One Thing Right Chapter 5 | Wenrene

One Thing Right

Chapter 5

"A Calming Presence"

The ride back to their apartment was yet again in pure silence. Wendy had already expected this but the loud voice inside her head didn't make her get comfortable with it. Just earlier, Irene introduced her to the doctor as her girlfriend and upon hearing that she almost lose her life from choking. She knew well enough that Irene was crazy, fierce, moody and incredibly hot headed, but she never read Irene to be a joker as well. A bad one. 

Wendy side glanced at the driver, whose eyes fixated in front, to Wendy's observation, she's too calm after blurting out a false information like that. Seriously, Irene was a model, she's a public figure. Wendy believed that doctors and other profession related to medicine field were very trustworthy because they held and kept the most confidential information about one's health. One must trust a person that holds your second chances in life, right? She wonders how doctors keep information about  celebrity though and that idea bothers Wendy a lot. 

Wendy sighed. Why was she even worried about this woman, anyway? It's her own life for god sake, but as much as she wanted not to concern herself to Irene's love life, Wendy was already too involved with the sudden role playing she had to do. 

"That's already the third one. Have you noticed how you becoming problematic is distracting me from driving? If ever we got in an accident, it's your fault." Irene said threateningly, eyes still fixated on the road. 

Wendy then realized that she must have sighed too loudly and several times without her noticing. She's too preoccupied with her thoughts but Irene was on time to speak and stop her from banging her head on the windshield. 

"You shouldn't joke about accidents." Wendy stated a bit withdrawn, her energy was too low from being far used in overthinking. "Knock on wood." She managed to say and do so. 

"Is it because I introduced you as my girlfriend to the doctor that you're sulking now?" Irene asked finally glancing at Wendy who sighed yet again. "Spill, Wendy."

"Look, could you stop by a bit and put on hazard? I just feel like I can no longer wait to ask and discuss to you about this matter, since you have already mentioned it." Wendy exploded with hand gestures, enough for Irene to get surprised at the sudden outburst and actually stopped on the lay-by. 

"Good. Thanks." Wendy said when the other girl obeyed her without any protests. If anything, that's almost like a miracle. 

"Why are you so bothered about it. It's just one time thing anyway, a pretend girlfriend to the doctor Taeyeon. It'll be your first and last accompanying me to her anyway, so what's the big deal?" Irene said confidently, making light of the situation and Wendy snapped right away. 

"What's the big deal? Come on Irene, I know how bad you are at making decisions and stuff but I didn't know you're this worse." Wendy started and before Irene could retaliate, she already added a few words. "You're a celebrity, and you're ruining your image by spilling some non sense. I'm your girlfriend? That's bullshit and let's say that the doctor bought your shit, don't you think that's a scoop right there? I mean, Irene dating a girl?! What would your fans say to you if they found out?" 

Instead of getting pissed off from Wendy's words like the usual, Irene can't believe but found herself amused by the blonde's exaggerating facial and body expressions while she said those words without breathing in between. 'Why is she so worked up with this?' She thought. 

"Wendy, could you please calm down and get yourself together?" Irene said nonchalantly, still watching Wendy. "Doctor Taeyeon is someone we-, I could trust. Believe me, she won't spill anything about me. Our family have known that girl for a long time now." 

"W-what?" Wendy asked right away but Irene already knew what the other was thinking, she wasn't done talking anyway.

"Shut your mouth and listen to me first, will you?" Irene put a finger on Wendy's mouth. The moment she earned a nod from the other, she started again. "She's known to our family because first of all she's a friend of mine. So I definitely know she won't say anything, and besides aren't patients' information confidential whatever profession they are in? Seriously, you should know that by now." Irene ended as she rested her back on her seat. She crossed her arms, body facing Wendy as if waiting for the other's response. 

After hearing Irene's words, unexpectedly, Wendy finally calmed down. She faced forward, ignoring Irene's eyes, and slumped on her seat. Why did she even get concerned with this girl in the first place? Wendy can't find an answer. 

"I was just worried if things get out of hand. That's way too problematic." Wendy side glanced the still staring Irene. "Besides, if you're into role playing, you could have told me beforehand. You know... uh... so I won't get shocked." She stammered and face heating up out of embarrassment.

"Well, I needed you to stay with me inside the room. I was out of excuse and just told doctor Taeyeon that you're my girlfriend so you could have a reason to stay." Irene this time was the one flushing red. 

Wendy suddenly remembered what was her sole purpose today, it was to accompany Irene to the doctor because as Seulgi stated over the phone, Irene was afraid to come alone. The blonde finally understood why Irene grasped tightly on her, and how panic was easily read on Irene's face the moment she wanted to excuse herself out of the doctor's room earlier. Irene could be fierce and strong on the outside, but there really was still some things that she fears and one of them was a doctor. Wendy suddenly got curious what other else that could made the woman falter. She smiled at the thought but was immediately washed away after Irene blurted out something.

"Haven't you dated any girls before?" 

"W-what?! Why are you asking that?" Wendy jolted up from her seat, palms sweating.

"Well, it feels like you have problems with girls getting girlfriends. Saying it'll be a scoop as I'm a public figure." Irene asked, still straight faced. But even so, she looked at Wendy with eyes full of curiousity. 

"W-well, you know what I mean. We are in South Korea, and that kind of thing isn't that welcomed yet. The public would end up scrutinizing you and judge you maliciously because of that." Wendy expresses her worries of the situation which Irene only hums. 

"You still didn't answer my question though." Irene responded but decided to drop it as she observed Wendy's discomfort on such topic and start driving again. 

When they arrived at their apartment building, Wendy accompanied Irene in front of her door. She fetch her, it's only polite to drop her also. Anyway, the day they spent together and the conversations in between were good signs for Wendy that they are getting closer to being friends. But Wendy did not want to assume because she's too sure that Irene wouldn't want anything to do with her after this day. Come to think of it, this was the last day of Seulgi's favor of checking on Irene, since she'll be back from her trip by tonight. 

"Well then, I'm glad that everything's fine with you and the baby. I hope you'll start taking care of yourself and that baby like what the doctor says." Wendy said the moment they arrived on Irene's main door, she said it as a farewell while the other was busy unlocking her door with her keys.

Wendy wasn't really expecting any response from her, so when the door opened, she turned away and walked to her own unit. But to her surprise, Irene called out to her.

"Wendy, come inside. Let me at least give you something to say thanks for accompanying me to the doctor. It's gonna be lunch soon, anyway." Irene invited her and Wendy couldn't believe her ears. Was that really Irene inviting her inside her unit? The Irene that almost strangled her by the neck? The Irene that spitted out daggers with every word she says? The Irene that treats her like a nobody, just a mere stranger?

"Uh, are you sure? 'Coz I'll be fine with you just saying the word 'thanks', though. No need for anything else if it's against your will. I mean-"

"I insist, Wendy. Do I look uncertain?" Irene stopped Wendy right away with her non sense.

"Oh, okay." Wendy finally gave in and went inside Irene's unit. 

"Just sit comfortably on the couch, I'll go prepare something for us in the kitchen." Irene said as she removed her coat, she then opened the TV and settle the remote near the blonde's reach for her to pick whatever channel she likes. She went straight to the kitchen after she gained a nod from Wendy.

While Irene was busy, Wendy can't help but look around the unit. It's already her third time here, and the discomfort still didn't vanish. Well, this might be her third and last unless it will be Seulgi to invite her the nexts. However, Wendy thought that it would be better to stay away from Seulgi once she comes back. She didn't want yet another favor from Seulgi to come her way, who knew what that girl was thinking, taking advantage of their still young friendship. Wendy wasn't even sure if they were now friends though.

Suddenly, her phone rang that startled her and immediately ended her train of thoughts. Wendy took out her phone from her pant's side pocket, her brows furrowed once she sees the caller ID. Still, she accepted the call. 

"Yes, mom?" 

"Wendy, have you decided already? About taking over our business there in South Korea?" Mrs. Son clearly said over the phone still pressing Wendy about their unfinished discussion from a week ago.

