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The doorbell rang just after nine.
Minju looked up.
“That'll be them.”
Yunah glanced over from the kitchen, coffee halfway to her mouth.
Minju stood.
“You ready?”
“For what?”
Minju stared at her.
Yunah smiled.
“I'm kidding.”
“You've never looked after a four-year-old before.”
“Neither have you.”
“She's my cousin.”
“That doesn't make you qualified.”
Minju considered that.
Fair.
The doorbell rang again.
Then once more, longer this time.
Yunah laughed.
“Impatient.”
“You have no idea.”
Minju headed for the door.
She'd barely opened it before—
“Minju!”
A tiny yellow blur came straight at her.
Minju laughed and crouched just in time to catch Haewon as she threw both arms around her neck.
“Hi, Haewon-ah.”
Haewon squeezed tighter.
Minju smiled into her hair.
“Missed me?”
“Yes.”
“How much?”
Haewon pulled back and stretched both arms as wide as they would go.
“This much.”
Minju's expression softened.
“That much?”
A very serious nod.
Then Haewon was hugging her again.
Minju laughed softly and wrapped her arms around her.
Yunah appeared behind them.
Minju's aunt spotted her immediately.
“Yunah!”
Yunah smiled.
“Hi.”
She stepped forward and was pulled straight into a hug.
Yunah returned it easily.
“It's been ages.”
“I know. How are you?”
“Good.”
Her aunt pulled back and looked at her properly.
“Your hair's gotten long.”
Yunah touched it automatically.
“You sound like my mother.”
“Someone has to.”
Yunah laughed.
It was only when she looked down again that she realised Haewon was watching her.
Yunah stopped.
Oh.
The last time she'd seen Minju's cousin, Haewon had barely been walking.
She wasn't a baby anymore.
She was tiny, though.
Tiny enough that the bright yellow raincoat she wore seemed to swallow most of her, with a cream knit underneath, thick tights and little brown boots.
Two neat black pigtails framed her face.
Straight bangs.
Round cheeks.
Huge dark eyes.
Yunah stared at her.
Then at Minju.
Then back again.
Minju caught it immediately.
“What?”
Yunah was trying not to smile.
“She looks like you.”
Minju looked down at Haewon.
“You think?”
“A little,” her aunt said.
“A lot,” Yunah corrected.
Minju smiled.
“Really?”
Yunah nodded.
Now that she'd noticed it, she couldn't unsee it.
The eyes were Minju's.
So was the little nose.
And when Haewon pursed her lips while studying Yunah—
Oh, come on.
Yunah laughed.
“Even the pout.”
Minju looked at her.
“What pout?”
Her lips pushed forward.
Yunah stared at them.
Then slowly looked back at Minju.
Minju frowned.
“What?”
Yunah's smile widened.
“Nothing.”
Minju's eyes narrowed.
Beside her, Haewon's did too.
Yunah looked between them.
Jesus.
There really were two of them.
Haewon tilted her head.
“Who's she?”
Yunah put a hand to her chest.
“Ouch.”
“You haven't seen her since you were tiny,” her mom reminded her. “That's Yunah.”
Haewon continued staring.
“Minju's girlfriend. I told you that already, remember?”
A pause.
“No.”
Yunah laughed.
At least she was honest.
Haewon looked up at Minju instead.
“Your girlfriend?”
“Mhm.”
“Oh.”
And that was apparently all the information she needed.
Her attention had already moved elsewhere.
Specifically, to the mug in Yunah's hand.
“Coffee?”
Yunah nodded.
“Coffee.”
“I want some.”
“No,” Minju said.
Haewon looked at her.
“Why?”
“Because you're four.”
Her mom sighed fondly.
“She hasn't stopped asking questions since she woke up.”
Haewon frowned.
“I need to know things.”
Yunah bit back a laugh.
That seemed reasonable.
Minju's aunt handed over Haewon's little backpack while she went through the essentials.
Snacks.
Water.
Spare clothes.
She'd probably insist she wasn't tired later.
She was.
Yunah nodded along.
Minju noticed.
“You're taking this very seriously.”
“I'm responsible.”
Her aunt and Minju looked at each other.
Yunah frowned.
“That was rude.”
Haewon giggled.
Yunah looked down at her.
Haewon grinned back.
Her mom crouched to say goodbye, pulling Haewon into a hug and kissing her cheek.
