Christmas was spent by all of them resting in their respective houses, giving them a chance to relax and spend the day with their partners – or just, how they would want to spend their day. In Hyewon and Minju’s case, they decided to spend it by staying in.

Not wanting to join the Christmas rush, they’re grateful that they have everything that they need in their apartment already. That’s why they found themselves just casually staying in bed and doing nothing. It was a time for them to relax from everything – with Minju having a free time from work and Hyewon not having a shift, they have all the time for themselves.

It’s funny how most of the couples would go out and spend their Christmas together in some fancy place but Minju and Hyewon decided anything but that – they didn’t even talk about it, they just flopped down on their bed and just stayed there.

People would have found it boring after all, Christmas is a time to be alive – and that’s the thing about spending it at home and doing nothing.

Because they have never felt so alive than they did at that moment. It’s like there’s just something, during that moment at Wonyoung’s rest house, an understanding of some sorts between them – a promise.

Which is why in the middle of the comfortable silence between them, they felt so alive – everything was just ringing and if they could just see colors, they could bet that they would be seeing rainbows. All the vibrant colors illuminating with their feelings – dancing through their apartment with everything, twisting and binding with one another seamlessly.

Hyewon has never felt so alive, there were only a handful of times where she felt like this – and she could enumerate it with her fingers. The time when she first started playing the piano, when she and Sora first played together, and the time that she spent with Sora during their last Christmas together.

She could count it with her fingers, and all of those moments have a common denominator – Sora.

And this is new, this is new for her – an unfamiliar territory but she wouldn’t deny it any longer. This kind of happiness, she realized that she deserves it and she understands now why Sora has always pushed her out of her comfort zone.

It was indeed overwhelming, to be pushed out of it – but she realized that every time Sora did so, are the times when Hyewon actually felt happy.

And now, she’s experiencing it again – maybe with a slight push from her memories with Sora, but the difference is that she is doing it all out of her own volition because she wants it.

Hyewon wants to feel everything with Minju, to see everything that she hasn’t seen before. Going out of her comfort zone is not a thing for Hyewon, that’s why she has created a bubble for her own self. She knows it was selfish, to only have specific people inside it – especially during Sora’s accident, it was the most selfish thing that she couldn’t change.

She just couldn’t let anyone be close to her – she has seen, deemed herself as a disaster. That whatever or whoever comes close to her will be destroyed and it was depressing.

Which is why when she voiced out her gratefulness to the others the other day, Hyewon said it deep from her own heart – meaning every single word, though she did not do great but it was the thought that counts. And everyone understood.

And maybe that was the thing, that despite of keeping everyone at arm’s length, they still know her.

They still understand Hyewon, that even if she thought no one understood her – they managed to do it even if Hyewon didn’t let them to.

And then Minju.

Minju happened and it’s like she was out in the open whenever she was with the girl – Hyewon doesn’t understand herself, she kept her guard up from the girl but tears it down whenever.

And then she realized, she wasn’t alone in her bubble anymore – she has Minju now and as it progresses, the people didn’t come in the bubble. But rather, the bubble was getting bigger and bigger and Hyewon understood it – this was living.

This is what it feels like to be alive – the desire to live again.

“What are you thinking?” Minju mumbled, voice all husky as she wakes up from her nap – that was the reason of the comfortable silence. Hyewon didn’t peg herself to watch someone sleep but maybe for Minju she would be.

She smiled softly at the girl, pushing the girl’s hair back and running her fingers on her cheeks – moments like this are so simple yet regal for her. The way Minju’s simplicity just hits her in its utmost strength, she couldn’t grasp the idea that this soft-looking person dominates a meeting room whenever she works.

Especially the idea that Minju – one of the best people that Hyewon have met, the patience that this girl has, the way she cares for everyone in her subtle way, and just everything about the girl. That the mere thought of how amazing Minju is, it scares her with the actual idea that they are together.

But that didn’t scare her away – never.

“Just how amazing you look when you sleep.” She said softly and Minju leaned on her shoulders, as if cold even when it was just the right weather. Placing a soft kiss on Hyewon’s neck and the older girl could feel the smile forming on the younger girl, her effect on the older all seen from the goosebumps that Hyewon knows are visible.

