A/N: Thank you glorialopezgl534.03 for your review. They make my day and give me the motivation to continue writing. Special thanks to my beta Vnillachamomile for helping out with this chapter.

"Do it like this." Ga Eul cut the onion in half and placed it horizontally on the board. "Now you've got a flat surface."

"Thanks. I'll give it a try," said Unnie.

"Wait. No. Don't rub your eyes."

She was too late.

"I'll go rinse it out."

Ga Eul suppressed a smile. The day was turning out better than expected. Especially given the dismal start.

Three hours ago, she was sitting in her bedroom, eyes glued to her computer screen. She read and re-read the draft email. It looked fine—short and concise. No typos. Her hand hovered over the send button, where it had been for the past ten minutes. Should she send it?

Getting up from her seat, she leaned against the windowsill. She had promised Yi Jeong she'd wait. It had already been a week. Might as well wait another. But sitting here like this would only drive her nuts. She needed a distraction. Picking up her phone, she dialed Jae Kyung Unnie's number.

An hour later, Ga Eul was lounging on Unnie's sofa, flipping through TV channels. "I've been meaning to ask, have you spoken to Woo Bin Sunbae lately?"

Unnie's answer was delayed and subdued. "No. He hasn't been answering my calls. Or responding to my texts." Leaning against the far end of the couch, she stared at the opposite wall. "Not with anything more than one-liners, at least."

"I'm sure he'll come around."

"It's been a week."

Ga Eul pursed her lips. She had noticed he was acting off. Last week, he was late to pick her up from chef class.

Twice.

This week, he didn't come at all but sent Ji Hoo Sunbae. And now he was practically ignoring Unnie. Something was definitely up. And it was about time they got to the bottom of it.

"Maybe you should visit him."

"I don't think he wants to see anyone right now. He gets like that sometimes." Unnie fiddled with the remote buttons before finally turning the TV off. "But never for this long…" She plastered on a smile. "Let's talk about something else. How's chef class?"

Ga Eul visibly paled.

"Chef Lee's being an asshole?"

"Yeah. That's his default," she said. "But it's not only him. Lately, it feels like—like I'm not cut out for this stuff."

"Ga Eul. You make plain porridge taste finger-licking good."

A ghost of a smile graced her features. "Thanks, Unnie. But I'm sure so could every other person in my class."

"You were selected from the entire country." Unnie engulfed her in a bear hug. "Never forget that. You earned the right to be there."

"I know that. But sometimes—sometimes it seems I can't do anything right." Ga Eul chewed her bottom lip. Hard. "No matter how hard I try—how much I practice—I still can't…"

Unnie rubbed her back. "Let me get you some ice cream."

Fetching a handkerchief from her purse, Ga Eul dried her eyes. After her little talk with Yi Jeong, she thought she was all cried out. But maybe not.

Unnie emerged with a bowl of chocolate mousse ice cream with sprinkles. "I got you the good stuff."

Shoving her hanky in her purse, Ga Eul took the bowl. Unnie opened her mouth to speak, but ultimately said nothing. The silence stretched on, broken only by the occasional sound of chewing.

"Ga Eul," she said, her voice soft and unsure. "Can I make a suggestion?"

"Sure. At this point, any and all advice is appreciated."

"I think you need to revisit the source."

Ga Eul gave her a confused look.

"Did I ever tell you I did ballet as a child?"

She shook her head.

"From ages five to seven. My parents thought it'd make me more graceful. More ladylike. Less… energetic."

Sometimes, when Unnie talked about her childhood, Ga Eul had to work really hard to school her features. They wanted a five-year-old to be less energetic?

"Paging earth to Ga Eul."

"Sorry. Got lost in thought. You were saying?"

"When I was seven, I qualified for this dance competition. It wasn't national-level or anything but was huge in the PTA circle. So, I practiced and practiced, until I made the finals." Unnie tapped the armrest. "Then it was just me against Emily."

"Emily? Isn't that an English name?"

