"Mom, where's papa? Mom? Why are you crying?"

 

 

"It's nothing,"

 

 

"I'm sorry, Chaeyoungie, mama promised to celebrate your birthday together but it seems like your father have a late meeting tonight"

 

 

She stared at the cake infront of her and her mother who sat beside her. The seat across her that was usually occupied by her father was empty. She couldn't remember when that seat started to become empty. They had waited long enough. Her birthday almost over. She immediately ran to her bedroom and grabbed a teddy bear her father once gifted her for Christmas. She put a birthday hat on the teddy bear's head meant for his father. Now they all wore a birthday hat. She smiled, "It's okay. Papa is here," she smiled, holding the teddy's hand.

 

 

Her mother kissed her forehead and they celebrated her birthday. Just the two of them. They sang, they danced, they played. Her mother was smiling so brightly and it made her happy. It was dark when she woke up in her room. She must have fallen asleep. Thirsty. She jumped off her bed and walked to the door. It creaked opened and a tiny triangle of light puddled into the room. She saw her parents outside. They were arguing, again. She stood behind the door and watched in silent.

 

 

"Where have you been? It's Chaeyoung's birthday. Even if you don't love me, can't you spend time with your child? Did you stay at her house again?" Her mother asked. Her voice breaking, "Dear please, we used to be a happy family. I'll forgive you. I'll pretend that the affair have never happened. So please, return to us,"

 

 

"I wasn't. I've never been happy. This marriage isn't working anymore, Nara. I'll send you the divorce document next week"

 

 

"Chaeyoung is still young, she needs you. i need you, please,"

 

 

"Is she even my child?"

 

 

"What?"

 

 

"You are close with that guy sinc----"

 

 

"How could you?"

 

 

A slap. She flinched. She noticed the red handprint on her father's cheek. The changed of expression on her father's face.  His face turnred purple in splotches where the blood seemed to gather, blocked there by the veins popping out in his neck. His eyes went almost completely black. It was  like she had lost her father. It wasn't the father that she knew. He shoved her mother, down to the tiled floor. Her mother hit the ground on her hands and knees, whimpering in pain.

 

 

She ran immediately and stood in between them, spreading her arms and protecting her mother, she threatened, "Don't touch my mother," Her eyes glaring at the man across her.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chaeyoung

 

 

 

I stared at the picture. She sat on a single chair, had me on her lap, her arms wrapped around my small body. That man stood beside the chair. They were smiling. We were smiling. She was smiling, happily. Her cheeks dimpled when she smiled and little creases appeared at the corners of her eyes. Her hair was very long and covered her shoulders, and it was a soft, smooth deep shade of black. In figure, she was slender and graceful.

 

 

Mother was quiet and demure by nature. She would occasionally smile and her laugh was soft and gentle. After the affair, she wasn't herself anymore. She would still smile, but it didn't reach her eyes, her dimple weren't visible. She was always smiling in front of me but behind her bedroom door, the lonely silence of eerie night was broken by her stifled cry. Her husband weren't home, instead he was sleeping in other woman's bed.

 

 

Everyday, I watched her became weaker and weaker. She became skinnier. She lost appetite. She resigned from her position as the director in Son Group. She stopped writing eventhough it was her passion. She would lay on the bed for the whole day. She always spaced out. She lost track of time.

 

 

It worsened when that man brought his mistress's child and asked mother to raise the kid while he disappeared. His mistress had passed away and he made mother responsible to take care of the child. Back then, I didn't know what was happening. Mother told me I had a new sister and that man had to move into a different country for work. A new sister that appeared suddenly. Part of me was happy, that nine years old kid who didn't know anything. I was the only child and having a new sister was exciting.

 

 

I was wrong.

 

 

What love had done to my mother? Nothing but misery. It drained the life out of her. Love towards her husband brought her suffering and loneliness, neglect and anxiety. Love towards her stepdaughter only led her to death. A kind, passionate, gentle woman changed drastically. That was how "love" affected her. Love that came with trust were broken, shattered into pieces. I had a taste of it and it wasn't something I would want to experience the second time. The feeling of betrayal and abandonment.

 

 

Ah, I was stupid.

