As Heejin quietly closed Yeojin's bedroom door, the soft click echoing in the hallway, she felt a sense of calm settle over her. She took a moment to admire the serene expression on Yeojin's sleeping face, a reminder of the innocence that still thrived amidst everything that’s going on.

 

Returning to the living room, she found Sooyoung and Jinsoul seated on opposite ends of the plush couch, their gazes fixed on the flickering flames in the fireplace. The warmth of the fire cast a gentle glow over the room, creating a cozy atmosphere that contrasted with the weight of unspoken thoughts hanging in the air.

 

Heejin sank into the armchair nearby, the soft cushions embracing her tired frame. She heaved a deep sigh, her eyes gravitating towards the two women seated in front of her. Sooyoung's voice broke the heavy silence, her tone resolute yet tinged with a hint of regret.

 

"I agree with Hyunjin," Sooyoung stated, her gaze meeting Heejin's with unwavering determination. "We shouldn't have hesitated for a moment to take Yeojin in, especially if this was what Vivi and Haseul wanted."

 

Jinsoul's gaze drifted down to her glass of wine, the crimson liquid swirling gently as guilt seeped into her thoughts. Earlier that day, during the discussion about Haseul and Vivi's will, she had reacted with skepticism and hesitation. The weight of her initial doubts now bore heavily on her conscience as she reflected on the immense responsibility they had undertaken.

 

Heejin, too, felt a pang of uncertainty and unease as she thought about her role as Yeojin's primary guardian. The unexpected task of raising her godchild alongside Kim Hyunjin, a friend she hadn't seen in years, presented a challenge that tested her in ways she hadn't anticipated.

 

As the evening wore on and the conversation shifted, Heejin's thoughts couldn't help but drift towards Kim Hyunjin. She recalled their unexpected encounter at the lawyer's office earlier that day, where Hyunjin's appearance had left a lasting impression on her.

 

In her mind's eye, Heejin replayed the moment when Hyunjin had walked into the room, her once-polished image now replaced with a more rugged and careworn look. It wasn't that Hyunjin looked bad; in fact, there was a certain rawness and authenticity to her appearance that spoke of a life lived with its share of challenges and experiences.

 

Heejin had always remembered Hyunjin as the confident and charismatic member of their group, with her infectious smile and boundless energy lighting up every room. Seeing her now, with a more relaxed look and a few scars visible on her hands, was a stark contrast to the idol image they had once embodied together.

 

"It's surprising, isn't it?" Heejin voiced her thoughts aloud, drawing the attention of Sooyoung and Jinsoul. "Hyunjin looks... different."

 

Sooyoung nodded in agreement, her expression thoughtful. "Life can change people in unexpected ways," she remarked, her gaze distant as if pondering her own experiences.

 

Jinsoul chimed in, her tone tinged with curiosity. "I wonder what she's been up to all these years," she mused, echoing the unspoken questions that lingered in all their minds.

 

Heejin couldn't shake off the mixture of curiosity and concern that tugged at her heart. Despite the passage of time and the changes they had all undergone, the bond they shared with Hyunjin remained a constant thread in their lives. She silently hoped that their reunion would bring answers and perhaps a renewed sense of connection among them, bridging the gap of years apart.

 

"Sooyoung unnie," Heejin's voice broke through the contemplative silence, her gaze shifting to her friend with a curious expression. "Have you read the letter that Haseul and Vivi left for you?"

 

Sooyoung nodded, her expression somber. "Yes, I have," she replied softly. "It was... difficult to read, but also comforting in a way."

 

Heejin shook her head slightly, a hint of uncertainty in her eyes. "I haven't read mine yet," she admitted, a sense of apprehension clouding her thoughts. The letter from their departed friends held a weight that she wasn't sure she was ready to confront.

 

Jinsoul heaved a deep breath, her gaze drifting towards the flickering flames in the fireplace. "I've read mine," she spoke up, her tone carrying a mix of emotions. "And if your letter is anything close to what I received," she continued, turning her attention back to her friend, "you might as well go ahead and adopt Yeojin for good."

 

Heejin's eyes widened slightly at Jinsoul's comment, the gravity of her words sinking in. The letters from Haseul and Vivi seemed to hold secrets, wishes, and revelations that were deeply personal and impactful.

 

"It's time," Jinsoul added, her voice firm yet compassionate. "Time to face whatever they've left for us, and to honor their memory in the best way we can."

 

The room fell into a contemplative silence once more, the weight of their shared responsibilities and the mysteries of the letters hanging in the air. Despite the uncertainties ahead, there was a sense of unity and determination among them, a silent vow to navigate the challenges together and to uphold the legacy of their beloved friends.