"Mom, I'm taking a break now from working. I just need some space, a fresh air to breathe." Wendy tried to explain herself but the moment her mother spoke, she knew it's impossibe for her to understand.

"Wendy, you're not getting any younger. You should take responsibilities and get a grip of your life. If you can't be near your sister's achievement when she reached that age of yours, then at least do your family a favor and manage our business in South Korea. It would help me and your father a lot." 

Wendy could feel the nerves in her head twicthing out of anger. Why do her parents always compare her to her perfect sister? She get it already when they were still a child, that the star of the family was always and non other than her big sister. Why can't they understand that even if they were sisters, they still were both different people? The only thing she wanted the same as her sister before was to study abroad when they were younger but after then their parents have assumed already that Wendy wanted to take every steps of her sister made in her life. All her life Wendy was living under the shadow of her perfect sister, and she have done everything in her abilities to make their parents proud of her. It's just that everything Wendy achieve was already one step behind her sister's and that's when she realized that she'll end up losing her sanity trying to prove herself's worth to their family all the time. That's when she first broke their hearts by coming over to South Korea, leaving all of them in Canada. The second was declining her parent's friend to get a high position in a large architectural firm in South Korea, reasoning that Wendy wanted to gain a position on her own. And the disappointments came to them immensely after, that's why they were now pressing Wendy to just take over their family business instead. 

Wendy sighed, massaging her temples. "I am taking a grip of my life, mom. And that's what I'm doing now. You cannot always push me to do something that I don't want." 

"Wendy, we're only thinking of your future. You have to listen to us, for once." 

"Mom, why won't you be the one to listen to me for once?" Wendy said softly, she felt like crying. She had never felt her parents supporting her for whatever life choices she made, for once Wendy wants to feel how her sister feels when getting huge approval and support from their parents. "I'm hanging up now. I'll talk to you later." She hangs up and threw her phone on the other side of the sofa. 

Wendy feels it again. The anxiety taking over her, the train of negative thoughts coming over. She traced her collar, acting as if it's suffocating her when it's nowhere near. She wanted to escape the feeling once again, and lately she had found comfort in her sleep. Yes, she wanted to just sleep. Longer than she could, as long as it will prevent her from thinking too much. From feeling too much. 

"Lunch is ready. Come over here in the dining area!" When Wendy was about to close her eyes, she heard Irene calling out, enough to ignore the devils inside her brain. Wendy came back to reality.

When Wendy went to the dining area, everything was already set. The foods were served and Irene was over there waiting for her to start eating. 

Wendy occupied the seat in front of Irene and so both started eating. The lunch set off in silence, just them chewing her food and occassionally sipping their soup. Wendy's head was empty, she was eating like a robot, and her eyes reflected the emptiness she's feeling. Irene was able to observe her though, the instant change of Wendy's demeanor made her curious. 

"Are you okay?" Irene asked carefully as if not wanting to shutter anything fragile. She continued eating while waiting for the other's response.

"Yeah. Sorry 'bout that. Uh.. Maybe just a little tired." Wendy said, sleepiness coming back again. 

"I could tell. Why don't you sleep here for a while after we eat?" Irene once again offered which made Wendy started wondering why the sudden change of heart. The questioning look must have been obvious which earned a laughter from the other. "I could tell how you're doubting me again with my offer." Irene added.

Wendy cleared her throat, her face heated up a bit for being caught. "S-sorry. I'm just surprised." 

"Surprised at what? Me being kind to you all of  sudden?" Irene scoffed, then settled her spoon down on the table. "Don't let your guard down though, I would have poisoned you by now you know. You shouldn't really accept someone's offer if you're doubting their motives." Irene shrugged as if being doubted was nothing new but Wendy felt a bit guilty about that. 

"Yeah, sorry about that. But I wouldn't really mind if there's poison in the food." Wendy said, trailing off a bit on her last statement.

"Pardon?" Irene was taken aback. She knew something was up to this blonde's head.

"Nah, nothing. What time is Seulgi coming home?" Wendy changed the topic but Irene could already sense that.

"By evening, I guess." 

"I see. Do you mind me asking when you guys became friends? You two seemed really close." 

"Since college. She's fond of you though, she kept talking about you." 

"Really? Sounds like her."

"Do you like her?" 

"W-what?" Wendy felt like she's going deaf or was it Irene becoming aggressive with her questions? 

"I asked if you like her? Like more than friends?" 

"Uhm. No. I mean she's really kind and caring person, so she's very likeable. But don't get me wrong, I only see her as a friend. Nothing more than that." Wendy explained herself, not really sure why she have to.

"Good, 'coz I don't like you for her." Irene said which made Wendy winced a bit. 

"That's not for you to decide though." Wendy retaliated, although she meant nothing but to save her dying dignity in front of Irene. 

"I know, there's nothing much we could do if someone's falling for someone. It's not like it's their choice either, it just happens." Irene shrugged and this time it was Wendy's turn to get surprised at Irene's thoughts. 

"Oh. Now we're talking about... falling for someone." 

"I'm not telling that Seulgi's in love with you or anything alright? Don't get the wrong idea."

"I know and I wouldn't dare that." Wendy was sure that Irene was just speaking to get rid of the silence. Anything so she wondered out loud, "Maybe it's you and your choice to fall in love with the father of the baby?" 

Irene eyes widened. Wendy watched how the girl's eyes shown shock, sadness into anger. Irene suddenly looked at her fiercely, shooting daggers. When Wendy thought Irene was becoming nice to her then she's yet again proven wrong. She judged way too early, or maybe it was her fault after all, for blurting out something sensitive. 

"I'm sorry." Wendy apologized right away and she could see Irene softened a bit. 

"It's okay. Are you done eating? Why don't you rest in the living room for a while." Irene said as she stood up and started cleaning the table.

"No. I'll go wash the dishes since you've already cooked for us." 

"Like I said, it's my thanks for accompanying me to the doctor so don't feel obligated to do anything here." 

"B-but." 

"No buts."

"Then I shall take my leave then, I don't want to bother you any longer." 

Irene sighed loudly. "I told you, go rest in the living room. Wait for me there." She said demandingly as if Wendy has no other choice. 

"O-okay."

Irene knew that she could get rid of Wendy and let her go home to her own unit anytime, as much as she wanted to deny it, she somehow find Wendy's presence around her as calming. Reason why she suddenly became curious and talkative towards her, she kinda want to prolong her presence around her more. That aside her last outburst on the sensitive topic, though. Because of that, a punishment of making her stay would definitely work on Wendy, and looking at her right now, she's already proven correct. This is her way of killing 2 birds with one stone. 

One Thing Right Chapter 4 | Wenrene

One Thing Right

Chapter 4

"Girlfriend"

It's the 4th day of the week which also meant it already had been 3 days and 2 nights since Wendy avoided any contact with Irene. Every time she remembered how she assert her opinion towards Irene, Wendy can't help but mentally slap her face out of embarrassment. She can't believe she snapped out and scolded a person she barely knew. Wendy knew she weigh nothing in Irene's life, as they're just mere strangers, and yet there she forced Irene to listen to her unwelcomed opinion. 

However, no matter what, Wendy knew very well that she did the right thing saying those words to her. If hurting Irene's feelings were the only way for her stop wasting her life and the baby's future then she has no regrets at all. It's just that, now that she managed to anger Irene, she will no longer be able to approach or check her well being in a decent and normal way. 

Despite what happened Monday night, Wendy tried to still keep her promise to Seulgi. Checking whether Irene is alive next door in her most indirect and awkward ways. Whenever she goes out to get some food at night or take out the trash early in the morning, she always take a peek on her neighbor. Her attempts to catch Irene coming back from work or going to work were so far successful thanks to the schedule Seulgi gave her. But of course as Wendy does her work/stalking Irene, the blonde never made herself visible to her in order to no longer cause any commotion. Who knows if Irene was really serious when she says that she'll treat Wendy as a criminal the next time they meet? Just to be safe, Wendy chooses to protect herself from any humiliation. 

