Before either noticed, the party came upon them. The party was a holiday party that also doubled as an end of year party. All meticulously planned by the assigned organisers and Yong. The party itself was hosted in one of the fancy hotels located downtown in the capital city, a short forty-five minute drive for them. While it may be a drive, the company location is a short fifteen minute walk away from the hotel itself, so it was easy to find parking.

Despite the easy logistics, there was only one thing that plagued Wheein. What was she going to wear?

“Wheein, you had all week to plan for this. Why did you wait for so long?” Moonbyul lazily asked as she leaned against the doorframe and witnessed her daughter’s plight. Unlike Yong or Wheein, she didn’t need long to get ready since she’s just gonna wear one of her fancy suits.

“Because, mother, I thought Hyejin would want to do one of those couple outfits but she’s been mysteriously silent about it!”

Moonbyul nodded, “Ah, a surprise.”

“Apparently! And now here we are, and I still can’t decide!”

“Knowing Hyejin, what do you think she would wear? Base your choice on that.” Moonbyul gave a simple shrug.

“Hmmm…..I would say something simple and expected but then it would be her to show up in a dress.” Wheein paused her pacing and contemplated. Her face scrunched as her mind went through the multiple choices and outcomes that could happen.

Moonbyul went over to her daughter to lightly ruffle her hair, “This is the most concern I have ever seen. Usually you’re not this picky over what you wear to this kind of events.” Moonbyul mused, “Wanting to impress a certain someone?” 

As Moonbyul smirked, Wheein just glared. It would be her mother to figure her out so easily. But instead of saying it like a normal person, she just had to insinuate something. Though, what else was she expecting from this greasy hamster?

“You’re not helping. Why are you even here??” Wheein began to throw random clothes onto her bed in a desperate attempt that an outfit will magically match.

“Your mom kicked me out while she gets ready. Something about being a distraction, yada yada.” Moonbyul examined the clothes that her daughter threw.

Wheein gave her mother a blank look before returning to her wardrobe hunt.

“Ah, so you came to bother me in my plight.”

A burst of laughter echoed throughout Wheein’s room.

“Do you want me to help?” Moonbyul asked as she mentally matched a couple of outfits.

With a big sigh, Wheein gave in.

“Yes, please.”

Moonbyul’s smile could rival her mom’s with how big and bright it was.

“Perfect! Here, I have a couple of ideas already. And don’t forget to bring out the shirts that you never wore and have since tucked them away!”

Wheein groaned. This was going to be a whirlwind.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wheein decided on an outfit from the millions her mother showed her and shooed her mother out. 

“I know Hyejin is supposed to come soon but don’t rush ok? You gotta aim to impress!” Were the last words her mother gave her, with a thumbs up, before Wheein finally shut the door on her.

Wheein took a big breath and mentally prepared herself. She only has so much time before Hyejin arrives so she mentally ran down which order of operations would result in the quickest change time. Finally selecting one, she finally started to get ready.

And all was going smoothly. She fixed her hair with ease, and did her make up with such fluidity that she wonders if she would be able to replicate it again. Her outfit was the easiest, thankfully. The outfit her mother picked out was an outfit Wheein would have never considered. For one, the pants weren’t even slacks, it was jeans. Black skinny jeans no less. The top was a top that Wheein never thought she would wear. She only bought it on a whim when her confidence was high but that confidence fell afterwards so she never even took off the tags. The top was a white bodysuit with a low-dipping surplice neck. Never in a million years she thought her own mother would suggest such an outfit. 

She was in the process of putting the outfit on when she heard the doorbell ring. The bell rang and her heart skipped a beat. Hyejin was finally here. But, instead of rushing to go meet Hyejin, Wheein opted to take her time. Afterall, she was dressing to impress. 

It only took her an extra fifteen minutes to finally feel satisfied and that she was ready. She just had one last thing to do.

“Take care of Lion, Ggomo.” Wheein said as she went over to the lounging Ggomo and gave him a small peck on his head.

Finally she went towards the living room, and to her surprise, she was the last to arrive. Her parents were excitedly talking to Hyejin about who knows what. True to fashion, her mother wore one of her better suits. Her mom was dressed to kill. Wearing but a simple blue midi dress with a plunging halter neck that hugged her mom’s curves like it was a second skin. But Hyejin’s outfit caught her off guard. 

At a quick glance, Hyejin’s outfit was all black. She wore mid rise black straight leg pants paired with black heels. Her top was a standard black dress shirt that was gracefully tucked in. But it was her jacket that stood out. At first glance, anyone would mistake it for an average black blazer with mid length sleeves that would flare at the end. But the moment the light hit the jacket a certain way, it’s true identity was revealed. It was so much more. The light revealed it was a silk jacket that was just cut to be like a blazer. It also revealed the secret of the silk, the pattern. An elegant rose pattern that was in the color of deep crimson. Combining the outfit with Hyejin’s fierce makeup, Wheein couldn’t help but think of how she wound up with Hyejin as a girlfriend. Little did she know, Hyejin was thinking the same thing.

