The week after the engagement party, I shuffle into the kitchen bleary-eyed and ready to start cooking breakfast. "I need some coffee, STAT. Then I'll make eggs and a tower of waffles. Mason and Mickey's favorite." I look up to see Lee Know meander in behind me. He gives me a crooked smile and reaches for the coffee pot.
"Morning, (Y/N). Something steamy to start your day?"
"You read my mind."
Lee Know fills the cup for me, making it exactly how I like it before passing it into my hands.
"So, you and the kids are hitting Coney Island this afternoon?"
"All the rides and games we can handle. Sure you can't come?"
"Tempting, but--"
Lee Know cuts off as the elevator dings. A moment later, Sofia enters the kitchen, hoisting a paper bag and looking suspiciously bright-eyed for this early in the morning.
"Darling!" Sofia throws her arms around Lee Know, who barely manages to catch her.
"Oh! Sofia, what are you--"
"Saying good morning to my boo-bear, duh!"
Sofia tries to pull him in close, but Lee Know steps back.
"We have company."
"It's just (Y/N)."
I give a disgust look at Sofia, but she doesn't notice as she is too busy looking at Lee Know. "Yeah...I've lost my appetite anyway." I put the coffee mug down and start to turn away.
"(Y/N), you don't have to leave. This is your house too, and Sofia needs to remember that."
Lee Know gives her a pointed look, and Sofia rolls her eyes.
"Whatever. I'm here to see (Y/N) anyway." Sofia tosses her hair over her shoulder and turns her back on Lee Know to focus on me. "Grab me a cup of coffee, and let's chat."
"Sofia, we talked about his. It's not appropriate to ask (Y/N) to fetch you things."
Sofia rolls her eyes, but moves to get her own cup of coffee. I try to catch Lee Know's gaze just as the twins come trundling into the room with mussed hair.
"Morning. What's for breakfast?" Mason asks.
"Oooo, waffles! Score!" Mickey jumps with joy.
"I thought you boys could use a little treat for breakfast. Here you go."
I start to set a plate of waffles down in front of Mickey...but Sofia snatches it right out of my hand!
"Hey!"
"Sofia, surely that's not necessary--" Lee Know begins to say until Sofia cuts him off.
"This kind of unhealthy eating is exactly what i wanted to talk to you about, (Y/N)."
"But waffles..."
"Don't worry, Mickey. I grabbed some fresh spinach and mushrooms to put in an egg white omelet for you and your brother."
"I'm Mason."
"That's what I said."
Sofia takes two steps and dumps the plate over the trash can.
"Sofia!" Lee Know yells.
"Nooooo!" Mickey whines.
"Sofia! Stay in your lane. If you want to take over my nanny duties, then go ahead. But until then...back off."
"Rude. Min-ho, back me up here."
"While I don't agree with her methods...maybe Sofia has a point?"
"Really? Not you too..." Mason turned to his dad with sadness.
"Lee Know, is this the kind of example you want to set for your children?" I ask.
"I can't believe you're--" Lee Know quickly cuts Sofia off.
"Sofia, (Y/N) has a point. We don't want the boys to think it's okay to walk into someone else's house and throw away their breakfast, right?"
"...I guess. Sorry."
"But Sofia also has a point. As a family, we can try to eat a little healthier...starting with those egg white omelets."
With a grimace, I take the mushrooms and spinach from the paper bag and start chopping.
"Can we still get cotton candy at Coney Island this afternoon, Dad?"
"Coney Island? That rat-infested germ factory? Absolutely not! Boys your age need to be educated, not entertained. There are plenty of museums you could go to instead." Sofia says with a strict tone.
"But Dad! You said we could go ages ago!" Mickey shouts.
I glance over at Lee Know, but he's looking at the twins helplessly.
"Boys...Sofia is a part of this family now, and we have to respect the adjustments that might require. Besides, a museum doesn't have to be boring. You two loved it when (Y/N) took you to the planetarium, right?"
"That was totally different." Mickey remarks.
"Yeah, no one promised we could go to Coney Island first." Mason says pushing the guilt card on their Dad.
Poor boys. I wouldn't want Sofia as my stepmom.
"(Y/N), make sure you strain the spinach before you add it to the egg whites!"
"...Yes, Sofia."
After breakfast, Lee Know and Sofia head to work, leaving me and the twins to plan...or replan...our day.
"Dad is always less fun around Aunt Sofia." Mason states.
"Yeah, he said it was okay to go to Coney Islander before!"
"I think your dad feels trapped by Sofia's peer pressure. He just wants everybody to be happy, but it's hard when one person is extra demanding."
