sneezed on the beat and the beat got sicker

Several things are spoken all at once:

“Maybe we can distract security for you.”

“I could throw you over the barrier!”

“I wanna come!”

“Zoey, you can't do that. That’s literally a federal crime.”

“But it's for love!” Zoey says stubbornly, ignoring Rumi’s penchant for following the law.

“Zoey! Put your seatbelt on! You can't profess your love if you're dead!”

“Aww. You love her?”

“Our Zoey is all grown up!”

“I wanna come!”

“Love won't hold in court. We need a plan.”

Zoey sits back and begrudgingly puts on her seatbelt. She crosses her arms and thinks. For a few minutes, only the sounds of the AC can be heard.

Rumi claps her hands.

“I’ve got it!” She says, taking her phone out. “We can buy you the cheapest plane ticket that’ll get you into the same terminal as Mira’s flight. Let's see…here we go! There’s a Delta flight to Chicago and it’s departing from Terminal B.”

“Rumi,” Zoey leans forward. “It's so last minute. That's still gonna be expensive.”

Her friend turns her head slightly to give her a smile.

“Don’t worry about it, Zo. You're worth this and more.”

It feels like forever until they get to departures at Terminal B. Zoey jumps out of the car to the sound of encouraging cheers from her family, with Rumi hot on her tail. Jinu promises to find them after they've parked.

Zoey runs like a mad woman and prays to whoever might be listening that the security line isn't a nightmare.

-

Mira is sitting in a corner of the Korean Air lounge, nursing a glass of whiskey. She sends an email to Bobby about her abrupt departure and subsequently ignores anything else after that.

She hasn't gotten a text or phone call from Zoey, which she deserves after running out like that and ruining her family's Christmas. She hopes they're able to shake her off and continue with the merriment. She hopes B isn't too upset. And she hopes someday she'll get a chance to explain to Zoey why she walked away.

She's a fool for ever thinking she could have a love like Zoey's. People like her don't deserve happiness, don’t deserve to bask in the light that Zoey brings to the world. Mira isn't built for that kind of life. This is all she gets: a life in transit, moving from airport to airport. A puppet for the plans of her grandfather, her father, and her brother.

Her personal phone buzzes and she almost ignores it, afraid of another confrontation with her brother. She glances at the screen and sees it's neither him nor Zoey. It's an unknown California number. Which is odd, since very few people have access to this phone.

“Hello?”

-

“This is terrible,” Rumi says. The security line in Terminal B is currently impossibly long, snaking around the lobby. “Where are all these people going?! It's Christmas!”

Zoey wants to pull her hair out. This can't be happening right now. She needs a miracle.

“Zoey?”

Zoey and Rumi whip around and are met with a Hawaiian shirt clad Bobby and his husband.

“Bobby!” Zoey yells, rushing over to hug him. Bobby pats her on the back.

“Hey, hey, it's okay.”

He pulls back, hands his passport and ticket to his husband, and takes both of Zoey's hands.

“Zoey, what's going on? Why do you look so upset?”

“It's Mira.”

-

“Hello?” Mira repeats into the phone.

There's the sound of rustling.

“Hello? Mira-nim?”

Mira straightens in her seat.

“Hello? Is this working?”

“Mrs. Kim, hi. How are you? Is everything alright?”

Mira gave Mrs. Kim her personal phone number and let her know to call if she or her family ever needed anything. She hopes nothing bad happened.

“Mira-nim! We were watching the Korean Channel on television and I saw your picture! They said your grandfather passed away. I just wanted to call you and give my condolences. I hope you're doing okay. I'm thinking about you.”

“Oh, Mrs. Kim,” Mira starts. “It's…I'm…”

And somehow, despite her best efforts, Mira starts crying. She takes her glasses off and wipes her eyes.

-

“Oh, this is bad,” Bobby scrolls through the email Mira sent him before flipping over to a Korean news outlet to read about Mira’s grandfather.

He shakes his head.

“Mira-nim is the only good thing to come out of that family,” he shakes his head. “They’re all terrible people and it's about to get ugly.”

“What do we do? I need to talk to her,” Zoey pulls at his sleeve.

“We got Zoey a ticket to get her in, but she's going to miss Mira with this line,” Rumi frowns, pointing over her shoulder to the ever growing security line.

“Which airline?” Bobby looks up from his phone.

“Delta.”

“Perfect, follow me!”

Bobby leads the way to the Delta counter and uses his company card and business persona to upgrade Zoey to First Class. Once the tickets are printed, he hurries them over to the Delta Priority Security checkpoint, which is currently empty.

“Go!” Rumi all but shoves Zoey through.

“She's probably in the Korean Air Lounge, if not at the gate!” Bobby shouts.

“Thank you!” Zoey yells backwards, running up to the TSA agents.

-

“Oh no, what's wrong dear?”

“I - everything,” is all Mira can say. The dam breaks after that. She tells Mrs. Kim everything: about her family and her obligations, their threats, the soul crushing existence she's had until now, having to walk away from Zoey.

“I wish it was all different,” Mira whispers, bearing her deepest wish. “It was easy when I didn't know what it was like. I was surviving. But now…now that I've seen what it's like. I wish I was worthy of all of it too.”

“Oh, Mira-nim. But you already are. You are worthy of it all: of love, family, happiness, and so much more. You gave your very nice airplane seat to this stranger, so I didn't have to be uncomfortable. And you were never going to tell me! You are kind and capable of so much care and love. It upsets me to know that you were born into a family that doesn't cherish you.”

“They've provided for me–”

“And made you feel small at the same time. Listen to this old lady–you only have one life, Mira-nim. You should spend it living, not just surviving. And you should live it with the people who make you happy.”

Mira takes a deep breath.

“I don't know where to even start.”

“Well, for starters, you can hang up, call Zoey, and go from there. You're not alone, Mira-nim. You are already richer in friends and love than your father or brother will ever know.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Kim.”

“You can always call me, Mira-nim. I don't have much to offer, but I am happy to be a friend. Now, go call that girl.”

Mira laughs.

“I will!”

-

Mira walks out of the lounge and calls Zoey.

“Hi there! This is Zoey Park. I'm not available right now, so please leave a message after the beep!”

“Zoey, hi, it's me, Mira. I'm so–”

Something collides into Mira and she almost loses her balance.

“Shit! Sorry!”

Her heart stops.

“Zoey?”

Zoey looks up at her from the floor, still wearing her ugly sweater from this morning. She scrambles to her feet and throws her arms around her.

“Mira!”

Mira embraces her tightly and buries her face in her neck. She breathes in deeply, grateful for another chance to hold Zoey. Especially when not more than thirty minutes ago she thought she'd never have this again.

Zoey pulls away first.

“What are you doing here?” Mira asks her.

“I was coming to you!”

Mira almost cries.

“I don't know what's going on with your family, Mira. I read the news. I don't know what any of it means and Bobby says it's about to get ugly.”

Mira shakes her head.

“None of it matters, Zoey,” She insists. “I don't care about any of it: the company, the money, my terrible family. None of it matters. I'm sorry I ran away this morning and I'm sorry I ruined your family's Christmas. My brother knows about you and I got scared. But…”

She remembers Mrs. Kim’s words.

“You are what matters,” Mira confesses, cradling Zoey's face and wiping the tears streaming down her cheeks.

“Can you give me another chance?” Mira asks.

“I’m going to go back to Seoul and settle everything once and for all so they can't threaten you again. But once I'm done, I swear I'll come back. All I want is a chance to love you and make you happy. All I want is you.”

Zoey takes one of her hands and kisses her palm.

“I came here to tell you that I don't care about what your stupid family can do. It doesn't scare me - I’ll hold your hand through it.”

She frowns with thinly veiled anger.

“Your family pisses me off! They don't deserve you! You're so good, Mira. You deserve every good thing in life.”

“If you say so,” Mira smiles.

Zoey shakes her head.

“We're gonna work on that. But for now, I'm gonna believe enough for both of us.”

Mira nods through the tears.

“Can I kiss you now?”

“Please.”

Mira leans in and kisses Zoey, her fingers threading through her hair. It’s different from all the kisses they've shared so far - this one brimming with tentative hope for the promise of what lies ahead.

Zoey stands on her tiptoes to kiss her back, hands coming up to grab Mira's shirt.

An announcement on the PA system brings them back to reality.

“Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. On behalf of Korean Air, it is my pleasure to welcome you aboard flight 18 with service to Seoul.”

Mira pulls away reluctantly.

“I have to go,” She laments.

“I'll walk you to your gate.”

They walk hand in hand to Mira’s gate. When they get there, Mira digs into her purse and pulls out a box.

“I got this for you,” She tells Zoey, holding it out. “I didn't get a chance to give it to you this morning.”

Zoey takes it and opens it. Inside is a simple gold necklace with a small sun shaped pendant.

“Mira…”

“It just made me think of you,” Mira explains, her cheeks reddening. “I bought it after our date.”

Zoey smiles.

“Can you put it on me?”

“Of course.”

It sits perfectly on the divot of Zoey's clavicle. Zoey runs her fingers over it and looks up at Mira.

“Will you call me?”

“Everyday, if I can help it. You'll get sick of me.”

“Impossible.”

Zoey frowns, something nagging at her.

“Are you sure it's safe for you to go back? I don't trust your family.”

Mira tucks a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

“I have voting shares. They can't select a new Chairman without my vote,” Mira explains. “And I have a plan.”

The worried look on Zoey's face doesn't abate. Mira leans in and kisses her forehead.

“I promise I'll keep you in the loop. I'll give you Bobby's contact information. And I will leave if it gets too dangerous.”

“It just makes me sad, knowing you're going back to a cold place where no one loves you or values you.”

Mira shakes her head.

“It doesn’t feel like that anymore. I have you, that's all I need.”

Zoey takes a deep breath, accepting and trusting Mira’s judgement.

“Final call for Korean Air flight 18 with service to Seoul.”

“Go,” Zoey whispers. “I'll be right here waiting.”

Mira kisses her one last time. She walks up to the gate, scans her boarding pass and gives Zoey a smile before heading down the jet bridge.

-

-

-

-

September 12, 2026

“So everything is settled?” Rumi asks, taking a sip of lychee boba tea.

“Yes!” Bobby confirms, sipping his own boba tea. “It really was quite brilliant. But I wouldn't expect anything less from Mira-nim.”

“How did it all play out?” Eunbi chimes in, heavily invested in the corporate drama.

“Well, the new Vice Chairman of Kumho, Park Sechang, insisted that either Mira-nim lead the integration of Asiana or they were going to pull out of the merger. And Mira-nim struck a deal with her father: she would give him the voting shares she inherited from her grandfather after the integration and ensure that he would maintain the majority over his sisters, meaning he'd forever be the uncontested Chairman of the Hanjin Group.”

“And in exchange?”

“In exchange, Mira-nim walks free and they leave her and Zoey alone. It gave us enough time to get Mira-nim’s affairs in order and make sure she could relocate to America permanently. She stepped down from the Hanjin Board and from Korean Air yesterday.”

“Wow.”

Zoey is barely paying attention to Bobby talking behind her - well aware of every detail that played out in Seoul. She's holding on to B’s shoulders, standing on her tiptoes to see better. It's been nine months since she last saw Mira in person, and she can't wait any longer.

B is holding a sign he made and is also craning his head to look around.

“Wanna go on my shoulders?” Abby offers.

She rolls her eyes and gives him a shove.

“Might be able to see better with a periscope,” Jinu teases.

“There she is!” B calls out.

Zoey looks back at the doors for that familiar silhouette. A smile breaks out on her face and she runs at almost full speed, dodging all the other people streaming out of arrivals at LAX.

She jumps into outstretched arms and Mira spins her around, laughing. Once her feet touch the ground, Zoey grabs Mira’s face and kisses her.

“Hi,” Mira says softly, leaning her forehead against Zoey's.

“I can't believe you're finally here.”

“I'm sorry it took longer than I expected.”

Zoey shakes her head.

“I told you it would've gone quicker if you let me yell at your family with my annoying cousins as muscle.”

Mira laughs.

“Next time, we'll do it your way.”

Zoey threads their fingers together.

“Ready to go home?”

“You have no idea.”

-

September 13, 2026

Mira wakes up to Zoey brushing some hair from her face.

“G’ morning,” Mira greets.

“It’s that voice again,” Zoey teases with a blush.

