Seo Yeon

Early in the morning, I woke up with a slight headache since it was another stressful day at school. I hurried to get ready for school, I wore my long brown hair down and put a pink headband on. As I glanced at myself in the mirror, I started to see A-yeong since she loved to wear the color pink a lot. She would even wear it in the most preppiest way since that was the trend currently especially amongst the K-pop female idols. I grabbed my bookbag and ran downstairs for my breakfast since my mother would fix me most mornings. However, it was no longer just me and her as I slowly remembered that my cousin, Seo Yeon, is now living with us. As I sat down in front of her, my mother had placed her food down before me. Which I felt some type of way since I am her daughter and not her. Of course, I didn't make a such a big deal out of it since Rose's boyfriend was good at cooking other than Korean BBQ. I had quickly texted Rose to meet me in the front of the school since Seo Yeon and I would be attending the same school. Furthermore, if she could ask Do Yoon to make me some breakfast as I won't be eating anything from home.

I quickly grabbed my bag and left out in a hurry as my mother wasn't happy about me leaving before, she could place my breakfast on the table. I didn't care since I had warned her about not letting Seo Yeon stay here being of my father's wishes before passing. However, she didn't want to listen to me nor honor my father's wishes. So, I didn't care to pretend like we were this happy family as I was their only child. As I made it to school, Rose was waving to me in my direction as she had Do Yoon's lunchbox that he put my breakfast in. I told her when she saw him that she could thank him for me since he was not attending school for a while to help his father with the next store that they were opening. As we were walking to class, I told her about my lost long cousin, Seo Yeon, and how she is currently living with me and my mother.

Rose didn't take to lightly on the idea of my cousin living with me and my mother. Since Seo Yeon had quite the same features as me and she had this negative spirit about her. She knew that there was a reason why my father didn't want us to stay in the countryside with his family. I knew something was wrong because her parents would've never agreed to let her live in the city with us despite them having money. I wanted to get to the bottom of her unexpected visit since there was something off about it and my mother allowing it. But, for the time being, I had other things to worry about like Taeyong being back. Eun Jung had texted me during my business class that Taeyong is back since he talked to her about you being present in class. I was really happy since I really missed him as I was being the center of unnecessary attention. I couldn't sit still at the idea of him being back in school and us hanging out again.

After class, I ran nearly through the hallway to see Taeyong even though the hallways were always full of students. I thought I could manage before bumping into a student with White/silvery hair wearing a white turtleneck with the word "Polo" written on it, with suspenders and white tight jeans. I was very shocked as I apologetically bowed in forgiveness, but the student laughed while gently placing their hands on me. As I glanced up, it was Taeyong who was busy laughing as he glanced back at me. We both walked to class, we both sat beside each other as the other students glanced at the both of us. One of the girls questioned why Taeyong only sat with me, which he answered because "she is pretty and smart." Which didn't sit right with the other female students since they thought I was better than them. Even though, those words didn't come directly from my mouth, nor did I carry myself in that manner.

I wasn't happy with Taeyong's words as I nagged him about it, but he replied by saying for me to relax and that he will protect me if something happens. I wasn't too convinced about his promise since he already done left me once and I was practically bullied by his fans. However, I wouldn't dear tell him that because I'm sure that he already knew. During class, he was fast asleep as the teacher was teaching. Which was the first time in a while that he slept in class as I glanced at him as he slept soundly. I couldn't help but smile since he looked like a little baby as he kept messing with his hair. After class, I sat there as everyone left and the professor went to the breakroom. It was just the two of us since he was still asleep. The bell for lunch rang, which was the noise signaling for him to wake up. He glanced up at me as he let out a soft yawn while I packed his books into his bag for us to leave for lunch. Rose had texted me that she wouldn't be able to meet me for lunch at our usual spot, so that made me alone.

Taeyong was surprised with my actions of packing his stuff, but I told him not to be comfortable with it. He let out a big smirk as he pinched my cheek. We both went to cafeteria as I held his bookbag and he held mines. When he entered, everyone was so speechless at the tight of both of us walking in together and me holding his bag. I could tell this was going to be a problem since people was staring directly at me. I just carefully stood by him as we walked to my usual table as he knew where I usually sit. He ushered me to not worry about the amount of attention that I was receiving, the way he said it was like he had done this before with someone else.

As he pulled out his phone along with his headphones, I had pulled out my bento box since I had prepared my own lunch. As I was eating, Taeyong was busy as always taking another nap. It was as though, he never slept well but managed to do well in his studies despite being a top idol of the school. I sometimes wondered, how he managed to do it so well? I knew that I couldn't do what he does because it would be too overwhelming for one to manage. As I was eating, he glanced over at me with headphones in his ear as he watched me eat my lunch. He moved closely to me and grabbed my chopsticks tasting my food. I was completely thrown off guard when his face lit up as he kept on taking another bite. My food wasn't as good as like a chef or a student taking culinary classes here at the school. So, I didn't understand why his face lit up the way that it did.

