off the record [bbangsaz]

2. you cant control who you love, but you can control who you play the fool for

minji honestly didn't mind being alone.

she became accustomed to it by now after dealing with it almost her whole life.

but even going through something so much, doesn't mean it doesn't hurt any less when the two people who brought her into this world...aren't even there to celebrate an important chapter of her life with her.

"where's your mom and dad, minji-ah?" minju—her cousin chaewon's girlfriend from her fathers side—questioned, continuing to drink from her red solo cup.

minji smiled, the faux one she gave to mask the pain she was feeling. "oh, they called earlier today. something about a layover in france."

"so they aren't coming?" chaewon gave a judging brow, arm wrapped around minju's waist. "that's..."

"guys." minji cut them off with a fake laugh. "it's okay. they told me they'll call me again soon. you know they—"

"work all the time." chaewon scoffed. "doesn't mean they shouldn't still make time for their only daughter's 21st birthday party."

minji only sighed with a thin-line on her lips.

she understands everyone's concerns. but as stated before...she's used to this.

she had to be used to this.

ever since she was 5 years old and had to rely on a babysitter to play the role of a parent for her upbringing.

she's just always been used to this.

and it's not like her parents didn't entirely care about her.

no, no.

to compensate for them not showing up to the party, minji's dad graciously sent her a large amount of money on her debit card for the occasion.

sure. money can't really buy happiness...but it did warm minji's heart knowing they at least acknowledged her enough to even do so.

she sent her dad a 'thank you, i love you' text and went upon her day. enjoying the party with the people that cared enough for her to even show up.

while mingling with every guest, she began chatting with a few of her childhood friends. and instead of building castles in the sandbox or playing superhero's like when they were 12, they were all taking a round of shots in the backyard. telling stories of their adolescence and how great those times were. then after some more time had passed, she went on with the next set of people, making sure everyone felt included and was enjoying themselves for her celebration.

minji couldn't help but think while talking with a few of her aunts, wow, hanni really did raise her well. cause she knows damn well her mom and dad wouldn't have taught her a thing or two about manners until the young vietnamese woman did. she honestly believed she would've grown up a stereotypical spoiled brat if it weren't for the babysitter.

thank god that never happened.

speaking of the sitter, minji zoned out of a group conversation with haerin and danielle when she spotted a familiar figure sitting on her kitchen bar stool.

thats right. the most beautiful woman she's ever seen. engaging in conversation with some of her middle aged aunts from the states. and hanni fit in with them so well. the manners she's grown to replicate over the years were present with every bright smile and head nod directed towards her. oh, how much hanni brightened up the room. it's no wonder everyone grew fond of—

"minji!"

the birthday girl snapped her head to danielle.

"i swear, it's almost comedic how often we snap you out of your day dreaming." she teased.