Work Text:
Minju’s phone buzzed.
She glanced down.
Her aunt.
: We’re leaving now.
Then another.
: She keeps asking if Yunah’s going to be there.
Minju smiled.
She turned the phone towards Yunah.
Yunah read it.
A smile slowly spread across her face.
Minju immediately took the phone back.
“Don’t.”
“I didn’t say anything.”
“You don’t have to.”
Yunah looked far too pleased with herself.
…
The doorbell rang twenty minutes later.
Minju stood.
Yunah looked up.
By the time Minju reached the hallway, Yunah was already behind her.
Minju opened the door.
Haewon stood beside her mom.
Still tiny.
Still in that little yellow coat.
Denim dungarees underneath it this time, the legs rolled slightly at the bottom.
Her hair had been parted down the middle and twisted into two little buns on either side of her head.
Round cheeks.
Big dark eyes.
That pout.
Yunah stared at her.
Somehow, she looked even more like Minju than she remembered.
Just much, much smaller.
“Minju!”
Haewon came through the door in a blur.
Minju laughed and crouched just in time to catch her.
“Hi, Haewon-ah.”
Little arms wrapped around her neck.
Minju squeezed her.
“There she is.”
Haewon pulled back.
Then looked past her.
Her face lit up.
“Yunah!”
Yunah was standing a few feet behind them.
She smiled.
“Hi, Duckling.”
Haewon ran straight towards her.
Yunah barely had time to crouch before she threw herself into her arms.
“Oh.”
Yunah laughed and caught her.
Haewon squeezed her neck.
“You’re here.”
“Course I’m here.”
Yunah lifted her easily onto her hip.
Haewon settled there like no time had passed at all.
“You ready for your sleepover?”
Haewon nodded.
“Mhm.”
“Yeah?”
Another nod.
Then she wriggled.
Yunah put her down.
Haewon immediately took her hand.
“Come on.”
“Where are we going?”
Haewon was already pulling her towards the living room.
Yunah looked back at Minju.
“Apparently I’m needed.”
Minju waved her away.
“Go.”
Yunah let herself be dragged.
Minju stayed by the door with her aunt.
Someone had to do the boring stuff.
The overnight bag.
Pyjamas.
Clothes for tomorrow.
Toothbrush.
What time she’d eaten.
What time she usually went to bed.
Meanwhile, from the living room…
“THAT ONE.”
Minju glanced over.
Haewon was kneeling in the middle of the floor, surrounded by toys.
Yunah sat cross-legged opposite her.
“This one?”
“No!”
“You literally pointed at this one.”
“That one.”
“You have to be more specific, Duckling.”
Haewon crawled across the floor to get it herself.
Minju smiled.
Of course.
Her aunt handed her the bag.
“Everything should be in there.”
“Okay.”
“Call me if she needs anything.”
“I will.”
“And she’s been excited all day, so good luck getting her to sleep.”
Minju looked towards the living room again.
Yunah was now holding two toys above her head while Haewon tried to climb onto her back to reach them.
Great.
“I think I’ll need it.”
Her aunt laughed.
“Haewon-ah.”
Haewon looked up.
“Mom’s leaving.”
Everything stopped.
Haewon dropped the toy.
She got to her feet and hurried back towards the hallway.
Her mom crouched.
Haewon went straight into her arms.
“Have fun, okay?”
“Okay.”
“Be good for Minju.”
Haewon nodded against her shoulder.
“And Yunah.”
Another nod.
Yunah had followed her into the hallway.
“Especially Yunah.”
Minju looked at her.
Yunah smiled.
Haewon’s mom kissed her cheek.
“I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Okay.”
Haewon held on for another few seconds.
Then let go.
Her mom stood.
Haewon reached for Minju’s hand this time.
Minju took it automatically.
“Bye, Mommy.”
“Bye, honey.”
They watched until the door closed.
…
Haewon stayed beside Minju.
Her little hand still tucked inside hers.
Minju looked down.
“You okay?”
Haewon nodded.
“Mhm.”
Yunah crouched beside her.
“Guess what.”
Haewon looked at her.
“What?”
“We have somewhere to go.”
Haewon’s eyes widened.
“Aquarium?”
Yunah smiled.
“Aquarium.”
That was all it took.
Haewon dropped Minju’s hand.
“I’ll get my shoes!”
And she was gone.
Yunah watched her run towards the living room.
“She’s still wearing them.”
Minju laughed.
…
Ten minutes later, Minju was crouched in front of Haewon.
“Stay still.”
“I am.”
She wasn’t.
Haewon bounced impatiently on her toes while Minju tried to catch the zip of her yellow coat.
“Haewon.”
She stopped.
Minju pulled the zip to the top.
“There.”
She smoothed the collar down.
“Too tight?”
Haewon shook her head.
“No.”
“Bathroom?”
“Already went.”
“Good girl.”
Minju stood.
She looked around.
Water.
Snacks.
Wipes.
Haewon’s little backpack.
Her own bag.
Probably far more than they needed for a few hours.
Probably still not enough.
“Where’s Yunah?”
Haewon looked around too.
“I don’t know.”
The front door opened.
Yunah appeared.
“Done!”
Minju looked at her.
“What’s done?”
“Car seat.”
Of course.
Minju glanced at Haewon.
Yellow coat zipped to her chin.
Little backpack waiting by the door.
Then at Yunah.
Car keys in one hand.
Slightly windswept from being outside.
Something about the picture made her smile.
Yunah noticed.
“What?”
“Nothing.”
“Why are you smiling?”
“I’m not.”
“You are.”
Haewon grabbed Yunah’s hand.
“Aquarium.”
Yunah looked down.
“Aquarium.”
Minju picked up the bags.
“Do we have everything?”
Yunah looked around.
“Child?”
Haewon raised her hand.
“Got her.”
“Bags?”
Minju lifted them.
“Got them.”
“Keys?”
Yunah held them up.
A pause.
“Think that’s everything.”
Minju smiled.
“Let’s go.”
…
Haewon climbed into the back seat.
Minju leaned in after her.
“Arms through.”
Haewon knew what to do.
One arm.
Then the other.
Minju brought the straps over her shoulders and clicked the buckle into place.
“Comfy?”
“Mhm.”
Minju gave the straps a little tug.
Yunah appeared beside her.
Haewon’s backpack disappeared into the footwell.
Water bottle beside it.
Yunah leaned in.
She checked the buckle.
Minju looked at her.
Yunah looked back.
“What?”
Minju shook her head.
“Nothing.”
Yunah gave the strap one last tug.
Satisfied.
“Ready?”
Haewon’s feet kicked excitedly.
“Ready!”
Yunah smiled.
“Alright, Duckling.”
She closed the door.
…
They hadn’t made it far before Haewon asked for music.
Yunah glanced at her in the rear-view mirror.
“What do you want?”
Haewon thought about it.
“Cherish my love!”
Minju smiled.
“Good choice.”
Yunah found it and turned the volume up.
Haewon started singing almost immediately.
Quietly at first.
Then louder.
Her little voice came from the back seat, surprisingly confident for someone who only knew about half the words.
Minju joined in.
Yunah tapped her fingers against the steering wheel.
Then started singing too.
The wrong lyrics.
Completely wrong.
Not even close.
Haewon stopped.
She stared at the back of Yunah’s head.
Yunah kept going.
Louder this time.
Making up words wherever she felt like it.
Haewon burst out laughing.
Yunah glanced at her in the mirror.
That was all the encouragement she needed.
She got worse.
Haewon’s laughter filled the car.
“That’s not it!”
“What?”
“Those aren’t the words!”
Yunah frowned.
