One Thing Right Chapter 8 | Wenrene

 

One Thing Right

Chapter 8

"The Promise"

Joy was talking nonstop since Seulgi invited her inside the unit. Joy swiftly entered before Irene could even react and so they did not have a choice but to listen to her blabbing. Who would have expected that there is someone as talkative as Joy in the first meeting?

Sure, Irene had met Joy before but it was more like a short idol-fan encounter with all the greetings and signing but it’s not enough background for someone to speak to them spontaneously. Irene and Seulgi can’t help but exchange looks and wonder what is this girl’s motive other than giving them the cakes.

“Uhm… Are you sure Wendy baked these cupcakes for us?” Seulgi finally interrupted. She honestly can’t relate to the topic that Joy’s talking about so might as well ask something that’s been boggling her mind the past days.

“Of course! Why would I lie about that?” Joy said still wearing a smile on her face.

“But…Wendy’s outright avoiding me.”

“Avoiding you? How?”

“I tried to reconnect with her via calls and messages but none of them were answered. I approached her several times in person too but she always ran away whenever she spots me nearing her.” Seulgi said dejectedly.

Irene noticed how Wendy’s sudden change of behavior towards them really affected Seulgi. Not that she really cared about Wendy avoiding her, after all the way she has treated her the past week they got to meet, but why does she need to involve Seulgi in their feud? She is innocent.

“Seulgi unnie, Wendy unnie’s the type of person that doesn’t use her phone regularly. Even me as her cousin, I don’t get response to my calls and messages. I have to always fly all the way from Jeju-do to here and slam her door open just to catch up with her.” Joy said as a matter-of-fact and it somehow made Seulgi relieved, but doubt remains.

“It’s okay though, if she doesn’t want to befriend me anymore. I feel like I’m at fault for pressing on a favor to her even when we just got acquainted recently. But still, I want to thank her and say sorry in person even for the last time.”

Joy understood now why Wendy decided to do the favor, it’s because she could tell that Seulgi’s really a good person.

“Why would she not want to befriend someone adorable as you?”

Irene then snap a judging look at Joy. That escalated differently from their original subject.

“Ah… are you hitting on me?” Seulgi’s smile slowly reappearing to her face and Irene’s relieved witnessing that.

“I’d love to but I’m already taken. Sorry, unnie.” Joy played along.

“Aw. Now that really hurts.”

Then the shared a laughter. Watching the two of them, it felt like another friendship is yet to bloom. Irene’s happy whenever her friend Seulgi is happy. Irene somehow wanted to thank Joy for that but she isn’t the type of person to outright say that she's grateful for her.

“Here’s another cupcake for you.” Irene offered to Joy.

“Eh? But I already ate one when it’s really for you guys.”

“Just to make sure there’s no poison in it.”

Joy was confused and Irene still wears her straight face but her intention was unmatched. Seulgi’s laughter became louder because she could read everything in front of her so clearly.

“Joy, if I were you I’ll just take it.” Seulgi finally commented.

“Okay. Thanks unnie.”

They continue munching the cakes and everyone is enjoying it.

“Tell Wendy, thanks for the cupcakes, they are really delicious!”

“Why don’t you tell that herself, Seulgi unnie?”

“Can I really?”

“Yeah. Like I said, just slam her door open.”

“That’s really weird, you know.”

“Honestly, I don’t really get it why you haven’t done that yet. I mean, if you really don’t want your young friendship to end with her then do something about it. That unnie’s not going to approach you even if you wish for it. That’s just her personality; she’d rather isolate herself away from everyone if they gave up on her.”

The mood abruptly changed and Irene noticed it too. If she’ll think about it, there really is something mysterious about Wendy that she can’t erase from her mind. She wanted to ask further but she’s also scared.

“Is Wendy okay?”

Joy realized she went too far in talking when she heard Seulgi.

“She’s fine.”

“I should call her, right?”

“I’ve said it and you experienced it already, she isn’t picking up calls. Unless you're one of her parents.”

“Of course. Family should be respected after all.”

“Respect is earned not gained. That should be applied even in the family.”

These continues remarks from Joy really are concerning.

“Hey, is there a problem?” Seulgi consoled her.

“What are you saying? I’m just stating facts, unnie!” Joy laughed it off as if there’s no bearing to her words which made the two exchange looks again. “Anyways, why do you think Wendy’s avoiding you two?” Joy changed the topic right away.

“Huh? Uhm.. well.. Like I said, I’ve asked her to do a favor.” Seulgi doesn’t have the heart to say it straight but she knows Irene’s actions were huge factors in contributing to it especially when she learned about that night when Irene got drunk and ended up in a heated argument with Wendy.

“You’re treating her low for a friend if that’s what you think.” Joy said. “There must be something else.” She’s yet again feigning ignorance.

Seulgi and Irene were wondering if Joy really don’t know the details but they’ve decided not to speak a word about it anymore.

“Uhm.. yeah. We can’t think of anything else, right unnie?” She then turned her head to the latter earning a nod.

“I see. I just thought that if by chance you made her angry then I’d say it’s only proper to apologize and by then she’ll be fine. She’s really that kind you know, no matter how awful people had done to her, just an apology always makes her feel alright.”

Irene realized how Joy wanted to direct that to her in a peaceful manner and this just solves their question as to what’s this girl’s main purpose for being here. Of course, she has to know something. Joy’s been living with Wendy lately and their both cousins too, there must be no secrets between them. But despite Joy not having mean intentions, Irene can’t help but to return her walls back to its place, an initial reaction to protect herself. She can’t help but get disappointed in Wendy too, for telling about her, despite knowing that Joy adores her. Now after knowing the truth, Irene can’t help but think how Joy’s seeing her now.

“Up to what extent do you know about us? What did Wendy told you?” Seulgi immediately asked, halting Irene from exploding with her mixed up emotions. She knows that it's still too dangerous for Irene to comment on this without resolving her emotions first. Irene would surely spit out hurtful words. 

“Just the favor you asked to Wendy unnie and that she got into a heated argument with Irene unnie.” Joy said truthfully.

“Can you elaborate?” Seulgi has to make sure.

“Eh? Uhm… That you have to live away for a week due to mandatory company outing but you can’t leave Irene because she’s not feeling well so you asked Wendy unnie a favor. As for the argument, I don’t really know the context. Wendy unnie just told me you two don’t get along well due to that argument.”

“Oh.” Seulgi replied and she immediately looked at Irene who somehow can’t believe Joy’s revelation. They both felt relieved and honestly, Seulgi can’t help but get satisfied because indeed she picked a right person to be her friend in this neighborhood.

“What’s with your reaction? Is there something else I don’t know that’s important?!” Joy is frustrated; she really hates being left out in a conversation. She tried to make Seulgi spill but the latter was just laughing and denying that there was something more.

Irene on the other hand was zoning out. She felt bad for judging Wendy too quickly. Perhaps it's about time to go and apologize to her. 

---

“Where were you?” Wendy greeted Joy by the door.

“I told you I went out to meet some friends and gave the cupcakes you baked.” Joy then examined her cousin from head to toe. “What’s with the shades? And why dressed up? Going somewhere?”

“Oh. I am meeting a client. I left some money on top of the fridge. Go get us some food and cook too, I won’t be back till later tonight.”

“On a Saturday? And I thought you’re taking a break from working? When have you decided to resume?” Joy throw multiple questions as she found it weird. Wendy is hiding something from her, she is sure of it.

“I really have to go now, Joy. My client’s waiting.” Wendy did not bother to respond on Joy’s inquiries before she dashed out.

---

"Mom, you called?" She called back her mother after discovering her missed call after 3 hours. Wendy was busy baking and tidying up the kitchen after. 

"Have you decided about taking over our business there in Seoul?" It always has been like this. No greetings nor inquiries how she has been. 

"Not that again, mom. I told you already, I don't want to do it." 

"And what are you going to do with your life now? You don't want to practice what you studied and you don't even want to take over the business, don't you have a dream for yourself?"

It's the same topic all over again that never fails to bring pain to Wendy's being. 

"I just want to find my happiness mom." 

