ENTANGLED

It was her birthday but unlike every year this year her parents were surprisingly home. She wasn’t someone who’d throw a grand party just because she turned an year older.

She liked things quite and with people she cared about, so when she woke up she was a little disappointed to find Yugyeom’s bed empty

At least today he should've stayed home.

She huffed in annoyance and went straight to the kitchen

“Morning Hei-ran” Anne, her caretaker said with a huge smile

“Ajhuma anyoung haseyo” she responded

“Happy birthday Hei-ran” she hugged and Hei-ran wrapped her arms around her with a smile on her face.

“Thank you” she heard footsteps approaching and turned around to see her mom and dad both dressed and in a hurry.

“Oh you’re up Hei-ran” her mom said while her dad was talking to someone on the phone, he kissed her head lightly and left her with her mom

“Where are you guys going?” she already knew the answer but asked her just to disappoint herself a little more

“Something came up honey. We've to leave as soon as possible” Anne looked at her with sympathy

“Ma’am but today its H-

Hei-ran immediately cut Anne off with a fake smile diverted towards her mother

“It’s fine. Go ahead, even i had to go to In-ha’s place” her mom gave her a smile and she closed the gap between them giving her a tight hug

“Happy Birthday Honey” she suddenly said and took out a little box from her handbag.

“Your father specially designed it for you.” It was a beautiful platinum necklace, Hei-ran was surprised that her mother did remember her birthday after all.

With the necklace dangling through her fingers, she just wished for a normal family

“Thanks mom” she said while her mom kissed her head again before leaving

Hei-ran sighed, she no longer felt disappointed. Disappointed are the people who hoped and her hope died down a long time ago.

“In-ha wanted me stop by her place before we went for lunch” Hei-ran said to Anne.

Anne nodded and took a small box from her side and gave it her

“Its not much but i know how much you love chesscake”

After a gloomy start her smile suddenly widened

“You’re the best” She said before devouring the amazing taste of the cheesecake

After peacefully eating it, she grabbed her car keys and then took off to In-ha’s place

________________

In-ha took the whole day to prepare for her birthday after all it was her best friend’s birthday.

Everything was going according to the plan. Yugyeom reached on time and Hei-ran dropped a text at the right time.

Since she already had the spare key of her house. In-ha knew she would directly make her way to the kitchen

“I’m home” She shouted while talking off her shoes and making her way towards the kitchen but she got no response.

In-ha stifled her laugh when she heard Hei-ran hurriedly step inside the kitchen area where they said the loudest

"Happy birthday to you"

Everybody was singing cheerfully. In-ha saw how surprised she was to see everyone.

And that’s what she wanted, to see her friend happy.

_________________

Hei-ran was surprised but the feeling that dominated her mind was that of pure joy, that her people were there for her on her birthday.

Her favorite humans on earth.

“You almost cried” she was about to cry but Yugyeom’s comment made her glare at him instead

“Awwww she’s about to cry” In-ha said

She made her way towards Hei-Ran and hugged her “Happy birthday”

Hei-ran hugged her tight and said Thank you

“This is what you wanted” In-ha said

“A family” Hei-ran smiled a little at In-ha

“I’m hungry please cut the cake” In-ha suddenly said with a little laugh

Hei-ran saw Bam coming towards her with the cake

“You’re here as well” she was surprised but a sense of happiness filled her as she saw everyone around her

“I’m here for the cake” he said

“Cheesecake. This is amazing. I love you guys” her mind was occupied with the sight of the cake as she finally cut the cake.

“You’re gonna get fat eating like that” Yug said

“Oh she’s a pig already” Bam joined him and Hei-ran gave them a fake smile while they both laughed.

“I’ve got you something though” Yug said suddenly

“What is it?” Hei-ran said with sudden excitement as he stood up and walked towards her

“C’mon let’s go outside and see it” he said while taking her hand and guiding her outside.

There was a black range rover parked in the drive way and a guy with blonde hair was sitting inside with his shades on and looking into his phone. He came out of the car and took his shades off.

“Mark?” she was shocked, surprised even.

He’s back!

Mark went to USA after his parents moved there and he was forced to go with them.

And now after 8 long years he is finally back!

“Oh my god Mark!” Hei-ran ran towards him and jumped on him and Mark lost his balance and they fell to the ground.

Laughing they hugged each other for what felt like an eternity.

“You’re back!

“Missed me?” he said while holding onto her

“You bet your ass I did” she was so happy to see him that she almost cried but she controlled her emotions and hugged him even tighter.

“I think we should get up” Mark said and Hei laughed

“Yup”

“Guys this is Mark. My best friend” She introduced her to In-ha and her family as Hei-ran and Mark came into the house

While everyone gave Mark a polite smile In-ha had a confused look on her face

“Best friend? I didn't know about him”

“He’s back after 8 years” she was profoundly happy

“I’ll be right back” Hei-ran walked towards the kitchen while In-ha closed the door behind her

Awkwardly looking at each other for a second Mark finally decided to speak

“Hi I’m Mark” he said smiling and putting his hand out

“And I’m Jinyoung” Jinyoung came from behind and took Mark’s hand instead.

He pulled In-ha closer to him by her waist. A little surprised she managed to smile and kissed his cheek.

“This is Jinyoung my boyfriend and this is Mark Hei’s best friend”

“Oh! Where is she? Its her birthday right? I gotta wish her” In-ha nodded

“She just went inside to get something to drink” she said while pointing towards the kitchen

“I’m gonna go find her” he said to In-ha

“Welcome back” he turned towards Mark and who smiled lightly.