Ha Na : HEY! Who are you?!

Ha Na narrowed her eyes to make out the form of the silhouette. But, the moment he reached the main entrance, the light there gave out a glimpse of his face. She sighed, trying out her luck with him.

Ha Na : Jeonggoo~ Wait for me!

Although her call was loud enough for him to discern, Jeongguk did not slow down and ringed the bell frantically. Mrs.Jeon opened the door for him in a worry.

Mrs.Jeon : What happened? Is Noona here yet?

JK : I don't kn- No!

He exclaimed and raced inside nervously. While, the mother, with a hint of persisting concern plastered over her face, closed the door—trusting her son. Now deciding to call her daughter, Mrs.Jeon unlocked her phone.

And just as she walked back a few steps, the door bell tinkled again. She retreated to answer it and finally smiled in relief to see Ha Na at the door.

Mrs.Jeon : Where were you that Guk-ie didn't see you?

With no response coming across, Mrs.Jeon let it slide not to bother the tired Ha Na.

Mrs.Jeon : Anyways, you are home that's all that matters.

Being eaten up by the fear of losing her job and Mr.Hwang turning his threats into reality, Ha Na passed her a forced smile. It consequently, made her mother's fade away.

Mrs.Jeon : Come on, in.

Ha Na feebly walked inside, being constantly hammered by the same thought.

Mrs.Jeon : Are you alright? Did something happen at work? 

Ha Na : (-smiles slightly-) No, I am just tired, eomma. I want to rest.

Mrs.Jeon : Onh, okay. I'll call you once dinner's ready.

Ha Na nodded half heartedly and walked to her room, passing by the stairway. She could feel Jeongguk's eyes following her walk from his rooted stand on the last stair.

Although, he never appreciated it. Her simply surpassing him, without touching his hair at all, weirded him out nonetheless.

Jeongguk tried to rewind back to the conversation she had with Mr.Yang, that he happened to eavesdrop on.

He remembered the name, Ms.Hwang and wondered if it was the reason behind Ha Na's current distress.

Jeongguk also reminded himself that it was not his concern to look out for her. And without an extra bother, he casually climbed up to his room—maintaining his consistent attitude towards her.

Later, at the dinner table, Jeongguk and his parents peacefully dined, were waiting for Ha Na. Having her locked behind the doors past the dinner time, Mrs.Jeon asked Jeongguk to call her out.

JK : Why me?

Mr.Jeon : (-coldly-) Is there a problem in that?

Jeongguk sighed, revisiting on the chapter where they favored Ha Na over him. Where, they would act cold around him because of her.

With no choice, the youngest of the house went up to her door and knocked twice.

JK : Dinner is ready, come out.

Ha Na : I don't want to.

He didn't verb back and simply returned to the dining.

Mrs.Jeon : Is she coming?

JK : No. She doesn't want to.

Mrs.Jeon : What? You should've said nicely.

"I did say nicely though," he asserted in his mind, curiously looking in the direction of her room as the mother went down on the field.

Mrs.Jeon : Ha Na-ya, come and have dinner, dear.

Ha Na : I don't have an appetite, Eomma.

Mrs.Jeon : See, I don't know what happened, but you should eat to get energy to tackle your problems. Come on now, I won't eat until you come out.

With that final threatful remark, Mrs.Jeon returned to the dine.

Mr.Jeon : What happened?

Mrs.Jeon : She'll come.

She assured them with light smile, setting a bowl of rice and soup next to Jeongguk. The latter was a little surprised and fascinated, how it actually worked. Ha Na, in seconds, came out of her room. Messy hair, an oversized hoodie, paired with some comfy pants—her typical home wardrobe.

It was after a long time, that Jeongguk took an actual notice of her at home. Been away for so many years, detailed memories faded out long back.

He wondered what the peculiar tinge was about, that left a sudden squeeze on his heart. It was wistful. As if he had missed her passionately all these years, beyond his knowledge or conscious.

Ha Na, very ordinarily, settled down beside Jeongguk and began to eat with everyone.

Mr.Jeon, wanting to talk to his daughter about her worries, attempted to speak. But, Mrs.Jeon shook her head to him, to lend her the space Ha Na needed then.
Instead, she tried to lead on a discussion involving every member on the table.

Mrs.Jeon : Tomorrow is Sunday, so any plans?

Ha Na glanced at her and continued to stuff her mouth to finish her bowl, without words.

Mrs.Jeon : Well, I and your dad are going to a wedding tomorrow. Want to join us, any of you? Ha Na?

