growing (motherly) affection

Walking down the familiar corridor in Studio 67, Ji's eyes flicker from door to door, trying to recall the number she's supposed to be looking for. Admittedly, the twenty-four year realises that she shouldn't have any problems with identifying Seohyun's apartment number, especially since this isn't the first time she's been here. Although the busyness of being an adult, namely the craziness associated with work and meeting important people, means she tends to forget the key details which, if she’s being honest is rather disappointing.

Finally, after what feels like hours of wandering (quite a dramatic queen, she is), the brunette lets out an excited squeal before quickly rushing over to knock at the door. Unfortunately, this isn’t very easy considering the amount of food she’s brought with her. The multiple bags carrying the various soup and chicken dishes swings into her legs, the sharp corners of the containers scratching her skin and it takes literally everything to avoid cussing aloud at the pain. "Why..." She groans, bouncing from foot to foot to stop a four letter word from slipping out, and it's then she tries to focus on why she's there in the first place. To stop the swearing, obviously.

For Seohyun.

The young photographer is undoubtedly the only reason why Ji’s hopping around like a complete idiot while holding onto her entire container collection. There’s something about her that triggers the twenty-four year old’s inner mother, causing her to click into protective mode while also bombarding her with the necessary questions any concerned umma would ask. ‘Have you eaten yet?’ ‘Have you got a spare jacket? The weather’s cold.’ 'Do you have a boyfriend? I'll need to check him first, if you do.' Ji’s always surprised when Seohyun still keeps her around, knowing another unwanted interrogation will occur every single time.

Quite frankly, she's just like a sibling Ji's wanted. A sister who she dotes on as though they're related by blood. It's her job now to continue to shield Seohyun from the dangers of the world as best she can, giving her food to ensure she's healthy and has the strength to overcome any hurdles in her way. Besides, that's what sisters slash mothers are supposed to do, anyway. To care, to protect, to simply be there.

"What’s in this stuff?"

Jaerim looked up from his daily reading of the Bible, attention drawn away by the woman whose finger appeared pointed at the thick volume in his hands. Granted, it was probably strange to see someone reading the Bible in public, in broad daylight, in the middle of a park. But social constraints held little value for him if it meant having to hide his faith and his love for the Lord.

With a friendly smile he closed the Bible, and held it up at chest level, cover facing the woman. Fingers tapped rhythmically at its surface, as if acting as a drumroll. “The Word of God is in this stuff. Most people seem to forget that such a thing exists, and I would not blame you for being one of them. That is quite alright – many need to be shown the path to the light that God gives us in our darkest times.”

Setting the religious book upon his lap again, he did not open it, in fear of seeming impolite in the presence of a lady. The smile remained intact. “‘This stuff’ is called the Bible. It is very beneficial if you should find yourself doubting your faith in God’s love, or if you are in need of guidance. Of course, should you sin greatly, I am always ready to listen to your confessions – preferably in church.” He held his hand out, as if to shake hers. “Please, call me Minister Jae. Anything else makes me sound too old.”