One Thing Right Chapter 14 | Wenrene

One Thing Right

Chapter 14

"Missed Call"

"And that's it for our session today, Wendy. You did a great job." Rose smiled genuinely, happy to see her patient having a positive energy throughout their session today. She noticed how Wendy became responsive to every questions asked even the items that she usually got ignored and receive silent treatment before. 

"Thanks for today, doctor." Wendy replied, her smile grew even wider. 

"Got plans today? You seemed really excited." Rose finally asked wanting to satisfy her curiousity.

"Oh. Was I?" Wendy blushed. 

"I guess something great happened this week? Would you like to share before you leave for today?" Rose playfully teased. She wanted to write down the details on her record but quickly decided to leave it be for now. It's her first time to see Wendy this happy after all and she wanted it to last for a while longer. "I'm kidding. Let's talk about it the next session? Or whenever you're ready." 

"I-I really don't mind sharing it to you now if it's needed really... but uhm.." 

Rose found this type of shy Wendy in front of her very adorable. She always knew that there's something unique and special with every individual and that includes all of her patients too. So far, she has seen this idea materialize to a lot of her patients and seeing Wendy like this today made her confident over it more. Finding out and meeting the real Wendy behind her depression, she thought it'll all be real soon. 

"No pressure, Wendy. I'll be waiting when you're 100% ready, okay?" She reassured and then stood up from her seat to accompany Wendy by the door. She doesn't want Wendy to miss out the event that she seemed so excited about their entire therapy session.

"I'll be going now, Doc." Wendy bowed to her and turned to meet her companions. Rose peeked by the door out of curiousity, she has met Joy before so she instantly recognized her but the other lady talking to Wendy was someone new to her. Rose didn't need to see Wendy's words nor her reactions to tell what or, in this case, who made her day today. Judging by how the new face was reflecting the same reactions she has seen from Wendy earlier, it was already enough proof to tell she was the reason behind it.

Rose closed the door of her room and smiled triumphantly at her discovery. Sometimes she felt privileged being a Psychologist with how easy she could read people. It wasn't 100% accurate all the time, but Wendy and the new lady was too obvious with their body language for her reading to be incorrect this time.

One Thing Right Chapter 13 | Wenrene

 

One Thing Right

Chapter 12

"One Thing Right"

Seulgi's eyes followed Joy while she paced back and forth inside her and Irene's unit. Joy didn't made her close the door once she got back from work and constantly questions Irene and Wendy's whereabouts at this time that they're supposed to be back already. 

It's already late and Seulgi managed to conclude something after observing Joy the entire time. Her heavy eyebags, anxiousness and crumpled shirt, the girl was obviously concerned too much about her unnie. 

"Will you please stop being silent and become useful for me? Go ring Irene!!" Joy dismissed her investigative self and assisted her right away. One other conclusion she made, Joy's a hot mess. 

"Don't worry too much. Irene and Wendy are grown ups, they can handle themselves." Seulgi said as she dialed Irene's phone. 

"Oh don't start with me, I trust Wendy unnie but Irene unnie?" Joy rolled her eyes, she suddenly remembered what that older lady had told her the other day about liking Wendy. She trusted her and looked up to her, but she felt so betrayed. 

"Whoah! Didn't you say you were her fan? What happened?" 

"I was! But not until when your friend wanted to take away someone precious from me." 

Seulgi was amused. Being an accountant surely made her busy, missing out all the fun in hanging out with the cousins and her bestfriend. 

"Your boyfriend likes Irene?" 

Joy only looked at her with disgust and never bothered saying anything. Perhaps she blurted out something non sense. But hey, that doesn't satisfy her curiosity... 

"So you have a boyfriend?" 

"YAH! This is not the time for you to ask me about such matters!!! Seriously I'll break your neck if Wendy unnie doesn't come back to me." Joy trailed off, she was getting nervous. Wendy wouldn't do anything wrong, right? She promised her. If Irene let Wendy do something harmful to herself then she swear she'll feel her wrath once she comes back. 

Seulgi didn't know how Joy turned out to be this mad at her when just the other day they were teasing and laughing at each other's antics. This just shows how much she really looked out for Wendy. 

Seulgi's calls were not getting through but she knew that if she'll quit dialing Irene, Joy would end up exploding. So she tried once again... and brought up something to talk about to calm her nerves. 

"Wendy is a likeable person. I wouldn't really ask why Irene unnie fell for her." 

"WAIT! You knew?!" Joy was shocked and betrayed at the same time.

Seulgi nodded as an affirmation. "In case you have forgotten, Irene and I are bestfriends. There are no secrets between us." 

"And in case you have forgotten too... I am Wendy's cousin... and being her relative, I have the authority to break someone's neck if they hurt my Wendy unnie. You and Irene unnie are no exceptions." Joy glared at her threateningly. 

Seulgi gulped but at least her risky conversation with Joy made her feel all loose. She knew the tall girl was only concerned so much about Wendy, she is too, but if she show her that then they both will end up panicking together. 

"Since when you knew?" Joy started asking. 

"Come sit down over here and I might tell you." Seulgi offered, she has to make sure that the latter is still well taken care of. She didn't want to dissapoint both Wendy and Irene. 

Joy took the seat in front of her in the living room. She feels the dizziness but she has to stay awake and look for Wendy. She was about to get up when Seulgi took her phone and covered her with a blanket. 

"I'll call both Wendy and Irene with our phones. I promise I'll wake you up once I got through any of them." 

Joy was about to retaliate but Seulgi already left her and the warmth of this blanket was giving her a hard time to stay awake. It didn't help either when Seulgi shut off the lights in the living room. 