“Thank you.”

“You drool.” She deadpanned which earned a pinch from Minju. Hyewon then chuckled and pushed herself up, grabbing something from the side of the bed before giving it to Minju.

It was a side thought really, she was just walking around that moment – then something just caught her attention and it screamed to her, calling her to give it to Minju.

The latter was surprised with the gift, they know that Christmas is all about gift-giving and whatnot but she didn’t expect that Hyewon would actually give her something because of what the older girl said.

“I don’t like the idea of gifts, I mean the thought is great but I think it would be much better to just spend time together, right?”

“So, if I were to give you a gift – “

“I just want to spend time with you, it’s cliché I know. But time is the greatest gift that we could give.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah, after all, we don’t know how much time left we have in this world. It’s better to not take it for granted, right?”

And now, here was Minju having no gift to give to Hyewon while the latter just passed her a paper bag which she could only assume as a gift. Minju has never felt so embarrassed in her life, though Hyewon did say that spending time will be the greatest gift – but who was she kidding?

Minju should still have bought the older girl some gift.

And it’s like Hyewon felt Minju’s dilemma because she quickly reassured the younger girl. “Hey, I wouldn’t have brought you a gift if I didn’t see that when I was walking one day.”

“But still! I should have – “ And Hyewon shushed her by pressing a finger on her lips.

“You still have next Christmas don’t worry,” Hyewon grinned at the younger girl and gestures for the bag, “Open it, it’s not something special. I think it’s actually silly.”

And Minju begs to differ because as soon as she opens and pulls out the object, she couldn’t explain what she feels – it was a turntable, but not an actual turntable. She doesn’t know where Hyewon found it, but it was a size of her palm, maybe a tad bit bigger.

She looks and stares at Hyewon, the latter just smiling at her shyly.

“How did you even find this?” Minju asked, amazed to see a turntable as this small. “This is beautiful!”

Beautiful is an understatement because the turntable was made out of what seems to be a very expensive material – it just screams elegance and rarity, a piece to be taken care of and not to be thrown. The way the carvings are all intricately made – Minju could tell it was carved by hand, nothing as this small could be done by a machine.

“I found it in an antique shop,” Hyewon said and explains, “I was just walking around, you know I like my walks and I stumbled upon this antique shop.”

“And it just so happens that it has this turntable?”

Hyewon hummed and nodded her head, scooting closer to Minju. “It is, I was also surprised.” And she wrapped her arms around the younger girl, smiling at the latter.

She knew the moment she laid eyes on that turntable; she must give it to Minju but what surprised her is that palm-sized turntable is not just for display.

“It’s actually a music box,” Hyewon said slowly, grabbing the mini tone arm and carefully twisting it just like how a turntable works. “Look.”

And soft music just enveloped the whole place, it was a piece that made Minju feel happy and sad – her emotions were whirling from the piece that she doesn’t know of, and maybe from the fact that Hyewon thought to give her a gift like this.

“Tchaikovsky’s Meditation,” Hyewon mumbled, answering Minju’s unvoiced question. “It’s the 5th piece of his morcreaux, his last work for solo piano.”

And Minju has no words to explain it, “It made me, it’s hard to explain. That piece was just so – “

Hyewon understands the girl, the piece was just like that – though it sounds sweet, soft and happy, but there was just this hint, a hint of something unclear. As if everything was not it seems to be but that soft sound overpowers it and it’s just a whirlwind of everything.

And as if a secret, which it actually is – she didn’t expect it but she just wants to share it with Minju, she is the only one who knows about it. After all, it just her and Sora that time.

“That’s the last piece I played for Sora,” She said, remembering how she played the piece during that day – how she just felt like playing it, an hour before she found the thrown pregnancy test, an hour before they fought and…

“Before the night she got hit by a car.” She said quietly, “It’s the last piece I’ve played for her and hearing it again, I almost forgot how it feels to play that piece.”

Hyewon then looked at Minju with a sad smile, remembering the night she tried to play the piano again but ended up smashing the keys – the night when Minju accidentally saw her.