“Be good.”
“I am good.”
“I know.”
She smoothed down one of Haewon's pigtails.
“Listen to Minju and Yunah, okay?”
Haewon nodded.
“No running off.”
Another nod.
“And don't talk them into giving you chocolate.”
Haewon said nothing.
Her mom narrowed her eyes.
“Haewon.”
“Okay.”
“Love you.”
“Love you.”
Another kiss.
Then she stood and looked at Minju.
“Thank you.”
“It's fine.”
“I'll be back around seven.”
“Take your time.”
She pulled Minju into a hug.
Then Yunah.
“Good luck.”
Yunah laughed.
“Everyone keeps saying that.”
“You'll understand later.”
A moment later, she was gone.
…
The door clicked shut.
For the first time, it was just the three of them.
Minju looked down at Haewon.
Haewon looked up at Minju.
Then across at Yunah.
Yunah took another sip of coffee.
Haewon pointed at it.
“Can I have it now?”
“No,” Minju and Yunah said together.
Haewon's lips pushed out.
Yunah almost choked.
There it was again.
Minju had already crouched to undo her raincoat.
“Come on. Let's get this off.”
Haewon reluctantly lifted one arm.
Minju freed it.
Yunah set her coffee aside and crouched beside them, reaching for the other sleeve.
“C'mon, Duckling.”
Haewon stopped.
Her head turned.
“I'm not a duck.”
Yunah's mouth twitched.
“No?”
“I'm Haewon.”
“Right. Sorry.”
Haewon studied her face.
Then reached out and planted both hands on Yunah's cheeks.
Yunah froze.
Haewon squished.
Hard.
Minju laughed.
“Haewon.”
Haewon giggled and did it again.
Yunah caught her little hands.
“Oh, you're funny?”
Haewon nodded.
Very confidently.
“Okay.”
Yunah's fingers darted towards her sides.
Haewon shrieked before Yunah had even reached her.
She twisted away, laughing, and scrambled behind Minju.
Yunah followed.
“Come here.”
“No!”
Haewon wrapped herself around Minju's legs and peeked out at her.
Yunah reached.
Haewon disappeared.
Minju was laughing now too.
“Leave her alone.”
“She started it.”
A little face appeared again.
Yunah feinted towards her.
Another shriek.
Gone.
Minju shook her head.
“You've known her for five minutes.”
“And she attacked me!”
Haewon appeared around Minju's other side.
Her cheeks were pink from laughing now, bangs already slightly disturbed.
Yunah looked at her.
Haewon looked back.
Then stuck her tongue out.
Yunah went still.
Minju looked down.
“Haewon-ah.”
The tongue disappeared.
Haewon looked up at her innocently.
Yunah stared.
Then Haewon's eyes found hers again.
A grin slowly spread across her little face.
Yunah felt one answering on her own.
Oh.
She liked this kid.
…
Two hours later, Yunah had become a train.
“Choo choo!”
Haewon squealed as Yunah crawled around the living room, little arms wrapped around her shoulders.
“Faster!”
“I only have one speed.”
“Faster!”
Apparently that was incorrect.
Yunah sped up.
Haewon's giggles filled the room.
Minju looked over from the kitchen.
She'd been packing for the park for the last ten minutes.
Her phone was already in her hand.
Click.
Yunah looked up.
“Are you taking pictures?”
“No.”
Click.
“Minju.”
Haewon waved at the camera.
Minju laughed and took another.
“Again!”
Yunah sighed.
“I'm being exploited.”
“Choo choo!”
Right.
She had a job to do.
Another lap.
By the time Yunah finally collapsed dramatically onto the rug, Minju had finished packing.
“Train's broken.”
“No!”
Haewon bounced on her back.
Yunah groaned.
“That's not helping.”
“Go!”
“I'm tired.”
Haewon bounced again.
Yunah turned her head towards Minju.
“Please help.”
Minju took another picture.
“Unbelievable.”
Haewon giggled.
Yunah smiled despite herself.
Then she noticed the bag sitting by Minju's feet.
She stared.
“What's in there?”
“Stuff.”
“What stuff?”
Minju started counting on her fingers.
“Water. Lunch. Snacks. Tissues. Wet wipes. Her sweater. Bandaids—”
Yunah pushed herself up.
“Minju.”
“What?”
“We're going to the park, not leaving the country.”
“She needs things.”
