Chapter 10: Early

Yu-ri's POV

We reached the gate in Seochon at dusk, and Da-eun was already on the wooden porch, pouring tea for Halmoni.

She sat with her knees together and her back straight.

She wore a pale pink cardigan and no jewelry except a thin gold watch.

Beside her on the floor lay a gift basket with a ribbon, heavy with fruit.

"Yu-ri-ssi!" She half rose, glowing. "And Tae-seong-sunbae. What a lovely surprise."

"I came to pay my respects to the Chairman's mother. I hope it's not too bold."

"It's not bold," Halmoni said. "It's early."

"Always," Da-eun said, laughing. "I can't help it."

Halmoni took a sip of tea and looked at her over the rim.

I knew that look from the first night, when she had decided to open her gate.

I sat down beside Da-eun, because it would have been strange not to.

Tae-seong stood at the foot of the steps, with his jacket still on and his arms folded.

"Dear," Halmoni said. "How did you know I liked persimmons?"

"The tree," Da-eun answered, nodding at the courtyard. "I saw it when I came in. Everyone loves a house with a persimmon tree."

"Everyone also likes pears," Halmoni said, "and you brought pears."

"I thought they would be gentler on an older stomach."

"Hm."

"I hope we'll be friends, Halmoni," Da-eun went on, in the same soft voice.

"I'd like to help Yu-ri-ssi through the Chairman's birthday in December. A new bride has so much to learn."

"I'll be at every dinner."

"Of course you will," said Halmoni.

It was only two words, and they were perfectly polite.

But Da-eun's hand, holding her cup, went still for a moment.

She smiled again.

"Well, I mustn't stay," she said. "Father is waiting."

She rose, bowed to Halmoni, bowed to me, and gave Tae-seong a bow that was exactly one degree too slight.

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