"Your place is right here. Where do you think you're going?"
Ahn Hae turned around in surprise, only to see a familiar face scrunched in mild irritation. Relief washed over her like a tide, and she couldn't help but exclaim with joy,
"Minh!"
"You're that happy to see me, huh?"
The scowl on Minh's face faded, replaced by a lopsided grin that made him resemble a puppy thrilled to be fussed over.
"Of course! I'm thrilled to death!"
Ahn Hae beamed and reached out to ruffle his hair, but Minh ducked just in time, teasing her in return. Unfortunately for him, this sister of his was anything but gentle. Without missing a beat, she hooked her arm around his neck and dragged him down, delighting in messing up the carefully combed strands on his head.
"You barbaric woman!" Minh groaned, struggling free.
In contrast, Ahn Hae only looked more smug. "What brings you here today, huh?"
"Heard your leg got hurt—but judging from how you're moving, doesn't seem like you're totally crippled." Minh muttered while patting his tousled hair back into shape.
"The boss told you, didn't she?"
Ahn Hae stopped teasing, fishing for her keys to let him in.
"Yeah, she sent some food for you. I was on the way, so I figured I'd drop it off."
She didn't have the heart to call out his transparent lie. Because in a foreign country like this, having someone who shows up just for you—it was enough warmth to hush all sorrow.
Since working at the convenience store, Ahn Hae had not only gained the favor of her boss, but also a brother—not by blood, but by heart. Whenever she got sick, Minh would help her with medicine, and she did the same for him. In a land so cold and unfamiliar, the two of them—fellow expats—leaned on each other to ease the ache of homesickness.
"Sit down, I'll make you some tea."
She tossed the keys onto the shoe rack and limped toward the kitchen with her crutch, only to have Minh brush past her with a snarky remark.
"Crippled people should stay put."
He made himself at home, flipping on the kettle like he owned the place. Ahn Hae didn't protest—his help was heartfelt, and it was nice to be pampered for once.
While waiting for the water to boil, Minh placed the containers from the boss into the fridge. Opening the door, he was met with an almost completely empty shelf. He turned around with a deadpan stare.
"Are you surviving on air and moonlight now?"
"I just finished everything yesterday! Haven't had time to restock."
"I'll bring some groceries over tomorrow."
Ahn Hae's eyes sparkled. She raised her fingers into a tiny heart gesture toward him in gratitude.
"Heart shot!"
"Request denied."
"Ugh, you little brat."
Pouting, she slumped back in her chair.
Ignoring her drama, Minh fetched the cups from the cupboard like it was his own house.
"You want cocoa or tea?"
He didn't wait for her reply. "Chamomile it is. Helps you sleep."
"Sure, whatever." She shrugged—tea had been on her mind anyway.
Ahn Hae wasn't annoyed. She knew this was just his way of showing care, especially after her recent rants about insomnia. Sometimes, warmth didn't need to be flashy—it came in the form of chamomile tea and grumbling younger brothers.
"You called off work too?"
He set the steaming cup in front of her and finally asked.
"Look at me. Do I look like I can drag myself to the office?"
"You look pretty lively to me."
"Even if I didn't ask for leave, they would've kicked me out."
Stirring her tea, she shot him a side glance. "No classes or dates today?"
Minh took a lazy sip of iced coffee, letting the bitterness linger before answering.
"Thanks to a certain clumsy sister, I had to cancel plans to come check if you were still alive."
The jab made her eyebrow twitch. She raised both hands and gestured toward the door.
"I'm clearly fine. Thank you for your undying concern. Now leave."
"I'll go once I finish this."
He was shameless, sipping his coffee like he had all the time in the world.
Despite his constant roasting, Ahn Hae had long since accepted that she couldn't win against this sharp-tongued brat—especially not with one leg wrapped in bandages.
"So, how'd you end up like this?"
He downed half his coffee, finally circling back to the purpose of his visit.
She eyed the plaster cast on her leg. The events of the previous night replayed in her mind, but they were so surreal she wasn't even sure how to begin. Minh might think she'd gone mad. So, she opted for a quick cover-up.
"I tripped on the rug and fell. Doctor said it's just a soft tissue injury, nothing serious."
Minh didn't buy it, but her face was the picture of innocence. So instead of pushing further, he switched tactics.
"You really need to watch where you're going."
"You say it like I'm some kind of disaster."
"Last week, who burned her hand picking up a hot pot with no mitts? And the week before that—who stubbed her toe so hard the nail turned black?"
Caught red-handed, Ahn Hae averted her gaze, cheeks tinged with shame. Minh sighed—sometimes he really couldn't tell who was the older sibling.
"Enough about you. What about your love life? Still seeing that girl?"
The sudden topic change caught him off guard.
"Why are you asking all of a sudden?"
"What? Can't I care about my little bro?"
He glanced away, mumbling. "It's… over."
Eyes wide, Ahn Hae exclaimed, "What?! Do you have some kind of curse or what? Why does every relationship of yours end halfway?"
Irritated, Minh growled, "As if I know!"
"Guess you're doomed to be single forever."
Clearly enjoying herself, Ahn Hae grinned like a cat with cream. But Minh wasn't dubbed the king of savage comebacks for nothing.
"Maybe I caught it from you. Been hanging around you too long, and now I've got your single-forever syndrome."
"…"
Ahn Hae's face darkened. Veins bulged on her forehead. This brat was getting too bold.
"I swear, I will commit a felony in my own home."
Minh flashed a toothy grin. "Good thing I don't wanna die at the hands of a cripple."
Ahn Hae lunged, but her leg reminded her of its current condition. With no choice, she swallowed her rage while Minh continued laughing like a gremlin.
They bickered some more—it was less a conversation than a roast battle—until Minh finally checked his watch.
"Looks like you're doing alright. I'll head out."
"That early? Stay a bit longer."
As annoying as he was, Ahn Hae had to admit—having someone to chat with eased the loneliness. She tried to coax him into staying with a dramatic sigh.
"Better I go before your blood pressure spikes. Plus, I've got a project to finish."
"Yeah, yeah…"
She pouted, drawing a chuckle from him. Before stepping out, he added,
"I'll drop by again tomorrow, alright?"
Pretending to be nonchalant, she nodded. "Whatever. Come if you want."
"You want me to bring anything?"
Slipping on his coat and slinging his backpack over one shoulder, Minh made his way to the door. Ahn Hae hobbled after him.
"Don't bother. Save your money. You're looking like a chopstick these days."
"You're one to talk."
Even as he bent to put on his shoes, he kept up the sass. She kicked his backside lightly in farewell.
"Out! Now!"
"Going, going."
He gave a playful salute and finally stepped out. But just as the door creaked open, he froze in his tracks.
Standing on the other side was a tall figure, unexpected and unfamiliar—at least to him. Before Minh could turn to ask who it was, a surprised voice behind him echoed down the hallway.
"Leo?!"
* * *