After securely parking the sedan, Nayeon swiftly approached her mother, who was standing by the door. The older woman positioned her clasped hands beneath her chin and smiled sweetly as she watched Nayeon approach her. For some reason, she couldn't believe how quickly time had passed. Nayeon seemed to be exactly the successful woman Yu-jun had always wished for.

"I'm guessing I'm the first to arrive," Nayeon replied, smiling slightly before hugging her mother tightly. "And the main character of the night would arrive an hour late," she continued to speculate, making her mother concur with a chuckle.

"It will be worth the wait," Yu-jun murmured as she drew away from the embrace. It piqued Nayeon's interest.

"You've got me thinking," Nayeon said, squinting her eyes. "It sounds to me that you know what the surprise will be," she explained.

"Well," Yu-jun shrugged, evidently struggling to keep just this small secret to herself. "I discovered that by accident," she confessed before wrapping one arm over Nayeon's. "Don't ask me any more questions about that, honey; I can't ruin the night like that."

Nayeon could only giggle softly and nod her head. "Fine, fine," she murmured. It made her thrilled to see her mother all giddied up like a teenager who found love. And if this was how she would react to whatever surprise Dahyun had prepared for tonight, she figured she might as well be happy for her sister.

"Should we wait for her inside?" Nayeon inquired, having decided not to inquire further about what was already planned for later. Her mother consented immediately and led the way inside, still tugging Nayeon by the arm.

 

 

"Wow, what dish is this? This is the first time I've seen you cook this one," Nayeon asked, peering at one of tonight's main dishes. "It also smells wonderful," she added, clearly pleased with what her mother had made. Now she realizes that this night may be more special than she anticipated.

"This dish is called Italian white bean and pasta stew," Yu-jun remarked triumphantly, as if she were on a cooking show and Nayeon was a judge whose heart she needed to win. "I acquired the recipe from a chef friend," she said, "do you remember her?"

"Ah, yeah, I do," Nayeon said, nodding. "Did you get it free?" "I had no idea chefs gave them out so easily," she whispered, her head tilted in wonder.

"Nayeon, you know everyone adores your mom," Yu-jun said, causing Nayeon to giggle and nod her head. "I usually get the easy way because of it," she continued. "See, just one call, and she handed me the recipe like it was some sort of gossip."

Nayeon thought it was hilarious and chuckled. Oh well, she knew exactly how her mother was. Yu-jun had always been so sweet and friendly, which is why everyone adored her. She, too, is a people-person. So, Yu-jun is most likely where Dahyun got her personality.

"Can I have a taste of that?" Nayeon inquired, prompting the older woman to hurriedly grab a spoonful for her. "Thank you, mom," she whispered.

"Be careful, it may still be hot."

Despite hearing the warning, Nayeon remained silent. It's preferable to take a sip of a stew when it's still hot, as per her. That way, it tastes better.

"How is it?" Yu-jun said, hoping for a positive response from her daughter. It took a long time for Nayeon to say anything.

"This..." she began, "is incredibly delicious, mom."

That was enough to make Yu-jun's heart leap for joy. "Really? You liked it?" she questioned again, probably just to hear it a second time. Compliments are a great motivator for someone who enjoys cooking to try out new recipes.

"It actually tastes like it came from an Italian restaurant," Nayeon gushed, her eyes wide with delight. "You made this so perfectly," she said, taking another taste.

"Ah, she had me write down the entire procedure; it would be such a pity if I still failed," Yu-jun scratched her brow. "However, your sweet remarks are appreciated," she laughed.

"You're welcome, chef," Nayeon said playfully.

They both heard the engine of a motorcycle right then and there. They could determine who had just arrived based on that alone. That was Dahyun's ride, and they were pretty confident of it.

"I'll get the door," Yu-jun remarked, patting one of Nayeon's shoulders as she went away.

Nayeon took another spoonful of the stew when the woman was a little further away. Only this proves how much she loved it.