 

 

Who to say whether Mina was trustworthy or not? And who to say whether I was trustworthy or not? Even I couldn't say it with full conviction that I'm a person that can be trusted. Even I couldn't believe in myself. I never had a serious relationship with anyone that required commitment. I couldn't believe myself and I couldn't believe the other person either. I didn't want to get attach to anyone. No hard feelings, no attachment. It was easier that way. 

 

 

 

"Chaeyoung, will her absence affect you?"

 

 

 

I wasn't sure. Though there was one thing that I'm certain. I would never entrust Mina in the hand of that woman. The morning arrived and she was preparing breakfast. I leaned on the wall and watched her silently. She was dressed in white and wore a light green beaded necklace and matching earrings. She did a French braid in her hair and applied light makeup that enhanced the beauty and fullness of her face. She set the meals on the dining table and took off her apron, "Breakfast is ready," she looked up at me, "I have to go somewhere. I've informed you yesterday,"

 

 

She picked up her handbag, slung it on her shoulder, she walked past me. I caught her arm, "You can go out with anyone but her. Not my stepsister"

 

 

"Whoever I go out with does not concern you anymore, Chaeyoung,"

 

 

"She's not someone that can be trusted. I just don't want you to get hurt,"

 

 

She stared at me, "No one have hurt me more than you," I narrowed my eyes. She turned away, "We have to renew our contract, Chaeyoung. Let's talk when we both have free time," She picked up her pace and went to the front door, "I'm going. Please take care of Ray and feed him You can dine outside or order takeout. I'll be back late,"

 

 

I followed, stopping her in her tracks "Late? How late?"

 

 

"I don't have to answer that" She stated and left.

 

 

I watched her leaving the garage and drove away. Sighing, "Why is she so grumpy?" I stomped into the dining room and had breakfast. The home-cooked food she made was delicious as always. I had a quick shower, slipped in a simple black shirt and jeans, then fed the beast. His Mama will dismember me if I didn't fed this ugly . I jogged down the staircase, spinning car keys around my fingers.

 

 

I halted and stared down at the Beast, who was laying on the couch, "You'll be fine alone for a while right?" He looked at me and laid his head on the armrest. He seemed unbothered. Great.

 

 

I tucked my black handmade cap down low over my head and smirked, "Time to pay my darling a visit,"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*    *    *    *

 

Everland Resort

 

 

 

Jeongyeon

 

 

 

Amusements parks overall were a fascinating place. I had always loved it. No matter how many times I had been on the ride, it always brings forth new excitements and thrills. The adventure was always new. The atmosphere created by all of the visitors was very lively. Music could be heard in the background from live concerts. All different kinds of smells were in the air, from the overly priced food stores to the quacking ducks swimming in the ponds. Lights flash all over the place from carnival games. Rollercoaster was my favorite. I enjoyed riding those multiple variety of rides until I completely forgot, some people couldn't bear even the sight of it.

 

 

"Are you okay?" I asked worriedly. We just finished a two minute water ride and Mina didn't look good. She wasn't since earlier. I just noticed it now. How tense her shoulder was. Her nervous chuckle when I suggested the ride. After staggering for a while, she leaned against the nearest pole as I held her arm to support her. Her face was pale and her mouth shut tightly. She couldn't even say a single word.

 

 

"I'm sorry, I didn't know you can't ride that," I apologized again, feeling totally guilty. She looked sick.

 

 

"It's okay, Jeongyeon" Mina mumbled. She opened her eyes and straightened her back, "Just...a little dizzy," she smiled assuringly. 

 

 

I should've known. Mina could never reject a request. That was her. Even if she was afraid, she would keep it to herself. She had always prioritized everyone before herself. I smiled, "Do you want to find a place to sit?"

 

 

She heaved a deep sigh, "Let's stay like this for a while"

 

 

Silence lingered around us. Neither of us spoke a word while Mina was still catching her breath. At that moment, behind us, the roller coaster descended with people screaming. I turned around and saw people were raising their arms and laughing. It had wakened memories that have slept through many season's bloom, "Chaeyoung love riding those," I recalled. Mina followed my gaze and stared at the rollercoaster.

