Substitute Soulmate

One Last Run

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"You're going to have to stay with Haneul again," Namjoo spoke to Olly, "you'll be a good boy and wait for me?"

Leaning away from her suitcase she rubbed her dog's head. She and Sehun had talked, spent the past few weeks planning for their trip down to Busan. He wanted to introduce her to his parents. About half a year had passed since she'd met him. They had been careful with their relationship, taking things as slow as possible. Sometimes he slept over. Other times she slept at his place and they made love where Olly couldn't watch. Before she knew it, the year was coming to an end. It had gotten much colder that when she and Sehun walked, they'd hold hands in his coat pocket. Soon, it'd be Yeol's fourth death anniversary. She would let Sehun attend his memorial with her. She wanted to introduce Sehun to Yeol.

Namjoo turned when the doorbell rang. Sehun hadn't said he'd be coming over, but then he was always full of surprises. Getting to her feet Namjo brushed her hands and walked to the door. Olly followed at her feet. Mina looked back at her.

"Mina," Namjoo breathed, "come in." Closing the door after Yeol's sister, Namjoo walked into the kitchen, "Do you want anything to drink?"

"I'm not staying long," Mina said.

Namjoo turned around to see that Mina didn't want to meet her eyes. Maybe she was embarrassed or ashamed. Sehun had told her about Mina crying angrily. Perhaps, she hadn't forgiven her yet. Being smitten with a man who loved another woman was always a difficult path to trek.

"Do you want to sit?" Namjoo suggested.

Mina still refused to look at her. Was she that detestable? For some reason, Namjoo recalled the younger Mina always happy to see her, following her brother around, and happily standing beside her as one of her bridesmaids. So long ago when she'd met Park Chanyeol. Yet it always felt just like yesterday when she married him.

"I'm sorry," Mina quietly apologized. "I was stupid."

"That's not it," Namjoo tried.

Mina turned away, her brows twining together. "It took me a long time to come here. So just know that I'm still angry."

Namjoo opened her mouth to speak but decided not to. Mina was just Mina after all. She needed to let it out before she could move on, grow some more as an independent woman.

"I know," Mina quietly continued, "that it was hard for you." Finally looking at her, she asked, "You're really happy now?"

Managing a smile, Namjoo nodded. "Yes, I'm happy."

"Fine. Whatever." Mina muttered. "I'm going."

She was glad for them Namjoo knew. She was just embarrassed for acting the way she had. Mina who always had front row tickets to her meltdowns would still be there for her.

"Take care, Mina," Namjoo called after her. When the door closed she felt a weight lifted off her shoulders. Tonight, she would sleep well. Tomorrow morning, she would depart to Busan with Sehun.

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"Prepared for this weekend trip?" Sehun asked closing his trunk.

"Yes, siree," Namjoo replied pulling her hat on. She'd dropped Olly off at her friend's that morning. Sehun was picking her up just now. "You called your parents?"

"I told them I was bringing a friend," he answered. "We should be there by nighttime."

"Sounds good," Namjoo commented opening the passenger door. Holding her hand as he started the engine they glanced each other and smiled before he drove off.