Kintsugi

19.

Hwayoung believed floral dresses were the epitome of femininity. She often portrayed feminine characters in soft pinks, blues and floral outfits but despite her love for those patterns, she had never dared to wear them. She hadn't felt confident enough.

Yet today, she had to pull out one of the few dresses she owned stashed way back in her closet for her date with Taejoon. A white dress with little orange flowers over it with thin straps, a piece she had bought as a dare given to her by Aera only to be never worn because it was a size too small. She had been too embarrassed to even return it.

But she had lost weight over the years and seeing how the rest of her dresses were too loose, she risked trying it once again over going shopping at the last minute. Or worse, wearing her mom's dress.

She held her breath as she slid the dress over her head and released it when the dress glided smoothly over her body, only feeling just a tiny bit tight around her chest. But then, most things did get stuck due to her chest.

With a chuckle, she stood before the mirror, the same mirror she stood before every morning after her bath to scrutinise herself. But not today. Today she admired her body, admired the way the square neck looked flattering instead of vulgar, admired how the ruched fabric at her waist emphasised her thin waist and admired the way the slit that reached mid-thigh was the perfect combination of flatteringly sexy.

She still had the lower belly pooch and the thick thighs but she had also lost substantial weight on her upper body. Even her cheeks had slimmed down and she could finally start feeling good in her skin. Not because society found it acceptable, but because she could finally wear her favourite dress without worrying about anything.

For the first time in forever, she was happy with the results of her efforts and happy that she had done it without compromising her diet too much. She was proud of herself. Feeling on top of the world, she finished getting ready. She applied light makeup, perfect for the sunny day, and painted her lips berry red. Her ears sparkled because of the thin dangly diamond earrings. Covering her shoulders with a white oversized shirt to prevent tanning, she donned strappy white heels and left her house.

Taejoon had previously told her he would pick her up but a sudden meeting had made them change plans. He had instead invited Hwayoung to his company so he could also show her his music studio and then they could go to movies as planned. Hence, she sat in a taxi, relaxing against the seat for the slightly long ride to Gangnam.