 

 

"After class, we would trick the driver and bodyguard just to come here. We were scolded a lot because of it. Mother------" I paused and corrected, "Chaeyoung's mother would spank us with a wooden spoon. She would buy us sweets after that but Chaeyoung had always been a sulky kid. It would take her a while and constant persuasion before she stop sulking"

 

 

"May I know, what happened between you and Chaeyoung?" Mina asked hesitantly. This complex hate relationship between me and Chaeyoung was a hot topic amongst the Son Group employee. No one knew the answer to this question but most people were aware of the hatred we held against each other. Hence the gossip, made up story, rumour kept circulating. It was no wonder Mina would ask this question. I expected her to, she was even quite late.

 

 

I clicked my tongue and lowered my head in shame, "Just....some misunderstanding. I made a grave mistake and Chaeyoung was hurt."

 

 

Mina nodded slowly, "Have you ask for her forgiveness?"

 

 

"Not now. One day I will"

 

 

"You don't really hate her, do you?" Mina gave a teasing smile. I frowned. She crossed her arms and elaborated, "I always thought that you both hated each other from the way you were acting. But now, you prove me wrong"

 

 

I chuckled, "She's my little sister. How can I hate her?"

 

 

"I hope one day you both can resolve this misunderstanding"

 

 

"I hope she will forgive me by then," I sighed, doubting my little sister would.

 

 

"She will. I'm sure she will," Mina beamed a wide smile. I couldn't help but mirrored her. It gave me courage and confidence. Right, let's be optimistic. We started moving and before Mina had taken more than a few steps, a rushing kid holding a huge bubble gun, bumping into her waist and knocking her off. Immediately, I stuck out my arm and caught her when she started to fall forward. Pulling her close, I looked around, searching for the kid and saw him being dragged by a tiger mascot. I was about to call them out but heard Mina wincing in pain.

 

 

"God, Mina, are you all right," I asked, steadying her to stand.

 

 

"Today must be my unlucky day," She laughed dryly.

 

 

I shouldn't have brought her here. Crowded place and crazy rides. It must be a nightmare for her, "Come, let's find a seat first," I led her to a bench infront of the water fountain then took off my backpack. Whenever I'm outside, I always had my backpack on filled with essential items. She had injured her knee. I pulled out a small med kit from my backpack and rummaged through it for disinfecting tools. I kneeled before her and anointed the scrape, "I hope it won't leave a scar. Still painful?" I asked, pulling out a bandage from my pocket and applied the sticker on her wounded knee.

 

 

Mina looked at the plaster I used. It was the usual white koala designed bandage.  She chuckled, "That plaster is adorable"

 

 

 

"That plaster is hideous"

 

 

 

What was that? Her voice suddenly rung in my head. I looked up and for a split second, it wasn't Mina but her, rolling her eyes at me. I blinked and shook my head lightly. It was Mina again. Mina with her confused look. I chuckled. The difference in their personality was astonishing.

 

 

"Are you all right, jeongyeon?" Mina asked.

 

 

"It seems like we keep asking that question," I joked and we laughed at the truth. I was about to hint a dad joke when we heard a loud commotion beside us. There were a bench few meters away. It was a tiger mascot surrounded by kids and their parents watching from afar. He was giving them candies from his front pocket. It wasn't even a kangaroo. Why he had pocket?

 

 

Mina craned her neck to the side, "Ah a tiger mascot. He looked popular. Maybe it was his first job. Mr Tiger looks flustered,"

 

 

"I keep seeing him everywhere since earlier. Maybe it's a different tiger mascot,"

 

 

"Perhaps there's an event,"

 

 

"Yes, could be," I squinted my eyes and examined the mascot. He seemed familiar. Something wasn't right. The little kids swarmed him like hyenas going after animal scraps. Some were hugging his legs, some were hanging on his arms, some were climbing behind his back. He looked panic. What were the parents doing? That was dangerous. I watched a toddler climbed up the fountain and walked around the brick. He clutched the Tiger's head from the back, causing the latter to lose his balance. A shriek followed by the collective gasp came from everyone  who had witnessed the same scene as I did. Mina flinched in surprise. I covered her from the water splash.

