Forever the love of Park Jihyo
Jihyo loved weekends for two reasons.
One, after having been busy all week on the go, for the first time in days she could feel herself relaxing. As best she could, sleeping in a 7 year old's bed for days at some point was starting to show on her back.
Yet Jihyo didn't complain, she couldn't, not when she opened her eyes and little Tzuyu was clinging to her in her sleep. No doubt she was enjoying that the most.
Jihyo sighed and stirred a little, careful not to wake the girl and with effort she turned her head to look at the clock, it was almost 10 in the morning.
She smiled slightly and closed her eyes again, it wasn't too late and she could probably sleep a little longer, at least she thought so until she heard the door to her room open and close, clearly not careful to wake them.
Which brought Jihyo to the second reason, Sungbin.
Jihyo didn't really care to ask, the man was free to do whatever he wanted but for a few months now, Sungbin didn't spend his weekends at home, leaving in the morning and returning very late at night.
She had never stopped to think about the reasons for his disappearance but Jihyo was curious by nature. An affair? It had crossed Jihyo's mind several times, she wouldn't be surprised. For all the tantrum he threw, Jihyo kept waiting for an unexpected lover to show up on her doorstep.
Nothing had happen, fortunately. And Jihyo could only think that if that was happening, no one had to know about it, not her family, not Tzuyu, not even her.
Well, now I guess I won’t get any sleep, she thought, rolling her eyes. Careful not to disturb Tzuyu, who was still peacefully asleep beside her, Jihyo gently slid out of bed. She sighed quietly as Tzuyu shifted a little but thankfully didn’t wake up.
Once out of the bedroom, Jihyo tiptoed down the hallway, knowing that Sungbin was likely already gone. They hadn’t talked much lately, and she had made a point to avoid him. Her anger still simmered beneath the surface, which was why she had chosen to stay out late all week
Reaching the kitchen, she poured herself a cup of coffee, the rich aroma filling the air. As she leaned against the counter, sipping her drink, her mind wandered
Lost in her thoughts, Jihyo didn’t notice her phone buzzing on the table until it rang again, breaking the stillness of the morning. She glanced down, and her heart skipped a beat.
“Fuck”
Jihyo felt a knot tighten in her stomach. This couldn’t be good. She hesitated for a moment, staring at the screen. With a resigned sigh, she picked up the phone, bracing herself for whatever complain her mother had to tell her
With a deep breath, Jihyo answered the call, her mother’s voice immediately spilling through the receiver.
“Good morning” her mom chirped.
“Good morning,” Jihyo replied, forcing a cheerful inflection into her voice.
“Did I wake you?” her mother asked.
“No, not at all, I was just tidying up a few things,” Jihyo lied, internally rolling her eyes.
On the other end, her mom began to hum a familiar tune, a sign that she was not convinced. “Where’s little Tzuyu?” she inquired.
“She’s still sleeping,” Jihyo said, glancing towards the stairs. “I’ll wake her up in a few minutes.”
Her mother sighed softly, a sound that instantly put Jihyo on alert. She knew what was coming next. “And what about Sungbin?”
Jihyo rolled her eyes again, feeling the familiar irritation rise within her. “I don’t know,” she replied curtly.
“What do you mean you don’t know?” her mother pressed, confusion creeping into her voice.
Jihyo shrugged even though her mom couldn’t see her. “He left. I don’t really care where he is,” she snapped, her frustration bubbling over. “It’s not like it’s my problem.”
“Jihyo…” her mom started, but Jihyo cut her off, feeling the need to defend her stance.
“I just mean—he’s an adult, right? He can do what he wants,” Jihyo added.
Her mother fell silent for a moment, and Jihyo could almost hear the wheels turning in her mind. “He called me a few nights ago”
Jihyo’s eyes narrowed in annoyance. Of course, Sungbin would run to her with their marital problems, she thought bitterly. It shocked her that her mom hadn't called her earlier.
“And what did he tell you?” Jihyo muttered, her irritation rising.
“You need to treat him well, Jihyo. You can’t keep blaming him for everything.”
Jihyo rolled her eyes, her frustration boiling over. It was no secret that her mom preferred Sungbin over her. Even during their early relationship days, Sungbin had always been the perfect one—the golden boy who could do no wrong. Jihyo felt like she was going crazy.
“It’s not that simple,” she replied, trying to keep her voice steady. “You don’t know what it’s like.”
“But I do! I see how he struggles too,” her mother insisted. “You can’t keep reproaching him for his actions. Relationships are tough, and you both need to communicate.”
“Communicate?” Jihyo shot back, her voice rising. “It’s always about his issues, and I’m just supposed to stand by and listen while he runs off on the weekends?”
“Jihyo…” her mother said gently, but Jihyo could hear the disappointment in her tone.
Jihyo pinched the bridge of her nose, feeling a wave of frustration wash over her. “You don’t get it. It’s not just about listening. It’s about feeling like I’m the one being left behind. He’s off dealing with his own life, and I’m here”
Her mother sighed, the familiar sound of weariness creeping into her voice. “I know it’s hard, but you have to be understanding. He’s going through a lot right now.”
“Why does it always come back to him?” Jihyo snapped, exasperation evident in her tone. “What about me? What about how I feel?”
“Of course I care about you, Jihyo,” her mother said, though Jihyo could tell she was struggling to find the right words. “I just want you both to be happy. You need to meet him halfway.”
“Halfway?” Jihyo echoed, incredulous. “He makes me feel like I'm crazy! It’s like I’m always the one to blame whenever something goes wrong.”
