The message reads:
So, you look good, but not with... Stay happy and SAFE, darling.
Your eyes blink in disbelief, trying to process the odd message.
This isn’t the first time... you think to yourself, feeling a slight unease settle in your chest. But then you shake your head, deciding it’s not worth your attention.
"Ahh, leave it. I’m too busy to think about this right now."
You toss the phone back onto your desk and pick up the file again, pushing the unsettling thought aside.
_________________________
As you browse through the department store with your sister, Soojin turns to you and asks, "Unnie, what's everything?" You giggle at her words.
"When did you become older than me, Soojin? Always asking about life, huh?” you tease.
She laughs, responding dramatically, "Umm, since you're always busy and don't have time to check on your lovely sister, I thought I should keep reminding you."
You smile. "Stop it, Soojin... don't make me feel bad. I might even cancel your flight tomorrow. It’s not like I meet you every day here.”
Soojin grins. "No, you can't. I'm going tomorrow. It's not a big deal, but it's an important internship. See, I can survive on my own there... because I'm a strong woman." She nudges your elbow, adding with a laugh, "Stronger than you, too."
You both walk side by side, arms weighed down by heavy shopping bags, strolling through the store as Soojin picks up the last few items she needs before heading to Germany. An internship in finance abroad—it’s exciting for her, but it worries you too. She’s never been alone in a foreign country for such a long time. You love her so much, but life’s been busy.
“Okay, let’s go get ice cream—last time with me before I leave you for a while,” Soojin’s voice snaps you out of your thoughts.
You nod. “Okay.”
Soon, you’re both sitting at an ice cream parlour, selecting your favorite flavors. You choose hazelnut chocolate, and she opts for cookies and cream. As you dig into the sweetness, Soojin speaks up, catching you by surprise.
“Oh, and make sure to thank Taehyungie oppa. Because of him, my accommodation is all taken care of there.”
You look at her, shocked. “Wait, how did he—?”
She interrupts, “He found out when he came by last week to meet Dad. That’s when he said he’d handle everything for me.”
A warmth spreads through at the thought of him looking out for your family without you even knowing.
After dropping Soojin off at home, you return to your place, arms still heavy because of holding many bags.
___________________
You sit at your desk, eyes focused on the sketch taking shape on the page in front of you. It’s peaceful, after a long morning at the workshop where carving takes place. But then something catches your eye.
A box—more like a gift box—wrapped in beautiful paper, only your name scrawled on the label, sitting next to a bouquet. Orange lilies.
You frown.
Who could have sent this?
Just as you're about to get up, Minji enters, carrying your coffee. “Minji,” you ask, gesturing towards the gift.
“What’s this?”
She looks at the flowers and tilts her head slightly. “I don’t know, ma’am. It’s from an unknown sender. I’m not sure we should accept it... we don’t even know who sent it.”
YOU ARE READING
Arranged Art of Love: Diamonds and Dreams ( KTH ff)
Hayran Kurgu"I realized how weak I was, pretending to be strong all the time. I was hiding my real emotions with achievements in my career." She was broken but too busy to be healed. Maybe she chose to be busy in life to escape her torn self. ________________ I...