"It's that thing you called happiness is what's wrecking your life. You'll be happy when you're all successful Wendy, but you're throwing all the opportunities that were given to you."

But was it really the happiness she's looking for?

Is success meant only for money and power?

"You don't understand mom." 

"You need to grow up now, Wendy or you'll be left out. Stop walking away from your responsibilities."

Then there was silence. Wendy doesn't know how to respond to that at all. Why are they treating her as if she's really walking away from responsibilities when she just wanted a time for herself? It's her first time to seek some rest because everything's getting too much on her. The pressure and stress she's feeling lately were already eating her alive to even function as a person but they just don't understand. 

Does she really have to conform to what everyone's doing and achieving in order to be called responsible and successful? Is it the sole standard in living a life?

"We're tired making up excuses to our relatives where you've been while your sister and cousins are living their dreams." 

"Then don't make up excuses for me. I never asked you to do that, they can do whatever the hell they want with their lives and I'll do the same with my life!" Wendy finally snapped. She really can't take it anymore. Her heart is bleeding and she can only take away so little from this enormous pain by crying. She has never been so desperate to end it all quickly until now that she's triggered yet again by her mom. 

The society is already too much for her and she has no safe place where she could peacefully rest nor recharge from. Family was the same as everybody else for Wendy, they are all too much for her. 

"Do you hear yourself speak? You don't even have plans for yourself. How can we just let you be when you are our daughter?"

"Am I really your daughter? Because I don't feel like it. All I ever was to you was a doll that you wanted to dress up and control so you can brag about others! Don't you care about how I feel anymore?" 

"How dare you talk to your mother like that! You don't have anything to prove us to yet and you're so full of yourself! Do you really think you could go far like that? You still need us Wendy and that's what we'll continue to do so as your parents!" 

"Stop controlling me! Stop making me feel like I don't have a choice nor time left to achieve whatever I wanted in my life. Please, mom, for once listen to me." She pleaded once again and Wendy felt like the pain from her chest escalated to her head. The pain was like as if someone's squeezing it.

"Go back to Canada before we even drag you out in Seoul!" 

The call ended like that and so she breakdown. Wendy curled up on her bed while crying the hardest she could so she could tire out herself and finally sleep away from this cruel life.

ERIC NAM

Psychiatrist

Wendy stared at the name plate on the table for a few minutes before the doctor repeated his question.

"Wendy, you're still with me?" He softly asked. 

One thing she liked about visiting her physician is their soft calming voice. It feels like they are lulling her to sleep. It's only her second visit to this hospital, and the doctor's reading and explaining his diagnosis of her. Wendy's suffering from a Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia),  a continuous long-term (chronic) depression. This type of depression lasts for years and is significantly affecting someone's way of living, be it at work, relationships or even in daily activities.

Wendy was no longer surprised to be diagnosed with depression. The actual thing that really surprised her all this while is where she found the courage to actually seek help for a professional. Maybe it's one of those spur of the moment, that she felt high and well that made her do it but after she went back home she no longer wanted to continue it. 

It's her mother's call that pushed her to come back as scheduled here, because right after the call and waking up from her sleep she got scared of the fact that she's ended up with so many suicidal thoughts than usual. 

"I'm prescribing you these anti-depressants and urges you to undergo therapy sessions." The doctor continued.

Wendy scoffed. She thought she's jobless and yet she has to pay for her medication. It's not that she cannot afford it, she has a wealth of her own, it's just that she pity herself for becoming like this. She guessed it's the price she has to pay for conforming to what others had set for her in her life even if she doesn't want too. 

"Will it work out if I take the therapy?"

"Of course! Depression could be treated, Wendy. It's not a dead end. You're stronger than you think you are, I believe you can battle it out. We will help you." Eric assured her.

"Is it necessary? The therapy?"

"Yes. Even if you have someone to talk to from where you're living, it's still different when talking to a mental health specialist. That way, we could monitor your behavior, thinking and improvements."

"Okay." Wendy then lowered her head and started playing with her fingers. She mumbles, "I don't have anyone, anyway."

The doctor continued writing his prescription acting like a real professional despite hearing her heartbreaking remarks.

"I just have one request, Eric."

The doctor has waited for this acknowledgement from her and he's relieved about it. "What is it, Wendy?"

Both Eric and Wendy knew each other way back in Canada. Although they were from a different batch in Richmond Hill High School, Eric in his senior year and Wendy's on her first year, they've crossed in the school's show choir. They have become great friends back then because they both shared a love for music and they both sing. But their connection stopped once Wendy went back to Seoul first.

"I'd like to have another physician or other professional fitted for my therapy sessions. Don't get me wrong, I trust your capabilities.. it's just that..."

"I understand. I was going to give you one even if you don't ask."

"R-really?"

"Yup. I understand that it's really hard to open up about your feelings and behavior to me since we know each other. Just you coming to me for diagnosis is enough proof that you trust me." Eric smiled reassuringly.

"But I'll still be your head physician, if you don't mind?"

"Yeah. That's fine with me. I just don't need to confess in front of you."

"Don't worry. All information will be treated confidential. Work is work."

"Glad to know."

"So who will be the one to assist you?"

"She's one of the best Psychologist here in our hospital, and I'm sure you'll feel at ease with her since she also loves singing." 

"Really? What's her name then?"

"It's Rose. Dr. Rose Park."

---

"Joy?" Wendy was surpised to see her cousin standing in front of their apartment building. It's already 11pm when she arrived. Wendy went to different places just so she could avoid being still with her mind. 

"Wendy!" She welcomed the girl with a warm embrace. "I was so worried about you! Where were you? Why won't you check your phone regularly? Didn't you see how many calls and messages I've sent you?" 

Wendy tried to breakfree from the tight hug but she stopped when she heard Joy started sobbing. 

"J-joy?! Are you crying?" 

"What do you think? I thought something happened to you already!" 

"I told you, I'll be late." 

Joy's the closest to Wendy, and she has known the girl like the back of her hand. She could always see through Wendy's smile and strong front, she knows that behind it lies a poor struggling soul that's barely living. That's why it's so impossible not to worry about her.

"You told me... there are no secrets between us. And yet... you're lying to me." 

Wendy realized how much Joy's crying immensely that she has difficulty in speaking. Joy was really worried about her and Wendy can't help but to breakdown. Why has she forgotten? She has Joy by her side all this while and she completely shut her out. Wendy was blinded by her depression that pushed away everyone including the only person that sincerely cared about her. 

"I'm diagnosed with depression, Joy. I'm broken." This time it's Wendy who bursted out crying. "I'm sorry I've shut you out. I'm just so scared that you'll see me differently. You're the only one I have now.. and I'm... I'm so scared that you'll... you will..." 

"Sshhh!!! Stop that nonsense and don't speak the word." Joy silenced her. "If there's one person you should not worry about leaving your side, it should be me. Even if the world starts crumbling, I'll choose to stay by your side. I will even sacrifice my boyfriend for you, because you're that much important to me, Wendy." She cried even more. 

"You don't have to do that." Wendy chuckled but tears were still flowing from her eyes.

"But I can do that for you. And so what if you're diagnosed with depression? It's not going to define who you are as a person! It's not a flaw or weakness of yours, it's a mental health disease that we need to fight. So you have to hang in there no matter what!" Joy can't imagine a life without Wendy, she loves her unnie so much.

"Promise me, Wendy unnie, you'll hang in there and I promise you I'll be with you all the way." 

"Thanks Joy."

"I don't need your thanks, I need you to promise me!" She whined impatiently.

"I promise."

That night was full of tears, they didn't care if they were outside where people could see. They can picture them out ugly crying but it doesn't matter, because what's more important is their feelings and appreciation towards each other. They want to express how much they are needed and wanted in their lives.

Disclaimer:

I'm not an expert when it comes to mental health concerns such as depression but I did my research before I write this update. But despite my research, experts may still find inadequate information so I am sorry about that. Please correct me if ever there's a grave mistake. Thanks in advance. 