Mira laughs, her voice gravelly from sleep. She traces the gold necklace on Zoey’s clavicle and then drags her finger down the valley of her chest.

“You’re stuck with it, unfortunately.”

“Forever, I hope,” Zoey smiles before leaning in to give her a kiss.

“That's the plan.”

End Credits:

[Cue The Beach Boys’ God Only Knows]

-

“I like the copper brown ombre!” Bobby comments on Mira’s new hairstyle as they approach the table on the restaurant patio.

“It was Zoey's idea.”

He gets up and gives Zoey a big hug. He hesitates for a second before Mira rolls her eyes and holds her arms out. Zoey giggles and Antonio smiles.

“I’ve always wanted a hug,” Bobby says, arms wrapped around Mira.

Mira pats him on the back and smiles.

“You’re telling me you didn’t need those bonuses after all.”

“I wouldn’t go that far.”

-

[Bobby Jeong now works for Delta Airlines as a Director in Business Development. He and Antonio recently adopted two cats: Pinto and Garbanzo.]

-

“Is your hip doing better?” Mira asks while bouncing a toddler on her lap.

“Yes,” Mrs. Kim says happily, slicing more fruit for her granddaughter. “I’ve been able to go on longer walks with this little one.”

“That’s great!” Zoey chimes in, taking a bite of gimbap. “I’m so happy you’re in less pain, Mrs. Kim.”

The three of them are enjoying lunch at a park near Mrs. Kim’s son’s house. Little Taeri is happy to be munching on berries, her cute pink sunglasses matching Zoey’s. She holds up a strawberry slice for Mira, who leans forward and takes a bite.

“Thank you, Miss Taeri,” Mira smiles at her.

“Beis!” She claps her hands and picks up another slice.

-

[Kim Soonhye has adjusted well to living in the San Fernando Valley. She enjoys spending time with her granddaughter, Taeri, and her community of other Korean migrants.]

-

“Mira, you have to try the 4x4, that’s what I get.”

“Abby, not everybody needs half a cow for lunch.”

“I have to maintain muscle mass!”

“You could get the grilled cheese, that’s what I get when I don’t want to eat meat.”

“Ro, you can make a grilled cheese at home. Be more creative than that.”

“The Flying Dutchman is a classic.”

“I like Monkey Style myself.”

“Is that why you always smell like onions, Jinu?”

“Screw you, man.”

“We have to get her the animal fries too.”

“It doesn’t matter. As long as she gets a Neapolitan Shake!”

“Do you think they’ll notice if we just leave?” Mira leans over to Rumi.

“No. The sushi next door is pretty good.”

“Let’s do it.”

-

[Abby, Ro, and Terry Choi, and Jinu Park still have not convinced Mira about In-N-Out’s greatness.]

-

“You have to hold it farther away from the fire, buddy,” Zoey explains to B, showing him how far he should hold his marshmallow from the firepit.

“But it takes so long, noona,” B laments, looking at his slightly burnt marshmallow.

“You can have mine,” Mira volunteers, holding out her marshmallow for him to take.

“Yay!” B cheers, preparing his graham cracker slices and chocolate.

Zoey tuts.

“He’s never going to learn the proper art of making a s’more at this point, Mira.”

Eunbi laughs from the grill where she’s helping Taeyang with dinner.

“Zoey always burned her marshmallows too,” she reveals. “For years, no camping trip to Yosemite was complete without Zoey setting a marshmallow or two on fire.”

“But, I learned! Through grit and determination! Look at me now! The most perfect, toastiest marshmallow in the North Pines Campground.”

“Noona your marshmallow is on fire.”

“Ah crap.”

Mira hides her smile and hands her another marshmallow from the bag.

-

[Eunbi and Taeyang Park are planning a trip to Europe for Taeyang’s 60th birthday next summer. B got a surfboard for his birthday and he’s excited to start surfing with his noona.]

-

“Careful!” Mira hears Rumi call out, probably directing Jinu and Abby as they back the couch through the door. “Don’t hit the door frame.”

She finds Zoey out on the balcony of the bungalow, surveying the view from their new bedroom.

“Hey,” Mira comes up from behind and wraps her arms around her waist.

“Hi,” Zoey leans against Mira’s embrace and closes her eyes. “I can’t believe we’ll get to wake up to this every morning.”

Mira shrugs.

“I already have a pretty good view to wake up to.”

Zoey smiles.

“Do people know you’re actually a big sap?

“No, and no one will believe you.”

A loud crash booms from downstairs.

“Maybe we should’ve hired movers.”

“Eh, it’s more fun watching Rumi boss the boys around.”

-

[Rumi Kang has taken up running with Mira and they are currently training for a marathon. Zoey thinks they’re both crazy]

-

A paw to the face wakes her up.

“Luna,” Mira whines. “It’s too early.”

When she reaches out, she’s surprised to find an empty bed. Mira immediately sits up. Zoey never wakes up before her.

She makes her way downstairs, Luna hot on her heels. She hears soft humming and finds Zoey in the kitchen, barefoot and wearing one of Mira’s shirts. From what Mira can smell, she’s making breakfast.

“Oh!” she says in surprise when she turns and finds Mira watching her. “Oops. Was I too loud?”

Mira walks over to give her a hug and a kiss.

“No, but your accomplice gave you away,” Mira notes, looking down at their rescue pup. Luna is employing her big, brown eyes, clearly hoping for a blessing or two to fall her way from the counter.

Zoey laughs and leans down to scratch her head.

“You were supposed to keep mom in bed while I made her birthday breakfast!”

Luna barks.

“She tried.”

-

[Luna Park spends her days napping on the patio and playing on the beach with her moms]

-

“Mira?”

Mira looks up from the glass display in front of her.

“Sonny?”

He walks over and gives her a quick hug.

“Christmas shopping?” He asks with a slight smile.

Mira shrugs.

“Something like that. You?”

“Same.”

“Ah,” Mira smiles.

“Miss Cho,” a woman greets. “We’re ready for you.”

“Good luck.”

“You too”

-

[Sonny Park left Kumho Asiana Group and started his own consulting firm based out of Los Angeles, California]

-

December 24, 2027

“We're gonna switch things up this time,” Eunbi announces by the Christmas tree, reading names on the gifts and handing out the presents. “The oldest goes first.”

“What?” Zoey and B cry out in tandem, already holding their gifts.

Mira and Rumi share a look and a laugh. Zoey sulks and sits down next to Mira on the floor, crossing her arms in protest.

“If ain't broke, don't fix it,” Zoey reasons.

“It's my first Secret Santa,” B laments, hugging his present close to his chest.

“But isn't it more fun for you to have the grand finale then?” Mira reasons, bumping B’s shoulder. “You always save the best for last.”

“Fine,” B relents, always ready to agree with his Mira noona.

Zoey, on the other hand, is not as easily swayed. She leans forward to look at B.

“You caved quickly,” She narrows her eyes at him.

“You heard Mira-noona. We have to save the best for last!”

Zoey sits back up, her narrowed eyes now directed at Mira.

“Is this because I ate the last of the macrons from Bobby yesterday?”

“I have nothing to do with this,” Mira swears, holding both her hands up. “Ask your mom and your aunts.”

Uncle Taejoon goes first, showing off the cast iron skillet Celine got him. As they make their rounds, Mira puts a hand on Zoey’s bouncing leg to calm her down, laughing every time she gives a hurried cheer and yells out, ‘okay, who’s next’ in an effort to speed along the process.

Rumi unwraps a new LED surfboard light up system from Eunbi.

“This is so cool!” Rumi holds it up for Zoey to see. “Thanks, Aunt Eunbi!”

“Ah, we can go on sunset surfs! This is going to look so awesome!”

Mira goes next and unwraps a plain box. When she opens it, she finds an old 35mm film camera and several boxes of film.

“It’s from me!” B exclaims proudly. “Noona helped me find it. So you can take more pictures of your adventures!”

Mira lifts it up carefully and turns it over. There’s also a brand new camera strap in the box - it’s leather and it has her initials on it.

She turns to her right and gives B a hug.

“Do you like it?!” His excitement is contagious.

“I do,” Mira gives him a smile. “Thank you, B!”

B cheers and gives his sister a high five for a job well done.

“Thank you,” Mira leans over and whispers to Zoey, knowing she probably helped B a lot in putting the gift together.

“You’re welcome,” Zoey gives her a quick kiss.

A piece of crumpled paper hits her on the face.

“No kissing,” Jinu teases. “I need a spray bottle for these two.”

Zoey takes the wrapping paper ball and throws it back at his face.

“Okay!” Zoey ignores the kissing noises the boys are making and rubs her hands together. “My turn!”

She rips through the wrapping paper and finds herself staring at a blue box. She lifts the lid, excited to see what might be in such fancy packaging. She pauses.

“What is it?” Her mom asks from across the living room

“Show us the gift!” Abby chides. “Show us the gift!”

Zoey makes a confused face.

“It’s…Champagne flutes?” She holds it up. There are two champagne glasses sitting in precisely cut inserts.

“Who had you?” Rumi asks.

“Me.”

Zoey looks at Mira in confusion. Mira’s gift was already unwrapped earlier - she had Terry and she gave him a new sweater vest. Zoey would know, she helped pick it out.

“What are these for?” Zoey takes one out and examines it.

“They gave it to me when I bought this.”

When she turns to look at Mira, she finds her holding a ring box. She opens it and there is a diamond ring inside.

“Mira…” Zoey breathes out.

Rumi silently reaches over and takes the champagne flute and box from her.

“Someone once told me life is for living, not surviving. I’m richer now than I ever could've dreamed of–in family, in joy, in love. And it’s all because of you.”

Zoey starts crying and Mira takes her hand.

“What do you say, Zoey?”

“Say yes, noona!” B whisper-shouts from behind Mira. Several people laugh in the room.

“Will you marry me?”

Zoey nods, struggling to find her voice.

“Yes,” she finally manages to say.

Mira smiles and slides the ring on her finger. Zoey throws her arms around her, throwing them both off balance and sending them crashing to the floor. Zoey leans in to kiss her.

“I love you,” Mira says softly when they pull apart.

Zoey starts tearing up again.

“I love you too.”

-

Mira settles next to Eunbi and accepts a warm cup of tea.

“Did you sleep okay?” Eunbi asks, her knit sweater showing a pattern of reindeers.

“I did, thank you.”

“Morning, Mira!” Zoey greets a little too enthusiastically.

Mira catches the unconvinced raised eyebrow behind Eunbi's mug and feels her cheeks warm up.

Taeyang is making pancakes in his Santa themed sweater and Zoey has appointed herself in-charge of plating.

“Rudolph for the good boy,” She says as she puts down a plate she's arranged to look like a reindeer: bacon for antlers, bananas and blueberries for eyes, and bright strawberry for the nose.

“Yay!”

“A snowman for the lady of the house,” She places her mom's plate with a flourish - two pancakes arranged like a snowman with blueberry buttons and a blueberry face, complete with a dusting of powdered sugar for snow.

“A matching snowman for Appa.”

And the last plate is placed in front of Mira.

“And Santa Claus for the pretty lady from Seoul,” She winks at Mira. The plate is a single pancake with banana slices arranged as a beard, blueberries as eyes, and raspberries for a nose and a red hat. Mira smiles at it.

Zoey's own plate is similar, except she's opted for whipped cream for Santa’s beard.

“That's so much sugar, Zoey,” her mom tuts.

“But it's Christmas!” Zoey reasons.

That's when Mira notices her sweater closely matches the one she's wearing, except she has a turtle instead of Mira's Llama.

“It's pretty unhealthy,” Mira quips. Zoey turns to her, aghast by the betrayal.

“Mira!”

“I knew I liked Mira for a reason,” Eunbi teases.

-

Mira settles in on the couch next to Zoey and watches as B marvels at all his gifts. He picks the one Mira got him first.

“From Mira noona!” He shakes it and gives her a smile.

“Merry Christmas, B,” Mira smiles at him.

B starts tearing into the wrapper with reckless abandon. He squeals when he finally sees what it is.

“No way!” He holds up the box.

“What is it?” Zoey asks, despite already knowing what it is.

“It's a train!” B turns the box to show it off. “Appa, can we put it under the tree?!”

“Sure buddy,” Taeyang agreed easily. “What do we say to Mira?”

He runs up and gives her a hug.

“Thank you!”