To Wendy's surprise though, Irene was always on schedule recently. She goes out by 9 in the morning and comes back home around 8 in the evening. There were no signs of alcohol too since Irene could still walk or stand on her own two feet just fine unlike the other night. She didn't really want to be a freak or anything but one time due to her anxiety, she wanted to make sure that Irene was not doing anything dangerous to herself. So she stuck her ears next to the wall and tried to decipher what was happening at the other side. But that method was ended immediately as she realized how creepy and disrespectful that was in terms of privacy.

Wendy did not report to Seulgi though. She was never fond of texting and she dreaded to be on the phone. And besides, the girl just asked to call her if there were emergencies and all so she's just obeying. Or maybe that was just an excuse. For Wendy, as long as she knew Irene was fine, then there's nothing to report about to her. But since now that it's already Thursday and to ensure that her conclusion about Irene being okay was accurate, she decided to call Seulgi today.

"Hello? Who's this?" Seulgi responded after the 2nd ring. That was Wendy's first time to call her so her number wasn't saved yet to Seulgi's phonebook. 

"Hey neighbor. It's me, Wendy." She greeted shyly.

"OH MY GOD!!! I've been waiting for your call or any messages for the last few days, why didn't you contact me?!!" Seulgi reacted loudly. Her voice showed frustration towards the girl on the other line. Wendy could hear the stinging sound in her ear.

"Easy there, tiger. Why are you even mad?" Wendy feigning not knowing the reason. 

"God, Wendy I've asked you to check on Irene but I didn't got any updates from you. You said you'll help me out." If Wendy could see Seulgi right now, she could tell that the girl was pouting when she said that. 

"Yes, I'm doing that as I promised. And I swear, she's just fine that's why I didn't bother to call. I don't want to make you worry or disturb you." Wendy decided not to tell Seulgi about Irene's drunk night because she thought that she handled and took care of the woman as much as she could. Also, she thought of giving Irene another chance and if she ever seen her drunk again then that would be her cue to ask for Seulgi's take on the situation. More importantly, right now, Wendy didn't want to stir yet another feud with Irene. 

"Seriously Wendy, if I haven't known from Irene that you're checking on her then I would have been really really mad and disappointed with you." Seulgi said and Wendy got shocked as she process what the other just said. Irene talked about her? 

"Uhm.. w-what did she told you?!" Wendy stammered, she knew she was doomed. Of course Irene would have told Seulgi regarding their exchange of words last Monday. Irene might have told Seulgi how imprudent she was for scolding her, for intruding her privacy forcefully, for treating her inconsiderately for a pregnant woman. Seulgi might have regretted wanting to befriend her now. With that, Wendy was now determined to ask for Seulgi's forgiveness.

"I'm so sorry, Seulgi. I should've kn--" 

"What are you even saying sorry for? Wendy, I wanted you to know that your efforts are all appreciated. And I'll forever be indebted to you for your help. Seriously, thanks Wendy. I'm so glad I befriended you." 

The blonde was left agape. Unsure whether she mistakenly heard Seulgi's praises towards her. "I don't understand, Seulgi. Why are you saying that? What did Irene told you?" 

"Well, I always check on Irene via phone how she is everyday. And looking through our constant video calls, she explained how she's been well. And that she's taking care of herself now and the baby. She did not miss out telling me that you were consistently stalking, oops, I mean checking on her too." Seulgi laughed nervously at her last words. Hoping Wendy did not caught that but it was too late. 

"Gosh, Seulgi I don't even know why I agreed to this." Wendy facepalming herself, her voice sounded full of embarrassment. She's sure that Seulgi and Irene were now talking slash laughing behind her back. Who would have thought that Irene was aware of Wendy's awkward ways of checking slash stalking her? She was so sure that she was not visible but in the end she have failed all this time. Wendy thought how lucky she was that Irene hasn't imprissoned her yet despite knowing that she's been checking on her. As a celebrity, she have the rights to actually report a suspicious person stalking her and Wendy was well aware of that yet she's still dancing with fire just to help out a new friend. 

"Don't worry, Wendy. I think you really warmed up to Irene, she no longer curses whenever we talk about you. And I think she doesn't mind now that you're looking out for her." 

Wendy didn't know if she'll be happy with what Seulgi said or should she be humiliated. Now she knew Irene curses whenever they talk about her before. And warmed up to Irene? That never crossed her mind and probably never will. Whenever she remembered how the woman nearly choked her to death out of anger and how her eyes shoot daggers to her that night? That's impossible. She knew Seulgi's teasing her right now so she laughed, awkwardly.

"Very funny, Seulgi. Anyway, that's all there is. I don't have anything else to say except hurry up and just get home so we could end this promise right away." 

"Aw. Wendy, come on. Don't tell me you missed me already?" They teased each other, slowly becoming comfortable just like real friends. Slowly, they knew that they are already paving their relationship to that. 

"Shut up, Seulgi." They both shared a laughing fit, then was ended when Seulgi asked for another favor to Wendy. 

"Don't you think you're gonna owe me now big time?" Wendy joked. 

"Well, I told you earlier that Irene's already taking care of herself right?" 

"Yeah, you did. Ain't that a good thing? She's finally woke up." 

"Indeed a good thing. But you know, she confessed to me about getting a few drinks last Monday night and she was worried that it affected the baby." 

Wendy was sure Irene didn't tell everything about that Monday night considering the reaction of Seulgi towards the drinking incident. If Seulgi had known the extent of how Irene got drunk that night, she's probably home by Tuesday morning tossing away her team building. She didn't correct her though not wanting her to worry more about Irene. She wonders if Irene did not told Seulgi about their heated argument as well. 

"Irene is afraid of being alone to see a doctor. Especially in her case, she's a first time mom. So, if it's okay with you could you accompany her to go see a doctor? I promise I'll make it up to you. Whatever you'll ask me in the future I'll do it for you too." 

After hearing Seulgi finish her words, Wendy felt like her head was spinning. 

---

Wendy found herself yet again in front of her neighbor's front door, Friday morning. After her conversation with Seulgi via phone, she found herself yet again conforming to her request. Wendy doesn't know how her relationship with Seulgi fast escalated into something dangerous as she always found herself agreeing into something she did not want in the first place. This was one of the reasons why Wendy dreaded the idea of getting too friendly with new faces because she's too kind to resist favor when they get too familiar with her. She sighed. 

Not too long, the least person she wanted to see face to face stood in front of her. Wendy laid her eyes on her for a few seconds to greet her but looked away instantly after. It was really awkward and she knew all too well that this companion felt the same way. 

"H-hi! Ready to go?" She stammered. Wendy's debating whether she'll wait a response from the latter or just proceed walking now and probably run away from her. 

"Yes." Irene said shortly which didn't help the blonde to relax at all. It's driving her insane thinking how awful this day would be as both was showing how reluctant they were to be at each other's side. 

"Then let's go to my car. It's right over there." Wendy offered as she pointed towards the location of her car. 

"About that. Can we use my car instead?" The latter insisted with firmness in her tone. Was it a request or a demand? Wendy cannot point out at all. But she knew too well that it's best to give in to whatever Irene likes just to get over with it swiftly.

Wendy did not want another feud. 

"Sure." She said shortly that ended their conversation.

When they were inside Irene's car. Wendy situated on the passenger seat. As much as she wanted to occupy the backseat she just can't let Irene look like her driver now, can she? The drive was painfully awkward, no one dares to talk. Wendy didn't even glanced at Irene, afraid it could put her in a bad mood and who knows if she'll explode like a bomb. Just being beside Irene right now in a small space like this scared the hell out of her. Wendy knew that Irene felt the same way for sure. If only that Monday night argument didn't exist or if Irene was as friendly as Seulgi then accompanying her to go see a doctor would have been a pleasure. But reality is just a pain in the ass.

Wendy can't shrug the idea though that the words she spat on Irene gave her an actual epiphany. She find it too funny to believe. Perhaps she should change her profession into a guidance counselor or a shepherd that teaches gospel. She tittered to which she regretted when she caught Irene looking at her in her peripheral. Damn.

