“Oh it’s close.” Yeri said disappointingly.

“Those ogres. It’s not even a holiday. Why are they closed?” Joohyun was furious.

“Maybe because it’s Valentine’s Day tomorrow?”

“Aren’t they going to prepare for a Valentine’s Day special then?”

“Well I guess you’re right.”

“I’m gonna call the manager of this place.”

Wow. She has some anger management issues. I totally didn’t expect that. She has a face like an angel who does nothing wrong. Oops wrong comparison. Angels don’t look like humans anyway. . I got distracted. Better think something to avoid her getting angry at someone.

“How about we’ll go to a new restaurant instead?”

“Okay that’s a good idea. I don’t want to be angry at others anyway. So which restaurant do you want to go to?”

“I still don’t know. Wait.” People are looking at us, specifically, at me.

“ How about somewhere which is less crowded? I know a place.”

Good thing she noticed.

“Let’s go then.”

As they walked through the mall, Yeri noticed that people were staring at her. It must be because I’m a new face here. And possibly also because I’m with Joohyun unnie. Most of them were young adults, so I’m guessing they will be my schoolmates. The adults were probably at work.

After walking for a while, they finally stopped at Joohyun’s chosen restaurant.

“A Korean Restaurant?”

“Yes, it is the least crowded restaurant here. I understand that you may be uncomfortable with people staring at you while you eat so I chose this place.”

“Oh thank you for your concern. But how come a Korean Restaurant isn’t crowded?”

“We’re rich, remember? People here prefer to eat at a foreign restaurant. So shall we enter?”

“Yes.”

They sat in the middle seat on the left side. It is a kind of a sofa seat so it’s very comfortable. There was also a griller in the centre of the table for samgyupsal and shabu-shabu. Yeri noticed that there wasn’t a single staff member there. Their staff must be robots. Can a robot cook?

“What do you want?” Joohyun asked.

“I’m thinking about trying the best seller. Is that okay with you?” Yeri asked.

“Of course it is. Okay then I shall order it. Let’s add more.”

As they discussed what they needed to buy, Joohyun didn’t notice that a young woman was waving at her since she was busy.

“Okay, is that all?”

Yeri nodded.

“Okay I’m gonna order now.”

Yeri thought that Joohyun was going to call somebody to take their order. But she was wrong. Instead, Joohyun took out her phone and began selecting the orders.

Wow. She memorized all the orders.

“Add a mint choco ice cream for me.” A voice suddenly said.

It was the woman a while ago who was trying to catch Joohyun’s attention. Why the hell is everyone so pretty in here? Are they idols?

“What the- oh it’s only you Sooyoung.”

“No, I'm not only Sooyoung. I'm Sooyoung.”

“Yeah whatever, anyway, Yeri this is Sooyoung. Sooyoung this is Yeri.”

“Wow you call that an introduction unnie? I’m Park Sooyoung by the way, Joohyun unnie’s friend. Yeri right? Which family are you from? “

“She’s Junmyeon’s sibling. You know the one who went to the mainland. And we’re not friends.”

“Ouch, you hurt my feelings.” Sooyoung said as she acted like her heart hurt. “Anyway, can I eat with you? My brother invited me to lunch here, but he saw Junmyeon oppa and left with him.”

Wait. I thought he was busy? Ah he must be lying then. I guessed he forced me to go out and socialize.

“Sure. Just pay for your own meal.”

“Ugh. Fine.”

Sooyoung sat near Joohyun, who was across Yerim. We are sitting in a way that it looks like I’m a criminal being interrogated. While waiting for their orders, Sooyoung took this as an opportunity to ask Yeri.

“I haven’t heard your voice yet, so can you please tell me about yourself?”

“I’m Kim Yerim.”

“”That’s it?”

“Please be nice Sooyoung.”

“Sorry I just got surprised at how little she talks.”

I’m loud when you know me, but since we just met today I’m still shy.

“Anyway, why did Joohyun unnie introduce himself as Yeri not Yerim?”

“I just like it.”

“You’re quite shy huh? Anyway, tell me more.”

Seriously?

“I’m from the Kim Family, the owner of the Red Light Technologies.”

“I already know that. Next.”

Are you a judge or something? Maintain a good attitude Yeri.

“I’m 20 years old. An incoming first year student.”

“Oh so I’m only a year ahead of you. More.”

Let me fight back for once. I’m sure heaven doesn’t count this.

“I think that’s enough talking about me already. I feel like I’m being interrogated by the police. Anyway can you tell me about yourself too?”

I hope I did that right.

“No.”

I messed up.

“Just kidding. Man, I was hoping to get some juicy info from you.” Oh so that’s what she’s after. “Anyway I’m Park Sooyoung. My parents own a big pharmaceutical company. We made the Covid-19 cure by the way.”

“Wow, how can you say that so casually?”

“I can’t believe you were shocked at that. Your family even did better things than that. Anyway, like I said, I’m just a school year ahead of you, so I’m going to be a second year student this year. I’m only 22 years old, still young, but ain’t single.”

Okay? Is that necessary?