Long List (A Sequel to Shameless Parents) | Wenrene

"Gugudan's Sejeong, Twice's Mina, Mamamoo's Solar, Blackpink's Rosè, Jennie.. wait.. Jennie?" Irene raised an eyebrow and looked at her girlfriend in disbelief. "Seriously? Rose and now Jennie? That's half of Blackpink you're hitting on!"

"They're only four in the group, Hyun." Wendy said trying to convey a point since Irene's stressing 'half' as if there were a lot of members in Blackpink but when she saw her girlfriend's glare became even more piercing, she regretted her attempt right away. What is she even trying to do? There's no way she could win with a jealous Bae Joohyun. She should be defending herself and deny all allegations and not adding more fuel to her anger. "I mean..H-hyun.. you know that list is made-up, right? And excuse me, but I never hit on anyone but you." She stammered first but regained firmness in her confession. 

Irene successfully hid her squealing self over Wendy's words as she remain poker faced. "Are you saying my source is unreliable?"

"Your source?" Wendy then eyed Yeri on the side, that face alone screams unreliable. Her killer eyes for Yeri were immediately interrupted when Irene slammed her hands on the table.

"Eyes on me." She demanded and Wendy obliged, her eyes soften. That's how the topic about Irene's source ended.

"Wow, I expected there will be a lot of people linked to you but I didn't know there's this much." Irene said as she examined the list once more.

"W-what? There's more?!" 

"Chungha."

"Oh come one, that was 4 years ago!" 

"So you remember?!!"

Oops.. Wendy realized she reacted wrongly... again. 

"W-well.. she guested on our radio program before.." She explained carefully with a submissive soft voice. 

"And you shamelessly flirted with her like you two were the only ones present! Unbelievable."

Wendy gulped. Why on earth is she in this kind of situation? She felt so betrayed by her other members for pulling a prank on her like this. They brought up that 'second lead' thing out of nowhere, they're too much into drama these days and they're a living proof that too much is really not good for anyone's well being. And out of all people in their dorm, Irene asked Yeri to give her a list of people that's linked to her. Yeri's not only into drama but into fanfics as well! Wendy's not even sure if Yeri's able to distinguish what's real and what's not anymore. 

“YAH! KIM YERIM! SEW YOUR OWN PLUSHIE!!!” Wendy finally loses it and screamed at the top of her lungs.

Wendy was about to dash out and ran after Yeri but she was stopped by a very calm yet still intimidating voice of Irene. She knew she cannot escape and she's completely doomed now when Irene's like this, it means serious business that needed to be attended quickly or she'll undergo cold treatment from her again. Whenever they fight, whether it's jealousy or just small understanding, Wendy always suffer a day of no kiss, touch or even conversational talk with her, heck they even go back to their own bedrooms to sleep alone and lonely in the night. Thankfully, they both can't withstand being away from each other, mostly Irene to Wendy, so they always end their fight after a day. They promised each other that they will no longer repeat that cold war they had in their past which lasted months. But still, a day of without Irene by her side will always be painful to her no matter what. She had experienced this before and she never wanted it to happen again. 

"Sit down Son Seungwan, we're not finished yet." 

Wendy's eyes sparkled when the thought of continuing their moment came to mind in response to Irene's demand but she knew it was too good to be true when she heard her call out for the other three members. 

"Kang Seulgi, Park Sooyoung, Kim Yerim, come over here." 

The three abided and sat down in front of Irene. Their faces were painted with different emotions but no remorse was detected. Seulgi was pretending she didn't know what she did wrong, Joy's head was lying low but her smirk shows a sign she's actually enjoying the situation, Yeri on the other hand was outright smiling.

Outsiders may ask why they are like this. Seulgi, Joy and Yeri's knew Wendy and Irene like the back of their hand, they could read them even if their words and actions are contradicting at times so they know if their teasing and jokes went overboard or not. In truthfulness, but they won't admit because it's too cheesy, they love and support Irene and Wendy's relationship since the very beginning and they oath that they will just let them be and do their own thing for their love to bloom more and grow stronger. 

However, just a week later, they all can't stand it anymore when the two started to get so disgusting in front of them. Their sweet and sour moments were defeating all the pairs in the history of Korean dramas. The group could take their hand holding, occasional glances, hugs and kisses in the early stage of their relationship but they all learned the hard and disgusting way that 'occasional' was actually an alien word to Wendy and Irene as their relationship progressed, they've bet that 'low-key' was never a word to them either. So they've decided that in order to save their career, the three started teasing the two to prevent their libido surfacing in public. Who knows what they can do? People who are in love are at their stupidest state, they're always in cloud 9, so they just can't trust them to be themselves alone at all. Wendy and Irene are their members as well as their parents after all, and they won't allow any embarrassment to their group slash family all because they've been exposed doing something sexual disgusting in the eyes of the public. Of course if ever they want to out themselves and their relationship, then they'll support 100%, but never in this kind of way. So even if they needed to tease them every time for them to get back to their senses then so be it. Before it was a hassle, but now it became a habit that even though they're in a private place like dorm, the three just can't stop ruining Wendy and Irene's moments. 

"Yeri, it's not proper that you just bring up people's names and linking them to Seungwan." Irene said which made everyone shocked. They thought they're going to hear some further interrogation regarding this matter but surprisingly she did not. 

"Unnie. We're just kidding, we just love teasing both of you so stop scolding Yeri." Joy explained.

"But your jokes aren't funny anymore. Your other jokes, I can tolerate, but not when it comes to linking Seungwan with everyone else. In case you have forgotten, I'm her girlfriend." Irene was still firm with her tone and her facial expression to look believable because this time, she's not going to let this pass. "What if your jokes will be the cause of our breakup?"

"B-break up?! What are you talking about, Joohyun unnie?" Wendy swiftly responded to that 'what if' question from Irene which just made the latter roll her eyes at the reaction. 

"I just said 'what if', right? I'm just giving out an example what could happen if they ever cross the line with their jokes." Irene defended.

"But that's not gonna happen, right?" Wendy looked at her with teary eyes and it's so difficult right now to mask a strong countenance in front of these kids when her girlfriend's like this. Irene has to stay firm in order to discipline these three, she must withstand a soft Wendy for now. So she ignored her painfully and focused on the three who are smiling like fools already. This is what she's saying... they never take them seriously.

"I'm not kidding." Irene said to the girls while Wendy gasped.

"Unnie. You're over reacting! If there's one person in this room right now that doesn't want the two of you to break up more than us, then it's you. So what you're saying is impossible." Yeri finally backlashed and then the other two fought back their smile from becoming wider.

That made Irene taken aback. It's true though, there's no way she's going to let go of Wendy no matter what but she won't admit that especially in front of these three. A real tsundere indeed. Meanwhile, Wendy was already blushing furiously. 

"Yeri, I'm the unnie here. Show me some respect." 

That made everyone freeze on their chair. Of course, nobody can argue on that and there's no way they could win with Irene if she raise her 'UNNIE' card. Only fools who doesn't value their lives would go against that unnie card in this group.

"I'm sorry, Irene unnie." Yeri lowered her head apologetically and so did Joy and Seulgi. 

Wendy looked at the three with pity and wanted to help them out but at this point Irene holds the authority over all of them.

"But Joohyun unnie, we just wanted to help you out so you know who to look out for when we're back at doing live stages again. You know, Wendy's really irresistible to both guys and gals so..." Seulgi wanted to salvage their teasing team but it got immediately dismissed by Irene in which Wendy was so thankful for. Why that heck is her 'chingu for life' doing anyways? Stabbing her back front? She can't believe it!

"Like I've said before, Seulgi, Joy and Yeri. Stop with this nonsense of bringing up names because it's not helping anyone of us. I trust Wendy, I will only believe what I see and feel and at this point my girlfriend's all loyal to me." She then looked at Wendy to her side all so lovingly. "Right?"

"Of course! There's no one else but you today, tomorrow and in the future!" Wendy said smoothly with a wink earning a blush from the older, while the other 3 just want to get out from this situation that they started.

"Okay! Okay! We're so sorry, Irene unnie. We're not going to tease you anymore with the second lead in your real life drama" Yeri apologizes again urgently wanting to get away. The other two desperately do the same thing.

"At least you all know your limits,  okay? Now, go back to your rooms and behave." 

