepare for their lunch

……………………

Irene, Seulgi and Sooyoung have dinner together at the café. Sooyoung has worked in Seoul for a few days. Irene and Seulgi come together because Seulgi pick her up at the agency

“Hyunnie” Sooyoung speak while her eyes looking at Irene

“Yes aunty”

“Last week your umma told me and your uncle that you talked about your appa. Is it true, sweetie?”

The idol sipped her drink before answer the question “Yes aunty but I regret asking that question because umma cry after that”

“Don’t feel bad. It is not your fault. Maybe your umma still miss him” Sooyoung said softly

She continued after that “Hyun, may I know who is your appa?”

“Umma said his name is Choi Siwon” Irene stated

“Choi Siwon?” Sooyoung and Seulgi looking at each other with creased eyebrows

“Yeah, he is Korean-American man. He has American blood because of his mother. According to umma, his family never comes back to Korea. They stay at America permanently”

“Oh, do you have his picture?”

“Yes” Irene took her wallet from her bag then took out a piece of photo. It is her dad's photo that she keeps. That photo was in her room all this while but lately she missed him so she took his picture with her

Seulgi looking at the picture then to Irene “Now I understand where you get that look. You born in visual family”

Irene smile shyly “Aishh Kang Seulgi” she poke Seulgi cheek

Sooyoung is still staring at the photo. She tries to recall back where she saw that person back then “Oh !” she curse

“What’s wrong aunty?” Seulgi ask hurriedly

“I know this person” Sooyoung turn her face to Irene “Hyun, I know your dad”

“Seriously?”

“Yes, not only me…Seulgi parents also know him”

Seulgi eyes turn wide “Aunty, who is him? Do I know him too?”

Sooyoung shut her eyes and sighs “Seulgi, she is Andrew. Remember Uncle Andrew that always plays golf with your dad. He is also a close friend of your dad, your mom and me. We’re business partner”

Seulgi rubbed her face “So Uncle Andrew is Hyun's father. Aishh, why I’m never notice that before?”

“Maybe we’re not really look alike that’s why it’s hard to recognize me as his daughter” said Irene

“You’re right, you more like Taeyeon unnie instead” said Sooyoung

“Hyun, what is your plan now?” Seulgi asking Irene

“Plan?”

“Yes, do you want to meet your dad? We can help you if you want to see him”

Irene looked hesitant then Sooyoung convinced her “Don’t worry sweetie. There is no one else who could stop him to see you. His parents are not around anymore. He’s also still single. Your dad is only busy with his work. He is workaholic. Travelling here and there for business, helping people in need and also an active member of UNICEF”

“Meeting him is my wish since then even I never tell umma” Irene said weakly

Sooyoung gives a warm smile to the girl “Honey, I will make your wish come true. I will call your dad and ask him to come. I bet he’s also happy to see you. You’ve grown up now. He must be proud of you”

“Aunty, please don’t tell umma yet, okay? I don’t want her to shock” Irene plead

Sooyoung nods her head “Sure thing, I will call him and arrange your meeting as soon as possible”

“Okay aunty”

“Just in case you want to see how he looks, here is his picture. It is from his latest post in our group chat” Sooyoung gave her phone to Irene after finding her dad picture in her group chat with Seulgi parents, Irene dad and her.

“He is a playful person behind his strict look. He can make people fall in love with his gentle smile. Lot of women try to gain his attention but I guess none of them can replace your umma” Sooyoung continue talking about her friend to his daughter

Irene teary as she saw her dad picture for the first time “I think he looked better without facial hair”

“Hm, your dad is a lazy . He often forgot to shave his beard. He used to try to grow a beard but in the end he looked like a caveman. Seulgi father can’t stop laughing at him”

“You dad is tall but why do you short?” Seulgi ask innocently “Ouch!” she receives a smack on her head “Hyun, it hurt”

“Serve your right” Irene rolled her eyes “Aunty, what if he denies me as his child?”

“I will talk to him first. After that, I will let him see you”

“Okay aunty”

………………….

As Sooyoung promised, she called Choi Siwon and asked him to come to South Korea as soon as possible. Next day, he flies to Korea to meet with Sooyoung. He is very excited because finally he will meet his one and only daughter that he missed so much. Since he arrived at night, he decides to rest then will go to Sooyoung office tomorrow

Next day

“Oppa, welcome back to Korea” Sooyoung gave a warm hug to Siwon. She waiting for him at the lobby

“Thanks Sooyoung, it has been a while since we met. You looked vibrant now. Don’t have baby yet?” Siwon ask

“Not yet oppa, we still trying” Sooyoung answer shyly

“Sooner or later, you will have baby”

“Yeah, let’s go to my office. Joohyun is still on her way”

“Alright”

Irene is nervously walking beside Seulgi who accompanies her to meet her father. Her heart is beating faster than usual. Noticing her girlfriend tension, Seulgi grab Irene hand and squeeze it softly

“Baby, you okay?” Seulgi caressing Irene hand

“Yes, I’m good” Irene answer shortly

“Don’t worry, everything will be okay” Seulgi kiss Irene forehead after they enter the elevator

Seulgi led them to Sooyoung's office. As they arrive in front of the CEO office, Seulgi turns around then she fixes Irene's hair and caresses her cheek. She give her girlfriend a warm hug and kiss on her scalp

“Don’t nervous, I got your back” she whisper

“Thank you my love” said Irene

After taking a deep breath, Seulgi knocks on the door, then opens it after getting permission from Sooyoung. She squeezes Irene's hand as they walk inside. Sooyoung and Irene’s father stand up as the girls walk approaching them

“Hyun” Sooyoung hold Irene hand “This is your daddy”

Irene slowly looked at the tall guy in front of her. Siwon smile to his daughter with teary eyes and Irene also show the same reaction

“Daddy~” Irene whisper

Siwon moves forward and hugging his daughter “Joohyun” he’s hugging her tightly and Irene hugs him back. She crying in his embrace

Sooyoung and Seulgi who witnessed the sad reunion also shed tears. Since they want to give space for the father and daughter to reunite, both of them decide to leave them alone

“Oppa, we will wait at the café. If you done, go to the café at 2nd floor” said Sooyoung

“Okay” Siwon give thumb up while he still embracing his daughter

After crying in her dad's arms for a few minutes, Irene finally calms down. She never hugged a man more than a few seconds except Uncle Yul and her dad is the second man that she hugged that long. She feels safe and warm in his embrace. Even this is firs