"Care to share what's funny?" Irene started still in a stern voice.

"S-sorry, I just remembered something." Wendy excused. When silence enveloped them again, she thought their conversation had ended already. But she was wrong and it made her shift nervously on her seat.

"It's Seulgi who insisted for you to come with me. And just like you, I'm just doing her a favor. So don't get any wrong idea." Irene said, eyes still on the road.

Wendy knew that very well, she didn't need Irene to shove at her that she was unwanted.

"I know. Everything is for Seulgi." She wanted to end there, but heck her pride was hurt and she wants to retort back. "Don't get the wrong idea that I'm your fan either, I don't even know you if it weren't for Seulgi." There, she finally said it. Wendy can now breathe. Take that.

Irene scoffed. "I'm more than grateful you aren't. You must have been a homebody for too long, you might not afford an internet, cable or even just one magazine." 

Now that's ridiculous. Was Irene insulting her? Seulgi must have mentioned to her that Wendy was in fact jobless to her. Damn, it was a fact yet she felt insulted as if it was a reminder coming from Irene.

Wendy sighed deeply as she massaged her temples. She wanted to stay calm. 

When Irene noticed her actions, she snorted. "I knew you're hot tempered, considering how you argued with me the other night. Relax, I'm just kidding just now. Don't take it seriously." 

Wendy knew it was childish of Irene to actually scheme a revenge on her because of what happened. What made Wendy irritated is the fact that she never say anything that insulted the other to receive such from her today. Wendy did not want to patronize herself, but she knew that what she said to Irene was right and nothing but to serve as caution for her well being and the baby. 

"Are we there yet?" Wendy asked avoiding to put gas on a smoldering fire.

Irene didn't respond. But Wendy's question was answered when the car stopped after a few minutes.

Inside the hospital, Wendy thought they'll have to queue for the doctor to see her but it seemed like Irene already has an appointment. Thank goodness the last one went out from the doctor's room, 2 minutes after they arrived. She noticed how Irene's hands were trembling after though. Even though her head wasn't cooled yet after the insults Irene thrown at her, she was still there to accompany the woman. Seulgi reminded her how afraid Irene was to go by herself, and Wendy knew that given the latter's situation from her career, parents, friends and father of the child, Irene has no one to run to. And Wendy was there in behalf of Seulgi, so she rather do something now. 

Wendy carefully tapped Irene's back, signalling her to stand up and go inside the doctor's room. Irene looked at her with mixture of worry and confusion. Worried because it's a first for her and confusion maybe because she still see her beside her. Wendy wanted to get over with it and she'll do everything in her power to do so even if she needed to stay longer beside the devil now.

​"Let's go inside." Wendy said, Irene who grasped on her hand didn't go unnoticed. 

"Please sit down." The doctor smiled as she watch them occupy the seats in front of her desk. "So, hello Ms. Irene and.." 

Wendy was quick enough to notice that the doctor was referring to her, of course Irene was a celebrity so she knew her the moment she stepped in her room. 

"Uhm.. I'm Wendy." She returned the smile to which the doctor held her stare and turned to Irene. Not being able to understand what it meant, Wendy shrugged it off. 

"So let's start?" The doctor offered but before she could even stand from her seat, Wendy spoke.

"Should I go out first?" She wasn't really sure if she has to stay. Whatever Irene and the doctor will tell each other should no longer be her concern, especially that those information should be treated as confidential. She looked at Irene who seemed a bit stiff. Wendy was about to leave when she felt a hand on her wrist. 

"You should stay." Irene demanded her. "Can she stay?" Then asked the doctor with worried eyes.

"Of course. Do you mind if I ask what's your relation to her?" The doctor inquired still with her seemingly painful wide smile plastered on her face. 

"She's my girlfriend." Irene told the doctor which Wendy immediately processed and almost choked on her saliva. 

One Thing Right Chapter 3 | Wenrene

One Thing Right

Chapter 3

"Exchanged Words"

Today was the first day of Seulgi being away for their company's team building and Wendy's start of her terror. Seulgi reminded her about Irene earlier this morning, she even left her own phone number in case there will be emergencies. She also dropped a paper showing Irene's schedule for the week for Wendy to refer to whenever she feels like checking on her. The moment Seulgi went away, she could already feel her head spinning and her chest pumping. She's so clueless how everything will work when she didn't even know how to approach Irene. 

She pried Seulgi to learn more about the girl but the only thing she told her about Irene was her line of work. The rest was left in vain, probably because Seulgi didn't want to disclose more about Irene without her permission. She already said so much about her, the most confidential ones for that matter, so Wendy understood that.

Irene was a model. For Wendy, that's already enough clue for her to do her own research. As she browsed through google, she can't help but admire the beauty that the woman possessed and that she's very deserving of all the fame. She reads a few description about her working personality from other models and they were all nice compared to the one she witnessed that night. She also can't believe the woman's outstanding working portfolio. Irene modelled for very famous fashion brands, she did several commercials too including one of her favorite soju and even worked with big celebrities in Korea. The one that caught her eye was that Irene's currently working with Park Bogum who's very famous for being a sweet and very responsible man that every in-laws would pray for. Wendy had heard about him but how come she had not heard or seen Irene before?

In all honesty, Wendy has no knowledge about showbiz and what more for models? If there were celebrities she could remember then those names surely were well known across the whole country or probably one of her friends or colleagues had persisted to talk about non-stop. She rarely opens the television at the living room to see trends, she rarely checks her phone and she's not on any social media platform. She only uses her phone related to music and a bit of research about her work or to do important calls. Wendy was the type of person that minds her own business and gossips weren't welcome to her as long as it's not about her. Sometimes that was the reason why it's so hard to connect with her which some of friends and co-workers were complaining about. But she just shrugged it off saying that if it's really something important then a call or a visit should be their first option anyway.

After a short while, Wendy closed her laptop and lay down on the sofa. With eyes closed, she sighed deeply. Wendy never wanted to intrude anyone's life and here she was doing some research about someone she did not even know personally. And what's worst with that was she found herself agreeing to an almost stranger's request to take care of another stranger. "What have I got myself into?" She groaned. "Wendy you're so stupid!" were her last words before she fell asleep.

The moment she opened her eyes, it was already evening. Typical Wendy day. 

She then prepared her dinner in the kitchen and ate it once cooked. She looked at her watch, it's 7pm and she still has an hour before expecting her neighbor to be home. That didn't make her any less nervous though, it felt like she's going to do a report in front of the bosses, her chest was pumping, body's going numb and she's zoning out. By then, she started pacing back and forth.

An hour passed by, she started glancing out of her window checking whether someone's coming but there was none. She checked her watch again and it's 8:08pm. "Maybe she's stuck in traffic". She thought and went back to the sofa and open the TV to break the silence engulfing. She switches the channel one to another unconcsiously. Not certain what she's really looking for, she closed the TV and checked her phone only to stream some music. She managed to glance at the time before successfuly doing so. It's already 8:21pm.

"Damn it, she's late." She said. She stood up next to the door and paced back and forth again. Her nervousness was added with a feeling of worry for the other and she's about to lose her mind. Time flew and was going to call Seulgi when she heard keys rustling next door. Irene came back at 9:05pm. "Fuck." She cursed as her nervousness resurfaces greatly.

Wendy was dazed and there's no way she'll be able to speak to Irene in this state. She's completely useless when it comes to approaching new people and so she was about to surrender when she heard someone vomitting. 

Unsure where she pulled out her courage but she opened her door immediately to check on her neighbor who's still unsuccessful in opening her apartment's main door. 

"Oh my god! What happened to you?!!" She went straight to the slightly squatted girl surrounded with her vomit, her hand slightly hanging on the door knob for some support. 

"Who the hell are you?" Irene spoke the moment she catches the intruder, her eyes shooting daggers to Wendy.

Wendy dismissed the cold gesture and helped her out. She noticed right away that Irene's eyes have trace of tears, face slightly red and her breath smells alcohol. Damn, Wendy knew right away she's drunk. Great.