The other 3 dispersed immediately but not before Yeri was asked out to do something for Irene. 

"What unnie?" Yeri looked at her unnie like she's seeing a crazy person. Her words really are so contradicting with her actions.

"I said... give me the list of people you know that could be Wendy's potential second lead."

Irene is really crazy but Wendy's crazier for her.

"So.. aren't you going to deny all these?" Irene spoke when she sees Wendy lost in her own world.

"I'm denying all of that from the start. You said you trusted me and yet..." She pouted. Sometimes, Irene could be tiring but she knows she just wanted attention and has no intention to damage their relationship at all. Thank goodness, Wendy's such a kind hearted and understanding person.

"Seungwan. I'm not reading this list because I have trust issues on you, I'm just doing this to see who these fans ship you with... so I could step up my game if I have really have to." 

"W-what do you mean?"

Irene sighed and further explained. "I want your fans to see me as the more fitting for you and no one else. I'm not insecure or jealous, that I'm sure because I have everything that your other women don't." 

After all, it's Irene's competitiveness kicking in, and Wendy couldn't understand why she would feel threatened. She won't ask that though, Irene would never admit she's threatened by other girls.

"O-other women?! There's no such thing! Are you sure you're not jealous?" Wendy teased.

"Why would I be? I'm the greatest woman of this generation." She said confidently with a smug look on her face which made Wendy scoffed. She liked it though, Irene with oozing confidence never fail to make her fall for her all over again.

"Yah! Don't judge me!" 

"I don't! I love your confidence.. it's sexy." Wendy scratched the back of her head, shy. Irene smirked.

"Pervert."

"What?! I'm not!"

"What I'm trying to say is.. I have everything... because I have you." Irene smiled at Wendy. It was a true confession that she rarely does. Having Wendy as her partner will forever be her greatest and loved treasure.

"Aw. I'm always accused greasy but you're way beyond my level, Hyun." Wendy was grinning like a fool at Irene's remarks. "I love you, Hyun. Seriously, you don't need to outdo anyone for me. You're perfect as you are, and I fell in love with you like that. Don't mind other people's preferences for me, I have my own mind and heart.. and they all say they choose you." She winked.

"Aish. You're always the winner on this." Irene then get up on her seat and transferred on Wendy's lap. She pecked her lips right away which left both of them in cloud 9. Butterflies in their stomach, there's no way they would fall out of love for each other in this lifetime. They wrapped each other in a warm embrace.

"I love you, Hyun." 

"I love you too. But..."

"But?"

"Taeyeon sunbaenim?!" 

"Huh?!" 

"Seriously?! I thought what you have is only sunbae-hoobae image to the fans?!"

"Y-you're still reading that list?!" Just when Wendy thought everything's over... she sighed... Irene's words really are contradicting to her actions at times. 

"And what's this? There are guys too?!" Irene fumed as she saw the names at the bottom part of the list.

"Aish! Kim Yerim's really out of her mind!!"

Achoo!

"You okay?" Seulgi asked Yeri who just sneezed while they were playing games in Seulgi's room.

"Will you close your mouth when sneezing? It's really not safe even at home. My gosh! This is so unhygienic." Joy scolded while she sprayed the room with air freshener. 

"Why do I feel like my life's being threatened? Should I transfer to another dorm?" Yeri said.

"KIM YERIM!!!"

They heard her name called out by Wendy and Irene.

"I think you should." Seulgi replied with fear of getting involved.

"Don't worry! We'll help you pack!" Joy added.

"You traitors!" Yeri concluded.

Shameless Parents | Wenrene

 "Seungwan sign this.” Irene dropped the Reve Festival Finale album and marker in front of Wendy who just successfully inserted a thread to the needle.

“Ah! Finally!” She smiled cheerfully after she spent some time struggling then greets Irene. “Hi, Unnie!”

Irene sat on the carpeted floor in front of Wendy and looked at her with confusion. She watched the younger girl set aside her sewing materials carefully and attended to the album in front of her.

“Oh, is this the one our manager asked about in our group chat last night? For his close friend?” She then proceeded signing the album even without earning a response from Irene yet.

“Yes it is.” She sighed at her swift action. “Seriously, can you wait for my response before doing something? What if I said no?”

Wendy chuckled when she heard how grumpy Irene sounded, she then set aside the album after she finished signing.

“But you asked me to, so I signed it whether this is the one or not.” Wendy grinned goofily which finally earned a smile from the Irene. “Ah! That’s more like it! Unnie should always smile, you’re more beautiful when smiling.

Irene chuckled, she really is a mess when it comes to a greasy Seungwan.

“What are you sewing anyways?” Irene asked when Wendy turned to her sewing materials to get her job started.

“Yeri said her favorite plushie got a small hole so I’m sewing it before it becomes bigger.”

“Did she asked you to do it?”

“Nope. I presented myself, I like helping.”

“Aish. You’re at it again, spoiling Yeri. She’s a big girl now so you should have made her do it herself.” She said a bit annoyed. Wendy is always so caring and attentive to them that she tends even to their belongings. She's grateful and appreciative of that but sometimes the younger members are taking advantage of her Wendy too much.

“Ah, Unnie sounds like a wife.” Wendy remarked while eyes still on the plushie.

Irene rolled her eyes, she has heard a lot of jokes from her members regarding her age whenever she scolds them but she at least expects Wendy’s joke to be correct, right? What's with wife?

“You mean like a mom?” She corrected.

“Nope. Wife.” Wendy then strayed her eyes away from what she’s doing and looked at Irene with a greasy smile. “My wife.” She winks.

Irene stared at her shortly, fighting back a smile from forming on her face but she miserably failed. She always wanted to show her mature side to her but this highschool girl-like person inside her squealing over her crush always win. Irene came to like.. no... she came to love Wendy’s greasiness and smooth talking over time, she’s just a fool for her. Everything Wendy does makes Irene's heart flutter.

“Aish! Stop it Son Seungwan!”

Wendy chuckled victoriously after Irene blushed furiously, a reaction she feels fulfilled whenever she sees it from her tsundere girlfriend.

“But you like it, Joohyun unnie.”

“You and your greasy ways. Seriously, I’ll be happier if you'll only do that to me.”

“Eh? What do you mean?” Wendy gulped, she feels like she already knows what she’ll bring up.

“Did you really expect I don't know what you’ve been saying to our Luvies on bubble all this time?” Irene said it so calmly that Wendy can't read her real emotions. This is the situation Wendy's most afraid of in the world right now.

“What? I don’t know.” Wendy focused on sewing right after that. She’s feigning ignorance, but it’s better to act this way than to fully accept the consequences of her girlfriend’s jealousy and grudge. It’s not like she really wanted to be greasy to everyone though, it’s just that it already became natural to her. “I really should tone down this habit or I’ll be dead for sure before we reach the altar for our marriage.” She thought nervously to herself.

“Tch. Look at you lying to me when the evidences are out there on the internet!!” She stood up slamming both of her hands on the table making Wendy startled and accidentally pierced the needle to her finger.”

“AH!!” She screamed painfully.

“Oh no! Seungwan-ah! I’m sorry!” Irene’s soft side came out again and rushed to her girlfriend’s side, tending immediately to her bruised finger. She was about to put the finger in her mouth and suck the blood but Wendy stopped her right away.

“Uhm… unnie, you know that won’t help right? And it won’t be hygienic too, we have viruses everywhere. So please, don’t!” Wendy reminded her.

“Oh, sorry. Wait here, I’ll go take the first aid kit.”

“It’s not really something to be worried about though. It’s just a tiny bruise…a dot even.” Wendy then realized that she actually needed Irene’s time away to think of excuses. “…o-okay then, if you really insists. Take your time!"

“Seriously Seungwan-ah, whatever happens to you is my responsibility. You’re mine so I don’t want you getting hurt or it’ll hurt me too. I'm such an awful girlfriend, I hurt you of all people.” Irene was having her drama scene and continuously talked to Wendy while she was rummaging through her drawers in her bedroom, she was the keeper of the first aid kit for the entire group anyways. Wendy on the other hand was left in the living area and was too focused on her own mind to hear Irene. Wendy's currently using the best capacity of her brain to find an excuse before Irene comes back.

