Love Under Pretenses | Winrina

18.

"Dad, great news! I'll be getting my first salary around next week, which means we can finally start chipping away at your hospital bills," I excitedly told my dad.

I decided to visit him today since I had no work and nothing else to do at home. It felt like the perfect time to drop by. Plus, Jimin mentioned earlier that after her meeting abroad next week, she’d be sending my first paycheck to my bank account.

Ningning had also planned for us to hang out today, but I told her I wanted to visit my dad first and bring him some nutritious food. She offered to come along, but I declined, saying she could wait for me since I wouldn’t be staying too long at the hospital.

"Really, sweetie? Does that mean I’ll be coming home soon?" My dad couldn’t hide his excitement as he asked, and I nodded with a smile.

"Miss the house already, huh?" I teased him, and he grinned, nodding.

"More than you know," he replied. "Staying in the hospital has been draining, so I can't wait to get back home. I’m so grateful to you and your mom. I’m incredibly lucky to have both of you." His voice was sincere as he held my hand.

I felt a lump in my throat as he said those words. My dad always knew how to appreciate even the smallest things, and that meant the world to me. I hope Jimin gets to experience this kind of bond too with her own dad one day. I know she wants that too

The feeling of being appreciated, even for the little things.

"Finally! What took you so long? You said you'd be quick!" Ningning grumbled as soon as I walked out of the hospital.

"I was quick! I barely stayed in there, duh!" I shot back, rolling my eyes as she gave me an attitude.

We spent almost 30 minutes just deciding where to eat. Ningning insisted on trying somewhere new. We keep suggesting new places, but we couldn't agree on anything. It almost turned into a full-blown argument, so we gave up and went to Burger King—our usual spot since middle school.

"What are you getting?" I asked as we stood at the counter, both looking up at the menu.

"Obviously, my favorite! Xtra Long Chicken with iced tea and fries!" she chirped, looking like she hadn't eaten in days.

"Okay, I’ll have the Rodeo King meal with chicken wings. So, where’s your cash? I’ll place the order," I asked, glancing at her, but she just raised an eyebrow at me.

"Be a pal and treat me! You’re getting paid soon anyway," she said, grinning. My brows shot up at her nerve.

"My paycheck isn’t coming until next week!"

"So what? Just this once!"

"Just this once? You always make me treat you!"

"But you earn more than I do!"

I rolled my eyes and headed to the cashier to place the order. No point arguing, she never gives up.

One of these days, I’m seriously going to boot her out of the restaurant and eat her food myself.

"So... how's it going with your girlfriend?" Ningning asked, happily munching on our food.

I raised an eyebrow at her and flicked her forehead playfully.

"Ouch! What was that for?!" she complained, rubbing her forehead like a child.

"What girlfriend are you talking about? I don’t have one, you weirdo," I replied, grabbing a chicken wing and taking a big bite.

"I mean Jimin! You stupid gay!" she said, clearly annoyed.

"She's not my girlfriend, it’s just fake," I clarified, but her confused expression told me she didn’t get it.