Her mother took a deep breath, trying to steady her voice. “You’re lucky that Sungbin even wanted to marry you. Many girls would be envious of what you have.”
Jihyo fell silent, the words hitting her like a slap.
“And let’s be honest, Jihyo,” her mother continued, her tone firm. “No other man would have wanted to be with you after the life you decided to follow back in college. You need to appreciate what you have.”
Jihyo felt a surge of anger and hurt. “You don’t have to mention that now,” she said, her voice low but steady. “It’s not fair to say that.”
“Why not?” her mother pressed, unyielding. “Do you really think you would be in this position if you had stayed with that…girl, with Seungwan? Do you think he would have looked at you twice?”
Jihyo clenched her jaw, fury boiling just beneath the surface. “You have no right to mention her,” she snapped, her voice sharp.
“Jihyo, you need to understand—” her mother started, but Jihyo cut her off.
“No! You don’t get to bring her into this right now!” Jihyo’s voice trembled with emotion.
Her mother sighed heavily, the frustration palpable. “You should be grateful to Sungbin. You should apologize to him. He’s tired and he’s trying, Jihyo.”
Jihyo bit her tongue, the words stinging her. She felt tears pricking at the corners of her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. “Stop,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Why can’t you see it?” her mother pressed “He’s doing his best to be there for you. You need to acknowledge that.”
Jihyo felt the weight of her mother’s expectations pressing down on her, and she fought the urge to break down. “I can’t keep pretending everything’s fine when it’s not,” she said, her voice cracking.
“You better figure it out, Jihyo. You can’t let someone like Sungbin go. You need to recognize how lucky you are that he’s still there.”
Jihyo opened her mouth to respond, but her mother stop her. “You have so much to be grateful for. Sungbin came back to you. Not everyone gets that chance.”
“But he left me!” Jihyo exclaimed, her frustration boiling over. “I was the one who had to take care of a newborn all by myself for months! He just walked away!”
“Enough!” her mother snapped, cutting through Jihyo’s words like a knife. “I can’t listen to this anymore. You need to fix this, Jihyo. You will make things right, no matter what.”
Jihyo felt the anger and sadness swell within her, “I’m tired, Mom,” she whispered, feeling the weight of her exhaustion settle around her like a heavy blanket. “I need—”
“You don’t know what you need,” her mother interrupted, her voice rising. “You need to stop wallowing in self-pity and start thinking about him”
Jihyo bit her lip, closing her eyes tightly to avoid the tears that threatened to spill over. “Just forget it, Mom. I need to go,” she said, her voice trembling with frustration.
“Jihyo, wait—” her mother began, but Jihyo didn’t want to hear it anymore. In a moment of impulse, she hung up the phone, the sound of the call ending echoing in her ears.
With a surge of emotion, she threw the phone across the room, watching as it skidded across the floor. She then passed her hand over her eyes, wiping away the tears that were finally breaking free. Anger coursed through her, mingling with disappointment and exhaustion. She felt utterly defeated.
Jihyo was furious—not just at her mother, but at herself for believing that this time would be different. For thinking that, just maybe, her mom would finally support her, that for once in her life, she would take her side…
“Mommy?” Jihyo suddenly turned, just to see Tzuyu standing at the top of the stairs, rubbing her sleepy eyes. The sight of her daughter made Jihyo quickly wipe away her tears.
“Hey, Tzuyu,” Jihyo said, forcing a smile as she walked over to her. “I thought you were still asleep.”
Tzuyu blinked a few times, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. “I heard something. What happened?” she asked, concern lacing her voice.
“Oh, it’s nothing,” Jihyo replied, shaking her head. “Just dropped something. Don’t worry about it.” She took a breath, wanting to shift the focus away from her troubles. “Are you hungry?”
Tzuyu nodded eagerly, her expression brightening. “A little.”
Jihyo smiled, feeling a flicker of warmth spread through her. “Great! Then let’s go out for breakfast!”
“Where's dad?” Tzuyu asked, tilting her head curiously.
“He’s busy today,” Jihyo explained, trying to keep her tone light. “But it’ll be a girls’ day today, just you and me, what do you think?”
Tzuyu’s face lit up with a smile. “Okay! That sounds fun!”
“Let’s go get ready then!” Jihyo said.
She wanted to forget everything, at least for today—her mother, Sungbin, Seungwan… none of it mattered right now. She focused on her daughter, determined to make this time special for Tzuyu.
After getting ready, they headed out. Jihyo drove to Tzuyu’s favorite restaurant, the familiar sights outside the car window giving her a sense of calm. When they arrived, laughter and chatter filled the air. The two of them played games, talked about their favorite things, and shared jokes.
For a few precious hours, Jihyo was able to forget about all her worries. The weight on her shoulders felt lighter, and she cherished the moments of joy that Tzuyu brought into her life.
As they sat at the table enjoying their meals, Tzuyu suddenly looked up, a curious expression on her face. “Mom, are you mad at Dad?” she asked innocently.
Jihyo froze, her fork pausing mid-air. “What do you mean?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Dad said you were mad,” Tzuyu replied, her brow furrowing slightly. “That’s why you aren’t home lately.” She paused for a moment before adding, “But I think he’s wrong.”
Jihyo sighed, closing her eyes momentarily as she gathered her thoughts. She didn’t want to think about Sungbin right now or let her frustrations spill over onto Tzuyu. “No, I’m not mad,” she finally said, forcing a smile. “You’re right, he’s wrong, Tzuyunnie. Don’t mind him, okay?”
Tzuyu nodded, seemingly reassured, and Jihyo felt a wave of relief wash over her. “Now, it’s time to finish our breakfast,” Jihyo said gently.