As he was busy devouring my food, Seo Yeon had taken a seat at my table as everyone was staring at us. Of course, I didn't feel comfortable with her sitting in my presence. I grabbed my belongings and left to head back to the main hallway to find my locker. I walked outside to school to wait for Rose to pick me up so we could head to work together. She later came shortly after helping out her boyfriend at his father's restaurant. I was very upset about the idea that me and Seo Yeon was not just living under the same roof but also attending the same school. I let out a large sigh not trying to let it affect me since there was nothing that I could do. Rose began to ask me what happen since she was not at school, yet she got a hint that I'd rather not discuss it. As we got to work, we both clocked in and immediately got to work. The inventory that was taking like months to come in finally came in, so we unboxed most of the inventory and put them out. Most of them were new release of K-pop albums that just came out at least 1-2 weeks ago.

Me and Rose were busy stocking the shelves while Mi Kyong opens the rest of the inventory. Mr. Kim came out of his office with content on his face as the store was fully restocked since he was busy with an important meeting. We all were satisfied with his feeling of content since it was really hard working putting the store back together. As we were taking a short break before clocking out, the thought of having to return home to face my mother and cousin slowly sank back in. I really didn't want to go back home since I felt like a third wheel most of the time in my own home. I could sleep over Rose's house, but I didn't want to be a burden since her parents would have to make more dinner and I couldn't stay there forever. I just had to face the fact that my mother wasn't going to get rid of her any time soon.

"What is bothering you?" Rose asked

"Nothing!" I said hesitant

"Come on! I know when something is bothering you, you been like this since I picked you up from school. Is it, Jo Woon?" she said

"No! Its Seo Yeon." I said sighing

"Who is Seo Yeon?" Mi Kyeong asked

"She is Mina's cousin, her father's brother daughter." Rose responded

"Okay, so what is the problem?" she asked

"Mina's father has always had an issue with his family members to the extent of him leaving them behind in the countryside after he married Mina's mother. Furthermore, he even made a wish that he doesn't want ever to come in contact with them." Rose explained

"I can understand that, but obviously there might be a bigger reason why he doesn't want to be in contact with his own family. However, I don't understand if he made that wish, why would your mother knowingly invite your cousin to stay with you guys?" she responded

"Exactly, that was something that I wanted to know. However, due to my deep hatred towards her and her family I don't have the guts to ask my mother about this. Besides, they spend a lot of time together as she has forgotten that she has her own daughter. So, I don't have time to bring this matter up with her and not to mention she doesn't even seem to care about my father nor me." I spoke

"How can you even bring yourself to even say that?" Mi Kyeong asked

"Because it's true. Me and my mother's relationship is not what I have seem to make it out to be all of these years. I have constantly had to drown out all the negativity for some many years to the point that I act like it doesn't happen. Truth be told, she has always looked down on me as she has taken a liking to my cousin who seems to be better than me. She is way prettier, intelligent, mannered, and overall cool to be around. My mother is not content with me wanting to be an entrepreneur and if I were to be one, I would have to open a high-end fashion store or become a model or something. " I explained

"So basically, she would want you to be something that would look aesthetically pleasing and also generate wealth--not that being a baker wouldn't." Rose replied

"Yes! Which Seo Yeon is trying to become an idol of all things." I said

"Girl, you have a lot to deal with. If I, were you, I'd definely stick to what I'm happy doing than trying to please others. In the end, you will only leave being unhappy if you don't." Mi Kyeong said

"By the way, how is everything with Taeyong? I heard he was back at school again." Rose added

"Everything has been good, besides the constant attention and dirty stares." I replied

"At least that is good." they both said

After work, they both wished me good luck as I walked home from work. As I was heading home passing the convenient store, Taeyong had approach me with a bag in his hand, handing it to me. I was left confused because I wasn't hungry nor thirsty for him to buy something for me. He smiled and told me that he wanted to give this back, I glanced into the bag which was my empty but clean bento box from lunch. I was grateful that he had gave it back, which he didn't have to go to grave lengths to clean it. I smiled at him, as he smiled back at me while he walked me to my house. I thanked him one last time before we parted ways. As I made my way into my house, my mother was standing near the door as I put down my stuff and switched on the lights.

"Who was that young man you were outside with?" she asked curiously

"A friend from school." I answered

A friend from school?" she questions

"Yes!" my eyes rose up in suspicion

"I haven't seen you with your boyfriend, Jo Woon lately." she said

"He is no longer my boyfriend, and we broke up before you left to visit our long-distance relatives." I spoke

"What!" she said

*signed*

"When were you going to discuss this with me?" she asked

"Discuss?" I questioned

(Right now, I am in no position to even question her about this because she will make a big deal out of this.)

"Mom, I am tired right now and I really need to study for another huge exam. We can talk about this tomorrow, if you want to." I said heading up for the stairs

As I walked into my room, I decided to take a shower since I need away to relieve my stress. This was the first time that I had to lie to my mother to get out of a situation. She has never questioned me about my relationship with Jo Woon and here she is now. All of a sudden, she is now becoming aware of me hanging out with another guy from school. I just find it weird since she was just far up my cousin's butt just the other day and now, she is concerned about my life. After my shower, I put my phone on the charger, turned off the lights and went to bed.