“Yes they are.”
“No!”
“I think I’d know.”
Minju looked over at her.
“Would you?”
Yunah ignored her.
She carried on.
Haewon was practically folding in half in the back seat now.
Minju watched her for a second.
Then looked at Yunah.
“At least someone finds you funny.”
Yunah gasped.
“She has a sophisticated sense of humour.”
Haewon nodded immediately.
She had no idea what that meant.
Minju laughed.
Yunah looked in the mirror.
Haewon was still grinning.
“Again!”
So Yunah did it again.
…
By the time they pulled into the car park, Haewon had decided Yunah’s version of Cherish was better.
Minju strongly disagreed.
Yunah considered it a win.
She switched the engine off.
“We’re here.”
Haewon gasped.
“Aquarium!”
As if she hadn’t known exactly where they were going for the last half an hour.
Minju laughed.
“Wait.”
Haewon had already started fighting with the straps.
Minju got out and opened the back door.
“Let me.”
Haewon dropped her hands.
Minju leaned in and unclipped the buckle.
One strap.
Then the other.
Haewon wriggled free.
Minju lifted her down.
Her coat had ridden up around her middle.
Minju crouched in front of her.
She tugged the little yellow coat back into place.
Then fixed one of the little buns that had gone slightly crooked against the car seat.
Haewon stood patiently while she did it.
Mostly.
“Done yet?”
“Almost.”
Yunah had come around the side of the car.
Haewon had already spotted the entrance.
“Come on!”
She grabbed Minju’s hand.
Minju barely had time to shut the car door before she was being pulled away.
Yunah followed beside them.
They made it about six steps.
Then Haewon stopped.
She turned around.
Looked at Yunah.
And lifted both arms.
“Up.”
Yunah stared at her.
“You’ve walked six steps.”
“Shoulders.”
“Duckling.”
Haewon kept her arms raised.
Yunah looked at Minju.
Minju shrugged.
“Don’t look at me.”
Yunah sighed.
…
A moment later, Haewon was sitting happily on Yunah’s shoulders.
The second they stepped inside, Haewon stopped talking.
Yunah noticed immediately.
“You okay up there?”
No answer.
Yunah looked at Minju.
Minju was smiling.
She pointed ahead.
Yunah followed her gaze.
A huge tank stretched across the wall.
Blue light spilled across the floor.
Fish moved slowly behind the glass.
Haewon stared.
“Whoa.”
Yunah smiled.
“Yeah.”
“Down.”
Yunah crouched carefully.
Minju reached up and took Haewon beneath the arms, lifting her from Yunah’s shoulders.
The second her feet touched the floor, she was gone.
“Haewon—”
Minju caught the back of her yellow coat.
“We can’t run in here, honey.”
Haewon stopped.
“Sorry.”
Minju let go.
“Go on.”
Haewon hurried towards the glass.
Not running.
“Look Yunah!”
Yunah followed her.
“I’m looking.”
Haewon pressed both hands against the glass.
A school of tiny silver fish moved past them.
Her head followed every single one.
“There’s lots.”
Yunah crouched beside her.
“How many?”
Haewon stared.
“A hundred.”
“A hundred?”
“Mhm.”
Yunah nodded.
“I counted a hundred and two.”
Haewon looked at her.
“Where?”
Yunah pointed vaguely into the tank.
“There.”
Haewon squinted.
“I can’t see them.”
“You have to look really hard.”
Haewon moved closer to the glass.
Yunah smiled.
Minju appeared beside them.
“Are you lying to a four-year-old?”
“No.”
“There’s a hundred and two?”
“At least.”
Minju looked into the tank.
“You counted them?”
“Very quickly.”
Haewon giggled.
Yunah looked at her.
“See? She believes me.”
“No, she doesn’t.”
“I don’t.”
Yunah turned.
Haewon was grinning.
Minju laughed.
Yunah stared at her.
“Whose side are you on?”
Haewon pointed at Minju.
“Minju’s.”
“Wow.”
Yunah put a hand over her heart.
“After I carried you all the way in here?!”
Haewon giggled again.
Then something moved behind Yunah.
Her eyes widened.
“SHARK!”
Yunah barely had time to turn before Haewon grabbed her hand.
“Come on!”
And off they went.
Minju followed behind them.
Haewon stopped directly in front of the tank.
A shark moved slowly through the water.
Her mouth fell open.
“It’s huge.”
Yunah crouched beside her.
“That’s because it eats children.”
Haewon looked at her.
Minju stopped beside them.
Yunah kept a completely straight face.
“Only little ones.”
Haewon’s eyes widened.
“Like me?”
“Exactly like you.”
Minju bit the inside of her cheek.
Haewon moved slightly closer to Yunah.
“Really?”
“Mhm.”
Yunah nodded towards the glass.
“That’s why they keep it in there.”
Haewon stared at the shark.
Then at the glass.
“Can it get out?”
“Only on Tuesdays.”
A noise escaped Minju.
Yunah looked up.
Minju had turned away.
Her shoulders were shaking.
“Are you laughing?”
Minju covered her mouth.
“No.”
“You are.”
Haewon looked at her.
“It gets out on Tuesdays.”
That made it worse.
Minju crouched beside them, still trying to compose herself.
“Does it?”
Haewon nodded seriously.
“Yunah said.”
Minju looked at Yunah.
Yunah waited for her to correct her.
Instead, Minju nodded.
“Good thing it’s not Tuesday.”
Yunah stared at her.
Haewon looked relieved.
“What happens on Wednesday?” Minju asked.
Yunah’s smile slowly returned.
Oh.
She wanted to play.
Yunah turned back to the tank.
“Wednesday is it’s day off.”
“From eating children?”
“Union rules.”
Minju snorted.
Haewon frowned.
“What’s onion rules?”
Yunah broke.
Minju did too.
Haewon looked between them.
Then started laughing because they were laughing.
None of them knew what was funny anymore.
…
By the third tank, Haewon had stopped trying to run ahead.
Mostly.
She walked beside Minju instead.
Her little hand slipped into hers.
Minju closed her fingers around it automatically.
Haewon kept walking.
A few steps later, her other hand reached out.
Yunah looked down.
Haewon wasn’t even looking at her.
Just waiting.
Yunah smiled.
She took it.
Haewon walked between them.
Yellow coat.
Two little buns.
One hand in Minju’s.
One in Yunah’s.
Every few steps, she swung their arms.
Yunah looked across at Minju.
Minju looked back.
A small smile.
Yunah squeezed Haewon’s hand.
“Where to next, Duckling?”
Haewon looked around.
“Jellyfish!”
And pulled them both with her.
…
They made their way through the rest of the aquarium slowly.
Mostly because Haewon wanted to stop at everything.
By the time they reached the penguins, Yunah had taught her several important facts.
Jellyfish could speak French.
Clownfish could juggle.
Penguins got married.
And sharks, apparently, hated the taste of broccoli.
Minju corrected none of them.
Mostly because Haewon believed every word.
And partly because Yunah looked far too amused with herself.
Somewhere along the way, Haewon’s little legs started to slow.
She stopped pulling them towards every tank.
Stopped swinging their hands quite so much.
Minju noticed her rub at one eye.
Then the other.
“Tired?”
“No.”
The answer came immediately.
Yunah looked down at her.
“No?”
Haewon shook her head.
“Not tired.”
She yawned.
Yunah smiled.
“Course not.”
Haewon frowned at her.
Then lifted both arms.
Yunah looked at them.
“What’s this?”
“Up.”
“Thought you weren’t tired.”
“I’m not.”
“Right.”
Yunah crouched anyway.
