^^ SHANSHAN ^^

One week later, I was at my family's mansion watching the peaceful sky through the glass wall. The morning air felt warm and cozy, luring me to sleep more, but I couldn't resist looking at the beautiful sunrise. The room was filled with Christmas decors, and a Christmas tree sat at the corner, making everyone who sees it feel the spirit of the Christmas season.

I felt a sense of peace and relief. I won my battle. Those evil people deserve their punishment, including the mastermind of all these troubles... my stepmother. She had no escape, for everyone pointed at her as the main schemer of my father's death.

In the meantime, I had Mark helping me settle the termination of the company. It would be a long process, but I knew it had to be done. I received a lot of criticism and protest from many people for turning everyone in the company jobless, but there was an assurance that everyone would receive the share they deserve.

The sun's rays began to touch my legs, covering me with its warmth. I spread my fingers to welcome the heat on my palms and rubbed them together. My skin... they were glowing yellow under the sun. I bit my lip. I already accepted that I would die. Now that I fulfilled my father's wish, I am ready to face my death.

I sighed deeply, trying to divert my attention to other things... Just then, I noticed a familiar plant among the flowers displayed in the living room.

"Why does this remind me of..."

I moved the wheelchair I was sitting on towards the plant. "Ah, a cactus... with ears like those of a bunny." They were so cute and unique. They remind me of him... bunny teeth Jungkook.

"What are you smiling at?"

"Ha?" I turned to my side, just to see Roger catching me smiling to myself.

"You're smiling like a stupid brat." He answered before putting the mug of coffee on top of the shelf.

I pointed at the cactus with a grin. "What do you call this shrub?"

"Ah," he said, folding his hands while walking towards me. "I heard one of the maids calling it bunny ears."

"Bunny-" I burst into a chuckle. "Bunny ears?!"

"Why-why what's funny?" He asked, also getting amused by the way I was grinning.

"It reminds me of a cute person who looks like a bunny, hehe," I answered, looking at him with a smile. "My best friend, JK."

His smile faded, indicating how he disliked my celebrity friend. "Are you not hungry? It's time for breakfast." He took my wheelchair, effortlessly pushing me away from the room.

"Where are you taking me?" I questioned.

"To the dining room. You better get ready. Mark is coming here today."

"Oh, good," I responded, thinking that I could get information from the company. "Roger... what do you plan to do after this?"

"After what?"

"After I'm done settling everything here, I'm going back to my father's country. Do you want to come with me?"

"Nah," he shook his head. "I grew up here since birth. I think I'll have a hard time adjusting to Korea."

"But you'll see and experience many great things too!" I tried to convince him. "I can show you my gallery and meet BTS-"

"Haha! BTS? I'm not a fan," he interrupted as he stopped pushing the wheelchair when we arrived in the dining hall.

He helped me stand and walk towards my chair. My heart warmed. We fought a lot before, but now he was acting so nice to her step-sister. The maids started serving food while we continued our conversation.

"Why are you not a fan?"

"Because I'm not." He shrugged.

"That's odd. Everyone loves BTS," I chuckled at him as he sat across me.

"Stop talking about BTS. I am not going to be convinced even if you tell me that you had been hanging out with their golden maknae."

I put my fork down as I looked at him. "How did you know that my best friend is golden maknae?"

"It... it's- it's all over the news, his nickname go-golden maknae is always mentioned in the TV, y-you know!" He stuttered, but I began to suspect that he was lying. This kid was an army too. He was not just open about.

"Don't deny it, little army. You're trying to hide it. So who's your bias?"

He sighed in defeat. "Whatever. Back to our topic before that, I am firm in my decision. I'm already turning 19, I can take care of myself, and I'm planning not to continue my studies. I'm going to turn the mansion into a painting studio and travel the world. Pfft!" He gave me an eyebrow and stuck his tongue out with a smug look.

I knew he was proud of his plan, confident that he could make it. "You should at least consider finishing college. You can learn more about arts in school."

"I'll think about it," he answered and started eating his food.

We grew silent as we began to eat. I looked around the room as the memories of our family many years ago eating together inside this same room lingered in my mind. But now we were just two. We were never happy while we were still complete. And now, just two survived. Because of greediness and hatred, this is what happened to our family.

After some time, Roger and I were on our way to the mansion's entrance to meet our guests. Roger was quietly pushing my wheelchair while maids marched beside us.

From outside, I saw Mark getting out of his fancy car. He flashed me a smile, looking like he had big news to tell.

We led him to the courtyard where we could have a private talk. Bread and beverage were served, and later on, we were left alone.

"How's the procedure going? I hope the employees are complying smoothly." I asked. "I'm afraid that they will suddenly make a protest in front of the company."

"As for now, everything's going slowly well."

"Good to hear that," I answered. "And thank you."

"I... I didn't come for that, actually." Mark cleared his throat and smiled at me. He took my hands and looked at me as if the thing he was to spill was a big deal. "We found you a doctor who can save your life."

"H- huh?" I blinked. I didn't know how to react. "Why suddenly..."

"Yes. But he is an underground doctor. He takes in high-profile criminals and filthy politicians on his island who do not want to get medical help publicly. But I can assure you that he will save you!" He spoke in excitement. "He's a very outstanding one."

"I..." I croaked, slipping my hands away and laying them together in my lap. "I think it's already too late. The doctor said I'm not going to last this month."

"Who knows? He might actually do you a miracle! I reviewed his profile thoroughly. He is known to have saved every patient from any kind of fatal injuries or life-threatening diseases... just like cancer."

"But I have to go back to Korea. I want to spend my last days there with Jungkook and my friends." A sigh escaped my lips.

I wanted to give in to his offer, but I did not want to raise my hopes up too. I had already made my decision. I wanted to go home to Busan and wait for death to come.

"Shanshan... please. We want to help you. You still have hope, and you have friends waiting for you. Your gallery, your passion... you are still too young to leave them." He patted my shoulder. "Although we had a short time together, I know you're a sincere and compassionate person. As I said, you do not deserve this kind of suffering. You're important to everyone, and nobody wants you to be gone this early."

A tear dropped on my hands. As much as I wanted to spend more time with everyone, I only had a little time left. Once again, my innermost feeling woke up inside me. I didn't want to leave. I want to live more. "I don't want to die yet," I sniffed and nodded. "Fine. For the sake of everyone I love, I'll try."

Mark's face gleamed with gladness, his eyes sparkling with joy while he pulled me gently for a hug. "Thank you, Shanshan."

"You have guests!" Roger's voice echoed throughout the courtyard while he clapped to interrupt us.

Mark and I both looked towards him, making my eyes widen upon seeing the visitors. I gasped.

"L-lily unnie! Min Ho...

...Jungkook?"

^^. .^^

^^ Photo Source: Tenor https://tenor.com/view/jungkook-bts-bunny-cute-gif-14898061 ^^