“Bout time you came out! Now we can get going. It won’t be good if the CEO was late.” Yong quickly ushered everyone out and directed them to the car. As they all got in, and while Yong and Moonbyul were fussing if they forgot anything, Hyejin quickly gave Wheein a kiss.

“You look beautiful, babe.” Hyejin’s voice was tender, as was the look in her eye.

Wheein blushed at the straightforwardness.

“You too, Hyejin.”

Hyejin smiled brightly and would’ve gone for another kiss. But she felt the eyes of the watchful dragon and smug hamster, so she decided against it. But she did hold Wheein’s hand the entire ride there.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The venue was extravagant. Every ounce of the place oozed money and power. From the architecture to the art on the walls to the type of cocktails on the menu, the hotel was truly meant for those that would willfully waste money on nothing.

While they parked in the company lot and walked to the venue, Hyejin couldn’t help but look around in amazement. She rarely came to the capital, let alone downtown. It was a concrete jungle built upon spending money for any amount of dopamine to rush to the brain. Hyejin couldn’t help but feel out of place. It was weird not seeing nature.

Eventually the imposing tower where the venue is in came into view. And it became clear that this was a popular night hotspot. Following Wheein’s and her parents' leads, Hyejin tried to fit in the best she could. Externally, she fit in, but internally? A fish out of water.

Heading up to the seventh floor, Hyejin felt more of a fish out of water. But, not in an overwhelming way. More of a curiosity. She wonders how this people can live with no real purpose besides having fun. She decided to not dwell on it any longer though. Afterall, she has a beautiful girlfriend to marvel at.
The elevator dinged and they all exited and were immediately greeted. It was all new to Hyejin. Everyone greeted the CEO and her wife and daughter and her daughter’s girlfriend. So many faces, so many names, and so many handshakes. By the time they were done, Hyejin remembered none of it. It was just a blur of faces and names. Finally, they made it to the dining venue. 

It was very peculiar. The wall that seperated the area from the rest was just one clear wall. Hyejin couldn’t help but stare for a bit, but luckily Wheein dragged her along to the inside. The inside blew Hyejin away. Alongside the glass wall was a long stretch of a velvet covered couch. The only clear separation of space was the circular table in front of each designated spot with an accompanying stool. Immediately to the right, was the bar. It was a long marble covered bar with the drinks and a couple of TVs lining behind it. There were also booths just across the bar and it’s many stools as well. Past that everything seemed to be more of a lounge. Every table was circular and it’s paring chairs were either velvet covered, extravagant Victorian chairs, or just straight up velvet covered couches. Just even further beyond that, in a little alcove, seemed to be a more private dining area. This time the tables were actually square.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Everything went smoothly. Dinner was excellent and the conversation was joyful. Before anyone knew it, it was time to mingle. Something that Wheein always dreaded. Usually Wheein would just isolate herself at the corner but not this time. Or, she tried not to.

She was eager to spend time with Hyejin in this high affluent place, feeling like a couple of rich folk, but there was a problem. All the other teens that came along with their parents all had their attention on Hyejin. Before she knew it, Hyejin was surrounded. She couldn’t get past them all and so she elected to spend some time in her trusted corner. She knows Hyejin will be fine. 

There was just one issue. She didn’t like how some of them were eyeing Hyejin. Admittedly, she doesn’t blame them. Hyejin just has the natural presence and charisma that would cause anyone to look at her. But Hyejin was her girlfriend. Didn’t they know that?

She felt like she couldn’t take it anymore. A guy trying to put his arm around Hyejin and a girl grinding up to Hyejin too many. Wheein had enough. If they don’t know that Hyejin was her girlfriend then she’ll just show them. 

Taking one last gulp of her water, she slammed the cup down and began to approach the crowd. Or, she tried to.

She barely got a couple of steps in before she felt a familiar arm drape itself across her shoulders.

“What do you think you’re gonna do, Wheein-ah?” Her mother asked.

“I…” Honestly she doesn’t know. All she knows is that she doesn’t like how everyone was taking Hyejin’s attention away from her. She doesn’t like how some of them are trying to get a bit too familiar with her. She can’t help but feel a little inferior. 

“Wheein-ah,” Her mother gave her a reassuring squeeze, “I know you’re jealous. But, it’s just one of those things. No matter what you do, you can’t change charisma. It’s a moth to the flame.”

Wheein looked at her mother, trying to figure out what she’s trying to say. But her mother wasn’t even looking at her or at Hyejin. No, Moonbyul was directly looking at Yong. Who also had a crowd of people around her. 

