Life quickly became routine as Gi-Yeon decided to forget about Mi-cha and her problems and focus on her studies. She stopped doing favors for Mi-Cha and let the older girl struggle through her own assignments. She is sick of being used by girls. You were very proud of her. The seniors would soon begin their final exams. You and your friend. You and GiYeon would study together, making sure your assignments were completed on time. You want to pass this year with flying colors.

You and "Streetdancer" went on an ice cream date, and you were nervous because you didn't know how to act or feel alone in the presence of a boy, but he was cordial, attentive, and fun to be with.

Your heart was thumping erratically in your chest as you became more enchanted by this adorable boy. He was everything you wanted in a guy, but you didn't know where you stood with each other because he and his crew were backup dancers for a famous kpop star in Busan. Their talent is undeniable. Neutronix will cause a stir. They have millions of followers on social media and have a lot of dance uploads.

Hoseok is a natural performer. He is not only hot and handsome, but he also has an indisputable stage presence. If he chooses the world of entertainment, he will become famous.

But Hoseok told you that he wants to pursue and study music. You didn't know how to feel because you despise kpop after your mother's pain. Now the boy you adore is heavily invested in the kpop industry, which you were previously unaware of. Even if you don't like it, you'll support him.

You've both been so busy since the date that you haven't had time to see each other after school, but you constantly text each other.

He would talk to you at school and buy you and your friend lunch or snacks. You both realized you were fixated on each other. You both fell hook, line, and sinker.

You will try to keep completely silent while your mother is at work inside the house. So she wouldn't feel lonely, she kept her company by studying at the kitchen counter.

She was folding tablecloths for the linen drawers. She had a faraway expression on her face, and you couldn't help but wonder what was going through her mind. She would leave the house at night for a Bingo -night at a nearby Clubhouse for a couple of months. You should be thankful that she has friends who keep her sane in this toxic environment.

You are grateful to your uncle for taking you in, but he is constantly traveling for business, leaving you and your mother vulnerable to abuse in this household. Your mother appears to be sick, and you hope she recovers quickly.

You softly smile at your dear mother, "Are you all right, mom?" as you notice her wiping her brow with the back of her hand.

She smiled and looked at you with a loving expression "Yes, baby, I'm perfectly fine. I'm experiencing hot flashes. Menopause may arrive sooner in my case."

You make a soft giggle "Mom, you're still young and energetic. I want you to be content. Don't be concerned about my future, please. I'm hoping for a journalism scholarship, and if everything goes well, we'll be off to Seoul. We have a new life and a new daybreak. We're starting over, just the two of us. I'll work part-time to help pay the rent on our new apartment."

Your mother smiled and said, "Well, it appears you already plan." She came around behind you, peering into your history book, and asked, "How's the studying going?"

"Quite well, it's my last subject and I hope to score over 80% this time," you said, motioning to the few textbooks on the counter and your notebooks. " Giyeon has already received a science scholarship. She is a genius. I wish I had her brain to soak up all the information. She excels in her chosen field."

Your mother wipes your hair away from your face and places a small peck on your forehead with both hands cupping your face, saying, "You are just as brilliant, and you are a great daughter. You are my life, Yuri; never underestimate your significance. No matter what others say, keep your head up and be yourself. It's just the two of us against the world...but we'll be fine. Just keep going."

"Er...Eomma," you nod, your eyes a little teary." I'd like to ask you a question. You don't have to respond to anything?'

Your mother's eyes became almost misty as if she knew where this question would lead you, but she smiled and nodded, "Ok--."

"Did you love my biological Appa?"

You winced as you saw the various emotions flash across her face, and you immediately regretted it, "Eomma...don't answer." I apologize for bringing it up after such a long time. I simply wanted to know. But that's fine. I'm not required to know anything. All I know is that he rejected us. Please accept my apologies if I have caused you unnecessary pain."

Your mother simply nodded and embraced you in a tight hug "All you need to know is that I love you and will never abandon you. And, to answer your question, I was young, idealistic, and completely naive. I thought I felt love, but it was stupidity. I was captivated by him, and perhaps the idea of fame and success had deceived me. Hold on to true love, baby. Not everyone is fortunate to find love."

You nod sadly "Thank you, Eomma, for allowing me to live instead of aborting me. You have made so many sacrifices and you are so clever. Sorry for intruding, but Eomma I noticed some business textbooks on our room's desk...are you studying?"

Your mother's eyes glowed, "It was a pleasant surprise. However, yes. I've been taking an accounting course online for almost three years, but this year we had to have contact lessons twice a week, which is why you saw me going on a weekly adventure. I don't have any Bingo lessons. I wanted to catch you off guard. In a week, I will graduate in Busan."

You jumped up, your jaws on the floor "Omg! Eomma! That is fantastic."

She laughed and looked so happy and content.

"Yes, baby. I kept it hidden. I saved your uncle's checks for the future.. I agreed with your uncle that after graduation, We will relocate to Seoul. He promised to assist us in settling in Seoul. You and I will travel to Busan next week and stay in a resort near the conference center where I will be graduating. So it's something to keep an eye out for... So I'll leave you to your studies. Here are some snacks to keep you going." She beams at your stunned expression.

It will be your and your mother's first vacation together. When your uncle and his family go on vacation, you and your mother stay at home and house-sit.

But you had Giyeon, and her parents were always inviting you and your mother to Christmas dinners and other events. But this time, you and your mother will get to spend a week away from this hellhole. You can't wait to see your mother complete her lifelong ambition of becoming an accountant.

After you finished studying, you quickly gathered your books. Your mother was upstairs, so you went to your room in your rooftop apartment to relax.

