JK : Get out.

Ha Na was stunned for a moment at his brutal remark.

Ha Na : Woah! Isn't that too harsh?

Jeongguk rather blinked innocently and pointed outside, as he broke down his words.

JK : We reached the place. Get off the car. And wear a mask.

While he casually unbuckled his seatbelts putting on a mask himself, Ha Na sighed getting a view of the restuarant they were aimed at.

She followed Jeongguk's walk outside with her eyes and squinted them in a certain embarrassment. Ha Na piled out of the car, having Jeongguk to lock it right after.

If anything, this was very new to them. Walking next to each other in a public space. It was a weird and anxious situation; they were trying not to admit with their passive expressions.

They walked into the less busy restaurant and quietly looked for Jimin around the setting. Once, locating him, both the figures made their way without much bother.

There were a few eyes here and there, stealing glances at the idols and the unidentified female. But, quite commendable in their stands, people didn't try to approach them and respected their personal space. Although, they couldn't help some sneaky snaps at their table, nonetheless.

Meanwhile, at the latter, Jimin and Ha Na had their formal greet as they take their masks off.

JM : Annyeonghaseyo. I am Jimin. (-smiles-) You look beautiful.

Ha Na smiled back politely, glancing at Jeongguk who was least interested in their words.

Ha Na : Oh, you look amazing too. Myself, Ha Na. It's good to meet you this way.

JM : My pleasure too. Please have a seat.

While Jimin and Ha Na sat across the four seater table, Jeongguk settled to their sides. Naturally, her attention went to the other empty seat across Jeongguk.

Ha Na : Oh, where is your brother?

Jeongguk panicked and recalled the lie he had told her, was left to be alerted at Jimin. Thus, the latter started off a little flustered but whipped lightly at Jeongguk as his shoe kicked at his. He briefly glared at him and tried to cover his uncertain words.

JM : Yes, my brother. Well, he had an extra class~ (-mumbles the rest-) which apparently I was unaware of till this instant.

Ha Na could read the obvious nervousness in their faces and knew something was off. Even so, she didn't try to pursue it, feeling the first time after years that she was out with her brother was more significant then.

JM : Let's just order the food. I am hungry.

Ha Na : (-smiles-) Sure!

Soon after the order placements, the two males carried out their own conversation that Ha Na felt clueless about. Therefore, she decided to text Il Pyeong, her resort for an easy and quick pastime.

Before she replied further, Jimin interjected. He felt they were neglecting Ha Na and thus engaged her into a talk.

JM : We are same age, I guess? '95?

Ha Na : Yeah, it is.

JM : Cool, we can be frien-

JK : (-cutting him off-) Oh, look! The food is here.

Jimin lightly slapped his chest with the back of his palm, grinning.

JM : Jeongguk-ah, you shouldn't be like this.

The younger simply chuckled, hypnotized towards the orders approaching their table. Little sparkles in his round eyes were seen, and the older ones smiled admiring that.

The lunch soon commenced and the figures savoured the rich flavors and spices. It was a contentious dine, only happy smiles in their faces.

Leaving the restaurant, Jimin suggested to extend the hang out if it was fine with everyone. Without much debates, they headed over to the arcades, plazas and concluded with a few fun rides in the amusement park.

Coming to the end of the day, the trio decided on to have dinner, before parting ways. Jimin and Ha Na passed on the initial awkward stage of friendship. Jeongguk was quiet and didn't intervene, although he couldn't entirely appreciate their closeness.

Within hours, Ha Na and Jeongguk were driving home while Jimin headed to his own.

It was a peaceful ride, just like her insides. She was craving for a break since quite a long time and it was finally lived.

Window glasses down, Ha Na relished the sharp breeze blowing inside the car.

Ha Na : Thanks for today, Gukie! I feel so light. Relieved of the stress.

She inhaled a deep breath and exhaled it out in a relaxed manner. Having her deliberately mention about it, Jeongguk felt he could ask her on the matter.

JK : So, what were you stressed about?

Ha Na gazed at him for a few blank seconds. It was no less a miracle to witness this side of him. She wanted to cherish every moment and played along, instead of making him aware about it.

Ha Na : It's about my job. Chances are, our department might totally shut down. (-sighs-) I don't know what am I gonna do after.

JK : Can I do anything to help?

Ha Na smiled and reached out for his hair to give it a ruffle. She removed them quick, sensing him to yank her hand.

Ha Na : You already did. Thanks, little one!