“What? Aren’t you going to ask who’s the lucky guy?”

I guess it’s necessary for her.

“Who?”

“Food’s here.” Joohyun suddenly declared.

Their food came to them in a tray placed above the head of a robot. They then started grilling at their table.

“Way to ruin the talk unnie. Anyway, his name is Yook Sungjae.”

Ilhoon oppa’s friend?

“No reaction at all?”

“Hey, eat this.” Joohyun said as she fed Sooyoung with pork wrapped in cabbage.

“What the-“

“Eat slowly.”

Sooyoung chewed the food and swallowed it.

“What the hell was that for, mom?”

“I don’t have a daughter like you.”

“Yeah whatever. So Bbyu is actually a member of the Lee family. You know Mark Zuckerberg of Korea?”

Bbyu is their name? It’s in the borderline of cute and cringe.

“Yes, our compound is beside theirs.”

“Oh good. Anyway we started dating in-“

“Here Sooyoungie eats again.”

Again, Sooyoung was kinda furious. She swallowed her food then glared at Joohyun.

“What the actual unnie?!”

“Calm your down.”

“Why aren’t you always going to let me finish my sentence? Ah let me guess, you want to tell your love story to Yeri right? Hey Yeri aren’t you curious?”

“I guess I am.”

“Yeri, I didn’t raise you that way.”

Since when did I become her daughter?

“I’m sorry, but you never did raise her.”

“Shut up Sooyoung.”

“Now tell us your story.”

“Nope.”

“No? Okay. I’m gonna ask my brother to ask Junmyeon oppa to come here and tell your love story.”

“Don’t involve him here.”

“Okay. Then tell us the story. I have known you for years already, and you haven’t told me about it. Now’s your chance.”

“Fine. It’s not even a love story if there’s no love.”

What did I just hear?

“Wow. I totally didn’t expect that.”

“Sooyoung, please let me continue. Anyway, we’re arranged to marry each other. You know, for business?”

Sadly, that’s going to happen to me too.

“Lucky me. My brother and I were free to marry whoever we want.”

“Let me continue. So we needed to act like a couple, and that’s what we’re doing.”

A long pause followed afterwards.

“That’s it?”

“Yes, why do you need more to talk about? How about let’s go back to you and Sungjae.”

“Nope. Back at you, have the two of you ever kissed?”

“Once, two years ago during Valentine’s Day. A publicity stunt.”

“That’s it? How boring. You know if I want, I can talk about my adventures with Sungjae.”

“Yeri, cover your ears.”

Yeri did as she instructed. There’s no reason to cover my ears. They’re already stained from yesterday’s conversation.

“Wow, I can’t believe you followed my others. You must be my child.”

“Hey mother, how about me?”

“Since when did I become your mother?”

“Since birth.”

“Why you little?!”

“No mother, I’m taller than you.”

“Freaking ogre.”

“Oh look, it's going to be 1 o’clock soon. I need to go to the Governor’s office.”

I hope I did break their war.

“You’re right. Let’s finish these.” Joohyun instructed.

The three of them hurriedly ate their food. After that they went outside.

“Hey Sooyoung, where did your brother and Junmyeon go?”

“Wait, let me call him.”

Sooyoung used her phone to call her brother.

“Hey, why did you call me?” A deep voice asked.

“Where are you? Are you still with Junmyeon oppa?”

“Why are you finding him?”

“Joohyun unnie and his sister asks where he is.”

“Wait, his sister is here?”

“Yes, and don’t try to flirt with her. She’s quite shy.”

Heh?

“Aww man. Anyway we’re actually in the park at the centre.”

“Okay we’re going there.”

The trio walked to the centre of the mall. Again, there are several people looking at them.

“Hey.” A deep voice spoke.

“Oh, both of you are here. Anyway, Kim Yerim, who prefers to be called Yeri, here is my brother Park Chanyeol. Brother this is Yeri.”

“Yerri is a beautiful nickname, but I’d like to call you tonight.”

What the actual hell?

“Hi Chanyeol. You must have forgotten that I’m here, her brother. I’m sorry you had to experience that Yeri. Actually he doesn’t really like you. He’s just desperate for a girlfriend.”

“Oh I see. I still don’t have a phone by the way”

“If you can’t call me tonight then call me Oppa.”

Smack!

Chanyeol received a slap in the back of his head. He turned around to see who slapped him. It was Joohyun.

“Why did you do that? I thought your English name, Irene, means the goddess of peace. Why are you trying to start a war?”

“Why start a war when your opponent already loses.”

“Ouch. It’s okay big brother. It will be fine.”

The rest snickered at the siblings.

“Anyway sorry to break to you Chanyeol, but my sister and I are going to be late now.”

“K fine bye. Hey Yeri. If you already have a phone, just ask for my number from your brother.”

“Hey brother can you please stop. Just stop flirting with anyone please. I promise I’ll find you a girl who can resist you.”

“I feel so bad for that girl.” Joohyun commented.

 “Can all of you stop teasing me? K fine. I’ll find another girl. By doing it randomly.”

“Please not someone in here.” Sooyoun