Sana and Dahyun were left alone after Yu-jun opted to go to fulfill an errand for Dae-won. The two are still perplexed, as their situation seemed to worsen with each passing moment. Dahyun, in particular, silently wished herself that everything would turn out well.

The two women soon got to the bottom of why they had to meet. Dahyun had meticulously planned out everything that needed to be done before the end of the month. Now, after spending the entire night organizing Sana's schedule, she could finally pass it over to the woman for her agreement. Dahyun also provided necessary details about everything she would need to get organized quickly, which included a large amount of paperwork. Fortunately, Sana has always enjoyed organizing things. That prompted her to volunteer to start doing it today, despite Dahyun's suggestion that she start tomorrow instead. And very well, Dahyun couldn't say no to someone who was so persistent.

 

"Are you sure you don't want to use this day for some last-minute relaxation before the real work begins?" Dahyun inquired, thinking that if she were given the option, she would gladly use it. But then, Sana is unmistakably different from her.

"I've always wanted permanent... or long-term work, remember?" Sana remarked, drawing a nod from Dahyun.

"You make a valid point."

"I'm glad for this opportunity, Atty. Kim," Sana stated abruptly, taking a brief glance at Dahyun before focusing back on the direction up ahead. They're on their way to the parking lot to fetch their separate rides. Sana arrived in the same old van she had borrowed from Shirou.

After all this time, it is more likely that it became her car since the man refused to have it back, saying he never uses it anyway. Dahyun, on the other hand, rode her big bike all the way here. Still, despite the fact that they will be riding in different vehicles, both will be heading to Kim Law & Criminal Defenses to get a job done.

"I don't think you should thank me," Dahyun said. She hummed while pursing her lips, trying to find out how to effectively express what was on her mind. "Ever since we met, it's as though we've needed each other's support," Dahyun attempted to communicate. Then, believing that it was insufficient to completely communicate her entire thought, she continued to talk. "It's as if we were seeking each other for favors, like what happened earlier with my friends and my mom," she explained. "We get through the roadblocks together, Sana-ssi. We're like a team."

Sana couldn't help but smile when she heard that. She could never have imagined Dahyun thinking of her in that way. In fact, Sana had never heard someone say something like that to her before.

"You're right," Sana said almost quietly. "Everything seemed to work out wonderfully ever since I met you," she remarked with a smile, and she could tell Dahyun was smiling as well, even if she didn't turn to see. "Perhaps you are a four-leaf clover in my life," Sana added sweetly before playfully bumping her shoulder toward Dahyun, who could only laugh.

"Even so," Dahyun added, leading Sana to hum as a sign that she was listening. "I'm still ashamed."

"Why would you be?"

"What do you mean, why would I be?" groaned Dahyun. "You'll have to show up at a family dinner and introduce yourself as my lover." "It's like I have just asked for too much."

Sana chuckled, realizing what Dahyun meant. "But," Sana began, "that's not how I see things."

"I'm not sure if you're just saying that to make me feel better," Dahyun sighed.

"I'm not, and you should trust me."

Dahyun nodded and smiled slightly as a result. "How do you see it then?" she inquired.

"Honestly," Sana said, "after thinking about it..." "It's not that difficult to do — the pretending," she clarified. "It's not like your mom is demanding that we marry." "She's just excited, Atty. Kim."

"Yeah, she's very excited about that," Dahyun replied, nodding. "I mean, it was plainly obvious," she remarked, laughing.

"That's why you shouldn't be too concerned," Sana added. "Let's just go with the flow for now." "Because we'll gradually find a way to break it to them that the relationship, apparently, didn't work."

"I have to say, Sana, I admire how you're always a positive person," Dahyun stated, finally coming to a halt, as did the other woman. They've reached the parking lot aisle, which means they'll have to go separate ways for the time being. "Do you want me to accompany you so you can get your car first?" Dahyun said.

"No, it's fine," Sana replied, shaking her head.

"Screw that," chuckled Dahyun, "I'm going with you first."

"You're a stubborn one, huh?" Sana laughed, knowing she couldn't say no.

"Said Sana, the stubborn goddess," Dahyun shrugged.

 

 

 

 

"Try to start it now," Dahyun suggested as she stood in front of the van's hood. She appeared to be repairing something in there that Sana was unaware of. All the latter knew was that it seemed to be fine before. This van was even capable of taking her to this place. But when she tried to start it a few minutes before this very moment, it no longer worked.

Perhaps this is why Dahyun insisted on walking Sana to the van. In any case, if the woman obliged and immediately rode her motorcycle away, Sana would be doomed.

"Nothing's happening," Sana replied, sighing before getting out of the driver's seat to see what Dahyun was up to, pretending to fully comprehend.

"What might have gone wrong?" Dahyun wondered aloud, tilting her head. Despite the fact that she had always ridden a motorcycle and never a car, she was well-versed in automotive maintenance and repair. This is all thanks to her uncle, who taught her so many practical skills.

"I believe I have checked everything," she continued. Sana, on the other hand, just stood there staring at her, accepting that she couldn't help in any way. "Unless it's because of spark plug issues," Dahyun stated, looking at Sana, who merely shook her shoulders. "If that's the case, I don't think I can help." "My knowledge no longer extends to that area," she explained. "Well, I may know a little about it, but the trouble is that we don't have the required tools and equipment."

