Mina

"Darling."

"Honey."

"Sweetheart."

I could feel a hand gently nudging my shoulder, and when I opened my eyes, I found Chaeyoung leaning on the edge of the couch, gazing down at me with a peculiar smile on her face. She had been wearing that smile quite often in the past few days, which left me feeling uneasy. It reminded me of the all-too-familiar cycle: after every abusive incident, there came this honeyed phase of reconciliation. I wasn't entirely sure if "honeymoon" was the right term for it, considering there was nothing between us. But that's precisely how it seemed after the "news scandal".

Perhaps it was due to her injury, but her behavior had taken an even more dramatic turn this time, almost childlike in nature. I couldn't quite get used to it. I wondered if it was a result of her injury or if the mounting stress from the Mini Project had taken its toll. Whatever the reason, it was strange.

She began trailing me around wherever I went, whether it was cooking or cleaning. Even though she tried to be discreet, it was evident that she was peeking at me from corners, always wearing that unsettling, suspicious smile. Because of her injury, she insisted that I sleep in her bed, and after much persuasion, we compromised on me sleeping on her couch. I couldn't bring myself to sleep in her bed with her.

In the mornings, I'd either wake up to the sound of her camera clicking as she took pictures of me sleeping—-which was rather creepy, or I'd find her staring at me with that same small smile on her face. That smile was unsettling.

I sat up, my gaze drawn to the window where the soft morning sunlight filtered into the bedroom, announcing the arrival of summer. I returned my focus to Chaeyoung, who reclined with her head resting on the edge of the couch, her cheeks snugly pressed against the upholstery as she sat on the wooden floor. She gazed at me with drowsy eyes and lazy smile, "I'm hungry," she murmured, a hint of complaint in her voice.

I glanced at the clock on the wall – 10 a.m.? That seemed rather late. Over the past few days, sharing the same bedroom, I had slept better than I had in a long time. How long had she been awake, waiting for me? I pulled back the duvet and offered an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry. How are you feeling?" I asked, my gaze shifting to the cast on her hand.

She stared at me for a moment, then sighed heavily, "Weak," she complained again, "I think I'm going to di—" She didn't finish her sentence when I immediately covered , preventing her from uttering that word. I glared at her, and her eyes ceased their playful smile. She held my wrist and kissed the back of my hand, "Hungry," she complained yet again. I smiled and nodded. "Can I have porridge for breakfast?" Chaeyoung added, her tone noticeably softer.

I looked at her, surprised by the change in her speaking mannerism. Lately, she was no longer issuing orders with an authoritative tone, saying things like "Cook me that," or "I want to eat that." Instead, she was using more polite language, actually asking for things.

I stood up, "Okay, let's wash your face first." Because her right hand was in a cast, she needed assistance with certain things, and I had been diligently helping her. It didn't bother me in the slightest. Taking care of someone wasn't a foreign concept to me; I had been taking care of Sana for years. What concerned me was the slow progress of Chaeyoung's injury recovery. She must have been in pain and discomfort, and I was constantly on edge, worried about her. Adding to that, the pressure and stress of the Mini Project preparation were probably weighing on her as well.

Despite her recent good mood, I couldn't help but worry. I despised seeing people around me in pain; it left me with a sickening and almost traumatizing feeling.

I helped her stand with her crutches and guided her to the bathroom. She sat down on the stool, facing the sink mirror, her eyes gleaming with a smile. It seemed that this was probably her favorite routine of the day. As usual, I wrapped a towel around her neck and the faucet. I wiped her face with wet tissues and cleansed her gently. When it came time to blow her nose, she shook her head playfully. I pinched her cheeks, urging her to do so, and she refused, shaking her head stubbornly.

I deadpanned at her playful antics. Did she think we were playing a game or something?

She looked at me, "Can I have a kiss first?" I closed my eyes in slight annoyance but then remembered she was unwell. I took a deep breath and gave her a gentle peck on the lips. I glared at her and said, "Now blow your nose," to which she complied, her cheerful expression never wavering.

I washed my hands and applied toothpaste to her toothbrush. I looked at her through the mirror, "I have to visit Sana later, will you be okay on your own?"

She frowned and hummed, "Yeah, but don't go for too long. I—-" she rubbed her eyebrow with her left hand, looking troubled, "uhh—— I need help, you see," she continued, pointing towards the crutches.

