Talking to the moon

Chapter 14

Yunjin was expecting some sort of reaction when she came over to visit. Apparently Eunchae had been driving the couple crazy by asking them to call Yunjin or to bring her to work so she could talk to Yunjin or just text her. From what Sakura had been saying Eunchae was adjusting fairly well, her grades started slipping a bit, and she got nervous whenever they were too loud but other than that she was being good. When Sakura extended an offer for her to have dinner over there, Chaewon practically threw her out of her own apartment to go.

The woman hadn't left her apartment in the five days since Eunchae had been gone, even bringing Grumpy over. It was nice, and while Yunjin wanted to strangle Chaewon most days for invading every single corner of her space, it felt reassuring to know that there would be at least the cat there when she went home. She had filled Eunchae's space next to her in bed, first promising to sleep on the couch but Yunjin caught her an hour later climbing in next to her. There was still a Eunchae sized hole, but Chaewon did her best.

As Yunjin walked into Sakura's house, she expected a hug, maybe just an enthusiastic, "Yunjin!" but there was nothing. Just Eunchae sitting on the couch, Peng in her arms, staring daggers at her. She looked pissed, like the sight of Yunjin had offended her in some unspeakable way. Kookeu was happy to see her, bouncing around her feet as she walked over to the child, "Hi Eunchae?"

Nothing. Eunchae even turned her head away, not bothering to look at Yunjin. The detective felt her heart snap into two. It made sense Eunchae would be mad, if Yunjin was in her position she would probably be mad too. It didn't mean it hurt any less.

"Eunchae, say hi." Sakura coached standing in the kitchen, looking at the scene while she set the table. Eunchae just diverted her attention to Peng, pretending like Yunjin wasn't even there. With a sigh, Yunjin stood up and made her way to the adults, who both looked a bit confused at her behavior. "She's been grumpy all day, don't take it personally."

"She needs to take a nap." Kazuha frowned, shaking her head as she finished putting the food on the plates. "She woke up early, and I think she's just tired."

"It's fine," Yunjin assured, grabbing a few forks out of the drawer and set them on the table as Sakura put the plates of pasta on the table. Yunjin herself felt exhausted and fragile, like just a breeze could send her crumbling.

"Eunchae, honey, c'mon let's eat," Sakura called, the child wasting no time to take the seat next to where Yunjin was sat. It was only natural, they all had their predetermined spots they got used to, Yunjin tried not to get her hopes up.

They started eating, and honestly, Kazuha was a good cook. Maybe it was a requirement of being a lawyer, Chaewon cooked well also. Wait, why are you thinking of Chaewon. Kazuha was the first to speak up, "So Yunjin, are you feeling better? Chaewon was telling me you took a few days off from work so she stayed with you."

That was partially true. Yunjin did take a few days off from work, she just couldn't bear to get up and out. Chaewon did take a few days off, lazing in bed with her as Yunjin switched between sleeping and just laying there. She would stroke her hair, or make some food and force Yunjin to eat. This wasn't like Yunjin, they both knew it. She just had a lot on her mind, and Chaewon understood. She didn't push or dig, she just was there, a source of comfort. Yunjin pretended that she didn't see the look of relief on her face when she finally got up and dressed on Wednesday morning to go to work. It was easier to pretend that Chaewon wasn't concerned, rather just enjoying her company.

Eunchae seemed to perk up at the name, the scowl getting deeper on her face. How dare Yunjin have time for Chaewon, but not her.

"Yeah, I wasn't feeling well."