 

🐰🐰🐰

 

The sun cast a warm golden hue over the tranquil rural landscape, bathing the modest home in its gentle light. Surrounded by towering trees that swayed lazily in the breeze, the house exuded a sense of serenity and seclusion.

 

Inside the home, Kim Hyunjin moved with purpose, navigating the space with ease as she attended to various tasks. Her sleeves rolled up, revealing strong arms accustomed to hard work, she handled tools and items with a practiced efficiency. From organizing shelves to tending to a small garden outside the window, Hyunjin's movements were methodical yet fluid, a testament to her resourcefulness and adaptability.

 

As she focused on her tasks, a voice called out from the doorway. "Hyunjin, are you around?"

 

Hyunjin turned, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips as she spotted Ryujin, her trusted assistant, peering into the cabin. "I'm here," she replied, setting down a gardening tool and wiping her hands on a cloth.

 

Ryujin stepped inside, her gaze taking in the cozy interior of the cabin before settling on Hyunjin. "I've got the supplies you asked for," she announced, holding up a basket filled with various items.

 

Hyunjin nodded appreciatively, gesturing for Ryujin to place the basket on the nearby table. "Thanks, Ryujin. You always know what I need," she remarked, a hint of gratitude in her voice.

 

As Ryujin unpacked the supplies and organized them neatly, Hyunjin's thoughts drifted momentarily. She glanced out the window at the expansive backyard, a sense of peace washing over her despite the weight of her responsibilities.

 

"I'll need your help with a few things today," Hyunjin finally said, turning to Ryujin with a determined look. "There's a lot to do, and we need to get everything settled quickly."

 

Ryujin nodded, her expression mirroring Hyunjin's determination. "Easy-peasy, Aeongie." she replied confidently, a reassuring smile on her lips.

 

🐱🐱🐱

 

As the sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow in the living room, Heejin meticulously packed away the last of Yeojin's belongings into a sturdy duffle bag. The room was filled with the hustle and bustle of preparation, suitcases lined up neatly beside each other, each containing pieces of their lives ready to be transported to a new chapter.

 

Charlotte, Heejin's manager, leaned against the door frame with a thoughtful expression, her phone call coming to an end. She let out a sigh, her gaze shifting from the phone to Heejin as she approached.

 

"Heejin," Charlotte began, her tone tinged with concern, "are you sure about this move? Everything is set?"

 

Heejin nodded, her movements deliberate as she zipped up the duffle bag. "Yes, Charlotte," she replied firmly, her determination evident. "This is the right decision for us."

 

Charlotte stood with a somber expression, her concern for Heejin palpable as she relayed the latest developments. "I've made calls to halt your activities for the next month," she began, her voice gentle yet firm. "But we need to figure out how you're going to move forward, especially with your new movie about to start filming in two months."

 

Heejin, though resolute in her decision, couldn't hide the flicker of uncertainty that crossed her features. The weight of her responsibilities and the challenges ahead were beginning to sink in.

 

"I know it's a lot to take in," Charlotte continued, her tone understanding. "But you've made it clear that this move is important, especially for Yeojin."

 

Heejin nodded, her determination resurfacing as she spoke. "Yes, Charlotte. I have to do this, at least for the next full year," she affirmed, her voice filled with conviction. "It means so much to Yeojin, and I want to give her the stability and love she deserves."

 

Charlotte nodded in understanding, her expression softening with empathy. After a moment of silence, she shifted the conversation to another pressing matter.

 

"And what about Kim Hyunjin?" Charlotte asked gently, her gaze searching Heejin's eyes. "Are you going to be okay spending every waking day with her from now on?"

 

Heejin paused, her thoughts drifting to the enigmatic figure of Kim Hyunjin, their shared history and the complexities of their relationship. Despite the uncertainties that lay ahead, she met Charlotte's gaze with a determined resolve.

 

"I'll manage," Heejin replied with a hint of optimism, a small smile playing on her lips. "We'll manage. For Yeojin's sake and for our own."

 

Charlotte nodded in acknowledgment.

 

The soft patter of little feet broke the quiet of the living room as Yeojin emerged from her room, clutching her favorite frog plushie tightly to her chest. Her wide eyes sparkled with curiosity and innocence as she looked up at Heejin, who was in the midst of final preparations for their departure.

 

"Are we leaving already?" Yeojin's voice was sweet and innocent, tinged with a hint of concern.

 

Heejin smiled warmly at the toddler, her heart swelling with love. "Yes, sweetheart," she replied gently, kneeling down to Yeojin's eye level. "We're going on a little trip together."

