Breaking Point

Chapter 4

Hani's eyes fluttered open, the morning light beaming through her window. She rubbed her face with her hands, and reached for her phone on the nightstand. She checked the time.

8:53 a.m.

Jisoo's birthday party will start at 9:00 that night, meaning Hani had plenty of time to kill.

She rolled out of bed and slipped on her house slippers. She cycled through her everyday morning routine, and then made her way downstairs, and into the kitchen.

"Hey dad." She greeted the man standing over the counter, making a cup of hot tea.

"Good morning," he tossed an apple to her. "Sleep well?"

"Yeah," Hani answered. "I'm going to a big party tonight, so I'll be home pretty late."

"Sounds like fun." He smiled at her. "Be safe."

Hani nodded and took a bite out of the apple. "Which bookstore will you be at today?"

"The one by the McDonald's. Your mom will be at the one across from the shoe store."

"If you see Yejoon, till him I said hi," said Hani. "I saw him earlier this week and gave him money for McDonald's."

Hani's dad smiled. "I'll tell him." He checked his watch. "I'm off to work. Have a good day sweetie."

"You too!" Hani waved as he walked out the door.

She strode into the living room and plopped down on the couch. She turned on the TV, and flipped to a news channel.

The scene of a car accident was displayed on the screen. The news anchor was explaining the situation.

Hani shook her head and changed the channel again. She couldn't handle seeing car accidents. It always reminded her of her parents, which she didn't like. But it wasn't because she missed them. She couldn't even remember them. She didn't like it, because it made her remember that her adoptive parents aren't her real parents. She never wanted to think that. They were as real as it could get, even if they weren't biologically related. They were a real, true family.

Hani's dad took her to the place they were buried, but she only went that one time. It didn't make her feel sad, because it didn't feel like they were hers. She only felt at home with her adoptive parents. That's the way it has been her whole life.

Hani's phone chimed, distracting her from those thoughts. It was a text from Chungha.

Chungha: I'm bored. Let's go get a manicure.

Hani: OK. I'll meet you at the salon in 25 minutes :)

Hani quickly ran back upstairs to curl her hair before heading out to meet Chungha.

•••••

"Oooh," Hani smiled. "That outfit is super cute."

Chungha flipped her hair. "Why thank you. Gotta look good for all those celebrities at the party tonight." She winked at Hani.

Hani giggled. "Maybe there will be some cute guys there."

Chungha smiled. "I hope so. I haven't had a date in like 8 months. I've been too focused on work."

Hani poked at Chungha. "Tonight's your chance then."

They both chuckled and skipped into the nail salon.