Seulgi did her promise though, Joy was watching her from the comforts of the living room dialing non stop in the dining area. While watching her, Joy saw how anxiousness took over Seulgi as well with the way she's biting her nails while she's dialing both. She then realized how the latter was acting all strong in front of her in order for her not to worry too much. Her impression of Seulgi being kind hearted person like her Wendy unnie was true and it's the reason why she's easily trusting her too.

After a few more minutes of watching Seulgi, she finally fell asleep. But that's after she assured herself that Wendy will be fine... especially now that there are these kind and warm hearted people around her.

---

"What do you think you're doing?" These were the words that made Irene realize the consequences of her action. Her bravery was washed away the moment Wendy spoke those words after she claimed her lips. 

To Irene, her actions were the result of her realest feelings, Wendy has become the center of her desire. When the younger woman started her self pity, Irene was triggered to confess despite the possible negative consequences of her actions. She just couldn't tolerate someone she liked so much to scorn herself like that. She thought the risk will all be worth it as long as she could tell Wendy how much she's loved and cared for, different from what she's believing in.

One Thing Right Chapter 12 | Wenrene

 One Thing Right

Chapter 12

"Happiness"

"Are you sure you don't want me to bring Joy?" Wendy asked for the 5th time. If Wendy's talking to the old Irene, the latter would have snapped. But Irene's a changed person. She changed drastically in a short span of time from being aloof to being easily captive to whatever Wendy's speaking or doing. She won't show this reaction to her though, she'd stay mum about it than to risk Wendy walking away from her.

"It's okay. It's actually better this way."

But Irene failed staying mum. It's her first time being alone with Wendy after accepting her own feelings for her, so she doesn't know yet how to control it. She had to keep her feelings in check or else...

"You're right."

Irene aggressively turned to Wendy, she grew hopeful at her response.

"Eyes on the road, Ms. You want us get killed?" Wendy chuckled and Irene remembered that she's actually driving. Being in love surely is dangerous, literally. 

The two were on their way to the Salon. It's after lunch they've decided to head out. Irene insisted of using her car so she could drive and easily navigate their way to the place that she always visits. 

"What I'm trying to say is that Joy could be really loud, so you might get irritated." Wendy finally explained.

"So you're irritated by her?" Irene asked, she has calmed down.

"Uhhh.. sometimes... but I'm already used to it." 

"Then, I'll learn getting used to her too." Irene spoke and this time it's Wendy who turned to her. 

Irene's cheeks were forming a shade of red at the attention Wendy's giving her. She tried to feign focus on the road by her side vision was distracting her so much with Wendy looking at her. Irene was thinking what she had said that made the latter gaze at her like that.

"Wow. I didn't expect you'd say that." Wendy chuckled and Irene felt like she's floating, it sounds so good to her ears. 

"I'm a changed person now, Wendy. Aren't we friends?" Irene spoke calmly when she actually wanted to dance in happiness. And friends? Irene could settle to that for now. As long as she's with Wendy then it's fine, she will shower her love and attention even all of it won't be reciprocated. Her goal is to make Wendy happy and make her want to continue living, and that's what's more important.

"Yes, we're friends. I hope after this day with me, you won't change your mind." 

"Why would I?" 

"I guess you'll have to see for yourself and find out."

---

"Oh! Irene! It's nice seeing you here again but we just recently treated your hair, what brings you here?" The salon owner welcomed the two with a bright smile on her face.

To Wendy, they seemed really close as she watched them greet each other with a hug as well.

"Were you nervous I didn't like your work that I came back so soon?" Irene laughed softly and so did the latter. 

Wendy took a step back from them to give them space and let her eyes wander around the salon's interior. It was really nicely designed using monochromatic colors of black and white. She really liked minimalism so...

"Wendy." She heard her name being called and her two companion looked at her like they were waiting something from her. Then she noticed the salon owner has her arm stretched. Oh a handshake.

"Ah. I'm sorry, I was kind of absorbed by the interiors.." Wendy finally made a handshake with her which gained a reassuring smile that it was fine. 

"Wow not all of our customers appreciate it but you do. I'm glad our money wasn't wasted then!" 

The salon owner laughed and Wendy flashes a half smile. 

"So, shall we start?" 

Start? Start what? Wendy thought.

"I just mentioned earlier that we're going to get rid that blonde hair of yours." 

"The area is all set, come over if you're ready." The salon owner said before she left the two.

Wendy then nodded and looked at Irene apologetically. She's having a hard time focusing lately, her mind just wanders by itself. She thought that she should stop this or else she would cause further problems to Irene. That's what she doesn't want to happen especially it's their first time alone together as friends. 

"Ah. Sorry."

"Don't do that." 

"Huh? Do what?"

"Don't apologize. You didn't do anything wrong." Irene smiled to her, and somehow, that slightly lifted up the doubt she has for this day with her. 

Wendy noticed how Irene's face started to show a tint of red while she was looking at her. 

"I-is there something on my face?" 

"Nope. But are you okay?" She then put a hand on Irene's forehead to check her temperature. "Your temperature is okay, but why are you so red? Does anything hurt? Is the baby kicking?! Oh wait..." Wendy's calm composure suddenly changed to panic but then Irene cleared everything for her. 

"Wendy." She then looked at her. 

"Yeah?"

"I'm only at my 2nd month of pregnancy, it means the baby hasn't grown any legs to the point it'll kick." 

This time, it was Wendy's turn to show a flushed face... out of embarrassment. 

"Ah, yeah! Of course! Uhm... I was being stupid, wasn't I?" Wendy scratched the back of her head while chuckling nervously and Irene laughed at her.

"Don't worry. I'm feeling okay, maybe it's just the hot weather?" That's what Irene said.

Wendy then nodded buying Irene's excuse. 

"But tell me if you're not feeling well, alright? We'll go back home right away."

"I feel fine Wendy, don't worry."

"How can I not worry when I know it's your free schedule and I'm tiring you out instead of resting." 