Haewon climbed into her arms.
Yunah stood, settling her easily onto her hip.
Almost immediately, Haewon’s head found her shoulder.
Minju smiled.
“Definitely not tired.”
…
Unfortunately, leaving meant going through the gift shop.
Haewon lifted her head from Yunah’s shoulder.
Her eyes landed on the shelves.
Suddenly, she looked significantly less tired.
Yunah felt it happen.
“Oh, no.”
Minju laughed.
“She can pick something.”
“Something small.”
“Something small.”
Yunah lowered Haewon to the floor.
“Alright, Duckling.”
Haewon looked up at her.
“One thing.”
Yunah held up a finger.
“Choose wisely.”
Haewon nodded.
Very serious.
She wandered between the shelves.
Picked up a little penguin.
Put it back.
A jellyfish.
Considered it.
Put that back too.
Yunah followed a few steps behind her.
Minju beside her.
“This could take a while.”
“It’s an important decision.”
Then Haewon stopped.
Yunah nearly walked into her.
“What?”
Haewon stared ahead.
Yunah followed her gaze.
Oh.
A shark sat against the back wall.
Stuffed.
Grey.
Enormous.
It was almost as long as Haewon was tall.
Minju appeared beside them.
“Absolutely not.”
Yunah covered her mouth.
Haewon walked towards it.
She wrapped both arms around its middle.
And somehow managed to lift it.
Barely.
The tail dragged along the floor behind her.
Yunah broke.
“Look at her.”
Minju was trying very hard not to laugh.
“It’s bigger than she is.”
Haewon hugged it tighter.
“This one.”
Yunah looked at Minju.
Minju looked at the shark.
Then Haewon.
“Honey, it won’t fit in the car.”
“It will.”
“Where?”
Haewon thought about it.
“My seat.”
“You need your seat.”
“Yunah can hold me.”
Yunah turned away.
Her shoulders shook.
Minju looked at her.
“Helpful.”
“Sorry.”
Yunah composed herself.
Mostly.
She crouched beside Haewon.
Haewon looked at her.
“We physically cannot take that home.”
“Why?”
“Because we’d have to leave Minju here.”
Haewon looked at Minju.
A pause.
Yunah waited.
“Okay.”
Minju’s mouth fell open.
Yunah completely lost it.
Haewon began walking towards the tills.
“Haewon-ah.”
She looked back at Yunah.
“We said no, babe.”
“But I want him.”
“I know,” Minju said.
“He can sleep with me.”
“I know, honey.”
“Please?”
“We can get a smaller one.”
Haewon’s arms tightened around the shark.
“I want this one.”
There it was.
The wobble.
Yunah saw it immediately.
Oh, no.
“What about this one?”
She grabbed a little penguin from the shelf.
Haewon shook her head.
“No.”
“Jellyfish?”
“No.”
Yunah looked around.
“Turtle?”
“NO.”
A few people looked over.
Yunah stopped.
Minju didn’t.
“Haewon.”
“I WANT THE SHARK.”
And there it was.
Tears filled her eyes.
Her face crumpled.
“I WANT IT!”
Yunah stared.
Haewon dropped onto the floor.
Still holding the shark.
Then she started crying.
Properly crying.
Loud.
Red-faced.
Completely inconsolable.
Yunah looked at Minju.
Minju looked back.
Yunah’s eyes widened.
Do something.
Minju almost laughed.
“Haewon.”
“NO!”
Haewon buried her face against the shark.
“I WANT HIM!”
Yunah crouched.
“Duckling.”
Nothing.
“Hey.”
More crying.
Yunah looked around desperately.
“Do you want candy?”
Minju turned her head.
“Yunah.”
“Chocolate?”
“Yunah.”
“Ice cream?”
Haewon wailed louder.
Yunah looked genuinely distressed.
“Anything?”
Minju bit her lip.
“Stop bargaining with her.”
“I’m trying to help.”
“You just offered her the entire food pyramid.”
“She’s screaming.”
“I noticed.”
Yunah looked back at Haewon.
“Cookie?”
Minju caught her arm.
“Stop.”
Yunah whispered, “Please make it stop.”
Minju nearly laughed again.
So much for Yunah being the favourite.
Minju crouched properly in front of Haewon.
She didn’t try to take the shark.
Didn’t tell her to stop crying.
Just waited until Haewon looked at her.
“You really want this one, don’t you?”
Haewon nodded through her tears.
“Mhm.”
“I know.”
Minju wiped beneath one of her eyes.
“It’s a really good shark.”
Another sob.
“But he’s too big to come with us.”
“No.”
Haewon’s face crumpled again.
Minju let her cry.
Yunah looked like this physically hurt her.
Then Minju spotted something on the shelf behind Haewon.
She reached past her.
“Oh.”
Haewon sniffed.
Minju picked it up.
A shark.
Same grey body.
Same little teeth.
Just much, much smaller.
Minju held it between them.
“Look.”
Haewon’s crying quietened enough for her to see.
“He has a baby.”
Haewon stared at it.
Yunah stared at Minju.
Minju kept a completely straight face.
“He does?”
“Mhm.”
Minju nodded.
“And I think his baby needs someone to take him home.”
Haewon sniffed.
Her eyes moved between the two sharks.
“But his daddy will miss him.”
Oh.
Yunah’s face changed immediately.
“No, no, he can visit.”
Minju looked at her.
Yunah was already committed.
“We’ll bring him back.”
“When?”
Yunah paused.
“Tuesday.”
Minju lost it.
She covered her mouth.
Yunah looked at her.
“What?”
Haewon sniffed again.
“Because he gets out on Tuesdays?”
Yunah smiled.
“Exactly.”
A tiny smile finally appeared through the tears.
There she was.
Minju held out the little shark.
“What do you think?”
Haewon looked at it for another second.
Then slowly released the giant one.
She took the baby shark.
And hugged it against her chest.
Yunah put the bigger shark back.
When she turned around, Haewon was looking at her.
Both arms lifted.
Yunah didn't hesitate.
“Come here.”
She scooped her up.
Haewon tucked herself against her chest.
The tiny shark trapped between them.
Yunah rubbed her back.
“That was a lot, huh?”
Haewon nodded against her shoulder.
Minju smiled.
Yunah looked at her over Haewon’s head and mouthed.
“Never again.”
Minju laughed.
“It’s been one tantrum.”
“Exactly.”
…
Five minutes later, Haewon was asleep.
Completely asleep.
Strapped into her car seat.
Head tilted slightly to one side.
Little shark tucked beneath her arm.
Her cheeks were still pink from crying.
Every now and then, her lips parted with a tiny breath.
Peaceful.
Like she hadn’t just screamed through half the gift shop.
Yunah leaned sideways.
Her forehead landed against Minju’s shoulder.
Minju started laughing.
“That bad?”
“I need a minute.”
Minju slipped her fingers into Yunah’s hair.
“She’s four.”
“I know.”
Yunah closed her eyes.
Somehow, that made it worse.
Minju smiled.
Her fingers continued moving gently through Yunah’s hair.
“You did okay.”
Yunah made a noise against her shoulder.
“I tried to bribe her with everything.”
“You panicked.”
“She was crying.”
“I know.”
Minju’s hand slipped down to the back of her neck.
Her thumb moved slowly against her skin.
“You just wanted to make her feel better.”
Yunah went quiet.
“I hated it.”
Minju’s smile softened.
“I know.”
“She looked so sad.”
“She was tired.”
Minju pressed a kiss to her hair.
“And overwhelmed.”
Another.
“And she really wanted that shark.”
Yunah laughed quietly.
“Stupid shark.”
Minju smiled.
