"Let's go, it's going to get dark soon!" Mira called out to Jae, who was playing on the playground in a nearby park. She had just gotten off work and because Jae was already at the restaurant, she offered to bring him home since she would be heading there. 

Jae frowned but obeyed, "Aww. Okay noona."

He ran up to Mira and took hold of her hand, and together they began to walk home. Jae was adorable, she had to admit.

Although it's already been years, she couldn't help but wonder how hard it must be for him not to have their father around. Don't get her wrong, they both love and admire Mr. and Mrs. Oh, but they have their own family to worry about, as well. Especially since Sehun can unfortunately be a handful.

There's only so much that Mira could do for Jae. She can't teach him how to play soccer or baseball. She can't teach him how to defend himself against other guys. She can't give him advice on girls, because she would be biased. She can't even get herself to tell Jae the truth about their father's departure.

All he knows is that their dad had left for work, but it was much deeper than that. If he had stayed, he would be reminded of his deceased wife everytime he saw their children. It was difficult for him, but he ignored his children's own cries for help and started to only care for himself.

Selfish and ignorant – he sadly revolved around these traits.

Thinking about their dad hurt her so much. How could he just dump his own children and leave them with another family? How could he have easily moved to another country without a second thought? She was hurting just as much as him, maybe even more.

These kind of thoughts always haunted Mira at the most random times. Whether it was through daydreaming, regular thoughts or through her dreams. They haunted her and clinged onto her like an unforgettable memory.

Mira winced at the horrible flashbacks. She didn't want to go back to that period of time when she needed her father the most for support and comfort, but was denied and neglected in the end.

She had to learn how to take care of herself and her brother, leading her to mature at such a young age. She couldn't have normal adolescent years because she began to shut everything out.

There was one thing she was definitely thankful for, and that was being able to live with the Oh family. They were her and Jae's family now. With their tender love and care, she grew stronger.

Not even thinking, Mira let out a soft sob, followed by a couple of unwanted tears which ran down her cheeks. Both happy and sad tears – definite bittersweet tears. Jae immediately looked up at his older sister and panicked after seeing her face. 

"Noona! Noona! What's wrong?" Jae asked, clearly frightened and confused. The two stopped in their tracks so Mira could calm down and regain her thoughts. She inhaled a deep breath and slowly exhaled before wiping her eyes and cheeks. She turned and looked down at her little brother.

Cupping his cheeks and giving him a subtle smile, she replied, "I'm sorry, baby. I was just thinking. I love you so much and want the best for you. You know I would do anything for you and help you whenever, right?"

"Of course. I love you, too! But... A-are you o-okay, noona?" He asked. It was obvious that Jae was still confused and startled.

Realizing this, Mira smiled brightly to reassure him and kissed him on his forehead, which earned a smile back from the child.

"C'mon, let's go home," Mira replied, hoping to forget about all the of thoughts from before.

The two continued down the path passing a handful of people.

Even being surrounded by a sea of others, something caught her eye.

Across the street, she noticed two handsome, young figures standing under the bus stop sign. Ooh, they seem cute... Mira couldn't help but think how manly and handsome they looked. Getting closer in distance, she observed them more but noticed something familiar about one male. That blond hair and tan skin... 

"Oh my god, that's not who I think it is..." Mira whispered to herself in disbelief. Once she realized who he was, like as if he had heard her, he turned her way and both of them locked eyes.

She was pretty sure her heartbeat could be heard from a mile away. A second a later, she caught his friend look her way, as well, making her pulse increase and she knew she had turned at least ten shades of red. If she got a nickel for everytime she sweared in her head, she would be a millionare right now.

She stopped in her place because she didn't know if she should stop to say 'Hi' or to continue walking. Mira was very hesitant and confused as to what she should do. Too make things worse, after the two males had a short conversation between each other, Kai and his friend looked at her again before walking away to the corner of the street.

To her surprise, she let a sigh of relief. But her moment of peace flashed away when she saw the both of the crossing the street...

Heading her way.

—

"Hyung, it's her."