Ha Na : Ye? I want to stay home.

The couple wanted to be supportive of her wants, thus they didn't try to persuade her into it.

Mr.Jeon : Ah, alright. As you wish. How about Jeongguk-ie?

JK : Uh-.. I have plans, I am meeting my friends.

Jeongguk instantly fired out a friendly deceit, having zero incentive to attend a wedding.

Mrs.Jeon : Is it? Then, Han-ie, will you be okay alone?

Ha Na : (-smiles-) Of course, I've some work too.

Ha Na didn't wait for another word and piled up her empty dishes, to leave those in the kitchen sink.

Ha Na : I am done. I ate well. Thanks for the food. Good night, everyone!

The three silently watched her go into the kitchen with her dishes and gulp down some water from the refrigerator. Their eyes followed her movements around the house. But were finally cut off as she shut herself back in her room.

Mr. and Mrs.Jeon looked concerned about her, and to his surprise, Jeongguk seemed so too.

The three quietly hoped her well being  and resumed their munch.

The morning after, Jeongguk stepped downstairs craving for some coffee. Only to find, his parents were preparing to leave for the wedding.

JK : Leaving already?

Mrs.Jeon : Onh, it is quite far from here, we have to take a train. You can take our car, when you go.

JK : Okay, thanks. And be careful.

Mrs.Jeon : (-smiles-) Oh yes! Your Noona is still asleep. Don't wake her up and be quiet. Okay?

Jeongguk simply nodded.

Mrs.Jeon : Oh, wait! Guk-ah, I wanted to ask what kind of friends you are meeting today. I don't remember you having a lot of them here in Busan.

To act on his lie, Jeongguk had made real plans with the Park Hyung of his group, last night. So, he was more confident to answer her now.

JK : Oh, actually I am meeting Jimin hyung for lunch.

Mrs.Jeon : (-chuckles-) I knew it. Ah! Then, why don't you take Ha Na with you too? She would get some fresh air.

JK : (-taken aback-) WHAT? Wh-why?

Mrs.Jeon : She must be having a hard time, I want Ha Na to free her mind. You are her brother, can't you do this much for her?

Before he could escape himself out of the trouble he was getting into, Mr.Jeon, coming to the front door from outside—gave his wife, an impatient call. 

Mr.Jeon : Honey, let's go! We would miss the train.

Mrs.Jeon : Yes, coming!! (-to Jeongguk-) Take care. We are taking off.

JK : But, Eomma-!

Mrs.Jeon : (-waving at him-) Be good and don't fight with Nonna. We will be back soon.

Jeongguk with parted lips and dazed out eyes, simply watched his parents flee after knotting him to Ha Na. He sighed long, walking dejectedly to the kitchen.

The singer noticed some white bread rested on the counter table. He blatantly ignored them, putting some milk on stove to boil.

While he searched for the coffee containers, up in the cupboards, his sharp senses caught on the sounds—coming from Ha Na's room.

He figured she must be awake by now and recalling her dismayed and drained self from last night, he went back to the bread block. Keeping the coffee aside, Jeongguk planned to make some toasts for her.

The mask of insolence towards Ha Na was slowly wearing out. The solid reasons behind it, were melted by the affection and care he grew up receiving from his hyungs—all these years he was apart from her.

While the milk was brought to its boiling degrees, he turned the burner off and lathered some jam on the toasts. In a mission, to complete the task before the source caught him red handed on it.

As if he was possessed by some energy, Jeongguk smiled in wonders, "Why does she like this so mu-"

Just then the realization struck him and he looked down at his hands. He had no explanation to why he was making her breakfast, and that too while smiling. As if a spirit was moving his figure until then and suddenly vamoosed from his body.

He set the toasts on a plate, feeling too wasteful to throw them out. And just as he tightened the lid of the jam, he was alarmed by Ha Na coming out of her room.

Jeongguk with a panic hitting in, pushed the plate and jam in two different directions. The latter safely reached its position. But the plate was still in motion, in the verge to crash down on the floor.

Ha Na was already in the hall, coming towards the kitchen. Jeongguk prayed under his breath with widened eyes. As if, some surreal magic rays would laser out of them and stop the motion.

Magic to him, the plate actually halted, a few inches from the edge. It was the perfect instant when Ha Na entered and Jeongguk whipped back to the hot milk.

Just a glance was enough to his eyes, he pictured her hair tied up into a mid-height pony and the same outfit from last night.

