The train rattled softly as Olivia leaned against the window, watching the fields and hills blur past. Her week in the countryside had passed quickly than she expected—filled with her mother's nagging, her brothers' teasing, and quiet moments in the garden that made her feel like she could breathe again.
Dragging her small suitcase behind her, Olivia stepped out of the station and hailed a cab. By the time she arrived at her apartment.
For the next few days, Olivia slipped into an odd routine: sleeping late, waking up just to eat, then drifting back to bed. She read a little, scrolled through her phone, watched every anime on her watchlist, and ignored the city outside.
One afternoon, Emily, who couldn't bear it anymore, finally snapped. She barged into Olivia's apartment.
"Liv, this is ridiculous! You've been sleeping and eating nonstop. Aren't you worried you'll get sick? Wake up."
Olivia buried her face in her pillow. "Not right now."
Emily sat down at the edge of the bed, bouncing the mattress slightly. "But you can't just rot here! You're going to get depressed if you stay like this. There are openings at my friend's office. I could recommend you—"
"I don't want to work right now," Olivia cut in, her voice muffled. She turned her head to look at Emily. "I just quit one of the most stressful jobs of my life. Can't I rest for at least a little while?"
Emily frowned but didn't argue further. Instead, she brightened, her eyes sparkling in a way that made Olivia suspicious.
"Well… since you're not working and just cooped up in your apartment all day, why don't you come out with me this weekend?"
Olivia raised an eyebrow. "For what?"
"I got invited to a party." Emily beamed. "And you're coming with me."
"A party?" Olivia sat up slowly, narrowing her eyes. "Why do I need to go?"
"Because," Emily said, drawing out the word, "I want you to meet someone."
There was a long pause.
"Who?" Olivia demanded.
"My boyfriend," Emily replied casually, as if she had just said she bought a new pair of shoes.
Olivia froze. "...Boyfriend?"
Emily nodded, completely unfazed. "Mm-hmm."
Olivia blinked several times, her jaw slowly dropping. "Since when do you have a boyfriend?"
"For a while." Emily fiddled with her nails, suddenly avoiding Olivia's sharp gaze.
"A while ago? Emily, I've been gone for just a week! Did you grow a boyfriend in seven days like some kind of instant ramen?"
Emily burst out laughing, but then quickly composed herself. "No, no. We started dating when you left your job. I didn't tell you at the time because… well, it wasn't a good time. You were so stressed. So, I decided to tell you at a good time."
Olivia pinched the bridge of her nose. "Who is he? What did he do? How did he treat you?" Olivia, through question after question, Emily didn't know which one she should answer first.
"He's a good guy. He treats me really well. And you'll know more about him when you meet him."
"They're all nice at first," Olivia muttered, talking like she's someone who has experience with dating. She folded her arms and gave Emily a stern look. "Where exactly did you meet this 'good guy'?"
"At the hospital," Emily said quickly. "His brother was there for treatment. We bumped into each other a few times and… we just started talking. He's really nice, you'll know when you see him."
"The hospital?" Olivia echoed, suspicion deepening. "So you bonded over IV drips and waiting room coffee? Great."
Emily glared at her. "Don't make fun. It was fate! Anyway, he takes care of his brother, he works hard, and he's sweet to me. I want you to meet him. If you think he's not good for me, then I'll break up with him immediately."
"So… you'll come to the party?"
Olivia leaned back, crossing her arms. "Fine. But don't expect me to go easy on him. If he doesn't pass my test, you're dumping him."
" Okay," Emily said quickly, not wanting Olivia to change her mind.
"I need to go shopping, I can't meet someone looking like I just crawled out of bed after three days of hibernation. I need to look amazing—like the intimidating big sister I am." Olivia got out of bed looking all energetic.
Emily shook her head in amusement.
"Poor guy… he has no idea what's coming." She said, feeling pity for the poor man.
The boutique doors slid open, and Olivia practically dragged Emily inside. Her eyes sparkled as she scanned the racks of glittering gowns, cocktail dresses, and chic accessories.
"Emily, look at that one!" Olivia whispered loudly, pointing at a silver sequined dress on display.
Emily blinked. "Since when do you get this excited about shopping?"
Olivia grinned, already flipping through hangers. She held up a deep emerald gown against her body and twirled. "I need to look perfect. I need to make an impression on that good guy."
Olivia tried on a black dress. The fabric hugged her figure perfectly.
When she stepped out, Emily went quiet for a moment.
"…Okay. That's the one," Emily admitted softly.
Olivia smirked. "Told you. Perfect. Now, your turn. You also need a new outfit."
Emily tried on a blue cocktail dress. When she stepped out of the fitting, Olivia clapped her hands and gasped dramatically.
" We're getting that one."
After paying for the dresses, they have lunch at a restaurant near the shopping mall, then they part ways.