“That’s the piece I couldn’t play ever again, it makes me live that exact moment again and again.” Hyewon describes it, hugging Minju tightly and the younger girl giving a light squeeze for support – to tell the older girl that she’s there and it’s alright if she wants to stop.

But Hyewon didn’t.

“And maybe I could play it again, and not think about what happened after, right?” Hyewon said smiling wistfully, “Maybe, I could play it again for Sora and think about how she smiled at me as I played that piece.”

And it stopped, the music stopped enveloping the whole room – all replaced with silence, the stillness from everything surrounding them and nothing more. The two of them staring at one another, with Hyewon looking for and finding the strength that she needs to convince her that she could do it – and Minju giving just that.

And as if her eyes were not enough, Minju softly answered – whispering the words of reassurance, the last thing that Hyewon needs to actually start again what she ignored and stopped.

“Yes you can, and we know that she would be happy,” Minju said softly, so soft that Hyewon wouldn’t have heard it if not for their close proximity, “And Sora would be smiling at you from wherever she is, a proud smile for a job well done.”

And it was just crazy how it affected Hyewon, the way Minju was looking at her at that moment – how her words are hitting Hyewon and pulling her from the dark abyss she threw herself into.

“Can I kiss you?”

And Minju smiles, wiping away the tears rolling down at Hyewon’s cheeks – it seems the latter was unaware of it but she just let the younger girl do so. “As much as you want.”

“I love you.”

“And I shall love you more.”

And Hyewon closed the gap between them, the colors surrounding the house exploding now with symphonies. It was a feeling like no other, to have someone that would pull you out from darkness – someone that will give her even the faintest of light to hold on to.

To someone to love and to love her.

And those colors and symphonies once again intertwined, as Hyewon and Minju did so – it was a magical moment for both of them, and they both know.

They will never be apart from each other ever again, as each of their soul is etched into one another from that moment on.

/

It was the day after Christmas and just like what they planned, Hyewon and Minju will go to Sora’s place and spend some time there together. After what happened yesterday, there’s just this certain glow between them – the smiles exchanged whenever their eyes meet, as if they were two giddy teenagers all over again.

Both of them decided to have brunch before going out, with Hyewon cooking and preparing some Bibimbap for both of them. As usual, Hyewon did most of the cooking and let Minju cut the needed ingredients – it’s like they have been more in sync now than ever, and the way they bump each other jokingly.

Random kisses being thrown here and there and it was just the best.

They’re both eating their own respective bowls in the living room as they watch some anime and it was interesting enough for Minju to be hooked, and she was not really a fan of anime but she watches some when the plot is really good.

Hyewon was watching with Minju, hugging the latter from behind despite how difficult their position is to eat for her but she managed to do so, thankful that she didn’t create a mess. They were almost finish with their brunch when they decided to take a shower – separately of course.

“Hey, do you want to grab some snacks on the way there?” Minju asks the older girl, her outfit consists of sweater and white washed jeans, looking through her wardrobe to look for a coat that she could bring with her.

Hyewon was laying down already, waiting for Minju to finish up. Hyewon opted for a long sleeve shirt and her usual oversized hoodie, paired with some dark jeans. Her hair up in a messy bun with a little bit of strands falling out but it somehow complemented her – and Minju couldn’t help but wonder how Hyewon does it so effortlessly.

The older girl hummed as a reply, “Yeah I think that would be a great idea, we would probably be hungry by that time.”

“So, snacks or some takeout again?”

Hyewon looked at Minju as she thinks about what they should buy, glancing at the younger girl before standing up and walking closer to her.

The younger girl closing her eyes instinctively because just as what she expected, Hyewon presses a soft kiss on her lips again and she was reveling with its sensation until the older girl pulled away and passing Minju a coat.

“Just go with a black coat, it never goes wrong.” She said with a soft smile and fixes Minju’s hair that was slightly messy, brushing it with her fingers – she continued.

“And maybe some takeout will be ideal, I don’t really get satisfied with snacks.” She replied and stepped away from Minju, giving the latter a nod. “There, beautiful as ever.”