 

 

The tiger mascot fortunately managed to swing around and lift the toddler before he fell face first into the fountain. The parents immediately ran and took their child, apologizing to the poor drenched tiger mascot. I zoomed through the crowd and tried to have a look at the him. I hope he was okay. The tiger head fell off. It wasn't a him after all. It was a woman, with her wet hair fell all over her face. That poor girl. The Tiger's head floated along the water fountain and stopped near our bench. Mina looked at me before she picked it up.

 

 

The crowd helped that poor girl and asked various questions, making sure she wasn't injured. However, that poor girl kept her head low and weren't answering to any of the questions. It made the crowd grew anxious. She didn't look okay. We walked closer and Mina handed the mascot's head, "I'm sorry, you drop thi----" Her words cut off when that poor girl suddenly sprinted away, covering her face. Both Mina and I were taken aback, "Why is she running?" we asked at the same time. Because of her drenched mascot, that poor girl was slower than a sloth. She was having trouble running with that heavy costume. The candies from her front pocket fell and trailed her step.

 

 

Mina picked up the candies, "Wait! Your candies. The candies" She chased after that poor girl and I followed. We turned a corner, hoping to catch her out, but she disappeared around the next turn in the nick of time.

 

 

"She disappeares." I sighed and looked around.

 

 

"She drop her cap too" Mina said, picking up a black cap.

 

 

"We can return that at the service center. They will look for her" We stopped searching and dropped the stuff at the service center. Hopefully that poor girl could have it back. She was tiny. She must be a student working part time. It was expensive to rent that mascot. I had left my number along with the stuff, hoping she would give me a call. I could help land her a better part time job.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*  *   *   *

 

Chaeyoung

 

 

 

"That was close. That was too close," I locked the bathroom door and heaved a deep sigh. That was embarrassing. I covered my face, wishing to dig a ten feet deep tunnel and hide there forever. I couldn't help but to cringe as I recall the dumbest thing I'd ever done. Why did I do that? What am I doing? There was no point of regretting it now. I sure needed to get myself under control. I slipped out of the drenched costume, buy a new pair of clothes from the nearest store and stuffed the costume inside a huge plastic bag. It was rented. I couldn't just leave it here. The tiger's head, I'd just retrieve it later.

 

 

"I need to leave this place as soon as possible before I bump into them," I mumbled and went to the costume rental services. They would be displeased seeing the mascot's condition. There seemed to be some renovation going on in here. A group of people left the store, must be an after sales support since they just finished installing a crystal chandelier that wasn't there before. I queued up in a line in which there were quite a few people. A glimmer on the marble floor caught my eye. Walking close, I saw a crystal had fallen from the chandelier to lay on the floor. I picked it up. They should've bought a better set of chandelier. Where did they buy this junk? That after sales service weren't reliable at all.

 

 

A sudden scream rung in my ears.

 

 

"Watch out!!"

 

 

I heard a rumble and looked up. This was almost comical. I wanted to laugh. Talking about having a bad day. I was more unlucky than you darling, "Dammit," Within less than a second, it crashed down. Warmth liquid flowed all over my body with thousands of pointy legs piercing my skin.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*    *    *    *

Mina

 

 

 

 

 

"Are you tired?"

 

 

I looked up at Jeongyeon and shook my head. We were walking along the flower path.

 

 

"You seems bothered since earlier" She added, her body laced with concern.

 

 

"I'm sorry Jeongyeon. It's just, I keep thinking about that tiger mascot. I hope she's all right" The water was cold. I hope that poor girl didn't caught a fever.

 

 

"Don't worry, she'll be fine" She smiled assuringly, "Should we call it a day? I'll drive you home"

 

 

"Thank you, Jeongyeon" I curved a small smile.

 

 

"Did I at least make you happy even for a while?"

 

 

I nodded my head, "You always do"

 

 

Silence engulfed us once more. She stopped walking and I halted. She rubbed her rubbed her hands together, staring at the ground. I waited. She finally lifted her chin and met my eyes, "Mina, have you consider my question the other day?"

 

 

Eh? Question? Ah. She was asking me if I could give her a second chance. I haven't given it a thought. I was aware of my feelings and whom it had chosen. It was stupid to assume otherwise. I would be lying to myself. What held me from acting upon it was my consciousness. What held me from rejecting Jeongyeon was also my consciousness. She was someone who had helped me a lot. Someone I should be grateful for. Eventhough, my feelings for her was no more than a friend, sister and colleague, I always believed, love was something that slowly develop. Having someone like her to stay beside me, was a blessing itself. Jeongyeon was a kind of person who was easy to love due to her kind nature, unlike 'her'.