“You're welcome,” Mira hugs him back and smiles at Zoey.

They manage to convince B to unwrap more presents instead of building the train now.

He's on his third present when Mira’s phone starts vibrating. Mira silences it when she sees the caller ID. She doesn't need her brother to ruin a beautiful morning.

It starts vibrating again.

“Who is it?” Zoey asks.

“My oppa,” Mira sighs, picking up the phone. “Let me just get this real quick.”

She stands and heads to the dining room. Once she's out of earshot, she answers the call.

“Mira.”

“Oppa.”

“You need to come home as soon as possible.”

“What are you–”

“Harabeonim just passed away.”

All the color drains from Mira's face.

“What?”

Her grandfather dying means one thing: her whole life is about to change. Mira looks back at the living room and sees the utter joy on Zoey's face as she watches B open another present.

“We have a few days before the board elects a new Chairman. You know what it was like when our great grandfather passed. Our aunts are ruthless - There will be a coup. Who knows how many board members they've already paid off. Abeonim will need our support to secure our family's legacy.”

“I-okay, I’ll call Bobby to book a flight–”

“No need, I’ve taken care of it. You should be getting an email as we speak. Your flight leaves in three hours.”

“Three hours?”

“Mira, what part of you need to be here do you not understand? You need to do your duty. The Hanjin Group cannot survive another scandal.”

“And I will, I’m just in the middle of–”

“Mira, I’ve been patient with whatever you’ve been doing with that American girl.”

Mira’s heart stops. In the distance, she can hear Zoey laughing.

“I didn’t tell abeonim about you ditching the Kumho boy for her. Zoey Park, is it?”

Her brother knows. Her brother knows about Zoey.

“Don’t you dare.”

“Three hours, Mira. Get on that plane.”

-

“Hey, is everything okay?”

Zoey is surprised when Mira turns around. Her eyes are wide and she looks like she's struggling not to cry or hyperventilate.

“I–I have to go.”

Zoey approaches her slowly and puts her hands on her arms.

“Go where?” She asks, confused.

The speaker is still playing Christmas songs in the kitchen. And in the living room, B is talking excitedly about his new train set, telling his dad where to put it under the tree.

Mira finally looks at Zoey and the expression on her face is absolutely devastated.

“To Seoul.”

“To Seoul?” Zoey repeats in disbelief. “Now?”

Mira moves past her and goes into the guest bedroom. She starts grabbing her things and putting them in her bag.

“Mira, talk to me,” Zoey begs. “What's going on?”

“Zoey,” Mira stops and walks over to her, seemingly regaining her senses. “I…my grandfather died this morning.”

“Oh no, I'm sorry to–”

“I want you to know,” She takes both her hands. “These past few days with you have been the happiest of my life. Thank you. I’ll cherish them forever.”

Zoey pulls her hands away.

“Why are you talking like I'm never going to see you again?”

Mira grabs her bag and heads to the door.

“I'm sorry.”

-

The front door bursts open. Zoey and Eunbi jump in surprise and Taeyang falls out of the arm chair.

“We came as soon as we heard!”

Rumi throws her shoes off at the door and makes her way to give Zoey a bone crushing hug. Jinu follows shortly, with Abby, Ro and Terry rounding out the group. The tiny living room is suddenly teeming with people.

“What are you guys doing here?”

“You said it was a family emergency in the cousin group chat!” Rumi explains.

“I didn't say that,” Zoey says, looking around for her phone.

“I did!” B declares from behind the couch, cradling Zoey's phone against his chest.

Zoey lets out a wet laugh and pulls her little brother into a hug.

“Huh, I thought it was weird that you spelled emergency as emurjunsy,” Jinu muses.

“I thought it sounded right,” Abby shrugs.

“You can't be serious,” Ro counters.

Rumi snaps her fingers.

“Get it together,” She turns to Zoey and puts an arm around her shoulders. “What happened?”

Zoey explains Mira’s abrupt departure, tearing up again while thinking about the heartbroken look on the other woman's face. Everyone is silent after she finishes. After a while, Terry speaks up.

“Is Mira’s last name Cho?”

“Yeah? Why?”

Terry displays his phone, which is open to a news article that reads:

BREAKING NEWS: Hanjin Group Chairman dies; Power struggle anticipated between Cho siblings.

Zoey takes the phone and reads it silently. There's a picture of an older man in a suit at the top of the article. Near the end is a formal picture of Mira’s family. The expression on her face is so different from the kind and warm face Zoey has gotten used to. This one is cold and empty, and it makes Zoey’s heart ache.

Rumi leans in and starts reading out loud:

Hanjin Group Chairman Cho Yangho has passed away early this morning after suffering a heart attack. Only son Cho Wontae is expected to be named Chairman, but there are rumors of dissent from his sisters, Cho Hyeonah and Cho Hyeonmin, who are also part of Hanjin Group executive leadership. All three siblings have equal Hanjin Group ownership stakes.

The death of Hanjin Group founder Cho Choonghoon three decades ago led to an open power struggle between Cho Yangho and his siblings. The decade following saw Hanjin Group assets fractured and on the brink of bankruptcy, before Cho Yangho secured leadership and stabilized and reconsolidated all assets under the holding company.

Should Cho Wontae succeed his father, his children Cho Jaehoon and Cho Mira are expected to take more active roles in executive leadership of the Group holding companies. Cho Jaehoon is a Managing Director at the Hanjin Group and Cho Mira is currently VP, Head of Business Development at Korean Air. Cho Mira is spearheading her father's ongoing multi-year bid to acquire Asiana Airlines from the Kumho Asiana Group - a move that analysts say would cement Cho Wontae’s position as Chairman.

The Hanjin Group is one of the largest chaebols in South Korea, controlling companies in various industries from transportation and airlines, to hotels, tourism, and airport businesses.

B frowns, not understanding why everyone is suddenly stunned.

“What does it mean?” He says, climbing on his mom’s lap to look at the article. “What's going on? Why is noona sad? Why did Mira noona leave?”

“It means Mira has to go back to Korea to be with her family, B,” Eunbi explains, pulling Zoey closer against her.

“It means she can’t be with me,” Zoey says quietly, hugging the throw pillow on her lap even harder.

‘I’m not allowed to want anything.’

‘These past few days with you have been the happiest of my life. Thank you. I’ll cherish them forever.’

Mira’s words echo in Zoey’s head and a fresh batch of tears forms in her eyes.

The quiet is a stark contrast from the blinking, multicolored Christmas tree in the Park’s living room. Taeyang gets up and says something about making more tea for everybody. He pats Zoey’s shoulder when he walks by from behind the couch.

B jumps off from Eunbi’s lap and puts his hands on Zoey’s shoulders.

“Who cares, noona?” B tells his sister, his face scrunched in concentration. “Why does all that silly stuff matter?”

“B…” Eunbi starts.

He shakes his head, very much the spitting image of his normally fiery older sister.

“Eomma, Mira noona told me to tell Santa that all she wants for Christmas is noona.” He says defiantly. “She loves noona. Why can’t they be together like you and Appa? Why does it matter that her harabeonim died?”

“These families are complicated, B,” Eunbi explains. “Mira's family is very powerful.”

“Something just doesn't seem right,” Rumi mutters to herself. She looks at the article again.

Taeyang arrives with a tray of steaming tea.

“You know,” Rumi starts, taking Zoey's hand into hers. “Mira told me she doesn't want to ever go back to life without you. And you said it yourself, she defied her dad to come to B’s show with us. What changed?”

“Her family's a piece of work,” Ro comments from the floor.

“You said her family has threatened people in her life before?” Rumi asks.

Zoey just nods.

“Maybe something happened? Maybe they threatened to hurt you?” Rumi continues her train of thought. “Something must've scared Mira for her to leave like that.”

Jinu crosses his arms, clearly pissed.

“What can they possibly do to Zoey? This is America. They don't have that kind of influence here.”

“Also. I’d go beat them up,” Abby adds.

“Same,” Terry quietly agrees.

Zoey frowns. She remembers Mira talking about the girl who disappeared after her brother caught them kissing, about her father's perpetual disappointment. Remembers the fearful look on Mira’s face after getting off the phone with her brother.

Thinks about how she can't even recognize the picture in that article. What life must be like in Seoul that she can barely recognize the woman who pushed Mrs. Kim’s wheelchair at the airport, who knelt down to whisper her Christmas wish to her brother, who gave Bobby and his husband a trip to Hawaii. The same woman who brought her flowers and woke her up with soft kisses this morning.

How can a family reduce someone filled with so much love and kindness? How can they make her feel like she's not worthy of everything good in life?

She shakes her head. She's not scared. She's pissed.

“I'm not scared of a stupid Chaebol,” Zoey says, finally speaking up. She sits up and puts the throw pillow down.

Mira chuckles and turns around to face her.

“Hi,” she says softly, her voice raspy from sleep. She brushes hair away from Zoey's face and laughs when her nose wiggles as the tendrils of hair brush by.

Zoey keeps her eyes closed but snuggles closer.

“Do you sound like this every morning?”

“Like what?”

“Like that,” Zoey opens one eye. “Like we'll never get out of bed because all I want to do is kiss you.”

“I don't know what you mean,” Mira teases. “My voice always sounds like this.”

Zoey finally opens both her eyes.

“Then we're in trouble,” she says, leaning in to kiss Mira good morning. “I better call my family and tell them we won't be at Christmas Eve.”

“Do you really want to be made fun of again?”

Zoey groans and hides her head under the covers, like a turtle.

“They're so annoying.”

Mira smiles.

“I think it's cute,” she pulls the covers away to reveal a grumpy Zoey. “Your family is clearly very fond of you.”

“Well they can be a little less fond.”

Zoey moves over to cuddle with Mira, laying her head on her shoulder and putting her arm around her middle. Mira adjusts and wraps an arm around her shoulders.

“What happened with your dinner last night?” Zoey asks with the tiniest bit of hesitation.

Mira runs her fingers through Zoey's hair.

“Abeonim called and insisted I go to dinner with a business associate,” she explains. “But we both wanted to be with other people, so we reached an agreement and left together.”

Zoey frowns.

“Will your dad get mad?”

Mira sighs.

“When is Abeonim not disappointed in me?” She laments.

Zoey sits up.

“How can that be possible? You're like, the most awesomest person I know!”

Mira gives her a sad smile and shakes her head.

“I'll never be good enough, Zoey.”

Zoey lays back down and hugs her even tighter.

“Well. I don't like your dad.”

Mira laughs.

“If it were up to me, you'd be able to do whatever you wanted.”

She sits up again and leans on one elbow to look at Mira

“What would you do if you could do anything?”

“I don't even know, Zoey. I’m not allowed to want anything.”

Zoey shakes her head, ever persistent.

“Let's just pretend. This is Zoey Land. I'm president and you can do whatever you want. No silly controlling parents who make you go on dates with people who aren't me.”

Mira looks at her and thinks really hard.

“I guess I really liked ballet when I was younger,” Mira says slowly. “I was happy to be doing something just for me. And I thought about dyeing my hair red once. That obviously won't be acceptable.”

“I think you'd look super hot with red hair.”

“Yeah?”

“Oh yeah, totally. Which is impossible because you're already unbelievably beautiful. And I can't dance to save my life, but I would love it if you could teach me one day.”

Mira demures.

“Oh I haven't danced in a long time. I…Oppa caught me kissing another girl in my class and that was the end of that. I never saw her again and they never let me go back. I'm pretty sure Abeonim threatened her and her parents.”

It's a terrible memory. One Mira doesn't like reliving. When she looks over at Zoey, she looks aghast.

“That's terrible, Mira,” She shakes her head. “I thought that sort of thing only happened in Eomma's K-dramas. What do you mean it's real?”

She shivers and Mira sits up to hold her face. A sudden fierce protectiveness colors her expression.

“I'd never let them do anything to you, Zoey. Or any of your family.”

Zoey's face morphs from shocked to mad in a split second.

“But they shouldn't be doing any of this stuff to you either!” She sits up in all her naked glory, all fired up now. “Your brother better hope he never meets me, or I'm going to sic my dumb cousins on him.”

The image makes Mira laugh, the idea of her Oppa being jumped by Zoey's American born cousins.

“He doesn't say much, but Terry's got a black belt in Tae Kwon Do! Plus you've seen Abby - he's huge! He can definitely sit on your brother. And, honestly, I have a pretty mean right hook!”

