"Mom? Dad? Can we talk?"
They both looked up.
Her mother muted the TV immediately.
"Of course, sweetie. What's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong. I just... I need some advice."
Her father patted the couch between them.
She sat.
Feeling suddenly like a kid again.
Safe between her parents.
Protected.
Her mother studied her face.
"You know, you look different."
"Different how?"
"Lighter. Less weighed down."
Her father nodded.
"Your mother's right. You seem... better."
"I feel better. I think."
Her father leaned back.
"Is this because of the safe one or the dragon?"
"Appa!"
"What? I'm just asking."
Her mother laughed.
Smacked his arm lightly.
"Your father has never been subtle."
"Clearly."
Soorin took a breath.
"It's complicated. Minjae and I... we're not together anymore. Haven't been since Jeju. But we're still close. Still friends."
"And the dragon?" her mother prompted.
"Haejin is... he's trying. Really trying. Flowers. Texts. Making an effort. But—"