It only took a few minutes before Irene came back to Wendy’s side who’s looking pale and sweating hard now.

“Seungwan, does it hurt that bad for a needle? Why are you so pale? Should we go to the hospital? I’m so sorry, it’s all my fault.” Irene was already becoming teary eyed which made the latter aware of the situation and panicked. Wendy never wants to see her cry.

“Oh no! Wait, Joohyun unnie, I am fine! You don’t have to worry! Look!” She shook her hand vigorously to state her point while she forcefully smiled but then Irene was already crying as she was not convinced. Wendy embraced her immediately.

“Sorry Joohyunnie, I really am fine. I was just.. kind of.. afraid that you know… you’ll get angry with me because of my greasy self so I was thinking of excuses to say but I can’t think of anything. That's why maybe... I don't look okay?” She confessed nervously.

“You’re really that scared of me, huh?” Irene muffled on Wendy’s shoulder.

“W-well.. only when you’re jealous.. I mean… you don’t talk to me, sleep next to me or let me kiss you or hug you whenever you’re jealous so.. it’s really something to be scared of, right?”

“Ah seriously, this girl. She’s a pro in this.” Irene thought to herself, but she’s relieved that Wendy's fine. 

They let go from their embrace and looked at each other’s eyes. Wendy was smiling the best she could for her girlfriend to cheer up even though she’s still clearly pretty nervous. It successfully made Irene smile though.

“I’m already getting used to you being this greasy you know, I kind of realized how you’re naturally made like that even before we get into a relationship. It’s just that…” Irene paused trying to collect her feelings.

Wendy looked at her attentively waiting for her to finish.

“It’s just that, I’m scared that everyone’s gonna fall for you and you'll leave me in the end.” Irene immediately looked down after she finished her confession to hide her reddish face. She heard her girlfriend chuckle and now she felt even more embarrassed to her.

“Hyun, look at me.” Wendy guided her face for their eyes to meet.

“Trust me. Even if they all fall for me I'd still choose you, 'coz you're the one I love. You’re the only person I have in my heart and in my mind that I wanted to marry in the future and spend my whole life with. So it’s really impossible for me to fall for someone else and leave you.”

“Seungwan-ah..”

Just when they're about to get intimate, their moment halted when they heard murmuring voices coming from the wall behind them.

“And they were about to kiss…”

“Should we play Wendy unnie’s latest OST? Two Words?”

“Oh I love that, it’s so good.”

“Ah seriously these kids.” Irene said dejectedly, and Wendy laughed at her reaction. They did not notice that the three were watching them all along. Wendy and Irnee were having their moment here and yet these three won’t give them alone time and space.

“Don’t get mad at them though.” As usual Wendy is still forgiving, even though she honestly wanted to taste Irene’s alluring lips after her confession. Why do these three always come out from hiding in a wrong timing? Just when they're about to kiss? She could only sigh now.

“So what’s the title of this kdrama we’re watching live?” Yeri asked on the side.

“Uhm.. how about ‘The Shameless Parents’?” Joy responded nonchalantly gaining a nod from the two.

"Ah! That's so on point. They have no shame being intimate with each other knowing there are innocent kids around." Yeri playfully looked at them with a disgusted look. 

“Something’s lacking though.” Seulgi posed like she was thinking hard.

“What?” The maknaes asked.

“Should we call for an audition for the second lead? You know, second lead syndrome is a trend these days.”

“Good idea!” Joy said playfully clapping like a seal. The excitement was real but little do they know Irene’s veins in her head are already about to pop. She’s furious, she doesn’t want to share Seungwan.

“I think Wendy unnie has a lot of great candidates, should we call BP’s Rose or Gugudan’s Sejeong?” Yeri suggested.

“YAH! KIM YERIM! SEW YOUR OWN PLUSHIE!!!” Wendy finally loses it and screamed at the top of her lungs.

One Thing Right Chapter 7 | Wenrene

One Thing Right

Chapter 7

"Friends Worth Keeping"

"I'm pregnant." Irene confessed. Those words came out painfully. When she learned about her PT got positive once, she did it several times again the following days as she couldn't believe her eyes. Her hands were shaking and she didn't know if she should react positively or negatively about it. While processing everything, the first thing that came to her concern was the father of the baby.

A baby is a blessing, isn't it? Any woman who's at the right age would feel the same, right? Despite not planned, Irene believed that she still wanted it. The outcome of their love.

Irene always dreamed of fairy tail stories with happy endings. Despite the world being cruel in the beginning, a prince will come and save her from it all. 

She have loved and got hurt multiple times but it didn't stopped her from dreaming and loving, because she believed it was part of the journey to find that one prince. The one for her.

But why all of a sudden she felt like the father of her baby was just part of that journey? Another failure? She loves him, Irene was sure of it. Does he love her back? Irene wanted to trust in him, since the beginning of their relationship, but why... for some odd reason, she found herself afraid to disclose this news to him.

Why all of a sudden, the future with him seemed so unclear. He was his prince, right? He will accept this, right? They are on this together. They should be, they are the parents of this baby after all.

"Irene, we're in the heights of our career. I'm becoming more popular, having lots of modelling and acting projects. And you,you have your own fame to think about as well. We can't do this!"

Irene heard these words the first time from him but why does it feels like she had already known this from the start? This answer from him was already repeatedly visting her thoughts even in her dreams. She shrugged it off, crying and still hoped it wouldn't be her reality. It wouldn't happen... and yet this...

No matter how many times and days she already spent crying over this news, her eyes still seemed like they're not gonna stop for a long time pouring these tears of sadness and pain.

Despite having the expectation that it would turn out like this, accepting it cannot be easily done. This reality surely is ten times painful and even harder to accept than in just her thoughts. Irene wanted to contain herself and do not cause any trouble to her surroundings, to him, to their career, but she still bursted out crying. 

"So what are you suggesting?" Irene weakly replied.

"Do abortion. I'll take care of the costs." He said it so easily that made Irene's world crumble down. How could he say all these words so easily? Like there's no life on the line? It was their baby.

"I thought you love me?" Irene has to ask this. She wanted to hear those words again from his mouth despite knowing this outcome.

"I love you, you know that. But it's just you. I didn't ask for... for..." She looked at him struggling for his words. Does he detest this so much that he can't even call it his...

"Your baby?" Irene finished it for him.

"Yeah. The baby."

"It's yours!" She shouted finally, she can't do this. It's so painful that she's already having a hard time to breathe. How can he be like this to her? To their baby? They've made love to each other multiple times, and no one detested it like this. No one from them complained about it, so why react this way now?

"Don't do this, Irene. I'm not ready for this."

"But you said you love me?"

"Yes."

"Then why can't you accept this outcome? Don't you want to have a family with me? Our own?" 

"I.. I want it.. but... it's not the right time. Please understand." He then grasped both of Irene's hands desperately. "I won't leave you, we will go through this together. Just abort it and we'll make a family in the future."

~SLAP!!!

"Do you really think I can do something inhumane? How can you order me to do that as if it's some sort of animal that you could abandon anywhere, anytime? I can't believe you will be the father of my baby! If I knew you'd be like this... I should've not..."  Her words trailed off, still can't bring to detest him fully and regret what they have shared. So she just stood up immediately and walked out from him. 

'Wait, Irene. We're not done talking yet!" He calls out but Irene didn't look back.

--

"Hey Irene, you okay?" Seulgi called out to her for the third time. It was still raining outside and they're currently in a restaurant waiting for their orders. This place was just on the ground floor of their apartment. 

"I'm fine." She responded shortly and she looked at anywhere but her friend's eyes.

Of course, Seulgi doesn't believe her. With that sulking face and teary eyes? There's no way.

"Here. I know you're fine, but could you wipe your tears?" 

Irene looked at the tissue and finally at Seulgi's face. She was smiling yet her eyes were full of concern, she looked really odd that made Irene laugh weakly at her funny antics.

"That's the Bae Irene, I know." 