There was silence in the running car. Ha Na closed up the window, feeling the air getting colder.

Ha Na : Oh but, don't you dare tell Eomma or Appa about it. I don't want them to be worried for me. Understood?

He didn't respond and was tranquil, which started to worry Ha Na. More so, because he was quiet again and she feared his silence even more than she did before.

Ha Na : (-soft voice-) Guk-ah, please answer me. Im?

It suddenly appeared to her that there was nothing to lose. Therefore, Ha Na pouted her lips and looked at him with innocent eyes.

Ha Na : Pwease-

She couldn't attempt a sentence, Jeongguk slammed an advertisement pamphlet on her face.

JK : I didn't say, I will. Jesus, don't scare me while I am driving.

Ha Na spit some air to remove the pamphlet from her face and shoved it in the cardump.

Ha Na : Hey, I am that hideous, huh. Is that how you treat me?

Jeongguk grew a little conscious at her serious change of tone that hinted a little hurt. However, he didn't express it, and concentrated primarily on the road.

Ha Na : Well, I get it. Most siblings have a hard time appreciating the other. But, can you at least for once-.. (-sighs-) Show some respect. Aren't I your Noona?

Jeongguk's jaw sharpened as he clenched his teeth, just at the address. Sometimes, he would wonder it too. The rave of ire building just at one word. He couldn't bottle it anymore and busted out in a spite.

JK : Just get this once and for all. You are not my Noona!

Before she could come back across, he immediately halted the car and got off. Leaving her flummoxed at his sharp actions.

Ha Na : Did he just leave me out of nowher-

Ha Na frenetically looked around the dark road and found they were outside the Jeon residence. She sighed in a big relief, watching Jeongguk get in the car again and driving towards the now open gateway.

With a stifling ambience inside car, he safely parked it in the garage.

They exited without words and Jeongguk, quite rash with his movements, walked much faster than Ha Na. Reaching the main door, he halted and glanced back at her.

She paced up, feeling he was waiting for her.

Ha Na : Wai-

Jeongguk cut her off, holding his open palm towards her. Still in a irritable mood.

JK : Keys.

Ha Na silently handed him the house keys, feeling dumb to be expecting Jeongguk to act normal this quick.

He opened the door harshly and zoomed to his room upstairs, without a single word.

Ha Na sighed looking down. Her bag strap, sliding down from her arm. Just how she thought, it was a refreshing day that she deliberately ruined the same with her careless mouth.

Hours later, Ha Na left her room to answer the door, hoping it was her parents. She got a bright smile, seeing their faces as they entered the house, loosening up.

Ha Na : Welcome back, Eomma-Appa!

Mr.Jeon : Oh. Were you two good?

Ha Na responded from the kitchen, "Yes. Did the wedding go well?"
She walked out with two glasses of water for her tired parents.

Mrs.Jeon : It was great. You tell me. Did you enjoy today? (-taking a glass-) Thanks, Han. Did Guk take you with him?

Ha Na smiled, expressing how stress reliving the whole thing was. And that they returned only an hour ago.

Mrs.Jeon : That's such a relief. I was worried if he would really keep my words.

Ha Na : (-flustered-) Your words? And how did you know I was with him?

Mrs.Jeon : Well, I asked him to take yo-

She couldn't verse her lines that Jeongguk interrupted from the stairs. To stop her, from exposing him.

JK : Eomma!

Mrs.Jeon : Onh? Jeongguk-ah! (-smiles-) Thanks for takin-

Jeongguk rushed towards her and hugged his mother, catching everyone off guard. Mrs.Jeon smiled and warmly embraced him, without asking for any explanation.

Jeongguk filled the awkward moment the soonest possible as he pulled apart.

JK : How was the wedding?

Mrs.Jeon : Oh, it was wonderful. But, would've been much better, if you two accompanied. It would've been like a small family trip.

Mr.Jeon : Well, that's a good idea. We can still do it. It has been quite long since we had been to something like that.

Even with their exhausted bodies, the couple was blissed to plan out a trip after a long time.

Mrs.Jeon : Actually, right. We can! How about tomorrow?

She looked at Ha Na with eyes of expectations and hope.

Ha Na : Tomorrow is Monday, Eomma.

The dad now focused the attention.

Mr.Jeon : So what? We can go during lunch. Everyone can have a half day at work.

Mrs.Jeon : Yes! And Guk-ie, you are coming. I am not asking you this time. (-looking at Ha Na-) But about you. You can come, right? Il Pyeong-ie is your best friend.