Haewon nodded from Yunah's back.
“I need things.”
Yunah looked over her shoulder at her.
“Of course you do.”
…
Shoes were next.
That took considerably longer than it should have.
“Other foot.”
Haewon gave Minju the same one.
“The other one, Haewon-ah.”
Haewon lifted it higher.
Yunah covered her mouth.
Minju looked up.
“Don't.”
“I didn't say anything.”
Haewon looked down at her feet.
Then cautiously offered the other one.
Minju smiled.
“That one.”
Boot on.
Haewon stood.
Minju caught her.
“You have two feet.”
“Oh.”
Yunah lost it.
Haewon giggled too, despite clearly having no idea why.
Eventually, both boots were on.
Then came the yellow raincoat.
“No.”
“Yes.”
“Don't want it.”
“It's cold outside.”
“I'm not cold.”
“You're inside.”
Haewon frowned.
That one required some thought.
Minju held the coat open.
“Arms.”
The little pout appeared.
Yunah saw it.
Minju saw Yunah see it.
“Yunah…”
Yunah raised her hands.
“I haven't said anything.”
Haewon turned the pout towards her.
Yunah's resolve immediately weakened.
Minju waited.
Yunah sighed.
“Put your coat on, Duckling.”
Haewon gasped.
“I'm not a duck!”
But she put her arms in.
Minju smiled.
Victory.
…
A few minutes later, they were finally ready.
Minju locked the door behind them.
Haewon immediately reached up.
Minju took her little hand without even looking.
It seemed automatic.
Yunah smiled at them.
Cute.
Then Minju held something out.
Yunah looked down.
The bag.
The enormous, apparently expedition-ready bag.
Her smile disappeared.
“Seriously?”
“You're stronger than me.”
“Manipulation.”
Minju smiled.
“Please?”
Yunah looked at the bag.
Then at Minju.
“Fine.”
She took it and hauled the strap over her shoulder.
Jesus.
“What did you put in here?”
“Things.”
“Bricks?”
Minju laughed.
Then she caught the front of Yunah's jacket and pulled her down.
A quick kiss landed on her lips.
“Thank you.”
Yunah's complaints immediately stopped.
Haewon looked back.
“Come on, Yunah!”
Yunah adjusted the strap over her shoulder.
“I'm coming.”
Haewon turned back around and tugged Minju onwards.
The two of them carried on ahead, Haewon's little hand tucked securely into Minju's.
Yunah followed a few steps behind.
She watched Haewon's pigtails bounce with every step, her yellow raincoat bright against the grey morning.
Minju looked down at something she said and smiled.
Yunah smiled too.
…
Minju had been setting out lunch for approximately thirty seconds when she heard—
“Look!”
She looked up.
Haewon was standing beneath the monkey bars, pointing excitedly above her.
Minju followed her finger.
Of course.
Yunah was hanging upside down.
“Yunah.”
Yunah looked over.
“What?”
“Why?”
“She wanted to see.”
“Again!” Haewon shouted.
Yunah grinned.
Minju shook her head and went back to unpacking.
Show-off.
…
By the time Minju looked over again, Haewon had moved onto the climbing frame.
Yunah was right behind her.
“I can do it.”
“Okay.”
Haewon reached for the next bar.
Her little legs weren't quite long enough.
She stretched.
Missed.
Tried again.
Yunah moved closer, one hand hovering behind her back.
“Wait, wait. Foot there.”
Haewon looked down.
“Where?”
“Right there.”
Yunah tapped the step with one finger.
Haewon found it with the toe of her boot.
“Yeah! Now push.”
Haewon pushed.
Up she went.
Yunah gasped.
Loudly.
“OH!”
Haewon's face lit up.
“I did it!”
“YOU DID!”
Minju looked over.
Yunah was staring up at Haewon like she'd just scaled a mountain.
“Again,” Haewon said.
“Go!”
Haewon reached for the next one.
Yunah followed underneath her, hands hovering close to her sides.
One foot up.
Then the other.
“YES!”
Haewon giggled.
Another step.
Yunah clapped.
“Look at you!”
Haewon was practically vibrating with excitement now.
“Minju!”
Minju smiled from the picnic table.
“I'm watching.”
“Look!”
“I see you, Haewon-ah.”
Haewon hauled herself onto the platform.
Yunah threw both arms into the air.
“SHE DID IT!”
Several people looked over.