“I'm sure you do.”

“I totally do! I got kicked out of a bar once for starting a fight. If Rumi didn't hold me back, I would've totally knocked that guy out.”

Mira shakes her head fondly.

“I need Bobby's number so he can tell me when people are being jerks to you.”

Somehow, the idea of Zoey and Bobby being in direct contact makes Mira afraid. They would get along well. A little too well. And then Mira would have two people telling her to do things like sleep, and eat, and stop working so much.

“Anyway, you are beautiful inside and out. I think you deserve whatever you want in life, Mira.”

Zoey looks adorable with the determined look on her face. Her hair is down and mused with sleep. With the sun's rays coming in through the window, she looks like a goddess.

“Whatever I want?” Mira asks, unabashedly looking at her.

A mischievous look forms on Zoey's face and she throws a leg to straddle Mira.

“Whatever you want.”

“When do we need to be at your parents’ house?”

“Two.”

Mira takes a sharp breath when she feels how wet Zoey is against her stomach. Her hands fly to Zoey's thighs.

“That's plenty of time.”

“You read my mind,” Zoey says before kissing her senseless.

Mira moves her hands up to grab a handful of ass and Zoey moans into her mouth. She starts trailing kisses on Mira’s jawline, making her way down

“Can you get something for me? It's in the nightstand drawer.”

Mira blindly reaches for the drawer and pulls it out.

“What,” She gasps as Zoey busies herself with her chest. “What do you need?”

“You’ll know.”

Mira extends her arm farther and stops when she touches something cylindrical. She takes a sharp intake of breath and pulls it out.

Zoey sits up a little and looks at her, flushed and out of breath.

Mira looks at the strap in her hand.

“Should I,” She stumbles. “Do I need to wash this before we…?”

Zoey shakes her head and bites her lip.

“I just washed it,” She leans forward and resumes kissing Mira's neck. “I used it after our date on Sunday.”

She nips at her shoulder.

“And then again when you called me yesterday after your run.”

The image of Zoey in bed, using the strap on herself while thinking of her is enough to drive Mira insane. Her free hand grips Zoey tighter.

“Zoey. You're trying to kill me.”

“If I promise to behave, will you put it on and let me ride you?”

Mira flips them over with little warning, trapping Zoey beneath her body. She leans down and starts trailing her hand down Zoey’s inner thigh.

“I don't know. Can you be a good girl and get on your hands and knees first?”

-

They do eventually make it out of the apartment, with Mira's arms laden with gifts Zoey's planning to give her family, and Zoey following behind with her overnight bag and several bottles of soju she brought back from Korea. It's a Herculean task to fit everything and Mira is pretty proud of herself once she's able to close the trunk. Zoey gives her a kiss on the cheek as a reward.

They detour to a neighborhood bakery to get breakfast. Mira blushes when Zoey keeps their fingers threaded while she introduces Mira and chats with the owner (“Make that two croissants for me. I feel like I ran a marathon this morning”).

They also stop by the Wilshire, so Mira can collect some gifts she purchased for Zoey's family. Mira decides against changing - she's wearing one of Zoey's oversized sweaters and a borrowed cap, and everything smells of Zoey.

“This place is huge,” Zoey says in awe, walking around the suite. “Echo! Echo!”

Mira laughs from the bedroom. She places the gift she got for Zoey in her purse.

“Hey,” Zoey appears at the doorway and wiggles her eyebrows. “That's a pretty big bed. And I saw a hot tub in the bathroom.”

“Oh no,” Mira shakes her head, puts her hands on Zoey’s shoulders and marches her out of the room. “I'm not going to be late to your family's Christmas Eve party because you can't keep your hands to yourself. I told your mom I'd help her with setting up. Don't make me look bad.”

“Miraaaa,” Zoey whines. “That's what my dad is for. Don't stand in the way of my dreams.”

Mira laughs.

“You’ll survive, I believe in you.”

-

When they arrive, Mira insists on carrying the bulk of their haul to the door. Zoey bounds up to the front door of a simple two floor home. They're not on, but Mira can spot Christmas lights strung along the roofline and over the bushes. There's a wreath on the door. On the driveway is a Honda Odyssey.

Eunbi opens the door for them and greets them with a big smile, calling Taeyang over to help Mira with what she's carrying.

“This is for you,” Mira presents a bottle of wine. “Thank you for having me.”

“Ah thank you, Mira,” Eunbi takes the wine and gives her a hug. “We're glad you could make it!”

“Noona! Mira-noona!” B comes running down the stairs and crashes into Zoey.

“Hi B!” Zoey drops down to hug him. “Mira got you a gift!”

“Really?”

“Yep,” Mira leans down and gives him a hug. “But I think you have to wait til tomorrow to open it, right?”

“Fineeeee,” he whines and throws his hands back dramatically. Mira laughs, once again reminded that Zoey and B are siblings.

They set to work with setting up the folding tables and chairs in the dining room.

Once that's done, Mira volunteers to put together the charcuterie board, a job she didn't realize would involve fending off Zoey and B from eating everything before she's even done with setting up.

“Zoey, we're not gonna have enough food if you keep eating the cheese.”

“It's just one more, right B?”

“Yeah, one more!”

“You said that last time.”

“Shh. You're doing a great job.”

Mira gets distracted by a wall of pictures on her way back from the bathroom. She follows along as Zoey grows up from infancy, to a young girl learning how to surf, to a pre-teen with Rumi at school and beyond. There are plenty of B as well. Mira smiles at a particular one: Zoey holding her baby brother in the hospital.

“Hey, there you are.”

Zoey comes up to stand next to her.

“He was so small,” she reminisces.

“I love this,” Mira says. “I love seeing how loved you've been your whole life. It makes sense, really. With how amazing you are.”

Mira looks at Zoey and finds her watching with a soft expression. She leans in for a kiss.

“Ew!”

They break apart and find B watching them from down the hall.

Zoey laughs and runs after him.

“The kiss monster is coming for you!”

-

People start arriving shortly after three and Mira has to keep up with the names of every aunt and uncle coming in through the door. Rumi arrives first with Jinu, her mom Celine, and a nice cake for dessert. Jinu’s parents arrive shortly after and then the guys with their parents. Eunbi's youngest sister arrives with her husband last.

She fields high fives and hugs from the cousins, and settles next to Zoey at the kid's table. B insists on sitting with Mira and Zoey and settles himself between the two of them.

Dinner is a loud and chaotic affair, with so much food and drink and barely any room for all of it on the table. There are several conversations occurring all at the same time and at least two glasses of wine are spilled.

It is, by far, the best dinner Mira has ever been part of.

-

After dinner, the extended family gathers around the living room to give B his gift. He settles into Zoey's lap and Mira waits in anticipation, wondering what's about to happen.

“Ho! Ho! Ho!”

“Santa!” B jumps up.

Santa, Mira realizes, is Uncle Taejoon in costume. He's struggling to see behind the wig and his ‘belly’ keeps slipping down his pants as he makes his way down the stairs. When he sits on the arm chair, it almost completely tips over. The aunts rush to stabilize him but all the adults are dying of laughter.

None of it matters to B, who approaches Santa with awe and wonder on his face. He gets his wish this year (a brand new bike), and immediately starts begging his mom to let him ride it this instant.

A compromise is made - B can ride his bike with the cousins when they go on their ‘cousin walk.’

B is ecstatic because he gets to join this year, finally deemed old enough by his mom. Mira watches fondly as Zoey puts his helmet on so he can take his brand new bike for a spin.

“This one doesn't have training wheels!” He says proudly for the third time this evening.

“Wow, I'm impressed!” Zoey adjusts the strap on his chin. “You have to promise to stay close to us, okay?”

That lasts for about ten seconds before B is speeding away. Zoey has no choice but to run after him. Ro takes pity on her and tries to help convince B to slow down.

The guys walk in the middle, talking about football or some other sport.

Which leaves Mira with Rumi.

“Look at her run,” Rumi comments.

“Pretty fast for tiny legs.”

Rumi laughs.

“Zoey was taller than me when we first met,” she reminisces. “We were 12 and I hadn't hit my growth spurt yet. She likes to remind me that she was taller than me for a whole year. ‘Back when you were just a wee 6th grader.’”

Mira smiles at Rumi's impersonation of Zoey.

“We had just moved from Korea, my maman and I.”

There's a faraway look on Rumi's face as she talks.

“Zoey was my first friend and she became my fiercest protector. She was patient with me, and told off the other kids for making fun of how I talked. And she brought me into this family, even before I started dating Jinu.”

Mira stays quiet and watches Zoey catch up to B in the distance.

“She went through a terrible break-up last year,” Rumi reveals. Mira looks at her in surprise. “It hurt all of us to watch that light dim. And it sucked to have her leave us for a year and go to Busan, but it was good for her. I can see that now. And, of course, if she never went, she wouldn't have met you.”

Rumi gives her a smile.

“I'm not trying to give you the shovel talk. I just want you to know how special it is to be in Zoey's orbit. To be a recipient of her light. But you seem like you already know that.”

Mira shoves her hands in her pockets.

“I’ve never met anyone like Zoey,” Mira smiles, watching Zoey pick up her brother and spin him around. “I’ve been thanking my lucky stars that we ended up on the same flight. My world is so much brighter with her in it. I don't want to ever go back to life without her.”

-

The adults do a simple gift exchange over dessert. Zoey explains that they do a Secret Santa - instead of buying gifts for everyone, each person gets one family member to give a gift to.

“You're supposed to keep it a secret!” She says excitedly.

“Zoey, I think we forgot about you this year,” Abby teases as he hands out gifts from the pile under the tree.

“Don't listen to him, noona!” B defends her. “I found it!”

He grabs a present and runs it over to Zoey.

“Oh, Mira-noona! Look, you have one too!”

That surprises Mira.

“Me?”

Zoey comes and sits next to her on the couch, practically throwing her legs over her. B hands Mira a wrapped present. Sure enough, it says her name on it.

“Okay! We go in order of age!” Zoey exclaims once everyone is settled. “Youngest goes first!”

“Yay!” B claps from his seat next to Mira.

“Oops, second youngest!” Zoey corrects, bopping his nose. He giggles. “Santa already gave you yours!”

When it's Mira's turn, she unwraps the present gingerly, not wanting to rip the wrapping paper.

“It's faster if you just rip it all up!” Zoey advises next to her.

“Yeah Mira-noona!” B leans in. “Just do what noona does!”

Mira shakes her head and proceeds with her method, finally undoing the wrapping.

“Show us the gift!” Someone chides. “Show us the gift!”

Mira lifts up the present. It's a sweater - bright red, white and green. There's a llama in the middle, wearing sunglasses and a scarf.

“It's a Christmas sweater!” B claps his hand. “For tomorrow, Mira-noona!”

“We all wear one on Christmas day,” Zoey elaborates, revealing her secret santa. “I hope it fits, Mira.”

“Do you remember when Zoey got you for Secret Santa and she got you a shirt that was two sizes too small?” Jinu says to Abby from across the room. “She’s not the best at estimating sizes, Mira.”

“It said XL!” Zoey argues.

“It was a Youth XL!”

Several people laugh in the room.

“Classic Zoey.”

Zoey crumples up wrapping paper and throws it at Jinu's head.

“Hey!”

He throws it back at Zoey and misses, hitting Ro right in the eye.

“Ow! I didn't do anything!”

Amid the chaos, Mira is speechless. She is trying her hardest not to cry or say something stupid like this is the first thoughtful gift anyone has ever given her.

“Alright, alright,” Rumi calls out from the floor next to Jinu. “Enough about Zoey's inability to size things correctly. It's my turn!”

Mira is grateful for the distraction. She runs her hands over the sweater reverently and smiles at Zoey, who takes her hand and gives it a kiss.

“Thank you,” Mira manages to say quietly.

-

Eventually, all the cousins, aunts, and uncles head out for the evening, leaving the Parks and Mira.

“But Santa…” B mumbles as Mira carries him up the stairs. Zoey smiles next to her. She opens the door to his room and pulls the covers back so Mira can put him down.

“He’s growing up so quickly,” Zoey says sadly while tucking him in. She brushes his hair away and kisses his forehead. “I wish he'd stay young forever.”

She takes Mira’s hand and leads her back downstairs, where Eunbi and Taeyang are tidying up. Zoey and her dad work on putting away the chairs and folding tables while Mira dries the plates as Eunbi washes the dishes.