“Can we do something else after?” Tzuyu asked, her eyes sparkling with hope. “I don’t want to go home yet.”
Jihyo raised an eyebrow, curious. “What do you have in mind?”
Tzuyu appeared to think for a moment, her little face scrunching in concentration. “I want to go to the park!” she announced excitedly.
Jihyo smiled brightly. “The park it is, then! But first, let’s finish everything up so we can get going.”
Tzuyu nodded enthusiastically and began to eat, her little hands working quickly to finish her meal. Not more than half an hour later, Tzuyu and Jihyo were walking out of the restaurant, hand in hand.
“Can we walk?” Tzuyu suddenly stopped and asked, her grip tightening on Jihyo’s hand.
Jihyo sighed but couldn’t help but smile. “Alright, sweetie. It’s not too far anyway.”
As they walked, Tzuyu began to chatter away about all the stories involving Chaeyoung, Jihyo found herself laughing at Tzuyu's wonderful imagination.
“...and then Chaeyoung said her dog can do tricks, but it really just rolls over!” Tzuyu giggled, and Jihyo felt a surge of happiness wash over her.
“Hey, Kookeu is really smart,” Jihyo said with a playful tone.
“He’s tiny!” Tzuyu laughed. “Every time I go there, he bites my toes!”
“He likes you,” Jihyo replied, chuckling at the thought.
Tzuyu was about to say more when a mischievous grin spread across her face. “Maybe he thinks I’m a chew toy!” she exclaimed, making Jihyo burst into laughter.
As they continued walking towards the park, the anticipation in Tzuyu’s steps became palpable. A few minutes later, they arrived, and Tzuyu’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Look, mom!” she squealed. “Come on!”
“I’ll be watching you from here,” Jihyo said gently. “Don’t go too far, alright?”
Tzuyu smiled widely. “I promise, I’ll stay close!” And with that, she took off running, her laughter trailing behind her.
Jihyo watched Tzuyu dash toward the playground, her heart swelling with joy. Finding a nearby bench, Jihyo sat down, allowing herself a moment to breathe. But soon, her mind wandered to thoughts of Sungbin.
She couldn’t keep living this way. She knew she had to talk to him. It was time to swallow her pride—for the sake of Tzuyu. Only for Tzuyu.
Minutes slipped by as Jihyo sat lost in her thoughts, watching Tzuyu play with other children. Suddenly, Tzuyu came running back, her face flushed with excitement.
“What’s up, Tzuyunnie?” Jihyo asked, her voice warm.
“I want an ice cream!” Tzuyu declared, her eyes sparkling with hope.
Jihyo couldn’t help but smile. “Alright, sweetie. Let’s get you some ice cream”
Jihyo and Tzuyu began to walk toward the ice cream stand, with Tzuyu skipping ahead, her smile radiating pure joy. She moved almost as if she were running, her laughter filling the air, when suddenly a small dog approached her.
It was a tiny mix of a golden retriever, its floppy ears bouncing with each step. Tzuyu's eyes widened, and she let out a delighted scream. “Look, mommy! A puppy!” she exclaimed, rushing over to kneel beside the little dog, her hands reaching out to pet its soft fur.
Jihyo watched, her heart melting at the sight. The little dog wagged its tail furiously, clearly excited to receive attention. “It seems like he likes you,” Jihyo said with a soft smile, moving a little closer.
Kneeling down next to Tzuyu, she reached out to stroke the puppy’s head gently. As her fingers brushed against the collar, she noticed a shiny name tag attached. Curiosity piqued, she leaned in closer and read aloud, “Ray.”
“Hey, little Ray,” Jihyo addressed the dog, her voice filled with warmth. “Are you lost?”
The puppy barked softly, as if responding to her question, while Tzuyu continued to pet him with sheer delight. Jihyo stood up, scanning the area around them, but there was no sign of anyone who might be looking for the little pup. She bit her lip, feeling a tinge of concern.
Just then, a voice pierced through the air. “Ray! Ray! Where are you?” someone shouted, clearly searching for the little dog.
Jihyo glanced at Tzuyu, who looked up with wide eyes, excitement and concern mixed on her face as she clutched the little Ray in her arms, her excitement bubbling over. “Come on! We have to find his owner!” Without waiting for a response, she started walking towards the sound of the voice, her small feet eager to reach the source of the call. Jihyo hurriedly followed, her heart racing with a mix of anticipation and concern.
Before Jihyo could fully process the situation, Tzuyu suddenly exclaimed, “There she is!” and broke into a sprint.
“Tzuyunnie, wait!” Jihyo called out, her voice tinged with worry as she chased after the younger girl. “Where are you going?!”
Tzuyu didn’t slow down, her laughter echoing in the air as she darted ahead, the puppy wagging its tail vigorously in her arms. Jihyo pushed herself to run faster, determined to keep up with Tzuyu’s enthusiasm.
As Tzuyu came to a sudden halt, Ray began to bark excitedly, sensing the familiar voice calling for him. Jihyo quickly reached Tzuyu’s side, trying to catch her breath. “What’s going on?” she asked, glancing around to figure out what had captivated Tzuyu’s attention.
“No way, mom! Look, It’s my friend!” Tzuyu exclaimed, pointing ahead. Her eyes sparkled with delight.
Confused, Jihyo followed Tzuyu's gaze and her heart skipped a beat when she saw a familiar figure standing there, a radiant smile on her face. It was Sana, standing with an air of surprise and joy, looking down at the little puppy at her feet.
Before Jihyo could say anything, Tzuyu dashed forward. “Hi!” she shouted, her excitement bubbling over as she ran toward the girl.