"Yeah, this was back when I lived in London. Now where was I?" She rested her hand against her chin. "Right. Finals. So, I practiced for hours and hours. All day, every day. By the time we got to the competition, I was just... done." She raised both arms in the air. "Dancing went from a fun way to express myself to a grueling chore."

Ga Eul shot her a sympathetic glance. "So you lost, I take it."

"That's an understatement." Unnie chuckled. "I forgot half my steps. But that's not even the worst part. My dancing was so lifeless. So mechanical. It still hurts to watch the video."

"I'm sorry."

Unnie dismissed her with a wave of her hand. "The point is: after that, I didn't dance again for years." She clapped her hands together. "Until I hit my teenage years and discovered clubbing. That really helped me get my groove back." Looking up at the ceiling, in a voice a few decibels above a whisper, she said, "No pressure. No audience. Just pure self-expression."

"I get where you're coming from. But I'm still a little lost. What exactly are you proposing?"

"Remember how I used to volunteer for a homeless shelter?"

"Yes—the one you stayed at. Briefly."

"When I lived here with my parents, I mostly donated supplies. Blankets, beds, soap, cash. Stuff like that. But this time, I was planning to cook." She grinned. "Care to join me?"

Ga Eul returned her smile. "Volunteering is on my list."

And that is how, half an hour later, Ga Eul ended up in Unnie's kitchen, feeling better than she had all morning.

"Thanks. I needed this," said Ga Eul.

"Nonsense. I should be thanking you. Do you think I can cook all this myself?"

Gathering up some dirty dishes, she handed them to Unnie. "Clean as you go. Or they'll pile up."

With that said, she left to check on the food. Something was off. Maybe a dash of pepper and some crushed garlic would do the trick?

Unnie put down the dishcloth. "Hey, Ga Eul. You practiced your cooking in the F4 lounge. Right?"

"Yeah. Their kitchen is better equipped than mine. And quieter."

"And it would often get late?"

Ga Eul wasn't entirely sure where this conversation was headed.

"So, where did you sleep?"

"On the couch."

Unnie finished stacking dishes on the drying rack. "That explains so much." Crossing her arms, she leaned against the counter. "The boys bought a new couch. One that opens into a bed."

Ga Eul put down the spatula, all the puzzle pieces finally clicking into place. "Guess they felt guilty."

"Probably. That old couch of theirs wasn't the most comfortable thing to sleep on." Unnie stirred the stew. "They probably wanted to offer you one of their rooms. But were afraid it'll make things awkward."

"Given the situation between Woo Bin Sunbae and my parents, I can see why he would think that."

Worry lines reappeared on Unnie's forehead. But before Ga Eul could utter any words of comfort, she snapped back to normal.

"And given your situation with Yi Jeong, his room was out too."

"There is no 'situation' between me and Yi Jeong."

"Sure there isn't," she grinned. "How's Yoga?"

Ga Eul's ringing cell phone came to her rescue. "Jun Pyo, Sunbae. Hold on. I'm in the middle of cooking. Let me put you on speaker."

"I'm so sorry. I can't believe I've been this callous," he said.

"I'm a little confused. What are you sorry about?"

"For mourning that stupid couch while you were suffering. But I'll make it right. You can use my room. After all, as Jan Di's best friend, you're practically my sister-in-law."

"In more ways than one," murmured Unnie.

"What was that?" he asked.

Unnie continued smiling a toothy grin. Ga Eul gave her the stink-eye. "Nothing."

_oOo_

Ji Hoo entered Jun Pyo's F4 lounge bedroom to find Jan Di in a lively conversation.

With the parrot.

"East or west. Jan Di is the best," said the parrot.

"Thanks, Sweetums. Just the pick-me-up I needed." Jan Di scratched its neck. "Now, back to revising."

"Back to revising."

"Costochondritis," said Jan Di. "Chest pain caused by inflammation of the cartilage that connects ribs to the breastbone."

The parrot repeated each word perfectly.

