Micha was just about to settle in for the evening, her laptop open, ready to immerse herself in her favorite anime movie. She had been looking forward to this little escape after a long day. Just as she clicked play, there was an unexpected knock at the door. Startled, she hesitated for a moment before getting up and heading downstairs.
As she reached the door and peered through the small window, her eyes widened in disbelief. Standing there, with a big, wild grin on her face, was none other than her best friend, Eu Nu. Micha's shock quickly turned into pure joy. Without a second thought, she flung the door open and threw her arms around Eu Nu, hugging her tightly.
"Eu Nu!" Micha exclaimed, her voice filled with surprise and happiness. "I can't believe you're here!"
Eu Nu, equally excited, hugged her back just as tightly. "Surprise!" she laughed, stepping back to look at her friend. "I thought I'd drop by and surprise you today. We haven't texted or met in so long since graduation. I've got so much to tell you, Micha."
Micha's heart swelled with warmth, a sense of nostalgia washing over her. "Wait, wait!" Micha giggled, grabbing Eu Nu's hand. "Don't tell me everything yet. Let's go up to my room, and I'll make us some coffee and bring snacks. We're going to need fuel for all this catching up!"
With that, the two of them headed upstairs, Micha's excitement growing by the second. While Eu Nu made herself comfortable in Micha's room, Micha rushed to the kitchen. She quickly brewed two cups of steaming coffee and grabbed a plate of snacks before returning to her room, where Eu Nu was eagerly waiting.
"Alright, spill," Micha said with a playful grin, handing Eu Nu her coffee and settling beside her on the bed. "I want to know everything."
Eu Nu took a sip of her coffee, a glint of excitement in her eyes. "Okay, well… I've been seeing someone."
Micha's eyebrows shot up in surprise, and she leaned in closer, eyes wide with curiosity. "Wait, what? Eu Nu, you have to tell me everything! Who is it? Do I know him?"
Eu Nu grinned, her cheeks turning a slight shade of pink. "You remember Oscar, right? Our classmate from high school?"
"Oscar?" Micha gasped, recalling the quiet, thoughtful boy from their school days. "The one who had a crush on you forever but never said anything?"
"That's the one," Eu Nu nodded, smiling softly. "He waited for me all those years, never asked anyone else out, even after I turned him down back then. I didn't realize how serious he was until recently, and… well, I finally accepted his proposal."
Micha's jaw dropped in disbelief. "Wait, are you telling me that Oscar has been waiting for you all this time?" She shook her head, laughing. "Eu Nu, that's incredible. You made him wait all these years, and now you're together? That's straight out of a romance novel."
Eu Nu laughed, clearly enjoying Micha's reaction. "I know, right? It's crazy, but it feels right. He's always been so patient with me, and I just… I couldn't keep ignoring what was right in front of me."
Micha smiled, feeling genuinely happy for her friend. "Well, I'm thrilled for you, Eu Nu. Oscar's a great guy."
Eu Nu's smile widened. "Thank you, Micha. So, what about you? What have you been up to?"
Micha leaned back, taking a sip of her coffee. "I've been working at Min Company. It's just a contract position for now, but it's been keeping me busy."
Eu Nu's eyes lit up with curiosity. "Min Company? That's impressive, Micha! I'm proud of you."
"Thanks," Micha replied, smiling gratefully. "But enough about me. Tell me about work. How's everything with the family business?"
Eu Nu's face brightened as she began to talk about her role at Hea Company. "It's been a lot of responsibility, but I'm learning so much. I didn't think I'd enjoy it as much as I do, but being involved in the family business feels fulfilling."
The conversation flowed easily between them, filled with laughter and lighthearted teasing. The room was warm with the shared memories of their past, and for a moment, it felt like no time had passed since their last heart-to-heart. They talked about everything—work, love, and the little moments in life that had shaped them since their school days.
Time seemed to melt away as the two friends enjoyed their long-overdue reunion, their bond feeling as strong as ever. Micha couldn't help but feel grateful to have Eu Nu back in her life, even if only for this moment. And as they continued to share stories late into the night, the world outside faded, leaving only the warmth of their friendship to fill the space between them.
It was nearing 9 o'clock when Micha's phone suddenly rang, interrupting the flow of her conversation with Eu Nu.