Ha Na : Yeah, but he is my Boss at work.

Mrs.Jeon : Come on, Ha Na. We never know when Gukie will be home next. Let's not miss this opportunity. Hmm?

Ha Na persistently showcased her reluctance while also understanding the gravity of her mother's words. The latter, just knew, what could get her daughter out of the dilemma. Thereby, she instantly started faking a heartbreak.

Mrs.Jeon : I wanted my family to go out just for one day. But, my children seem to not care about my feelings at all.

Mr.Jeon, adding on the act, raced towards his wife and held her, putting up a pathetic face.

Mr.Jeon : Honey. What can we do about it, if they want to be ungrateful?

Both Ha Na and Jeongguk watched their dramatic performance with parted lips. They were speechless.
Mr.Jeon walked his wife to the dining in a tired stance, not leaving their roles even for a second.

Ha Na sighed in a defeat and gave in.

Ha Na : Tell me the place and I'll be there directly from work.

The couple shared a glance at each other with a bright smile and looked at them.

Mrs.Jeon : That's better.

Ha Na was engaged watching their parents happily pave to their bedroom. And by the time, she looked back, Jeongguk was gone from the stairs.

The infectious smile, she had on also faded out, realizing how Jeongguk was trying his best. Just so, she could have a good time.
And the fact that, she had only caused him an upset mood in return, was now bothering her more.

The next morning, Ha Na left for work an hour prior to the time. The graph was evidently not on its uphill in the office. Therefore, she was unable to think of any excuse to slack off.

Ha Na started off to set Ms.Hwang on a blind date, before she even asked for the leave.
She was very diligently working on it, that there was no track of time. The cubicles soon filled in with their respective members, beyond her notice.

She ran her fingers on the keyboard and pressed enter, leaning back with a sense of accomplishment.

Ha Na : Done!

Ha Na got alarmed, now focusing all the attention towards her. She blinked confused, looking at the faces.

Ha Na : When did you all come?

"When did You come?" one of the seniors quizzed her back. She added, "Never seen you so absorbed."

Ha Na : (-absent minded-) If everyone's here-

Ha Na spranged out of her chair and walked to Mr.Yang's cabin with a nervous heart. She softly knocked and waited for an approval from inside.

Mr.Yang : Yes?

Ha Na took in a deep breath and wound the handle, pushing herself inside the room.

Mr.Yang : (-checking a file-) Ye, Ms.Jeon. What is up?

Ha Na : Um-.. I set Ms.Hwang on a date tomorrow.

His gaze instantly went to her with a surprise.

Mr.Yang : Really? That's great.

Ha Na : On the same line, how was your coffee?

Mr.Yang was caught off guard at quite an ordinary question. Her making a somersault over the two topics made him short at words. But, he gradually caught on her sly moves.

He kept the files aside to attend to her with the best mental presence.

Mr.Yang : So, "Have a nice day!" with a coffee on my table and office before time, huh? (-chuckles-) You always treat me nice, when you need something. Did you ever change?

He chuckled reminiscing the golden old times.

Mr.Yang : But, what do you want this time?

Ha Na : Um-... It's like, we are having a thing and . . . . Ihavetoleaveearly!

Mr.Yang : You have to what? And what is the thing?

Ha Na knew that there was no point, beating around the bush. She made a sharp exhale and kept the words as simply as she could.

Ha Na : Okay, listen. We have this 'family trip' thingy, planned out just last night and I have to leave early today. Or my mom would barge in and might even giving you a hearing.

Mr.Yang : (-chuckles-) Why would she do that?

Just with his lines, crossed a past incident in his mind. Where, Mrs.Jeon did actually scold him for playing along a lie Ha Na told her.

Mr.Yang : Okay, she can do that.

Ha Na : Exactly. And you see, you have a reputation here. So, think wise.

Mr.Yang : Alright. I guess, you can go. But, you've to work overtime tomorrow. We have a wedding coming up. Ms.Hwang is not the only client.

Ha Na : Yes, sure! I will definitely make it up for today. See ya!

Ha Na quickly vacated the cabin, before Mr.Yang conditioned her on more things.

She raced up and exited the building right away, towards the car waiting for her. Their parents in the back, Jeongguk was driving.

It was once again, the same setting. Both in the front, silent and heading to a place, Ha Na was oblivious of.

She couldn't help the curiosity and twisted her neck to view at the backseats.

Ha Na : Eomma, where are we going?

Mrs.Jeon : To the beach. But, what happened between you two? You seem really quiet.