Silence befalls them when she said those words and it kind of made Wendy regret that right away. She's such a mood breaker, she thought to herself.

Wendy felt Irene's soft hands caressing her face. She was a bit surprised at the sudden intimate gesture, but she didn't move one bit. It's though as if Irene's eyes were telling her something but she cannot point out what it was.

"I'd rather spend this day with you than to just rest at home." 

Wendy blinked. She thought that was too cheesy coming from Irene especially it's not the one she has seen of Irene from way back. But of course she won't bring up that past anymore, because she believed that was only an impostor and this one in front of her now is the real Irene. The one with her guards down. Perhaps, this is the perks of being friends with Irene, seeing the real her. So she did the same with her. 

Wendy caressed Irene's face with the same manner, she teased. "Don't fall too hard on me." 

After that, Wendy went inside the area where she'll get her hair done, leaving a bewildered Irene on her spot.

Little did Wendy know, she's already hitting the bull's eye.

---

Stars | Wenrene

"Okay class, our lesson for today is how to count from 1 to 10. Anyone in class would like to volunteer?" 

"Here!" Son Seungwan, the smartest in the class, raised her hand. 

Her classmates were looking at her like 'here she goes again' kind of vibe. Some saw her as their saviour from getting called out by the teacher and some angry 'coz they got beaten from rising their hands first.

"1,2,3,4,5,6,7....uhm.." She hesitated the next number not because she didn't know it but because Joohyun, who's not just her classmste but also her neighbor and playmate, looked at her fiercely. Seungwan felt treathened at that, because Joohyun was always so competitive and she hates losing the most. Seungwan knew there would be a consequence for her to suffer if she made Joohyun angry. 

Seungwan gulped, afraid. She looked at the teacher like she's about to cry. She really wanted to finish counting but Joohyun wouldn't want to go home together after school if she did.  

The teacher was oblivious to Seungwan's internal turmoil, the sudden pause was overlooked and just mistaken Seungwan for forgetting what's the next number... So the teacher just waited and encouraged Seungwan to go on. 

But Seungwan doesn't want to continue anymore so she remained silent. Her silence made her hear nightmare though, her best buds whispering answers to her because they mistaken her for forgetting the next number too.

One Thing Right Chapter 11 | Wenrene

 

One Thing Right

Chapter 11

"Irene"

"Jisoo, are you okay?" Irene hurriedly approached her younger sister the moment she opened her bedroom door. Jisoo was hugging both of her knees together, trembling. 

"Unnie. I don't think I can keep my promise to you." She spoke weakly as her face was stuck between her knees and chest, she was hiding from the world.

Irene, despite being fearful of what she's hearing, still tried the best she could to lift up her sister's spirit. She caressed her sister's face gently with both of her hands to face her and talk but was completely shattered upon seeing her eyes full of emptiness.

"What are you saying? You told me you'll keep going, right? I'm just here, I'll support you all the way." She tried to convince her again and again but her words seemed not going through anymore.

"There's no point of my medications, unnie. In the end everything will be a waste of time and money. Mom and dad will surely be happy with me gone."

"Don't ever say that, Jisoo! Your life is precious to us! No money can equal your worth in our lives. Please stop thinking like that!" Irene knew it was pointless to tell her to stop thinking negatively as if it was the simplest thing to do for someone suffering from depression. She had known it was impossible, but at times like this she knew that the only thing she can do is to be hopeful. 

"You're still in college, Irene unnie, and yet instead of studying you're occupied by me. Mom and dad are working almost 24/7 to sustain my needs too  when in the end all of it will be wasted."

"Jisoo! I told you, what we're doing for you is not a waste of time and energy, we're doing thid because you are important to us. We love you." Irene have told her this multiple times and it always calmed her down, but now it seemed like it doesn't affect her anymore and grew accustomed to it.  

"Instead of using the money for yourselves, I'm sucking out everything and it's going nowhere at all."

"What are you saying?" Irene's fear is becoming larger, she has to bring up something new that would make her sister change her mind. "I'm doing auditions for lots of modeling agencies lately. You told me you want to see me on a magazine, right? I'll soon earn a lot of money, so mom and dad and you can just sit back and relax. Money will come continuously to us, when I do the modeling, so please don't worry about it." She embraced her sister with all her might, afraid that if she let go of her, she'll lose her forever.

Jisoo was diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety disorder when she was in first year high school and Irene was a first year in college. Since the diagnosis, they battle the depression for 3 long years but it all ended instantly when Jisoo took her own life one day just when Irene was about to announce to her that she finally got a modeling contract. 

Since Irene and Jisoo came from a not so well off family, the parents asked Irene to be in charge of her younger sister throughout her medication because they cannot afford the therapies yet . The parents were busy bringing in the money in the house too, so they cannot make time to take care of Jisoo. Irene did not complain about it despite still studying because that's how dear her sister is to her.

Jisoo was so lively back then, she was more like her parents' favorite for her bubbliness and intelligence. Jisoo was bringing in so much achievements in their house too and so the parents were really happy and proud of her. Irene on the otherhand didn't mind their parents' obvious  favoritism because she has no jealousy over her sister when she loved her so dearly. Also, despite appearing like a rebel due to her personality and the way she acts, Jisoo always sees the good in her and had always looked up to her and that really boosts Irene's confidence.

Irene did her best to look out for her sister, she took care of her by staying by her side and always listens to her but it's really inevitable not to leave Jisoo alone at home since she's studying. But whenever Irene felt that Jisoo is really down, she doesn't go to school at all despite Jisoo pushing her to do so.

It's just that one time that Irene had to go and sign a modeling contract that she had to leave Jisoo during her saddest moment. Irene thought maybe if she show her the contract that they have desired for so long would cheer her up. But obviously it was the worst decision she ever made in her life. Irene would never forget Jisoo that day flashing a smile at her and saying that she's grateful for her before and that she really loves her. Irene was over the moon when she heard her say that before she left the unit and run her errands but she didn't expect it to be the last words she'll hear from her.