She casually walked past his back to reach the refrigerator.

Ha Na : Good morning. (-drinks water-) Eomma, Appa left already?

JK : (-not looking at her-) Yes. (-pouring his cup with milk-) Want some coffee?

She choked on the water at his words, coughing after as a consequence. Jeongguk squinted his eyes in an annoyance, reviewing over his own words spoken out without his conscious will.

Ha Na : Yah, Guk-ah? How come you are offering me coffee?

JK : Forget it then.

Jeongguk spoke out in a casual tone as he stirred the milk, to aid its mend with the coffee ingredients. Ha Na grinned lightly, to which Jeongguk was feeling relieved that she vibed more optimistic now. 

Ha Na : Thanks, but I don't need coffee. More a tea person, you see.

She stepped to his side and ruffled his frontal hair with a smile. Strangely Jeongguk didn't move away, and this time Ha Na withdrew her own hands out of habit.

The next minute, to see her leave without paying any heeds to his effort, Jeongguk busted out.

JK : At least, have those toasts!

Ha Na : (-noticing it-) Onh? Did you-

JK : (-cutting her off-) Eomma made them before leaving.

Ha Na felt the temperature of the toasts and looked up at him, confused.

Ha Na : But, it's still hot.

Jeongguk, not bothering to answer any further, walked out of the kitchen while sipping on his coffee.

Ha Na smiled, catching on his lie, as she noticed the knife he used to put the jam on them. She was well versed, that her mother would never leave a dish unwashed and stray like that on the counter.

Later in the afternoon, Jeongguk all set to go out, was hesitating to knock at her door. He simply spent quarter an hour, marching back and forth in the hall.

He was once again reminded of his concerned heart, to see her upset last night and felt a car drive might boost her up. Therefore, Jeongguk inhaled a deep breath, finalizing over his decision. He boldly walked up to the door and knocked twice.

Ha Na : Onh, come in, the door is open.

Gently as he opened the door, her scenic view filled his senses. Her pony now transformed into a messy loose bun, strands of hair hanging out here and there—bringing more appeal to her look. A T-shirt replaced the hoodie now, revealing her smooth crimson arms, gracefully moving over the digital graphic screen.

Jeongguk walked in, with a certain captivated eyes and dropped his sight on the figure sketch—she was putting her finishing touches to.

Specifically speaking, Ha Na was absorbed adding a facial scar on the flawless figure, she has been working on all this morning. And so concentrated that she failed to comprehend the fact, that Jeongguk was inside her room after over a decade.

JK : Who is he?

Ha Na : He? I don't know, just a character. (-briefly after-) But, why are you here? You need something?

She was still engrossed, pulling out the perfect shade of an old scar on the art piece.

JK : No.

He awkwardly sat on her bed behind the desk she was settled at. And looked around the room, it had changed alot over the years. More artistic and aesthetically, she had redesigned the space that reflected her present self aptly.

Ha Na snapped him back at the white screen, she was drawing on. It suddenly had a glitch, causing her to whine out in distress.

Ha Na : It's doing this again! Hey, stop acting weird.

She slapped the body a few times and it was back to normal. Ha Na sighed as her current project was safe and had no errors.

JK : Isn't this the one eomma appa got you on your 16th?

Ha Na : Yeah. It has gone through a lot. Can't expect more.

Incidentally, Jeongguk recalled about the identical one he used to own. Also, that on mutual understanding, his tablet was sold off by his father. The latter made him keep the money instead, feeling the tablet would go to waste with the lack of productive use once he left to Seoul. Jeongguk wondered if that money was still in his safe locker.

Once again, Ha Na brought him back to the present, being recalled of his plans.

Ha Na : Oh right! What happened about your meetings today?

JK : Yeah, I was just leaving to meet Jimin Hyung.

Ha Na : Onh, alright. Be careful then.

He calmly contemplated over a good minute, before placing his words in a breezy tone.

JK : Wanna come?

Her brush stroke instantly halted as she whipped back at Jeongguk, finally.

Ha Na : Are you doing drugs? I am gonna tell dad if it's true. Quit it!

JK : (-flustered-) What? No, I don't.

Ha Na : You don't seem in your right senses. Guk-ah you realize that we are talking after 6 years, don't you? And you are asking me if I want to go out with you, right now? Are you alright?

JK : I am fine. It's not my plan either.

Ha Na : Then? Whose is it?

Jeongguk took a moment, revising that if she learnt all this was Mrs.Jeon's obligation on him. Then he doubted, she wouldn't be down for it.