Sana turned at the sound of Tzuyu’s, her smile widening as she recognized Tzuyu. “Hey, Tzuyu!” she called back, her voice warm and inviting. Tzuyu rushed closer, her face beaming with joy.
“We found Ray!” Tzuyu exclaimed, her voice filled with pride.
Sana’s eyes lit up with happiness. “You did? That’s amazing!” she responded, her joy evident as she knelt down to ruffle Ray’s fur.
“Mom! Come here!” Tzuyu yelled, turning back to beckon her mother over. Jihyo felt a sudden wave of nervousness as she approached, unsure of how to interact
Sana stood up, brushing her hands off as she cleared her throat. “Hi” she greeted, her eyes sparkling as she noticed Jihyo stepping closer.
“Hello,” Jihyo replied, her voice a bit shaky but friendly.
Sana smiled, her expression warm and genuine. “Miss Park, it’s the second time we see each other under these circumstances” she said, tilting her head slightly.
Jihyo felt her cheeks warm at the formal address. “You can just call me Jihyo, Sana. We’re not at work right now,” she replied, a shy smile spreading across her face.
Sana's cheeks flushed slightly as she chuckled softly. “Alright then, Jihyo”
The sound of Sana's voice calling her name made Jihyo's stomach give a jolt that she didn't quite understand. It was a strange feeling, one that caught her off guard. She shook her head slightly, trying to dismiss the sensation. Why was she reacting this way?
She didn’t even fully comprehend it, but there was something about Sana that drew her in. Tzuyu clearly adored her even though she had met the girl exactly one time, she hadn’t stopped talking about her, and Jihyo had observed how well Sana interacted with her. From what she had seen during the week, Sana was good at her job. Sure, she was a bit scattered at times, overly confident, and incredibly talkative, but that only added to her charm.
"Mom, you know my friend?" Tzuyu's voice interrupted her thoughts.
Jihyo cleared her throat and looked at her "Uh, yeah" She smiled a little "Sana is my new co-worker."
"Wow!" Tzuyu exclaimed "Why didn't you tell me?"
“Oh, she probably forgot,” Sana said with a sheepish grin, her cheeks tinged with a light blush. Tzuyu nodded vigorously, then turned her attention to Ray, who was wagging his tail nearby.
“Is he yours?” Tzuyu asked, pointing at Ray.
Sana crouched down, reaching out to gently scratch behind Ray’s ears. “No, he’s actually my friend’s dog. But he’s so adorable, right?” She looked up at Tzuyu, her smile radiant.
Tzuyu knelt down as well, her fingers gliding through Ray's fur. “He’s really cute!” she said, her face lighting up with joy.
“Yeah, thank you for finding him,” Sana replied, her voice filled with warmth. “I wouldn’t know what to do if he ran away”
Tzuyu giggled. “He found us! We were just walking by, and he came running to us.”
Sana laughed, her eyes sparkling with delight. “He’s very smart then, he must had sense something in you”
Jihyo watched the interaction, feeling a strange warmth in her chest. It was a mix of pride and something else she couldn’t quite place. She chose to remain silent, savoring the moment.
After a brief pause, Sana turned to Tzuyu. “Were you playing in the park?”
Tzuyu nodded enthusiastically. “Yeah! We were going for ice cream.”
“Wow, that sounds amazing!” Sana exclaimed, her eyes wide with enthusiasm.
“Wait, I had an idea” Tzuyu’s face lit up even more. “Mom, can we invite her?”
Jihyo froze at the proposal, her mind racing as she tried to think of what to say. “Um, I don’t think Sana would want to,” she said hesitantly. “She might be busy, and you don’t wanna bother her, right?.”
Tzuyu turned to Sana with a pleading pout, her big eyes shimmering with hope. “Please?”
Sana glanced between Tzuyu and Jihyo. Jihyo avoided meeting Sana's gaze, unsure of what to do, but her silence spoke volumes. Tzuyu persisted, her voice filled with urgency as she continued to plead with Sana.
Finally, with a dramatic sigh, Sana gave in. “Well, if your mom thinks it’s okay, then I’d love to join you!”
Tzuyu’s face broke into a wide smile. She turned to Jihyo, her expression almost pleading. “Please let Sana come with us!”
Jihyo met Tzuyu's gaze and bit her lip, knowing full well she couldn’t say no to her daughter. She took a deep breath, letting out a small sigh. “Okay then” she said, managing a weak smile.
Tzuyu erupted in joy, bouncing on her feet. She quickly reached for Sana’s hand, excitement radiating from her. “Come on! Let’s go get ice cream!”
Sana smiled brightly, her eyes twinkling with delight as she began to walk alongside Tzuyu, who chattered animatedly about all the flavors they could try. Little Ray followed closely behind them, his tiny feet trying to keep up with the enthusiastic pace of the two girls.
Jihyo sighed softly, trailing behind them. She couldn’t help but notice how Tzuyu didn’t stop talking, her small finger pointing out everything that caught her attention. Jihyo glanced at Sana, who leaned down slightly to listen to Tzuyu, her own smile wide and genuine. The way Sana interacted with Tzuyu—leaning in, laughing, and sharing in her excitement—made Jihyo’s heart swell with warmth.
For a moment, Jihyo found herself smiling. Just a week ago, when she first met Sana, she had thought the girl was too cheerful, almost fake. Who could be so happy and full of life in a place filled with so many empty, bored faces? Jihyo had often wondered if Sana was a bit crazy to maintain that level of enthusiasm. But now, watching her with Tzuyu, she realized that there was more to her than that.