Minju covered her face.
Haewon burst into delighted laughter.
Yunah didn't care.
“All by yourself!”
“Again!”
“Again?”
“Again!”
“Okay!”
Minju laughed.
Of course.
Yunah looked over and caught her watching.
“Did you see that?”
“I think the whole park saw that.”
“She's really good.”
Yunah sounded genuinely impressed.
Minju's smile softened.
“I know.”
Haewon appeared at the top of the slide.
“Yunah!”
Yunah's attention snapped straight back to her.
“I'm watching!”
Haewon pushed herself down.
Yunah gasped like she'd never seen anything more exciting in her life.
“WOOOO!”
Haewon came off the bottom laughing so hard she nearly fell over.
Yunah caught her around the middle.
“Again!”
“LET'S GO!”
And off they went.
Minju watched them for another second.
Yunah was ridiculous.
Completely ridiculous.
But her hands had never been more than a few inches away from Haewon the entire time.
Minju smiled and went back to unpacking lunch.
…
“Lunch!”
Haewon came running.
Yunah followed behind her.
“Apparently she's starving.”
“I am!”
“You weren't five minutes ago.”
Haewon climbed onto the bench beside Minju.
“I am now.”
Yunah nodded.
“Fair.”
Minju took one look at her.
Pink cheeks.
Messy bangs.
One pigtail considerably lower than the other.
“What happened to you?”
Haewon smiled.
Minju laughed and reached for a wet wipe.
“Hands.”
Haewon held them out.
Minju cleaned them quickly, wiped something from her cheek, then turned her around.
“Hold still.”
She pulled out the loose hair tie and gathered Haewon's pigtail again.
Yunah sat opposite them.
“Can you fix mine?”
Minju didn't look up.
“No.”
“Why not?”
“You're twenty-two.”
Yunah frowned.
“So?”
Haewon giggled.
Minju smoothed down the last few strands.
“Done.”
Haewon immediately turned towards the food.
“Gimbap!”
“Sit properly.”
Haewon sat.
Minju opened the container for her and started on her own lunch.
Yunah watched from across the table.
That was it.
No fuss.
Haewon ate.
Minju ate.
Every now and then Minju wiped something from Haewon's face or pushed another piece of fruit towards her without seeming to notice she was doing it.
Haewon shifted closer.
Then closer again.
Until she was leaning comfortably against Minju's side.
Minju simply moved her arm to make room.
A few minutes later, she reached for Haewon's water.
“Drink.”
Haewon opened her mouth without even looking.
Minju brought the bottle to her lips, one hand tipping it carefully while the other cupped beneath Haewon's chin.
Haewon drank.
Minju lowered it.
“More?”
Haewon shook her head.
“Okay.”
And Minju went straight back to eating.
Yunah stared.
Minju looked up.
“What?”
“Nothing.”
Yunah smiled and reached for another piece of gimbap.
Minju narrowed her eyes.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
“I'm not.”
“You are.”
Yunah glanced at Haewon.
She was still tucked happily against Minju's side.
“You're good at this.”
Minju paused.
“At what?”
Yunah smiled.
Of course she didn't know.
…
By the time everything was packed away, Haewon was ready to go again.
“Minju.”
Minju looked up.
Haewon was pointing towards the swings.
“Come.”
Minju smiled.
“Okay.”
Haewon grabbed her hand before she'd even finished standing.
Yunah followed them over.
There were two swings free.
Haewon looked at both.
Then up at Minju.
“With you.”
Minju's expression softened.
“With me?”
Haewon nodded.
Minju sat down and lifted her easily onto her lap.
Haewon settled back against her, Minju's arm wrapping securely around her middle.
Yunah took the swing beside them.
“Ready?”
Haewon nodded.
“Go!”
Yunah pushed off.
Minju followed.
For a little while, they swung beside each other.
Haewon's giggles came every time they went forward.
Yunah looked across.
“I'm higher.”
Minju looked at her.
“No, you're not.”
Yunah grinned.
“Definitely am.”
Minju started pumping her legs harder.
Yunah's eyebrows lifted.
“Oh?”
Haewon squealed.
“Higher!”
Yunah laughed.
“HIGHER!”
Minju was laughing properly now, hair blowing across her face while Haewon shrieked happily in her arms.
Yunah looked over.
Oh, they were absolutely getting a picture.
She waited until her swing came forward.
