Chapter 4

Lucy walked excitedly through the center of Busan. She spotted the formal dress shop and smiled, missing Yala terribly. She entered the store, greeted the saleswomen there, and asked about the older woman. One of the women asked Lucy to wait, saying she would call her, and it didn't take a minute for Yala to appear, as elegant as ever. Lucy smiled, and Yala gasped. She was wearing a long dress with subtle lace details and a pair of shoes that made her even taller.

Lucy approached, seeing Yala open her arms and beckon her for a quick hug. Lucy smiled even more, nestling within the arms of the woman she considered a great friend.

"Long time no see!" Lucy said, hugging her back.

"Why haven't you been around? I missed you, you know?" Yala exclaimed.

"I missed you too, Ms. Yala."

"Let's go to my office. We can talk and have some chocolates. You do drink, right?"

Lucy laughed and nodded. It was three in the afternoon, but a little drink wouldn't hurt.

They walked to the secluded part of the store, and Lucy sat on the couch there. Yala fetched the jar that always had chocolates of all kinds and placed it in the center of the table beside the couch. She sat in her armchair, crossed her legs, and maintained a contented smile as she looked at Lucy.

"Your hair looks beautiful," Yala said. Lucy touched a strand of hair and felt shy, thanking her for the compliment.

"Now spill it, tell me everything that happened. I heard a rumor, but I want you to tell me the whole story!"

"About Jen?" Lucy laughed when Yala nodded.

"You really did that? Exposed the snake and came out on top?"

Lucy didn't hold back on the details. She enjoyed every reaction that Yala displayed as she recounted the story.

"That snake... how could she? You were at risk, you should have had her arrested."

"I know, but I didn't have enough evidence. But I'm going to file a lawsuit against her. Yugjae lent me his lawyer."

"Oh, really?" Yala got up to fetch two glasses and poured some cherry liqueur. She handed one to Lucy and sat down, opening the box of chocolates for the girl to take the first one. "And is this going to cost a lot? You can tell me, I'll help you."

"Thank you very much, Ms. Yala, but he's already helping me with that." Lucy picked a strawberry bonbon and took a bite. "Yugjae is a great friend."

"I'm glad. But what about now that you have your own brand? Are you coming back to Busan? Let's collaborate!"

"Collaborate?" Lucy widened her eyes. She took a sip of the sweet liqueur, watching Yala nod. The taste of alcohol was barely noticeable.

"Of course! Just imagine if my store gains the enchantment of your talent in some pieces? That would be amazing. Besides, we would be like the trans girls stealing the spotlight. Think about it!"

Lucy laughed at the way Yala spoke, but she nodded.

"I would love to create a partnership with you, Ms. Yala. I think that maybe when I graduate, I'll come back to Busan. I just need to carefully consider the possibilities of doing something good here. Busan is also a big city, and it could work."

"Of course it can. It definitely will!"

Lucy smiled and nodded, sharing some ideas she had been having for her future, taking the opportunity to finish her glass of liqueur and have a few more chocolates.

"Alright, now tell me." Yala refilled the glasses. "And what about that cute boyfriend of yours, huh? You're still together, right?"

"Oh, yes. Ryeon and I are engaged now." Lucy showed her hand and saw Yala gasp in excitement again. The words flowed smoothly from her lips, carrying with them the revelation that would alter the course of their lives in an indelible way.

"Don't tell me! So many news, Lucy! And when's the wedding? I haven't received my invitation yet." Yala squinted playfully, as if savoring an inside joke that only she and Lucy shared. The atmosphere was imbued with a mix of joy and curiosity, as the details of the future nuptial event began to unfurl in the fabric of their conversation.

"It will be after our graduation, we decided to wait, and we're still figuring out how the ceremony will be." Lucy words bridged the gap between the present and the future, connecting the important milestones of their academic journeys with the sacred commitment they now shared.

"There will be a ceremony? That's amazing!" Yala set her glass down and picked a lemon bonbon, her gestures expressing an enthusiasm that could hardly be contained. Every word, every expression, was like a careful brushstroke on a blank canvas, filling it with vibrant hues of anticipation.

"And do you have any ideas already? There will be a wedding dress, right? Because I really want to make one for you." The question marks in the air seemed to dance around them, like curious butterflies, as the vision of the wedding dress painted vivid images in Yala mind, projecting itself into the future as a dream about to come true.

"Would you do that?" Lucy eyes shimmered like sparkling stars reflecting the glow of the full moon. Her words echoed with gratitude and emotion, reverberating through the walls of Yala heart.

"But of course! You just need to tell me everything you want, and I will make it with the utmost happiness. The dress will be something I create with great joy." Yala commitment to crafting the dress took shape, becoming more solid with every word spoken. Every stitch, every detail, would be a piece of her love woven into the fabric's fibers.

Lucy thanked the woman again, her words overflowing with gratitude and affection, like a comforting balm enveloping two friendly souls.

When they bid farewell, Yala insisted on giving Lucy a sealed bottle of liqueur, a gesture carrying the warmth of their friendship and the wish that the night itself would be a celebration. Considering that Lucy had had four small glasses of liqueur and saved a few chocolates as well, the exchange of gifts felt like a ritual of affection, sealing the memorable night in an unspoken pact of lasting friendship.

As her gift to Lucy, Yala presented one of the new earrings she had crafted, which sparkled with tiny gemstones. The shimmer of the gemstones was like a promise, a tangible reminder that their friendship was a treasure to be cherished and nurtured.

In the end, Yala paid for the taxi to ensure Lucy safe return, her care radiating like a protective beacon on a dark night. She gave Lucy the tightest hug she could, a hug that transcended words, expressing the special bond they shared. She asked Lucy to come back soon, as she was like a beautiful light in Yala otherwise tranquil and solitary life. The final words carried an echo of anticipated longing, a reminder that friendship was a ray of light amid the everyday routine.