"No. Thank you!" Irene forced herself out from Wendy's hold who's only trying to support her to stand straight. "I can do this myself. Mind your own business." She pushed Wendy and continued her struggle to put the key inside the door knob. 

Wendy's patience was running out. She took the key away from Irene and successfully opened the door for her. 

Irene suddenly collapsed and Wendy immediately caught her. It was too obvious that Irene was drunk to stay awake for too long. The blonde then set the woman straight to her bed and cleaned the floor in front of the main door before attending to Irene.

"Damn, is it even okay for a pregnant woman to drink?" She irritatingly said to no one but surely she wanted to scold Irene with intensity. "How could she do that to herself and to the baby?!" She added. 

It was not difficult for Wendy to identify Irene's room, thanks to the name tag on the door. As she made her way to attend to Irene, she can't help but stare at her for a moment. It was Wendy's first time to finally get a glimpse of the woman before her. Wendy was mesmerized and can't help but wonder why would the father who impregnate her would do such a cruel thing to her, leaving her all alone to carry a huge responsibility. 

She wake up Irene abruptly for her to take a glass of water. Thankfully the woman obeyed quietly and Wendy watched her gulp the water thirstily. Alcohol could really get anyone dehydrated. Irene then went back to sleep.

Wendy cleaned the woman by wiping her face and exposed skin only with wet towel to freshen her up a bit. She took out Irene's coat, sandals and unbuttoned her blouse to extent only that would help dissipate the extra warmth that the alcohol caused to her body. She was very careful attending Irene, with consideration of giving the woman comfort at the same time respecting her privacy. She went out of the bedroom after she tucked Irene in the sheets and was satisfied with the aircondition's temperature.

She glanced at her watch, it's already 11:35pm. The blonde girl decided to stay in her neighbor's place, she wanted to assure that everything was fine with the drunk pregnant woman. Drunk people tend to do things out of their usual self, so in order to prevent any disaster, Wendy will stay close to her for this night. Anyway, she wasn't really sleepy since she rested well from her afternoon nap and she did not really plan to sleep either in this place so might as well stay alert.

However, despite being confident in pulling an all nighter, her weariness engulfed her the moment she sat on the sofa. Swiftly, she travelled to dreamland hoping at the back of her head that she will not to come across Irene.

In the morning..

 Wendy stirred uncomfortably on the sofa once the sunshine coming across from the window hit her eyes. She felt her neck and back pain instantly due to sleeping in a sitting position but despite that, her body was unexpectedly warm. She opened her eyes to see a blanket embracing her body. Weird, I don't remember putting this on myself. She thought but her confusion was immediately answered when she met a pair of eyes gazing at her in the living room. 

Wendy stiffens and quickly repositions herself in like a military sitting position. 

"Uh-uhm.. you're awake. S-sorry I slept on your couch." She stammered, eyes looking at the floor.

Wendy could feel the intense gaze that Irene was shooting at her. She shifted on her seat uncomfortably but readying her defense in case Irene decided to attack. Did she forgot what happened last night? What if she does not remember me? What if she thought I'm a burglar. Wait, why would she put a blanket over me if she thought I'm a bad person?" Wendy's mind was on rage and her facial expressions giving her away to the woman in front. She stopped immediately when she heard Irene sighing loudly. Wendy watches Irene finally loosened a bit and set her back comfortably on the sofa, with arms and legs crossed.

"You must be the neighbor Seulgi mentioned. Am I correct, Wendy?" Irene asked nonchalantly. Wendy relaxed a bit by hearing her name, finally she's safe from being a burglar thanks to Seulgi. 

"Y-Yeah. I'm Wendy." She does not know what else to say to Irene so she just settled for a one question one answer system. Her nerves were killing her.

"Look. I don't know up to what extent Seulgi talked about me to you. But just so you know, I'm fine and you can leave me alone for this whole week while she's gone." Irene started. Just when Wendy thought that Irene retreated her cold composure, she was definitely wrong.

"Also, I won't tolerate you being inside our apartment.You're a complete stranger to me and so am I to you. So if there's a second time that you'll ever intrude in my life, I will treat you as a criminal and let the security handle you right away." Irene added, her cold countenance still unshaken.

Wendy winced at those words thrown at her, she found herself quite offended. It's true that they were complete strangers to each other but Irene knew that Seulgi and Wendy were neighbors that actually talk to each other and probably knew too about the favor Seulgi asked from Wendy. Wendy can't help but question why Irene treats her like that at all especially now, after she helped her out last night. She didn't really expect anything back from Irene but seriously, a thanks and a little bit of acknowledgement would not hurt, right?

Also who did Irene think she was to accuse her as a criminal the next time they'll meet? She didn't do anything awful to her that would leave an impression that she's a bad person. Wendy wouldn't really intrude that night but she got really worried as she saw Irene in a helpless state that changed her mind. Who in the right mind would get theirselves drunk when pregnant? Who would?! Wendy could already feel the heat due to anger building inside her however she did her best to contain it. 

"Seulgi asked me to check out on you because she's very concerned with you."

"And you agreed?" Irene scoffed which Wendy raised an eyebrow. 

"W-well yeah because she genuinely asked for my help and I obliged considering how much she was really worried about you."

"Really? Or you just want some hot and fresh gossip to scatter?" Irene taunted, she's a celebrity after all. But still, Wendy was yet again offended at how lowly Irene was treating her.

"I'm not interested in such trivial things." Wendy confidently retorted back. 

Irene shrugged mockingly, disbelieving any word Wendy had said. 

"Look, like I said before and please don't make me repeat myself again. I'm fine, you can tell Seulgi that everyday for the whole week. Just stop showing up in front of me and mind your own business!" Irene raised her voice to which Wendy could no longer stop the intensity of her anger too. Damn this woman.

"You don't get it do you? Because of what happened last night, I totally get Seulgi now." Wendy said, this time with clarity in her voice.

"Get what?"

"You don't get how irresponsible you are and that's what made Seulgi so concerned about you!"

"Are you scolding me? Who are you even?!" Irene stood up, fumed. 

"You're pregnant and you're risking your baby's life by getting yourself wasted! Who in the right mind would consider themselves fine after that!" Wendy stood up as well trying to show the woman in front the gravity of her carelessness.

"What?! Are you fucking kidding me? You don't know anything about me and what I'm going through!! How dare you?!!"  She charged in grabbing Wendy's collar with both of her hands. 

"See?! You cannot even control yourself anymore. What? Does the truth hurt?! The fact that you're completely irresponsible and selfish! The baby doesn't deserve all this from you! You're insane!" 

"What did you say?!!" 

Wendy coughed. She could feel the grip of Irene's hands on her collar intensified. Irene's eyes were full of wrath but at the same time tears edging her eyes.

"You don't know what I'm going through." Irene repeated and pushed Wendy, releasing her from her grip. Tears heavily flowed from her eyes, and with that sight Wendy couldn't help but feel guilty. However she knew she was right, and that the baby is non deserving of the mother's negligence. She has to know the truth before it's too late.

"Nobody knows what you're going through. I get that. But please, give a chance for the baby to live. It's the baby's only chance but you have plenty of time to recover from your pain. You should know better." Wendy softly this time trying to soothe away the tension built between them.

"Get out." The only words that slipped Irene's mouth while still sobbing not looking at Wendy at all. 

"You're stronger than you think." 

"Get out."

"You'll get through this."

"Just please, get out." Irene finally looked at Wendy, with so much pain shown in her eyes. Wendy was sure that her words transmitted successfuly to Irene because she could feel how Irene's defense shattered by how softly she now speaks, completely different from earlier. 

And with that, Wendy took her leave.

One Thing Right Chapter 2 | Wenrene

One Thing Right

Chapter 2

"No Way Out"

"Wendy, what were you thinking?" Her mom visited her after a few days being off from her job. It hasn't been a week and yet the news spread fast like a wild fire. 