Then jumped.
“Yunah!”
She landed on both feet.
Mostly.
Minju burst out laughing.
“What are you doing?”
Yunah was already reaching for her phone.
“Keep going.”
“No.”
“Minju.”
“I look ridiculous!”
“You look cute. Keep going.”
Minju rolled her eyes.
But she did.
Yunah backed up a few steps and lifted her phone.
Haewon spotted it immediately.
“Picture!”
“Smile, Duckling.”
“I'm not a duck!”
Yunah laughed and took it anyway.
Then another.
Minju's swing gradually slowed.
Yunah kept taking pictures.
Somewhere along the way, Haewon had gone quiet.
She was slumped comfortably against Minju now.
Little hands still.
Eyes heavy.
Completely worn out.
Yunah lowered her phone.
Cute.
Really cute.
Minju's feet touched the ground.
She let the swing rock gently beneath them.
Haewon didn't move.
Minju looked down.
“Haewon-ah?”
A sleepy hum.
Minju smiled.
“Tired?”
“No.”
Yunah snorted.
Haewon's eyes were already half closed.
Minju brushed her bangs away from her forehead.
“Okay.”
She pushed lightly with one foot.
The swing rocked again.
Haewon blinked slowly.
Once.
Twice.
Then rested her head against Minju again.
Yunah slipped her phone back into her pocket.
Looked like somebody's battery had finally run out.
…
Minju stopped the swing.
She stood carefully, lifting Haewon with her.
Haewon's arms immediately wrapped around her neck.
“Got you.”
Minju started towards the path.
Haewon lasted all of ten seconds before going completely limp against her.
Minju hitched her higher.
A few steps later, she started slipping again.
Minju adjusted her hold.
Then again.
Yunah watched for a moment.
“Give her to me.”
Minju looked over.
“I'm fine.”
Yunah smiled.
“I can see that.”
Minju frowned.
Haewon chose that exact moment to slide another inch down her body.
Minju sighed.
“Fine.”
Yunah stepped closer and held out her arms.
“Come here, Haewonie.”
Minju carefully transferred her over.
Haewon stirred.
Her eyes opened just enough to find Yunah.
“Yunah…”
“Mhm.”
Haewon's arms settled around her neck.
Yunah placed one arm beneath her, the other rubbing slowly over her back.
Haewon's legs wrapped loosely around her waist.
Then she just…
Melted.
Her cheek fell against Yunah's shoulder.
Her eyes closed again.
Yunah's whole expression softened.
“There you go.”
Her hand continued moving over Haewon's back.
Slow.
Gentle.
Haewon's breathing gradually evened out.
Minju watched them.
Something warm settled quietly in her chest.
She didn't examine it too closely.
Yunah waited until she was sure she was asleep before looking at Minju.
“Ready?”
Minju nodded and reached for the picnic bag.
Yunah got there first.
“I'll take it.”
Minju stared at her.
“You're carrying her.”
“And?”
“And the bag?”
“Mhm.”
“Yunah.”
Yunah had already hooked the strap over her shoulder.
“What?”
Minju looked at her.
Haewon asleep against her chest.
Picnic bag over one shoulder.
Yunah apparently saw absolutely nothing unreasonable about this.
Minju smiled.
“Nothing.”
They started towards home.
For the first few minutes, Minju kept glancing over.
She couldn't help it.
Haewon was completely out.
One cheek squished against Yunah's shoulder.
Pigtails ruined.
Little yellow hood resting against Yunah's arm.
Every so often Yunah adjusted her slightly, keeping her tucked close without waking her.
Minju looked ahead again.
A few steps later, something brushed against her hand.
She looked down.
Yunah's fingers.
Minju looked at her.
Yunah was still looking ahead.
Her hand stayed there.
Waiting.
Minju smiled and slipped her fingers between hers.
Yunah squeezed once.
Haewon slept soundly against her shoulder.
And they walked home.
…
“Stay still.”
Yunah stayed still.
Haewon pressed another gem sticker beneath her eye.
“How many now?”
Haewon counted.
“One, two, three, four…”
She stopped.
“Lots.”
Yunah nodded.
“Helpful.”
Minju appeared from the kitchen.
She stopped.
Yunah looked at her.
“Don't.”
Minju's mouth twitched.
Haewon proudly pointed at Yunah.
“Pretty.”
Minju laughed.
“Very.”