“She’s okay now.”
Yunah lifted her head.
They both looked into the back.
Haewon was still fast asleep.
Yunah sighed.
“She’s lucky she’s cute.”
“Very.”
Yunah looked at Minju.
A pause.
“You were good.”
Minju raised an eyebrow.
“At what?”
“That.”
Yunah nodded towards the back.
“You didn’t even panic.”
“One of us had to stay calm.”
Yunah narrowed her eyes.
Minju smiled.
“Come here.”
She touched Yunah’s cheek.
Yunah leaned in.
Minju kissed her.
Soft.
Slow.
Just once.
Yunah stayed close when they pulled apart.
Her forehead rested against Minju’s.
“Better?”
“Mhm.”
Minju brushed her nose against hers.
“Good.”
One more quick kiss.
Yunah smiled.
Minju gave her cheek a little pat.
“Now take us home.”
Yunah sat back.
“Bossy.”
“Drive.”
Yunah laughed.
She reached for the keys.
The engine started.
Neither of them dared turn the music on.
…
Haewon slept the entire way home.
By the time Yunah pulled up to the house, she hadn’t moved an inch.
Yunah switched off the engine.
They both looked into the back.
“Still out.”
Minju smiled.
“I’ll get her.”
Yunah looked at her.
“Yeah?”
“You get the bags.”
Yunah nodded.
“Deal.”
Minju opened the back door.
She leaned in and carefully unclipped the straps.
Haewon didn’t wake.
“Haewon-ah.”
Nothing.
Minju smiled.
She slipped one arm beneath her legs and the other around her back.
Haewon stirred as Minju lifted her.
Her face scrunched for a second.
Then she tucked herself into Minju.
Instinctively.
Cheek against her shoulder.
Minju’s expression softened immediately.
“There you go.”
Haewon sighed.
Still asleep.
Yunah appeared beside them with the bags.
The little shark was hanging from one of her hands.
Minju looked at it.
“She’ll want that.”
“Right.”
Yunah tucked it carefully between Haewon and Minju.
Haewon’s arm closed around it almost immediately.
Yunah smiled.
“Knew it.”
…
They put her on the couch when they got in.
Yunah took off her little yellow coat and shoes while Minju pulled a blanket over her.
Then they left her to sleep.
Dinner needed making.
Minju started chopping vegetables.
Yunah put something on the stove.
Every few minutes, one of them glanced towards the couch.
Still there.
Still asleep.
As if she hadn’t terrorised them less than an hour ago.
…
“Minju.”
Minju looked up immediately.
Haewon was sat up.
Barely.
The blanket was pooled around her waist.
The shark rested in her lap.
One of her buns had almost completely fallen out.
Her eyes were still heavy with sleep.
“Hi.”
Haewon blinked at her.
“Minju.”
“I’m here.”
She lifted both arms.
Minju smiled.
That was clear enough.
She crossed the room and scooped her up.
Haewon settled onto her hip immediately.
One little arm curled around Minju’s neck.
Her head rested against her shoulder.
Still warm from sleep.
Minju rubbed a hand slowly over her back.
“Good nap?”
A sleepy nod.
“You hungry?”
Another nod.
“Dinner’s nearly ready.”
Minju adjusted her slightly.
“Come on.”
She carried her into the kitchen.
Yunah was standing by the stove.
She looked over.
Then smiled.
“Oh, look.”
Minju raised an eyebrow.
Yunah stepped towards them.
“It’s Minju.”
Her eyes moved to Haewon.
Sleepy.
That same pout.
Yunah’s smile widened.
“And Mini Minju.”
Yunah gently squeezed her little cheeks.
Haewon giggled.
Yunah squeezed them again.
Another giggle.
Minju smiled despite herself.
…
Dinner was ready not long after.
Haewon sat between them at the table.
The little shark sat beside her.
He needed dinner too, apparently.
Yunah gave him a piece of broccoli.
Haewon immediately took it away.
“He doesn’t like broccoli.”
Yunah frowned.
“How do you know?”
“Sharks don’t like broccoli.”
Yunah slowly looked at Minju.
Minju looked back.
A pause.
“I wonder who taught her that?”
Yunah smiled.
Dinner passed easily after that.
..
Bath time came next.
Haewon sat surrounded by bubbles, Baby Shark safely abandoned outside the tub.
Minju knelt beside her.
“Close your eyes.”
Haewon squeezed them shut.
Minju carefully rinsed the shampoo from her hair.
Yunah sat on the floor beside them.
Mostly useless.
She’d been given one job.
Keep the water inside the bath.
So far, she wasn’t doing particularly well.
Haewon slapped both hands against the water.
Yunah flinched.
“Hey.”
Haewon giggled.
“You got me.”
Another splash.
“Duckling.”
Yunah wiped water from her face.
“You’re asking for trouble.”
Haewon splashed her again.
Yunah stared at her.
Then slowly reached towards the water to splash her back.
“Yunah.”
Minju didn’t even look up.
Yunah stopped.
“What?”
“Don’t.”
“I wasn’t doing anything.”
Minju looked at her.
Yunah lowered her hand.
Haewon giggled.
“Minju said no.”
She stuck her tongue out.
Yunah looked offended.
“Whose side are you on?”
“Minju’s.”
“Again?”
Minju smiled.
“Smart girl.”
Yunah narrowed her eyes at both of them.
Outnumbered.
Again.
…
Eventually, Minju declared her clean.
Yunah stood and held out the towel.
Minju lifted Haewon from the bath and straight into it.
Yunah wrapped it around her.
Haewon shivered.
Yunah rubbed her arms through the towel.
“Cold?”
“Mhm.”
Minju started draining the bath.
Yunah crouched and bundled Haewon tighter.
“Better?”
Haewon nodded.
Minju stood beside them.
Yunah looked up.
A strand of Minju’s hair was stuck to her cheek.
She reached up and tucked it back.
“You’re all wet.”
“I wonder why.”
Yunah smiled.
Minju smiled back.
Yunah leaned up and kissed her.
Quick.
Soft.
“Gross!”
They pulled apart.
Haewon was staring at them from inside her towel.
Yunah blinked.
Then looked at Minju.
Minju couldn’t hold in her laugh.
Yunah looked back at Haewon.
“You said that last time.”
Haewon grinned.
“Gross.”
“You’re gross.”
Haewon gasped.
Yunah immediately scooped her up.
“Come here, Mini Minju.”
Haewon squealed as Yunah attacked her cheek with kisses.
“Gross! Gross!”
“Yeah?”
Another kiss.
Haewon dissolved into giggles.
Minju shook her head, laughing.
“You’re supposed to be getting her ready for bed.”
Yunah stopped.
Haewon stopped.
They looked at each other.
Minju already regretted saying it.
…
Somehow, they got Haewon into her pyjamas.
Her damp hair hung around her shoulders.
Minju looked around.
“Where’s her hairbrush?”
Yunah shrugged.
“Living room?”
Minju sighed.
“I’ll get it.”
She disappeared through the door.
Yunah looked at Haewon.
Haewon looked at Yunah.
A pause.
Haewon climbed onto the bed.
She tucked her head down.
Rolled.
And landed in a heap amongst the pillows.
Yunah laughed.
“What was that?”
Haewon sat up.
“A flip.”
“That was not a flip.”
“Yes it was.”
“That was a somersault.”
Haewon frowned.
“You do it!”
Yunah looked towards the door.
Minju was gone.
She looked back.
“Move.”
Haewon scrambled out of the way.
Yunah climbed onto the bed.
“Watch this.”
One somersault later, Yunah landed flat on her back.
Haewon burst into giggles.