"Sorry. It's just that memories are such a pain and this rain is giving me bad vibes." Irene finally confessed as she wipes her eyes.

"Not all memories are painful, Irene. We'll create and find more happy memories so the bad ones won't resurface again, okay?" Seulgi smiled at her genuinely this time. Thank goodness there was Seulgi in her life. She make things lighter for her and with just one smile, she calms all the time.

"Thanks."

"Don't worry too much and focus on yourself and the baby, okay? Everything will be okay in the end, I believe in John Lennon."

They shared another round of laughter. Irene is really fond of this Seulgi voicing out her innocent remarks, she find it really funny. But of course, she knew all too well that Seulgi's trying really hard to make her feelings lighter. This fun only got interrupted when her friend's eyes wander outside the restaurant.

"Hey, isn't that Wendy? And who's the tall one with her?"

Irene didn't bother to turn around when she knew who it already was. "It's her cousin."

"Oh. When did you grew eyes on the back of your head?"

Irene just rolled her eyes.

"How come you knew?"

"I've met her a week ago when I asked help from Wendy." 

"Oh. She's cute."

Irene raised her eyebrow at her response. "What?"

"Why? She's pretty and tall too. I'd say she'll fit as a model like you. Why don't you scout her? You might get commission." 

"Very funny." Irene finally turned around to look at Joy outside through the window pane. Surely, she was a real beauty with the dress she's wearing and her well done make up. She nodded in agreement with Seulgi at that. 

"Hey, you met her first but she's mine! Go get someone else as your target okay?" Seulgi giggled.

"I didn't know you swing that way, but hey I won't judge. We're still friends and no, she's all yours." She responded riding along her joke.

"You can have Wendy." Seulgi grinned and Irene shifted her gaze from Joy to Wendy. She admits that she's really cute too, attractive even. She roamed her eyes on Wendy but immediately turned around when their eyes met once. Irene blushed furiously as she can't believe she was checking on her.

"Oh! They are leaving." Seulgi said sadly and Irene can't help but feel regret.

Seulgi was so happy when she found a friend in their neighbor, but it seemed like after she got back from their team building, Wendy tried her best to avoid them. And with that, she felt responsible. The girl might have feared to get in touch with them considering how much Seulgi took advantage of her by asking for many favors when they just met. And of course she's aware that it might be because she didn't treat her right till the end as well. It's been a week since then, and there had been no interaction between them. 

Irene honestly thought that she'll be happy with Wendy gone around them, but she wasn't. She wanted to just shrug it off but there's something about Wendy now that pulls her towards her. Maybe because she wasn't able to say thanks and sorry or even just a goodbye to her that Friday night. Also maybe because her friend Seulgi over here seemed really affected.

--

"Unnie! Why are we running?" Joy struggled. She was dragged by Wendy by the hand. 

"I saw evil spirits, we must get away from them. Just keep going!"

"Them? Who?" Joy was not able to see the other two so she remained clueless whatever the hell Wendy saw.

They got inside the lobby and now waiting for the elevator. They're both catching up their breath. 

"What was that all about?! I've never ran that fast in my life!" 

"Sorry Joy! I just want to have peace for now, well..I mean I'm already dealing with a mess like you and that's enough for me, so..." 

"Yah! Stop saying that! I know you're happy to see me everytime. Remember that you chose that 2 bedroom unit just to accommodate me whenever I visit?" Joy said with a smug look on her face. 

"Tch. Let's go, the elevator's here." Wendy will never admit.

Since the Son family were living in Canada, Joy and Wendy never got to meet when they were children. They only got acquainted when Joy visited her father who happened to be the head chef in one of Son's restaurants in Seoul. That time, both of the Son daughters were being toured by their family businesses. Wendy being friendly as she was back then, managed to befriend a shy Joy. They both have different personalities but they both managed to create a great relationship as cousins, and they nurture it by constant communication and by spending time with each other every now and then. They both consider each other as a close family and as each other's best friend. Even if they have known each other much later in their lives, they were just thankful that they both did.

When Wendy came back from Canada, Joy was present to welcome her. Even if Joy resides in Jeju, she still came to the Incheon airport and stayed by Wendy's side up until she found a place to stay in. Wendy and Joy both have been part of each other's life from the decisions they make, their happiness and their deepest worries. There were no secrets between the two of them. Despite being younger than Wendy, Joy has this mature side of her that helped Wendy out during her darkest times. Both Joy and Wendy knew how their brains were wired differently, they both accepted it, and that's why Joy constantly visits her to check if Wendy was 'really' alright as what she always says through phone.

"Was it Irene that you have seen earlier?" Joy asked when they finally got out of the elevator. She noticed how Wendy flinched at the mention of the name.

Wendy sighed. "I'm not a bad person, Joy. I just really wanted to stay away from them right now. I'm not in right condition to think about someone else."

"I didn't say you were bad and I understand where you're coming from but... having new friends sounds fun." Joy tried.

"For you, not for me."

Joy pouted. By this time, she already learned how Wendy got to meet her idol Irene. Wendy didn't reveal the confidential information though. Joy still didn't know about Irene being pregnant, she just know that her neighbor Seulgi entrusted Irene to her since she'll be gone for a week and that Irene was sick. She also got to know about that intense exchange of words between Wendy and Irene.

"Why don't you befriend her? If you really wanted it? You're a fan of hers, right?" Wendy said as she successfully opened her unit door. "I'm not going to stop you on that, of course. Just make sure to leave me out of it."

Joy threw her body on the comforts of the sofa while Wendy went straight to the fridge to get some water. She realized Joy ordered too much sugar on her milk tea earlier. 

"I'm a fan of her but I don't think it's appropriate to befriend her just because she was a neighbor of my cousin. And.. knowing that you two have no good relationship to begin with. I'm fine for now with her signature and a photo of her." She browsed her phone while she was lying on the sofa.

Wendy sighed for the nth time and Joy didn't like it. She hated it because she knew how Wendy's starting to wander off again from the world to her inner thoughts. She has to do something to prevent it. Something.

"AHHHH!!!!" Joy screamed at the top of her lungs and Wendy almost dropped the glass of water from her hands and ran towards her.

"What happened?!!" Horror was shown on her face but regretted it immediately when she saw a smirk on Joy's face.

"My boyfriend texted me." She grinned crazily only for Wendy shake her head in dismay. 

"Gosh, Joy! You almost gave me a heart attack! I swear I'm gonna kick you out from here if you repeat that again." From then onwards, Wendy didn't stop talking as she nonstop scolded Joy.

"Hihihi. Sorry!" Mission successful.

The next day...

"Joooy! You said you'll help me out if I make you some cupcakes?! Why are you watching TV the entire time?!" Wendy shouted from the kitchen counter. It was only easy for Wendy to see what the other was doing since the living/dining area is only divided by a breakfast nook. 

"You know I'll only create mess if I go there. Trust me, you'll be fine. Go create lots of it, I'm going to give some of it to someone." Joy shouted back.

"What? Who? Sungjae's coming?' 

"Nope."

"Then who?"

--

"Oh! Wendy's cousin!!!" Seulgi smiled brighter than the sunshine as she opened the door.

"C-cupcakes?!" Joy stammered. It was only her first time to meet Seulgi in flesh. She didn't expect her to be the one to greet her when she knocked on their door. Right, today is Saturday so...

"For me?! 

"Uhm yeah.. and for..."

"Irene? IREEEEEENE!!!" Seulgi asked Joy and suddenly shouted Irene's name to her behind. 

"Is Irene deaf or what?!" Joy wondered out loud and she realized this after the words came out already. And when Seulgi was already laughing at her.

"Irene's already old, so.."

"Who are you calling old?!" Irene appeared behind her with a threatening look. "Who's our guest?" When she looked at the one in front of Seulgi, her voice became shy. "Oh. Hello."

"Hi idol! Wendy unnie baked both of you some cupcakes!" She announced but Wendy didn't know anything about this. 

...to be continued...