She set two drinks on the table.
Minju noticed the open packet of cookies.
“No more, Haewon-ah. You've had enough.”
Haewon looked at the cookies.
“One?”
“No.”
“Little one?”
Minju smiled.
“Still no.”
Haewon pouted.
“You can have some later.”
Minju took the packet and moved it further away.
“I'm getting you some fruit.”
Then she disappeared into the kitchen.
Haewon waited.
Yunah watched her.
Haewon looked towards the kitchen.
Then at the cookies.
“Don't.”
Haewon looked at Yunah.
“Minju said no.”
Haewon smiled.
Yunah narrowed her eyes.
“I know that face.”
Haewon climbed down from the couch.
“Haewonie.”
Nothing.
“Don't do it.”
Haewon reached for the packet.
“I'm serious.”
One cookie.
Straight into her mouth.
Yunah stared at her.
Haewon stared back.
Cheeks full.
Yunah's lips twitched.
No.
She was supposed to be the adult.
Haewon started giggling.
That did it.
Yunah laughed.
“You're terrible.”
“What happened?”
Yunah stopped.
Haewon stopped.
Minju was back.
She looked at Haewon.
Then at the suspiciously full cheeks.
“Haewon.”
Haewon chewed faster.
Minju put a hand on her hip.
“Did you take a cookie?”
Haewon swallowed.
“No.”
Yunah made a strangled noise.
Minju looked at her.
Haewon pointed.
“Yunah.”
Silence.
Yunah's mouth fell open.
“ME?”
Haewon nodded.
“Yunah gave it.”
“I DID NOT.”
Haewon giggled.
Yunah stared at her.
“I told you not to eat it!”
Haewon smiled.
Not sorry.
Not even a little bit.
Minju looked at Haewon.
Then at Yunah.
Yunah was still covered in gems.
Completely betrayed.
And, despite everything, started to laugh.
Minju shook her head.
“She's you.”
Yunah stopped.
“What?”
“She's you.”
Yunah looked at Haewon.
Haewon looked back.
Same grin.
Same complete lack of remorse.
Yunah's eyes lit up.
Oh.
She'd found her equal.
“Come here, my child.”
Haewon squealed and took off.
Yunah immediately chased her.
“COME BACK!”
Haewon's laughter filled the apartment.
…
Eventually, they ran out of energy.
All three of them.
Yunah was stretched across one end of the couch, the gems still firmly attached to her face.
Minju sat beside her.
Haewon had wedged herself comfortably between them.
For approximately thirty seconds, nobody spoke.
Then—
“Yunah.”
“Hm?”
“Why you tall?”
Yunah opened one eye.
“I ate all my vegetables.”
Minju looked at her.
“Don't lie to her.”
“I eat vegetables.”
“Sometimes.”
Haewon looked at Minju.
“Why you little?”
Yunah burst out laughing.
Minju stared at her.
“I'm not little.”
Haewon looked between them.
Apparently unconvinced.
A moment passed.
“Do you love each other?”
Yunah's laughter stopped.
Minju looked down at her.
That one had come from nowhere.
“Yeah,” Yunah said.
Minju's expression softened.
“We do.”
Haewon nodded.
Simple as that.
Then—
“You kiss?”
Yunah looked at Minju.
Minju looked at Yunah.
“Sometimes,” Yunah answered.
Haewon's eyes widened.
“Do it.”
Minju blinked.
“What?”
“Kiss.”
Yunah started laughing.
“You want us to kiss?”
Haewon nodded.
“Why?”
A shrug.
“Kiss!”
Minju sighed.
Then leaned over and gave Yunah a quick peck.
Haewon's entire face crumpled.
“EWWWWWW!”
Yunah pulled back.
“YOU ASKED!”
Haewon dissolved into giggles.
“Again!”
Yunah blinked.
“You just said ew.”
“Again!”
Yunah looked at Minju.
Minju looked back.
Fine.
Another peck.
“EWWWWW!”
Haewon squealed.
“Again!”
Yunah grinned.
Haewon fell sideways into the couch, kicking her little legs as she laughed.
Yunah caught Minju's face between her hands.
“Mwah!”
Minju burst out laughing.
“Stop.”
“She said again.”
Yunah pecked her cheek.
“Mwah.”
“EWWWWWW!”
“Okay, enough.” Minju pushed her away, still laughing.