Yunah sat up.
“See?”
Haewon immediately threw herself forward.
Yunah clapped.
“Beautiful.”
“Your turn!”
Yunah went again.
By the time Minju came back, they had established a system.
Haewon.
Yunah.
Haewon.
Yunah.
Minju stopped in the doorway.
Hairbrush in hand.
Yunah was kneeling on the bed.
“Ready?”
Haewon nodded excitedly.
“Go!”
Yunah rolled.
She landed sideways across the pillows.
Haewon collapsed against her.
Both of them dissolved into giggles.
Minju pressed her lips together.
She should stop them.
Haewon was supposed to be winding down.
Yunah was supposed to be helping.
Instead, Yunah attempted another somersault.
Badly.
Minju snorted.
Yunah froze.
Haewon froze.
Both heads turned towards the door.
Minju covered her mouth.
Yunah stared at her.
“How long have you been standing there?”
Minju shook her head, laughing.
“Long enough.”
Haewon bounced on her knees.
“Minju, look!”
She did another one.
Minju laughed harder.
“Very good.”
Yunah pointed at her.
“See?”
“I didn’t say you could keep going.”
“You encouraged her.”
“She’s four.”
“What about me?”
Minju looked at her.
A pause.
“You want me to clap for you too?”
Yunah smiled.
“A little.”
Minju laughed.
“Do your flip.”
Yunah immediately got into position.
Minju shook her head.
Ridiculous.
Completely ridiculous.
She loved them.
…
Minju finally stepped into the room.
“That’s enough gymnastics.”
A simultaneous groan.
Minju laughed.
She sat on the edge of the bed and held up the hairbrush.
“Come here, Haewon-ah.”
Haewon crawled towards her.
Minju settled her between her knees.
Yunah flopped dramatically onto the pillows beside them.
Minju began carefully brushing through her damp hair.
Slowly.
Working through the little tangles.
Haewon gradually stopped bouncing.
Yunah did too.
For once.
By the time Minju was finished, Haewon was leaning back against her.
Much calmer.
Much sleepier.
Minju smoothed her hair down.
“There.”
Yunah looked over.
“So pretty!”
Haewon smiled.
“Mini Minju,” Yunah added.
Minju nudged her with her foot.
Yunah laughed.
…
A few minutes later, Haewon was beneath the covers.
Baby Shark tucked beneath one arm.
Minju pulled the blanket up to her chest.
“Comfy?”
“Mhm.”
“Good.”
Yunah appeared on the other side of the bed.
Haewon looked at her.
“Story!”
Minju stopped.
Yunah’s eyes lit up.
“You want a story?”
“Mhm.”
Minju looked between them.
No.
Absolutely not.
“A calm story,” she said.
Yunah looked offended.
“I know how bedtime works.”
Minju stared at her.
Yunah had been doing somersaults thirty seconds ago.
“Do you?”
“Yes.”
Haewon giggled.
Yunah settled beside her.
“Once upon a time, there was a princess.”
Haewon smiled.
“Me?”
“Obviously.”
Yunah pulled the blanket a little higher around her.
“Princess Haewon lived in the biggest castle in the entire kingdom.”
“With Baby Shark?”
Yunah looked at the shark tucked beneath her arm.
“Baby Shark had his own royal pool.”
Haewon giggled.
“And Princess Haewon was protected by the bravest, strongest, coolest knight who had ever lived.”
Minju smiled to herself.
Here we go.
“She could fight dragons.”
Haewon’s eyes widened.
“And climb mountains.”
“Really?”
“Mhm.”
Yunah nodded seriously.
“She was also incredibly beautiful.”
Minju snorted.
Yunah looked at her.
“Something funny?”
“No.”
“Good.”
Yunah turned back to Haewon.
“Her name was Sir Yunah.”
Haewon giggled.
“You?”
“Me.”
“You’re not a knight!”
Yunah looked offended.
“Not with that attitude.”
Haewon laughed.
Yunah continued.
“Anyway, one day, Princess Haewon and Sir Yunah were walking through the castle when they saw a chicken.”
Haewon blinked.
“A chicken?”
“Mhm.”
“What was its name?”
Yunah went quiet.
Minju looked at her.
Yunah looked back.
A smile slowly spread across her face.
Minju’s eyes narrowed.
Yunah looked at Haewon.
“Minju.”
Haewon burst out laughing.
Minju grabbed the pillow beside her.
Yunah barely had time to move.
“Ow!”
Minju hit her again.
Laughing now.
“Why am I the chicken?!”
Yunah caught the pillow.
“I didn’t say it was you.”
“You called it Minju!”
“Coincidence.”
Haewon was beside herself.
“Chicken Minju!”
Yunah pointed at her.
“See? She gets it.”
Minju tried to pull the pillow free.
“You made yourself a knight.”
“The coolest knight.”
“And I’m a chicken?”
“A very important chicken.”
“What does she do?”
Yunah paused.
“Lays eggs.”
The pillow hit her again.
…
The story only got worse from there.
There was a dragon.
A castle.
At some point, Princess Haewon acquired a sword.
Sir Yunah saved the kingdom.
Chicken Minju came too.
Apparently that was important.
But slowly, Haewon’s questions became fewer.
Her eyes grew heavier.
Her grip around her shark loosened.
Yunah’s voice softened.
Then stopped altogether.
Haewon was asleep.
Yunah smiled.
Minju reached over and carefully pulled the blanket a little higher around her.
Neither of them moved for a moment.
Just looked at her.
Fast asleep.
Finally.
Yunah leaned closer.
“We did it.”
Minju looked at her.
“Barely.”
Yunah smiled.
They slipped quietly from the room.
Minju pulled the door almost closed behind them.
The second it clicked into place, Yunah wrapped both arms around her.
Minju laughed softly.
“What?”
Yunah buried her face against her neck.
“Nothing.”
Minju’s arms went around her automatically.
They stood there for a moment.
Yunah let out a long breath.
“I’m exhausted.”
“You did five somersaults.”
Yunah lifted her head.
“Six.”
Minju stared at her.
Yunah smiled.
Minju shook her head, but she was smiling too.
Yunah leaned in and kissed her.
Slow this time.
No tiny voice yelling gross from across the room.
Minju smiled against her lips.
Yunah kissed her once more.
Then pulled back.
“Come on, my chicken.”
Minju’s smile disappeared.
Yunah barely made it two steps.
“Yunah.”
She started laughing.
Minju caught her around the waist from behind.
“Take it back.”
“Never.”
“I hate you.”
“Bawk.”
Minju buried her face against Yunah’s shoulder, laughing.
“You’re so annoying.”
Yunah turned in her arms.
Minju laughed and pulled her towards their room.
…
A few minutes later, they were in bed.
Yunah curled into Minju almost immediately.
Minju tucked an arm around her.
It was finally quiet.
Yunah closed her eyes.
Peace at last.
…
3:17am
Something poked her arm.
Yunah frowned.
Another poke.
She stirred.
Then another.
Yunah slowly opened her eyes.
It took her a second to focus.
Haewon was standing beside the bed.
Hair messy from sleep.
Baby Shark tucked beneath one arm.
Wide awake.
Yunah blinked.
“Duckling?”
Haewon smiled.
“Hi.”
Yunah pushed herself up slightly.
Sleep disappeared quickly.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.”
Yunah paused.
She looked at her properly.
No tears.
No scared little face.
Nothing seemed wrong.
“Nothing?”
Haewon shook her head.
“Then why are you awake?”
“I woke up.”
Yunah stared at her.
Technically, that answered the question.
“Okay.”
She glanced at the clock.