One Thing Right Chapter 10 | Wenrene

 

One Thing Right

Chapter 10

"Hope"

"Wendy, this is Doctor Roseanne Park. She'll be the one in charge of your psychotherapies." Eric accompanied Wendy to her new doctor, he wanted to make sure that his patient will be well acquainted and be at ease with her before leaving. "Rose, this is Wendy."

"Hi, Wendy! It's nice to finally meet you." Rose flashes a smile to which Wendy got slightly intimidated, she stepped back. Wendy was oriented by Eric about Rose not only for being the best Psychologist in their hospital but she's also a medical doctor like him, a psychiatrist. Rose is famous for her counseling and has a 92% recovery rate of patients that suffered from depression and anxieties. Wendy knew that Eric just wanted to say all these titles and records to assure her that she'll be in good hands throughout her therapies but it actually triggered an anxiety for her. 92% recovery rate? Will she be added to that 92% or the 8%? What if she didnt recover? Will that make her doctor a failure like her too? These questions started popping inside her head.

Both of her physician noted this anxiety reaction quickly. "I've read your response to our questionaires beforehand and it says you like singing too? If you'd ask, I love it too."

Rose approached Wendy carefully while starting a conversation where she thought she could find comfort, and it worked. Wendy's interest appeared and it boosted a slight confidence in her.

Eric watched this small interaction, and even without hearing Wendy speak with Rose yet, it already assured him that Rose lived up to her achievements and that Wendy really is in good hands.

"I'll excuse myself then doctor Park, I'll leave Wendy with you now." He bids farewell to both and finally left the room.

Wendy stared at the now closed door where Eric left, she somehow wanted to run after him and say she isn't ready to face a new physician. This is one of the reasons why Wendy rejected Eric's inquiry if she'd like to be transferred fully in Rose' care since she's both a psychiatrist and well known psychologist. Eric was clear with his intentions though, stressing out that he's offering this not to discard her case but to give her options to lessen her medication fees. Wendy, feels like she has more security to Eric since she had known him as a good person from a long time. He would never harm her. She would really choose to still be under his guidance and pay for 2 doctors than to be fully in care of someone she doesn't know. Wendy thought of Irene, in this matter. 

"Would you like me to call him?" Rose offered and Wendy was embarrassed. She thought that Rose might be thinking that she's being a baby, not able to be alone. Or what if she thinks Eric and her has a relationship? 

"Uhm. Sorry." Wendy finally spoke but clearly she didn't know what to do after.

"You don't need to apologize. You can sit over here." She pointed the white chair in front of her desk. 

Dr. Roseanne Park, M.D, Psy.D

Wendy abided but her eyes got stuck on her doctor's name plate.

"So Wendy, how have you been?" Rose started and Wendy instantly felt like her chest grew lighter. Why would she turn emotional just by hearing that question? She got teary eyed and she became conscious over her reaction.

"I'm good." She only answered shortly. She didn't want to expose herself yet... that's why.. and then she saw Rose writing down something on her notebook. 

"Any hobbies you're into lately?" 

"Uhmm.. nothing.." 

"Why is that?"

Why? How would Wendy reply that? 

"I don't know." She answered and checked if that angers her.

"I thought you like singing?" 

Seems like this session is a game full of unending questions, but she doesn't know what's the right answer to each. So she felt down. 

Wendy thought that this person in front of her is way above her level. If she hasn't paid for her time, she wouldn't get any of her attention at all. Nobody would really care for her. She's only doing her job of throwing her questions and let her responses dictate the end result whether her responses were serious or just made up. After that she'll categorize her case under numerous types of diseases that fit the result. This is pointless... how will she really cope up from this so called depression?! 

"Wendy?" The doctor called out and Wendy was finally out of her head. 

Rose could already read how their distance became even farther and it all happened in just a small time. 

"Are you alright? Would you like to take a break?" 

"A break? But you've just asked a couple of questions. If we take a break often then that would waste your time." 

"I have all the time for you today, Wendy. We don't need to rush things. If we need to take a break a lot of times then so be it. These questions could wait." Rose smiled at her reassuringly and it made Wendy gasp as she didn't expect her reply. 

She realized how all her life she's chasing her time because it feels like she'll run out of it. Wendy has instilled in her mind that time is precious because everyone she met told and showed her that every seconds of it entails a corresponding cost. Money. And that's how she's living her life all this time too, just like everyone else.

"You're only saying that because you're afraid that you'll lose a patient." Wendy said and she wanted the doctor to agree.

"Nope. I said that because it's the truth. My time is as precious as yours, Wendy. Don't you think so too?"

 

How do Wendy value her time? All she could remember is that she worked and worked, to continue conforming to the laws injected by the society on her that's right. To become responsible, to become powerful, to become rich, to be above everyone else. But despite achieving it one by one, she continue to feel empty. 

"My time just passed and I don't know how much I have left of it."

"Why do say so?" 

"I don't know the real importance of it anymore. I never paused to think about it before, because I'm too busy doing something that I thought is important. I don't even know what the word important meant anymore." Wendy tried to soothe her mind by caressing it. The train of thoughts are forming inside her head again and migraine is being felt. But despite it, she saw Rose wrote something on her noted again. 

"Would you mind if I call it a day?" Wendy asked but it sounded more like a plead so Rose nodded without complaints nor questions raised. Rose just asked to drink her meds right away.

Wendy did it before she went to the door and exited but Rose' last words for today stuck with her, "You did well today, Wendy. Thank you for your time with me." 

Perhaps, even if she finds her time no longer important, it would still be valuable to others. 

---

"Wendy unnie?" Joy saw Wendy going out of the doctor's room and approached her hurriedly. She embraced the small friend in her arms with protection. 