Your beautiful cousin stood with her hand on her hip, eyeing you with visible contempt, and her mouth pursed, just before you leap from your chair.

"Oh, Mi-cha, aren't you studying...oh, I forgot you hired people to do that for you as well. Please accept my apologies." You looked at her with mocking eyes as you moved past her... She grabbed your elbow and pulled you back. You gave her a bored look.

She sneered as she asked, "So, you dating Hoseok now?"

You scoff and pull your arm away, "Wouldn't you like to know?"

Mi-eyes cha's narrowed, "He can't date you for long, Yuri. Did you know Hoseok comes from a wealthy family? He is already engaged to marry a girl from his circle. So, if I were you. Forget about Hoseok. He's out of your leaque. Nobody will love a whore's child. You have no legacy, no inheritance, and you and your mother are poor. So get out of your daydream that you and Hoseok might end up together His family will never accept someone like you--" she scoffs, and with an evil malicious glint in her eyes, she lets you go. It made her so happy when she saw your eyes well up.

You just gave her one of your most vile looks ever: "You enjoy hurting others, don't you? People like you will never amount to anything because you are vile, rude, and cruel. Mi-cha, stay away from me before I forget who I am and punch you in the face." You abruptly turned around to flee Mi-Cha's presence. You could still hear her snickering behind your back as you climbed the stairs.

When you get to your room, you simply put your books on the desk and collapse on the bed tears stream from your eyes as you thought about the cutting and painful words that were hurled at you. Will you ever be able to forget your past?

You were aware of Hoseoks' privileged background. You knew that loving him would be futile. He's already wealthy, seemingly betrothed and he's on his way to stardom in a field you despise. You knew he wanted to be with you, but something was keeping him away. Maybe he likes you, but your background might be a turnoff for his family.

You groan in frustration as you grab your pillow and throw it against the wall. Falling back into your bed made you realize how complicated your life is.

Who would want to date a girl whose mother accused a popular Korean singer of fathering her illegitimate child? Nobody believed your mother back then, and who would believe you now?

Your phone received a notification. It was Hoseok. As you read the text, you signed deeply. The butterflies in your stomach were causing havoc just thinking about him. You adore him, but you realize that hoping for a future with him is pointless.

Hoseok: Hello, lovely. Are you busy? I'd like to take you on a date. I got wonderful news.

As you type back, you smile a happy smile.

Yuri: Right now, Do you mean today?

Hoseok: Absolutely. Can I come to get you right now?

Yuri: You're in luck because I just finished my history study schedule. You may do so. What are our plans?

Hoseok: It's a surprise

Yuri: All right. Is there anything special I need to wear?

Hoseok: No, but bring something warm. It may cool down later. Oh, jeans will be better.

Yuri: Sounds mysterious. Ok. I'll talk to you later.

Hoseok: Fantastic. See you later.

You smile as you dash to the bathroom, your spirits restored. You are not going to let Mi-Cha ruin your mood. You like Hoseok and will have a good time. She's just envious that all her flirting didn't land her the boy of her dreams in her claws.

You quickly showered and dressed in a cute white sleeveless designer top one that you inherited from your cousin a few months ago and a cool jeans with your black converse sneakers that your mom bought for you when you passed your midterms.

You thank the mirror for your flawless skin and long, glossy hair.

You heard your mother enter the doorway of your bedroom, her eyes widening at your attire.

She looked surprised "Are you leaving with Giyeon?

After applying lip gloss, you turn away from the mirror and smile a little "Er....no. You remember the boy I told you about. Hoseok. So he's taking me out on a date. I hope everything is fine with you." You turn to face your mother, your eyes wide with curiosity.

Your mother dismissively waves, "Oh, no problem. You appear flustered. Is this boy important?" Your mother appears wary. She does not want you to be hurt.

You give a nod, "He is, but he comes from a wealthy chaebol family. So we just take it in stride, mom. Don't be concerned, Eomma. I'm familiar with these Korean dynasties. I will not allow my heart to fail. But, oh, Eomma. I really like him...but--"

Your mother took the brush and stroked your hair through "But nothing...go have fun, but be careful, okay? You're still quite young. Nothing will prevent you from being together in the future if he is for you."

You laugh, "All right, I just wish he was like me and chose an average career."

Your mother smiled and shook her head, "Nothing about you is average, Yuri. You will be extremely successful in life. And you're going to be happy, right? So, go have a good time with the boy you like."

You nod and grab your tote bag and black leather jacket. Another donation from your dear cousin. You received a phone notification. It was Hoseok.

You said you'd meet him at the gate. You don't want Mi-Cha to become even more envious and hateful.

You gave your mother a quick kiss and dashed down the sidesteps to meet up with Hoseok.

When you got to the front gate, your steps were light. You quickly locked the security gate behind you as you noticed Hoseok leaning next to his car, arms folded. As he embraced you in his arms, he smiled widely. Your breath caught in your throat as you inhaled the intoxicating aroma of his cologne. He smells amazing.

He looks at you with appreciative eyes.

"Yuri, you look amazing!"He gushes.

Your cheeks flush slightly as you shyly thank him, "Thank you. You look cool as well."

Hoseok grinned as he opened the passenger door for you, "I'll have to fight to keep the sharks away from my beautiful girl."

You eyes widen at his words. You hope to be his girl very soon, and you laugh softly, saying, "As long as my shark slayer is ready to protect my honor."

You both snicker as you get into the car. Prepared for an adventure.

Unknown to the happy couple, a pair of narrowed eyes filled with jealousy and hatred watched them from the top-floor window.

As she watched the cool car drive off down the road, she got a determined look in her eyes.