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ix. Tell me

Chapter nine

He showed up... my biological dad. 👨🏻


The warm glow of the restaurant's overhead lights cast a cozy ambiance over the small kitchen. Aera and Joo-won stood side by side at the sink, both wearing matching pink gloves that were slightly oversized and a little comical. The restaurant had closed hours ago, leaving the space quiet except for the faint hum of the refrigerator and the clinking of dishes as the sisters worked.

Joo-won, humming softly to herself, scrubbed a plate with exaggerated vigor, her energy seemingly endless. Aera, calmer and more methodical, waited with a clean dishcloth in hand to dry each plate as it came her way.

Their father, Jeongjae, stood nearby at the prep counter, slicing vegetables with practiced precision. He glanced up occasionally, smiling faintly at the lively chatter between his daughters.

"So," Joo-won began, her voice bright, "I got my first love letter today." She grinned mischievously, tilting her head as she glanced at her dad.

"First one?" Jeongjae responded, pausing his chopping to look at her. His tone was curious but amused.

"Mm-hmm!" Joo-won nodded enthusiastically, passing a rinsed plate to Aera. "And guess what, Appa? Aera eonnie got one too! That's why she's been all smiley and dreamy today." She teased, nudging her sister with her elbow.

Aera stifled a laugh as she took the wet plate, gently placing it on the drying rack. "I have not been dreamy," she countered, her cheeks tinged with a slight pink.

"Oh, please," Joo-won said, rolling her eyes dramatically. "You smiled at a guy's handwriting, Eonnie. Admit it!"

Jeongjae raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Really? Aera, you're interested in someone for the first time?" he asked, a knowing smile tugging at his lips.

"Appa," Aera protested, her voice light but flustered. "It's not like that."

"But it's true," Joo-won chimed in, not letting her off the hook. "Neither Sanha nor Hae Jun knows about this. Especially Sanha! Can you imagine the lecture we'd get? When I told him I might also get a love letter from someone too, he just laughed and asked 'who would?'" She frowned

Jeongjae chuckled softly, returning to his chopping. "So does Sanha not know you got a love letter?"

"I didn't show it to him," Joo-won replied, dipping another plate into the soapy water. "It's obvious he'd nag about it." She muttered this last part to Aera, passing her the clean plate.

Aera accepted it with a small laugh, shaking her head.

Jeongjae glanced over, a playful glint in his eye. "But, my daughters, Sanha isn't entirely wrong if you think about it," he said with a teasing edge. "I'm not exactly impressed that there's one person behind you, either."

"I'm not impressed either," Aera added with a fond smile, wiping down a plate. "I mean, look at you—you're such a cutie."

Joo-won's pout transformed into a grin as she raised two fingers, her pink gloves making the gesture look even more exaggerated. "There are two people," she said with confidence.

"You said one of them is an athlete," Jeongjae reminded her with a knowing look.

Joo-won smirked. "You always said we were good daughters as long as we didn't drink, smoke, or gamble."

Jeongjae chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, yes. That's true, but..."

Joo-won rinsed the last plate and helped Aera carry the clean dishes to the nearby table, which was covered in a clean cloth. "Appa, don't you think we've reached a level of mastery in doing the dishes?" she asked brightly, setting the plates down with exaggerated care. "Once I graduate, should I do the dishes at your store?"

Jeongjae turned to face her, puzzled. "What? Why? Won't you go to college?"

"What use is college with my grades? I'm not interested in learning anything, either" Joo-won replied almost too quickly. She smiled, clearly trying to lighten the mood. "What do you think? My help will make things easier for you too."

Aera, standing nearby, hesitated. Joo-won had already confided in her about this decision, and Aera didn't want to crush her little sister's dreams—or lack thereof.

Jeongjae approached the table where his daughters stood. "You said you've mastered washing dishes," he began, his tone soft but firm. "But it's no fun if you keep doing something you've already mastered. You just don't know it yet, but there are so many things more fun than washing dishes."

Joo-won crossed her arms stubbornly. "I'm not good at it, it doesn't matter if it's fun" She pouted, glancing at Aera. "Don't you remember? I cooked chicken soup in the summer, but Kim Sanha didn't eat it saying it might give him stomachache, and Kang Hae Jun said it tasted funny. Only Aera eonnie ate it all. Is it so hard to eat something your younger sister made and act like it is delicious?"

