"I always knew our meeting in Taipei wasn't by accident," said Yunjin, pointing a finger at the receipt.
Minji signed the paper. "Whatever, serendipity lover."
"Yah! You wouldn't get Hanni if it wasn't for me, right?"
"And you wouldn't have met Heeseung if I didn't invite you to the party, right? I know what you're pointing out, Yunjin. Why are you being so nostalgic?"
"It's because today is my second anniversary with Heeseung! Have you forgotten that?"
"Oh? Is it today?" Minji glanced at her watch to check the date. "Wow. How time really flies, huh? So, you're really over Taipei now, huh?"
"Taipei will always have a special place in my heart," said Yunjin. "But yeah, I have to move on someday, right?"
"And you've got the right to be happy."
"Exactly."
Minji stared at Yunjin, realizing how special their friendship had become through the years. "I'm happy you're with Heeseung, Yunjin."
Yunjin smirked. "Heeseung kept complaining about how their department got boring since you left them."
"Oh, c'mon." Minji tapped her palm on the counter. "I quit my job almost two years ago and he hasn't adapted to it yet?"
"Maybe he just misses you?"
"Or maybe he misses my visitors before? Aw!" Minji earned herself a slap from Yunjin. "Since you mention that, maybe let's hang out sometime; you and Heeseung, me and Hanni."
"Sounds good! I think we should do it at least once a month. I rarely see you now after you opened your studio."
Minji sighed. "Yeah. I've been busy. Dad's putting more pressure on it."
"But at least you know that your business is in good hands, right?"
"Yeah..." Minji shrugged, looking down at her phone to check the message that just came in. "All right. I need to go now. The queen texted me. "
Yunjin raised an eyebrow. "Queen?"
"Hanni's mom. She said Hanni's in my apartment now and wants me to surprise her."
"Wow. Finally in good terms with your in-law, huh?"
"We're getting there, Yunjin. Slowly but surely."
Yunjin handed Minji the bouquet she ordered. "What's with those? I bet you've done something to piss Hanni, huh?"
"Well," Minji started, scrunching up her face. "Let's just say that we haven't seen each other for a week. And I missed our third anniversary..."
Yunjin's eyes widened. "What? Jeez. You're in trouble, Minji. BIG trouble."
"I know. I know. The queen even scolded me for upsetting her daughter. I told Hanni I'll be out with my dad for three days only but something came up. We had to stay in Bangkok for a week."
"Let me know the address of your funeral so I could send you flowers, okay?"
"You're crazy."
"Good luck with Hanni later."
"I'll call you if I make it out alive."
—
While walking back to the parking lot with flowers in hand, Minji spotted a familiar figure walking on the other side of the street.
Long legs, slim figure, and that sexy signature walk; she could not be mistaken. The woman might have had changed her hairstyle and might dress more differently now but Minji surely knows who she is.
Minji crossed the road and approached the figure.
"Umm, excuse me, miss...?"
The woman turned around. Her eyes grew wide. "M-Minji?"
"I knew it was you, kitty!"
"Oh, bear!" Haerin reached out to hug Minji. "Gosh! How are you?"
Minji pulled back. "I'm good! How about you? Are you on vacation or something?"
"Well, I'm kind of stuck here in Seoul. Jungwon and I have built a modeling agency and we're kind of in a startup stage right now."
"Wow. For real?" asked Minji, surprised. "Well, I'm managing a studio with my dad after I quit my job two years ago."
Haerin smiles. "Would you be happy to provide your services to an old friend? We are looking for one."
"It'll be my pleasure, mademoiselle." Minji pulled out a wallet and handed Haerin a calling card. "There. Contact me anytime you like."
Haerin stared at the card. "I guess you're doing what you've really wanted now, hmm?"
"Yeah. it gives me a sense of completion."
"That's nice. And thanks for this," said Haerin, waving the card. "Expect a call from me soon."
Minji nodded. "So... you two are still together, huh?"
"Yeah, still fighting. How about you? I assume those flowers are for a special girl, right?"
Minji glanced at the flowers. "Yeah..."
"Is it for the same girl three years ago?"
"Mmm-mmm. Same girl."
Haerin ran a hand through her hair. "I knew it, Minji. I knew she's the one for you."
Minji absently scratched her head, smiling.
"It's been three years already, right?" asked Haerin. "Can't believe that three years just flew like that so fast."
Minji nodded. "So... um... are we good now?"
"I think so. I assumed 3 years has healed us both, right?" asked Haerin.
"Does that mean we could hang out with Wonyoung again like before?"
"Why not include Hanni and Jungwon in the circle? And whoever is Wonyoung's current girlfriend because she changes from time to time, right?"
Minji laughed. "Don't worry. She's in a steady relationship now."
"Oh, I guess everything's falling in the right place."
"Couldn't agree more."
They fell into silence, staring, and observing each other.
"Umm, do you think your girlfriend would mind if I'd go out with you alone one time?" asked Haerin.