I nodded. I understood that I couldn't leave her alone for too long. It would just be a quick visit to Sana. I reassured her, "Okay. You must call me if there's anything. I'll be home before dinner. If you get hungry, you should ask Hoon to buy something for you."

She nodded, a slight smile on her face, "All right, send my greetings to your sister and Happy."

I brought the toothbrush to her lips, saying, "Ahh," and she complied, opening . After finishing her morning routine and having breakfast, I even made her lunch before preparing to visit Sana. I sat in the sofa by the living room, next to Chaeyoung, who was engrossed in watching television. As I was about to stand and leave, Chaeyoung reached out and grabbed the hem of my sleeve. I turned to look at her.

"Don't be gone for too long, all right?" she said, trying to stop me.

I nodded, "I'll be back before dinner, Chaeyoung." She finally let go of my hem. I entered the car and glanced at the side mirror, where I saw her peeking from behind the window curtain. I shook my head slightly as the car drove off.

She was being.............clingy.

"How's my sister, doctor?" I asked with a glance towards Sana, who was immersed in painting on a small canvas in her bed. Her hands moved with purpose, despite the occasional shivering. Her overall appearance seemed brighter with each passing day.

The doctor smiled warmly in response. "The surgery was a success, and we have been monitoring her for several months. Remarkably, there have been no side effects, and she has emerged from her mild comatose state. It's quite apparent that her condition has been steadily improving day by day. In fact, she has recently been able to leisurely wheel her wheelchair around the center park, with Zara accompanying her on these strolls."

A sense of relief washed over me, and it felt like a heavy weight had been lifted from my shoulders. I could finally breathe easier. This was the healthiest Sana had been in years. Her condition had shown no signs of improvement for so long, and she was transferred here after years of no progress at the hospital. Sana had been receiving proper medical care thanks to Chaeyoung's funding. Despite the challenges posed by our marriage contract, it had undeniably been a lifeline for me. I owed Chaeyoung a debt of gratitude for stepping in just in time to help with my financial troubles, and I couldn't be more thankful. All of the medical debts that I would have never been able to pay off if it weren't for her financial assistance.

The marriage contract had been challenging. It had tested me in various ways, from enduring the judgmental stares and insults from the upper class to grappling with the guilt of deceiving the Hirai family. Even enduring unfair treatment from Chaeyoung was part of the package. While Chaeyoung had been surprisingly kind to me in recent days, there was no certainty that she wouldn't hurt me again. She had always been like that, unpredictable. And the cycle was something I'm used to as well. However, I didn't mind. Witnessing Sana's gradual recovery and improved health, I had never felt happier.

"Where's that small bean?" Sana asked, her eyes glancing around the room. I was peeling an apple beside her bed.

"Small bean?" I tilted my head. Who?

"I forgot her name." Sana sighed and diverted her attention back to her painting, "That woman who brought apple for Happy the other day."

"Unnie, you mean Chaeyoung?"

Sana nodded, "Ah yes that kid,"

"She was injured, so she couldn't visit. I'll bring her along next time," I explained, briefly pausing my apple peeling to look at Sana. "But that's rare, unnie you usually don't like strangers."

"Oh well," she shrugged, continuing her painting. "She fed Happy and bought me chocolate," Sana added thoughtfully. "That kid seems...," she trailed off.

"Hmm?" I prompted.

"She seems like a good kid," Sana concluded.

I chuckled, asking, "Why do you say so, unnie?"

Sana elaborated, "There are plenty of volunteering programs here. The volunteers are usually kind and helpful, but it often lacks a genuine connection. However, that one girl who came the other day, she was playing cards with the elderly. She didn't patronize or go easy on them just because they're old. She took the game seriously and even argued with the elderly. She didn't want to lose. It was hilarious. That kid... she felt sincere."

I nodded, "She's a bit childish, I think."

"It's kind of cute, the innocence of childishness." Sana mused.

I agreed, "Yes." Chaeyoung's playful attitude and occasional awkwardness in expressing her feelings came to mind, reminding me of her childlike moments. There were times when she followed me dressed as a tiger mascot, or when she played with the children at the orphanage, and when she get addicted to children's song. In those moments, she seemed so relaxed and different from how I remembered her.

During these particular instances, I couldn't help but wonder if that was a part of her true self. It was during these rare times that I—-I felt... I was——well, I guess I liked seeing that side of her.