The same Minatozaki Sana she had seen every day in her vibrant outfits, the girl who seemed to shine even in the dullest of surroundings, was the same Sana who was now joyfully playing with her daughter.
There was an authenticity to Sana that Jihyo hadn’t recognized before.
As they finally arrived at the ice cream shop, the vibrant colors of the shop's exterior matched Tzuyu’s bubbling excitement. Tzuyu immediately darted toward the glass display, her eyes wide as she took in the array of flavors. "Look, Sana! They have chocolate chip cookie dough! And strawberry! And... and..." Her voice trailed off as she tried to process all the options.
Sana laughed, her eyes sparkling. “You want to try them all, don’t you?” With a playful grin, she gently lifted Tzuyu into her arms, hoisting her up so she could see all the flavors better. Tzuyu squealed with delight, her small hands reaching out to point at the different colors and toppings.
“I want the rainbow sprinkle one!” Tzuyu exclaimed, her excitement palpable.
“Good choice” Sana replied, setting Tzuyu down just as the little girl’s feet touched the ground. Tzuyu bounced on her toes, practically vibrating with anticipation.
Sana turned to the counter and announced, “I’ll have the mint chocolate chip, please!” Then, she glanced back at Tzuyu, her eyes expectant. “What about you, Tzuyu? Are you sure about the rainbow sprinkles?”
Tzuyu nodded vigorously. “Yes, please”
Jihyo stood back, watching the two interact with curiosity.
She and Sana hadn’t talked much beyond the usual office chatter—documents, reports, and client interactions. It felt strange to see Sana in this more relaxed, playfully light, and Jihyo realized she didn’t even know how to engage in this kind of conversation. What should she say? How could she not ruin to this moment?
As Sana turned her attention to Jihyo, the expectation in her gaze made Jihyo's heart race slightly. “What do you think, Miss Park?”
Jihyo couldn’t help but smile a little “You can just call me Jihyo, remember? It’s... it’s okay to drop the formalities outside the office.”
Sana’s cheeks flushed a light pink, and she nodded, a bit sheepishly. “Oh, right! I’m sorry, I forgot. Jihyo, what flavor are you going to get?”
“A chocolate one is fine for me, thanks,” Jihyo replied, her voice steady despite the flutter in her stomach.
Sana’s eyes lit up with a bright smile. “Chocolate it is!” She turned to the counter and ordered, her excitement infectious. Moments later, the server handed them their ice cream cones. Tzuyu beamed up at them, her eyes sparkling with delight. “Thank you!” she chirped, and Sana ruffled her hair affectionately.
“Here you go,” Sana said, handing Jihyo her chocolate cone with a gentle grace.
Jihyo accepted it, feeling a warmth in her chest as she managed a soft, “Thank you.”
Sana took her own mint chocolate chip cone, and as she fished out her wallet to pay, Jihyo immediately reached out, grabbing her arm gently. “Oh, no! Please, you don’t have to—”
Sana looked surprised. “It’s nothing, really” she insisted, waving her hand dismissively.
“Please don’t worry about it,” Jihyo insisted, her tone firm but kind. “I really appreciate it, but I will pay.”
Sana’s expression softened as she regarded Jihyo, her eyes twinkling. “It’s the least I can do, especially since you found Ray. I want to treat you both”
“Still, please don’t feel like you have to,” she replied.
“Really, it’s no trouble at all!” Sana insisted. “I want to do it”
The words struck Jihyo, leaving her momentarily speechless.
“Okay, if you insist,” Jihyo finally said, a smile breaking through her initial resistance.
Sana grinned, satisfied, and turned to the cashier to give him the money. As she paid, Jihyo watched her. There was an effortless charm about Sana, a brightness that made it hard not to smile along with her.
As Sana finished paying, the trio began to walk together, the sun shining brightly overhead. Tzuyu, in her usual playful spirit, had seemingly forgotten about Sana. She dashed ahead with Ray, laughing and playing with the little dog.
Sana walked beside Jihyo, a light chuckle escaping her lips as she watched the two ahead of them. “They seem to be having fun,” she noted, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
Jihyo glanced at Sana from the corner of her eye, her heart skipping a beat at the sight of her radiant smile. She felt a sudden dryness in her mouth, uncertainty creeping in—what should she say? Should she say something? But as Jihyo wrestled with her thoughts, she decided to let it go.
But…they would be spending more time together due to work after all. The least she could do was try to engage in conversation with Sana.
But what should she start with? Jihyo pondered, her mind racing through a list of potential topics. Just as she was about to settle on asking about Sana’s weekend plans, she heard Sana’s voice pull her from her thoughts.
“Jihyo?” Sana called, her tone light and inviting.
Startled, Jihyo turned to face her, confusion flickering across her features. “Yes?” she replied, her voice slightly higher than usual.
Sana’s smile widened as she gestured toward Tzuyu and Ray. “She never gets tired, right?”
Jihyo let out a soft laugh, feeling the tension ease a little. “I think she could run for hours if we let her,” she said, her own smile growing.
Sana nodded, her gaze drifting back to the playful scene ahead. “It’s nice. They really like each other.”
“Yeah,” Jihyo agreed, “She loves dogs, we used to have one”
Sana turned to look at Jihyo, her eyes widening with interest. “That’s incredible! What was it’s name?”
“Butter,” she replied, a smile creeping onto her face.
Sana’s expression brightened. “That’s cute!” she said, laughter dancing in her voice.
Jihyo chuckled softly. “Tzuyu chose it,” she added.
Sana laughed a little more, and soon Jihyo found herself chuckling along with her.
