"Sorry I'm late." Saehee knocked on the door to the study room before going in.

Minseok chuckled, "Why are you knocking? You live here."

"Oh. Oh yeah," Saehee blushed, taking her seat at the work desk. Ever since Minseok's friends made him realize his feelings for Saehee, he'd try to make her blush. He really liked how she looked when she did. But just in general, she always looked beautiful to him. With your straight, black hair and cute glasses, he mentally began listing all his favorite features of her.

"Yesterday, I greeted one of the guards." Saehee announced. A proud smile reflected on her face.

"That's great!" Minseok smiled with her.

"He looked surprised," Saehee laughed, "but he also looked happy, so that made me glad." Minseok was amazed at how fast Saehee was progressing. It had only been a little over a month since they met and decided to help her overcome her condition. And already she was feeling more comfortable around people. Minseok also hasn't seen Saehee hallucinate in a few days, too.

"I'd like to introduce you to my friends some time. They're really nice, but they can be weird at times. I think you'd like them." Minseok told Saehee. He thought that introducing her to new people would be good for her. It was great that she was talking to others, but it would be even better if she can make friends.

"Oh, I'd like to meet them." Saehee smiled.

"We can all hang out when school starts." Minseok began imagining scenarios in his head of them all together.

"I'm home schooled..." Saehee's voice became softer. Minseok practically heard his scenarios shatter into billions of pieces.

“How come you’re home school?”

“My parents didn’t want me to have to face people because I was uncomfortable. I’ve never been to public school.”

"Do you want to try going to school this year?"

"I’d like to try, but..." Saehee bit her lip. She was scared. She could handle a person individually, but a lot of people at once? She didn't have that much confidence.

"At school you'll have my friends I there with you. There's nothing to be scared of. I think this is a good opportunity for you to get use to people." Minseok spoke honestly.

"I'll ask my uncle to enroll me." She decided.

“I’ll ask with you.”

“That’s not necessary.”

“It’s okay. It might be better if I give some support from the side line.” Minseok gave her a thumbs up. Saehee thought about for a second before nodding in agreement. A little support was all she needed.

---

The next day Saehee entered the piano room after Minseok’s lesson had just ended. The plan was originally for her to wait for her uncle to step out, but her nervousness took over and she ended up walking in on her own to get it over with.

“Ah, Saehee, do you need something?” Jonguk looked at the girl, confused that she would come at a time like that.

Saehee fidgeted in the middle of the room. She’d open to say something, but then close it when no sound came out. She wanted to ask for permission to go to school, but she was scared of his answer. Knowing that her uncle is very protective of her, she didn’t want to burden him with unreasonable requests.

Minseok observed her from the piano bench. He felt the urge to ask for her, but stopped himself. He needed to give her the opportunity to speak for herself, so he remained silent.

Jonguk patiently waited for what Saehee had to say. He knew that she wouldn’t have walked in for no reason at all.

Saehee glanced at Minseok from the corner of her. He caught her looking at him, and gave her a gentle smile for encouragement.

She garnered her courage and asked, “Uncle, can you enroll me into public school?” She exhaled, relieved that she finally said it.

Jonguk furrowed his brows. He mentally replayed the memories in his head of Saehee crying and being isolated by her peers. He didn’t want those events to repeat themselves.

“I’m sorry, but I have to refuse. I won’t allow you to get hurt by people,” Jonguk answered in a serious tone.

Saehee gulped, a lump forming in at the rejection. Her eyes began to water. Minseok abruptly stood up. “Sir, please let her try going to school. She wants to do this for herself. Even if you’re worried that something might go wrong, you have to take that chance. Or else Saehee will always be afraid to face the world.” Minseok’s heart thumped loudly in his chest—suddenly regretting his outburst at the sight of Jonguk’s angered expression.

Before Jonguk could counter Minseok’s words, Saehee spoke up. “Uncle Jonguk…I want to overcome my schizophrenia. I’m sure you’ve noticed that I’ve been trying to be more open. I want to take the next step. I think I’m ready.” The room became silent and the atmosphere was tense. Jonguk was lost for words. His mind told him to refuse and to leave it at that. But his heart ached at the thought of Saehee feeling helpless.

Jonguk slipped off his specs, and then pinched the bridge of his noise. He was defeated by the two teens in front of him. “I’ll enroll you.”

Saehee raised her head, eyes glittering with surprise. “Really?” She asked for confirmation.

“Yes. Just remember, you asked for this. If you change your mind, tell me and I’ll pull you out right away.”

“Thank you!” Minseok was the first to thank him by bowing at a 90 degree angle. He blindly reached his hand out to tug on Saehee’s arm. She quickly got his message and bowed to her uncle. “Thank you Uncle. You won’t regret your decision.” With that, Jonguk left the room to think to privately.

Minseok and Saehee remained still for a few seconds before turning to each other. They both jumped up and down, and then collided into an embrace. “I’m so proud of you!” Minseok lifted her up off the floor and spun her around. Saehee squealed at the excitement, her tears that she was holding back let loose. Minseok placed her back on the floor. He removed her glasses in order to wipe the tears from her cheeks.

“Don’t cry. You should be happy.”

Saehee grinned through her tears. “I am happy.”

(updated: 12-15-13)