It's not a secret though, it's just that she wanted some peace for a while that's why she was being quiet about it from her friends and family. She wanted to gain some freedom. Free from all kinds of stress that her work was giving her all those days. 

"Mom, I just wanted a break. That is all. There's no need for you to worry about me. I'll probably find a job after a month or so." Wendy explained a bit irritated. She's a grown up woman and yet her parents always wanted to be part of every decision she wanted to make. It's not that she doesn't want them to be a part of her life now that she's grown up, but sometimes she felt like her parents do not trust her at all. 

"You're just slacking off. Making excuses everytime. Always running away. When will you ever learn?" 

Those words again. She have heard that several times before and even though it's the nth time, the amount of pain it stung her did not differ. 

They say it's your family that will always and forever understand you, but it never felt like that for Wendy. She feels the opposite towards her parents. They just don't understand her at all, and eveything she did was just all wrong for them. 

Wendy does not know if she have depression or whatever mental illness there is. She never consulted a psychiatrist, but there was a time that everything just felt overwhelming in her head that she almost called for help. It was never easy to talk about whatever she's feeling or thinking to anyone because she's afraid that they would laugh at her or judge her that she's just slacking off just like what her family had been telling her. No one understands.

She doesn't even know if she could have a company from her friends list that would look at her without judgment either. Whenever she tried to subtly talk about her state, her so called friends were just clueless. And considering that they don't know anything means they won't ever understand anyways so what's the point of talking? 

Those were a few reasons why she became so closed off with the world. She became distant and she finds that  everything and everyone just doesn't care at all. It's like the world doesn't give a fuck about one because the world is busy and has its own problem to settle with. And being in a very corporate office environment where this kind of 'I don't give a fuck about you' feeling emanates from wasn't helping her at all. It's giving her more anxieties that she needed to be away from it. 

She doesn't know how or when it happened but she was able to absorb that feeling of not caring about anything in the world either. But that doesn't stop her brain from overthinking at all and that her heart was still fragile at every hurtful words thrown at her. 

"I am not, mom." Wendy answered with a poker face. 

"I don't know what to do with you anymore, Wendy. Do you want to go back to Canada?" 

That made the blonde lose it. "Mom, I told you I'm fine. If it's about money, I have enough to sustain myself. I won't get anything from you, dad or my sister, okay? And no, I won't go back to Canada with you." 

Her mother's flight going back to Canada was today. The Son family lived there. Her mother just visited Korea in order to work on some of their business branch here. She was sure that her mother wouldn't really care to visit her in her apartment, but not when she learned about her quitting her job. What made her curious about though, was how her mother got the news. Maybe through her private investigators always tailing her around? Who knows?

"Wendy, if you don't want to work your ass. Then just manage a few branches of our business here. That'll be easier for you." 

"Mom, please leave now or you won't be able to catch your flight. And seriously mom, please let me decide for my own life." 

"If I weren't in a hurry, I'll argue more about your future now. But we'll settle this later. Please Wendy, get a grip of your life. If you cannot follow your big sister's steps then do something in helping us in our family business."

And that ended their mother and daughter conversation. As usual, it didn't end well at all. Just like always.

--

Wendy went out of her apartment to go to the nearby cafe. She needed to be somewhere to cool her head. It's not like she hadn't argue with her mother before, but it's still really draining for Wendy to do so. As much as possible she wanted to refrain herself from answering disrespectfully to the elder. Even though bad things were occupying her mind now, the least she wanted was to hurt her family because of her own words. She's more than willing to just accept every judgmental words from her family than her spitting words to strike back. That's nowhere her personality.

As she goes out the apartment, like a de ja vu, Seulgi was about to go inside hers but this time without the spilling grocery bags.

"Oh. Hi, Wendy!" She smiled brightly, as expected. If Wendy did not recall what happened the other night with Seulgi's roommate then this second encounter wouldn't really have discomfort in the air.  Or was is just Wendy feeling that?

"Hey." She smiled back politely unsure of what else to say. Awkward.

"So, uh.. about the other night. I'm really sorry about that. It's just that my roommate is having a bad day and you know what happens to people when they had enough of things, right?" Seulgi was explaining to her and Wendy appreciated it. She could tell that the girl really wanted to be friends with her that she's trying to erase the bad memory from their first meeting. 

"Nah. It's okay. We all have bad days and bad roommates." She joked gaining a laughter from the other. 

"Where are you heading to right now?" 

"Just the nearby cafe. Wanna hang out?" Wendy hesitated but it's out of politeness, she needed to ask.

"Really?! That's great! I could finally see some other sight from this area!" Seulgi excitedly accepted the invitation but it kinda worried Wendy as she looked at her neighbor's door. Good thing, Seulgi caught her eyes and quickly answered. "Irene is not here but she'll be back by evening. Just her typical working shift."

Wendy sighed in relief.

 At the nearby cafe, Wendy ordered for green tea creme and Seulgi went for strawberry creme. They shared a slice of a red velvet cake since both insisted that they were not really hungry. 

"So what do you do for a living, Wendy?" Seulgi started the conversation while she bite some of the cake. 

"Well, I'm an architect but I just quit my office job last week.. so I'm more of a jobless bum now." Wendy said degrading herself. She's used to stab herself first with negative words before anyone can do so. She wasn't expecting anyone to say good things about her anyway.

Seulgi frowned. "You know, you shouldn't say such things to yourself. So what if you're out of office, you got a lot of time now for yourself. Don't you think that's something you should be enjoying?" 

Wendy studied the female across the table, not sure whether to take her comment seriously or she's just trying to be nice. 

"How about you? What do you do for a living?" 

"I'm an accountant. I'm just on leave today to finish a few things in my apartment. But my hobby is dancing! I really really love dancing." Seulgi responded with so much enthusiasm as she opened up about her hobby. It appeared that she wanted to talk more about her hobby than her boring job. "How about you? Any hobbies you do?"

"Well.." She hesitated, her cheeks forming a tint of red. "I sing."

"Whoah! Really?! Now that's what I'm talking about! I knew you're hiding something great about you!" 

Wendy did not expect that reaction but somehow, it made her really genuinely happy. She really likes singing, when she was in Canada studying she was really active in any music organizations and competitions. But when she started living on her own in Korea and work, she pushed the hobby behind. 

"I should request for you to sing for me the next time I invite you to my apartment." Seulgi smiled but when she saw Wendy's discomfort of the sudden invitation, she already knew what the blonde was thinking.

"You shouldn't be scared of Irene. I swear, she's really a nice person. It's just that, lately she has a lot on her plate that put her in a bad mood."

"Just like the other night?" 

"Yep. Just like that one." 

Then there was silence. For the first time Wendy was able to catch Seulgi's bright countenance turned into a distressed one. It suddenly felt like she zoned out after bringing the topic about that night.

"Uhm.. Seulgi, is everything okay?" Wendy tapped the other's hand bringing her back to reality.

Seulgi put her right elbow on the table with her palm placed on her cheek, she looked at Wendy. It made the blonde a bit confused but just waited for Seulgi to speak her mind first.

"Say, Wendy. Can you help me out?" 

Wendy gulped, unsure where this sudden favor will be directed. But since she was curious and a bit worried for her new friend, she accepted.

"S-sure."

"I'll be away for a week due to our team building." Seulgi started but somehow, for the first time she's hesitating. She sighed before continuing. "I'm really worried about my friend, Irene. She's not in a good health condition, mentally and emotionally lately. So.. I was wondering..." She looked at Wendy a bit apologetic.  "Can you look out for her while I'm away in a week?"

Wendy choked herself from her drink. Seulgi wants her to what? Take care of Irene for a week? She really wanted to act nice for her new friend by helping her out, but imagining herself to stay in contact with the woman that she decided to avoid due to their bad encounter that night was a bit too much. She wanted to decline right away.

"Uhm Seulgi, I'm sorry but--" before she even finished her disapproval, Seulgi pleaded this time.

"Wendy, I really am going to be grateful to you if you'll help me out on this. I know that we just got acquainted recently and that our bond is nowhere deep yet, but I really need your help. Please?" 