Then, a comfortable silence enveloped them, surprising Jihyo. For once, she didn’t feel the urgency to fill the quiet with words. It was a stark contrast to her usual demeanor. Normally, she would be restless, seeking to maintain the conversation, especially with someone as charming as Sana.
But this silence felt different, somehow peaceful. Jihyo found herself lost in thought, reflecting on how things might have been. If she were still the Jihyo from university, she and Sana would have undoubtedly become friends from day one—sharing secrets, laughter or god knows what.
Now, however, she was not that girl anymore. Professionalism had taken precedence in her life. She had to maintain her distance, keep her emotions in check.
As they walked side by side, Jihyo couldn’t help but wonder if she could allow herself to break down those walls, even just a little. But the thought of being vulnerable was daunting, and she quickly brushed it aside.
“Do you miss having a dog?” Sana asked suddenly, pulling Jihyo from her reverie.
Jihyo blinked, her heart tightening for a moment. “Sometimes,” she admitted, her voice soft. “But I think it’s for the best right now. I’m a bit busy with work.”
“Oh, I understand,” Sana replied
They resumed their leisurely pace, enjoying the sight of Tzuyu and Ray still playing energetically ahead. Just then, Sana’s phone vibrated in her pocket, the sound breaking the comfortable atmosphere.
Sana pulled her phone from her pocket, glancing at the screen. “Hold on a second,” she said, her tone apologetic. “I need to take this.”
As she stepped a little further away to answer the call, Jihyo took the opportunity to shift her focus. She looked ahead at Tzuyu and Ray, who were playing in the grass.
With a soft smile, Jihyo slowly walked closer to them and Ray bounded toward her with excitement, his tail wagging furiously.
“Hey there, little guy,” Jihyo murmured, bending down to give Ray a gentle scratch behind his ears. The puppy leaned into her touch, letting out a happy yip as he nuzzled closer to her hand.
As Jihyo continued to pet Ray, she suddenly heard the sound of footsteps approaching. Her heart raced slightly, and she quickly stood up, turning to see Sana walking back towards them with a shy smile on her face.
“So, that was Mina, my friend,” Sana explained, her tone light. “She needs me to head back to the apartment. Apparently, something came up.”
Jihyo nodded, understanding. Tzuyu, hearing this, made a small pout, looking up at Sana with big, pleading eyes.
“Come on, boy” Sana said, bending down to give Ray one last gentle scratch. “Time to go” With that, Sana scooped Ray up into her arms, cradling him close. “And It was a pleasure to see you again, Tzuyu” she said warmly.
Tzuyu, momentarily brightening, rushed over and hugged Sana tightly.
Sana chuckled, a bit surprised by the sudden embrace, but she returned it with a smile. “Be good, okay?”
As Tzuyu stepped back, she looked up at Sana, her expression serious. “Will you make sure to take care of him?”
“Absolutely,” Sana replied, her smile reassuring.
Tzuyu nodded, her eyes filled with determination as gave Ray one last gentle scratch behind his ears. “Goodbye” she whispered.
After that, Tzuyu stood up and walked over to Jihyo, taking her hand. Sana turned to look at them. “Thank you for today, I’ll see you at the office…Jihyo,” she said, her voice a bit timid.
Jihyo nodded in agreement. “It was a pleasure to see you, Sana”
Sana smiled brightly, her eyes sparkling with warmth as she turned to walk away. Jihyo felt a tug, almost forcing herself to look away and focus on Tzuyu instead.
“Well, it seems it’s time for us to head home too,” she said, managing a cheerful smile.
Tzuyu nodded, her expression still a mix of contentment and a hint of sadness from saying goodbye. Together, they began to walk slowly towards the car, the sun casting a warm glow around them.
Once they reached the car, they climbed in, the soft sound of the door closing marking the start of their quiet journey home. The atmosphere inside was peaceful, but Jihyo could feel the lingering energy from their day together. As she glanced over at Tzuyu, she noticed how the little girl’s eyelids grew heavy. It didn’t take long before Tzuyu was fast asleep, her head resting gently against the window.
Jihyo smiled softly, watching the rise and fall of Tzuyu’s small frame as she slept. A smile crept onto her lips—today had truly been wonderful. Tzuyu was happy, and Sana… well, Sana had been incredible with her.
The drive was quicker than she thought and before she knew it she was parking the car and carefully getting Tzuyu out of the back seat, careful not to wake her up.
She walked slowly into the house, everything was quiet, muffled and Jihyo sighed, Sungbin clearly wasn't there yet and Jihyo just thought about how the day had gotten better.
She climbed the stairs with the child in her arms and deposited her gently on her bed, Tzuyu immediately snuggled into the sheets, smiling almost imperceptibly.
Jihyo sighed and left the room, it was early, the sun was just setting.
She walked to the living room, opting to sit on the big couch. If she was honest, she hardly ever spent much time there, her routine didn't allow it but today seemed like the perfect day to relax, enjoy the day.
Jihyo settled into the big couch, sinking into its comfortable embrace as she wrapped her arms around herself. The soft glow of the setting sun filtered through the window, casting a warm hue across the room. She considered turning on the TV, but as she flipped through the channels, nothing seemed to catch her interest.
After a while, she picked up her tablet, scrolling absentmindedly through social media. Yet, that too lost its charm, and Jihyo found herself staring at the screen without really seeing anything. She sighed, feeling restless.
Eventually, she stood up and walked towards the kitchen, intent on preparing something to eat. But as she passed by the coffee table, her gaze fell on her phone, which lay abandoned on the floor, its screen cracked and in poor condition. A frustrated groan escaped her lips as she picked it up.