Eric was there to accompany Joy while waiting for her but he didn't expect it to end so soon. He then saw Wendy's down expressions and he realized how hard Wendy's really adapting with the counseling. It was already a usual reaction from his patients but since it's Wendy, he has a heavy heart witnessing it. It was really wise decision to let Rose handle the therapy. He then left the two to have private moment and went inside Rose' room for discussion.   

"Yah! What did she do to you? Do you want me to pull her hair?" Joy tapping Wendy's back with enough pressure indicating how much she wanted to go to the room where Wendy came from and maybe she could have a confrontation with that doctor. Of course, Joy's reaction is driven only by her emotions not that she really hated the doctor. 

After a minute more of embracing Wendy, she tried to reach out again. 

"Wendy unnie, tell me what happened?" 

 She then heard Wendy cackling.. and this is getting really weird for her.

Wendy flashes a smile and broke free from Joy's embrace.

"I just realized a funny thing, Joy. My physician is that great." 

"Well.. she has to be.. I mean, you're being checked by her, I'll get her license revoked if she isn't." Joy joked but she's disheartened to see Wendy looking miserable right now but she has to stay strong for her. 

"Let's go home. I'll buy you your favorite bubble tea and celebrate the end of your first psychotherapy." Joy offered when Wendy's giving her a silent treatment after. 

---

"Wait here till I get your bubble tea, okay?" Joy demanded and Wendy only nodded.

They're in a park near their apartment building, it's night time so there are no people there but passerby. Wendy said she doesn't want to go home yet so they went circling the nearest possible place they could land but this whole time Wendy was incredibly quiet and it made Joy really saddened. 

"Don't go anywhere, okay?" 

"I'm not a kid, Joy." Wendy said then she started swinging aggressively.

"Yah! Stop that! You might hurt yourself! I'll scold you so much if you do!" 

"This wouldn't kill me, Joy. Go get our bubble teas." She continued swinging like she was already flying. 

Joy would rather choose a quiet Wendy than to have her speak anything but this. It worries Joy so much, she didn't expect her unnie would react negatively like this to her therapy. It felt like it would have been better if she just didn't go. She was all lively and looked like she's back as herself the past few days after their heart to heart session, but now she's shutting everything away again. 

Joy couldn't take her emotions anymore so she retreated and went to get their bubble as wished by Wendy.

 

"I'll take one grapefruit green tea lemonade without sugar, please."

"Anything else?"

"One grapefruit green tea lemonade with 30% sugar. Please add on black pearl and coconut." 

"Anything else?" 

The staff asked and Joy looked at her with tears forming in her eyes which made the latter shocked.

"Ma'am, a-are you alright?" 

Joy shook her head and finally cried. The staff at the counter was bewildered and didn't know what to do. Thankfully, there were no other customers around but Joy. 

Joy has been titled as a strong person since she was a child. She never backed on anything or anyone even if it's bigger than her, that's why bullies from her school were afraid of her. Joy is a challenger too, she's the eldest in their family and so she takes on everything in order to protect her siblings. Joy never cried so much on her ex boyfriends too, she always chose to move on right away and never settle for someone who has treated her badly. She believed that she has to live her life courageously in order to do not have regrets in the end. But despite this image that she worked on her whole life, she felt powerless in helping out one of the most important person she has in her life, her Wendy unnie.

While waiting for Wendy to come out from her therapy session, Eric approached her and told her not to worry. She then asked for advice on what she could do to help her, and he only stated to be always by her side. Joy knew that already, she wanted something more specific.

"That's the best advice I could ever give, Joy. There would be times that everything would be so hard to handle. Even if she regarded you as someone dear to her, there will be times that she will constantly push you away, shut you out from her world. But you have to understand that it's not her doing it but her depression." 

"Could you elaborate more?" 

Eric admired her curiosity and it's because she really wanted to help her unnie out so he continued.

"When depression does the talking, don't listen to it. Instead, reach out to the Wendy you know  behind that surface. Because she's waiting to see a light in her darkest time, her hope to continue fighting." 

He then tapped Joy's shoulder, "and I'm sure you'll be that light for her." 

Joy was fighting back her tears when she heard those words from him. She was determined to be that light, so she wanted to gain strength but by releasing her weaknesses first by crying behind Wendy's back. But if only she has someone with wiser knowledge about life to be her guide in helping out Wendy then she would grab that because despite being determined and wanting to help Wendy, she's still naive. If only she has someone who could release all these tears.

"Joy?" 

It was as if the heavens were listening, someone called her out.

"Irene unnie?"

---

"Joy! I was worried about you, what took you so long?" Wendy got up from the swing and run towards Joy. "What's with the sunglasses?"

Joy noticed how Wendy's back to her usual self again, perhaps swinging aggressively helped knock out some sense back to her. But of course she's only kidding, that's dangerous. She hands out her bubble tea.

"The cashier created a commotion, I had to wait for so long." Joy stated the opposite. 

"Really?!" Wendy raised an eyebrow, she's about to ask more questions when she saw Irene behind her.

She bowed immediately. Despite agreeing of becoming friends, they haven't really bonded since Irene and Seulgi were all busy at their respective work.

"Hi, Wendy. I saw the cashier creating a commotion at the tea shop so I went in to see it myself." Irene played along and smiled at Joy and then at Wendy. Joy sipped her bubble tea faster upon hearing that.

"So you're the one who gave her the sunglasses?" She also sips from her favorite bubble tea and like magic, she was all happy again. When Joy sees this, she felt really fulfilled. Her Wendy unnie's keeping her promise to her by holding on, even if it's so hard. So she has to keep her promise to her too, by being by her side all the time no matter what happen. 

"Yup. Have you forgotten? This kid adores me too much that she wants my style."