“Zoey can't help me with this chore,” Eunbi explains while Mira puts away the plates. “She breaks too many dishes.”

“It happened twice, Mom!” Zoey's voice rings out from the dining room. “You break two family heirloom dishes and no one ever lets you forget!”

Mira smiles.

“Anyway,” Eunbi continues. “We figured she can't break folding chairs. They're metal.”

Once everything is done, Mira awkwardly stands by the door.

“I should probably head back to the hotel,” She says to Zoey, who immediately frowns.

“What?”

“I don't want to impose,” Mira explains. “Tomorrow is for your family.”

Zoey, bless her, stubbornly shakes her head and takes Mira’s hand hostage.

“Nuh uh, you can't be alone on Christmas Eve,” she argues. “And you definitely can't be alone on Christmas. That's like, against the rules.”

“Zoey…” Mira starts.

“I made up the guest bedroom for you, Mira,” Eunbi calls from upstairs.

“See?” Zoey makes an I-told-you-so face.

“Zoey can sleep on the couch.”

“Wait, what?”

Mira stifles a laugh.

Zoey shows Mira where the guest bedroom and bathroom are before begrudgingly taking the offered pillow and blankets and setting up the couch.

It's not until the house has settled into sleep that Mira hears her door creak open. She stirs when she feels the mattress dipping.

“You're going to get us in trouble,” she whispers as she wraps her arm around Zoey's middle. Zoey cuddles close and lays her head against Mira's chest.

“I only have you for another week or so,” Zoey mumbles. “I'm going to get as many cuddles as I can.”

Mira is suddenly wide awake now.

“Zoey…”

“Sorry, I didn't mean to ruin the mood by bringing it up,” she sighs. “I know everything moved so quickly for us but I just…”

“Hey,” Mira nudges her to meet her eyes. “I've also been thinking about this. You're not alone.”

She sits up a little to look at Zoey fully and hold her cheek.

“I normally go to LA for two weeks every quarter,” She explains. “But I don't know why I can't stay here for longer periods of time. And after I close this deal, I could look into relocating here.”

She's open to moving here tomorrow, but she's not going to say that now and freak Zoey out.

“You'd do that for me?” Zoey looks up at her in wonder.

“Well, your dad's cooking was really good,” Mira says, serious as a heart attack. “And I'm not convinced about In-N-Out yet, so I have to give it a few more tries. Rumi says there's a secret menu.”

Zoey laughs and throws her arms around Mira.

“I'm trying not to be offended by that,” she mumbles against Mira’s neck.

They settle into silence. Mira’s almost asleep when Zoey speaks again.

“I'm glad I met you, Mira. I'm glad you swapped seats with Mrs. Kim even though you keep denying it.”

“I don’t know what you're talking about.”

“You've made my world infinitely better by being in it.”

She gets texts while she’s on her morning run and almost trips on the treadmill. The first is a picture of a beautiful pink and orange sunrise over the ocean. The water is so calm, it looks like glass.

The second text comes with an innocent enough caption.

Zoey 🐢: Sunrise surf with Rumi!

The picture is a selfie taken by Zoey's best friend, Rumi. They're both standing on the beach with their surfboards and smiling at the camera. But all Mira can focus on is Zoey with her wetsuit down to her waist, her bikini top taunting Mira. She has to get off the treadmill and walk to the water fountain to calm herself down.

A third text comes through while she's trying (and failing) to continue with her run.

Zoey 🐢: I can't wait to see you tonight!

Mira almost melts. She heads back to her suite and gives Zoey a video call, eager to start the day with the sound of her voice. She's still sweaty from her run but she doesn't care.

“Did you like the pictures? The sunrise is super pretty.”

Mira shakes her head. There's no doubt in her mind that Zoey knows exactly what she's doing.

“You drive me crazy, Zoey Park.”

“Good,” Zoey giggles and Mira is overcome with the need to kiss her. “That's the plan.”

-

It sets the tone for the rest of Mira’s day. She's distracted, and if Bobby notices, he's gracious enough to not say anything. She asks him to make sure she's done with meetings by five on the dot today, eager to get ready and pick up a gift before heading to B’s school variety show.

She is currently eyeing the minute hand on her watch and begging it to get to twelve. When the meeting ends, Mira shoots up from her seat, thanks the team for their hard work, and wishes them all a happy holiday before heading out of the conference room at a respectable pace.

“If I didn't know any better, I would say you have a hot date tonight, Mira-nim,” Bobby teases as they enter her office.

Mira shakes her head and gives him a look, not justifying his statement with a response.

She reaches into a drawer and gives him a wrapped gift.

“Happy Holidays, Bobby,” She says with a slight smile.

Bobby is surprised.

“Mira-nim, thank you. I'm afraid I didn't get you anything.”

Mira waves it off. She always makes sure Bobby has excellent compensation and a hefty bonus at the end of the year. But after listening to Zoey talk about the small but thoughtful presents she plans on giving her family this year, she thought maybe she should show her gratitude for Bobby on a personal note this year.

“It's a small thank you from me,” Mira explains. “Its been a difficult year with the acquisition.”

Bobby looks like he's about to cry.

The moment is broken when her phone rings. They both look down at her phone. The smile drops from Mira’s face.

It's her father.

Mira nods at Bobby, and he closes the door on his way out. Mira can see him lingering on the other side of the glass, already waiting to deal with the fall out of this phone call.

Mira allows herself one deep breath before answering the call.

“Abeonim.”

“Mira, how are things looking with the DoJ?”

“Well. The last 14 regulators who are holding out on approval accepted the protracted terms. I expect we'll be able to close this deal before year's end.”

“Excellent.”

“I'll have the team send you an executive summary today.”

“There’s one more thing, Mira. I need you to attend a dinner tonight.”

“Tonight?” Mira falters.

“Is there a problem?”

Her father's tone brokers no argument.

“I…no, there is no problem.”

“Good. Park Samgu's son, Sechang, is in Los Angeles. He'll take you to dinner tonight. I expect his father to name him Vice Chairman of the Kumho group after the acquisition goes through. It will do well for the two of you to get acquainted.”

“Understood, abeonim.”

Her father hangs up.

-

“You seem distracted, Mira-ssi.”

Mira looks up from swirling her glass and studies Park Sechang. His friends from USC and Harvard call him Sonny. He's a nice enough guy and Mira knows him from running in the same social circles. She wonders how much she can trust him, when everything in their world can be weaponized against you.

“Apologies,” Mira says. “I had promised friends I'd spend time with them tonight.”

Mira can still hear the disappointment in Zoey's voice when she called. She can only imagine B’s disappointment as well. She's still going to try and see them after this dinner, but Mira really wanted to be there for his show and the celebratory dinner the family planned after.

Sonny looks at her intently before sighing and sitting back in his chair.

“I also was meant to spend time with someone this evening,” he tells her cryptically. “But abeonim called me.”

Mira supposes she shouldn't be surprised. They're both trapped in the same kind of prison.

“What if…” Mira trails off, unsure how to continue.

“What if we leave?” Sonny supplies, catching on. “All they'll know is that you got into my car and we left before they served us appetizers.”

Mira considers this, eyes going to her watch. If she goes straight to the school, she should still be able to catch the beginning of the show, if not a few minutes in.

She signals the waiter.

“Let's do it.”

Familial obligations be damned.

-

Mira doesn't bother changing. She breaks several speeding laws and arrives at the school in record time, parking her car in the first spot she finds and slamming the door shut behind her. She runs all the way from the parking lot to the auditorium doors, her heels echoing in the hallways.

Once she gets there, she stands in the back and tries to find Zoey and her family. It's difficult in the dark, but she eventually spots one of Zoey's taller cousins, the same one who brought her a turtle plushy at the airport. Zoey is thankfully sitting at the end of the row and there's an empty seat next to her.

She hurries down the aisle and ducks in next to Zoey, who looks at her with utter surprise.

“Hi,” Mira whispers. “I didn't miss B, did I?”

“You're here,” Zoey breathes out, a big smile erupting on her face.

“I'm here,” Mira confirms. “I'm sorry I'm late.”

The curtains pull back to reveal a gaggle of children. Mira turns her attention to the stage and easily spots B. He's standing apart from his group, wearing a drum around his neck.

“There he is!” She whispers. Zoey gives her one more fond look before directing her attention to the stage.

The kids start singing about a drummer boy and B begins drumming to the beat, clearly the designated titular character of the song.

“He's doing really well,” Mira comments, impressed by his ability to keep a beat and sing at the same time.

When they finish the song, Mira claps hard. Zoey's cousins cheer and whistle and B waves at them enthusiastically. The next group of kids file in and Mira is so glad she ignored all those stop signs on her way here.

“Mira?”

“Hmm?” Mira turns to Zoey, who leans over and gives her a kiss. It's short and sweet, and it stuns Mira to silence.

“Thank you for being here.”

Mira can't help the smile on her face.

“I’m happy to be here with you.”

-

“This is Rumi,” Zoey says, introducing her family to Mira outside the auditorium while they wait for B to come out.

“We've been best friends since 6th grade and she betrayed me by marrying my cousin, Jinu.”

“We're not over that, eh?” Jinu remarks, reaching over to shake Mira’s hand. “Hi Mira.”

“Never.”

“Nice to meet you, Mira,” Rumi shakes Mira’s hand and offers a smile. “We've heard a lot about you!”

“Yeah, because Zoey won't shut up about y–ow!”

Zoey barrels on, like she didn't just step on Jinu’s foot.

“Anyway,” Zoey continues with a slight blush on her face. “Jinu is my cousin on my dad's side. Ro, Abby, and Terry are brothers and they're my cousins on my mom's side.”

“Hi Mira,” Ro, the one with long hair, greets with a friendly smile.

“‘Sup Mira,” the tall one gives a thumbs up.

“Hello,” the quiet one says. It's the first time Mira's heard him say anything.

Mira inclines her head in a slight bow.

“Nice to meet you all,” She turns to Zoey's parents. “It's good to see you again, Eunbi, Taeyang.”

Eunbi puts a hand on Mira's arm and smiles.

“We're so glad you could join us, Mira.”

“Yeah, we're gonna get B’s favorite after this, so I hope you're ready for greasy burgers and fries,” Zoey beams next to her. She threads her fingers through Mira’s.

“B!” Abby exclaims, spotting B in the distance. “Nice drumming dude! That was awesome.”

The group turns to see B running up to them with his drumsticks. He crashes into his mom.

“Did you guys see me?!” He says excitedly.

Eunbi picks him up and the group gives him high fives.

“Mira-noona, you came!” He gives her a high five.

“I did! You did great.”

“Alright, shall we go to In-N-Out?” Eunbi asks.

“Yeah!”

They start filing out when Mira hears a familiar voice.

“Mira-nim?”

Mira stops and so does Zoey.

“You guys go ahead!” Zoey calls out to her family. “We'll meet you there.”

“Bobby?” Mira says in surprise.

Her executive assistant is eyeing Mira’s and Zoey's joined hands. When he looks up to meet Mira’s eyes, there's barely contained glee on his face.

“Mira-nim, hi! What are you doing here? Our niece goes to this school.”

“Antonio, hi,” Mira greets Bobby's husband.

“Hi Miss Mira,” he waves before looking over Zoey.

“Oh,” Mira turns to Zoey. “This is Bobby, my assistant. And his husband, Antonio.”

“Hi,” Zoey gives them a big wave and a smile. “Nice to meet you both!”

“And this is Zoey,” Mira says, looking back at Zoey with a soft smile on her face. “We were here to watch her brother perform. He was the drummer boy.”

“It's nice to meet you, Zoey,” Bobby exclaims, moving over to give her a hug. Zoey recovers quickly, hugging him back with enthusiasm.

“Ooh, I love hugs!”

Bobby pulls back and gives Zoey a smile.

“I've been wondering what's got Mira-nim all smiley and happy these days. She's been sighing and looking at her phone like a teenager.”

“Bobby.”

“And she's been asking me to clear her schedule more. Asking me where to buy flowers and boba tea. I couldn't believe it. My workaholic boss was taking time for herself.”

“Bobby.”

“Now I know the reason why. A very pretty reason why.”

“Bobby,” Mira warns a third time.

Zoey giggles.

“It's okay, I like hearing about all your secrets.”

“Let’s not.”