Holding the damaged phone in her hands, memories of her earlier conversation with her mom flooded back to her and suddenly, the desire to eat vanished, replaced by a bittersweet ache in her heart.
Jihyo left the damaged phone on the counter and trudged up the stairs, her feet dragging as if weighed down by the thoughts swirling in her mind. She entered her bedroom—the space she hadn’t truly visited since her argument with Sungbin. The moment she stepped inside, she felt a rush of emotions, memories flooding back as she flopped onto the bed with a satisfied grunt.
How was it possible that she had been sleeping on the small, uncomfortable bed of her daughter while Sungbin enjoyed the luxury of the $5,000 mattress she had bought? Jihyo scoffed lightly as she adjusted herself, sinking deeper into the familiar bedding. Soon, the fatigue of the week settled in, and her eyelids grew heavy. A small smile crept onto her lips as she turned onto her side, ready to surrender to sleep.
But out of the corner of her eye, something caught her attention—a glimmer of something that hadn’t been there before. Confused, she sat up in bed, squinting slightly to focus. There it was, unmistakable: a box. Jihyo's heart raced as she recognized it.
That box was one she knew very well—it was the one she had kept hidden away
Jihyo quickly rose from the bed, her heart pounding as she reached for the box, pulling it toward her and sitting down on the floor. A wave of anger surged through her as she realized that the box had been opened—she knew, without a doubt, that it was Sungbin who had dared to rummage through her past. How could he have found it? How could he have the audacity to pry into something so personal? She huffed in frustration, glaring at the box for a moment before the urge to confront the contents became too strong.
With trembling fingers, Jihyo finally relented, opening the lid of the box. She took a deep breath, feeling a mix of apprehension and nostalgia wash over her. The first thing that came into view was a photograph. As she lifted it from the box, her breath caught in her throat.
It was a picture of herself, beaming with joy, arms wrapped tightly around the waist of someone she hadn’t seen in years. The familiarity of the face brought a rush of emotions—joy intertwined with heartache. Jihyo's hand instinctively moved to caress the face in the photo, feeling the warmth of the memory, even as it invoked feelings she had tried to bury.
As she continued to sift through the contents of the box, more photographs emerged. There were snapshots of her university days, filled with laughter and friends who had once been a big part of her life. Each image was a reminder of a time when everything felt vibrant and full of possibilities.
She pulled out more photographs, reminiscing about the adventures they had shared. A beach trip, a surprise birthday party, a quiet evening under the stars—all memories that seemed so distant yet so vivid in her mind. With each new photo, she felt the warmth of nostalgia enveloping her, making her momentarily forget the pain that had crept into her life.
Eventually, she reached deeper into the box and discovered a stack of letters. Most were insignificant, filled with mundane updates from friends and family. There were letters she had written to herself during difficult times, filled with aspirations and dreams that felt almost foreign to her now. She smiled at the innocence of her younger self.
But then, she stumbled upon one particular letter that made her freeze. With trembling hands, she took it out, the weight of it heavy in the air. Just holding it sent a shiver down her spine, and a single tear escaped, rolling down her cheek. A sob caught in her throat, the emotions swirling inside her too overwhelming to contain.
Jihyo turned the letter over, her breath hitching in her chest as she read the inscription on the back.
“From Son Seungwan, forever the love of Park Jihyo.”
Jihyo swallowed hard, trying to push down the large knot that had formed in her throat. Memories rushed back in a flood, overwhelming her senses. She had forgotten about this letter, forgotten the weight of its significance, but never had she forgotten Seungwan—not for a moment. Seungwan had been the light in her life.
As Jihyo carefully opened the letter, another tear escaped, trailing down her cheek. Suddenly, a flurry of photographs tumbled out, scattering across the floor like confetti celebrating a love long cherished. Her vision soon blurred from the tears, and began to gather them. Each photo was a capsule of joy—moments frozen in time that brought a bittersweet smile to her face.
Among the scattered images, Jihyo spotted pictures of them together—Seungwan laughing, her eyes sparkling with mischief, and moments where they had shared stolen glances filled with unspoken words. Jihyo smiled through her tears, the warmth of those memories washing over her. Seungwan had always been the most romantic of the two, a trait Jihyo had admired deeply. That ability to see the beauty in every moment, to capture it with words and gestures, was something she had always loved.
Finally, she let out a shaky sigh, gently wiping her tears away. She looked around at the chaos she had created, with renewed determination, Jihyo began to carefully place the photos and letters back into the box, organizing them with care. Yet, she made sure to keep Seungwan's letter close, she knew it wasn’t safe there anymore
—
When Mina heard the door slam from her room, she knew something was definitely wrong.
Mina let out a deep sigh, leaving her Nintendo Switch lying on the bed as she slipped on her bunny slippers with a heavy thud. She had half a mind to storm out of her room and yell at Sana to calm down, but the words died in her throat when she stepped into the living room.
There, she witnessed two scenes unfolding simultaneously: Ray was darting around the room, a whirlwind of energy that seemed endless, while Sana paced back and forth, her expression a mix of agitation and something Mina couldn’t quite place.
Mina decided to opt for the comfort of the couch, sinking into it as she prepared to watch the inevitable explosion that was Sana’s typical reaction to whatever was bothering her. Time seemed to stretch on for hours, and Mina found herself amused by the way Sana was practically wearing a path into the floor with her pacing.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Sana turned to face Mina, her mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water, words trapped somewhere in her throat. Mina merely raised an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at her lips as she continued to watch, saying nothing.
Sana resumed her frantic pacing, murmuring to herself, lost in her thoughts. Then, as if a light bulb had gone off in her head, she came to a sudden stop and turned to Mina with wide eyes. “How bad would it be if I had a really serious crush on my boss?” she blurted out, her voice tinged with genuine concern.