"Hey! Not that too much, you know!"

"Then give back my sunglasses."

They started quarrelling like long time friends, it made Wendy celebrate internally because they're becoming really close and she hopes that continues so Joy could have someone she can rely on when she's incapable of doing that for her.

"Don't you find it weird wearing sunglasses at night?" She tried to join in but Irene noticed that tinge of sadness in Wendy's face right away. So she had to do something. 

"Are you jealous?"

"What?!" Both Joy and Wendy reacted, shocked. 

"Are you making a move on my unnie?!" Joy was ready to put up a fight.

"She seemed really jealous. Don't worry, you're the first person I asked to be my friend, so you will always be special." Irene continued teasing with her cheesy remark.

"Yah! Do you hear yourself, Irene unnie? This sucks, I can't believe I stan a whipped fashion icon."

Irene only rolled her eyes at Joy and she turned to Wendy who got startled at the attention. 

What Wendy did not expect was Irene's next move. She messed up her short blonde hair. 

"Hey Wendy, come with me to a hair salon, let's dye your hair back to its original color."

"Huh? Why all of a sudden?"

"Because I want to see the natural you." 

Wendy then looked at Joy, she was doubtful if Joy had said anything that would make Irene like this to her but Joy only shrugged, denying the accusations.

"Okay." Wendy agreed and it made both Irene and Joy celebrate. It's been a while since Wendy wanted to go out and trying something out with a friend, other than Joy. 

Wendy thought it's about time to help herself, and not continue to make Joy worry for her too much. It's about time she find her truest goal, finding her happiness. It's time to make most of her remaining time. In that way, she thought, she will be able to fight her depression.

---

'"Irene unnie, you're saying you've heard and seen us last week when we were crying together in front of our apartment?"

"Yes and I overheard everything. I'm really sorry about that."

"And you're proposing that you wanted to help me out with Wendy unnie? Why?" 

"Do I really need a reason to help?" 

"Wendy unnie stressed out to me that she won't receive any form of kindness from anyone who knew she has depression." Joy said. She tried to argue with Wendy about it before, but she was really firm with this decision. So even if Joy really wanted accept Irene's offer of help, she had to keep her loyalty to Wendy's wishes. 

"I have a younger sister that lost her life in depression, and I know how it feels when taking care of someone depressed. I know what you're going through Joy, it's really hard." Irene confessed and her revelation made it harder for Joy to make a decision. 

"I really don't know, unnie. I'm afraid that Wendy unnie would be hurt in the end. She even told me not to tell you or Seulgi either, she doesn't want both of you to be her friends just because you pity her for her condition."

"We will keep everything as a secret between us. She won't get hurt. Our goal is to help her get through this, Joy. You have to be practical in this kind of situation and not let your emotions hinder possible solutions. Also, you're not the one who told me about her depression, I discovered this on my own. So you'll be bailed out from this if! If she will really learn our secret." 

"I really don't know unnie. We also didn't do anything for you to offer that kind of help. You said it yourself and experienced that it's hard, so why?"

Joy was really having a hard time to decide so Irene thought of other possible reasons she could think of. 

"Because she helped me out before too, remember?"

"Seriously? Do you think I could entrust my Wendy unnie who's bond with her was from a week full of arguments? Atleast give me more vital reason unnie." 

So in the end, Joy wanted an assurance of Wendy's safety first.

"Because Wendy accepted me to become her friend, and friends help each other, right? Give me the opportunity to do that for her, Joy. I want to become a part of her life too." 

A/N:

Disclaimer

Again, I'm not an expert when it comes to matters of depression nor has any background in any mental health problems. My research about this is only at the surface level so experts may see inadequate information written in this so I'm sorry in advance. Even if this is fanfiction, please correct me if there are any grave mistake. Thanks!

One Thing Right Chapter 9 | Wenrene

 

One Thing Right

Chapter 9

"Fresh Start"

The next day...

"Unnie, your eyes are swollen." 

"And you think yours aren't? Look at yourself in the mirror." 

Joy started chuckling to which Wendy got puzzled. 

"What's funny?" 

"It's just that, I can't believe we broke down crying last night in public, in front of your apartment building. I wonder if someone caught us on cam and posted it, I bet we're gonna be viral!" 

"You find that exciting? That's horror for me." 

"Yah! Think of it as a punishment for lying to me! If I didn't get suspicious of you yesterday before you left the unit, I wouldn't have rummage your belongings and saw a doctor's appointment paper on your desk." 

"No one's announcing that they're going to the hospital to get checked up, Joy. I feel like it's a natural private thing to do." 

"Tch. Liar. That's not what you said last night while crying like a baby." 

"Can we not talk about last night? It's giving me chills." 

"Why? You can't believe we're so sweet to each other? People might have mistaken us for a couple. She laughed teasingly. 

"Shut your mouth or I'll tell Sungjae what you said last night to me." 

"Do it. I don't really care, he has to know you're my priority." She challenged and Wendy was taken aback. Joy's really serious with her words.

"Look, Joy. Your love for Sungjae and for me are different. You have to give importance to him as well or you'll lose him." 

"I love him, unnie. But like I said, you're my priority. If he loves me, he should understand that. You're not just my best friend, or cousin, you're literally a part of me. So don't just shut me out or I'll go crazy." 

"If you marry Sungjae, you'll be whole. But then I'll be there on your marriage for sure." Wendy said with a hopeful tone. 

"That's still far to tell. But I love how you invited yourself to my own wedding without my knowledge." 

Wendy rolled her eyes. It'll be difficult to make Joy change her mind with her priorities. 

"Anyways, aren't you going home?" 

"My, I just declared I'll stay by your side and you want me to go home?" 

"It's not like that. You also have a life of your own in Jeju, you can't just be forever stuck with me you know." 

"I'm thinking of transferring here in Seoul. Dad's here anyways." 

