I don't know how many days it has been, but the way they are avoiding each other is making us feel uncomfortable and awkward. This is because we were all supposed to be hanging out together at Woo-young's apartment. I thought to myself.
"Why did you suggest we hang out here?" Seonghwa whispered to San. The latter was focused on the flat screen on the wall while still keeping an ear out for what was happening around him.
"It wasn't me. Woo-young asked me to invite you and Yunho over. I don't know why Mingi joined us though," San explained. I looked at Mingi and Y/N, and while they were avoiding one another, I could sense that there was something deeper behind their behaviour. When Woo-young mentioned that Mingi would be joining us, Y/N didn't object; instead, she remained seated in the kitchen. I knew how much Mingi missed her.
"Woo-young, are you still angry with your sister?" I asked, glaring at the younger boy. His smile faded when I mentioned his sister.
"No. I just...hate her," he replied, glancing at Y/N. Of course, she heard it, as he was purposely speaking loud enough for her to overhear. I just sighed when I saw him like that. I got up and went to the lonely girl.
"I don't know what happened with you three. But Woo-young look so pissed off with you. What did you do to him?" I asked taking a seat opposite her.
"Nothing. It just... I went home without him. I just need some time alone that time. You know I got a lot of things to do and sometimes I get stressed out about studying. I'm thinking about looking for another job." She explained. I know that was not the real reason why she acted like that. But who am I to meddling in her private life?
"Why do you need to work when you already have a lot of money from your parent's life insurance?" I asked.
"I want to save that money for Woo-young's future. Plus, I can't rely on that money forever. We also need money for our daily expenses. I'm currently taking driving lessons and that may require a lot of money." she replied. I understand what she meant. Being the eldest carried a lot of responsibility, especially when their parents are no longer alive.
"You're not just his sister, but you also carry our parents' responsibility too. I'm proud of you," I said. Instead of thinking about herself, she prioritizes her brother. Even though Woo-young hates her for something nonsensical, she always loves him. Maybe Woo-young is still too immature to understand her. But still, I'm curious about what happened between her and Mingi.
"Then... Can I know what happened between you and Mingi?" The question suddenly made her expression change.
"I know it's hard for you to share your problems, but I'm worried about you and him too. You could see how awkward it was when we were here," I said.
"I don't know how to explain it. Sometimes I was thinking about myself. How can I live without him by my side? He also has his own life and will soon have a partner. I'm worried that I can't let him out of my life, and that will ruin his relationship with his partner. I think that I should distance myself from him before he gets his partner," she said, sharing her thoughts.
"I'm not sure if that's the best solution to your problems. If you think he has genuine feelings for Hae-in, you're mistaken. He doesn't feel that way about her. Y/N, you're not just hurting him, you're hurting yourself too. Mingi doesn't care about other people's feelings. You're always his top priority." I said, trying to drop a hint.
"I don't know what to do." She responded with a sigh.
"I don't want you to regret your decision in the future. Don't make a choice based on your mind alone, but also consider your heart. What's important is what you truly desire. I know that deep down inside, he's still in your heart." I said before returning to the others. At least I had attempted to ease her burden.
I glance at Mingi. He was staring at the flat screen but I knew his mind was somewhere else. I acknowledge that both of them love each other but Y/N is stubborn enough to realise it. While Mingi didn't even dare to keep it secret as he kept asking us to give some tips to get her attention.
"I'm going on a study trip for two weeks starting tomorrow. Since you don't want to talk to me, you'll have the whole two weeks to yourself. I might switch off my phone though, because the area where I'm going has a poor connection," she said abruptly as she got up to leave for her room. I turned to Woo-young, but he didn't say anything. However, his expression suggested that he didn't like the idea of being alone at home.
"You can stay at my place if you don't mind," San offered. Seonghwa also said something similar.
"Or we could all sleep over at your place. I'm sure she'll be fine with that," I suggested. Woo-young just nodded in agreement.
"I just want to be here. I don't want to burden your parents," he replied with a small smile.
"Burden? My dad loves you more than me, his son. Jongho would love it if you could come over to our house. He doesn't have a partner to play games with," San said with a chuckle.
"He didn't even bother to ask me to play with him," he added.
"Yeah. My mom also asked when you'll come over again. She wants you to try her latest recipe. She's been trying to bake cakes lately. Please come and teach her. Her cupcakes taste... Horrible," Seonghwa said, which made Woo-young laugh. It was a relief to see him happy, even if it was just for a little while.
---tbc---