 

 

Jeongyeon had made it clear that her engagement was only a facade just like Chaeyoung and I and it would come to an end after the successor formality. She also had made her feelings clear, unlike, 'her' Every woman was the same. They craved for certainty. No woman wanted to be left hanging with unclear future.

 

 

"I'll wait. Please don't rush and take your time to think it through," Jeongyeon held my hand softly and squeezed it, "I really care for you, Mina"

 

 

I was about to say something when my phone rung. I pulled it out of my purse and  read the caller's name. It was her. I picked it up,"Chaeyoung?"

 

 

A foreign voice answered from across the line, "Am I talking to, Son Chaeyoung's spouse, Son-Myoui Mina?"

 

 

My heart dropped. I hated where this was going. It was similar to the phone call I received informing me about my sister's accident, "Uh, yes I am. May I know what this is all about?"

 

 

"Hello, ma'am. This is Seoul National University Hospital. Mrs Son Chaeyoung has been admitted to the emergency ward due to an accident. We are reaching out to let you know that it is---" The phone slipped out of my hand and fell to the ground. That wasn't happening, was it? It wasn't that bad, was it? Was she bleeding? Was she hurting? What sight was awaiting me? I didn't want to see it.

 

 

"Mina, your phone," Jeongyeon crouched down and handed it to me. Her hand hung for a while before she slipped the phone back into my purse, "Mina?" she called.

 

 

I snapped out of the disjointed thoughts as the mind zips unrelated thought to another. Chaeyoung needed me,"I'm so sorry, Jeongyeon. I have to go now,"

 

 

"It's okay, do you want me to drive you?"

 

 

"I'll just take a cab. Thank you for today" I ran and raised my hand, calling for a cab but it kept driving past me. Jeongyeon grabbed my arm and assisted me to her car then tucked me in the passenger side. I bit my lips and sat, unmoved. She leaned on and fastened my seatbelt. I was aware what was happening, but my body couldn't move. Jeongyeon's lips were moving. She said something. I couldn't hear it. My whole body were shaking. I clasped my hand.

 

 

"Mina, take a deep breathe," Jeongyeon's voice managed to break through. I closed my eyes and breathed out slowly, "Where are you going," Jeongyeon asked.

 

 

"SNU," The lump in my throat weren't leaving. It was difficult to breathe. I buried my face into my palms, "Please be quick Jeongyeon. I beg you," I had lost track of time. I didn't know how long it took it how much time had passed. I hid my face hidden the whole time. I wanted to escape this reality. I didn't want to face this. Without me noticing, we had arrived. I immediately ran and entered the building, leaving Jeongyeon outside. I lost my senses, my manners. I even forgot to thank her. One of my heel snapped off instantly and I fell into the marble floor. I sprained my ankle. I had no time for this. I took it off and carried it in my hand and continued running to the front desk. The adrenaline made me feel nothing about my bruised feet.

 

 

"Son Chaeyoung, please" I asked. The nurse nodded and typed her name. I waited anxiously.

 

 

"Mrs Son Chaeyoung. She's in room 423"

 

 

I rushed to the room and opened the door. It was empty. There was no occupants. I walked out and stopped a random nurse walking down the hallway, "I'm sorry, but where's the patient in this room?"

 

 

"The patient is currently undergo a surgery in operating room 9. Please wait at the surgical waiting room----"

 

 

I left and darted to the surgical waiting room. The surgery had been going for two hours. I clutched my chest. My head was aching. Please, please, please. Not again, not my loved ones again. Please don't take anyone else from me. Please. I buried my face into my palms. Dear God, please. I didn't even feel the tears that had leaked out of the corner of my eyes and rolled down my cheeks. My mind was in haze. I was dizzy.

 

 

"Mina?"

 

 

Her voice. I looked up and turned my head tk the side. She was standing perfectly fine except with crouches and a right ankle cast and a left hand cast. Various small bandages around her face and shoulder. I blinked my tears. My vision had gone blurry. It was her indeed. I pointed at the surgery room, "I thought----" I manage to utter through my dry throat.

