Secretly, But Unable to Hide It

We'll Get Married Soon

The next morning, Hanni helps wipe Minji's face, arms, and elbows. She tries hard to pretend to be indifferent, acting as if she is cleaning an inanimate object. Before leaving, she hesitates and asks, "Minji unnie, do you need anything? I'll bring it over for you tonight."

"En?" Minji still seems sleepy, her eyes half-open. "I have my keys inside my coat. You can take them and help me bring my laptop from my bedroom."

Hanni asks, "Why do you need your laptop?"

Minji opens her eyes and smiles. "Work."

Hanni is startled, her expression turning displeased. "Aren't you taking a day off? Besides, you're sick right now. Your boss isn't going to give you extra money."

Minji looks at Hanni but says nothing.

Hanni insists, "I'm not bringing it for you. I'll bring you other things. I'm leaving now."

On the Metro, Hanni listens to Jay's voice note. "Hanni, are you free now? My friends and I are going to the sports hall. Do you want to come? I heard from Karina that you're not returning to the dorm. It's late, and it's not safe to be outside alone. Let me pick you up?"

Hanni replies, "I'm sorry, I didn't check my phone last night. Thank you for your concern."

After returning to the dorm, Hanni takes a shower and changes her clothes. Then she heads to the classroom building. On Fridays, she has classes from morning until 6:00 p.m., leaving no time to eat. She goes straight to Minji's apartment after class.

The area is a residential district next to the city library, but there are still a few meters to go to Minji's apartment. Nearby, there's a restaurant and a small supermarket, making the neighborhood quite lively.

Hanni takes the elevator to the fifteenth floor, unlocks the door with the key, and fumbles to switch on the light, unfamiliar with the place.

The room is designed in dark tones. The living room's sofa and coffee table are dark grey, and the walls are painted in a similar shade. The wooden floor features a dark, square-shaped rug in the middle. A half-open book lies on the sofa beside a tall reading lamp. The curtains are drawn, giving the room a slightly gloomy atmosphere.

Hanni takes off her shoes and notices a single pair of slippers on the shoe rack. She hesitates but decides to walk in her socks. As she looks around the living room, she wonders what she should bring for Minji. Three photo frames are placed on the shelf above the TV.

One is a picture of Minji and all her roommates in their graduation robes. Next to it is a photo of Minji and Hanni during a graduation ceremony.

It's the first time Hanni has seen that photo. She can't help but pause and look at it. Back then, she looked young and tender, dressed in a light blue dress. She licks her lips and takes out her phone to snap a picture of it. Then she looks at the last photo frame. It's a group picture, clearly old, as the colors have faded.

In the photo, Minji looks about ten years old, wearing her school uniform. Beside her is a woman who's a little shorter than her, and they are both smiling.

Hanni recalls what her mother once told her and suddenly understands the woman's identity. She kneels down and says softly. "Auntie, hi. I'm Hanni, Minji unnie's friend's little sister." After a few seconds, she adds, "Minji unnie didn't come home last night because she's sick. She had a minor operation, but it's nothing serious. I'm just here to bring her some things, so don't worry."

Hanni leaves Minji's apartment and waits for the elevator. She checks her phone, and as she puts it back in her pocket, the elevator arrives.

Inside, there's a woman with delicate features. She's wearing branded clothes, and her strong perfume fills the space. She seems to be trying to call someone, but no one answers, and her expression turns sour.