Aera smiled warmly. "It wasn't that bad," she said reassuringly, though the memory of the soup's overly salty taste made her cringe inwardly.

Jeongjae chuckled. "But there are many other fun things," he said gently. "To not gamble, drink, or smoke is... how should I put this? A form of passive filial piety. But finding something you love to do and enjoying life is active filial piety."

Joo-won's eyes lit up. "Really? Enjoying my life is fulfilling filial piety?"

"Of course. And being healthy—that's the best kind," Jeongjae replied with a firm nod.

"Then why did you give them gotosoe and not me?" Joo-won suddenly asked, narrowing her eyes at her father. Her playful tone belied the edge of betrayal in her words.

Jeongjae froze for a moment before laughing nervously. "I only had this much. Only three bottles. They are in twelfth grade. I didn't drink any. And I didn't give any to Ahjusshi. He has no idea"

"Really?" Joo-won squinted at him, unconvinced.

"Of course. Is Sanha studying at home?" Jeongjae asked quickly, changing the subject.

"He said not to disturb him because he had to watch a lecture," Aera replied, stepping in to ease the tension.

"Then ask Hae Jun what he wants for dinner," Jeongjae said, returning to his vegetables. "I'll go home and make dinner after I sterilize these dishcloths."

Joo-won groaned. "We're the one who did the dishes. Why are you making what Kang Hae Jun wants for dinner?"

Jeongjae turned with a mock-serious expression. "Three fried eggs. Special."

Joo-won sighed dramatically, pulling off her gloves to dial Hae Jun's number. "He will probably say he wants crab soybean paste stew," she muttered. When he didn't answer, she frowned. "Is he still at practice?"

Aera shook her head in amusement. Her little sister could grumble all she wanted, but her loyalty to their family—especially when food was involved—was unwavering.









The family dinner table was alive with vibrant energy, the delicious spread tempting everyone seated around it. Steam rose from the freshly cooked dishes, and the air was filled with the savory aroma of spices and sauces. Aera sat quietly at her usual spot, her eyes shimmering with excitement as they flitted over the dishes in front of her. The moment her gaze landed on the rich black sauce of the jajangmyeon and the fiery red glaze of the tteokbokki, her expression lit up like a child on their birthday. These were her ultimate comfort foods, and everyone in the room was well aware of it.

Beside her, Sanha sat stiffly, his chopsticks aimlessly hovering above a plate of kimchi pancakes. Ever since the awkward incident on the bus earlier, he found himself unable to meet Aera's gaze. His heart skipped erratically every time he thought about it, though he couldn't pinpoint why. It wasn't like him to feel so jittery, especially not around Aera.

"I forgot the fried eggs," Jeongjae suddenly announced, breaking Sanha out of his thoughts. The father of the house stood up abruptly, pushing his chair back.

"Three for me!" Joo-won chimed in with eager enthusiasm, her hand shooting up in mock urgency.

Jeongjae chuckled, a warm, affectionate smile lighting his face as he glanced at his daughter. "How could I forget?" he teased before turning back to the stove to prepare the requested eggs.

Sanha, now freed from the trap of his earlier thoughts, narrowed his eyes at Joo-won. His silent stare practically screamed: Are you serious right now?

Joo-won caught his pointed look and raised a brow in return. Leaning toward him slightly, she muttered, "Be quiet."

"I didn't even say anything," Sanha defended himself in a low voice, sounding more offended than he intended.

"You spoke with your eyes," Joo-won shot back, her tone sharp with the confidence of someone who knew exactly what she was talking about.

Sanha leaned back in his chair, bewildered. "What did I say, then?"

"You dare to ask for three eggs with those grades?" Joo-won deadpanned, a teasing smirk tugging at her lips.

Sanha blinked, caught off guard. "Can you read minds now?" he asked with mock incredulity, feigning surprise as he tried to mask his irritation.

"It's nothing new," Jeongjae replied smoothly. "She can just do better on her next exam after eating three eggs," Jeongjae chimed in from the stove, clearly amused by their sibling banter.