One Thing Right Chapter 6 | Wenrene

One Thing Right

Chapter 6

"Rain"

Irene finished doing the dishes and went back to the living room, only to discover that Wendy was nowhere to be found. She had the courtesy to leave some note though, saying thank you for the food and that was that. Irene can't help but feel slightly annoyed at the action. She did ask her to wait for her here and yet she didn't obey. Irene sneered at the idea that Wendy would really stay just because she says so, especially how rude she treated her previously. Who would want to stay by her side after that? She sighed. She took the note, crampled it and shoot in the bin. There's no point in wasting time in feeling regret over someone she barely knew. Though she admits that she felt comfortable with her earlier during lunch just because she realized how Wendy has been consistent in fulfilling Seulgi's requests till the end, she even accompanied her to the doctor despite their feud last Monday. Maybe Wendy wasn't a user as she assumed her to be. Usually, that's her assumptions towards new people considering that she's a model and has connections with other celebrities. She had encountered a lot of them before, so she really raised her wall so high now and even prepared weapons to defend herself. It just so happened that Wendy got the first taste of that. But no user will do this extent for a promise, right? So she begun to think that Wendy must be a really nice person after all, her words last Monday was really painful to hear but it knocked out some sense to her after thinking about it.

Her eyes wandered outside the window. It's raining really hard now, good thing they managed to get back inside their apartment on the right time. The atmosphere is all gloomy and Irene didn't like rain as it gives her nostalgia. Events from the past that she wanted to forget are coming back. She's becoming teary eyed at the memories flashing back at her with every raindrop she caught when...

Riiiing!

She shook her head, and picked her phone from her pocket. It's Seulgi.

"Irene! How's your check-up?"

"Uhm.. where are you? Can't you wait till you get here and ask me that personally?" Irene questioned as she looked at the wall clock. Just a few more hours and her friend will arrive, what's the sudden rush to hear the news.

"Whoah! Could you wear down your shield from me? Are you still with Wendy? Why the sudden coldness?" Seulgi interrogated to which Irene only sighed. Maybe she really got affected by Wendy's sudden disappearance after all or maybe because of the rain, the memories or maybe it's just one of the perks of being pregnant? She can no longer check on her mood swings and she finds herself easily irritated or emotional even on small trivial things.

"No, she's no longer with me. That friend of yours really irritates me." 

"Tell me something I don't know, Irene. But hey I thought she already warmed up to you? Did something happen again? What about the check up?"

"Who says she warmed up to me? I still dislike her. Anyways, relax Seul. Everything went well with the check up. Doctor Taeyeon is a family friend and I already ask her to stay quiet with my parents about my pregnancy even before I went to the appointment. At first she was shocked and almost object to my plans but it went well in the end." Irene sat on the sofa as she felt her legs getting tired from standing.

With the silence that Seulgi was giving her, she realized that she was waiting for more details. She sighed. "She basically did some tests to confirm my pregnancy since it's just been 3 weeks. She asked me a lot of questions about my medical history and gave me lots of tests, so far the feedback was well but she scolded me and advised not drink alcohol again as it would really affect the baby negatively. And she told me to come back after 6 weeks to start the prenatal check-ups and to fully check the baby's condition thoroughly."

"Come to think of it, it was only your first time to see an OB after you saw your PT result. You should follow what she said alright?"

"Yes, mom." Irene rolled her eyes but it was very clear how Seulgi sounded so relieved, much like how Wendy expressed earlier after finding out a good news.

"Gosh. Thank goodness, everything's alright. But what if your doctor reveals it to your parents?!"

"I trust Taeyeon. I told her that I will be the one to tell my parents when I'm ready."

"I hope everything would go well in the future once you tell them that..You should prepare what to say if ever they'll look for the father of that baby becaus-"

"Seulgi!! Come on now, let's go!" Irene heard a loud voice calling her friend over the phone. 

"Ah that was my colleague. We're gonna board now. Wait for me and we'll plan this out together okay? I'll be back by..uhmm.. around 8 or 9 tonight. Bye Irene!" Seulgi hurriedly end the call even before Irene got to say something back. She sighed and texted Seulgi to take care and have safe a safe travel.

Irene contemplated Seulgi's words. She really have to prepare for that time to come when she'll share her parents the news. Irene can imagine how her parents would cry if they all hear about the pregnancy without a father. She wonders if she could resolve that before she could meet up with them, but how? With that, she absent mindedly texted him.

--

"Wendy. Wendy! Wendy! Wake up!!"  

Wendy stirred from her sleep and sat up after she felt someone drastically shaking her body with a very loud voice calling her. Who in the world would visit her now? What time is it? She then realized that she had fallen asleep right after she went back from Irene's unit. Drowsiness constantly visits her, and she finds it as good news since it helps her to stop thinking.

"Hellooooo?! So when will you stop spacing out and actually acknowledge my presence now?" Her companion stick her face so near in front of Wendy's that it made the latter startled and get fully awake.

"What the?! Joy?!" 

"Hahaha! What was that face? You looked really funny! I thought your eyes were gonna pop out!" Joy was laughing so hard that she claps her hands together like a seal. She sure is enjoying this. 

"Ah! Joy!!! What's with the sudden visit?" Wendy finally awakens and finally face her cousin. 

"Unnie~!" She embraced Wendy all of a sudden. "My boyfriend and I had a fight!"

"Erm.. don't you have any other news to talk about? I mean, that's no longer new with the both of you." Wendy sighed like she's already tired from hearing this to which Joy pouted right away.

"You're no fun! At least accompany me to go clubbing for me to forget!" 

"Erm.. I'm really tired right now, and wait.. what time is it?" She squinted her eyes to see the clock clearly. 

"It's already 10pm! Go get some rest will you?! I promise that you'll forget about the fight of yours in no time." Wendy got back to her sleeping position and ignores Joy. "I bet when you wake up, both of you will get back together again like the usual." She murmured.

"Ahh!! Seriously, Wendy-unnie!!! At least let's go grab something to eat!! I didn't travel here for 2 hours to watch you sleeping!" Joy begun shaking Wendy again like a mad man.

After a few minutes...

"Gosh Joy, you're a big girl now and even got a boyfriend and maybe does something beyond your mother's likeness, and you can't even feed by yourself? Ugh." Wendy fished her coat to accompany her baby cousin outside. She had no choice to agree with her or Joy will plan out something else to bug her the entire night. 

"Oh stop it. I'm always fed up by my boyfriend." She smirked dirtily and Wendy just face palmed. "Now, now! Don't be so green minded!" 

"Ah, Joy! I can't stand hanging out with you if you're this vulgar." 

"You should date again, unnie. You're getting so grumpy now." Joy placed her arm around her cousin, it's always a perfect position for them since Wendy is smaller than her. And it's her way to show how much she missed her. She wanted to stay close. 

"Whatever." 

They opened the door to head out but Wendy's soul almost left her body at the sight the welcomed them. And with Joy being easily scared, she jumped out and screamed out loud causing the other neighbors open their windows to see what happened.

"What are you doing in front of my door, Irene? Ah, I almost had a heart attack!" Wendy scolded and she bowed apologetically to the neighbors eyeing them and closed their windows after.

"Well, I did not expect you have special ability to know I'm here that you opened the door before I even knock." Irene responded in her usual sarcastic tone. 

"OMO~Wait! Are you Irene?! The model?" Joy's terror was immediately replaced with excitement as she finally saw Irene's appearance clearly. 

"Uhm.. y-yes?!" 

"Wait. You know her?" Wendy looked at her in disbelief.

"Of course! She's the brand ambassador for Prada, Clinique, and Damiani! How could I not know her? She's my idol!" She jumped in excitement and hurriedly went inside the unit again to look for a pen and paper for signature that left the two women outside, speechless.

"Uh.. sorry about that. That was my cousin." Wendy laughed nervously earning a smirk from Irene.

"See? You're the only one who doesn't know me. You're so out of trends." 

"Hey! I'm not into fashion just like my cousin here. And.." She then murmured her next words. "I'd rather stay unknown to your existence in the first place." 

"What did you say?!" Irene said ready to throw a fit when Joy came back running to her with a pen and paper for a signature.

"Uwaa! Thank you! I'm a huge fan! I've been wanting to become a model someday!" Joy said happily when she got her signature and a photo. 

"Really? Thank you." 