Ji Hoo stood next to her, his arms folded. "Found a new study partner?"

She flushed. "It was going to repeat everything I said anyway. Might as well put it to good use."

Pumping his fists, he walked out to the living room while chanting, "East or West. Jan Di is the best."

With an expression promising no mercy, she chased after him.

Jun Pyo's prompt arrival saved Ji Hoo's life.

"I bought Sweetums' treats," he said while handing her a bag.

Ji Hoo leaned back against the sofa. "Sweetums?"

Jun Pyo sat beside him. "That's what we've named the parrot."

"What's so funny? I'm a compassionate and empathetic person. I love animals," she said while snuggling up to her boyfriend.

Ji Hoo should give them some space. Given Jan Di's schedule, these moments were few and far between.

But before he could make a move, Jun Pyo spoke up. "Have you talked to Woo Bin lately? He keeps dodging my calls. I'm a little worried."

"Once. When he asked me to pick up the girls. Nothing after that."

Jun Pyo pulled Jan Di closer. "Wish Yi Jeong was here. He could always get Woo Bin to talk."

"There might be one other person who could do that," Ji Hoo mumbled.

He got up from his seat.

"Where are you headed?" asked Jan Di.

"To have a little chat with my sister-in-law."

"Sunbae! Stop. Calling. Her. That."

"She's right," said Jun Pyo. "Woo Bin gets really mad. 'Ji Ah's not my girlfriend yet, Jun Pyo.' 'We're taking it slow.' 'Stop giving her ideas.'"

Ji Ah? Right. That was the name of Woo Bin's latest unmitigated-disaster-in-progress. It was like a car crash: no matter how much Ji Hoo tried, he just couldn't look away.

"Say hi to her for me, by the way. She's such a sweet girl. I hope it lasts."

Ji Hoo patted Jun Pyo's head. "Never change, Jun Pyo. Never change."

_oOo_

Three hours later, Ji Hoo was seated in his car between his sisters-in-law. Unlike Yi Jeong and Woo Bin, he never got the appeal of driving.

"Ji Hoo Sunbae," said Ga Eul.

There was a certain gleam in her eyes that he had never seen before.

"Where is Woo Bin Sunbae these days? We haven't seen him around."

He averted his gaze. Woo Bin never told him what was going on. But Gran had. Of course, this was information he couldn't share, not without breaking a promise he made years ago. "He's busy."

"Too busy to answer a text message?"

"You know Woo Bin. He's got a one-track mind." He took out his phone and pretended to text.

"It's been two weeks. I wonder what's been keeping him this busy." Despite avoiding eye-contact, he could feel her piercing gaze. "You've known each other a long time. Any ideas?"

A part of him admired her relentlessness; another pitied Yi Jeong. The poor guy would've a tough time hiding anything.

"Nope. Woo Bin's a bit of a wildcard. A man of many mysteries." His phone went off. "Excuse me. I should take this."

Bless fake-call apps. He kept up the ruse until they reached her house.

"I'll see you around, Ga Eul-ssi," he said while opening the car door.

For a split second, she hesitated. "We've really gotten close this past year. Woo Bin Sunbae and I. Whatever the issue might be, I just hope he's doing okay."

"Don't worry. He will be."

"Hope you're right." She stepped outside. "Have a nice night, Sunbae."

At last. Alone with the girl he actually wanted to talk to.

"Jae Kyung." He tapped her shoulders.

Removing her earbuds, she turned to face him.

"You need to speak to Woo Bin. It's been two weeks. We've given him more than enough space."

She said nothing. Only leaned against the door and stared out into the street, a faraway look in her eyes.

Just when Ji Hoo lost all hope of an answer, she spoke. "He hasn't been answering my calls."

"Have you paid him a visit?"

"I don't think that'll help."

To the contrary, he was sure it would. "You remember the time Yi Jeong's mom was in the hospital?"

"It had something to do with an infected rod in her leg."

Ji Hoo nodded. "Yi Jeong was worried sick. He sat outside her room, refusing to eat or sleep. Do you know how we finally got him to go home?"