 

As Heejin made a move to fix Yeojin's jumper, her fingers deftly adjusting the fabric, she couldn't help but feel a wave of emotions wash over her. It had been a few weeks since Yeojin's parents' funeral, and despite her young age, Yeojin seemed to have a grasp of what had happened. The weight of the loss hung in the air, a silent reminder of the challenges they faced.

 

Heejin Yeojin's hair affectionately, her touch gentle and reassuring. She pulled the toddler into a warm hug, holding her close for a moment as if trying to shield her from the harsh realities of life. It was a bittersweet embrace, filled with love and sadness intertwined.

 

As Heejin reluctantly let go of Yeojin, trying to compose herself, her phone buzzed with a message. It was from Sooyoung who was already at the airport, urging Heejin to hurry over before she strangled Jinsoul out of annoyance.

 

Heejin chuckled softly at the message, a brief moment of levity amidst the somber atmosphere. She wiped away a stray tear, determined to stay strong for Yeojin and to face the challenges of the journey ahead with courage and resilience.

 

🐰🐰🐰

 

The flight to Jeju had been surprisingly short, almost too short for Heejin's nerves to settle. Despite Sooyoung and Jinsoul's constant bickering throughout the journey, their banter did little to distract Heejin from the tense anticipation gnawing at her.

 

As the plane touched down and the passengers began to disembark, Heejin's heart raced with uncertainty. The short duration of the flight had left her with little time to prepare mentally for what awaited them on the island.

 

Stepping out of the terminal and into the bustling atmosphere of Jeju's airport, Heejin's eyes scanned the crowd, searching for any signs of what was to come. It was then that her gaze landed on a huge white placard, bearing Yeojin's name written in bold black letters.

 

The sight of the placard caused Yeojin to release her hold on Heejin's hand and dart towards the holder whose face was obscured by the size of the sign. Heejin's heart skipped a beat, confusion clouding her thoughts as she watched Yeojin eagerly approach the person.

 

"Yeojin, wait!" Heejin called out, her voice tinged with concern and bewilderment.

 

As the holder of the placard lowered it slightly, revealing a warm smile, Heejin's confusion deepened when she recognized the person behind it—it was Hyunjin. Her heart skipped a beat as she watched Yeojin eagerly approach Hyunjin, her face lighting up with familiarity and trust.

 

"Hello there, little one," Hyunjin greeted Yeojin with a gentle smile, crouching down to her level as Yeojin nestled into her embrace.

 

Heejin's mind raced as she tried to make sense of the situation. She had spoken to Yeojin about staying with another friend of her parents', but the sight of Yeojin clutching Hyunjin as if she were a lifeline made it clear that Yeojin knew Hyunjin, and not just in passing.

 

A wave of unsettling realization washed over Heejin, her stomach churning with unease. She remained silent, her face a mask of blank surprise as she observed the intimate interaction between Yeojin and Hyunjin.

 

Hyunjin glanced up, meeting Heejin's gaze. "Heejin," she said softly, rising to her feet with Yeojin still in her arms.

 

Heejin managed a faint nod, her thoughts swirling with questions and uncertainty. How did Yeojin know Hyunjin so well? What connection did they have that she wasn't aware of?

 

Despite her inner turmoil, Heejin forced herself to maintain composure, not wanting to cause any confusion or distress for Yeojin. She followed silently as Hyunjin led the way, her mind racing with a whirlwind of emotions and unanswered questions.

 

The ride to Hyunjin's place was relatively quiet, with a tense atmosphere lingering in the air. Sooyoung took the passenger seat beside Hyunjin, while Heejin and Jinsoul sat in the back, their silence punctuated by the occasional sound of the engine and the passing scenery.

 

Heejin's mind was a whirlwind of confusion and mixed emotions. Seeing Hyunjin effortlessly load all their heavy bags at the back of her pick-up truck as if they were mere paperweights only added to her bewilderment.

 

Sooyoung, ever the conversationalist, attempted to break the silence with a few questions directed at Hyunjin. "How has the weather been like in Jeju?" she asked, trying to initiate small talk.

 

Hyunjin, though polite in her responses, kept her answers short and to the point. "The weather's been good," she replied briefly, her focus on the road ahead.

 

The quiet ride continued, each passing minute adding to the tension that hung in the air. Heejin stole glances at Hyunjin from the backseat, trying to decipher the enigma that was her former bandmate. The familiarity and yet the distance between them felt palpable, adding to Heejin's internal turmoil.

 

As the truck rolled along the scenic route, Jinsoul couldn't resist capturing the picturesque surroundings with her camera. She clicked away, capturing the beauty of the countryside, the lush greenery, and the quaint charm of the small towns they passed through.

 

Heejin couldn't help but notice Jinsoul's enthusiasm for p