The way Seulgi pleaded to her was a bit worrying. Anyone can tell how desperate she was all of a sudden for her dear friend. Irene must be really important to this person. But why is she giving so much reaction over her like that anyway? Is she sick, dying or what? Wendy needs to know more.

"Just by looking at you, it seemed like Irene is not in a really good state. Why don't you ask help from a doctor, or tell her parents or advise some other closer friend that surely knows and care for Irene? And not me, who you just met recently. I'm a complete stranger, especially to your friend since we haven't really gotten acquainted properly at all." 

Seulgi sighed. She knows very well that she's being pushy now to Wendy. Of course, the other would think and feel like that but she doesn't know what to do. She can't say no to their team building since she already skipped that from last year and her team leader was very adamant when he says that he'll become disappointed to anyone who will skip the team building. But Irene's well being is important to her as well. She felt clueless what to do, and she's crying. 

"Oh my, I'm such a mess. I can't believe I'm crying in front of you now."

Seeing Seulgi with tears escaping her eyes caught Wendy off guard. She panicked and looked at the other customers around them if they were looking. Thank goodness that they minded their own business, she doesn't want to look like someone who made a girl cry anyway.

"Hey, calm down Seulgi. It's alright. I don't know what's happening really but calm down first and let's talk about it, okay?"  She reached out for the other girl's free hand to grasp. She waited patiently for the female to calm her nerves and gather her composure to speak again.

"Irene is pregnant."

Wendy does not know how it all happened at once to her. But these sudden revelations from her new acquainted person just made her want to faint. Seriously, she does not know how to sink that inside her brain. "S-she's what?!"

"I should not be telling this to anyone. But I know I could trust you right? I mean with the world where we're living, it's better to trust someone who you just met recently than those ones who knows you really well from the start. Do you agree with me?" 

"Yeah, I know what you are talking about with all the judgment and stuff, but seriously like I said before, you should really choose people who you talk with." Wendy wanted her companion to calm down but processing all that's happening in front of her just made it impossible. How can this female trust her all so suddenly? How is she going to react on that anyway? Can she just run away?

"I understand what you are saying. But we're new in this place and we do not know anyone except you, our neighbor. Also, this news is not something we can really talk about inside our circle of friends. And it's impossible to open that news to her parents as well, coz surely they won't take the news very well considering how conservative Irene's parents were." She paused for a while and looked at Wendy as if telling her that everything she blurted out are all confidential and can only be for her information only. "And please don't ask about the father of the baby. He's an asshole." She fumed.

As much as Wendy wanted to learn more about this, she respected the privacy and the confidentiality of the situation. Besides, she could already feel how Seulgi was having a hard time to really tell all these things to her. She wasn't doing this to get sympathy, but she wanted to genuinely let Wendy know how much she really needed a hand on this. To Wendy, Seulgi was a very kind person who's willing to do anything for someone special but the gravity of the information she's carrying with Irene was something very massive. And considering how complicated the situation was, she understood now why Seulgi was risking like this to someone she just met. Seulgi was in need of a real help for her dear friend, and she decided to reach out to Wendy.

"Okay. I promise I won't tell anyone about this. Your secret is safe with me." Wendy reassured to which made Seulgi smile out of gratefulness. "And I'll help you. I won't ask anything further about this information but at least tell me how many weeks or months has it been? And how critical is Irene?" She gulped unsure whether what she's doing was the right thing at all.

"She's 2 weeks pregnant. She just found out the day after that night you saw her fuming over the phone." Wendy can only look at the other girl as if carefully absorbing everything not wanting to over react that may lead to misunderstanding. She doesn't wanted to easily judge something as complicated as this.

"The thing is, Irene is unsure whether she wanted the baby or not." Seulgi sighed and made Wendy stand up after hearing that. 

"What?!"

"Hey now it's your turn to calm down and sit back." 

Wendy obeyed. She felt like wanting to slap herself mentally. Just earlier she said she did not want to over react and here she was.

"Sorry." She cleared her throat.

"So.. like I said earlier. The reason why I told you that she's not in a perfect health, mentally and emotionally is because of that. She's still unsure whether she wanted the baby or not. Especially that the asshole father made it clear that he does not want the baby at all."

"That's a real asshole. Damn it." 

"I know right?"

"So what should we do?" 

"What I'm doing recently is persuading Irene NOT to do abortion. I'm explaining that it might traumatize her and that I'll just always be here for her. Just telling her that we'll be in this together and that I'll help her out no matter what. Somehow it all works fine since it's now 2 weeks but I'm still worried. I cannot leave her alone all by herself."

"And what am I going to do? It's impossible for me to do those things while you're gone. We do not even know each other."

"I'll do the persuading. All I want from you is to look out for her, just check out whether she's fine or still alive of course." Seulgi smiled as she clasped both of Wendy's hands to hers. Hey eyes were pleading at the same time showing gratefulness.

"O-okay. I'll see what I can do." Wendy finally agreeing. And when she thought her weeks would be boring following her resignation from her job, here she was doing something out of the ordinary. Helping out a neighbor. She wonders what will become the outcome of this. But all her doubts and anxiety went away as she looked at Seulgi back with a bright smile as she genuinely show her gratitude.

"Thank you, Wendy."

One Thing Right Chapter 1 | WenRene

 

One Thing Right

Chapter 1

"Encounter"

"Wendy, the team will definitely miss you. Do you really have to go?" Her colleague asked. Wendy actually didn't know if she'll respond to that question when the answer was already obvious. If that question was inquired on an earlier time, then she might have taken that seriously but today was her last day in the office. Even if the inquiry was inappropriate due to timing, she just shrug it off and still responded as she knew that her colleague was trying or probably pretending to care about her existence in their team. 

"Yeah. I just have other plans now." She lied. There were no other plans. After she passed her resignation letter to her boss, there were no plans. She didn't think ahead of her, all she knew was she's desperate to quit. Her mind just cannot handle things as they were recently. She feels like she's going crazy. Well, she's definitely crazy because if it was someone with the right mind, he/she would have  find a new job first before actually quitting their current one for the sake of consistent income to feed themselves. 

Is Wendy going to starve then? Nope, she did save quite enough to sustain her for a few months. Maybe after those months, yes.

"Well, that's sad to hear but good luck on your new journey." If it was Wendy's first time quitting a job, she'll probably appreciate the thought but it wasn't. She had heard several versions of that 'good luck' many times so it's really quite hard for her to sink that in. 

"Thanks." She ended their short and plain conversation. This type of talk was the only thing she had entertain the whole day until she found herself sitting in a bar with a beer on hand. She had agreed to her colleagues' invitation to have some drinks together before she goes. Out of politeness, she did. Might as well enjoy the night, it's better to have some company than none anyway. 

Wendy did not really thought well of this gathering of her teammates for her departure, she already dreaded the idea long before her last day. But it was really inevitable since this world truly is full of extroverts and just party enthusiasts. However, despite her judgment of all the things and people around her, she just find herself actually enjoying the night. All thanks to the best company at such events, beer. Just a bottle or two is enough to awaken the talkative side of her and probably 3 or more for a wilder version of herself to come out. And she just knew that she'll stick with the latter. 

"Alcohol is the best! Yeah!!!" She screamed in a spur of excitement earning a louder cheer from her colleagues. "This night is not bad at all" She thought to herself, grinning.

The next morning in her apartment...

"Damn it! I should have not drank too much." Wendy said out loud talking to herself as she vomits the last drop of alcohol and dinner she had last night. She then went to the fridge to get some water to freshen her now empty stomach. She felt like throwing up again, and she did. 

It was an awful Thursday morning and the fact that she has nothing to do for the rest of the day, and probably for the rest of the upcoming weeks, just made it even worst. Not only her stomach was feeling awful but her mind was regaining some strength to overthink again. Why did she even chose Wednesday as her last day? As she recalls, she didn't really mind whatever day of the week her last day would land. She just want out. 

She sighed to herself. Now she has to pay the consequences of her carelessness by sucking up the obvious fact that she is now jobless and by definition of the society for the likes of her, she's worthless. 