"I guess...but shouldn't we get to outvote her? There's more of us!" Mason says.
"True. But being engaged to someone puts them on a different playing field. You'll understand when you're older."
"I'm never getting older!"
"That's an excellent plan, Mickey"
"Hey, if you know it's not fair, and we know it's not fair...why don't we just go to Coney Island?" Mickey suggest.
"Yeah! Technically, Dad never said we couldn't go. Just that we have to respect Sofia. We can do that...right, Mickey?"
"If it means going to Coney Island, then I'll try my very bestest."
Their eyes swing up to me in unison, fully puppy-dogged.
"Well, when you put it like that... What the hell? Let's go to Coney Island!"
"Yeeeeeaaaaaaahhh!" the boys shout and jump around with pure excitement and run to get ready.
That afternoon, the boys and I arrive at Coney Island. Seagulls wheel in the air overhead, and happy children rush past, tugging balloons and licking ice cream cones.
"What do you two want to do first?"
"Can we get a snack? I'm starving." Mason asks.
"Breakfast wasn't very filling was it?"
"Look! Cotton candy!" Mickey shouts.
"Well, I'm not sure that's more filling...but maybe after we get you a more substantial snack."
"I hunt down a vendor and select some snacks for the boys to enjoy.
"(Y/N), you're the best." Mickey says with an enormous smile.
"I try." The boys dig in as I lead them through the amusement park, taking in the sights and sounds
"Step right up, step right up, feast your eyes on the balloon dart game! Pop a big balloon, get a prize! Pop a little balloon and get two! "
Mason tugs at the side of my shirt getting my attention. "(Y/N)! (Y/N)! Can we do it?"
"I don't see why not."
I pay the carnival worker, and he gives the boys a couple darts each.
"Hi-yah!" Mickey throws the darts in quick successions...and misses each time. "Aw, man."
"Mickey, you have to take your time. Like this..." Mason takes a few deep breaths, lines up his shot and...Thump! His dart lands harmlessly between the balloons as well. "Oh."
"Don't worry, boys... You win some, you lose some. What matters is that you tried your best."
"(Y/N), you've gotta try now!"
"Yeah, you can win for us!"
"Oh, I don't know about that..."
But the carnival worker is already handing me more darts. I line up my shot... Pop! My dart pierces one of the smallest balloons.
"Boom. And that's how it's done."
"Wow."
"That. Was. Awesome!" Both boys cheer.
"Congratulations, you've earned two prizes. What'll it be?"
I let the boys each pick out a prize. Then, the three of us keep walking.
"(Y/N), why did the big balloon only get you one toy?" Mickey asks.
"Yeah! The big balloon should've been worth like, five prizes!" Mason adds.
"Well, if the prizes were based on congruence, or things being the same size, then you'd be right. But which balloon do you think is harder to hit?"
"The small one?" Mickey answers.
"Exactly. And the prizes are based on difficulty, not congruence."
"It didn't seem very difficult when you played." Mason says.
"Well, I've got a lot of skills, you know."
"Really? What else can you do?"
Fortunately, I reach the Ferris wheel just then, and I'm saved from having to answer.
"Three, please."
I climb into one of the carts, and the boys pile in beside me. The safety rail lowers, and we begin to rise.
"Whoa. Are we really safe up here?" Mason squishes against my side, his knuckles white as he grips the safety bar. I wrap an arm around him.
"Absolutely. The science says so!"
"Science?" Mickey looks up me questionably.
"Yeah, see how the carts rotate? There's a support connecting us to the big wheel, but the pull of gravity keeps our cart hanging downward. Even though the main wheel turns round and round, we'll always be right side up!"
"Cooool..."
As our cart crests the top of the Ferris wheel, I gaze across the whole Coney Island, taking in its rocketing rollercoasters and bright colors. Mickey beams at me.
"You're super smart, (Y/N)."
"Thanks. I'm normally a chemistry nerd, but I'm pretty into math and physics too."
"So is Dad."
"Yeah, I wish Dad was with you instead of Aunt Sofia. You two are perfect for each other."
"Oh. Well...it ain't over 'til it's over. And you can't give up on what's really important. Never forget that."
As my heart pounds hard in my chest, the Ferris wheel lurches and our cart begins to descent. I take a deep breath as I step off the Ferris wheel with Mason and Mickey, determined not to let thoughts of Lee Know and Sofia ruin my day.
"I've got an important question for you, boys... Where to next?"
I spend the rest of the afternoon chasing the boys around the amusement park, enjoying every ride and game we can... That night... We finally return home with two exhausted but happy boys. Lee Know browses his newspaper in the den, and Sofia is nowhere to be seen, thank God.