The playful exchange brought smiles to everyone's faces, but Aera remained unusually quiet. Her focus had shifted from her plate to Hae Jun, seated across from her. Unlike his usual animated self, Hae Jun was uncharacteristically subdued. His favorite foods—steamed dumplings, bulgogi, grilled fish—sat untouched in front of him. He was staring blankly at the table, lost in thought, completely unaware of the lively conversation unfolding around him.

"Why aren't you eating anything?" Aera finally asked, her voice soft yet pointed. She picked up her metal chopsticks and reached for the glossy noodles of the jajangmyeon. Her raised brow suggested she wouldn't let this slide without an answer.

Hae Jun startled at her question, his daze abruptly interrupted. He glanced up, looking slightly disoriented. "What?" he asked, blinking rapidly as he processed her words.

Aera pointed at the table's spread with her chopsticks. "An opportunity presented itself," she said, her tone half-joking. "Aren't you excited?" Her gesture swept over the plates of food, particularly the ones he usually devoured with unbridled enthusiasm.

Hae Jun's shoulders sagged slightly, and he remained silent, his expression guarded. Joo-won and Sanha both turned their attention to him now, their curiosity piqued by Aera's persistence.

"My grades aren't anything to brag about, either," Hae Jun muttered after a long pause, directing a faint smile toward Joo-won in an attempt to deflect further questions.

"That's true," Joo-won admitted with a chuckle, visibly relieved that she wasn't alone in the academic struggle. But while Joo-won took his response at face value, Aera and Sanha exchanged subtle glances. They both knew there was more to Hae Jun's uncharacteristic behavior. Something wasn't adding up.

Jeongjae returned to the table just then, balancing a plate of perfectly fried eggs in one hand. The warm, golden yolks gleamed under the kitchen light, momentarily breaking the tension in the room as Joo-won eagerly reached for her share. But for Aera and Sanha, the mystery of Hae Jun's mood lingered, their shared instincts telling them that this dinner was just the beginning of something deeper.

The dinner had long since ended, but the night was far from over. Hae Jun stood on the terrace, the cold air brushing against his skin as he gazed up at the scattered stars. The silence of the night was his only companion, but even that wasn't enough to clear his mind. He sat at the outdoor table, his hands resting on its surface, lost in his thoughts.

Sanha and Aera seized the opportunity to join him. Each carried a cold can of Coke, with Aera holding an extra one for Hae Jun. They spotted him sitting alone, his head slightly bowed as if the weight of the day was pressing on him. Without a word, the two approached. Sanha took a seat on his left, while Aera settled on his right, sandwiching him between them.

Aera popped open the can of Coke and extended it toward Hae Jun with a small, knowing smile. "Spill it," she said simply, her tone quiet yet insistent.

Hae Jun glanced at her, confused. "What? Spill what?" he asked, hesitantly taking the can from her. He watched as she and Sanha opened their own drinks, the sound of fizz filling the cold night air.

"I don't know," Aera replied with a nonchalant shrug, her gaze shifting to the horizon. The soft lights of the terrace lights caught the loose strands of her messy bun as she sipped from her drink.

"How would we know unless you tell us?" Sanha added. He took a sip of his Coke, though his attention briefly lingered on Aera's side profile before turning back to Hae Jun.

The question hung in the air as Hae Jun remained silent. He bit his lip and swallowed hard, feeling the lump in his throat grow heavier. These two knew him far too well; nothing ever slipped past them. While Joo-won could miss even the most obvious of signs, Aera and Sanha always noticed every little thing.

"Things will escalate if we call Joo-won," Aera remarked offhandedly, taking another sip of her soda.

Hae Jun's eyes widened, and he turned toward her sharply. "Don't!" he exclaimed, panic evident in his voice. The last thing he needed was Joo-won blowing things out of proportion.

Aera smirked knowingly. "Then talk," she said calmly.

Realizing he had no way out, Hae Jun exhaled deeply. He set his drink down and began to explain. "He showed up... my biological dad. At basketball practice."

Sanha and Aera exchanged quick glances but stayed silent, letting him continue.

"He just appeared, said he was my dad, and then left. Just like that." Hae Jun's voice faltered. "I didn't know what to say. I didn't even know how to feel. And I haven't told Dad yet. I don't want him to feel bad—or think I'm disappointed in him."

"Didn't he pass away?" Sanha asked after a pause, watching as Hae Jun slumped backwards, resting his body on the table. His empty Coke can rolled gently to the ground.

