Behind the Mask

Unmasked

"I'm in the MC hospital, room 324."

Mina was busy checking her students' activities when her phone beep. It was a text from Chaeyoung.

"I'm in the MC hospital, room 324."

Mina immediately stood as soon as she read the text. She grabbed her wallet and went out to call a taxi.

"MC Hospital, can you please speed up a bit. It's just an emergency." Mina said to the driver as soon as she sat down inside the taxi.

After more than 30 minutes, Mina finally arrived at the hospital. She rushed towards the lobby when she bumped into Mr. Hirai.

"Mina! It's been a long time since I last saw you." Mr. Hirai greeted Mina

"Oh, hi dad." She said casually.

"Are you visi---"

"I'm sorry, but I'm in a hurry." She said then she went to the help desk.

"Room 324." Mina said to the nurse.

"It's on the 3rd floor, right side ma'am."

"Thanks." Mina said and hurried to the said room.

Mina opened the door and went straight to Chaeyoung.

"Are you ok? Does it hurt? What happened?" She asked with a worried voice while she catches her breath.

"Minariii..." Chaeyoung looked at Mina's clothes, she's wearing a pajama and a pair of flip flops. "Did you rush to come here?"

"You texted me! You said you're in a hospital."

"Oh right, ahhh I forgot. I was about to text you that I am visiting your mom but your dad came so I forgot to send it."

Mina looked at the hospital bed where her mom is lying down, smiling. She then returns her gaze to Chaeyoung.

"Ahhh." Mina exclaimed in disbelief.

After almost 1 hour, Mina and Chaeyoung decided to go home. Mina went outside first while Chaeyoung says goodbye to Ms. Myoui.

"Chaeyoung." Ms. Myoui said to Chaeyoung in a soft voice. "Thank you."

Chaeyoung looked at Ms. Myoui with a confused look.

"I had never seen Mina-yah so worried like that. I feel so relieved that Mina has someone to care for now and someone who cares for her. When I get out of the hospital, is it ok if we eat out?"

Chaeyoung nodded happily.

"Of course ma'am, anytime."

• • • • •

"Did you see your dad at the hospital?" Chaeyoung asked after she sipped some coffee. Mina just nodded in her response.

"Did you talk to him?"

"I just said hi. Do you have something to ask?"

"Uhmmm... Why is your surname Myoui when your father's surname is Hirai?"

"Oh... Well, my birth name was Mina Sharon Hirai."

"Did you change it?"

"Nope. My grandfather did. I was 5 years old when they changed my name to Mina Sharon Myoui. When my dad knew that he was arranged to marry a girl who he never met, my parents eloped, that's how I was born. I was 4 when we returned to Japan, dad introduced us to grandpa but it was not enough reason to cancel the engagement. Grandpa changed my documents and dad got married to a daughter of a conglomerate family."