Minju scoffs at the older girl but they both know it was out of fondness and embarrassment – Hyewon seem to noticed that the younger girl couldn’t take compliments properly and she decided to just throw random ones. She was very much entertained at the reactions of the younger girl.

“You’re talking nonsense again,” Minju said before grabbing her purse and keys, pulling Hyewon out of the room. “We need to go or we’re going to be late.”

Hyewon let out a laugh and just lets the girl pull her, adjusting her hold to intertwine their fingers – she walked beside Minju, squeezing the latter’s hand. “We have enough time for the day.”

Minju smiles softly, leaning forward and brushing her nose softly on Hyewon cheeks. “We sure do.” She whispered before placing a soft kiss on the cheek.

//

The ride to the hill was peaceful, grateful that there was not much of a traffic – it seems like everyone was exhausted from their Christmas celebration which made the roads almost empty if not for the few cars that they saw.

Decorations were still up on the stores, though most of it are closed – maybe because to give time for their staffs to rest, which is completely understandable. Luckily, they managed to spot an open coffee shop along their way. It seems decent enough and they decided to just buy food from that shop, Minju volunteering to go and buy while Hyewon waits inside the car.

Hyewon was about to protest, wanting to help the younger girl until she saw how Minju was looking at her with that stare – the kind of stare that leaves no room for discussion. She kept shut and just nodded her head defeatedly, and the younger just smirked before pecking Hyewon’s cheek and going out of the car.

Hugging her coat closer to her to fight of the weather, Minju blew on her hands – smacking herself mentally for forgetting to bring her gloves.

Hyewon was watching the whole scene unfold until Minju entered the shop, the staffs greeting her with smiles as Minju smiled back.

“Idiot,” Hyewon muttered as she looked at the gloves on the driver’s seat, “You’re too kind for your own good, idiot.”

She stared at Minju and when she sees the latter waving at her from the shop, she waved back – grabbing the gloves and showing it to Minju. “Do you want me to give it to you?” She mouthed.

Minju just shakes her head and quickly turned around as soon as the worker asked for her order, Hyewon just sighed and put the gloves down on her lap. The weather is nice, it was a perfect weather to go out and walk around – but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t wear something to warm them up.

Staring at Minju for a moment, she smiled when it seems like Minju got herself covered. Grabbing something from the back, Hyewon pulled out a book – something that she bought the same time when she had Minju’s gift.

It looks interesting enough for Hyewon, though it was not her thing to read – it was a great thing to pass time. She has been reading it from time to time and it just amazed her how each writer managed to convey their feeling through words – she wants to have that ability.

And that’s how she got lost in it, the book that consists a number of poems just drawing her in and she forgets everything – relishing every moment and imagining the things, feeling the emotions that the author must have felt when they were writing everything down.

It was a good 20 minutes of reading when she was pulled back from her mind, hearing the sound of the car door opening, Minju entered the vehicle with two plastic bags. She could assume it was their food, with Minju handing her some drink.

Hyewon puts the book down and accepts the drink, wondering its contents when Minju answered her.

“Hot chocolate,” Minju said as she the paper bags at the backseat, making sure that it won’t fall during their drive. “It seems perfect, for the Christmas spirit and all.”

Hyewon smiled and took a sip, grinning as the warm concoction filled her system. “It sure is, what did you buy?”

“Some pastries for starters, it all looked delicious I just can’t pass up on it.” Minju said which earned a chuckle from Hyewon, the latter nodded for her to continue.

“I did buy two sandwiches then a pasta bowl good for 3, just in case the serving size is a little bit off.”

Hyewon nodded her head, “Okay, that seems fine. Did you buy water?”

“Of course,” Minju said and the vehicle, she glanced at the older girl. She noticed that Hyewon was busy reading something when she went out of shop, and that’s when she saw the book that the older girl was reading. “You’re reading a…”

“Collection of poems,” Hyewon said, “It seems interesting, I kind of like it.”

Minju smiled and started driving, “Well, look at you reading now. I thought it was not your thing?”