“Mira-nim,” Bobby turns all serious. “Thank you for your gift, but you really shouldn't have. It's too much.”

Mira shakes her head.

“You deserve it. I'm sorry this year has been crazy. I hope you'll be able to take more time off next year. But for now, enjoy Hawaii.”

Bobby, for the second time that day, looks like he's about to cry. Antonio cuts in.

“Alright, we better go before you get fired for hugging your boss.”

He starts pushing Bobby in the direction of the door.

“Happy Holidays, Miss Mira, Zoey.”

“Happy Holidays.”

Mira turns to Zoey.

“Shall we go?”

-

Mira crashes into something as Zoey pushes her into an empty classroom, lips hot on hers. Zoey ends up backing her into the door. There are hands everywhere and Mira takes a sharp breath when she feels Zoey's fingers on her bare stomach.

“You drive me crazy,” Zoey mumbles into her neck.

“Me?” Mira counters, pulling her closer.

“Yeah, you. You rushed over here and made B’s day. You're kind to your employees and strangers like Mrs. Kim. And you're so unbelievably sweet and hot.”

Mira flips them around and pushes a thigh between Zoey's legs. She smiles into Zoey's collarbone when she hears her gasping.

“Well I don't know how you expected me to focus today with that picture.”

Zoey wraps her arms around her.

“And you calling me all sweaty and out of breath from running was supposed to be better?”

Zoey gives her another toe curling kiss. She pulls away to catch her breath and rests her forehead against Mira’s.

“Sorry,” She breathes out. “I was going to lose my mind if I didn’t kiss you properly soon. I've been thinking about you all day.”

Mira kisses her again, slow and deep. She feels herself calming down.

“If it makes you feel any better, I don't remember half the meetings I attended today. You need to come with a warning.”

Zoey laughs, fingers carding through Mira’s hair.

A phone buzzes between them. Zoey pulls hers out from her back pocket.

“Rumi is asking me what we want from In-N-Out. And is reminding me that consequences for public indecency are worse for offenders caught near schools.”

Mira laughs, cupping Zoey's face and running her thumb across the freckles dusting her cheek.

“Kind of her to remind us.”

-

“Noona! Where have you been?” B yells as soon as they approach. Zoey's family has commandeered a cluster of outdoor patio tables between them.

“Sorry,” Zoey has the decency to look sheepish. “Mira had a work thing.”

“Oh, is that what we're calling it these days?” Jinu says before taking a bite of a fry. Rumi shushes him and smacks his arm.

“Here, we got you guys your order,” She says, pointing to the empty spots next to her.

“Thanks Rumi!” Zoey bounds over and sits next to Rumi, patting the spot next to her for Mira.

“Thank you,” Mira sits next to Zoey and stares at the burger in front of her. Mira has heard of In-N-Out. But she can't say she's ever had it before.

Zoey has no such qualms and starts digging into her burger immediately.

“Zo, you got a little work thing on your neck,” Abby points to his own neck. The boys snicker.

Mouthful of burger and unable to defend herself, Zoey crumples a napkin and throws it at his face.

Mira gingerly picks up the burger and smiles at the playful ribbing Zoey is suffering. Zoey shared in the car that before B was born, she was the baby of the family for a long time. It warms Mira’s heart to see the kind of family Zoey has: caring parents, a brother who thinks the world of her, a best friend who supports her, and cousins who clearly adore her.

She tries not to think of her own family.

“Have you ever had In-N-Out, Mira?” Rumi asks after Zoey gets up to put Jinu in a headlock for the continued teasing. B is standing on his seat and cheering his sister on and Eunbi is making sure he doesn't topple over to the side.

Rumi seems to be unfazed by the roughhousing, continuing to eat like it's a normal Tuesday evening.

“I have not,” Mira says before she takes a bite. It's pretty good, all things considered.

“We'll have to introduce you to the secret menu next time,” Rumi points to a multi-colored drink in front of Zoey's recently vacated seat. “That abomination is Zoey's favorite. It's called a Neapolitan milkshake. It's not on the menu.”

Mira looks at it and feels her stomach cramping at the sight of it.

“I think I'll pass on that one.”

“Wise choice.”

“That's where you're both wrong,” Zoey interrupts as she returns to claim her spot. “It's my reward for defending Mira’s honor.”

“Mira’s not the one with lipstick on her shirt.”

Another fry is launched at Jinu's head.

-

“We'd love to have you over for Christmas Eve, Mira,” Eunbi says as she hugs Zoey. “Hopefully you'll be able to join us. It'll make B happy.”

“And Zoey!” Adds one of the cousins from behind her.

Zoey leans past her mom to give them the death glare.

“I'll have bulgogi and japchae, and we'll have some Korean barbecue too,” Taeyang explains, carrying the sleeping B in his arms. “And Rumi is picking up a cake from Tous Les Jours.”

“Hopefully we'll see you?” Eunbi hugs Mira, who freezes for a second before hugging her back.

“I’ll be there,” She confirms softly, looking at Zoey from over her mom's shoulder.

“Perfect!” Eunbi smiles as she pulls back.

-

The drive to Zoey's apartment is quiet. Charged. Mira can't even look at Zoey without feeling like she's going to combust.

She follows a respectable distance behind as she walks her up to her place.

After unlocking her front door, Zoey turns around and leans against it, big bright eyes looking at Mira.

Mira can't help herself. She kisses Zoey, grabbing her by the waist and pressing her harder into the door. Zoey responds in kind, wrapping her arms around Mira's shoulders and arching into her.

When they break for air, Zoey whispers into the space between them.

“Do you want to come in?”

Of all her executive assistants, Bobby Jeong is Mira’s favorite. She wishes she could convince him to travel with her and relocate to Seoul, but she respects that Bobby has a life and a family here in Los Angeles. Besides, it reassures her to know he's always here to act on her behalf as needed.

“Mira-nim! Welcome back,” Bobby's cheery voice fills the hotel suite. “How was your flight? Sorry to hear the jet had last minute maintenance.”

“The flight was good, thank you for asking,” Mira looks out at Los Angeles, wondering where Zoey is.

“Great! You only have the holiday party tonight. I wanted to give you some time to relax and freshen up from your flight. Your wardrobe should be pressed and ready, but let me know if you need anything different. I moved the dinner with the Americas Management Team to Monday night.”

“Thank you, I appreciate it,” Mira takes out her personal phone and opens Zoey's text. “Anything new to brief on for the dinner?”

“I sent you an email with the key highlights, along with meeting minutes from the Board Meeting yesterday. Some positive developments with the Asiana acquisition. Legal thinks we're really close to getting alignment with the US DoJ for approval.”

“Good. It's almost been a year since the European Commission signed off on the deal. I hope we don't have to concede anymore than we already have. Abeonim is anxious to close the acquisition by year end.”

“We will do our best! Anything else I can do for you, Mira-nim?”

“There is, actually,” She pauses. “Do you think you could get me a different personal car?”

“Of course. Is there something wrong with the GT3? I can get it serviced as well.”

Mira looks at the text she's been typing and deleting for the last hour and presses send before she can change her mind.

“Not at all. I just want something more discreet. Something that'll blend in.”

“Ah. I can get you a Volvo perhaps?”

Zoey responds immediately.

“That should work,” Mira smiles, looking at the emojis.

“Great. I'll have the dealer send the latest model to the Wilshire.”

“Thank you. Oh, and Bobby, can you clear my Sunday?”

“Let's see…”

Mira can hear Bobby typing away.

“Done. You're all good for tomorrow.”

“Thank you, Bobby. I'll see you and Antonio at the party tonight.”

-

Mira gets up early the next day and runs two miles before breakfast. She spends some time reviewing pre-reads and briefings from negotiations with the Department of Justice for Monday's gauntlet of meetings and forces herself to eat toast even though her stomach feels all out of sorts for this not-date.

The casual clothes Bobby ordered are in her suite by nine and she spends an embarrassingly long amount of time trying on different outfit combinations before opting for a plain white cropped shirt and a leather jacket, along with jeans and sneakers. She finishes the look with a baseball cap.

The drive to Santa Monica is relatively smooth and she stops at a local shop to pick up flowers. She crafts a colorful bouquet that reminds her of Zoey with the help of the nice lady who owns the shop. She wishes Mira good luck and tells her it's a beautiful day for a date. Mira mumbles under her breath that it's not a date and the woman only laughs and opens the door for her.

She's not wrong - it is a beautiful sunny day and there's not a cloud in the sky.

Mira is at Zoey's apartment five minutes before the agreed to meeting time and she double checks and triple checks the address on her phone before getting out of the car. The building is close to the beach and Mira can imagine Zoey walking back with her surfboard after a sunrise session.

She buzzes in at the gate, per Zoey’s instructions, and follows the plant lined walkway to her apartment.

The door opens before she even knocks.

“Hi!”

Zoey looks stunning.

Her hair is in two buns and she has very light make-up on her face, her freckles still visible for Mira to admire. She’s wearing a sweater that’s partially tucked into a skirt. She’s smiling at Mira, who seems to have forgotten how to talk.

“Um,” Mira stutters before remembering the flowers in her hands. She shoves them forward. “These are for you!”

Regaining some confidence now that the flowers are blocking her vision, Mira clears her throat.

“You look beautiful.”

Zoey’s laugh rings out and she reaches out to take the flowers.

“You clean up nicely yourself,” Zoey says. “Thank you for these, they’re so pretty. I’m just going to put them in water. Come on in.”

Zoey makes quick work of putting the flowers away.

They head out to get lunch at her favorite sushi joint and Zoey commandeers the car's Bluetooth to play her ‘oceanside playlist.’

“Oh,” she says excitedly. “B loves this song.”

“B?”

“My little brother. B stands for Baby. Which is not his actual name.”

Mira looks at her as she pulls into a parking spot.

“What's the story there?”

Zoey laughs.

“Well, you saw him at the airport. B is seven. When my mom found out she was pregnant at forty-eight, she yelled ‘Sweet Baby Jesus’ and startled my dad so much, he sprained an ankle running up the stairs to check on her. So I guess it just stuck.”

They get boba tea to go for a walk on the beach boardwalk. Zoey talks more about her family, her work, surfing, and her favorite spots to hang out.

“Sorry, I feel like I'm talking your ear off.”

“I like hearing you talk,” Mira shrugs.

“But what about you, Mira?” Zoey counters. “I don't even know what you do for work.”

“Oh,” Mira takes a sip of boba tea. “I work for Korean Air.”

Zoey lets out a disbelieving laugh.

“You work for Korean Air and they put you in that crappy seat in the back?”

“Well, I can't be too mad,” She looks sideways at Zoey. “I met you, didn't I?”

Zoey smiles and bumps her shoulder.

“Alright, you smooth talker.”

-

Zoey's phone starts ringing just as they get into the car. She traps the phone between her ear and shoulder while she works the seatbelt.

“Hello? Mom?”

“Zoey, hi!”

A woman's voice blasts through the speakers.

“Shit!” Zoey exclaims, fumbling her phone in surprise.

“Sorry to call in the middle of your date, honey–”

Zoey squeaks and starts blushing. Mira raises a teasing eyebrow in her direction.

“Mom! Mom! Sorry! Hang on! My phone is being all weird. Hang on.”

Zoey starts messing around with her phone.

“Where's the stupid button?! Aha!”

She relaxes and puts the phone back to her ear, having disconnected the bluetooth

“Mom, sorry about that. What were you saying?”

“I was saying, sorry for interrupting your date–”

Apparently not. Zoey's mom's voice blasts through the speakers again.

“–I know you really like Mira so I hope it's going–”

Zoey rushes to turn the volume knob all the way down. She looks like she wants the floor to open up and swallow her whole. Mira bites her lip to stop herself from laughing.

“Should I get out of the car?” She offers.

Zoey lets out a strangled laugh. She goes back to messing with her phone. She fumbles around with her phone again before bringing it to her ear.

Judging by the sigh of relief, Mira guesses she finally disconnected the phone.

“Mom. Hi. Sorry. Can you repeat what you were saying?”

Mira tries to keep herself busy by checking emails on her phone.

“Oh, um let me check. Can I call you back? Okay. Bye.”

Zoey lets out a big sigh and puts the phone down. She's still red as a tomato and Mira focuses on adjusting the AC to give her a moment.

“So,” Zoey starts, not making eye contact. “My parents took B to get pictures with Santa…but he's throwing a fit because I always take one with him.”

