Wonderwall • ℍ𝕒𝕖𝕤𝕠𝕠

𝟜𝟘

Deciding which bridge to burn and which bridge to cross was one of the most challenging choices to make in life. Life was often compared to a bridge, where reaching the other side was inevitable, as no bridge could sustain someone indefinitely.

Days had slipped by, yet Haein found himself unable to muster the courage to bring closure to their relationship. The conversation with his mother had left his mind and heart in disarray. Despite Jisoo's attempts to reach out, he consistently found reasons to avoid speaking to her or meeting her in person.

Jisoo couldn't shake the feeling that she had somehow caused this rift. She began to doubt her worth, even though it was Haein who seemed to be questioning his own value after his actions. The troubles extended to her bakery, with Jennie's departure adding to her frustration. Consequently, Jisoo had to recruit two new employees to assist her in managing the bakery.

As Jisoo diligently counted the cash in the register at closing time, Lisa and Chaeyoung busied themselves tidying up the kitchen and front area of the shop. Suddenly, Lisa's eyes widened in surprise as she spotted a white Mercedes Benz parked outside the bakery. "Ohh... look, there's a car in front of the bakery!" she exclaimed excitedly. Jisoo's head whipped around towards the entrance, hoping to see Haein, only to realize that it was her father who had arrived.

"Girls, please head back to the kitchen," Jisoo softly instructed as she made her way to the door. Baek Hyeon's face lit up with a smile when he saw his daughter unlocking the door. "Princess!" he greeted warmly, to which Jisoo responded with a small smile, gesturing for him to enter.

"How are you, Father?" Jisoo inquired softly, swiftly locking the door behind her. Baek Hyeon sighed and settled near the display fridge. "I'm doing quite alright, and you?" he inquired, crossing his arms and leaning back in his chair. Jisoo tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, mustering a faint smile.

"Good..." Jisoo responded, a hint of sadness in her eyes. Baek Hyeon raised an eyebrow, sensing her underlying distress, but chose not to press further. "I see. I came here to ask if my grandson could stay over at my house tonight. I have a dinner at a hotel, and many old friends will be there with their families. After what happened last time, I didn't think you'd want to join. But I could really use some family support," he explained.

"So, I thought that by bringing my grandchild along, I could demonstrate to everyone that I am a committed family man after all," Baek Hyeon explained. Jisoo smiled, taken aback by his words. This unexpected turn of events presented the perfect chance for her to invite Haein over to her house. Jisoo was eager to check on him and uncover the cause of his troubles.

"I don't have a problem with that as long as he's comfortable with it, Father! You should ask him," Jisoo replied, her gaze fixed on her hands clasped tightly on the table. Baek Hyeon observed her expression and gently reached out towards her hands. "Is something troubling you?" he inquired, his eyes filled with concern. Jisoo let out a small gasp at his question and quickly withdrew her hands.

"No, nothing... but please just be honest with me," she replied, a hint of urgency in her voice that caught his attention.

"Always," he reassured her. Jisoo pursed her lips and locked eyes with her father, a flicker of doubt in her gaze.

"Have you... spoken to Haein recently?" Jisoo inquired, causing his eyebrows to shoot up in surprise.

"Haein? Jung Haein?" he echoed, confusion evident in his eyes. Jisoo nervously bit her cheek and nodded in response.

"Yes, Mr. Jung..." Jisoo responded. Baek Hyeon couldn't shake off the suspicion of her interest in his old friend's youngest son.

"Why do you ask? Have you been in touch with him?" he inquired, leaning in closer. A sudden wave of panic washed over Jisoo upon hearing her father's probing questions. It was as though she had been conditioned never to mention him, creating an unusual and unsettling atmosphere between them for the first time. With her chest tight, she met her father's gaze, sensing a surge of past emotions resurfacing. Baek Hyeon observed his daughter's abrupt stillness, noting the shift in her demeanor before his eyes.