3:17
Then back at Haewon.
“Go back to sleep.”
Haewon didn’t move.
Yunah waited.
“Duckling.”
“I’m not tired.”
Of course.
Yunah closed her eyes.
That nap.
She knew that nap would come back to haunt them.
“You have to try.”
“Yunah?”
“Mhm?”
“Can we play?”
Yunah opened her eyes again.
“What?”
“Play.”
“Now?”
Haewon nodded.
Yunah looked at the clock again.
Still 3:17.
“No.”
Haewon smiled.
“Please?”
“No honey, it’s bedtime.”
Haewon looked past her.
Minju was still fast asleep.
She took a step towards the bed.
“I’ll ask Minju.”
Yunah caught her little hand immediately.
“Absolutely not.”
Haewon looked at her.
“Why?”
Yunah glanced at Minju.
Still asleep.
Completely peaceful.
“Because Minju is sleeping.”
Yunah sighed.
She lifted the blanket.
“Come here.”
Haewon’s face lit up.
“But.”
Yunah pointed at her.
“We are not waking Minju.”
Haewon nodded.
“Okay.”
“We have to be quiet.”
“Okay.”
“Really quiet.”
Another nod.
Yunah narrowed her eyes.
“I mean it.”
Haewon put a finger to her lips.
“Shh.”
Yunah smiled.
“Exactly.”
Haewon climbed into bed.
Yunah pulled the blanket around her.
For approximately thirty seconds, they were quiet.
Then…
“Yunah.”
Yunah kept her eyes closed.
“Mhm?”
“Are you sleeping?”
“Trying to.”
A pause.
“I’m not.”
“I know.”
Another pause.
Yunah opened her eyes.
Haewon was lying beside her.
Staring.
Completely awake.
Yunah stared back.
“Why did you wake me?”
Haewon blinked.
“You play.”
Yunah went still.
Oh.
Well.
That was—
She pressed her lips together.
“You woke me up because I play?”
Haewon nodded.
“Mhm.”
Yunah glanced over at Minju.
Still asleep.
Then back at Haewon.
“Minju plays.”
Haewon nodded.
“But you play.”
Yunah had absolutely no idea what the difference was.
Apparently Haewon did.
She tried not to smile.
“We’re still not playing.”
Haewon smiled.
“Okay.”
Yunah narrowed her eyes.
That was far too easy.
Haewon lifted Baby Shark between them.
She made him swim through the air.
Yunah watched.
“What are you doing?”
Baby Shark landed on Yunah’s face.
Yunah froze.
Haewon covered her mouth.
Yunah slowly removed the shark.
“Did he just hit me?”
Haewon shook her head.
Her shoulders were already shaking.
“No.”
“He did.”
“He didn’t.”
Yunah brought Baby Shark closer to her face.
“You’ve got a problem with me?”
Haewon snorted.
Yunah immediately looked towards Minju.
Still asleep.
She turned back.
Finger to her lips.
“Shh.”
Haewon copied her.
“Shh.”
Yunah handed Baby Shark back.
“Behave.”
Haewon nodded seriously.
Baby Shark immediately hit Yunah again.
Yunah stared at her.
Haewon stared back.
Yunah grabbed the shark.
“Right.”
Haewon’s eyes widened.
“No.”
“He’s mine now.”
“Yunah.”
“Should’ve thought about that before he attacked me.”
Haewon reached for him.
Yunah held him away.
“Give him.”
“Say sorry, baby shark.”
Haewon’s face crumpled with suppressed laughter.
Yunah saw it.
That was her first mistake.
She started laughing too.
Silently.
Mostly.
“Stop.”
Haewon buried her face in the blanket.
Then peeked up at her.
Yunah made the shark kiss her forehead.
Haewon lost it.
A little squeal escaped.
Both of them froze.
Yunah’s eyes widened.
Haewon slapped both hands over her mouth.
Slowly, they looked towards Minju.
Nothing.
Yunah exhaled.
“That was close.”
Haewon nodded.
They looked at each other.
And immediately started laughing again.
Quietly.
Terribly.
The kind of laughter that only got worse because they weren’t allowed to make any noise.
Yunah buried her face in the pillow.
Haewon buried hers against Yunah.
Neither of them noticed Minju wake up.
“What are you two doing?”
Silence.
Yunah’s eyes opened.
Haewon went completely still against her.
Slowly, Yunah lifted her head.
Minju was looking at them.
Sleepy.
Eyes barely open.
Yunah still had Baby Shark in one hand.
“Nothing.”
Minju stared at her.
Then at Haewon.
Haewon’s little face was still pressed into Yunah’s chest, hiding a smile.
“Were you playing?”
“No.”
“Yes.”
Yunah looked down.
“Duckling.”
Haewon giggled.
Minju’s mouth twitched.
“I thought you were supposed to be keeping quiet.”
Minju shuffled closer.
“Come here.”
Haewon wriggled into the space between them.
Minju pulled the blanket over all three.
“Now we’re actually sleeping.”
Haewon nodded.
Yunah nodded.
Minju looked between them.
Neither looked remotely trustworthy.
“I mean it.”
“Okay,” they said together.
Minju laughed softly.
“You two are ridiculous.”
Minju’s hand rested lightly on Haewon’s back.
A few minutes passed.
Haewon’s breathing evened out.
Yunah looked across at Minju.
Minju was already watching her.
A small smile.
Yunah smiled back.
Then closed her eyes.
This time, they actually slept.
…
Morning came with a foot in Yunah’s face.
She frowned.
Something soft was pressed against her cheek.
Yunah opened one eye.
Toes.
Tiny toes.
She stared at them.
Then slowly lifted her head.
Somehow, during the night, Haewon had completely rotated.
Her head was tucked against Minju’s ribs.
Her body stretched diagonally across the bed.
One leg was thrown over Yunah’s chest.
The other foot was currently resting against her face.
Yunah stared.
How?
She looked at Minju.
Minju was still asleep.
Haewon’s head was wedged into her side, one little hand gripping the bottom of Minju’s shirt.
Yunah carefully took the foot against her face.
She moved it away.
Yunah waited.
Nothing.
Carefully, she lifted Haewon’s other leg from across her chest.
Haewon made a tiny noise.
Yunah froze.
Minju shifted beside her.
Yunah froze even harder.
Silence.
Slowly, she started shuffling towards the edge of the bed.
Inch by inch.
Haewon stretched.
Yunah stopped again.
Still asleep.
Somehow.
Yunah finally slipped out.
She stood beside the bed and looked down at them.
Haewon had already spread into the space she’d left behind.
Minju’s arm rested loosely around her.
Neither of them seemed remotely bothered.
Yunah shook her head.
Unbelievable.
She pulled the blanket back over them.
Then quietly escaped downstairs.
…
By the time Minju woke, Yunah was gone.
Haewon wasn’t.
Minju opened her eyes to a small head pressed firmly into her ribs.
She blinked down at her.
Haewon was still fast asleep.
Hair everywhere.
One hand still curled into Minju’s shirt.
Minju smiled.
She carefully loosened Haewon’s fingers.
Then slipped out from beneath her.
…
Yunah was standing over a pan when Minju found her.
Still in her pyjamas.
Hair pulled messily away from her face.
Minju stopped in the kitchen doorway.
For a second, she just watched.
Yunah looked over.
“Morning.”
Minju smiled sleepily.
“Morning.”
She crossed the kitchen.
Yunah turned back to the pan.
Minju’s arms slipped around her waist from behind.
Yunah smiled immediately.
She leaned back against her.
“Sleep well?”
Minju hummed against her shoulder.
“You?”
“I woke up with a foot in my face.”
