It was another working day and Hyewon got busy with many deals. Her phone suddenly rang and she chuckled as she answered it through her earphones. “Hello?”

Hey. What are you up to? 

“Rummaging through the deals. You?” Hyewon spoke. “Why did you call? You do realize that we’re a cubicle away and that you’re bothering me with my work.”

No reason. Stuck in another deal.

“Both of us need to work. We’ll talk afterwards.”

Hyewon hung up and resumed her work. In the other cubicle, Minju sighed and resumed hers.

+++

Minju chuckled as Hyewon got inside the condo like a little kid. Apparently, they stopped at a fastfood chain to order their dinner and as a food lover, Hyewon got carried away with ordering. It didn’t budge her salary one bit yet it could budge her health.

“Calm yourself, Kwangbae.” Minju spoke as she helped her out. “With all the food you ordered for us, you’re all set for a heart attack.”

“I’ve been craving it since we started eating at that fancy restaurant. You’re even craving for fried chicken.” Hyewon spoke as she sat down. “Enough talk. Let’s eat.”

Minju nodded and they dug in after thanking for their meals. The indulgence of fried chicken, burgers, and fries satisfied the two. And with the addition of beer and soda, it was a quick luxurious feast. 

Hyewon was eating her sixth chicken when she asked, “Is it okay for me to live here, Min?”

“Of course, Kwangbae.” Minju spoke. “Why do you ask?”

“Doesn’t your ex wonder?”

“And what if Chaewon does?” Minju asked. “I don’t give a about it, Kwangbae plus this is my unit. I have the authority on what must be done and who stays here.”

“What if you want Chaewon to stay here?” Hyewon spoke. “Should I leave?”

Minju couldn’t believe she was hearing. She was never used to Hyewon asking her such rhetorical questions. Nonetheless, she downed her beer and answered, “Then she stays. You stay unless I want you to.”

Hyewon was silent. She resumed eating while Minju explained further.

“Isn’t this the purpose, right? We’re doing this because I need to have my payback. At the end of the day, what matters is I have my payback. Reuniting will be a bonus.”

“I see.” Hyewon chuckled while drinking beer. “Cool.”

“We talked about it after the meeting. In fact, we talked a lot of things.” Minju added. “She wanted to move in and I didn’t have a problem with that. We don’t have a problem with kids and I even imagine little princesses running around here.”

“Hmmm…pretty picture you’re painting.” Hyewon mumbled, eating another burger. “Guess I’ll be packing some stuff away and return to my apartment.”

Hyewon emptied her servings and went to the bedroom. Minju stopped to follow to see Hyewon arranging it. 

“Stop that, Kwangbae.” Minju spoke. “This is my apartment, remember? I make the rules and one of them is not to do this.” She gets her clothes and returns them inside the closet. “You have all the right to stay here.”

“Luck favors the prepared, Min.” Hyewon spoke and closed her bag. “But if you want to sweeten this whole thing, fine.” She got a stick from her pocket. “I hope you don’t it over.”

“Kwangbae, don’t.” Minju stopped lighting her stick. “Are you really going to throw your life away on this nicotine-filled stick?”

“Psh. I told you I love things that are forbidden to me.” Hyewon spoke. “I have money to but a huge carton of these plus I love it without hurting others. It’s not a waste to me.”

“Aish! Not in my place, Kwangbae.”

“Says the woman who can’t sleep on her own.” Hyewon chuckled as she went to the balcony.

Minju rolled her eyes and followed Hyewon. The latter was already smoking but Minju killed the stick and threw it away. Hyewon scoffed, saying. “Why don’t just admit that all these attempts of getting your ex back are a bunch of malarkey?”

“Hey! They’re not.” Minju defended. “Why are you being judgmental, Kwangbae? I thought you were my best friend!”

“Telling the truth is far from being judgmental plus I’m saying these because I care. Caring is what best friends do.”

“Okay. You want me to tell the truth?” Minju spoke. “Let’s make a pact. From now on, we say nothing but the truth to each other. Game?”

Hyewon laughed. Minju wanted her to stop but Hyewon was still Hyewon; complicated, humorous, and sophisticated.

“Whatever you say, Min.” Hyewon spoke, slumping her head by the rails.

“Then…let me ask you something.” Minju began. “Why did you agree to be my rebound?”

Hyewon chuckled. She got up and looked seriously at Minju, leaving the latter to feel guilty while her heart thumped out of it…

…even out of love.

“That’s because I care about you, Min.” Hyewon spoke as she went towards the kitchen.

Minju was frozen for a bit before she followed Hyewon. She watched her make the usual cup of milk but the difference was that she added sleeping pills.

“Kwangbae, what are you doing?”

“It’s the milk from The Aristocats.” Hyewon shared as she stirred the milk. “I won’t be sleeping here tonight.”

Minju wouldn’t mind. Hyewon had other stuff to do and she would liberate her best friend to do whatever she wanted.

But this time, she didn’t want to.

“W-What?” Minju got worried as Hyewon served the milk by her bedside.

“Drink it when it’s warm. I’ll be back after our work tomorrow.” Hyewon spoke. “You’ll sleep if you drink the milk. Trust me.”

Hyewon grabbed the bag with the few stuff and made her way to the door when Minju got in front of her. 

“This is my apartment. You’re staying here.”

“What’s with the change, Min? You don’t usually do this.” Hyewon spoke back. “Do you want to know the truth? I need some time alone after hearing your attempt in reuniting with Chaewon.”

Minju was shocked. Hyewon sighed and excused herself to leave, shutting the door. Minju looked around, feeling the loneliness again. She had an impulse, drinking the milk Hyewon prepared and slowly making her way to lie down on her bed, drifting to sleep quickly.

A tear dropped from her right eye as she finally returned to dreamland.

+++

Hyewon had no problem going home as her apartment was two blocks away. She got there through a quick walk and welcomed herself in her almost abandoned home. She prepared herself to bed immediately, slumping on her bed as she looked at the ceiling.

She was reminded how fragile it was to be Minju’s rebound; on how the world really ed her senses to obey her best friend’s wishes, even if it costs her loyalty and sanity. It just kept getting better towards oblivion.

Hyewon couldn’t bear her tears and wept, eyes still glued to the ceiling. She was truthful about her feelings for Minju but every day of ignorance was hurting her slowly. And when the word came that Minju was hanging out and talking to Chaewon again, the pain was stronger to the point she couldn’t bear it.

Hyewon may have promised to be by Minju’s side whenever she had problems but she was also wanting to be away from her side this time.