Baekhyun looked at the girl with keen eyes. He barely recognized her, but there was definitely something about her that seemed familiar. She just had that aura. She was already staring back at Kai, then her eyes landed on Baekhyun, which caught him off guard, then she looked back at Kai.

He nudged Kai in the ribs and asked, "So, are you going to say 'Hi' or are you just going to let her go? I can see in your expression that you want to go up to her."

"I don't know, should I? Would that be weird? Plus we have to catch this bus to get the food to my mom," Kai replied. Although, after everything that him and Baekhyun discussed earlier, he couldn't help but wonder if it could be her. Would be it worth it to take a chance?

"Well, luckily for us your house isn't that far. You better hurry before you miss your chance..." Baekhyun said with a smirk, then added, "I'm pretty curious myself. I wonder if it's really her. But if you do, don't bring up anything about the past." Kai nodded. His friend was right, the moment of chance was being offered to him. He contemplated for awhile before finally deciding. 

"Alright, let's go."

—

Why the hell are they walking this way? 

Mira kept cursing at herself in her head. She was freaking out internally and ended up shaking a little. It wasn't until Kai and Baekhyun finally reached her and Jae, that she froze in her place and just stared at the two.

Mira wasn't the only one who was nervous, but Kai seemed so as well. He spoke first, "Uh, hey Mira. Nice seeing you today." He smiled awkwardly, a totally different kind of smile than the confident smile she experienced first hand at the bubble tea store.

Now that he knows that this girl can possibly be his old friend definitely made it a lot more awkward and nerve-racking for him. It was as if all of his confidence escaped. He didn't know how to be natural around her anymore.

How was he supposed to act? What was he supposed to say? How do you bring up a casual conversation?

It was slowly killing Kai inside because to be frank, he was clueless.

"Hey Kai, nice seeing you again," Mira chuckled nervously. Sensing the awkward atmosphere, Baekhyun was the one who attempted to light up the atmosphere.

Stepping forward with his hand out in front of him and wearing a warm, handsome smile, Baekhyun introduced himself, "Hello, my name is Baekhyun! I'm Kai's best friend. Nice to meet you."

Sure enough, the awkward atmosphere disappeared and Mira noticed that he had a wonderful smile. She melted a little inside. First it was Kai, now his friend. They definitely had some killer smiles and looks. It was a miracle that her legs didn't give out on her. Mira grabbed Baekhyun's hand to shake it and exposed a bright smile. 

"Hello Baekhyun. Nice to meet you, too. I'm Mira."

Mira paused for a quick second and sensed something weird. She looked down at their hands that were interlocked and it made her think. Why do I get this weird feeling that I've done this before?

It didn't take her long to regain her conscience again and proceeded.

"Hi, Baekhyun hyung, my name is Jae!" The youngest said excitedly then greeted Kai, "Hi again, Kai hyung!" This received a smile from both Kai and Baekhyun.

"You're a handsome little man, aren't you?" Baekhyun asked as he squat down to meet Jae's eyes. Jae couldn't help but puff out his chest like a superhero and smile. Baekhyun held out his hand for a high five and invited Jae to hit it, which he happily did.

"So..." Kai turned to Mira and addressed to her, "What are you two up to?"

"Jae and I were just heading home. Seems like you two are planning to cook something? Or getting groceries?" Mira asked as she pointed at the bags full of ingredients and food. 

"Oh yeah, my mom wanted to cook some soy sauce crab and—"

"Soy sauce crab?! Why don't you cook that tonight, noona?" Jae whined and begged as he tugged on his sister's sleeve.

"Baby, you know I can't cook," Mira mumbled to Jae, clearly embarrassed, "Plus I don't have money to buy the ingredients. Sorry honey." Mira felt guilty for not being able to cheer up her younger brother.

"Hey, why don't you guys come over to have dinner with us? Kai's house isn't too far away and I'm sure it would be okay with him and his mother," Baekhyun stated.

"Right Kai?" Baekhyun patted him on his back, giving him a cheeky and innocent grin.

Kai did