Kim woke up early in the morning, filled with excitement for his sister Cristina's birthday. He decided to make it a special day and headed to the nearby vegetable market to gather fresh ingredients for a delicious birthday meal.
Meanwhile, Rusa slowly regained consciousness, feeling a throbbing headache. She pressed her head with her arms, trying to ease the discomfort. Suddenly, an unfamiliar voice broke through her haze, calling out, "Sis, Sis..."
Rusa opened her eyes to find herself in an unfamiliar room. Everything seemed different, even the bed she was lying on. Confusion and surprise washed over her. She took a moment to collect her thoughts and tried to remember what happened the previous night. It all came back to her: going to her mom's bar with Kim and getting drunk.
Cristina's voice interrupted her thoughts, offering her a glass of lemon water. "I know you've got a headache," Cristina said, holding the glass. Rusa accepted it gratefully and took a sip.
"This is my room. I'm Cristina, Kim's sister," Cristina introduced herself. "My brother brought you to our home last night because you were drunk, and he was afraid your dad might be angry if he sent you home."
Rusa realized that she had been brought to someone else's home and felt a mixture of gratitude and embarrassment. She apologized, "I'm sorry for causing trouble."
Cristina smiled warmly and reassured her, "No need to apologize. You're my brother's friend, and I don't mind. Besides, I knew all about you last night."
Curiosity and shock flickered in Rusa's eyes as she asked, "What did you know?"
Cristina's smile grew wider as she answered slowly, "About the proud Joe, the old-fashioned thing, and the perception of yourself as ugly."
Rusa was at a loss for words. She instinctively placed her hands on her head, feeling self-conscious.
Cristina laughed heartily, sensing Rusa's confusion. She said, "Sis, let me tell you something." Taking Rusa's right hand, she continued, "You're not ugly. And the person who can't see your beauty isn't meant to be with you."
Leading Rusa in front of a full-length mirror on the bedroom wall, Cristina encouraged her to look at herself. Rusa stood there, bewildered, as Cristina pointed out her fair skin, pink lips, straight hair, pretty eyes, and nose. She complimented Rusa's tall and slim figure, explaining that many girls undergo surgical procedures to achieve a look like hers.
Rusa gazed at her reflection in the mirror, feeling a sense of satisfaction about her appearance for the first time in her life. Suddenly, she realized she was wearing a bathrobe instead of her clothes from the previous day.
Confused, she asked, "Where are my clothes?"
"I washed them last night in my mom's old washing machine. You vomited on the couch, and all your clothes got dirty. I changed your clothes, and since my clothes don't fit you, I had only one option: this bathrobe. You're so slim that it fits you perfectly," Cristina explained honestly, just like her brother would.
Rusa felt a pang of guilt for not only sleeping in Cristina's room but also disturbing her throughout the night. She expressed her apologies, but Cristina dismissed it, emphasizing that she didn't mind. As she put it, Rusa was her brother's good friend, and she was happy to help her brother's friends, especially girls.
While Rusa was getting ready, Kim finished cooking breakfast, and Cristina tidied up the living room and dining area
. Cristina excitedly exclaimed, "Brother, it looks like you've prepared a scrumptious feast. Is this my birthday gift, the delicious meal?"
Kim chuckled and replied, "I'll still take you shopping."
Cristina jumped up and down happily, exclaiming, "Yay!"
Curious about Rusa's whereabouts, Kim asked, "Where's Rusa?"
"She's taking a bath," Cristina answered, eagerly anticipating the day's celebrations.
Kim declared proudly, "It's time to eat. Go and call Rusa. Afterward, we can go shopping and have a birthday party tonight."
Cristina rushed to her room, ready to fetch Rusa. Meanwhile, Kim set the cooked meals on the dining table. Rusa sat quietly, feeling a bit awkward about her actions from the previous night. Kim smiled warmly at her and asked, "Did you sleep well?"
"Yes, thank you," Rusa replied, avoiding eye contact.
Cristina returned with a jug of water and sat next to Rusa. Kim handed them each a cup of tea and instructed them to help themselves to the egg rolls, fried bread with butter, and boiled eggs.
Impressed by Kim's culinary skills, Rusa ate her breakfast in silence. Cristina, on the other hand, finished quickly and began excitedly discussing her plans for the birthday celebration with her friends.
As they finished eating, Kim insisted on washing the dishes himself, declining Rusa's offer to help. He considered her a guest in his home and wanted to make sure she felt comfortable.
Rusa prepared to leave, but Cristina stopped her and suggested, "Sis, come with us for shopping."
Rusa initially declined, saying she needed to go home. However, Cristina leaned closer and whispered something in her ear. Rusa nodded in agreement, intrigued by Cristina's words.