 

 

"Oh, it was the dude beside me. I heard he has cancer. They put me in a regular room first while they prepare a VIP room. It was uncomfortable but bearable." She walked closer, unsteadily, "Anyway, the nurse said someone is searching for me. I was in the bathroom earlier. It's just external injuries, nothing really serious,"

 

 

Looking at her lazy expressions while I had lost every bit of rationality made me want to punch her in the face. But, I was beyond relief. My stomach stopped clenching. I could finally breathe properly. My body relaxed and my head stopped aching. I slid down the wall and crouched, hugging my knees. Suppressed sobs were straining, tearing my chest, suddenly it bursted out in silent cries, "Thank Goodness," I whispered.

 

 

Chaeyoung was stunned by the outburst. She carefully crouched and took me in her arms. I hid my face onto my knees, refusing to let her see me in this state, refusing to acknowledge that I had cry because of her, "Why are you crying? I'm fine," She rubbed my back softly. We stayed in that position until she complained about her foot. I helped her to stand properly with her crouches. With her uninjured hand, she wiped my tears. I slapped her hand. She chuckled and stared at me with a mischievous smile. Irritating.

 

 

I was about to leave, knowing she was being a jerk again when a nurse suddenly approached us, "Mrs, Son Chaeyoung," We both turned to her, "Should I put your stuff in your new room? The rental services left this with us and ask for compensation" I looked at the stuff.

 

 

A ruined tiger mascot. Candies. Black cap.

 

 

Chaeyoung grabbed it and hid it behind her back, "Ah haha yeah yeah. I'll just take it and I'll call them"

 

 

I stared at her wordlessly.

 

 

She faked a cough and pulled out the stuff, "I can explain," she said, avoiding my gaze.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*    *    *    *

 

Chaeyoung

 

 

 

Mina prepared a meal on top of the table. She went to buy it because she knew I wasn't going to eat the hospital foods. She said, it wouldn't work well with my 'peculiar' taste buds. We had moved into a VIP room and it was a lot better, uncomfortable yet somehow a little lonely. The cancer dude accompanied me earlier and we had a fun time talking. It was a second stage cancer. He would be fine. I had asked the surgeon to take a good care of him. Mina sat down on the bedside chair and looked at me. She had changed into a new pair of clothes that she bought along with the foods. She looked more collected now like she used to be.

 

 

Earlier was a new sight. I had never seen her like that, she looked so terrified. It was one of the many rare occasions, I had seen her as her true self and not my assistant. My assistant would never cry like that. She had that dulled sickening face I'd always seen, but earlier it was far more  intense and thick. All this time, I thought that expression was a mock thus I dumped my anger on her for insulting me.

 

 

Back then when she was my personal assistant and occasionally had that expression towards me. It scared my ego as her superior. How could I not realize that it was worry all along? She was worried. The meaning of that expression. There was still a lot of things about her I didn't know. The list she had given, wasn't sufficient. If only I had watch her closely, observe her better, listen to her and be more considerate, then I wouldn't missunderstand her.

 

 

"Chaeyoung?"

 

 

I flinched and rubbed my eyebrow before answering, "Yes?" She averted her gaze to the tiger mascot on the bedside table.

 

 

Excuses. Excuses.

 

 

"So," Rubbed my eyebrow, rubbed, rubbed, uhh, "It was a volunteer program that the Hirai had been working on." I made that up.

 

 

"I was at Everland Theme Park today,"

 

 

"Oh really?" I gasped, "I don't see you at all. If I had known you were there, I would have search for you,"

 

 

"You ran from me," She exclaimed, deadpanned.

 

 

I frowned and genuinely shook my head,"I don't know what you are talking about. I had not seen you there. Not even a glimpse. I know what you are thinking and it's completely wrong. I wasn't following you, only a freak does that. It was purely coincidence,"

 

 

"You have no schedule today, Chaeyoung. As per your request, Sakura update me everyday. You aren't supposed to attend  any volunteering program."