Wendy was supposed to be happy now that she's free from stress, from any anxiety that her previous work made her suffer right? The silence then was broken by her sudden laugh. It sounded like a laugh mocking herself. "And when I thought it's going to end." She said to herself. She was talking about the train of negative thoughts coming in her mind out of nowhere. It's these kinds of thoughts that take away all her energy and motivation for the rest of the day. Now, Wendy does not want to do anything but sleep. And she did. 

She opened her eyes only to see a small light from her bedroom's window. It's already night time. She slept through out the day and it felt like it was never enough so she wanted to sleep again due to this darkness and pure silence. Wendy was about to do so, when she heard her stomach growl in hunger. That was her cue to forcefully pull herself out of the bed and get something to eat. 

She took the shower first and head out to get something to eat. When she went outside, a loud thud startled her. Her neighbor slipped her grocery bags on the floor as well as her keys. Wendy went straight to help her out. She doesn't normally do such things like helping out anyone out of nowhere, but she did today. It was weird. 

"Are you alright?" Wendy said as she picked the fruits that were scattered on the floor. She managed to peek at the corner of her eye the lady who's like having the hardest time of her life and started spilling more of her grocery items.

"Oh my god! Sorry and thanks for helping me out!" Her neighbor said apologetically and grateful at the same time. 

"Oh no, it's okay. You should stop panicking so you won't spill more." Wendy said as a matter of fact.

"Ah yes. Sorry." 

They both picked the last items and settle everythinf back in the grocery bags. The new female before Wendy smiled so brightly this time as she says her thanks to the blonde girl.

"Hey blondie, my name is Seulgi. Thanks for helping me out. I'm your new neighbor by the way." Seulgi said overly-friendly to Wendy's judgment. But Wendy shrugged the awkwardness and took Seulgi's hand. Wait, what did she call her? Blondie?

"I'm Wendy. And no problem." She said straight forward. Her neighbor left her a very annoying first impression anyway, calling her blondie. So she'll leave this weirdo now. She feigned a smile and waved a little to end their conversation right away. She also need to grab something to eat now or else she won't get out from this bad mood she's currently in.

To Wendy's surprise, a hand stopped her from leaving. 

"Uh. Have you eaten dinner? I'm about to cook something, do you want to eat with me?" Seulgi offered. Wendy's eyebrow raised and her mouth fully agape. 

"What's with this girl?" Wendy thought to herself, totally flabbergasted.

And when Wendy thought she was introvert enough to do not engage herself with any stranger, she have to think twice. Or maybe there really was something weird about this new neighbor of hers that made her do something out of her usual acts. Hypnosis, was that really real? Whatever witchcraft Seulgi did, she knew that it's too late now to get out as she's stuck sitting in front of the counter where her neighbor was cooking dinner inside her apartment room. 

"Uhm.." Wendy awkwardly started. To be honest, she does not know what to say in this kind of situation because she has no experience like this before. 

Her overly friendly neighbor yet again casted a super bright smile to which Wendy defined as too much. 

"Please make yourself comfortable. Do you want something to drink? Here, let me give you some juice." Seulgi happily served her guest some juice from the fridge. She's humming a melody that Wendy was not familiar with but she's sure that Seulgi was enjoying herself right now. 

"So, Wendy. How long have you been staying in this apartment building?" 

"Uhh.. around 11 years or so.."

"What?! You've been that long here?" 

Wendy was startled by the reaction she got. What made her even more stunned was the fact that Seulgi was asking her some questions that felt like a little too private for their first meeting. 

"Uhmm.. yeah.."

"I thought this apartment building is new. Perhaps they really just maintained it really well. I'm quite impressed." 

Wendy watches Seulgi in amusement like how she actually looked really innocent while she speaks. That somehow made her relieved. It felt like she's just talking to someone that's really curious. She was stopped in her trance when Seulgi made her way back to cooking.

Wendy then took the opportunity to perceive the place she's currently in. The apartment room was just a mirrored version of her room. There are also 2 bedrooms, one bathroom, shared dining & living room and a kitchen with a nook. Both apartment having a very elegant interiors as well, they just differ on the furnishing.

Seulgi then went to the nook and happily served both plates with some curry rice. It really smelled so good. Wendy's stomach was about to growl yet again but she just drank the juice in one shot to prevent it from happening. 

"Wow, you're that thirsty huh?" Seulgi laughed, her eyes shaped into crescent. 

"Yeah, but I'm actually hungry now more than thirsty." 

"Well then. Go ahead, let's eat!" 

"Wow! This is really good! Like the authentic Japanese curry!" Wendy said praising the other girl's masterpiece which gained a shy laugh. 

"Thanks! It's all thanks to the curry powder that I bought from the grocery. Hey, thanks for helping me out again. This dinner is my way to say thank you and probably to get to know my neighbor since it's my first day staying here today." She smiled as she bite another curry rice into her mouth. 

Right there, Wendy felt a bit guilty how she judged the girl before her. Of course, the girl invited her for dinner because she felt grateful towards helping her out. Not because of malicious intent or anything. How could she even think of such things. It really isn't nice to go outside with an empty stomach.

"It's no problem, really. It was actually unusual for me to help out a stranger out of nowhere but I did earlier, so maybe this dinner was really bound to happen." Wendy said finally able to speak with sense. She found Seulgi really nice now that her stomach was full. Foods are always great mood shifter. 

"Really? Wow, that's nice to hear. Looking at you earlier with a bored face, I thought I weirded you out. Now I'm glad that's not the case, right? Coz I really want to gain some friends around here." Seulgi yet again showed her genuine eye smile to the blonde girl. 

"Well, to be honest, I thought you were really weird for asking a stranger inside your home." Wendy replied and both of them shared a friendly laugh. It was a nice and light atmosphere and Wendy's really starting to enjoy her company.

"But next time, in all seriousness, you shouldn't let any strangers in to your home. That's not safe at all considering you're new here. You'll never know who are the bad guys or gals." Wendy explaining as if parenting a little child. Seulgi on the other hand, listened attentively and promised to never do that again next time.

"Anyways, I'm really glad and thankful that you're not one of those bad guys. And really, just seeing you earlier doesn't really gave off such a bad vibe. Reason why I invited you right away. You looked really nice and kind." 

"Now that I think about it, you really felt familiar too. Somehow felt like a mother or a relative." 

They shared yet another laugh as if they were really good friends now in their first meeting, blurting out something nice to say to the other. It's too early to conclude everything, but one thing Wendy and Seulgi was sure about was that they enjoyed this night with each other's company. 

However, their peaceful dinner halted when a certain woman barged into Seulgi's apartment. 

"Seriously! You're repeating everything again and again!!! What are your apologies for? For you to repeat all your stupid shits?! I'm so done with you!!!" The fuming woman who was about the same height as Wendy screamed at the top of her lungs to whoever she's talking on the phone. And due to the immense amount of anger radiating from that woman, it's already expected to see that she threw her phone flat on the floor. It scared the hell out of Wendy witnessing that.

Seulgi recognizing the new woman in her apartment, walked towards her to try and calm her down. 

Wendy looked away from the scene, afraid that she might trigger the new woman to get even angrier. She then set her foot on the ground and started walking towards the door to exit this mess. "Uh Seulgi, I'll go now. T-thanks for the dinner." She stammered. 

"Who the fuck is she, Seul?" The woman asked without looking. Still trying to calm her nerves. 

"It's Wendy. She's our neighbor that I invited for dinner. Anyways, enough of that. Let's go to your room now and calm yourself first, Irene." Seulgi said as calm as possible. She was being careful not to put more fuel to the fire. She already encountered this several times before and she's beginning to get used to it, but her new friend she got acquainted today was not. So she looked at Wendy who was still stunned next to the main door and signaled her to leave. Seulgi was kind enough also to mouth sorry for the sudden shock she experienced tonight. 

Wendy went out and once she shut the door closed, she sighed out of nervousness, "What the fuck just happened?"