 

 

"Nice to see you, mom," Dahyun replied, her face tense enough that she couldn't even look the older woman in the eyes. She took a long breath before turning to face her backside. "She had to make a phone call," she said, referring to Sana, who was a little further away, holding the device close to her ear. "She said she didn't know how long it would take, so we could go first."

"Wouldn't she get lost on her way inside?" Yu-jun wondered, feeling terrible about having to leave their visitor like that.

"It's pretty obvious which way leads to the dining area," Dahyun reasoned, smiling broadly. "She's wise," she added, "she'll follow her heart and find her way to the table, precisely where I am, you'll see."

Yu-jun laughed and shook her head as Dahyun smiled smugly. "Look at you, being cheesy like your father used to be," she remarked. "He doesn't look like that now, but believe me."

"Speaking of him," Dahyun began, her face straight since talking about Dae-won still made her uncomfortable. "Is he here?" she inquired warily.

"No, honey," Yu-jun murmured, her shoulders hunched low, as if she was disappointed. "He said he couldn't find time—"

"It's okay to tell the truth, mom," Dahyun remarked, unconcerned. "He doesn't consider this to be important or worth his time," she added, which startled Yu-jun. Despite the fact that those were not the exact words, the thought was almost similar to what Dae-won had told her. "We're not close, but I'm familiar with the way he talks about me," Dahyun said, chuckling softly. "I think I memorized his manner of putting words together."

"Your father doesn't always mean what he says," Yu-jun pointed out.

"I haven't encountered those sometimes," Dahyun muttered. "Should we go inside? Isn't Nayeon already here?" she questioned, hoping to redirect the discussion before it got too deep. "She's always on time." "It's as if everything she does is work-related in her mind, which means she can't be late," Dahyun laughed.

"You're right," Yu-jun couldn't help but agree.

"We're total opposites."

"But I love you equally." "...you and Nayeon."

 

 

"Looking fancy in a white blazer tonight, dearest sister," Dahyun observed after noticing Nayeon leaning against a wall near the entryway, most likely waiting for her mother and Dahyun. "I don't know why, but I kind of anticipated you to be wearing the gift I got you," she taunted, drawing a smirk from Nayeon.

Yu-jun, who had no idea, raised both eyebrows. "Really? You gave your sister a gift?" she said, a little excitedly. "Are you girls finally getting along?" she continued to ask, "What kind of gift was it? A coat?"

Dahyun remained silent, finding it entertaining that even her mother, Yu-jun, had high hopes for that as well. "It was a sweater," Dahyun replied after a while, assuming Nayeon would choose not to say a word either.

"That's incredible," Yu-jun could only say. "Why didn't you wear it tonight, Nayeon?" she inquired, clearly interested.

"It was a Christmas sweater, mom," Nayeon had to say before clenching her teeth. Dahyun could tell she was irritated by the look on her face, and Dahyun surely relished it. "It wasn't just that," Nayeon added, giving her mother a brief glance, "it had some sort of garlands around with dangling knitted ball ornaments."

"It's difficult to wear even on Christmas," Nayeon continued to talk, returning her gaze to Dahyun, who was holding back her laughter. "People may mistake me for a tree and surround me with gifts."

Yu-jun had no idea how to respond. On one part, it was funny, but she didn't want to offend Nayeon in any way. "Why... why would you give your sister something like that, Dahyun-ah?" she sighed.

"Why not?" Dahyun replied, puckering her lips, "I get to choose what I want to offer as a gift."

Fortunately, the conversation ended before it devolved into a full-fledged argument between the two sisters. But the conversation was only cut short because they heard a faint voice by the door, which as well asked for the same full-fledged argument to take place anytime later. Anyhow, that voice prompted Dahyun and Yu-jun to create a way for Nayeon to see who had arrived.