Minji shook her head. "As long as your boyfriend doesn't mind then I think we could really do that. I mean, I'd love to do that."
"You sure?"
"Yeah, as long as I tell Hanni about it then it's fine."
"Tell her it's nothing romantic. Just for old time's sake. I missed my bear, you know."
"Don't worry, she'll understand it. And yes, I missed my kitty too."
"Perfect."
—
Minji opened the door to her apartment and heard the shower running.
Minji put down the flowers on the bedside table and lie down to get some rest. She is too tired from the traveling she didn't notice she was dozing off.
After some time, Minji felt trickles of water droplets on her face. She tiredly opened her eyes only to see a curtain of wet hair in her view.
Hanni was smiling widely at her. "Hey. I missed you..."
"Uh..." Minji tried but she couldn't move because Hanni's weight is on top of hers. "How's my baby, hmm?"
"You missed our anniversary..." Hanni pouted, wagging her feet.
Minji caged her girlfriend in her arms and realized Hanni's only wearing a towel around her body.
"Oh, I'm sorry. One of dad's major clients moved the meeting a few days after the planned one. Don't worry. I'll make sure to bring you along with me next time."
Smiling, Hanni squeezes herself into the crook of Minji's neck. A moment later she started sniffing Minji's neck, down to her collarbones. Then she gets up, fixing the towel around her body.
"Tsk. Gosh, Minji. Who is it this time?"
"Huh?" Minji knew what those looks meant. She's done something wrong, and she needs to figure out what it is.
"You met up with a woman before you went here, right?"
"I went to Yunjin's to buy you flowers." Minji gestured at the bedside table.
"I'm already familiar with Yunjin's perfume, and it isn't hers," said Hanni. "Who it is now? Is she one of those models who love hugging you?"
Minji sat up on the bed. "Hey. Why are you talking like I'm cheating on you?"
"I didn't say that, okay? I'm just noticing how you love being around your models."
"It's because our work requires that we have to get along well. But it's pure work."
"Work." Hanni scoffed, crossing her arms. "Perfect excuse to flirt around, huh? Does work includes one of them kissing you on the cheek?"
Minji groaned. "How many times should I tell you she was a new model?"
"Could you blame me for getting mad? She kissed you in front of me, in front of me!" Hanni flailed her arms out. "Urgh! I swear I could really kill her now if I see her. Ugh!"
"It's because she didn't know yet that we're together at that time, okay? She apologized to me after she found out."
"Admit it, you weren't planning on telling her about us in the first place, right?"
"Huh? Why are you talking like I'm the only one with issues here?"
"What? Are you bringing that one up again?" asked Hanni, walking back and forth the room. "What happened to me before was not my fault. The guy assumed I like him."
"Maybe because you gave him signs?"
"I was just being nice because he's a new employee."
"So, being nice means letting him hold your hand?"
"I tripped on the stairs, for goodness' sake!" Hanni ruffled her hair in frustration. "Why don't you just believe me?"
Minji closed her eyes and massaged her temples. There was an awful silence in the room while the two were waiting for someone to surrender first. After a short while, Minji rose to her feet and approached Hanni from behind.
"Don't touch me," said Hanni.
"Hey, baby. Look. I'm sorry, okay?" whispered Minji, wrapping her arms around Hanni's waist. "Can we not fight now? We haven't seen each other for a week and I missed you so much."
Hanni finally softened. She hugged Minji's arm around her and partly turned her head aside to glance at her lover. "I'm sorry too. I didn't mean to suspect you of anything."
"Believe me. I have not thought of cheating on you, not even once."
"I know." Hanni turned around and wrapped her arms around Minji's neck. "I love you."
"Oh, I love you too." Minji brushed a stray hair away from Hanni's face before she leaned over for a kiss.
"Wait. Not yet." Hanni stopped her. "Tell me honestly, who is it you met today?"
"Oh, that. You really don't forget things easily, huh?" Minji chuckled.
"Of course. I should keep track of your fangirls. Now tell me, who is it this time?"
"It was Haerin."
There was an uncomfortable look on Hanni's face. "Oh. You didn't tell me she's here."
"It wasn't planned. I ran into her today and we hugged so I smelled like her perfume now."
"What did you guys talk about?"
"Just quick catching up, how is she, where is she working, you know, just stuff."
"Is she single?"
Minji smiled. "Hmm. Don't tell me you're jealous of her too?"
Hanni pouted and looked away.
Minji pinched Hanni's chin with her fingers. "Hey, hey. No need to be jealous. She's still with Jungwon, okay?"
"But that doesn't mean that you cannot have feelings for each other, right?"
"Hey, it's not like that." Minji cupped Hanni's face to turn it to her. "What we had before is just part of the past; that I'm over her. My world doesn't revolve around her anymore."
"Hmp."
"Hey, stop worrying. Haerin and I are impossible."
