The Price Of Redemption

6.

2018:

"Haerin-ah!" Dani's voice rang out, frustration lacing every syllable as she stomped her foot on the ground. Her pout was unmistakable, arms crossed as she narrowed her eyes at her best friend. "It's not fair! You had a bite of mine, and now you won't share your ice cream?"

Haerin, grinning mischievously, clutched her cup of mint chocolate ice cream close to her chest, holding it just out of Dani's reach. Her cat-like eyes sparkled with amusement as she took a slow, exaggerated lick, savoring the taste. "Not today, Dani. This is my precious mint ice cream, and I'm not letting you touch it!" Her teasing tone only added fuel to Dani's growing annoyance.

Dani's brows furrowed, and before Haerin could react, Dani pounced like a cat on its prey. She jumped onto Haerin's back, wrapping her arms around her shoulders and her legs tightly around her waist. "No way! I'm getting some, whether you like it or not!"

Haerin groaned, struggling to maintain her balance as she tried to shake Dani off. "Ugh, Dani! Get off! Let me eat in peace!" She laughed despite herself, trying to fend off her friend while still holding onto the ice cream cup for dear life.

A few steps behind, Jennie, Haerin's mom, had been quietly enjoying their walk through the park. Watching the girls, she couldn't help but chuckle at the playful scuffle. The sight of them wrestling over ice cream warmed her heart, reminding her of how carefree and joyful their friendship had always been.

"Mom, help me! Dani's trying to steal my ice cream!" Haerin called out in a mock-pleading voice, still fighting to free herself from Dani's grasp.

"No way!" Dani chimed in defiantly from Haerin's back, a gleam of triumph in her eyes. "Aunty's on my side, right?"

Jennie's laughter rang out, her amusement spilling over as she watched the two girls bicker. "You two are seriously like an old married couple!" she teased, wiping away a tear as she shook her head in disbelief.

At the mention of "married couple," both girls froze, as if someone had pressed pause on a movie. Haerin's cheeks flushed pink, and Dani hastily unwrapped herself from Haerin's back, her face equally red. The playful energy between them shifted in an instant, replaced by a sudden awkwardness that neither girl knew how to navigate. They avoided each other's gaze, nervously shifting from foot to foot.

Jennie raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by their reaction. What had started as a harmless joke seemed to have struck a chord with the girls. She slung her arms around both their shoulders, pulling them close as she let out another chuckle.

"They'd make a perfect couple," Jennie muttered under her breath, still grinning as they continued their walk through the park. Haerin and Dani stayed silent, their cheeks still burning, though the warmth between them remained undeniable.

2024:

The ticking of the clock seemed to echo in the silence of the office as Dani sat across from Kang Taehyung, her mind swirling with unanswered questions. The weight of the past few hours hung heavily in the room, and though Dani had a million things she wanted to ask, she held back. This was family business, after all—was it really her place to pry?

But then again, if it was so personal, why had both father and daughter exploded in front of her, a virtual stranger? The tension in the air had been thick, the arguments fierce, and yet... here she was, sitting quietly in the middle of it all. She glanced at Taehyung, his expression unreadable, his gaze fixed somewhere distant.