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"Areum, which one do you think a seventeen year old would like?" Minji held up two different gift cards. One for hair products and the other for makeup. The college student started at her puzzled.

"Is this for your niece?" The cashier asked. Minji nodded.

"Hmm, I think she would like the hair one because most schools won't allow the girls to wear makeup. Some schools are stricter than others though." Areum explained. The older woman nodded, putting the makeup one down. She hasn't been in high school in years so she couldn't tell you any rules.

"High school feels like a life time ago." Minji commented as Areum checked her things out. The younger girl let out a small laugh.

"I agree with that even though I'm only 23." Areum said. Both of the women laughed as Minji paid for her things.

"Speaking of which, you graduate this year, right?" Minji grabbed her phone, her bags hanging on her arm.

"Yup! I'm so exhausted. I'm so ready to stop going to school once and for all." Areum yawned. The older woman smiled warmly at her, a motherly look in her gaze.

"Take care of yourself, okay? I don't want to see you getting sick or burnt out." Minji patted the younger girl's head. Areum smiled, giggling at the older woman.

"Of course." Areum agreed with the older woman.

"Excuse me." A man spoke up. Both of the women turned to the familiar guy that didn't say much and usually leaves quickly. Minji has always been curious about him, she's just decided to mind her own business.

Minji stepped to the side and stared at the man, taking in his features. He was much taller than her and had a slight slouch but it wasn't that noticeable. Even though most of his face was covered, his eyes and his eye bags were visible. She frowned upon seeing the exhausted expression on his face.

Chan on the other hand did not want to meet her gaze. In fact, he couldn't. It wasn't that she scared him or anything, he thought she might scold him like a mother because all he does is buy junk food from this place. Also, they she was staring at him made him feel...hot in a way.

Their eyes finally met once he grabbed his bags and turned to leave. His breath got caught in his throat as he stared into her soft eyes. Usually she had a serious expression on her face, and honestly had a resting bitch face so this was... different.

"You should get some sleep too. And eat healthier. Coke isn't ideal for a young man like you." She said before leaving. Chan stood there dumbfounded. Young man? Just how old is that woman?

Chan waved it off and left the store as well. He walked down the road as he usually does and heads back to the dorms.

He walked inside and put the soda in the fridge before heading to his room, making sure to be super quiet as to not disturb the maknae's sleep. He had gotten pretty good at sneaking out at unholy hours of the night.

———

"Minji!"

"Jihye!" The two best friends ran to each other in the airport, gathering the attention of some of the innocent bystanders. They embraced each other like they hadn't seen each other in years. It was only two months, but it felt like a lifetime to the both of them.

"I missed you so much. How was your parents? Did Australia give you any inspiration for your next novel?" Minji asked as the two girls left the crowded airport.

"I missed you too. My parents were the same as ever and kept asking me about when I was going to get married and when you were going to visit them. And Australia didn't give me any ideas at all." The red haired girl sighed. Minji actually helped Jihye dye her hair red.

"I'm sorry. I'm sure something will spark your creativity." Minji reassured her best friend as they got into her car.

"I guess so... it's just been three years without a new novel in the making. My fans have been dying for something. The last time I opened my laptop to write was to help with one of my writer friends." Jihye sighed as Minji began to drive. She knew how stressed her best friend was to start writing again. It's always been her dream and Jihye has already published ten of her romance novels.

"Don't worry. I know you can come up with something. If not, I'll just get a third job to support you. You could even move in." Minji told her.

"Wait... three jobs? When did you get a second one?" Jihye asked confused. The older woman sighed, she hadn't told her yet because she didn't want Jihye to worry about her when she already has enough stress.

"Well, I got a second one at our favorite cafe after mom retired last month. I didn't want to fall behind on bills so I decided to work harder." Minji explained. The tree haired woman sighed, giving her friend a disappointed look.

"You said you wouldn't overwork yourself again. You promised me." Jihye looked at her with sadness in her eyes.

"I'm not overworking myself. I'm eating three meals every day and I'm sleeping for at least six hours every day. I'm fine." Minji smiled at her friend to reassure her.

"Fine. But if I even detect a single hint of exhaustion or see a grey hair, you're quitting immediately." Jihye said, giving in to her best friend.

"You got it." Minji sighed in relief.

"Let's listen to some music. The silence is killing me!" Jihye connected her phone to the car. The two laughed as "what is love?" By TWICE blasted through the speakers.

———

"Mom." Minji called out as she entered her house.

"I'm in the kitchen." The older woman said. Minji smiled and took off her shoes.

"Jieun's birthday is at the restaurant, right?" Minji asked, standing in the kitchen.

"Yeah, why?" Her mother asked, the aroma of what she was cooking wafted through the air.

"Jihye wants to come." Minji answered.

"She's back?" Her mother asked.

"Yup!" Minji grabbed a bottle of juice that her mother used to pack her when she went to school.

"I'm glad. I know how much you missed her." Her mother chuckled.

"I'm going to my room." Minji said.

"Okay." Her mother replied. Minji walked up the stairs and set her things down on her desk. She took the claw clip in her hair out and collapsed onto her bed. Her body was super sore and all she wanted to do was sleep.


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