Hyewon chuckled and took a tentative sip again, shrugging her shoulders. “I guess it just changed.”

“Yeah,” Minju replied and took Hyewon’s hand in her own, kissing its knuckles before letting it go again. “Yeah, it did.”

///

And it really did, there’s a huge change since Hyewon last visited Sora. The last time she went there, it was with Yujin and Jaehyun – a random trip that revealed so much more that it made her realize things. The last time she went there with everyone, it was their birthday – the tradition taking place, and she and Minju were just friends.

It’s kind of funny how the hill changed as much then, where the once grassy and colorful hill are now covered in white snow. Thankfully enough, the caretaker seems to be doing their job properly because the walk path is as clear as before, no signs of snow – maybe a little bit, but everything is alright.

She and Minju are walking together hand in hand, a paper bag on each of them. They have been talking about nonsensical things, just like before – everything has changed and yet it didn’t, it just felt much more right than before.

Then just as Minju settled the blanket on the ground, Hyewon groaned out loud which surprised the younger girl.

“I forgot to buy some flowers for her,” Hyewon said, frustrated and guilty at the same time. She then looks at Sora and pouted, “Sorry, I’ll make it up to you next time. Okay?”

Minju smiled at the older girl, give it to Hyewon to be the best sister that someone could have. “I’m sure she’ll understand, it’s the time we spend with her that counts.”

Hyewon then released a laugh, sitting down on the blanket beside Minju – playfully bumping their shoulders together. “She’s learning from me, isn’t she?” She asked Sora.

“Stop it, I know that already.”

Hyewon smiled and cleared , thankful that they have warm clothes or else they’ll probably freeze to death as they eat and stay there for a few hours. “Hey Sora, I know this is weird but I need to introduce you guys again.”

Minju looked at Hyewon, confusion swimming in her face when. The older girl just ignored her, grabbing Minju by the shoulder and pulling her closer. “Okay, this is Kim Minju.”

“Hyewon, what are you – “

“I don’t really know what to say here, girlfriend just seems too childish for me…” She trailed off and that statement made Minju quiet – surprised at the sudden topic that Hyewon is touching. This is what she means by introducing each other again.

“But what I do know is that, I really want to spend my time with her Sora.” She said softly and looked at Sora’s stone, her hold on to Minju tightening – as if afraid that the girl will disappear any minute. “That I want to live and experience this life with her from here on now.”

And it just tugged the younger girl, melting like the snow around them – she leans closer to Hyewon, listening to the older girl’s words. Right, things have changed and it was for the better, and Minju really did feel better now.

She feels warm, despite of the cold weather she feels warm inside – it was all fuzzy to her, touched by the words of the older girl but she didn’t complain.

“Anyway, I think the best introduction would be this,” Hyewon said with a smile, “Sora, this Kim Minju – the person I’m in love with.”

It was said so softly, so soft that it was carried by the wind – but they both heard it, Hyewon said it softly but with conviction. She said it so quietly and they know the hidden promise in that one.

Hyewon is not for promises because it’s something hard to keep – especially that she’s not sure what the future holds. Which is why she didn’t say it outright, but she knows within herself that she will do her best to have Minju in her life.

She will do anything.

Because that’s probably the love that she has came to know, and what she was experiencing. Because love is all about risking, but it’s not about risking what they could lose the moment they have difficulties. But the risk of what could come to be – and maybe that’s the reason why this is what makes love worthwhile.

To not think about the risk of losing something, but about the risk of not experiencing something beautiful. An almost, and Minju doesn’t deserve to be an almost – she deserves everything.

And just like that, a single snowflake settled on Hyewon’s finger – surprising herself that she even felt it, she looked at it and smiled. It seems like Sora heard it too, and it was a dream for her sister to see this – now here she is, witnessing Hyewon in love.

You’re right, love is different for everyone. Hyewon thought to herself, watching as Minju prepares their food with a soft smile on her face. Looking up and seeing the sky, she grinned. And I’m lucky enough to experience this kind of thing, thank you for guiding me Sora.

“Hey, you must be hungry,” Minju said and passing a croissant to Hyewon, “Now, we don’t want Sora to worry, don’t we?”

