There were a few guilty little pleasures that I indulged in to survive any toxic day: A cup or two (or three…or even four…or…fine, let’s make that five) of coffee. Some feel-good music randomly blasting from my speakers. A feel of Kuni’s divine fur on my skin. Heartfelt words of encouragement from my supporters. A certain lopsided grin. In contrast, there were just a handful of pet peeves that grated on my nerves: A glitch in my schedule. TMI phone conversations in public places. Troll comments. Traffic jams. And empty spaces. Much like the one next to me. What’s taking him so lo- I felt a remarkably familiar touch sensually my back. I couldn’t help turning my head to my side and when I did, a wink (and a highly provocative one at that, mind you) was thrown my way. I gave the instigator a palpable look of warning despite knowing it would be pointless. “Ah, here comes loverboy! Or should I say So Eun’s loverboy?” Ara declared in between clamorous munching of chips. I tried swatting her arm, but she was too quick for her own good. “And I definitely saw that ‘little private exchange’, or whatever you two call it.” Her comment made me go red in the face and I could tell that it could turn into the brightest shade in the spectrum any minute now. What was it about Ara and her laser beam eyes?! “You didn’t have to watch,” Bum said with an all-too smug expression while he sat next to me at the table on our home’s balcony. He wasn’t helping my case in any way. “You’re right, I didn’t have to,” Ara retorted evenly. “But I wanted to.” Bum shrugged indifferently. “Suit yourself.” “Pfft,” Manhee expressed her disdain before crossing her arms. “Count me out. I came here the other day and guess what I walked in on?” I raised a fist at Manhee. “Don’t you dare!” “Oh my gosh, spill!” Ara ordered. Maybe it wasn’t a good idea to have both Ara and Manhee over at the same time. While Ara was overly enthusiastic, Manhee was more on the cynical side, yet they always managed to connive and gang up on me. Put these two together and a riot would erupt. “Let’s just say they were pretty much joined at the hip…if you get what I mean.” Bum snickered upon seeing Ara’s face drop before it contorted in disgust. “I get what you mean. Let’s not even go there. I have the wildest imagination and I don’t think it can be tamed.” I gave the two ladies a defiant glare while Bum could only laugh. “I think Manhee’s jealous.” “Mwoh? Let me tell you something, Kim Bum. You are in no position to ridicule me. If anything, you should be thanking me.” “And why should I?” Uncrossing her arms, Manhee leaned forward and looked at Bum levelly. “Because if I hadn’t knocked some sense into this impossibly stubborn friend of mine, she wouldn’t be your So Eun. And oh, you’re very much welcome.” “Knocked some sense, you say? Oh you mean more like literally slapping me hard,” I interjected. “And until now you still haven’t apologized!” Bum’s mouth dropped as he faced Manhee. “Wait, what? You hit my So Eun?!” “Whoa, you’re such a badass! Way to go, girl!” Ara joined in and reached her hand out to Manhee for a high-five. “Why, thank you, Ara,” said Manhee before shifting to Bum and me. “So what if I did? And nope, I’m not the least bit apologetic. I’d gladly do it again if I have to. I mean, look at you. If it weren’t for that, you wouldn’t have gotten what you needed. And mind you, it’s been long since you’ve had this beautiful glow on your face. You had been looking quite emaciated if you ask me.” “What?!” “It’s true. Right, Ara?” Shrugging with both brows lifted, Ara causally replied, “What can I say, I’m with Manhee on this.” “See? You know me. I tell it like it is,” Manhee boasted with a victorious smirk. I gave Manhee one last dirty look before rolling my eyes. Bum put an arm around me. “Awww you guys!” Ara squealed like a smitten teenager. “Look at you! I never thought I’d ever see you again like this. You make me feel like a proud mama. I feel like tearing up.” Bum laughed a little while I looked at her strangely. “Well if you give those guys drooling over you a chance, you’d be way too consumed with your own love life that you’d forget we exist.” “Speaking of which, I know someone,” Bum paused, trying to keep the suspense for Ara, “Who’s got the hots for you.” “Oh really? Not interested.” I could tell that Ara tried her hardest to sound apathetic but the way she subtly leaned closer said the otherwise. “Really. But I ain’t telling.” I nudged Bum and whispered, “Who is it?” “I’ll tell you later.” Ara scoffed. “No fair!” “I thought you’re not i