Mina blinked, processing the question for a moment. One blink, two blinks, and then—she exploded. “You seriously made me pause my Mario Kart game for this?!” she exclaimed, “Are you kidding me right now?!”
Sana’s expression turned defensive. “This is more serious than Mario Kart!”
Mina looked at her incredulously, noting how panicked Sana truly appeared. She sighed, feeling a mix of amusement and concern. “Alright, fine! Just tell me what happened,” she urged.
Sana took a deep breath, her hands fidgeting nervously. “I took Ray to the park like you suggested, and we were having a great time at first. I was there for a while, but then I got distracted and Ray just… he ran off!”
Mina’s eyes widened as she prepared to shout, “What do you mean he ran off?!”
But Sana continued, her words tumbling out in a rush. “I looked everywhere for him, and just when I was about to panic completely, I heard a voice. I turned around and saw Tzuyu.”
Mina’s confusion deepened. “Tzuyu? Who’s that?”
Sana groaned, running a hand through her hair in frustration. “Tzuyu is the daughter of my boss! Jihyo’s kid!”
Mina’s expression shifted from confusion to understanding, her mind racing to connect the dots. “Oh…Oh!”
Sana nodded, her eyes wide and frantic. “Yeah, and I just froze! Like, completely froze! I felt so stupid standing there like some sort of deer caught in headlights!”
Mina couldn’t help but laugh a little at the image. “That’s actually not so bad”
But Sana grunted, her frustration spilling over. “You don’t understand! Jihyo looked so beautiful, and she was so… so… so something! I couldn’t even think straight! All I could do was stand there!”
Mina raised an eyebrow, trying to piece everything together. “Wait a minute, how long were you at the park? You must have talked to her at some point, right?”
Sana groaned and buried her face in her hands. “I don’t want to talk about it”
Mina huffed, crossing her arms. “But you did talk to Tzuyu, right? That’s something”
Sana peeked through her fingers and nodded. “Yeah, I talked to her, but it was all about… kid stuff! And I only talked to Jihyo about dogs and Ice Cream! Ice Cream, Mina!”
Mina burst into laughter, unable to contain herself. “Wait, so you had your chance to connect with your boss and instead, you became best friends with a little girl?”
Sana groaned again, this time even more dramatically. “What kind of adult can’t even talk to their boss but ends up chatting with her kid?”
“Hey, it’s a talent!” Mina teased, her laughter echoing in the room. “Good job, Sana! You had your opportunity and turned it into a playdate!”
Sana rolled her eyes, flopping back onto the couch. “This is not how I imagined my life going. I was supposed to be impressive, not a babysitter!”
Mina smirked, leaning back, clearly enjoying Sana’s misery. “Well, at least you didn’t scare the kid off! You might just have to find a way to impress Jihyo next time.”
Sana shifted a bit on the couch, her mood lightening slightly. “You know what? I’m done. I’m just going to quit. I’ll find a job where I don’t have to deal with—”
“No way, you’re not doing that!” Mina interrupted, shaking her head vigorously.
“Why not?” Sana asked, genuinely confused.
Mina crossed her arms, her expression serious. “Because we need to pay rent somehow! You can’t just throw the towel in.”
Sana let out a frustrated grunt. “But I’m telling you, I definitely want to give up on this whole thing!”
Mina rolled her eyes dramatically. “You can’t just give up! You have to keep pushing through.”
“Easy for you to say! You’re not the one freezing up in front of your boss!” Sana shot back.
Mina scoffed playfully. “Well, I guess I’ll just head back to my Mario Kart then—”
“No!” Sana exclaimed, pulling Mina back down by her shirt. “You’re not leaving me like this!”
Mina sighed, giving in as she settled back onto the couch. “Fine, but let’s get real for a second. You clearly have a crush on Jihyo. She’s older, beautiful, and totally intimidating, plus she seems to adore kids”
Sana raised an eyebrow. “I’m still waiting for your argument.”
Mina crossed her arms, looking momentarily stumped. “Well, I don’t really have one, to be honest.”
Sana let herself flop back onto the couch again, feeling the weight of her frustrations. “Great. Just great.”
Mina leaned closer, her tone serious. “Listen, you have to control yourself. You need to be professional about this.”
“I know that!” Sana shot back, a hint of exasperation in her voice. “I’ve been doing fine so far, haven’t I?”
Mina nodded, her expression softening. “Yeah, you’ve done a good job. But you’ve got to take things one step at a time.”
With a sigh, Sana let herself fall back into Mina’s lap, her head resting there as she stared up at the ceiling. “It’s just so complicated.”
Mina gently brushed Sana’s hair away from her face. “Remember, Jihyo is married. You can’t forget that.”
Sana nodded slowly, feeling the weight of those words. “Right. I just… I need to keep that in mind.”
Mina smiled, trying to lift the mood. “But today was a big step forward! You got along with Tzuyu, and you clearly spent a couple of hours with Jihyo. Maybe, just maybe, you can become friends.”
Sana sighed, a mix of hope and anxiety swirling in her chest. “I’ll try. I really want to. But… there’s something about Jihyo that draws me in. Even though I’ve only known her for a short time, I can’t help but feel…”
Mina playfully hit Sana’s forehead with her finger. “Hey! Mentality check! Just friends, remember?”
Sana chuckled, the tension easing as she rolled her eyes. “Okay, okay! Just friends. I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Just trust me on this, okay? Everything is going to work out”
Sana nodded, feeling a bit more reassured. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath as she let the words sink in.
Just friends