Sana added, "Although it can be extremely annoying."

It was. I nodded again, focusing on peeling the apple, not realizing the expressions on my face. Sana pointed it out, "You're smiling, Minari."

Startled, I snapped out of my thoughts and looked at Sana. She continued to observe me, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of embarrassment under her scrutiny. Clearing my throat, I changed the subject, "Happy must be hungry as well," I walked away to attend to Happy, though I could still feel Sana's gaze lingering on me.

I had taken Sana for a stroll around the park, pushing her wheelchair. She shared stories about everything—every bit of gossip and every event in the skilled nursing home. Sana seemed to be quite well-known here, at least according to her. Most of her stories involved her keen observations.

"That granny," she said, her gaze directed at an old woman walking around. I followed her gaze, curious. Sana continued, "She had a heart attack last night. Can you guess why?"

"I'm not sure," I replied.

Sana chuckled, "She was playing a game while everyone else was asleep. In the game, she got 'shot,' and it gave her a heart attack. After recovering, she got scolded by the nurse, and they confiscated her phone. She was making a fuss without her phone,"

Suppressing a laugh, I nodded. It wouldn't be appropriate to burst into laughter in this situation, but Sana's humor certainly added some unexpected entertainment to our day at the nursing home. I pushed her wheelchair, and we stopped near a bubbling fountain. I took a seat on a nearby bench while Sana gazed motionlessly at the bright sky above. After a moment, I turned to her.

"Unnie, is there anything you want to do once you've fully recovered?" I asked, curiosity piqued by the thought of her long confinement to the hospital bed, a decade robbed of a normal life. She must have a lot of things she wanted to do.

Sana appeared lost in thought for a while before finally responding, her voice monotone yet filled with an undercurrent of fear and uncertainty, "I want to be someone's mother, someone's wife, and build my own family." Her gaze remained fixed on the blue sky adorned with fluffy white clouds. "Do you think I'll be a good mother, Mina?" she asked, her words heavy with the weight of past pain. "Will I failed in protecting my child again?"

I shook my head vigorously, my heart aching for her. Sana had never been the same since the incident. "It wasn't your fault, unnie. Instead, it was mine—"

"No, it's not," she interrupted, her voice firm. "Don't blame yourself, Mina." Sana decided to end our stroll at that point. She smiled and wheeled away, leaving me with a heavy heart. I bit my lip, trying to hold back tears that stung my eyes. I shook off the painful memories and quickly caught up to her, offering my support in silence.

It was still early, but Sana had fallen asleep, her hand clutching the paintbrush. I carefully retrieved the canvas from her grip. It was a small painting of a mushroom. I set the canvas aside and placed it in a drawer alongside others filled with similar paintings. Zara—Sana's personal nurse, walked into the room with a clipboard in hand. I picked up my handbag and greeted her, "Please take good care of her." Zara smiled and nodded in response.

I made a stop at the bustling marketplace to purchase groceries for dinner. I always preferred buying fresh produce directly from the farmers' market rather than the supermarket. Today, I had seafood stew in mind. Chaeyoung had enjoyed it when I made it before, and I thought it would be a comforting meal for her as she continued her recovery.

As I perused the fish market, I carefully examined the selection. The seller, a friendly lady, noticed my wedding ring, "Ah, are you married? This red snapper would be perfect for a delicious Maeuntang, a spicy fish stew. It's an excellent choice for dinner after a long day of work. Your husband would love it."

I smiled, without responding.

Husband?

Husband. 

I hadn't thought about that.

The life after this marriage contract.

During the ride home, my thoughts were consumed by various uncertainties. I had been living with Chaeyoung for almost a year now, and it made me wonder if I had grown accustomed to this lifestyle, to her presence. It shouldn't be this way. What kind of life awaited me once all of this came to an end? Would the Hirai family still accept me, or would they despise me for the deception? Sana, too, would have her own life to lead, perhaps a family of her own. In the past, Sana was my purpose in life, the reason I kept going. Without her, I felt lost, uncertain of who I was and what I was living for.

What did I truly desire in life? Should I attempt a return to professional dancing, despite the years of hiatus? Did I still possess the skills and abilities required? Maybe I should consider traveling, exploring foreign countries on my own. It sounded thrilling.

However, for now, it was best not to dwell on these questions. They were overwhelming. I would have time to figure it all out later. At present, my focus needed to remain on the current situation. Sana hadn't fully recovered, the marriage contract remained in effect, and the succession rivalry continued.