Yunah dropped dramatically against the couch.
“I’ve retired.”
Haewon immediately sat up.
“Again!”
“No!”
Haewon collapsed into giggles.
A few seconds passed.
“Yunah.”
“What?”
“Do fish sleep?”
Yunah blinked.
Minju looked at Haewon.
Apparently they were done with that now.
“Uh…”
Yunah looked at Minju.
“Do they?”
“Yes.”
Haewon frowned.
“Where?”
“In the water.”
“But where?”
Minju paused.
Yunah smiled.
“Good question.”
Haewon looked at Yunah.
“Do you have a mommy?”
“Yeah.”
“Minju has a mommy.”
“I know.”
“I have a mommy.”
Yunah nodded solemnly.
“That's three mommies.”
Haewon considered this.
“Yeah.”
A beat.
“Do you like worms?”
Yunah grinned.
“I love worms.”
Minju looked at her.
“You do?”
“I'm bonding with her.”
Haewon gasped.
“I like worms!”
“See?”
Haewon giggled.
Then, slowly, her smile faded.
She looked down at her hands.
“I miss mommy.”
The change was so sudden Yunah and Minju both noticed.
Minju’s expression softened immediately.
“Oh, Haewon-ah.”
She opened her arms.
Haewon moved into her without hesitation.
Minju pulled her close.
“You had fun today, though?”
A tiny nod.
“Mhm.”
“And you can still miss Mommy.”
Another nod.
Minju rubbed her back slowly.
“Both things can be true.”
Haewon rested against her.
“Mommy coming?”
“Yeah.”
Minju kissed the top of her head.
“She's coming.”
Yunah watched them.
Minju didn’t hesitate.
She just held her.
Like she already knew that sometimes being missed was the only thing that needed comforting.
Yunah smiled softly.
Haewon stayed curled against Minju for another moment.
Then—
“Minju.”
Minju looked down.
“Hm?”
A pause.
“Can you do a cartwheel?”
Silence.
Yunah lasted approximately two seconds before -laughing.
Minju looked at her.
That only made Yunah laugh harder.
Minju pressed her lips together.
Trying not to join her.
It didn't work.
Haewon looked between them.
Waiting.
Minju tried to compose herself.
“Um—”
The doorbell rang.
All three of them looked towards the door.
Saved by the bell.
Literally.
Haewon’s head lifted.
“Mommy!”
She scrambled off Minju’s lap and ran towards the door.
Minju laughed and followed.
Yunah pushed herself off the couch behind them.
Minju opened the door.
“Hi.”
“Hi—”
Her aunt’s eyes landed on Yunah.
She stopped.
Then laughed.
“What happened to you?”
Yunah touched her face.
She’d completely forgotten.
“Oh.”
Haewon appeared beside her.
“I made her pretty!”
Her mom looked at Yunah again.
Tiny gems across her cheeks.
One beneath her eye.
Another stuck to her forehead.
Yunah nodded.
“Apparently.”
“Pretty!” Haewon insisted.
Yunah looked down at her.
“Very pretty. Thank you.”
Minju smiled.
“She’s been like this all day.”
Her aunt looked at her.
“Which one?”
Minju paused.
Yunah burst out laughing.
Haewon giggled too.
Minju looked between them.
“Both.”
“Thought so.”
Her aunt smiled and crouched in front of Haewon.
“Did you have a good day?”
Haewon nodded immediately.
“The best!”
“The best?”
Another enthusiastic nod.
“Yunah and Minju are the best!”
Yunah's face softened.
Minju smiled.
“Are we?”
“Mhm!”
Haewon looked at her mom.
“We went park.”
“You went to the park?”
“And swings!”
“Wow.”
“And Yunah jumped!”
Yunah nodded proudly.
“I did.”
Minju looked at her.
“She nearly fell.”
“I did not.”
“She did.”
Haewon started giggling.
Her aunt looked between the three of them.
“Sounds like you had fun.”
“Mhm!”
Then Haewon pointed at Yunah.
“She gave me cookie.”
Yunah's jaw dropped.
“OH, COME ON.”
Her mom looked at Yunah.
“Did she now?”
“No. She’s framing me.”
Her aunt nodded seriously and gave Yunah a little pat on the shoulder.
“We’ll talk about this.”
Yunah stared at her.
Minju burst out laughing.
“I’m being bullied by your entire family.”
Her aunt laughed.