Hanni looked at Minji with her puppy eyes. "Are you sure you're not gonna leave me for her?"
"I won't. Where did you get that notion?"
"I'm worried," said Hanni, looking down. "I really can't imagine my life now without you in it."
"Aww, my poor baby." Minji hugged her girlfriend tightly. "I wouldn't want to leave your side either. I can't even contain the thought of some other guy taking care of you. I won't let you go that easily, even if you want to break free from me."
Hanni smiled at that. "You've got to keep your word."
"I surely would."
Minji kissed Hanni's forehead, down to her nose, and eventually capturing her lips. It was a kiss with enthusiasm since they've been missing each other for days now.
Getting carried away, Minji slowly led Hanni to lean back against the nearest wall; one hand around her waist and one hand supporting Hanni's head. Minji's hand slowly reached up to remove the towel.
"And what are you doing?" asked Hanni, stopping Minji.
Minji leaned an arm against the wall. "Um. Don't you think it's getting hot in here?"
"You just need a cold shower."
"You think so?" Minji's fingers were trailing on Hanni's shoulder this time. "Do you think you could shower with me?"
"I just came from the shower."
"But I thought you missed me?"
"I do, but I still have a meeting with mom's haute couture in an hour," said Hanni, rubbing their nose together.
"Wow. So they're really tying the knot?"
"Mmm-mmm. Well, you should be happy. Ever since her boyfriend came my mom has been light on you."
"Yeah. I have to agree to that."
"And since you're here, you might want to pick something to wear too."
"Wait, am I invited?"
"You should be invited. Haven't you received an invitation yet?"
Minji shrugged.
Hanni scratched her head. "Oh. I'll talk to her about it."
"No need. I perfectly understand. It might really take her time."
"But it's been three years, Minji. What does she want you to prove to her?"
"We'll get there soon. Don't worry. Before that, you're forgetting something..." Minji was about to kiss Hanni but the doorbell rang. She rolled her eyes. "Ugh. Disturbance. Did you order something?"
Hanni pulled away and walked towards the closet. "Nope."
"Maybe they got the wrong room number?" asked Minji. The doorbell rang again.
"It's really for you, Minji. Now get it."
Minji groaned again.
"Or do you want me to get it for you while I'm wearing this?" Hanni gestured to the towel wrapped around her body.
"Fine. Don't get dressed yet, okay?"
"Whatever." Hanni chuckled.
—
The delivery man handed Minji a brown envelope. It was from Hanni's mom.
Minji opened the envelope and found a wedding invitation card and two plane tickets.
Lastly, she found a small note inside. Minji's lips lined a smile after reading it.
"What's that?" said Hanni, peeking from the bedroom.
"Your mom just sent me an invitation for her wedding," said Minji, walking back to the room.
"Oh, see? I knew she'd invite you."
"It's not only that," Minji continued, placing the envelope on the edge of the bed, "she sent us plane tickets to Hong Kong as an anniversary gift."
Hanni turned to Minji. "Wow. This is the first time she's done that, right?"
"Yeah. I'd have to thank her boyfriend for that."
"You really should. Maybe we should buy them present soon, what do you think?" asked Hanni, rummaging through the closet.
"What are you doing?"
"Choosing my clothes, why?"
"Who says you can change now, huh?" said Minji, grabbing Hanni by the waist.
"Minji!"
"No. You're not going anywhere, woman." Minji dragged Hanni towards the bed and lead her girlfriend to lie down.
Hanni tried to fight back but Minji is already on top of her. "Minji, I still have an appointment, okay?"
"I know. I'll drive you there. We'll go there together." Minji playfully kisses Hanni on her neck and shoulders. "Mmm! You smell nice!"
Hanni giggled. "Minji... can we... can we do this later? I don't want to be late..."
Minji playfully ran her fingers over the towel. "I'll help you change then."
Hanni stopped Minji's hand. "Nah-uh. I swear I'm gonna shout for help if you do that."
Minji looked down at Hanni with amazement. "Wow. But why do you seem so excited about it, huh?"
Hanni laughed. "Seriously, Minji, I really should change now."
"Well, I'm serious about not letting you go that easy, princess."
Minji pinned Hanni's hands on either side of her head and launched to execute her evil plan.
Hanni's mixed laughter and squeals echoed through the room.
The brown envelope fell from the bed with the small note, invitation, and plane tickets scattered on the floor.
The note was turned on the side, revealing what's written on it:
Minji,
I could never thank you enough for taking care of my daughter these past three years. I know that dealing with me wasn't easy on your part but I'm still glad you managed to stick with me and Hanni.
I've sent you plane tickets as an anniversary gift. I hope you both stay happy and that you continue to love my daughter especially now that I'll be somebody's wife again soon.
I hope to see you, your dad and your aunt at my wedding!
Love,
Mom
P.s.
Welcome to the family :)
-The End-
-Original story by Schindlee on Wattpad-