“Shu?” Soojin called out frantically as she opened the front door, “Shu? I got your text, is everything—”

Teary eyed, Shuhua looked over the back of the couch, “Jagiya!” Her voice bounced off the wall, thick yet watery. 

“What’s wrong?” Abandoning her things on the counter, Soojin settled on the couch. The hug that followed was instinctual. 

“She—” a fresh wave of tears bubbled to the surface, “—and then…” Without communicating anything, Shuhua heaved a sob. 

“Shhh, it’s okay,” Soojin cooed, “I’m here now.” 

On the television screen, Soojin caught a glimpse of the title My Octopus Teacher . Exhaling a long sigh, she drew Shuhua in closer. “I told you not to watch it alone.” 

“It’s not fair,” Shuhua wailed into the crook of Soojin’s neck, “Why did she have to—” She dissolved into a fresh wave of tears unable to finish. 

Hand running up and down the length of Shuhua’s back, Soojin whispered, “That’s life, Shu. Next time, wait for me okay? I’ll kiss away the tears.”