“That's cute.”

Zoey laughs.

“Yeah, we've done it since he was born.”

Mira looks at her.

“Should we go meet them?”

Zoey looks up, surprised.

“Is that okay?”

Mira shrugs, busying herself with the GPS.

“Of course. It's important to you. What's the address?”

Before Mira pulls out of the spot, she takes Zoey's hand and raises it to her lips.

“Don't worry,” She says, pressing a kiss on her palm and giving her a wink. “I won't tell anyone that you really like me.”

Zoey yanks her hand away and gives her a shove.

“You're the worst.”

“You can't hit the driver,” Mira teases.

-

B’s mood changes as soon as he spots Zoey. He escapes his mom’s hold and runs over to her, hugging her legs fiercely.

“Noona, you came,” He says, looking up at her. “I thought you forgot about me.”

“I’m sorry, B,” She scoots down to be eye level with him. “I went to get my friend, Mira. She’s never met Santa, so I figured she can tag along.”

B’s eyes get as big as saucers and he turns to Mira.

“You’ve never met Santa?!” He exclaims.

Mira shakes her head and frowns.

“No, I haven’t,” She laments. “But I heard he knows you really well.”

B beams with pride and walks over to take her hand. He grabs his sister’s with his other hand and starts pulling both of them towards the line of children.

“I do! Come on Mira noona, you can come with me and noona. You can tell Santa what your Christmas wish is.”

Mira nods along as B explains Santa to her, waiting patiently as he goes through the names of all the reindeers. He looks so much like Zoey - with his freckles, his big brown eyes, and his enthusiasm for life (and antlered animals). From the corner of her eye, she catches Zoey watching her with a fond look on her face.

When it comes close to their turn, Mira convinces B to let her sit this one out and take the picture with Zoey instead.

“But how will he know what your wish is?” He asks her with a frown. Mira kneels down next to him.

“Can you tell him for me?”

The boy nods, suddenly entrusted with such an important task. He puts his hand on his heart and tells Mira he’ll make sure to deliver her secret to Santa and Santa alone. Zoey giggles next to him.

Mira leans closer and whispers her wish in his ear. He makes a funny face and looks at his sister but then holds out a pinky for Mira to take.

“I’ll tell him!”

“Thank you, B.” Mira smiles, wrapping her pinky around his.

Mira moves to stand on the other side of the barrier and watches fondly as Zoey lifts him up to sit on Santa’s lap.

“Thank you for coming, Mira,” A woman moves closer and nods her head. “I’m Eunbi, Zoey’s mom.”

Mira turns, surprised at the voice. She bows deeply.

“Cho Mira,” She introduces herself, before bowing again when she notices the man with Eunbi. “It’s nice to meet you, ma’am, sir.”

Eunbi laughs easily and puts a hand on Mira’s arm.

“Oh that’s alright Mira, it’s just me and my husband, Taeyang. No need to be so formal.”

“Hi Mira, nice to meet you,” Taeyang nods.

The three of them turn to watch B whispering to Santa. He points at Mira, who waves.

“A few years ago, B saw pictures of Zoey with Santa from when she was young and he got really upset that she took them without him.”

She laughs.

“Of course, he doesn't understand he wasn't born yet. But to make up for it, he insists Zoey join him for every picture.”

Zoey stands next to Santa, holding B's hand, and they smile for the camera.

“He was so sad when Zoey decided to go to Busan for a year. Almost inconsolable, really. But Zoey needed the time away. She FaceTimed him almost everyday though. I'm so happy she finally came home.”

She turns to Mira.

“Anyway, thank you for stopping by, Mira. You made his day.”

-

Mira and Zoey wave goodbye to B and the Parks, with B relenting only after Mira promises to go see him sing at his school's Holiday show on Tuesday night.

“You don't have to go,” Zoey says as they get back into the Volvo. “I know you're busy.”

“I made a promise,” Mira counters. She looks at Zoey. “Besides, then I have another reason to see you.”

Zoey blushes and smiles to herself.

“Okay. Where to next?”

-

Zoey directs them to Olvera street, where they get tamales for dinner and find a spot to watch the Las Posadas procession. Zoey explains everything with hushed tones and Mira has to lean down close to hear her.

At one point, a big band comes through singing Christmas songs in Spanish. Zoey takes a step back to make room and runs into Mira, who steadies her with a hand on her hip. Mira doesn't remove her hand and Zoey settles against her.

After, they hop back in the car and head to Descanso Gardens, with Zoey's cheerful Christmas music playing in the background.

Zoey takes Mira's hand and leads her through what can only be described as an enchanted forest. The colorful twinkling lights bring a certain type of wonder on Zoey's face and Mira spends half the time staring at her and the other half admiring the light displays. Zoey pulls her close for some selfies and Mira can barely recognize the smiling woman wrapped around Zoey in the pictures.

She doesn't want the night to end, and she finds herself a little sad about it while she walks Zoey home.

Mira shoves her hands in her pockets while Zoey unlocks the door with her keys. She turns to Mira.

“I had a great time today.”

“Me too,” Mira admits. “Thank you for showing me around. I've been coming to Los Angeles for years but this feels like the first time I've actually seen it.”

Zoey beams.

“I'm glad.”

Mira nods and looks down at her feet, unsure what to say next. Zoey laughs.

“Mira,” She says, biting her lip. “This is where you kiss me goodnight.”

Mira looks up at her and a slight smile.

“Yeah?” She takes a step closer and brings a hand up to brush a loose strand of hair behind Zoey's ear.

“Yeah,” Zoey whispers in the space between them.

Mira moves her hand to cup her cheek and leans in. Zoey's lips are soft and Mira inhales sharply when she feels hands go up to her jacket collar. She allows herself to be pulled closer and wraps her other arm around Zoey's waist.

They eventually part and Zoey rests her head on her shoulder. Mira kisses her temple.

“Don't tell anyone,” Mira speaks softly. “But I really like you too. So we're even.”

Zoey smiles.

Mira pauses from her fidgeting.

“Oh, do you prefer the window seat?”

Zoey shakes her head.

“Nah, I just think you'd be more comfortable in this seat. You can stretch out your legs some when no one's using the aisle.”

Mira tries not to blush.

“I'm fine, thank you.”

Zoey raises one eyebrow and stares her down.

“Mira, I'm like two garden gnomes stacked on top of each other under a trench coat. I don't need to stretch my legs.”

Mira tries not to laugh at the image.

“What do you say?” Zoey smiles, big brown eyes looking at her.

As if on cue, the seatbelt sign turns off. Zoey takes it as a sign to unbuckle and get up. She stands and wiggles her eyebrows.

“Up we go,” Zoey motions for Mira to stand. “Don't break my heart. You can repay me with more boba when we land.”

Mira shakes her head.

“You drive a hard bargain, Zoey,” she says as she unbuckles her seatbelt and shuffles out. “Those eyes are dangerous.”

“I only use my powers for good,” Zoey puts her hand on her chest and smiles.

Once Mira is fully standing in the aisle, she can see exactly how much shorter Zoey is.

“Alright, in I go!” Zoey says as she ducks back in and moves to the window seat. She makes a show of wiggling her legs once she's settled. She pats the now vacated aisle seat for Mira with a smile.

“Thank you, I appreciate it,” Mira tells her as she sits down. It is a marked improvement from the window seat.

“No problemo,” Zoey reassures her. “Don't worry, I know exactly where we can get my compensation boba tea.”

“Alright then. You have my word. Boba you shall have.”

-

“Busan was pretty awesome,” Zoey continues in between bites of bibimbap. “I managed to get a lot of surfing in when I wasn’t in the lab or teaching classes. It was a nice year.”

“Are you sad to be leaving?” Mira prompts.

“Yes and no,” Zoey puts her food down and crosses her arms, thinking about her answer. “I learned a lot during my year at KMOU and it was nice to get to know Korea in a way I couldn’t from short vacations. But I’m looking forward to seeing my family and friends again. And I’ve got a lot of stuff to bring back to my students at UCLA!”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

“Yup! Plus, it’s Christmas! I can’t wait to be home for that.”

Zoey stops mid bite and looks at Mira.

“What about you?” She asks. “What brings you to LA over the Christmas holiday?”

Mira finishes her meal and wipes the corner of her mouth before responding.

“Work,” She says simply while arranging the empty containers on her tray into an organized pile.

Zoey frowns.

“That’s no fun.”

Mira shrugs.

“I don’t celebrate Christmas, so it’s okay. I wouldn’t even know what to do.”

“Still!” Zoey insists. “How long are you in LA for?”

“Two weeks.”

Zoey nods to herself like she’s made up her mind about something.

“Perfect, that’s plenty of time.”

“For?” Mira tilts her head.

“For me to show you how we celebrate Christmas in LA! To show you the sights and sounds!”

She crumples her napkin with conviction.

“We’ll start with your Christmas education as soon as they take away our food trays!”

The corners of Mira’s lips curl upward at her antics.

True to her word, as soon as their trays are cleared, Zoey digs around for her laptop. She opens a packet of the airline issued headphones, plugs it in, and hands one earbud to Mira.

“Luckily I have, like, twenty Christmas movies and a bunch of TV Christmas Specials downloaded on my laptop. You’re in for a treat - we’re gonna watch a classic movie. A must for any Christmas enjoyer! I watch this every year with my little brother and my cousins!”

Zoey rigs the laptop to rest between the two of them, on both of their trays. Mira places the earbud in her ear.

“Ready?”

Zoey presses play once Mira nods. The black screen gives way to a black and white title card that reads: ‘It’s a Wonderful Life.’

The movie is fascinating to Mira. It’s in black and white, and she guesses it’s set in a much earlier era. The story is interesting, as are the characters, but what captivates Mira the most is Zoey. Her reactions are precious and it makes the movie all the more enjoyable for Mira.

“I hate that guy,” Zoey whispers when a character appears. “Boo!”

Mira smiles to herself.

-

Mira opens her eyes slowly, not even realizing she's fallen asleep. All the lights are turned off in the airplane cabin. There's a blanket wrapped around her, which she doesn't remember putting on, and a warm weight resting on her shoulder.

Zoey mumbles something incoherent and snuggles deeper into Mira’s shoulder.

Mira closes her eyes and goes back to sleep.

-

“We have a few more hours,” Zoey says in between bites of her breakfast. “I think we can fit another movie in!”

“I'm at your mercy, Professor Zoey,” Mira nods, drinking her water. “I'm but a student of all things Christmas.”

Zoey laughs and elbows her.

“I told you, I'm just a lecturer!” She insists. “I've got a long way to go before I'm a professor.”

She opens the fruit cup and shrugs.

“Besides, I don't know if that's what I want to do. I think I want to focus on marine conservation projects. I feel like I won't actually be able to make a difference if I stay in academia.”

Mira looks at her.

“I'm pretty sure you can do whatever you set your mind to, Zoey Park.”

A blush forms across Zoey's freckles and she smiles shyly, focusing on her fruit cup.

“Would you like my fruit cup?” Mira offers. “Pineapples hurt my stomach.”

“Sure!” Zoey says cheerfully, taking the offered cup. “That's too bad about your stomach! We should write to the Korean Air chef. Maybe we can get them to be more inclusive with their fruit selections.”

Mira snorts loudly and it surprises Zoey.

“Sorry,” Mira says sheepishly.

After their breakfast trays are cleared, Zoey pulls up her laptop once again and cues up a different movie. She makes a point to angle the laptop away, so the screen isn't visible from behind.

“There's a risqué storyline in this movie,” Zoey explains with a hushed whisper. “I don't want that baby seeing any of it.”

Mira looks over and sees an adorable infant looking at them from across the aisle. She smiles at the baby, who giggles and hides her face in her mother's chest.

“Uh, Zoey, I don't think that baby would even know what we're watching.”

“Still,” Zoey hisses. “Gotta protect innocent eyes!”

Mira chuckles inwardly and accepts the offered earbud.

The movie opens with scenes from London Heathrow and a man narrating about love being all around. The title card reads, ‘Love Actually.’

Mira sees immediately that this is entirely different from ‘It’s a Wonderful Life.’ Zoey says it's another favorite of hers and she watches it every year while she wraps Christmas presents.

“This one is my favorite storyline,” She says quietly to Mira, trying not to interrupt the movie too much. Mira frowns at the funeral scene playing out on the screen. “I've already said too much though, I don't want to sway your opinion!”