"Ga Eul?"

He smiled. "Exactly."

She mulled that over for a second. "Not sure that'll work this time. Ga Eul's great with people and all. But I think her success with Yi Jeong had more to do with his feelings for her than anything else. She won't have the same effect on Woo Bin."

Baffled, Ji Hoo stared back at her. "Have you had the distinct pleasure of meeting the great Gu Jun Pyo?"

"No. I know of him. But don't think we've ever met."

"Remind me to introduce you two some time. I've a feeling you'll get along spectacularly."

"Jan Di, Ga Eul, and Woo Bin all like him. So probably."

They pulled into her street. With one hand on the door handle, she said, "Thanks for the ride. I really appreciate it."

"Jae Kyung."

She stopped and turned around.

"Visit Woo Bin."

She still looked uncertain.

"I've known him since we were six. He's one of my best friends. Trust me, it'll help."

_oOo_

Woo Bin bounced the ball against the wall.

Knock. Knock.

He ignored it.

Knock, knock, knock, knock, knock.

He continued throwing the ball. Whoever it was would get the message. Eventually.

"Woo Bin. I know you're in there. Open the door," said Jae Kyung.

Bounce. Bounce.

"I'm not leaving."

Bounce. Bounce. Bounce. Bounce.

"I'll camp out here all day if I've to."

She wouldn't really do that, would she? Nah. As long as he continued ignoring her presence, she'd go away. His mind made up, he resumed throwing the ball.

"It's been two weeks! I'm worried sick about you. Please talk to me."

Obstinate, impossible woman. Her incessant pounding was giving him a headache. Putting the ball down, he unlocked the door. "What the hell, Jae Kyung—"

He froze. One look at her trembling lips, creased forehead, the concern etched across her face, and his anger vanished.

Leaving the door ajar, he reclaimed his spot on the floor.

"I talked to Gran."

He squashed the ball in his fist.

She scooted closer until their shoulders touched. "I'm sorry."

"It's been three weeks. Maybe even longer."

This wasn't the first time his dad had gone radio silent.

He was a mafia lord.

Occasionally going off the grid came with the territory. But it had never continued for this long. He always managed to send some kind of message to his men.

She squeezed his hand. "No news doesn't have to mean bad news."

He shifted closer. Leaning against her, eyes shut, he rested his head on her shoulder.

Time ticked by, but neither of them withdrew. They remained locked in place: pressed close together, hands interlocked, his head on her shoulders, her thumb tracing circles down his palm.

Bit by bit, her warmth seeped in. Clearing the fog, relaxing his muscles, loosening the tight knot in the pit of his stomach. The fear wasn't gone. But it felt less crushing. Less daunting. More Manageable.

He loosened his grip. "Come on. Let's go down and get lunch. I'm starving."

Shooting him a bright smile, she followed after him.

"So." He took a 360-degree turn. "Prof. Chung reminds you of Mr. Potato Head, huh?"

"Yeah. I think it's his abnormally large head."

_oOo_

"Wet towel?"

"Thanks." Yi Jeong wiped his face.

After his last conversation with Ga Eul, he threw himself into his work. No texting. No phone calls back home. No drinking with the boys. The hard work finally paid off.

Opening his window shutter, he watched the clouds glide by. "Hold on, Ga Eul. I'm coming."

As soon as the plane touched down, he rushed to her house.

His hand hovered over the doorbell. Should he ring it? But what if she wasn't home? What if her mom opened it? Maybe he should've called first?

"Yi Jeong?"

He turned around to find Ga Eul standing a few feet from him. Running towards him, she pulled him into a hug.

"So, you heard about Woo Bin Sunbae, huh?" she said. "Did he talk to you? Is he OK?"

The concern in her voice gave him a pause. With an ever-increasing feeling of dread, he asked, "What about Woo Bin?"

A/N: Hi Guys! Did you enjoy the chapter? What was your favorite part? Tell us in the reviews.