Hyewon laughed and accepted the treat, biting on to it as she nodded. “Yeah, we don’t.”

Minju smiled and leaned closer, closing the gap between them and placing a chaste kiss on Hyewon lips. The latter relishing the feeling of warmth before Minju pulls away and leans her weight on Hyewon, sighing contentedly.

“I love this,” Minju said and the older girl could just hear the smile from her words, “I love you.”

“The future is too blurry for the both of us,” Hyewon said and, opening up the thoughts she’s having because it just feels right to do so. “It’s hard to promise something when it depends on something uncertain.”

Minju knows that, she knows that very much which is why she understands Hyewon. She, herself is not even sure what the future holds – with Taeyong still in the picture, her parents, just… it was hard to grasp. “I know.”

But maybe, for all the time Hyewon spent with Sora – something good came out of it, despite their opposite personality. It was Sora’s hope and positivity and though Hyewon doesn’t show it much, she decided to reassure Minju.

“Just remember that it will all be okay in the end.” Hyewon said and that made the younger girl look at her, Minju’s eyes glistening because Hyewon was just that sentimental – it was too much for her heart to handle.

“And if it isn’t?”

Hyewon smiled and simply answer, “Then it isn’t the end.”

And that was enough, as they both relax with each other’s warmth and spend time together – with Sora.

Because everything is still not okay, and they are far from the end – but what they do know is that they are happy.

And that’s okay.

That was enough.

//

And maybe they were too happy, everything was happening so fast – it was a blur for Hyewon and Minju, that they didn’t have a moment to just stay and savor everything that’s happening to them. Well, maybe they did but it wasn’t enough – 24 hours is not enough for them to savor every great thing that’s happening with them.

They didn’t realize that time passed so quickly as they were up in the hill, eating and finishing all of the foods that they bought much to their surprise. Then all of a sudden, it was already 5 – the sudden cold air hitting them and that’s when they noticed the time.

They decided to call it a day, bidding farewell to Sora as they packed up everything.

And that’s when everything just shifted.

Because as they gave their last wishes and promise of another visit to Sora – they heard some crunching, indication that someone arrived. It was an odd timing, Hyewon thought it would be Jaehyun but when she turned around it was like she was slapped by reality.

“Hyewon.”

Minju looked back, only to see Hyewon completely frozen looking at the two people in front of them. She turned her gaze and looked at them, then immediately she was hit by realization. She would never forget those face, even if she only seen them twice in her whole life.

She looks at the girl beside her, starting to worry as Hyewon haven’t said anything yet – still staring at the two. Minju pulled Hyewon back to the present by holding her hand and giving it a light squeeze, “Hey, are you okay?”

That’s when Hyewon blinked, nodding her head but they both know it was a lie – she didn’t even bother to clarify it with words. Hyewon is not okay.

Because in front of them are Hyewon’s parents – her parents that she hasn’t seen for years since Sora passed, her parents that obviously neglected Hyewon since she was young.

Now, here they are suddenly popping out of nowhere – to be fair, Hyewon expected it happening sooner or later but she didn’t expect it to be this soon. After all, the person she saw that day – she knew she would never mistake him.

As she was about to turn away, her eyes caught something making her look outside again. It was a brief moment, a quick flash of something familiar to her – and she would not be mistaken. Hyewon pushes herself off from the chair, she has seen that face since she was young – she would never be wrong.

“Hey,” Hyewon looks over to her shoulders and was greeted by Minju with their orders, the latter looking at her with confusion and followed her gaze outside. “Did you see someone?”

Hyewon shakes her head, maybe it was just her imagination. It was a quick flash of familiarity – a millisecond among the many faces in the crowd. “No, I was just confused for a second.”

And just as expected, right behind her parents a few steps away was their butler since she and Sora were young.

“Mr. Lee, pleased to see you again.” She said in Japanese, it was the language that she has been accustomed to communicate with the said man – it was natural for her. Bowing her head in respect in the process.

“It’s good to see you again, young miss.” The man said with his usual deep and calming voice, and it might be weird but Hyewon sees the man as her 2nd father – hell, he could be the first because of the way they took care of them when they were young.