"Is that right?" Sana asked, her lips pursed. Dahyun just nodded in answer before closing the toolbox and returning it to Sana.

"It's amusing that you carry that thing but have no idea what any of the tools in there are for," Dahyun grinned, prompting Sana to sneer before rolling her eyes. "Don't worry, I'll get someone to fix it for you," she said, right then glancing at her wristwatch to check the time. "For the time being, we must report to the office."

"I'll take the cab then, Atty.," Sana answered decisively.

"Why would you take a cab?" Dahyun questioned, somewhat frowning.

Sana blinked several times, seemingly clueless, before responding, "Because the van is broken."

"What I mean is..." Dahyun scratched her forehead. "Why would you take a cab when you could ride with me?" she inquired, her brow wrinkled. "It would also save you time traveling."

When Sana realized what Dahyun was trying to tell her, she could only purse her lips and seem embarrassed. "Oh," she mumbled. "Would that be okay?" she inquired; her cheeks flushed.

"I wouldn't offer it if it wasn't okay," Dahyun responded.

 

Once the two women had reached where the big bike was parked, Sana couldn't help but look amused. This was the same old motorcycle which she recognized, but it was also clear that something had changed. Dahyun had it further modified to her liking. Surprisingly, it also appealed to Sana, who she had assumed would have a different sense of style.

"You loved the makeover, didn't you?" Dahyun remarked as she unlocked one of the touring saddles. She hurriedly grabbed the extra helmet, which she kept in case someone needed a ride. She never imagined that Sana would be the first to need it. "Here," Dahyun said as she handed it over.

Sana quickly took it and wore it above her head. Dahyun hummed, thinking about something the other didn't quite comprehend. "Wait," Dahyun whispered, grabbing for the helmet again to remove it from Sana's head. "You should fix your hair first because it could be uncomfortable," she said.

Sana placed her hair back properly after hearing that. Dahyun then brought her head closer to Sana's face, causing the other woman to flinch and hold her breath. It was too close, but she couldn't protest. After all, Dahyun was only trying to help her tie that hair up.

"That should do," Dahyun said quietly, still close enough for Sana to feel her breath on her face. Thankfully, the woman eventually took a step back, as if nothing had happened.

"I'll put this on you," Dahyun said, gently placing the helmet back on Sana's head. She smiled sweetly before lowering the visor. "You're ready," she stated enthusiastically, prompting Sana to smile even though it was out of Dahyun's sight.

"I feel like we're actually dating," Sana commented, which elicited a hearty laugh from Dahyun.

"What could be better than some practice?" "To put on that show, you know..."

"I should tell whoever you date in the future that..." Sana began, while Dahyun merely listened as she readied herself as well. "Hey, you," Sana said, pretending to be speaking to someone else. "You should be grateful because Atty. Kim is the best partner you'll ever have," she remarked.

"I'll look forward to hearing that someday," Dahyun agreed immediately.

 

Sana carefully organized the files as they were handed over to her. Sana wasn't very interested in the documents because they were all of a legal nature. She would simply do as she was told, focusing on the idea that it needed to be done as quickly as possible.

Dahyun, on the other hand, had nothing to do. That was supposed to be her job, but now that it was handled by someone else, she could only sit back and observe. She concluded later on that doing nothing was too boring, so she took her laptop instead. Then she began looking for information about the cases involving the Zhangs once again.

Just then, she was distracted by approaching footsteps. Sana was standing in front of her desk, holding a folder, when Dahyun started noticing her.

"What's the matter?" Dahyun inquired.

Sana took her time before handing the papers to Dahyun. "Minatozaki Sachio," she continued, "he is my father."

Dahyun had noticed the file name at the exact moment Sana mentioned it, but she said nothing in response. She was presumably thinking of something or waiting for the appropriate time to even say a word.

"You knew that, didn't you?" Sana inquired; her brows raised.

"Yes," Dahyun said before lowering the folder to the table. "But it wasn't long since I found out," she uttered, taking a deep breath. "But I'll be honest with you: knowing your father's situation was the reason I didn't hesitate to provide you help with the money your family — your uncle, needed to pay."

"I don't understand, Atty. Kim," Sana remarked quietly.

"I believe your father is innocent," Dahyun stated decisively, drawing Sana's attention to her. She had no idea that someone would actually side with her family in this matter. Furthermore, Dahyun is an expert in her field, so she knows exactly what she is talking about. "And I understand how much of a burden that false conviction has already placed on you."

"Sana-ssi," Dahyun continued, "let me handle your father's case."

Sana was particularly taken aback, and she found herself unable to speak. Dahyun could have been waiting for her for the entire time she was searching for someone capable of protecting her father.

"But the money," Sana murmured, "how could I pay you?"

"I don't need it," Dahyun said before rising up to face Sana properly. "Let's just call it even," she suggested, baffling the other woman. "It's because, aside from the desire to prove  your father's innocence, winning the case would benefit me as well." "It's a win-win situation, so I wouldn't require payment any longer."

"You must have been surprised that my second reason is self-interest, but that is the reality, and I don't want to hide that from you," Dahyun added, just observing Sana's emotional responses through the woman's face. "Sana-ssi," she continued quietly, "of all people, I believe you understand the concept of self-interest the best. You'd understand me, right?"