Ring... ring...
She reached for the phone, glancing at the screen. A smile spread across her face as she saw it was her mother calling. She quickly answered, her voice instantly soft and warm.
"Mom, are you all settled in? Did you reach there safely?" Micha asked, her words tinged with both concern and longing.
"Yes, baby, we reached safely," her mother's familiar voice reassured her. Even over the phone, Micha could feel the warmth and comfort she'd always found in her mother's presence. "It's a beautiful place here, Micha, but it feels strange without you."
Micha's heart squeezed slightly. "Do you like it at least a little bit, Mom?"
There was a brief pause before her mother replied, "Yes, it's peaceful. Your father and grandparents seem to be adjusting well, and your brother is already exploring every corner of this mansion." She chuckled softly.
Micha laughed quietly along with her. "That sounds like So Eun. He's probably running around finding hidden spots."
Her mother's tone turned gentle and knowing. "But how are you, Micha? Are you doing alright on your own?"
Micha hesitated for a moment, glancing over at Eu Nu, who was still happily nibbling on snacks in her room. "Actually, Mom, Eu Nu came over today—completely out of the blue! It was such a wonderful surprise, and we've been catching up on everything. I've missed her so much. But… as much fun as we're having, I still miss you all terribly. The house feels emptier without your presence."
There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line, a quiet understanding passing between them, as only a mother and daughter could share.
"My sweet girl," her mother said softly, her voice filled with tenderness. "It's alright to miss us, but remember we're just a phone call away. We'll be together again soon. Until then, you have to take care of yourself, okay?"
Micha nodded, even though her mother couldn't see her. "I know, Mom. I will. But it's just not the same without you all. The house feels so much quieter… and emptier."
Her mother's voice grew even more gentle, filled with love. "You're strong, Micha. And you're never really alone. You have Eu Nu there, and even when we're apart, we're always with you in spirit. Don't forget that, my love."
A lump formed in Micha's throat at her mother's words. She blinked away the sudden wave of emotion that threatened to overcome her, trying to keep her voice steady. "Thank you, Mom. I love you. Please take care of everyone there, okay? And make sure to rest. You work too hard."
"We'll be fine, sweetheart. And you—take care of yourself too, alright? I don't want to hear that you're overworking or not eating properly," her mother gently scolded.
Micha chuckled softly, her heart filling with warmth. "Yes, Mom, I promise. I'll take care of myself. You take care too. I miss you so much already."
"We miss you too, Micha. But remember, we'll be together again soon," her mother said, her voice soft and full of reassurance. "Good night, my love."
"Good night, Mom. I love you."
"I love you too, baby."
As the call ended, Micha placed her phone down beside her and let out a deep sigh. She turned to Eu Nu with a small, wistful smile. "It's so strange not having them around," she confessed softly, her heart aching a little.
Eu Nu, sensing Micha's emotions, smiled gently and reached out to squeeze her hand. "You'll see them soon, Micha. And until then, you've got me here for as long as you need."
Micha smiled gratefully, the warmth of her friend's presence helping to ease the longing she felt for her family. Though the house felt quieter without them, Micha knew in her heart that she wasn't truly alone. The love of her family, even from afar, still filled the spaces around her, and that love would carry her through until they could be together again.
It was a peaceful night, and the air in Micha's room had grown soft and still, filled with the warmth of friendship as she and Eu Nu lay comfortably in their beds.
The quiet rhythm of their conversation had slowed, and both girls were drifting off to sleep. The gentle glow of the bedside lamp painted the room in a golden hue, wrapping them in a cozy embrace. Micha felt content, her mind wandering through the events of the day.
Then suddenly, the loud, piercing sound of her phone broke through the tranquility.
Bip... bip... bip...
Micha flinched at the sound, her heart skipping a beat as the phone's sharp ring echoed through the quiet room. Her eyes flew open, and her hand fumbled for the phone lying on the bedside table. Eu Nu stirred beside her but remained still, half asleep. Micha squinted at the screen, the light from the phone glowing brightly in the darkened room.
Her breath hitched in her throat.
The name on the screen sent a rush of adrenaline through her body, leaving her stunned for a moment. A flood of emotions swelled inside her—shock, excitement, disbelief. Her heart pounded against her chest as she stared at the screen, wide-eyed.