Looks like I'll get Lee Know all to myself...
"You're back. How was your day--"
"We went to Coney Island, and it was the best day of my life!" Mickey shouts with joy.
"Don't tell Aunt Sofia. Okay, Dad?" Mason asks.
"Excuse me?" Sofia marches into the room hands on her hips.
"Uh, boys...why don't you go start your bath?" Lee Know gives a smile to the boys.
"Dad, are we in trouble?" Mason asks with worry.
"Not at all. I'll come help you in a few minutes."
The boys give me a quick hug before rushing out of the room. Sofia, meanwhile, is still glaring at me.
"You took them to Coney Island? After I explicitly told you not to?"
"Sofia, you're not my boss. Not to mention Lee Know approved our trip weeks ago."
"That's true. And to be honest, I didn't feel great about how our conversation ended this morning anyway."
"Are you seriously siding with her?"
"It's not about sides. It's about what's best for Mason and Mickey. And while art galleries certainly have their place in a well-rounded educational experience, I approve of (Y/N)'s decision to take them to Coney Island today."
Sofia glowers at him, but Lee Know doesn't back down. "Fine. I can tell when I'm not wanted." Sofia grabs her purse, then strides to the elevator, punches the button half a dozen times before it finally arrives to take her away. Lee Know takes a deep breath as the doors close, then turns his attention back to me.
"Are you sure you don't want to go after her?"
"It'll be better for everyone if I give her some space before we try to talk. She's gotta learn this relationship is going to have its compromises at some point."
Lee Know crosses to the kitchen and pours himself a glass of wine. He offers me one too.
"So. Coney Island, huh?"
"Yup."
"You could at least pretend you feel bad about starting a fight."
"I could, but we both know you'd see right through me."
"True. Honestly, I'm glad you went. Sofia can be unreasonable, and she doesn't get the boys...not like you. You make learning fun for them, and you let them be kids. I appreciate that."
Lee Know smiles as he notices the prize tucked under one of my arms.
"I guess the twins aren't the only ones you let still be a kid."
I boop him on the nose with stuffed animal. He chuckles as he examines it closer.
"I'll think of you every time I see it. Seriously, (Y/N). Thank you."
"Lee Know...I wish you could've been there. You were the only thing missing from an otherwise perfect day."
"It would've been nice to enjoy the day with the twins...and you. Next time, I'll fake sick. Promise."
"I'm going to hold you to that."
Lee Know gazes deeply into my eyes, and I feel my breath catches... I can feel that pull again, that magnetic sensation in the pit of my stomach that draws me in, despite that small of your brain trying to protest.
"(Y/N), I--"
"Dad, how full are we allowed to make our bath? " Mickey yells from the bathroom.
"Oh God."
I can't help but laugh at the expression on his face, at the ridiculousness of the whole situation, at everything.
"You'd better go before they flood the apartment."
Lee Know nods before hurrying toward the bathroom...and I can't help but feel a little disappointed that he didn't promise to continue this later... "What is wrong with me?" ...But the empty room holds no answers.
A few days later, I toss and turn in bed, stomach groveling for some real food after Sofia's kale-centric dinner.
"This is hopeless. I'm never gonna fall asleep if I don't get some real food in my stomach, ASAP."
I trudge through the penthouse toward the kitchen... Only to find every cupboard opened and the culprit rummaging through the fridge.
"Lee Know? What are you doing?"
"Same as you, I'm guessing. Searching for sustenance. Fair warning, it's every man for himself out here."
"Are you threatening to eat me?"
Lee Know smirks as he looks me up and down.
"I wasn't thinking about that, but now that you've mentioned it..."
My breath catches at the intensity in his gaze. I can only imagine what's going through his head right now...
"Seriously, though, you don't have nearly enough gluten to satisfy me right now."
Lee Know lets out a heavy sigh, then begins to close all the cupboards."
"Giving up?"
"Going out. I'm thinking of sneaking off for a burger and fries...maybe a slice of pie...definitely a milkshake."
"You'll have to burn any leftovers, so there's no evidence of your crime."
"Oh, there won't be any leftovers."
I reach to close the last cupboard at the same time. My fingers brush, and he turns to look at me, eyes twinkling mischievously while his touch lingers.
"Would you like to come with? The boys are asleep, and I'm sure Carter can hold down the fort while we're gone. I think we both could use a little something sweet to tide us over..."
After asking Carter to watch the boys, Lee Know and I slip out of the apartment.
"Dare I ask where you're taking me?"
"You can ask...but I won't tell. It's a surprise."
