All I want for Christmas is Yoon

“It’s nice to see my house is still standing.”

Byeol rolls her eyes. “If you were that worried about it, you wouldn’t keep asking me to house sit.”

I laugh.

“Tell me all about America.”

“It’s loud, busy, and confusing.”

“Oopa!” she cries.

I laugh. “I didn’t get much time to see anything. We’re on the move constantly. Every minute of our day is scheduled. Their airports are interesting.” I shrug.

“It saddens me that you don’t get to experience more.”

“I’m lucky—”

“Don’t feed me the lines they use to keep you in line. Especially Sang,” she hisses.

“I know you don’t like him, but he’s done a lot for both of us.”

“For us, or his pocket? You deserve better than he gives you, oopa.”

I lean my head back against the couch. I’ve toyed with the thought of ending our professional relationship for over a year. His abrasive managing style, harsh criticism, and controlling ways keep me on edge.

“I feel like I owe him for all he’s done,” I admit.

“He was paid handsomely for that.”

I grunt.

“Are you going to keep punishing yourself for what Chung-Ho did?” she asks softly.

“I should’ve seen through her lies.” I shake my head, sickened by the desperate way I clung to her. I was an easy target ripe for the picking. I ignored everyone’s warnings and observations, explaining away what, in hindsight, was obvious.

“That’s what professional liars do, play their role convincingly. It takes a ruthless person to do what she did. The blame is on her. You deserve happiness and real love.”

“Maybe that doesn’t exist for people like me. Perhaps it’s the price I pay for living in the limelight.” Darkness creeps over me.

“No. I don’t believe that, and neither should you. Tell me a story. You always have at least one.”

“I actually have a video.” I cue up the video from Hart.

“Yoon! That was so sweet of you. Look how happy you made her. Who’s the other woman?”

“That’s Hart. She doesn’t know it yet, but she’ll be on the competition. She’s trying to win the spot on the show for her sister.” I retell the story, and my sister tears up.

“What a wonderful sister.”

“She seems to be.”

“Anyone who sacrifices that much for her family cannot be anything like Chung-Ho. Did you answer her?”

Heat creeps up the back of my neck. “We’ve talked a few times. Just texts.”

“You like her.”

I deny it immediately, “No.”