Shopping

Opening the door for Kyo SeolJu, Uncle Kim was happy to see a genuine smile on his young master's face. After their little empress left, the twins closed up, and their smile was no longer genuine.

"Where to, little empress?"

Uncle Kim got settled in the driver's seat and looked back at them through the mirror. The twins sat on either side of Kyo Seolju as she excitedly squirmed in her seat,

"To the nearest grocery store, please! Thank you, Uncle Kim!"

Uncle Kim started to their destination before the words had yet to fall from her lips.

"Snowbaby, what have you been doing these past few years?"

Playing with her fingers, Kyo Ryuji's voice was filled with regret.

"Well, for the past four years I have been studying college and my normal classes. I already skipped two years in school so, at the moment, I'm in umm, 11th. grade. I have been taking dance lessons since I was little, but I had to stop shortly after Faith was born because my mom got sick. I still practiced at home whenever I could. I have been self-studying music and foreign language at home as well. I have been keeping busy."

Her sweet smile only made the twins feel more guilt for not being by her side.

"My baby girl is quite amazing."

Stroking Kyo SeolJu's head, Kyo Ryujin's face held a sorrowful smile.

"Why are you sad? I have worked so hard to become better! So we could be together again, and now you're here! All of my hard work is worth something now! I am happy and will continue to work hard so we can be together forever!"

Kyo Seolju's voice was light and airy as she kissed their cheeks. Kyo SeolJu had always been a very mature child, even at a young age but seeing her comfort them like a mother would a child made them wonder what she had to go through to grow up so fast. Stopping the car in front of the store, Uncle Kim turned back to smile at Kyo SeolJu,

"Little empress, we have arrived."

"Yay! I can have my breakfast soon!"

Of course, there were moments like this where the twins would see some of her inner little girl come out. Deciding to push the disturbing thoughts out of their minds, the twins smiled as Kyo SeolJu dragged them out of the car. Grabbing a shopping cart, Kyo Seolju stood on a bar and rode on the cart while Kyo Ryujin pushed.

"What are we going to have for breakfast?"

Leaning on Kyo Ryujin's chest, Kyo SeolJu tilted her head to look at him.

"We are having hotteok. Your favorite."

Kissing her forehead, Kyo Ryujin grabbed walnuts and brown sugar.

"Really! I can't believe you remembered!"

Kyo SeolJu happily clapped her hands, completely trusting Kyo Ryujin wouldn't let her fall. Putting dry yeast, white sugar, flour, and vegetable oil in the cart, Kyo Ryuji took over pushing the cart while Kyo Ryujin went to get orange juice.

"Ji, do you think older sisters will be happy to see me?"

Peeking up at Kyo Ryuji, Kyo SeolJu's voice was quivering, and her brows scrunched worriedly.

"They will be thrilled to see you again, baby girl. Kim HaYoon is now married and has a little boy. Kyo Bongseon has just finished college. And don't forget your twin. He can't wait to see you."

Rubbing his face on Kyo SeolJu's head, Kyo Ryujin's voice was sugary and tender. Humming her reply Kyo SeolJu took in the sweet reassuring smiles on her brother's faces.

"Oh, we're missing cinnamon and salt! I'll go get it!"

Jumping down from her place on the cart Kyo SeolJu ran into the next aisle. Watching her leave, the twins hurriedly went after her only to hear a snarky boy harass her.

"Marie, you look prettier than the last time I saw you. What are you doing here alone? You know it's not safe for such a pretty girl to be by herself."

"Tch, what do you mean alone? I could drop you on the court any day! And when did you start caring about looks, you clearly don't for yourself."

Her snippy disinterest tone made the older boy flush red as Kyo SeolJu rolled her eyes. Hearing her comeback, the twins were surprised that instead of growing out of her sassiness, she got better at hiding and applying it.

"You better stop, Marie. You are pushing my buttons."

Clenching his fist, the boy clipped through gritted teeth.

"I'm sorry!"

Kyo SeolJu's hand flew to her mouth and her eyes teared up,

"I didn't mean to push your buttons. I was looking for mute."

With her head tilted down and her eyes looking up through her lashes, Kyo SeolJu was the epitome of innocence. The older boy was left speechless, and the twins doubled over laughing. Kyo Ryuji had to catch his fallen cell phone that he was using to record the little scene.

Rotating on her heel, Kyo SeolJu giggled in delight at the sight of her brothers. Embarrassed by the girl two years younger, the boy tried to push Kyo SeolJu. Realizing what the boy was planning to do, the twins grabbed Kyo SeolJu's wrists and pulled her into their chest while pushing the boy away with their other hand. The killing intent radiating off the twins sent a cold sweat dripping down the boy's spine.