Chapter: 20

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Miyeon woke up to the morning light streaming through the window, feeling a bit groggy. She found herself sitting next to Nari at the kitchen counter. Both of them looked dishevelled, with hair tousled and eyes half-closed as they tried to wake up.

"We really should get moving," Miyeon said with a yawn, struggling to keep her eyes open.

"Otherwise, our parents might just come and drag us home," Nari agreed with a sleepy nod.

The sight of the two friends in this state was too comical, and they didn't seem to mind their dishevelled appearance. However, as the alarm clock went off, startling both of them, it was clear they needed to get a move on.

"You should change that annoying bird sound alarm of yours. It sounds like you after you've had a few too many drinks," Miyeon said, walking over to the sink to splash water on her face.

"Talking as if I'm the one who starts babbling about random scientific facts to strangers and breaks into tears when asked to go home," Nari retorted with a playful glare.

"Stop bringing that up! I don't do any of that anymore. That was just one time," Miyeon protested, placing two plates of pancakes on the table for both of them.

"Sure, the video on my phone says otherwise," Nari laughed, accepting the plate of pancakes with a grateful nod.

"I'll just pretend I didn't hear that," Miyeon said, rolling her eyes.

"Well, the people in the video seem to be doing the same," Nari teased.

"I hate you," Miyeon responded.

"I love you too, Miya."

"By the way, are you going home too?" Miyeon asked, taking a bite of her pancake.

"Yeah. My dad called yesterday. He's got this new project he wants me to work on and meet with some investors," Nari replied with a hint of sadness.

Miyeon noticed Nari's change in demeanour and reached out to put her hand over Nari's for comfort. She knew how Nari's father had never been there for his children unless he needed something from them.

"Sometimes pursuing what you truly desire is better than trying to please people who can never give you what you need," Miyeon said softly.

Nari understood the underlying meaning in Miyeon's words. She longed for genuine parental love and support, not just a superficial relationship. As she looked at her friend, she knew she didn't have to ask for it.

"Thanks, Miya," Nari said with a small, grateful smile, conveying more than her words could express. She might not always be the best friend, but she would forever be thankful for Miyeon.

"I'll always be here for you, Ri," Miyeon smiled, gently squeezing her hand.

Even as she spoke those words, Miyeon knew that Nari had not always been there for her but it didn't matter at the moment.

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As soon as Miyeon stepped through the door, Mirae practically lunged at her, wrapping her arms around her in a tight embrace.

"Look who finally decided to visit!" Mirae exclaimed, her face lighting up with a radiant smile.

Miyeon laughed, returning her sister's enthusiastic hug. "You act like it's been forever. I saw you not too long ago, you know."

Mirae pulled back with a playful grin. "Still too long. Anyway, come on—Mom and Dad are in the kitchen. Have you eaten yet?"

"Yeah, I grabbed something on the way," Miyeon said, allowing herself to be dragged toward the dining room.

Inside, their parents were sitting at the breakfast table, chatting casually as they ate. They hadn’t noticed the girls entering the room.

Mirae, ever the dramatic one, cleared her throat loudly and announced, "Look who’s gracing us with her presence today!"

Miyeon couldn’t help but chuckle as her parents looked up, eyes widening in surprise. Instantly, her mother rushed over, pulling her into a tight hug, quickly followed by her father.

"My baby! You look like you’ve lost weight. Are you eating properly? How’s school?" her mother asked in one breath, fussing over her as usual.

"Mom, I’m fine. I swear I’m eating," Miyeon reassured her, gently pulling away with a smile.

Her father, ever the calm one, gave her a once-over before asking, "Have you eaten breakfast yet?"

Miyeon shook her head with a small laugh. "Yes, Dad. I’m good, I promise."

As they all settled down around the table, Miyeon noticed Mirae fidgeting, glancing excitedly behind her. Before she could ask what was going on, two large hands suddenly covered her eyes.

"What the—" Miyeon gasped, startled.

"Language, Miyeon!" her mother scolded, though there was a playful tone in her voice.

Miyeon rolled her eyes, chuckling. "Fine, fine. But seriously, who is—"

She didn’t even finish her sentence before the hands dropped, and she spun around to see a familiar face. Her heart leapt as she instantly recognized the voice that followed.

"Surprise!" Jeon Wonwoo stood there with a wide grin, and Miyeon’s response was immediate.

"Wonwoo!" she cried, throwing her arms around him in a hug that lifted her off the ground. "I can’t believe you’re here!"

Wonwoo laughed, his deep voice filled with warmth as he hugged her back tightly. "I missed you, Miya."

"Don’t interrupt the reunion!" Mirae whispered loudly to their mother, who looked like she was about to fuss again.

Miyeon pulled back slightly, her face still glowing with excitement. "How—when did you get here? I wasn’t expecting this at all!"

Wonwoo smiled softly. "I got in last night. Wanted to surprise you." His eyes softened as he added, "I’m here to stay for a while."

At those words, Miyeon’s face lit up even more, and without warning, she crushed him in another hug. "You have no idea how much I’ve missed you!"

Wonwoo chuckled, gently patting her back. "Trust me, I’ve missed you too."

As they stood there, laughing and catching up, Miyeon felt a sense of warmth and contentment wash over her. Having Wonwoo back, even if just for a while, made everything feel a little more right in the world.

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