Minju watches the interaction, bowing slightly at Hyewon’s parents – the two adults bowed respectfully and immediately looked at their daughter. Minju then noticed how Mr. Kang’s eyes flicked towards their joined hands and Minju contemplated if she should let go.

But as she was about to, Hyewon didn’t let her – just pulling her closer and shaking her head slightly.

“It’s been so long Hyewon,” Her mother said softly, “It’s nice to see you again, finally.”

Hyewon looked down, not knowing what to feel as she heard that. She just let out a lifeless chuckle, finding humor in what her mother just said. “I wish I could say the same for the both of you.”

Then Dongwook, her father – his gaze just steeled and locked on Hyewon. “Hyewon.” He said in a tone that sent shivers towards Minju.

This is the first time that Minju saw Hyewon interacting with her parents, this is the first time that she has seen Hyewon like this – true, Hyewon was lifeless when they first became roommates but the Hyewon beside her right now?

It breaks her to see how Hyewon just switched in a snap, it was like Hyewon became a wall, a robot – she immediately built walls again faster than light. With the months that Minju spent to broke Hyewon’s walls, she couldn’t believe that it all stood again in just a snap.

But she couldn’t blame the older girl, not when she doesn’t know anything about her parents because all she knows is about Hyewon and Sora – the older girl rarely talks about her parents, she doesn’t even mention even a breath of it.

And Hyewon ignored the warning tone in her father’s voice, bowing again at them. “If you could excuse us, we’ve been here for far too long. I think it’s time for us to leave.”

“Thank you.” Hyewon said emotionlessly, tugging Minju to walk with her when they were stopped by her father’s voice.

“I expect to see you and have a little talk with you tomorrow.” Mr. Kang said, there are no room for discussion with the way he said it. “Mr. Lee will pick you up, be ready by 5.”

Hyewon took a sharp intake of breath and continued to walk, straining a smile to Mr. Lee.

Minju couldn’t even talk at that moment, she didn’t know that Hyewon’s father would be that cold – that even she felt the struggle to move, as if Mr. Kang’s mere presence has hold on her.

Then in a blink they were already down the hill, in front of her car.

“Let’s go home, please.” Hyewon pleaded and Minju quickly nodded her head, unlocking the car and guiding Hyewon inside.

She quickly went to the driver’s seat and started to warm up the vehicle, looking at Hyewon worriedly. For starters, she doesn’t know what to say – it was an unexpected meeting, and even if it was expected she still doesn’t know how to approach the topic.

Which is why she opted to ask Hyewon, “Are you okay?” Please don’t lie.

“No.” Hyewon replied as she looked out of the window, biting the inside of her cheeks – suddenly feeling suffocated inside the car and wanting to get out as soon as possible. “Can we please go home now?”

And that’s Minju’s cue to stop and not prod any further, for the time she has spent with Hyewon she knows the older girl will not talk when she’s being forced. But she will open up, though in time – but the important thing is that she will.

Minju started the car but before she drove, she grabbed Hyewon’s hand that was laying on the older girl’s lap and gave it a kiss – hoping that it would ease and help the older girl. A reminder that she is not alone now, that Minju will be with her in every step of the say.

“I love you, let’s go home.” She whispered silently, waiting for a reply but came none. Minju didn’t let it get into her but it doesn’t mean that it hurts any less. But just as she was about to start driving, Hyewon gave a gentle squeeze.

A small smile, small but it means everything for Minju, is present on her face. “And I to you.”

And that was enough.

Hopeful that everything will be okay.

And if it’s not okay, then it isn’t the end.

/

They arrived home, the quiet ride consuming the both of them. Minju knows her boundaries, she knows that this is something that she needs to approach carefully – even now, Hyewon needs time. She might have started making peace with her experience with Sora, but they all know that her relationship with her parents is another story.

That’s why she opted for silence, she decided to wait for Hyewon to start it – and she’s not sure if that was the right thing to do because the older girl is still not talking.

Minju wants to know what Hyewon is feeling right now, her thoughts