I think back on the last few 'surprises' I've had...
"I'm not so sure I like surprises."
"really? I've recently come to like them."
"You mean like when Sofia surprised you on your birthday?"
"God no. I was thinking more about when you suddenly appeared into my life... Here we are."
He leads me into a small diner. I inhale deeply as the smell of salt and grease fills my nose when I enter.
"Oh my God, is this heaven?"
"Grab a seat wherever you like, and I'll be right with you."
"After you..."
The two of us find a quiet booth in the back. I slide into my seat next to him, settling so our sides are touching. I sigh as I melt into his warm touch.
"Comfy?"
"Very. I could stay like this forever."
"Really? There are a few other positions I'd prefer...although all of them do involve having you in my arms."
We share a small smile, conspiratorial smile as our server hurries over.
"What can I get started for you?"
"What are your specials today?"
"We've got the Sweetheart Special right now. Perfect for a couple like you two, if you're interested..."
I reach for Lee Know's hand and grin.
"We're newlyweds, actually."
"Yeah, I can't imagine my life without her."
His eyes flit to me, his gaze smoldering.
"Makes sense! You have that glow about you. Consider the Sweetheart Special on the house."
We put in the rest of our order, and she leaves. I'm suddenly very aware of the quiet that settles over the table.
Oh my God, I'm basically on a date with my boss! What do people even say on dates?
"You doing okay over there?"
"Totally! I was just thinking about how I've never been here before. It's nice. I cook all the time, but it always tastes better when someone else does it for you. Especially if your cooking is terrible. Which maybe mine is. Oh my God, I never asked you guys, I just assumed--"
"Whoa, whoa, slow down."
Lee Know gives my hand a reassuring squeeze as I take a deep breath in.
"It's just me, (Y/N). You don't have to be nervous."
"I can't help it. You're you, and I'm me!"
"Exactly. We've had tons of conversations, just the two of us. Nothing's changed."
"This is...well, it's different. It's not the same as all the other times we've talked before."
" 'Cause we're at a diner?"
" 'Cause we're basically on a date! And you're still engaged to Sofia."
I put my hands in my lap and stare down at them, refusing to look at Lee Know. After a moment, I feel Lee Know's arm wrap around my shoulders. I lean into his touch, wishing all my troubles away.
"I'm sorry, (Y/N). I was being insensitive to your feelings."
"I know, it's just...it's all so confusing."
"Hope I'm not interrupting..."
The waitress sets down a large strawberry milkshake and an extra straw.
"The rest of your food will be right out."
As soon as the waitress leaves, Lee Know looks at me, waiting for me to elaborate.
"Lee Know, let's just enjoy the night. Starting with this milkshake."
"Are you sure?"
"Positive. Dibs on the cherry."
I pop the maraschino cherry in my mouth before he can protest, and Lee Know laughs.
"Fair enough."
The waitress returns with our burgers and fries. My stomach growls as I happily survey our plates.
"I was right, this is heaven."
"Wait 'til you try the pie."
I dig into my food with total abandon, only stopping to steal a stray fry off Lee Know's plate or sip from the milkshake.
"Wow, you really don't know how much you miss sugar until it's been completely eradicated from your diet."
"In the future, we'll just have to satisfy our sugar cravings in other ways..."
"Oh? Got something in particular in mind?"
Lee Know opens his mouth to answer...just as the waitress drops off the pie. I smirk as she walks away again.
"You're not getting out of answering that easily."
Lee Know's eyes darken...
"You already know exactly what I'm thinking, (Y/N)."
I can't help but stare as Lee Know sinks a fork into the flaky pie crust, digs up a bite, and curls his lips around it... I pull the fork out of his hand, scrape another morsel off the plate, and lift it toward him. Lee Know's luscious lips open, then close around the bite. I pull the fork out clean...except for a tiny fleck of cherry sauce on his lower lip.
"You've got a little something..."
I lean closer, smoothing my thumb over the speck. Lee Know surprises me by sucking it off my fingertip.
"Lee Know..."
"Yes...?"
Lee Know reaches to cup my cheek, drawing me closer. My eyes flutter shut...Lee Know's phone buzzes on the tabletop, distracting us both with the sudden, loud vibration.
"Oh...I'd better take this."
Clearing his throat, he answers the phone.
"Hello? Oh...yes. I've been meaning to tell you."
His eyes flick back to me, unreadable.
"Yeah, she's great. You want to... Next week? A-alright, Mom. See you then."
Lee Know lets out a long sigh as he hangs up the phone.
"What was all that?"
"My parents. They want to meet you."
"Me?"