"Uh, hello," Sana said, standing far too stiffly in her white dress. Her hair was also tied back with a white ribbon, giving her a youthful and pure image. "Good... evening," she said gently, her gaze riveted on Nayeon's.

"Oh, Dahyun's girlfriend is here!" Yu-jun joyfully exclaimed.

For some reason, neither of Nayeon and Sana could break eye contact. They had varying expressions based on how they looked, though. Nayeon's were filled with anguish and overtones of disappointment. While Sana's were filled with a bold, unabashed attitude.

Dahyun observed Nayeon's expression and given how much she enjoyed annoying her sister, she smirked and remarked, "Surprise!" It was followed by a light chuckle, which enraged the other woman even more. Even so, she knew how to keep her emotions in check and not allow them to erupt.

"Nayeon-ah! Isn't it a wonderful surprise?" Yu-jun exclaimed as she approached Sana and wrapped her arms around the woman's. As a result, Sana was forced to break eye contact. She believed that as Dahyun's contract-girlfriend, she owed her parents total respect.

"Good evening, Mrs. Kim," Sana said nicely, entirely ignoring Nayeon's presence. "I apologize for having to take a phone call for that long," she smiled sweetly, "in the midst of a special night like this."

"No problem, sweetheart," Yu-jun replied promptly.

 

Mrs. Kim's dining area has likely become Nayeon's most despised spot in the entire world right now. She was not sure how long she'd be able to sit across from Sana, who sat beside Dahyun. To look like real lovebirds, the two feel it's necessary to act clingy because that is how new couples normally behave.

Despite the fact that she knew it was all for show, Nayeon couldn't help but be upset. She was running through all of these more outlandish possibilities in her head. The majority of them are scenarios of how far the two ladies will go to make everyone, including Nayeon herself, believe that the relationship is real.

"Nayeon-ah," Yu-jun spoke quietly but strongly. It was her third attempt to regain Nayeon's attention, but the woman appeared to be lost in her thoughts. Sana could only purse her lips as she observed Nayeon holding the tablespoon so tightly.

Finally returning to reality, Nayeon raised both eyebrows at her mother. "Yes?" she asked with a small smile on her face.

"Is everything all right?" the older woman inquired, concerned.

"Certainly," Nayeon replied swiftly.

"We should start digging in," Yu-jun stated, turning her gaze away from Nayeon and onto the other two women. "This one's a stew. Nayeon loved it, and she's got sensitive taste buds," she said, unaware that the women, particularly Sana and Nayeon, had already become distracted.

"That simply means it's really delicious," Yu-jun explained in the background.

Sana, wanting to somehow calm Nayeon down, used her foot to kick one of Nayeon's feet under. When the woman raised one eyebrow at her, signaling that she wasn't in the mood to play, Sana swallowed hard. In that state, it would be difficult to explain anything to Nayeon.

"Sana, darling," Yu-jun stated abruptly, disrupting Sana's plan to whisper something to Nayeon at a distance. "Dahyun mentioned you liked healthy meals," she went on.

Sana's brow wrinkled, unsure what the woman was on about. As a result, Dahyun cleared , signaling Sana to simply acquiesce.

"Yes, I do," Sana said, bobbing her head. "I... maintain a healthy lifestyle," she chuckled.

"She also told me you like beans," Yu-jun added as she handed Sana a bowl of one of the main dishes. The latter woman's jaw dropped, as she had not expected something like this to happen. If there is one thing that she despises about having to fake date Dahyun, it is having to eat her most hated food.

"W-what..." muttered Sana, casting a quick glance at Dahyun, who clearly had no idea what she loved and hated. They hadn't known each other for long enough to know much about themselves.

Nayeon, on the other hand, knew everything, but she couldn't say anything since she didn't want to jeopardize what the two had planned for, whatever. All she could do was watch Sana accept the dish half-heartedly.

"Thank you, Mrs. Kim," Sana said softly.

"Eat a lot, okay?" Yu-jun encouraged. "It's all for you."