JK : No- nothing, Eomma.

Jeongguk eyed Ha Na and faintly shook his head, telling her not to mention the incident from last night.

Ha Na : It's not like we are usually very chatty anyways. Don't worry, we're fine.

Mrs.Jeon : Okay, if you say so. Ah, it's so nice that we are all together after so long.

Mr.Jeon : Right, Jeongguk-ah, try to come home more often.

Mrs.Jeon : Yes. Don't you miss us at all? We don't get to visit you often too.

JK : Of course, I do miss you all. I will try to come more often.

Learning things she shouldn't, living a life that was more a curse than a blessing, Ha Na kept her silence. Turning a blind eye to the prickling truths.

Although, she was assimilated feeling left out in their conversations or matters. Yet, Ha Na couldn't help a certain tinge that would tease everytime under her tranquility.

Being a work day, the beach didn't host many people. The Jeon family among the few others, peacefully dined for lunch in the open air restaurant. It gave a wide view of the sea, the weather not too sunny and just perfect for an outing.

They updated each other more on their personal lives. Ha Na still managed to escape the work talk.

And soon, the older couple were seen, seated by themselves while the other two strolled along the coast.

Jeongguk didn't miss a single shot to capture of the overrated yet breathtaking sun, still holding an hour to set. Ha Na was a few steps behind, gathering courage to initiate the reconciliation.

Ha Na : J-Jeongguk-ah.

JK : (-busy with his camera-) What is it?

Ha Na : I know you aren't good with that 'Noona' topic. Maybe it wasn't the best idea to bring it up. So, I guess, I am sorry(?)

JK : (-glances at her-) It's okay. You don't have to be.

His tone today was rather sweet and composed, kind of how he was yesterday. Ha Na smiled in a relief, realizing that the change in Jeongguk wasn't transient. She could image their bitters slowly getting milder with time at this rate.

Maybe it was for the best that he lived away in Seoul, Ha Na thought. That, he sorted his thoughts and was now more mature about his feelings.

Watching him immersed in the camera, Ha Na grew an interest to be the someone that he looks at, that keenly.

Ha Na : Can I be your model?

Jeongguk looked at her in a light fluster and chuckled, shaking his head as he looked ahead.

Ha Na : (-sighs-) I must really be an ugly potato afterall. Or 'hideous', in your words.

JK : No, no. It's not that. I mean you are good.

Ha Na : (-smiles instanttly-) Really? Then click! I'll pose.

JK : Well, not that good.

He smiply turned around, walking back to his parents. While, Ha Na huffed in an annoyance, being ignored.

A pleasant wave of wind blowed around swiftly, grabbing both Ha Na and Jeongguk's attention.

The former smiled brightly, feeling the gentle breeze stroke her in an embrace. And the latter looked back in concern, apprehending the wind taking a wild form soon.

By the second, he was sighted at Ha Na, a warm smile spread across his lips. Watching her frolic by the shore, Jeongguk quite unconsciously brought his camera lens, focusing at the view.

He chuckled at Ha Na prance and bounce around like a happy little clam as he snapped the pictures with vigor.

Soon distracted by a call from his dad, he received it looking back in their direction.

Mr.Jeon : (-waving at him-) Come back quick you two. The wind is going to worsen, there was a news alert.

JK : Okay. Coming.

Jeongguk shoved his phone back into his pockets and gazed at Ha Na. She was now faced towards the sea. And just as he attempted to give her a call, he recalled that there were no words, he could address her by.

He sighed, having to walk ahead instead. Reaching the distance of an easy communication, he attempted to sound her the message. Still feeling awkward, not to use an address to get her attention.

JK : Appa.. Appa is calling. Let's go~

His words trailed off, the distance maybe a little too large for her to percieve his quiet voice, mixed with the loud waves breaking at the shore.

He reluctantly closed the distance further and just the second he was to speak, Ha Na was distracted away by a call in her cellphone.

Ha Na : (-over the call-) Ye, Ms.Hwang. How can I help you?

The wind slowly getting heavier, made Jeongguk hasten up and no longer bother to voice the words. Just as they say, actions speak louder than words, he wanted to use that for now.

Jeongguk, at one go, grasped her wrist, flustering Ha Na. Caught off guard, she whipped at him instantly.

Hey eyes widened, Ha Na hoped Jeongguk to atleast mouth her a clue.

JK : . . .

_________

😬
Sorry for the late update!
Will do it quicker next time.

Happy reading!