So Sweet And So Bitter

VII.

> Mingyu <

Mrs. Jeon takes a seat on our new sofa feeling the soft material and exploring our apartment looking puzzled. "It's very pretty, but you should add some decorations"

I look at her as if reading her thoughts. "I had bought some plants..." I glance at Wonwoo but he seems clueless sitting next to his mother.

"Oh I almost forgot, here" She stands up slightly and hands me a paper bag. I take it thanking her and I head to the kitchen. I rest it on the table and I decide to prepare some tea since it's pretty cold outside.

"Do you have something to tell me Wonwoo?" His mothers asks him rethorically, her tone soft. Even though I'm standing near the kitchen counter I can imagine his face expression, confused and annoyed, probably sighting silently inside.

"Mingyu is my co-star in the drama I told you about" He says as I put the cups on the table, filling them with tea. I notice Wonwoo with a serene expression, not what I was expecting to see. In fact as soon as he notices me placing the cup in front of him his face morphs into a neutral expression.

To avoid intruding on their conversation I go in the kitchen to clean the dishes Wonwoo was about to before the doorbell rang. However it is useless since with the open spacs I can't help but overhear what they're talking about.

Wonwoo wonders why his mother visited us, I thought it was rude until she spoke up.

"They gave me a couple of free days so I thought I'd see where you're staying at for the time being" While Wonwoo's voice is extremely deep, and can seem hoarse at times depending on the hour of the day, his mother's is very gentle and soft, a voice that could make you fall asleep. It carries a certain tiredness, after all she did seem a bit worn out and lacking some of the brightness she always had within her.

"Since when did they allow going out of town? Last time I asked they didn't let you" Wonwoo seems perplexed about his mother's answer and I find myself more and more confused about the situation.

"Well since there are only two sessions left they said I could" I can hear the smile in her voice, but there's also a hint of sadness I can't paint. When he speaks again his voice is cheerful and full of hope, I haven't heard him speaking like that in a lot of time.

"Does this mean the chemo is working?"

My hands freeze on the dishes that I'm now drying, processing what he just said. I struggle not to take a deep breath. I had no idea Mrs. Jeon was battling cancer, and it's probably very advanced too since she has to undergo chemotherapy. Although I would expect a patient of her status to be a lot more sick, it's a relief she's actually doing well and isn't suffering the side effects too much.

"Nothing is confirmed yet"

Just in time I finish drying everything so I decide to leave the room. I think I have intruded on their personal conversation enough. I'm gonna have a short nap and then I plan on going out with Minghao, Dokyeom and Seungkwan.

- - -

After about half an hour of Seungkwan and Dk having a singing contest in my car we finally reach the neighbourhood we agreed on. There's a basketball court next to Minghao's apartment. Him and Jun are planning on taking a plane to China the day after tomorrow so we decided to get together a bit before it. I reckon Jun is filming a drama there but he took a little break and came back because Minghao had an exhibition.

I also had wanted to visit his show tomorrow but I'll have to see what Wonwoo is planning since I bound myself to him.

As we get out we spot the two of them sitting on a bench in the park and we walk in their direction.