And, Chaeyoung—I had to be thankful to her. I looked at the groceries I had purchased, I realized I had bought more than originally planned. Maybe I could prepare some of her favorite dishes too. It would be like a small feast. I knew she was likely under a lot of stress as well, and I hoped this would offer some comfort and relief. The car pulled up to the house, and I thanked the driver before carrying the groceries to the front door. Chaeyoung probably wasn't expecting me back so soon.

As I approached the door, a thunderous EDM music shook the house. I was taken aback – what on earth was happening inside? I hurried closer and found Chaeyoung with her back against me, dancing energetically with Ray.

"Baby shark, doo doo doo doo.

"baby shark..."

I couldn't believe my eyes. She was dancing? I glanced at the crutches beside the couch; her supposedly injured leg and arm were moving perfectly fine. While I had been worried sick about her, she had apparently made a miraculous recovery and was now dancing. I let out a sigh and dropped the grocery bags. Chaeyoung must have realized my presence because she turned around abruptly.

"Oh—" She attempted to grab her crutches but stopped midway, theatrically falling to the floor and clutching her leg. "Ouch! I'm hurt," she said, looking at me, with her dramatic acting.

Just when I was starting to feel sympathetic, she had to pull a stunt like this.

She chuckled awkwardly when that acting clearly didn't work, "Mina, you're quite early."

"Since when?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. She shook her head. I pulled out some spring onions from the grocery bag and pointed toward her. "Come here, Son Chaeyoung."

"I'm still sick," she protested, standing up and defensively guarding herself.

"Come here before I come to you."

"Nah," she replied, stepping backward.

"Fine, you asked for it," I grumbled, and then I discovered, Chaeyoung was incredibly fast. I knew from the list where she had mentioned that she was a good runner, but I didn't know she was this good. I couldn't catch up as we raced around the house, with me chasing after her. Seeing her run so quickly with her supposedly "injured" leg frustrated me even more. Wasn't she asthmatic? How did she have so much stamina? In my annoyance, I grabbed whatever groceries I could find – tomatoes, onions, cabbage, tofu – and hurled them at her. To my annoyance, not a single item hit her; she effortlessly dodged them all and even chuckled at my attempts. How childish!

I kept chasing her until I couldn't run any longer. Gasping for breath, I dropped against the wall and crouched down. "Stop, stop running, I can't breathe," I panted.

Chaeyoung rushed over to me. Her voice sounding concerned. "Mina, are you okay?" She held my shoulder gently.

I looked up at her and immediately hug her tightly, caging her in my embrace. We fell to the floor, with me on top of her. I smirked, "You're dead now."

She attempted to escape but I tightened my grip, almost crushing her in my embrace as our body pressed together. She looked at me. She was silent for a moment before turning her head away, "You play dirty," she murmured, her ears however was in beet red. I wondered what was wrong with her now? It took an hour of Chaeyoung trying to explain herself, but there wasn't any particular reason – she refused to tell why she would hide her recovery and fake her sickness. What upset me the most was the fact that she had deceived me. I had been so worried and scared.

I told her firmly, "You can lie to me, Chaeyoung, about anything, and I won't mind. But when it comes to health, don't lie to me. I hate it." We were sitting at the dinner table, and she sat across from me, looking like a guilty child who had been caught eating candy without permission.

With her head hung low, she wasn't looking me in the eyes and instead played with the hem of her shirt. I turned to Ray who was sitting on the floor, beside Chaeyoung with the exact same demeanour—head hanging low. "And you Ray, conspiring with her, you didn't even tell me anything," I scolded.

Chaeyoung immediately looked up and defended, "It wasn't Beasty's fault," I snapped my head towards her, silencing her with a stare.

"And since when you two are bestie-in-crime?" I arched my brows. Chaeyoung pressed her lips and looked down. I examined her – disheveled hair, a few red marks on her cheek from where I had slap her with the spring onions. I sighed, experiencing déjà vu. She wouldn't tell me why she lied. I stood up and started walking away, but she grabbed my hand.

"I'm hungry," she complained, her lips forming a small pout.

I glared at her, "Then starve." I pulled my hand away then turned to Ray, "Both of you, " I said and stomped to my bedroom.

She was extremely annoying, unnie.

-to be continued-