Minju laughed.
She tightened her arms around her.
Yunah reached down and rested one hand over Minju’s.
For a moment, neither of them said anything.
The kitchen was quiet.
Warm.
Yunah moved whatever was in the pan around absently.
Minju pressed a sleepy kiss against her shoulder.
Yunah turned her head.
“Hi.”
Minju smiled.
“Hi.”
Yunah twisted carefully in her arms.
Minju looked up at her.
Yunah brushed a piece of hair away from her face.
Then kissed her.
Soft.
Sleepy.
Minju smiled into it.
Yunah kissed her again.
“We survived.”
Minju laughed softly.
“She’s still here.”
Yunah paused.
“Right.”
As if on cue…
“MINJU!”
Both of them looked up.
A pause.
Yunah looked back at Minju.
“You had to say it.”
“MINJUUU!”
Minju laughed and pulled away.
“Coming!”
Yunah caught her hand before she could leave.
Minju looked back.
Yunah leaned in and stole one more kiss.
“Okay.”
She let her go.
“Go get our child.”
Minju stopped.
Yunah had already turned back to the pan.
A tiny smile pulled at Minju’s mouth.
“Our child?”
Yunah glanced over.
“Have you seen the custody arrangement?”
Minju laughed.
“What custody arrangement?”
“You get mornings.”
“And you?”
“Aquariums and 3am playtime.”
“That seems fair.”
“I think so.”
“MINJU!”
Yunah pointed the spatula towards the stairs.
“Your shift.”
Minju shook her head, smiling.
“Coming, Haewon-ah.”
…
Yunah was plating breakfast when she heard it.
Little footsteps upstairs.
Then…
“Slow down.”
Yunah smiled to herself.
More footsteps.
Faster this time.
“Haewon.”
A giggle.
Yunah looked towards the doorway just as Haewon appeared.
Hair everywhere.
Pyjamas slightly rumpled.
Baby Shark tucked beneath one arm.
She hurried into the kitchen.
Minju appeared a few seconds behind her.
“What did I just say?”
Haewon ignored her.
She spotted Yunah.
“Morning!”
Yunah smiled.
“Good morning, Duckling.”
Haewon came straight towards her.
Yunah looked down at her.
Then at her hair.
A pause.
“Wow.”
Haewon blinked.
“What?”
Yunah gestured vaguely at her head.
“Nothing.”
Minju laughed as she walked in.
“Leave her alone.”
Yunah looked back at Haewon.
“Sleep well?”
Haewon nodded.
“Mhm.”
“Yeah?”
Another nod.
Yunah narrowed her eyes.
“Interesting.”
Haewon looked confused.
Minju already knew.
Yunah crouched in front of Haewon.
“Because I woke up with something on my face this morning.”
Haewon blinked.
“What?”
Yunah pointed at her foot.
Haewon looked down.
Then back at Yunah.
“My foot?”
“Your foot.”
Haewon’s mouth slowly opened into a smile.
Yunah stared at her.
“You think that’s funny?”
Haewon giggled.
“Oh, you do.”
Minju was laughing now too.
Haewon reached up and put one little hand against Yunah’s cheek.
“Sorry.”
Yunah paused.
“Are you?”
Haewon nodded.
Yunah looked at Minju.
“I don’t believe her.”
Haewon giggled again.
Yunah smiled.
“Come on. Breakfast.”
…
Breakfast disappeared quickly.
Mostly into Haewon.
Apparently being awake at three in the morning worked up an appetite.
Yunah and Minju survived on coffee.
Somehow, Haewon had more energy than both of them combined.
By the time the plates were empty, she was already asking what they were doing next.
Unfortunately, what came next was getting ready.
…
Getting Haewon dressed took longer than it should have.
Minju handled the jeans.
Haewon stepped into one leg.
Then the other.
Minju pulled them up and fastened the button.
A little pink shirt came next.
Haewon pushed her head through the wrong hole.
Minju laughed.
“Not there.”
A muffled giggle came from somewhere inside the shirt.
Minju found her eventually.
Yunah was given the socks.
It should’ve been easy.
It wasn’t.
“Give me your foot.”
Haewon held it out.
Yunah caught it.
Haewon immediately pulled it away.
“Hey!”
Haewon giggled.
“Foot.”
She gave it back.
Yunah got the sock halfway over her toes.
Haewon wriggled.
It came straight back off.
Yunah stared at it.
Minju sat beside them, folding Haewon’s pyjamas back into the overnight bag.
She was very deliberately not helping.
Yunah looked at her.
“Are you enjoying this?”
“A little.”
Yunah narrowed her eyes.
“Traitor.”
“You said you could do it.”
“I can.”
Haewon kicked her foot happily.
Yunah caught it again.
“Stop moving.”
“I’m not.”
“You literally are.”
Minju laughed.
Eventually, Yunah got both socks on.
She sat back.
Victorious.
“There.”
Haewon looked down.
One sock was inside out.
Minju noticed.
Yunah noticed Minju noticing.
Minju pressed her lips together.
Yunah pointed at her.
“I didn’t say anything.”
“Keep it that way.”
Haewon giggled.
Clothes done.
Teeth brushed.
Face washed.
That left her hair.
Minju sat behind Haewon and carefully parted it down the middle.
“Braids?”
Haewon nodded.
“Two.”
Yunah sat down on her other side.
“I’ll do one.”
Minju looked at her.
“Can you braid?”
Yunah looked offended.
“Obviously.”
Minju handed her half of Haewon’s hair.
“Okay.”
Yunah frowned.
“Why did you say it like that?”
Minju smiled.
“Like what?”
…
Yunah finally tied off her braid.
She sat back.
“Done.”
Minju looked over.
Her side was neat.
Tight.
Every piece perfectly in place.
Yunah’s was…
Looser.
Slightly wonky.
A few little strands already escaping around Haewon’s ear.
Yunah tilted her head.
“Looks good.”
Minju looked at her.
“Does it?”
“Yes.”
Haewon reached for the mirror.
Minju handed it to her.
Haewon looked at herself.
One side.
Then the other.
She smiled.
“I’m pretty.”
Both of them softened immediately.
“You are,” Minju said.
Yunah smiled.
Then leaned closer.
“Can I whisper you a secret?”
Haewon’s eyes widened.
She nodded.
Yunah cupped a hand around her ear.
“You’re so pretty because you look like Minju.”
Haewon giggled.
Yunah pulled back and put a finger to her lips.
“Shh.”
Haewon copied her.
“Shh.”
“You can’t tell anyone.”
Haewon nodded seriously.
Yunah nodded back.
“Okay?”
“Okay.”
Yunah sat back.
Haewon immediately turned around.
“Minju.”
Yunah’s eyes widened.
“Haewon—”
“Yunah said I’m pretty because I look like you.”
Minju went still.
Yunah stared at Haewon.
Betrayed.
Completely betrayed.
“That lasted three seconds.”
Haewon giggled.
Minju looked at Yunah.
A smile slowly spread across her face.
“You think I’m pretty?”
Yunah looked away.
“That’s not what I said.”
“It’s exactly what you said.”
“I was talking about Haewon.”
Minju leaned closer.
“Because she looks like me.”
Yunah busied herself with Haewon’s braid.
“I don’t remember.”
“It was ten seconds ago.”
Haewon looked between them.
“Yunah thinks you’re pretty.”
Minju laughed.
Yunah looked at her.
“Whose side are you on?”
Haewon didn’t hesitate.
“Minju’s.”
Yunah closed her eyes.
Again.
Minju laughed softly.
She reached over and gave Yunah’s arm a little squeeze.
Yunah opened one eye.