 

 

"There was a slight changes and Sakura must have forgotten to inform you,"

 

 

She turned around and dug out her phone from her purse. I secretly reached mine. She unlocked her phone and showed me the screen. The wallpaper was my picture. I held in my smile. I knew it was to avoid suspicions but that made me happy. She tilted her head, "You know I can expose your lies with a single phone call, right?"

 

 

I smiled, "It's best not to disturb my secretary this late at night. She must be resting," My uninjured hand were fast typing, hidden from Mina's sight. I left a message.

 

 

'Miss Sakura, please don't answer phone call from my wife. Turn off your phone. I will explain tomorrow.'

 

 

Once done I hid my phone under the pillow. She kept eyeing me. No words spoken. She just stared at me as if she was reading my mind. I hated when she did that. I couldn't figure out what she was thinking and it was kinda scary. She was going to blow a hole with that glare. I rubbed my eyebrow and changed.

 

 

Drop it

 

 

Drop it

 

 

Drop it

 

 

"All right then" She sighed. "A volunteering program it is,"

 

 

I smiled. She dropped it. That saved me from embarrassment.

 

 

"The doctor said that he would observe for a few more days. If there are no major problems, you can be discharged next week. He claimed that you would be able to make a full recovery by the following season. I'll go home first and pack some of your stuff," She said and stood up.

 

 

I caught her wrist, "It's late. You can pack it tomorrow. Besides---" I looked at the meal before me, "I think I'll need some help," She stared down at me. I smiled. She  sat down. My smile grew bigger. Hehe. 

 

 

I picked up the spoon and scooped the rice, "Egg roll please, darling," she rolled her eyes. That matched. I couldn't help but laugh. She picked up the egg with chopsticks and put it in my spoon. I ate a mouthful of it, "Now, meat please darling" She picked it up with her hand and stuffed it in my mouth. I choked. Water, water. She poured a jar of water into a glass and made me watch her drink it, finished it. That was cruel. She stomped away and disappeared into the bathroom. I was forced to swallow it whole. Succeeded. That was close. I chuckled. This gonna be fun. I would've the best time of my life.

 

 

Silence.

 

 

The only sound left was the rain and thunder background sounds coming from her phone. I peeked and saw her sleeping on the bed. It was prepared for visitors. I moved quietly, rummaging through the tiger mascot, I found a tiger bandage I bought earlier when I saw her fell. I took the phone I hid under my pillow. I sat on her bed and lifted her dress. It was left knee. I covered her legs with the blanket except her left knee. As sneaky as a ninja would, I slowly peeled that ugly-looking koala bandage. She moved. Halted. Her breathing steadied. Okay, continued. Peeled slowly. Succeeded again. I fisted bump the sky in celebration. Now, you ugly . I crumpled the koala bandage and threw it away. Yeah like that.

 

 

I put a prettier, cleaner tiger bandage on her wound with a huge smile. Yeah just like that. Now, that was covered. Two more. Her picture. I took a picture of her sleeping face and saved it as my wallpaper. Before, to avoid suspicions, I used her ID picture as my wallpaper because it was the only one I had. I didn't have a lot of her pictures now that I think about it. She could find mine in the internet, it was everywhere but I couldn't. I needed to take a lot of her pictures starting from now on. Now, that was covered.

 

 

One last thing. I set my crouches near her bed and quietly laid beside her. It was spacious enough for the both of us. She moved a little. Busted? Please no. Her right arm wrapped around shoulder, her face buried into the crook of my neck. Her breath brushed my skin. Her warmth radiated and it wasn't cold anymore. Her chest heaved up and down. I could hear her heart thumping or was it mine? This feelings. Yes this was it. This warmth.

 

 

"Chaeyoung, when you meet someone you love. It's a feeling similar to hunger but more beautiful,"

 

 

"Just do whatever you want to do without questioning anything" I reminded myself. I should've done this earlier. I'm sorry, mother. I lost my reasoning. I had seen what love did to you. But you were right. It was a feeling similar to hunger. I might be able to endure it for some time but it wouldn't last long. I lost. I needed her. I wanted her. I wanted this woman. I didn't want to think about the future. It was my future self's problem. For now, I wanted to enjoy this limited time with her.

 

 

I hated how you always right, Dahyun. But thank you for this. It was----"Perfect," I trailed off, falling asleep.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  - to be continued -