Zoa watches the two women sitting across from her, waiting for their reaction. "So?"
"Let me get this straight," Jiyoon says, leaning forward in her seat. "You want to turn that song '12 days of Christmas' into reality? For Jihan?"
Zoa nods. "Not exactly like the song, I mean, I'm not gonna buy her birds in a tree and I don't have the funds to buy her gold rings but I want to do something special for several consecutive days leading up to Christmas. It's her favorite holiday, after all."
"And you need our help?" asks Monday.
Zoa nods. "Would need you to distract her every now and then or help deliver the gifts."
"What's in it for us?"
"Err... your best friends' happiness?"
Jiyoon and Monday exchange glances then simultaneously shake their heads. "Not enough," says the tallest.
"I knew you'd say that," says Zoa. "I'll owe you each a huge favor, buy you dinner and make sure you get something nice for Christmas."
"I never knew my friend was this rich," Monday tells Jiyoon. "Must be all that money she saved for her dream car."
"You're gonna use your savings for this?" Jiyoon asks her short-haired friend who nods. "For Jihan? Are you sure?"
"Yes. Why?"
"Don't get me wrong, I'm glad to see you two together at last and I know you've loved her for a very long time but is it wise to splurge on her like this so early into your relationship?"
"I'm not splurging. Like I said, I won't be buying her fancy stuff. Just small, meaningful and memorable gifts. Things I've wanted to give her but didn't get a chance to," Zoa clarifies. "And I won't do it for twelve days. I'm choosing eleven for obvious reasons."
"Well," Jiyoon looks at Monday who shrugs. "I guess it won't hurt to help. A free meal is always good."
"And I'm all for getting a nice Christmas present and have Hyewonie at my beck and call with that favor so I'm in," replies Jimin.
"Thanks guys," Zoa says in relief. "For the first one, I will need Jiyoon's help," she turns to the tallest.
"Me? Already? Wait. What date is it?" Jiyoon checks her phone only to realize it's already the second week of December. "Okay, makes sense. What do you want me to do?"
====
Jihan opens the door and chuckles when she sees her cat rushing out to greet the visitor before she could. "Well someone's happy to see you."
Zoa laughs, squatting down to pat the white cat and calm her down. She picks her up and lets her lick her chin a bit before putting her down again. "Hi," she then greets Jihan.
"Hey."
The red-haired follows Jihan inside, takes off her shoes and jacket and asks, "Has the food arrived?"
"Yeah. Hungry?" Jihan is already in the kitchen, preparing their dinner. "How was work?" she asks when Zoa walks in, grinning when the red-haired steals a quick kiss from her cheek.
"Boring. Yours?"
"Annoying. Dad's being difficult again. I'm relieved that he won't be here for the holidays. I've had enough parental nagging this month."
"Speaking of parents, Umma called," Zoa says as she grabs herself something to drink. "She asked about you."
"Oh?" Jihan turns around and eyes Zoa nervously. "What did she ask?"