“Thank you, both of you. Really.”
Minju smiled.
“Of course.”
“Anytime,” Yunah added.
Her aunt looked at her.
“Careful. I might actually take you up on that.”
Yunah glanced at Haewon.
“I can handle her.”
Minju snorted.
“You encourage her.”
“Same thing.”
Her aunt laughed again.
Then looked down at Haewon.
“Come on. Say bye.”
Haewon turned to Minju first.
Minju crouched down.
Haewon immediately wrapped her arms around her neck.
“Bye, Haewon-ah.”
Minju hugged her tightly.
“Bye.”
She kissed her forehead before letting her go.
Haewon turned.
Yunah was already crouching.
She opened her arms.
“Come here.”
Haewon went straight into them.
Yunah squeezed her.
“Bye, Duckling.”
She waited for it.
‘I’m not a duck.’
But Haewon didn’t say it.
She pulled back just enough to look at Yunah.
Then leaned forward and kissed her cheek.
Yunah froze.
Haewon smiled.
“Bye, Yunah.”
Oh.
Yunah’s face softened.
Haewon ran back to her mom.
Yunah stood beside Minju as they headed out.
Haewon turned around at the doorway and waved.
“Bye!”
“Bye!”
Minju waved.
Yunah smiled.
“Bye, Duckling.”
Haewon looked at her.
And this time—
She just smiled.
…
The door closed.
Yunah stared at it for a moment.
“Can we adopt her?”
Minju turned to look at her.
“Yunah.”
“What?”
“She has parents.”
“I know.”
“Then why did you ask?”
Yunah shrugged.
“Just checking.”
Minju laughed.
“You cannot just adopt my cousin.”
“She likes me.”
“That is not how it works.”
“It should be.”
Yunah collapsed onto the couch.
“I’m exhausted.”
Minju laughed softly and sat beside her.
“You’re the one who wanted to keep her.”
“I stand by that.”
Minju shook her head.
Yunah looked over at her.
“You’d make a good mom.”
Minju went quiet.
“What?”
Yunah shrugged.
“You just knew what to do.”
She looked towards the door.
“With Haewon.”
Minju smiled softly.
“You would too.”
Yunah blinked.
“Me?”
“Yeah.”
Minju looked at her.
“You made her laugh all day.”
Yunah touched one of the gems still stuck to her face.
“She did make me look like this.”
“You let her.”
Yunah smiled.
“She’s persuasive.”
Minju shook her head.
“Apart from laughing when she broke the rules.”
Yunah gasped.
“She framed me.”
“You laughed.”
“She was funny.”
Minju shook her head, still smiling.
“That can’t happen when we—”
She stopped.
Yunah looked over.
A slow smile appeared.
“When we what?”
Minju froze.
“Nothing.”
“No.”
“Yunah.”
“You were saying something.”
“I wasn’t.”
“You were.”
Minju looked away.
“Forget it.”
Yunah leaned back into the couch, grinning.
“Were you about to say ‘when we have kids’?”
“Yunah!”
Minju’s face immediately turned pink.
That was answer enough.
Yunah laughed.
“I didn’t even say anything.”
“You did.”
“I asked a question.”
Minju stood up.
“I’m going upstairs.”
“Minju.”
“No.”
“You’re embarrassed.”
“I’m not.”
“You are.”
Yunah stayed on the couch, still smiling.
“Cute.”
Minju shook her head, but she couldn’t stop smiling either.
She turned to leave.
“Minju.”
Minju looked back.
Yunah reached out and caught her hand.
“Come here.”
“Yunah.”
“Please.”
Minju tried to look unimpressed.
She failed.
Yunah pulled her gently back down beside her.
Minju laughed softly as she settled against her.
For a while, neither of them said anything.
They just sat there.
Close.
Comfortable.
Yunah still had a face full of gems.
Minju noticed.
“You’re really keeping those on?”
Yunah looked offended.
“Haewon made them.”
Minju smiled.
“Of course.”
Her fingers found Yunah’s hand.
Yunah squeezed once.
And neither of them moved.
Minju thought she was the only one who had looked at the three of them together and wondered what the future could look like.
She didn’t know Yunah had been thinking something very similar.
That maybe one day, if they were lucky…
Their home would be a little louder.
A little messier.
Full of chaos.
And Yunah wouldn’t mind that at all.
As long as it was with Minju.