In a world that seemed straight out of a film, Jisu found herself caught in a delicate yet dangerous dance of love. Ryujin entered her life like a rose, beautiful yet fragile, wrapped in the uncertainty of chance. Both women were marked by the scars...
“Hey mom, just wanted to wish you an early Happy New Year! I’m so excited to catch up before the big day. Love you!”
“Oh, I’m thrilled to hear you’re soaking up the holiday spirit, sweetie. Are you guys in the midst of party prep? How are Chaeryeong and Yuna doing?”
Jisu almost let it slip that Ryujin was there with them, but caught herself just in timeㅡher mom had no idea about Ryujin yet. She shot a quick, slightly panicked look in Ryujin’s direction, then smoothed it over effortlessly. “Oh, they’re great! They’ve totally taken over the kitchen while I’m out here getting the backyard ready.”
She paused her setup, trying to focus on the conversation, but it was hard to concentrate with Ryujin in her line of sight. Ryujin was flexing her muscles and throwing exaggerated winks her way.
You’re going to be the death of me, Jisu mouthed silently, biting back laughter. Ryujin just grinned, flipping her hair dramatically before going back to work.
Then her mother’s voice softened, taking on that tone that always tugged at Jisu’s heartstrings. “Jisu-yah...” she began, regret thick in her words, “I’m really sorry I can’t be there. I--”
“Mom,” Jisu interjected gently, her voice full of understanding, “it’s okay, really. I get it. You just got promoted to Financial Director at Shin’s Deversoriumㅡthat’s a huge deal!”
Mrs. Choi let out a heavy sigh, burdened with guilt. “I’ll make it up to you, I promise.”
“I have no doubts, Mom,” Jisu replied warmly. “See you soon, love you. Bye for now.”
Before she could even put her phone away, Yuna’s voice rang out loudly from the kitchen. “Woohoo! Look at the lovebirds over here!” she hollered, catching both Jisu and Ryujin completely off guard.
──⇌••⇋──
“Okay, everyone!” Chaeryeong called out, her voice cutting through the chatter of the group lounging in the receiving area. They had just finished their New Year’s feast, followed by a fireworks show that lit up the sky as they shouted greetings into the night. “I’ve got four slips of paper here,” she announced, holding them up for everyone to see. “You’re each going to draw one, and then write a letter to the person whose name you get. But rememberㅡit’s a secret.” She spread out some colorful stationery and pens on the table, setting the stage for their little activity.
Jisu carefully unfolded the slip she had drawn: Chaeryeong.
“Nice,” she whispered under her breath, a small smile curling at the corners of her lips.
A few minutes later, the room was filled with the quiet sound of pens gliding across paper. The quartet focused on their letters, the only noise the occasional rustle of pages and the crackle of the fireplace. Soon enough, they finished their task and reconvened on the sprawling sofa, letters in hand.
Yuna had pulled Ryujin’s name but couldn’t resist scribbling an extra heartfelt note for her beloved Jisu eonni. Chaeryeong, meanwhile, wrote hers to Yuna, while Ryujin’s letter was destined for Jisu.
With a mix of anticipation and curiosity, they exchanged their letters, and the room fell into a hush as they each delved into the words penned just for them.
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Jisu carefully folded the note with a satisfied grin, slipping it into her pocket for safekeeping. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity as she reached for the unexpected letter from Yuna, unfolding it with eager anticipation.
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Jisu gave Yuna’s back a comforting rub in response to the heartfelt letter.
──⇌••⇋──
It was well past 2:00 AM when Jisu was stirred from sleep by the soft sound of paper brushing against the floor. Her eyes fluttered open, and she quickly got out of bed, hurrying to scoop up the note that had slipped under her door. Settling on the edge of the bed, she eagerly unfolded the message, her fingers trembling slightly with anticipation as she read the words within.
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A broad, uncontrollable smile spread across Jisu’s face.
