Secretly, But Unable to Hide It

Chaewon Quite Smart

This time, the car reaches Hanni's home. She unfastens her seatbelt and pretends not to hear Minji. "I'll go now. Thank you, Minji unnie. You have an early flight tomorrow, so make sure to rest."

"Wait a minute."

Hanni turns her head. "What is it?"

Minji loosens her tie and suddenly pulls a small box from her pocket, smiling. "For Hanni, a New Year's present."

Hanni blinks, taking the box. "Thank you."

After stepping inside her home, Hanni notices the living room is empty, her parents aren't back yet. She heads straight to her bedroom, sitting down on the carpet beside her bed. Curious, she opens the box that Minji gave her. It's a simple box. Inside is a silver bracelet shaped like a fox. One end forms the head, the other the tail, linked with tiny diamonds. There's also an engraving of her initials, HN.

Hanni slips the bracelet on, admiring it for a while. After a moment, she exhales deeply, places the bracelet back in the box, and stands up. She takes out her suitcase and begins packing for her return to university tomorrow. Once done, she sets an alarm on her phone and sends a message to Minji.

Hanni: So tomorrow, we're leaving at 6? We'll take a taxi, right?

Minji: Yes.

Hanni pauses for a second, then remembers something and asks again.

Hanni: Unnie, why didn't you drink any alcohol?

At Chaewo's wedding, even Hanni had a small glass of beer, but Minji didn't drink at all. Thinking back, she realizes she's never seen Minji drink.

Minji: I'm allergic to alcohol.

Hanni: Oh, that's actually a good thing.

Hanni: It's better than me. I can't drink milk or eat beef.

The next day, Hanni is still sleepy when they arrive at the airport lounge. After finding seats, she dozes off again. When it's time to board, Minji gently wakes her.

Hanni pulls out a bottle from her bag. The water inside was filled by Minji earlier at the lounge. She opens it and takes a sip.

Minji glances over. "Are you cold?"

Hanni shakes her head. "No."

Soon, someone takes the seat next to Minji. The man stows his backpack in the luggage rack before sitting down. He looks at Minji for a moment. "You're Kim Minji, right?"

The man about Minji's age, wears black-framed glasses. His face is pale and clean, dressed casually in a sports jacket. "It's really you." He says excitedly. "I'm Choi Yeonjun. Do you remember me? We were in the same junior high."

Minji just looks at Yeonjun, her expression unreadable, but says nothing.

"It's been years, hasn't it?" Yeonjun continues. "We used to be desk mates, right? I heard our classmates have organized a few reunions. Why haven't you attended? I couldn't make it last time because my mom was sick."

Minji briefly glances at Yeonjun, smiling politely. "I've been busy."

"Ah, I see," Yeonjun says and laughing awkwardly. "I heard from Garam that you've been working hard. You must be doing well." He glances at Hanni, curious. "Is this your girlfriend? Oh wait, no. I think I heard you and Garam were getting married?"

Hanni freezes, startled.

Minji finds the rumor absurd. She gives Yeonjun a small smile. "What are you talking about?"

"Oh? Maybe I misheard..." Yeonjun fumbles, then quickly addresses Hanni. "Sorry about that. Don't take offense, it was just a rumor."

Hanni leans over to Minji and whispers, "Who's Garam?"