"But your life is in Jeju, your working there, auntie's there and so is Sungjae." 

Even if Joy persists to be by Wendy's side, she cannot deny that it'll be difficult to leave everything behind in Jeju, her hometown. Right now she has no solution to this problem so she's just gonna think about it and settle it later. What's important now, is that she still has time to be with Wendy and that's what matters for now. 

"Don't worry, I'll think this through and tell you my decision soon but now, I want to know when' is your scheduled therapy." 

"Seriously Joy, I appreciate you wanting to look out for me but I'm seriously better now. I mean, not completely but I'm a step closer to that. I've done the most difficult part which is seeing a doctor, so I think I could handle the rest. Don't sacrifice your life because of me, I would really feel bad about that." 

"I understand, unnie. I'll consider everything before I make a decision. I won't decide something that I will regret later." She smiled reassuringly. "So every when is your schedule?"

"Saturdays of every week." 

"That often? I mean that's 4 times a month." 

"Yeah, I was surprised to be honest but what can I do about it? It's their prescription not mine." 

"Until when will be the therapy?"

"I'm scheduled for the whole 3 months but the doctor said it could cut shorter or expand longer depending on how I cope up with my condition. They could make me take lesser sessions to twice or once a month too if ever they detect a fast improvement." 

"Is your doctor male or female?"

"Both"

"Both? You'll have two doctors to see you?"

"Yeah, it's my request." 

"Are they good looking?"

"I haven't seen the other, but the male one is." 

"Then I'll tag along to see for myself." 

"Like I have a choice not to tag you along."

"Good. At least you're listening, Ms. Son."

~Growl~

"Oh, yeah. We haven't eaten last night beause we cried ourselves to sleep." 

"I'm hungry unnie, let's go get some food outside." 

It's already 11:30am when they stumbled upon Irene & Seulgi passing by just when Wendy opened the door of their unit.

The 3 of them got all startled and didn't know what to say or do. It seems like it's already fate that wanted them to reconcile. 

"H-hi, Seulgi, Irene?" Wendy started wanting to ease the tension.

"H-hi, Wendy." Seulgi stammered. Despite missing Wendy, she's still unsure whether the latter's happy to see her for a hug and a casual talk.

They were stuck standing in front of each other. They were caught in an awkward situation and it's all thanks to Joy for ending this misery.

"Oh! Hi Seulgi-unnie! Hi idol, Irene-unnie!"

Wendy got weirded out. When did Joy got close to those two that she has the courage to hug them while greeting? And when did she had the privilege to call them unnie? 

"By the way, thanks for the cupcakes yesterday, Wendy. They were delicious!" Seulgi finally flashes her eye smile, but still testing the water.

"Cupcakes?" Wendy then looked at Joy questioningly. 

Crap. Joy panicked. She forgot to confess her sins to Wendy yesterday but she had forgotten about it when they got too emotional. Now, she's about to get busted as a liar in front of her new friend Seulgi and her idol Irene. 

The other two noticed how greatly confused Wendy was so the speculation that Joy was lying to them was surfacing. Not until Wendy decided to speak.

"Ahh! Ooohhh... yeah! Yup, yup!" She made a funny and odd reaction to buy some time and think about what she'll say next. "I mean, I almost forgot about the cupcakes. I've been reaaally occupied lately." It wasn't a whole lie. 

Joy can't help but smile, Wendy's covering for her. So, she played along.

"Told 'ya! Wendy unnie baked them for you both." She grinned to Irene and Seulgi then back to Wendy. 

Wendy is in disbelief of what she's hearing. Her cousin is really thick faced... and a liar.

"Yeah we really thought you're bluffing but it's really real, right Wendy?" Seulgi replied to Joy then turned to Wendy happily. "I'm really so thankful that you aren't angry with me. I thought you're avoiding me." She gave Wendy a huge bear hug. 

Irene was relieved to see Seulgi smiling so brightly again.

That statement was half true and half false for Wendy. Yes, she's avoiding the two recently but it's because she isn't in the right state to communicate to anyone at all. She was never angry, a little, maybe towards Irene's attitude to her, but her problem right now is bigger to even think about a past interaction. It's already forgotten not unless Irene treats her the same again and again. 

Wendy returned the hug and reassured Seulgi that there were no hard feelings. 

"Thank you, Wendy! Let's bond together some time soon!"

Wendy nodded happy to see a bubbly Seulgi again and then looked at Irene when she was released feom the hug, she seemed tamed now that her roommate is back. She has forgiven her really, even if she hasn't apologized yet.

"I'm not angry Seul, and sorry about that if you feel I was avoiding you recently. It's just that, I'm really busy, so..." She turned back and cast an apologetic look at Seulgi. 

"See? Wendy unnie won't ignore you." Joy smiled.

Both Seulgi and Joy started conversing on their own while it left Wendy and Irene on the side. Now, that's when the awkwardness returned. 

Wendy is afraid to say or do something since Irene may snap on her again and that's the least she wanted to handle right now. She might not even know how to, anymore. 

"Hi, Wendy." Irene spoke soflty.

If Wendy didn't know Irene, she could resemble her voice to her physician. Their voice are so calming in such soft and reserved tone.

"Hi, Irene." Short response but that's the only thing she could offer to her now.

Irene understood quickly that Wendy's aloofness is the consequence of her attitude previously towards her. She cannot blame her.

"Wendy." She tried again.

"Yeah?" 

"We need to talk." 

"B-but we're about to grab some lunch." She tried to reason out.

"Can we tag along then? We're about to eat out too." 

"Are you sure? Because the last time you..." she paused as bad memories became vivid again.

Irene is starting to lose hope to reach out to Wendy. She's really not good with rejections. 

"It's okay if you don't want to."

She heard a tinge of disappointment and Wendy felt bad. 