"No. Mom never said that," Hae Jun replied, his voice muffled. "It was just... how should I put this? He was happy to see me, his son. And I think I was a bit glad too." He turned on his side, facing Aera. His voice dropped to a whisper. "But if I'm too happy, I'd feel bad for Dad." His conflicted eyes searched hers for some kind of reassurance. "I've been calling 'dad' for so many years. To tell him, 'I actually had a real dad' at this point... would any of you be able to do that?"

Aera's gaze softened, but she said nothing. Neither did Sanha. The silence stretched until Hae Jun finally sat up again, rubbing his hands together for warmth.

"One thing gives me peace of mind, though," he said after a moment. "You know how Mom cut off contact with me after I came here, right?"

Aera and Sanha both nodded, their own memories flickering to life.

"I didn't let it show, but I thought hard about what I did so wrong for her to abandon me like that," Hae Jun admitted with a faint, bitter smile.

Aera's heart tightened as memories of her own abandonment surfaced. She could still see her mother leaving her on the roadside in the pouring rain, promising to come back. But she never did. Her mother had been trying to escape a custody battle with Aera's father, only to leave her behind entirely when they fled to this small town in Busan. Jeongjae had found her and taken her in as his own, but the sting of being left never faded.

Sanha was equally quiet, his jaw tightening at the memory of his mother's absence.

"But he said he never knew I was born," Hae Jun continued, unaware of the emotions his words stirred in them. "At least he didn't abandon me out of hate. That's a bit... reassuring... or comforting, I guess."

"That's true," Sanha agreed softly, Aera nodding in silent understanding.

Hae Jun suddenly straightened, his eyes wide with panic. "Wait, no! I-I wasn't talking about any of you. I wasn't implying your moms left you because she hated you two."

Aera chuckled, the sound breaking the tension. "Relax. You're overreacting," she teased, gently patting his shoulder and pinching his cheek. "You're making it seem like it's true."

"I really didn't mean it," Hae Jun insisted, still flustered as he rubbed the cheek Aera had pinched.

"Are you sure he's your real dad?" Sanha asked suddenly, steering the conversation back. "Didn't he ask for a DNA test or something?"

"Come on. What for?" Hae Jun frowned. "I resemble him so much that you'd go, 'Wow, that's Hae Jun's dad' if you saw him. Our monolid eyes are the same."

"Monolid eyes?" Aera repeated, tilting her head as she studied him.

"Yeah," Hae Jun chuckled. "He said large, monolid eyes are the Namwon Yang family's signature. I never knew that."

"How could you be so certain with just monolids?" Sanha asked, skeptical.

Hae Jun grinned. "Hey, I'm certain. Why would he lie about that?"

"Did he look healthy?" Aera asked, her tone suddenly serious.

Hae Jun blinked. "Healthy?"

"Maybe he needs compatible organs..." Aera teased, placing her hand over his stomach with a mischievous smile.

"Are you crazy?" Hae Jun yelped, recoiling from her touch.

"What did your aunt say?" Sanha asked, amused by their antics.

"As if I had time to tell her," Hae Jun replied, standing. "She doesn't know anything anyway."

"Are you sure she didn't hear a single thing? Even from her sister?" Aera pressed.

"Why are you two so suspicious of everything?" Hae Jun laughed, grabbing his empty can and heading inside. "Let's go in. It's cold."

Aera stayed behind, her gaze distant. Sanha watched her, inching closer until their hands nearly touched.

"You've got something to say too?" he asked in a low voice.

Aera shook her head. "Just... thinking."

"About what?"

"It's nothing," she replied quickly, standing and forcing a smile. "Let's go. It's getting colder."

Sanha sighed as he watched her retreat to the stairs. Something was definitely on her mind, but she wasn't ready to share it. Not yet.
















• 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘰𝘬 . . . 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝒚𝒐𝒖
ྀིྀི 𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝒎𝒆 𐙚 ~ @ 𝑾𝒐𝒏𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒈 •

Hello! Here's another chapter as a compensation for my long absence here 🥲

Anyways, I'm finishing watching "Family by choice" and I'm so excited to get to the part where Aera and Sanha start dating. 😭 just wait for it, you're gonna love it.

One more day before thanksgiving break! 🥳

See y'all in the next chapter. 💗

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