De Novo

Chapter 13

Yongsun

All my life, I never thought the day would come when Moonbyul would be standing on our doorstep in her finest attire, tucking those gleaming strands of hair behind her ear, allowing me to have the best view of her stunning face. When I opened the door and saw her, I was completely flabbergasted. I couldn't believe she was really here, facing me, smiling, and her eyes crinkling adorably. Is it really a dream or am I just hallucinating?

I'm gripping the knob tightly and my other hand is shaking behind me. I remained statued on my spot, couldn't move a muscle and could not speak. I think my stupid brain just shut down on its own.

"Yong?"

It was my alarm call to get my shit together and entertain byul. I blink my eyes multiple times, a sudden small smile dancing on my lips, bowing my head a little as if I'm facing the President of this country. Honestly, what am I doing?

"A-Ah.. yeah.. hi?"

"I-I mean.. y-you look good."

I blurted out of nowhere and moonbyul wasn't even complimenting me in the first place. I inwardly curse at my stupidity, about to bump my head on this hardwood door so I could go back to how I usually acted around people. If I could get into my head and slap my brain, I would have probably done so. Why do I keep embarrassing myself when I'm talking to her?

"That's an unexpected greeting but thank you. You look good too."

I smile in return even if I know I could faint with the way she compliments me right now. I mean, no, I don't fucking look good.. not at all. I'm still in my pajamas, my face unwashed, and my hair is disorganized like a bird's nest was nestled in it-- hell, I bet even a bird's nest is neater than my hair. I probably look like someone who came from a war and survived. Who the hell is she kidding?

"I.. uh.. is something wrong? Why are you here?"

I managed to ask after I prayed for all the saints to give me back the ability to communicate with someone, and I guess they have heard my plea.

Moonbyul shifted where she stood as she shyly scratched her nape, looking so timid all of a sudden. She appears to be like a child who wanted to ask her mother for a huge favor, such as giving her a chocolate bar or something. She looks so adorable that I could pinch her cheeks without remorse.

"Well, luna was having trouble with her math assignment.. and I may, or may not have promised her I would help her with it."

I grimaced without even realizing it. Luna? Luna said she's having trouble with her assignment? Never in my life have I heard her complain about her schoolwork or projects. Luna is as smart as a high school kid. Her assignments are nothing to her but scraps of crossword puzzles.

And if she's truly having a hard time understanding that goddamn assignment, why did she tell moonbyul and not me? I am deeply offended! I was not that dumb at school before. I have a little math knowledge that I could show off.

"Really? She never mentioned anything about it. Why did she tell you and not me?"

Moonbyul tried to open her mouth but her voice got stuck in her throat when her eyes looked over behind me. She gives the widest smile her lips can probably muster, and I look behind me to see who it was.

There stood my daughter, mirroring moonbyul's smile.

"Unnie.."

"Hi, luna."

Moonbyul waved hello at luna and her smile became brighter than the first one. Luna walked to where we are and as she got closer, moonbyul instinctively gestured for her to come and wrap her arm around Luna's shoulder, pulling her into a welcoming hug that the girl reciprocated by wrapping her slender arms around Moonbyul's waist.