"Oh come on, unnie. It's just lunch, you can join us!" Joy to the rescue. 

Irene checked Wendy for some response but she just nodded after giving it a second thought. Despite appearing as forced approval, Irene would still grab this opportunity. 

"Come on, Seulgi unnie, we're partners throughout this lunch!" Joy put her arms over Seulgi's shoulders and they hopped happily to their way. Seulgi wasn't ignorant of Joy's plans though, Joy whispered to her the plan of making their unnies reconcile. Seulgi wanted this so they could have a smooth friendship from now on. 

This is really awkward for Wendy, but she's really glad that Joy is still treating and teasing  her the same as before. Even with depression, which makes everything hard for her to function normally, she has Joy that will always make her feel that she's still the unnie she has met from the start. Wendy knew how lucky she really is to have Joy, so just thinking about it boosts her mood. She smiled. 

"Let's go?" Wendy offered and Irene, who noticed a positive reaction now. She's glad to take the invitation.  

They all choose to go to the restaurant next to the one that Irene and Seulgi were at the other day. It's an Italian restaurant and they ordered the vongole pasta, pomodoro and a family sized pizza. 

Joy and Wendy seated side by side. This time it's Seulgi who whispered to Joy that they do this seating arrangement with Irene facing Wendy. It's a trick really, if you want to speak to someone then just seat in front of them and not on their side.

While they were waiting for their orders, Joy brought up a topic to talk about, exclusively to Seulgi only. The other two were facing everywhere but each other. 

Joy and Seulgi thought they would talk eventually but their orders came and not a single word came out from them at all. 

"There's no harm in talking, you two." Joy finally grew impatient. "We're already at our 5th topic, and both of you are still on mute. Hello?!"

Wendy rolled her eyes. "If you speak for the whole group then perhaps we could have jived in to your topics. But hey it's like you and Seulgi are the only ones here." 

"Hey no fighting here." Seulgi interfered.

"Anyways, we're going to wash our hands before eating." Joy abruptly stood up and brought along the confused Seulgi. 

"I have alcohol?" Wendy offered, she already read Joy's plan of making Irene and her talk. 

"Whatever." Joy and Seulgi walked away and that left the two again. 

"They should have washed their hands while waiting for our food." Wendy sighed as she shook he head.

"Wendy."

Now she didn't expect Irene to callout first.

"Yeah?" 

"About the previous week we're together, I'm really sorry for the attitude I've shown you." Irene started with an apology. She has been thinking about what to say since Joy's visit yesterday. Despite thinking thoroughly about it she's bit hesitant to actually say her thoughts now especially that she didn't expect to meet her this soon and unscheduled.

"Oh." Wendy was caught speechless of course. She didn't expect that there's this side of Irene that could make an apology. She's really different now from when she saw her before. Before, Irene's like a person wrapped by dark aura but now she's oozing with lighter vibe. 

"Just, oh?" Irene asked a bit disappointed at her reaction. 

"Ah! Sorry, I was just surprised you're making an apology." She scratched the back of her head. 

"I realized that my behavior was really wrong, I shouldn't have judged you right away when you're just helping out." 

"It's fine now. It's kind of understandable if you think about it. I'm a stranger and you just want to protect your privacy." 

Irene thought that Joy was right, Wendy really turned out to be a person that forgives anyone with just apology. Wendy really is a good person, but somehow Irene thought that it makes her prone to being hurt so easily if she'll be like that all the time. For some reason, she has the urge to change Wendy with her way of living. 

"That's true, but I could have done better." Irene was being honest, Seulgi was a long time friend and she will never let her get harmed. Therefore, if she was entrusted to someone, it will be to a good person as well. Irene had doubts, and she's basing it from experience of getting fooled all over again. That's why she always kept her walls thick and high to prevent it from happening again. 

"Past is past. Let's forget about it. Now that Seulgi has returned, there are no reasons for us to communicate anyways." Wendy said as a matter of fact. She sees no reasons at all for them to interact again.

"Isn't Seulgi your friend?" 

That made Wendy pause and think. "I guess so? But I can't say the same for her." 

"She treats you as her friend. She got really lonely when you abandoned her." 

"Abandoned? Hey, that's a strong word and I didn't do that." She sighed. "There's really a bunch of things going on with my life lately that I..." 

"You don't have to explain. I just want you to know that Seulgi really likes you as her friend." 

"Oh. I feel the same way. She's really a good person." 

"And so are you."

Irene's eyes widened. It was a slip of the tongue. Why she said that out loud?

"Why am I getting compliments? You're already forgiven so you don't have to." Wendy laughed it off which irks Irene a bit. She was being truthful and yet... 

"Where were they anyways?" Irene changed the topic out of embarrassment. 

Wendy wanders her eyes and found the two sneaking behind the wall from the wash area just to check on them. She had an idea how to punish those two and shared it with Irene. 

"They are doing this because they wanted us to talk and reconcile." Irene commented feeling bad for the two after hearing Wendy's plan. 

"Yeah but we're going for a payback." 

"So we're just going to talk? What are we going to talk about?" 

"Just anything. They're giving us space to talk so we're giving it to them. The thing is, they're gonna go hungrier." 

Irene watched Wendy snicker at her own plans and it brought a smile on her face. This stranger she treated wrongly before plays along with her to make a prank on their friends. It seemed so fast but Irene's starting to get at ease with her. 

"Since you're a friend of Seulgi, does that makes us friends too?" 

Wendy stared at her in disbelief. Is she hearing those words from Irene's mouth? The model Irene Bae? She thought it would be rude of her if she says no. 

"Well... would you like to?" She had to ask first.

Irene smiled. "If you'd like it too." 

There were no more words needed to respond to that. Just their eyes and smiles for each other were enough evidences of what they wanted. This commences a friendship that they didn't know they will later cherish forever.