“Is that Shuhua’s apple?” 

Soojin sighed. “Yes.”

Eyebrows knit, Soyeon inquired, “Why are you holding it?” 

“Shuhua.” 

It was the sort of answer, but not really answer, that Soyeon was content with. 

Silence enveloped the pair as they sat on the park bench. Around them, people sauntered by. There were families of all shapes and sizes, young couples, and numerous clusters of friends egging one another on. For a Tuesday morning late in the fall, the amusement park was packed. 

“JINJIN!” Shuhua’s voice cut through the crowd. “Did you see me? Did you see how high I was?”

Soojin stood up. Apple in one hand, she smoothed the creases in her skirt before smiling. “So high,” she agreed, holding out the apple for Shuhua to take. 

Shuhua bit into the half eaten apple. “Let’s try the boat next,” she suggested. 

“Chew first.” The response was reflexive. “Why the boats? You’re aquaphobic.” Despite her words, Soojin followed Shuhua.

“Aww, you remembered!” Bright eyed, Shuhua clung to Soojin’s arms. “You’ll protect me, right?”

“Where are they going?” Minnie asked as she ambled up to the bench, Miyeon and Yuqi squabbling in tow.

“The boats.” 

“Boats?” Minnie appeared puzzled, “Isn’t Shuhua—”

“Afraid of water? Yeah, but there’s a love tunnel.” 

"Ooooh."

"Jinjin, may I have my wallet?" Shuhua asked with an open palm. 

"Sure." Rifling through her purse, Soojin pulled out the item in question. "Don't lose it." 

"I promise!" The words were ushered over Shuhua’s shoulder as she returned to the counter, "I got it, Woogie!" 

"You’re carrying her wallet now?" Soyeon asked with a pinch in her brow. Her eyes tracked the