"What brings you here anyway? Do you know my Wendy unnie?" She then turned to her cousin. "Wow unnie I didn't know you'll be friends with Irene here." 

"We're not friends!" They both aggressively denied. 

"O-okay! Okay! What's with the negative energy?!"

"Anyways, I'm here because..." Irene looked at Wendy worriedly this time. "Seulgi isn't here yet, she told me she'll come by around 8 to 9."

"Why you'd come here? Shouldn't you call Seulgi instead of standing here asking me where she is? Coz I don't know either." Wendy said nonchalantly, totally shrugging off Irene. Maybe because she haven't gotten her dinner yet that she's caught in a bad mood or maybe because Wendy remembers all of the rude things Irene had said to her previously.

"Hey! Why are you so rude?! She was just asking!" Joy immediately butted in when she saw a tinge of offended expression from her idol. 

"What? I was just telling the truth"

Irene scoffed. "I should have known you'll be like this. What was I even expecting from a stranger like you?" She rolled her eyes and ready to go back to her unit when Joy stopped her. 

"Hey sorry about my Wendy unnie. She's not like that at all, I'm sure you have reasons why you came to her asking for help right?" She looked at her cousin threateningly and gestured her to apologize which Wendy only ignored. Joy then wonders what made her kind unnie to do such rude action towards her idol. She felt embarrassed for her behaviour. "Ah! I'm really sorry Irene, why don't you call that Seulgi instead?" She resolved to giving advice in order to fix this weird atmosphere they're in.

"I wouldn't really come here if my calls got through. But whatever, I'll just find other ways. I shouldn't have bothered to get a help from your Wendy-unnie." Irene fumed which Wendy got the chills from. 

Wendy see through her anger the moment she looked at Irene. She regretted her rudeness right after she saw that tired and hurt look from her. Irene must have done a lot of ways in order to contact Seulgi, and she got no other choice but to ask her for help. Why would Irene even come to her if she found other ways? It's not like they are friends or even her presence is welcome with her. She must be really worried and yet here she was being an asshole. She sighed.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be rude. I was in a bad mood, I haven't eaten dinner yet and my sleep was interrupted by this Joy so--"

"Forget it." Irene didn't bother for her to finish and went back to her unit.

That was Joy's cue in scolding Wendy nonstop. "Go fix this! I'll go get us something to eat!"

"Eh? Can't we just order delivery?"

"No. Fix this! How did you became like this? It's so not you! Go and apologize to her!" She looked at her with serious eyes and Wendy knew she made a mistake. Of course, even if Irene treated her badly before, she has no right to take revenge. It was so childish of her, she knew that. Come to think of it, Irene even gave her a meal just earlier. It's not a proper apology to whatever she did and say to her but at least it was a kind gesture. Regret was eating her alive now when everything comes to light. 

"Yeah. I should, uhm... Go now and take care on your way okay?"

Joy left her with that and Wendy was pacing back and forth in front of Irene's door. It took her a few more minutes to knock on her door when she finally found the courage to do so. 

After a few knocks, there was no answer and she had expected this, Irene must have known it was her anyways. Why would she open the door for her when she walked away from her?

"Uhm, Irene. Sorry about how I acted, I really regret it. It's just that I uhm..." She ran out of words. There really is no excuse for being rude. "I'm just so sorry. Let me in now so I could help in finding Seulgi, please?"

Wendy got surprised when Irene finally opened the door. She still have that annoyed look on her face, but the tiredness and weary eyes surely became more visible. Poor one, is it even healthy for her to stay up this late? It's already past 10.

"Help me find Seulgi and I'll think about forgiving you." Irene demanded to which Wendy only complied with.

It's okay Wendy, calm down. She's pregnant and you've became rude with her, so do as what she says. Wendy thought to herself.

"So do you know someone from her colleagues?" Wendy started asking as they sat on the living room. 

"I've already asked a few of her friends on my phonebook but none of them still know her whereabouts. I mean, they aren't part of their team building but I still tried anyway.."

"I see. Uhm what's the name of the company she's working at?"

"It's xx bank."

"Uhm what branch? Is it this one?" She pointed at the laptop and Irene nodded.

"Okay. I got it now. Go get some sleep and I'll call this. Just leave some of the phone numbers that could possibly be helpful for me to find her as well. If none of them gave us information then I'll call some authorities already to help us out."

"What? Are you sure? Why should I entrust everything to you? And do you think I could just sleep so easily knowing my friend's not here yet?" Irene was really shocked at Wendy's offer. Of course, she invited her in to get some help but she's still on her right mind not to give her all the responsibility.

"You look already tired and I'm sure it'll be bad for you and the baby so..." Wendy looked at her worriedly and Irene felt that Wendy genuinely cared for her at that moment. 

"I-uhm.. how should I know if you're not going to rob us or not?" Irene of course blurted out something as her defense to that still.

"Look. I may not have a job right now but I'm not in a state that would do something wrong just to eat. I still have money of my own, so will you stop accussing me?" Wendy then stood up, took her phone and started calling the numbers she collected from researching. 

By then, Irene knew that she got her really offended. She didn't really mean to say those words but it became so natural for her to shrug off everything and say nasty words for someone to leave her alone, to stop saying nice things to her since it might be a trap in the end. She sighed and went inside her bedroom. 

---

"Ah. Seriously, Seulgi you should borrow your colleague's phone to update your friend over here! She was worn out worried because of you! I thought you are concerned with her health?" Wendy said furiously as Seulgi finally went came back from her out of town company outing. Despite working so hard contacting lots of people, after an hour or so, Wendy heard dangling keys from the front door. At first she got nervous as she thought there was a bad guy out there so she took out a frying pan from the kitchen. Then it dawned to her that it might actually the person that they have been looking for. Before she could open the door though, Seulgi already got in. And that's how Wendy welcomed Seulgi with lots of scolding. 

"I'm so sorry! My phone battery run out and I forgot to charge my power bank. I was also drained out that I just slept the whole travel back. I didn't know the rain started pouring heavily on our way that caused our travel to be this delayed. Gosh, I didn't know you guys would be really this worried. I'm so sorry." Seulgi apologized to Wendy and she discovered that her roommate is in an uncomfortable sleeping position on the sofa with a blanket. Following the sorry gaze from her, Wendy sighed deeply and explained.

"I told her to sleep and I thought she went straight to her bed, but after a few minutes she got out and actually slept here. Just look at how uncomfortable she's sleeping. That's all because of you!" Wendy knocked Seulgi's head, still trying to compose herself and not lash out on her. "Ahh.. don't say sorry to me! Go apologize to her."

"Yup, I know. But she's already sleeping and I think she really needed some rest. I'll just explain to her everything by tomorrow." Seulgi said as she gestured Wendy to lower down their voices in order to do not disrupt Irene's rest.

"Well, she'll be sleeping peacefully if she knows you're here now and if she'll lie comfortably on her bed."

"I guess so. I'll make her sleep for a while then and just do what you said."

"Okay, you do that! I'm outta here." 

"Wait! I didn't expect you to be here, but hey I owe you a lot!" Seulgi then gave Wendy a huge bear hug and swayed their bodies sideways. Wendy can't help but get this lady forgiven just because she was so happy to be back and she was smiling brightly like she didn't really caused them trouble at all. Yep, Seulgi's really back. 

"Well, your friend over there asked me to. Anyways, I'm glad you are back! Finally, I won't be burdened by our promise anymore. And will you please get off me now, I need to eat and get some sleep too." 

Joy checked on Wendy 45 minutes ago, she brought the food that she got them but Wendy said that she'll just eat her portion once she get back to her unit. She can't find the appetite to eat knowing that someone might actually be missing. She might vomit whatever she'll put into her stomach since she's so tensed.

"Oh! That reminds me, I have some souvenirs and some food from the trip. I want to give you some since you've been very kind to us and..." Seulgi rummage her baggage for those items and when she found it, she looked back behind her and Wendy was already gone. She tried to catch up to her but Wendy's already inside her unit. "Aw. I must have given her a lot of trouble that she wanted to escape from us right away." She pouted and close their front door. 

...to be continued...