Minju was still smiling at her.
Softly this time.
“What?”
“Nothing.”
Her thumb brushed once over Yunah’s arm.
Yunah knew exactly what.
She tried not to smile.
Failed.
Minju let her go.
Then her attention caught on Yunah’s braid.
One of the little pieces had already worked itself loose.
Minju reached over to fix it.
Haewon pulled away.
“No.”
Minju paused.
“It’s loose.”
Haewon touched it.
“Yunah did it.”
Yunah looked at her.
“You want to keep it?”
Haewon nodded.
“Mhm.”
Yunah melted all over again.
Minju smiled.
“Okay. We’ll keep it.”
Yunah looked unbearably pleased.
“See? She likes mine.”
“She likes you.”
Yunah paused.
Then smiled.
“Yeah.”
She liked that even more.
…
The doorbell rang twenty minutes later.
Haewon looked up immediately.
“Mommy!”
She scrambled to her feet.
“Walk,” Minju called after her.
Haewon slowed.
Barely.
Yunah looked at Minju.
“She listens to you.”
“Sometimes.”
They followed her into the hallway.
Haewon was already waiting impatiently by the door.
Minju opened it.
“Mommy!”
Her mom barely had time to crouch before Haewon threw herself into her arms.
“Hi, baby.”
Haewon squeezed her.
“Did you have fun?”
An enthusiastic nod.
“We saw sharks.”
“You did?”
“And jellyfish speak French!”
Yunah went very still.
Minju looked at her.
Her aunt blinked.
“They do?”
Haewon nodded.
“Yunah said.”
Minju covered her mouth.
Yunah cleared her throat.
“Educational trip.”
Her aunt laughed.
Then she noticed Haewon’s hair.
“Oh, look at your braids!”
Haewon immediately touched them.
“Minju did this one.”
She pointed.
Then proudly held up the other.
“Yunah did this one.”
Her mom looked at them.
One neat.
One already beginning to unravel.
A pause.
Yunah crossed her arms.
“Choose your next words carefully.”
Minju laughed.
Her aunt paused for a second.
“They’re beautiful!”
Yunah nodded.
“Thank you.”
Haewon smiled.
“Ready to go home?”
Haewon’s smile faded.
“No.”
Yunah looked at her.
Her mom smiled.
“No?”
Haewon shook her head.
“I stay here.”
Minju’s expression softened.
“Haewon-ah.”
Haewon reached for Yunah’s hand.
“With Minju and Yunah.”
Yunah went still.
Her fingers closed around Haewon’s.
“You want to stay with us?”
Haewon nodded.
“Mhm.”
Yunah’s face crumpled.
Minju saw it immediately.
“Oh, Yunah.”
Yunah turned towards her.
And that was it.
She folded straight into Minju.
Minju laughed softly as her arms came around her.
“She wants to stay.”
Yunah’s voice was muffled against her shoulder.
“I know.”
“With us.”
“I know.”
Yunah held her tighter.
Minju rubbed a hand slowly over her back.
Her aunt looked between them.
“Oh my.”
Minju laughed.
“It’s been a long day.”
Yunah lifted her head.
Her eyes were wet.
Minju smiled and wiped beneath one of them with her thumb.
Haewon was watching.
Her little eyebrows pulled together.
“Why are you crying?”
Yunah froze.
Minju looked at her.
Yunah looked at Haewon.
Then back at Minju.
A pause.
“Minju poked me in the eye.”
Minju’s mouth fell open.
“What?”
Haewon gasped.
She looked straight at Minju.
“That’s not nice!”
Yunah immediately buried her face back against Minju’s shoulder.
Mostly so nobody could see her laughing.
Minju stared down at her.
“I did not poke her in the eye.”
Haewon frowned.
“You did.”
“She’s lying.”
Yunah sniffed dramatically against her.
“Ow.”
Minju looked down at her.
“Oh, you’re unbelievable.”
Haewon’s frown deepened.
“Say sorry!”
Minju blinked.
“Me?”
Haewon nodded.
“Mhm.”
Yunah’s shoulders started shaking.
Minju tightened an arm around her.
“Stop laughing.”
“I’m crying.”
“You’re about to be.”
“Minju!”
Haewon looked horrified.
Her aunt burst out laughing.
Minju closed her eyes.
“Fine.”
She looked down at the woman still hiding against her.
“I’m sorry I poked you in the eye.”
Yunah finally lifted her head.
“Thank you.”
Minju stared at her.
Yunah gave her a watery little smile.
Minju tried.
She really tried.
Then laughed and pulled her back in.
Her aunt crouched beside Haewon.
“You know what?”
Haewon looked at her.
“What?”
“I’ll miss you if you stay here.”
Haewon went quiet.
“You will?”
“So much.”
Haewon thought about that.
Yunah peeked out from Minju’s shoulder.
A few seconds passed.
Then Haewon walked towards her mom.
“Okay.”
Her mom opened her arms.
Haewon went straight into them.
“I come home.”
“Yeah?”
“Mhm.”
Yunah smiled.
Of course she did.
That was her mommy.
Her mom kissed her cheek.
“Go say goodbye.”
Haewon looked towards them.
Minju smiled.
Yunah was still tucked slightly against her side.
Haewon walked over.
Then lifted both arms.
One towards Minju.
One towards Yunah.
Minju’s expression softened.
Yunah didn’t stand a chance.
They crouched together.
Haewon pulled them both in.
Little arms wrapped around their necks.
Minju’s arm went around her back.
Yunah’s wrapped around her too.
For a moment, the three of them just stayed there.
Minju pressed a kiss to Haewon’s cheek.
Yunah kissed her temple.
Haewon held them a little tighter.
“Bye, Minju.”
Minju smiled against her cheek.
“Bye, Haewon-ah.”
“Bye, Yunah.”
Yunah swallowed.
“Bye, Duckling.”
Haewon pulled back.
Yunah smoothed one of the loose pieces beside her braid.
“Come back soon, okay?”
Haewon nodded.
“Sleepover?”
Yunah smiled.
“Definitely.”
Minju looked at her.
“Definitely?”
Yunah didn’t even hesitate.
“Definitely.”
Haewon smiled.
Then they finally let her go.
Minju helped her back into her yellow coat.
Yunah zipped it up.
Baby Shark went beneath one arm.
Haewon took her mom’s hand with the other.
One neat braid fell over her shoulder.
The other was still loose.
“Ready?”
Haewon nodded.
This time, she was.
“Bye!”
“Bye, honey.”
“Bye, Duckling.”
Haewon waved.
They watched her walk away.
Yellow coat.
Little shark.
Two little braids.
She turned around once more.
“Bye!”
Yunah waved again.
“Bye!”
Then she was gone.
Minju closed the door.
…
The apartment went quiet.
Very quiet.
Yunah stood beside her.
“Huh.”
Minju looked at her.
“What?”
“I can hear myself think again.”
Minju laughed.
Yunah slipped an arm around her waist.
“I kind of miss her.”
“Kind of?”
Yunah smiled.
“A lot.”
Minju leaned into her.
“Me too.”
A pause.
Yunah looked towards the living room.
Toys everywhere.
A blanket half on the floor.
Evidence of Haewon in almost every corner.
She sighed.
“She wanted to stay.”
Minju laughed.
“You’re never letting that go, are you?”
“Never.”
Minju kissed her cheek.
“Come on. We have things to do.”
And they did.
They cleaned up.
Showered.
Got dressed.
Got on with the rest of their day.
Their home was quieter without Haewon in it.
Definitely less chaotic.
But both of them wondered what sort of adventures their little Duckling would take them on next time.