JK : Hyung wanted to have a siblings get together..(?) His brother will also come so, he asked me to bring you too.

Ha Na : (-thinking-) Umm.. well, an outing seems fun. Okay, I guess I am in.

Jeongguk immediately stood up, before she backed out from her words.

JK : I will leave in exactly 5 minutes. Be quick.

Ha Na : Yah! Fi-fi-five what- Are you serious?

He didn't respond back and simply left the room with a mischievous smile. While, Ha Na turned off the digital tablet, moving around in flashes.

A little over the time limit, Ha Na was all set to go and exited with house, after locking the front door. Reaching the gate in a quick run, hoping he didn't leave.

Quite to her relief, Jeongguk waited through and she sped up the process, quickly getting in next to him, as he was driving.

Ha Na : So, how do I look?

He didn't even look at her, starting the car as they drove their way out.

JK : Hideous.

Ha Na : Yes! That's more like you.

Ha Na attempted to ruffle his soft hair, that she cannot get over with. And all these years that she was robbed off the chances to do so, Ha Na was willing to ruffle them now every other instant. But, Jeongguk obstructed her this time.

JK : Don't.

Ha Na : Sorry. Why is the car with you though? 

JK : Eomma said, they'll have to take the train.

Ha Na : Ah, I see.

Getting on the main road in the next moment, Jeongguk turned on the music player to fill the silence that he presumed the entire ride was going to be. The first play was a bts song and he panicked towards it.

JK : Oh, it's our song. Shall I change it to something else?

Ha Na : Why? I like it.

JK : You listen to our music?

Ha Na : Yaah. (-chuckles-) Of course I do, when my little brother is making such phenomenal songs and melodies.

JK : Hold up, I am not your brother. And I might have contributions but I don't make them, entirely.

Ha Na : Okie. Whatever you say.

Jeongguk opened up to a curiosity he never knew he had. Thus, he reluctantly asked them out.

JK : Who is your favorite among us though? Do you like anyone? Specifically.

Ha Na : You all are exceptionally talented. There's no favorites. Ah, I recently watched an interview of yours though. It was fun.

JK : Which interview?

Ha Na : I don't remember, who it was with. But, you were asked about which member you would introduce your sister to.

JK : (-nervous-) Ah, that? Yo-you saw that.

Missing out on the climax of that video, Ha Na burst out in laughter recalling some of their amusing responses.

Ha Na : And Taehyung-ssi's answer was hilarious. I kinda found that cute.

She didn't realize, slipping a key element into her words that hooked Jeongguk for the rest of the day.

JK : (-hesitating-) You like Taehyung hyung?

Ha Na : Onh? I don't know, I hardly met him. It was just this one time, when I went to attend your concert for the first time. You all were so tired. We couldn't even have a proper conversation.

Jeongguk fell silent. Just as he assumed the quiet ride, they were living it. The only sounds percieved from the music player, helped them act less awkward, nonetheless.

It was the first time, Jeongguk was indulging into conversations with Ha Na on his own, without any pressures. The latter observed that change in him and quietly appreciated his attempts to work on their ruptured bond.

Little did they could apprehend, that a mysterious maze was walking them into a painful and unsought future. These changes being the rosy pavement—they were oblivious of the thorns awaiting ahead.

She was recalled of Mr.Yang's words as a smile lingered over her lips. Ha Na could see his words in live action. Jeongguk was indeed trying to close the distance of past grudge between them, now with his more mature self.

And for the first time after eleven years, Ha Na tried to bring out the topic she had been pressing down, into light once again.

Ha Na : Guk-ah, did something happen back on that day, that suddenly changed your whole impression of me?

Quite miraculously, Jeongguk wasn't showing any signs of rage at the mention of that incident. Thus, she received an additional cue to continue.

Ha Na : I just want to know what made you this way towards me. If I did something wrong, I want to know that too. Ask for forgiveness or explain my side of the story.  Can you please tell me, so I can maybe do either of the two? Or even both?

Being reminded of that night, Jeongguk sharpened his jaw and halted the car in a swift motion. He passively stared into her eyes for a little less than a minute, with no words.

Ha Na witnessed his expressions shift to different emotions. From despair, to an inflame and further to an anguish of hiding the truth. The one, he so desperately wanted to release out and set himself free from the shackles.

Ha Na : Jeongguk-ah~

JK : Get out.

_______

😬
Will her question take him back to the rude Jeongguk?

Or will he disclose the truth to her, finally?