The risqué storyline very quickly hits Mira in the face and she averts her eyes, pointedly not looking at the screen or at Zoey, who laughs at her but doesn't say anything.

-

“Home sweet home,” Zoey says as they prepare to disembark. Mira takes her backpack from the overhead bin and almost drops it with how heavy it actually is. She recovers and hands it to Zoey.

“Oh, thanks!”

“You're welcome.”

Zoey puts on her large backpack and slowly follows behind Mira as they walk to the front of the plane.

“Well, should we go get out boba now?” Zoey says from behind her.

Mira turns her head slightly.

“I actually have to take care of something first, apologies. I don't want to make you wait with me, but it might take a while. I know you said your family is waiting for you.”

Zoey shrugs and adjusts her bucket hat.

“Nah, I just got a text that they haven't even left because we landed early. Rumi’s probably wrangling the guys into the van as we speak and that’ll take a while. I'm all yours!”

“Alright then,” Mira continues into the first class cabin and nods at the flight attendants.

“Mira, are we allowed here?” Zoey whispers loudly. “I don’t think they let plebeians in here. They can probably smell my middle-class shampoo.”

Mira laughs.

“You’re fine, Zoey. You smell great.”

She stops, realizing what she just said.

“I mean–”

“Nah, you can’t take it back. You think I smell great.”

“Mira-nim!”

Mrs. Kim greets Mira enthusiastically from her seat at the front of the cabin. She pauses when she notices Zoey.

“Ah, you brought a friend!”

Zoey bounds over and bows, offering a smile.

“Hello, my name is Zoey Park! I’m Mira’s friend.”

Mrs. Kim smiles and nods.

“Hi Zoey, my name is Kim Soonhye.”

Mira takes Mrs. Kim’s bag from the overhead compartment before holding out a hand to help her up.

“How do you feel, Mrs. Kim? Are your knees alright?”

“They feel great, Mira-nim,” Mrs. Kim slowly stands up with the help of Mira and Zoey.

Mira gives her a small smile.

“I’m glad,” She nods towards the exit. “Why don’t Zoey and I accompany you and we’ll get you to your family in no time.”

“That’ll be wonderful.”

-

Mira watches as Zoey runs around the conveyer belt to yank her and Mrs. Kim’s luggage. She politely declined when Mira offered to help and insisted on letting Mira keep Mrs. Kim company. Mira smiles when Zoey triumphantly cheers after pulling up a suitcase almost as large as her.

“She’s adorable,” Mrs. Kim says with a fond look in the wheelchair next to Mira.

“She sure is,” Mira agrees quietly. She doesn’t notice Mrs. Kim looking up at her with a gleam in her eye.

“I read that having a girl friend is acceptable in the US,” Mrs. Kim almost sounds like she’s teasing.

Mira can feel her face warming up. She clears her throat and coughs. Mrs. Kim laughs.

“Is it this one, Mrs. Kim?” Zoey yells from the conveyer belt, pointing to a cardboard box miraculously held together by duct tape.

“Yes, thank you!”

“I better go help her with that,” Mira says with a strained voice.

-

After reuniting Mrs. Kim with her family, Mira and Zoey carry on in search of their own rides.

Mira quickly spots the livery driver waiting for her on the other side of the barrier. He has a simple sign that says her name and a crisp black suit.

Next to her, Zoey is talking animatedly, wondering out loud if her family found parking.

“Is that them?”

Zoey follows Mira’s line of sight and visibly pales.

Near the end of the arrivals area, there is an exasperated woman with a long braid surrounded by a gaggle of men and a boy.

One man bearing some resemblance to Zoey is holding a sign that reads, ‘Welcome home from prison, Zoey!’

A different man is holding a sign that says, ‘We brought Imodium!’

“Oh my god,” Zoey pulls her bucket hat lower, her face reddening. “They’re so embarrassing.”

She raises her right hand to shield her face and gives Mira an apologetic smile.

“Zo! Zo! Over here!”

One of the guys stands on his toes and waves the stuffed turtle plushie in his hands, as if that’s why Zoey isn’t looking at them.

“I’m pretty sure she saw us, Abby.”

“Nah, B, I think we should yell even louder.”

“ZOEY!” The child holding flowers practically yells.

Mira leans in conspiratorially.

“I think this place has a back door you can sneak out of.”

Zoey laughs.

“Maybe I can fit in my suitcase and you can just wheel me out of here. We can go straight to my favorite taco joint and then I'll teach you how to surf.”

“As tempting as spending more time with you sounds, I don't think your cousins will appreciate it if I abduct you.”

Zoey stops walking and turns to Mira, who notices and turns to face her. The crowd weaves around them and an older woman throws them a dirty look for causing a sudden traffic jam.

“Here,” Zoey holds out her phone. “Put your number in.”

Mira takes it before she loses her nerve. She feels a buzz in her pocket when Zoey takes her phone back and sends her a text.

“Now you have my number.”

Zoey eyes her family out of the corner of her eye before looking back at Mira. She looks like she's trying to decide on something.

“You should probably go before the tall one breaks the barrier,” Mira says.

Mira tightens her grip on her suitcase and puts her other hand in her pocket, lest she do something stupid like tuck a loose strand of hair behind Zoey's ear or cup her cheek or something.

She's wracking her brain for an excuse to see her again when Zoe darts up on her tiptoes and kisses Mira on the cheek. It’s dangerously close to the corner of her mouth.

“Bye Mira!” She half yells, running away with her luggage before a stunned Mira can react. “Call me!”

Mira is frozen on the spot, her hand slowly making its way up to touch her tingling cheek.

“Bye,” She says, more to herself.

-

It isn't until she's seated in the car that she checks her phone.

818-846-2135: This is Zoey 🐢 818-846-2135: You still owe me boba 😉

“I’m sure Abeonim will appreciate you making fun of me for flying on one of our planes.”

“It's the biggest holiday season in the US. LAX is going to be crawling with the general masses. Quite unfortunate that there's a problem with the jet.”

“I presume there is a purpose to this phone call, in addition to annoying me.”

Distracted by her irritation, Mira rounds a corner and runs into something. Or rather, someone. 

“Oof,” a woman says, almost stumbling over. Mira manages to catch her by the waist.

“Are you alright?” She asks, ignoring her brother's rambling in her ear. 

The woman straightens up and bright brown eyes appear from under the bucket hat, framed by a dusting of freckles. 

“Oops! Thanks! I am. Sorry, I wasn't paying attention,” she says in slightly accented Korean. 

“It's my fault,” Mira shakes her head and apologizes. “I was distracted.”

The woman smiles and Mira forgets what she was going to say next.

“Mira? Hello? Are you listening?”

Like a bucket of cold water, her brother's voice comes through her Airpods.

“Apologies again,” she nods. “Have a good day.”

She continues to her gate, sparing one glance over her shoulder before speaking. The woman is gone. 

“Yes, I'm here. What was Abeonim’s request?”

-

The crew must be running a little behind today since boarding hasn't started. There's not enough time to go back to the lounge so Mira decides to stay.

She scans around for an empty seat and sees one next to an elderly woman sitting alone by the glass walls. Her hair is wrapped in a scarf and she’s holding a big bundle in a plastic bag close to her body. There's a cane resting next to her.

Mira can see that she's eyeing the plane outside curiously. 

“Excuse me, ma'am. Is it alright if I sit here?” 

The old woman turns slowly and looks at Mira.

“Oh. Of course, dear,” the old woman grabs her belongings closer. 

Mira settles down and checks her phone for any new emails.

“Isn't it amazing?”

Mira looks up.

“Pardon me?”

“The plane,” the old woman motions to the Boeing 747-8 quad-jet waiting to take them across the Pacific. “Isn’t it amazing that we can fly?”

She turns to look at Mira. 

“I've never ridden an airplane before!”

Mira learns that Kim Soonhye is from a small fishing village outside of Mokpo and it's taken her a ride on an ox cart, a bus, a train, and another bus to get to Incheon. Her husband died this year and her only child lives in the California, having emigrated there a few years ago. He's married now, with a baby on the way, and he's insisting that Mrs. Kim move to California permanently, now that her husband has died.

“I don't want to leave my home, but my son worries about me living alone.”

She sighs and hugs her bag of belongings closer. 

“It will be nice to see my grandchild, Mira-nim. I hope it's a little girl.”

Mira sees her rub her knees, something she's been doing since Mira sat next to her. 

“My day of adventure sure has taken a toll on my knees though,” she laughs, her wrinkled eyes looking at Mira.  

Mira takes a quick look at the gate counter and sees there aren't many people in line to speak to the gate agent. 

“Mrs. Kim,” she says softly. “With your permission, perhaps I can speak to the gate agents and see if there's a seat available close to the plane door? So you don't have to walk far to get to your seat?”

Mrs. Kim demures.

“Oh, I don't want to be a bother, Mira-nim. I'm sure I'll manage.”

Mira puts a hand on her arm. 

“There's no harm in asking,” she bites her lip. “I've been able to change my seat before when I've asked.”

The older woman smiles.

“Well, if you say so. You are an experienced traveler after all!”

-

“Hello,” Mira greets once she's at the counter.

The man doesn't look up from the computer, working on finishing the last customer's request. 

“Apologies, ma'am. I'll be with you in just a moment.”

“Of course.”

Mira waits quietly. She looks over at Mrs. Kim, and offers a reassuring smile when she sees the nervous look on her face.

“Ma'am?”

Mira turns her head back. 

“Hi,” Mira nods. 

It takes a millisecond before the man's eyes widen after recognizing her. 

“Miss Cho, I–”

Mira jumps in before he spirals. 

“If it's not a bother, I was wondering if you could upgrade this passenger?”

She pushes forward Mrs. Kim's boarding pass. To his credit, the man gets over the initial shock and takes the ticket in stride. He starts typing away in search of open seats

“My apologies, Miss Cho. The flight is fully booked.” 

Mira frowns. 

“Would she be amenable to a later flight? We have availability in First Class for the 0735 flight out tomorrow.”

“No, that's alright,” Mira shakes her head. She reaches inside her coat pocket and takes out her own boarding pass. 

“Let's try something different.”

-

“Careful with that step, Mrs. Kim,” Mira crosses over into the jet and holds the older woman's hand steady as she takes an uncertain step. 

“Welcome, Miss Cho, Mrs. Kim,” the flight attendants greet them warmly and Mira nods her head politely, noting she'll accompany Mrs. Kim to her seat. She guides her to the left and makes her way to the front of the plane.

“This is all so amazing, Mira-nim,” Mrs. Kim looks around in wonder. “Are you sure I can sit here?”

“Of course, Mrs. Kim,” Mira says as she helps her settle down in her assigned seat. She busies herself with putting Mrs. Kim’s bag in the overhead bin before kneeling down to help her with her seatbelt. 

The cabin attendant approaches just as Mira straightens up. She respectfully bows in Mira’s direction. 

“Hello, Mrs. Kim,” she bows. “My name is Yeeun, it's a pleasure to meet you. Please let me know if there is anything we can do to make your trip more enjoyable.” 

“Oh thank you, Yeeun. Everything has been so wonderful so far.”

Mira takes Mrs. Kim’s hand. 

“Yeeun will take good care of you, Mrs. Kim,” she explains. “But if you need me, just let her know and she'll come get me. I'll see you when we land.”

“Thank you, Mira-nim,” Mrs. Kim grasps her hand. 

Mira gives her one last smile before taking her bag and making her way back to the economy cabin. She quietly files in with the rest of the passengers making their way down the aisle and walks until she gets to the very last row. 

She's just about settled by the window, focusing on firing off some last minute emails, when she feels someone stop right next to her.

“Party at the back of the bus!”

Mira's head snaps up at that voice. 

Bucket hat. Freckles. Bright eyes. Beautiful smile. This time with boba in hand.

The woman's face lights up in recognition. 

“Oh hi! It's you again.”

“Hello,” Mira greets, lamely. “It's me again.”

The woman laughs. 

“We've got to stop running into each other like this. If I'd have known, I would've gotten you boba too.”

Mira can't help the small smile that forms on her face.

The woman puts a few items on the seat before throwing her backpack in the overhead bin. Once she's settled, she buckles her seatbelt and turns to Mira. 

“I'm Zoey, by the way,” she holds her hand out. 

Mira takes the offered hand and shakes it.