I can sense that my mother has softened a bit, but she still wouldn't just drop it. So, proposing that the other party apologize to me is more of an excuse to find a way out. Little does she know, this is a very tough challenge. Yu's father wouldn't even speak to me when I called. He hung up on me as if to say, 'Don't waste your time. Since calling didn't work, the only way is to meet face-to-face.
The large gate stands tall in front of the house and before me. It feels like a test to see if I have the courage I claim to have. The last time I stayed here, I became the beloved child of the house. But after the truth came out, I became the enemy who stole the family's princess. If I go inside and get shot, I won't be surprised.
"Don't go in. If my dad splashes water at you, I won't be able to stand it. And if I burn the house down for revenge, I'll be seen as a terrible child."
The girl, who stopped clinging to Mom, followed me out of concern after knowing what deal I got. Even though I didn't tell her, she could probably guess it and ended up sticking to me instead of Mom.
"Pixie, you shouldn't have come."
"I have to. I know what my dad is like. Besides... I can't stand it if you cling to my dad's legs like I did to your mom. The only one you can do that with is me."
"You crazy."
Even though it's a scary situation, the small person can't help but joke, trying to lighten the mood, which I have to admit makes me change my worried mood to a mix of laughter and anger.
"Let's go back home."
"No, I've made a decision since talking to Mom yesterday that I'd come to talk to your dad. Even if I have to cling to his legs, I'll do it."
"But I can't stand it!"
"And when you clung to my mom's legs, did you think I could stand it?"
"You could because it looked cute when I did it, but when you do it, it'll look pathetic, like a beggar. No way, I can't stand it."
"Why do I have to look like a beggar?"
"Well, you're tall, like a preta [*[1]],"
"Hey..."
I gape at my girlfriend's retort, but Yu doesn't care, pulling my arm to make me back off. I have to reach out and press the doorbell so the people inside can see who is at the gate through the CCTV, meaning we have no way to escape now.
"Why are you looking for troubles?"
Yu says.
It seems the person inside saw through the camera who was ringing the bell. The electric gate unlocks, signaling that we can enter, which I consider a better welcome than I expected.
"Your dad opened the gate."
"It's the maid. Dad wouldn't waste time looking at the camera. And they opened it because I'm the homeowner's daughter."
"Well, it's opened now, nonetheless."
I step into the house I haven't visited in a while. Everything is still the same, except for the chilling coldness that grips my heart. Standing outside is nerve-wracking, but being inside makes my heart almost stop.
"We can still back out."
"Stop discouraging me. If you're scared, go back first."
"On the contrary, I've never been afraid of my own family. I'm ready to fight."
Before she can finish speaking, her dad appears at the front of the house, making us both freeze in our tracks. His unfriendly gaze makes me stand stiffly, not knowing what to do. Yu steps in between me and her dad, raising her head like a programmed arguing machine.
