It’s easy to say that Irene feels elated whenever she gets to spend time with Seulgi alone. In those infrequent times, it’s like how they were back in their first year. Just exchanges of random conversations, Irene’s fun flirting and greasiness that doesn’t quite translate properly to the always oblivious Seulgi. Except only that the latter brings up about her boyfriend from time to time, which she loathes but she doesn’t complain because regardless, she still likes Seulgi, and getting her attention these days is something she considers as a treat, a luxury she can never miss.

Today is one of those luxuries. Irene hesitated to ask the younger girl at first to go shopping for Yeji’s birthday but she’s asking anyway for good reasons. She made herself think Seulgi knew exactly what Yeji would like for a gift. When deep down, she only wanted to spend some more time with Seulgi while she’s still in Seoul. A good part of her doesn’t want to leave everything behind without properly saying farewell, but the only thing holding her back was that if Seulgi made her stay at the very day she’s leaving, she certainly would. And she’ll be then constantly going back and forth once again to the loophole she can’t escape under the control Seulgi's subconsciously made.

Despite all that was said, every worry escaped her when she heard the younger girl’s excited “I’ll meet you there, unnie!” through the phone. 

Some things never change, thankfully.

“Football shoes?” Seulgi led them to the sports outlet and took a look at the different shoes in rows stuck to the wall.

“Yeah, she’s been playing football since the start of middle school but she doesn’t show our parents how she loves playing it. That's why she never asked them to buy her shoes for it.” Seulgi had that look on her face, the same when she tells her fears about her parents. 

She doesn’t like that sight and so she tries to do something about it. “How about you go ahead and pick out a pair so we can pay for it already? I was planning to go to the VR arcades after this. Wanna come?” 

Irene didn't have to wait long for the answer because with her invitation, quickly, Seulgi’s now enlarged eyes were filled with thrill and enthusiasm. ”Okay, this will be quick!” She quickly went through the shoes, picking out three black pairs that caught her eye the most for Irene to choose from.

“I can see that her favorite color’s black?”

“Yeah, you pick what’s the best among the two, unnie. You’re the one giving it to her anyway.” 

Yeji. She’s such a lovely kid, always hugging her so tight right after seeing her whenever she visits them at their house. And at times that she’s being a coverup, the young kid keeps her occupied by sharing every single snack she loves that she keeps hidden in a cabinet in her room like a snack thief will be coming for her precious favorites while she's asleep. Most definitely, she can never forget her side compliments saying, “Unnie, you’re seriously getting prettier and prettier every time I see you.” or “Unnie, how did you become friends with my hideous sister? You deserve better, I’m telling you. I can be your best friend instead!” 

And she erupts in laughter every single time. It’s like she’s become a little sister to her too and she adores her very much.

“You know what, I’ll just buy both.” Irene casually says while walking away, leaving Seulgi speechless, staring at the three pricey shoes.

They were heading to the arcades when Seulgi couldn't help but thank the older woman.

“I know the gift isn't for me, but thank you, Unnie,” Irene sets her eyes to Seulgi, and her heart suddenly softens at how sincere the younger one looks like right now although it’s not much of a big deal to her. “But it also means a lot to me when you’re being kind to my sister as well. Even spoiling her. We can’t just easily ask our parents for anything that has nothing to do with their plans for us. I even had to do so much and sacrifice things just for them to consider my decision to take Arts.”

“No worries, Seulgi.” She hooked her arms with Seulgi, looked her in the eye saying, “You know you and your sister can call me your sugar mommy.” Going far as saying the ‘sugar mommy’ part seductively.

Ugh, here we go again.

“Unnie, what the hell!” Seulgi tried unhooking their arms but Irene’s grip on hers was stronger, even laughing at the younger woman’s beet-red face.

“What, you don’t want that? C’mon, I can give you what your parents can't.” 

“Ugh, I wanna go home already, you’re embarrassing me.” She only just covered her face, while Irene was still undoubtedly enjoying making fun of her. Without a doubt, the brunette wishes she could have the power to stop time and just stay here with Seulgi, enjoying this moment while it still lasts because she still can’t say when will be the next time.

Whereon, she decided to make Seulgi relish the time she’s with her too. By teasing her, yes.

“Alright alright, let’s go to the VR arcade already, baby. My treat.” 

Seulgi thinks the older woman has no plans of letting her innocent mind calm down from her constant teasing.

The massive house of the Kangs was full of visitors, some people she knew in the business industry, and a few of the relatives of Seulgi she'd seen before visiting the house when she visited too. Irene was wearing her black satin sleeveless top under her favorite red trousers and blazer, and black heels to add to her height at least. She waits for Taeyong by the gate as planned, she takes deep breaths, readying herself for the last time she’ll be doing this. She checked her phone and saw Taeyong's text that he was near. She was about to type her reply when someone hurriedly bumped into her shoulder, causing her phone to slip out of her hands.

But thankfully the person caught it just in time too.

“Shoot, I am very sorry. I was just too excited to see my sister, I guess. She hasn’t come down yet, right?” As soon as Irene caught sight of the woman, she dwelled on who this person was pertaining to as her sister because clearly, she didn’t look like the Kangs with their monolid eyes except for Mrs.Kang. 

Oh.

The woman gives her