---
"when was the last time we saw each other? i think a year ago. did something happen, heeseung?"
heeseung sighed. he closed his eyes, rubbing his temples with his fingers. "a lot happened. i don't think i can process everything alone."
the lady nodded. "humans cry for help in all sorts of ways. some better than the others. i'm glad that yours is by talking with someone you trust, " she said, smiling warmly. "tell me what's wrong," she added, making him hesitate.
"he's back," heeseung said, his voice shaking.
she raised her eyebrows. "who is back?"
heeseung leaned forward, placing his elbows on his knees. he looked very focused.
"jake is back. he didn't die."
the woman nodded, her expression calm. "i see."
heeseung frowned, puzzled by her lack of reaction. "aren't you shocked by this?"
"i can't let my emotions get the best of me, heeseung, because then i won't be able to help you."
"sorry... you're right, sooha."
---
she slowly went down the stairs, stepping elegantly on each step. jake was sitting on the couch in the leaving room, with a bowl of salad in his hands.
she cleared her voice when she entered the room to get his attention.
"what are you eating?" she asked, starting conversation. she sat next to him, their legs touching.
jake stared at the bowl while swallowing the last bite he took. "a salad made of a bit of everything i found in the fridge."
"i see," she replied composed.
then they both sat in silence for a few more minutes. sooha looked around the room. "you know, i always wondered why you bought this house specifically."
jake shrugged his shoulders. "the first one i found."
"what a coincidence..." she said, as if to herself.
jake turned his head towards her. "why are you saying that?"
"do i need to break it down to you that heeseung is our neighbour, or did you already know that?"
jake gulped. "how did you find out?"
sooha sighed, feeling desperate. "oh, jaeyun... i always find out."
jake got up and placed the bowl on the coffee table, then sat back down. "sooha, i didn't want to hide it from you-"