Seeing that, Wheein immediately understood what her mother was getting at. But, she needed at least one piece of advice

“How do you deal with it?”

Wheein doesn’t like this feeling. She knows she can’t keep Hyejin back from meeting other people, making connections does affect your future, but she still can’t help but feel jealous. Jealous that Hyejin was giving her attention to others. She can’t help but feel insecure. Insecure that the people surrounding Hyejin were probably better than her. Insecure that Hyejin would someday realise that Wheein can no longer please her. That Wheein is just a ball and chain.

Seeing Wheein’s crestfallen face, Moonbyul could tell what was going through her daughter’s mind. Afterall, she was there too once. She was once questioning herself and Yong. Questioning what Yong even saw in her. Questioning if she should leave Yong so Yong could grow without being shackled. 
But, she was young then. Young and naive. Now, she has experience. Experience and the vow to be the adult that she needed as a youngster. The adult that Wheein needed now.

“You’re probably questioning why Hyejin is even with you when there are so many other people out there, right?”

Wheein’s eyes widened at the accuracy of her mother’s statement. She could only nod. 

“It’s tough, I know. But you have to remember something, Wheenie. The most vital part of a relationship is trust. Do you trust Hyejin?”

Wheein didn’t even hesitate in her answer.

“Of course I do.”

Moonbyul gave Wheein a reassuring pat on the head.

“Then trust Hyejin now. And you’re heart.”

With that last riddle, Moonbyul left to go to Yong and join in on the conversation.

That last food for thought left Wheein more confused than ever. Trust her heart? Trust her heart in what aspect? What can her heart possibly tell her?

Wheein looked at Hyejin to see how she was doing and they immediately made eye contact. And the moment they did, she saw Hyejin’s expression change from a cold outsider to a lovesick lion. 

Ah. That’s what her heart is telling her.

Her brain was telling her all of these negative comments that they drowned out what her heart was trying to tell her. That Hyejin would not leave her. That Hyejin will only have eyes for her. That Hyejin--

“I’ve been looking for you everywhere, Wheein-ah.” Hyejin’s tired voice lazily made it to Wheein’s ears as she enveloped Wheein into a hug.

“You have?” Even though Wheein knows now, she can’t help but ask. She needs to hear Hyejin say it. 

“Of course! I’m lost without you.” Hyejin tightened her hug and nuzzled into Wheein’s neck, “Lost and lonely.”

The last bit was uttered so softly that it took Wheein a minute to comprehend. But once she did, she immediately hugged back.

“I’m sorry. It looked like you were doing fine so I left you to it.”

Hyejin chuckled into Wheein’s neck before releasing her grip on Wheein. 

“Oh? Even when you were glaring daggers at anyone that got a little to close?”

Wheein could only sputter, “I--me? Wh-what?? Nooooo?”

Hyejin could only laugh at Wheein’s lame attempt at hiding her jealousy.

“Awww, the little puppy was jealous! That’s so cute!” Hyejin gave Wheein playfull kisses on the cheek.

“I was not!” Wheein huffed.

“I thought you were going to march on over and show everyone that I’m your girlfriend.” Hyejin stated with a small pout.

“Hyejin, please.”

“But I wanted you to!”

Wheein could internally hear the record scratch.

“Hah?? Why??”

“It’s a kink.” Hyejin said with a straight face.

“whAT?!” Wheein squeaked so high that it was almost inaudible

“I’m kidding!”

Hyejin laughed as she pulled Wheein close and tipped her head in a move to kiss her but they were interrupted as it seems like the very crowd she left followed her.

But this time it was different. This time she didn’t feel alone and cold. She proudly held Wheein in her arms as she interacted with the crowd. And the crowd interacted with the both of them, unphased with their loud displays of affection.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The drive back was quiet. Both young girls fell asleep on each other in the backseat and the two adults couldn’t help but smile softly at them.

“I think Wheein found her soulmate.” Yong stated out of the blue.

Moonbyul raised an eyebrow, “Oh? Do you have evidence to support such a bold claim?”

Yong gave a small shrug and yawned before she answered, “Simple. By their actions.”

“Don’t they act like any other couple?” 

“There is only one couple that they remind me of. And it’s a little too eerie at times.”

“Ah. Us?”

“Yeah, but I’m glad though. It only means that they are easier to deal with.” Yong’s voice softly faded near the end. A clear sign that she was about to doze off.

Moonbyul let her wife drift to sleep. She understood her well enough, even if the statement sounded selfish. Yong was glad about the similarities only because it meant they could be more helpful. That they could help guide their daughter through the maze that is called being in a relationship. And if they can help Hyejin too, then that’s even better. Even if Wheein and Hyejin don’t work out, they will both come out of it as better people at least. Which is something Moonbyul and Yong always strived for, especially for their daughter. To be a better person, and to become the adult that you needed when you were younger.