Strokes of Stars

As the gracing moon cast a warm reflection over the mansion, Na-yeon and A-ri settled into the spacious living room. Na-yeon's excitement radiated through her every movement as she explored the grandeur of the mansion, her curiosity driving her to uncover every nook and cranny. She opened doors, peered into rooms, and inquired about each space with genuine interest.

"What's this room?" Na-yeon asked, standing in front of a partially open door.

"That's the library. Feel free to take a look," A-ri glanced up from her seat on the plush sofa, a small smile playing on her lips.

Na-yeon disappeared into the room, her voice muffled as she marvelled at the shelves lined with books. After a few minutes, she returned, her eyes gleaming with enthusiasm.

"And this one?" Na-yeon moved to another door, her fingers itching to uncover more secrets.

"That's the guest bedroom," A-ri replied. "It's where we'll be staying tonight."

Na-yeon stepped inside, her gaze taking in the cosy setting that A-ri had carefully curated. As her eyes landed on the canvas stand nestled beside the bed, a knowing smile tugged at her lips. A-ri's explanation came with a touch of embarrassment, her cheeks dusted with a light blush.

"I wanted it to feel like home," A-ri admitted. "So I set it up similar to how my one-room apartment used to be."

Na-yeon nodded in understanding, her gaze softening with appreciation for her friend's sentiment. The two of them continued their exploration, moving through the mansion with an easy camaraderie that only years of friendship could bring.

"And what's behind this door?" Eventually, they reached the main bedroom door, its imposing presence catching Na-yeon's attention. She turned to A-ri with a playful glint in her eyes.

"That's the master bedroom. I keep it locked because... well, it's a bit special," A-ri's expression shifted slightly, a mix of hesitation and fondness crossing her features.

Na-yeon's curiosity was piqued, and without missing a beat, she reached for the keys that A-ri had absentmindedly left on the common shelf nearby. A-ri's eyes widened, her voice quickening as she tried to stop her friend's actions.

"Na-yeon, wait! I told you, it's locked for a reason!"

With an almost mischievous glint in her eyes, Na-yeon inserted the key into the lock and turned it. To A-ri's astonishment, the door swung open smoothly, revealing the room beyond.

In the quiet expanse of the master bedroom, the air seemed to hold a whisper of secrets as A-ri and Na-yeon stood before the captivating painting, "Ephemeral Dreams." A-ri's heart raced with a mixture of emotions, her mind dancing between wonder and confusion. Na-yeon, her eyes alight with curiosity, broke the silence with a playful grin.

"Well, well, A-ri," Na-yeon teased, nudging her friend playfully. "It looks like fate has quite the sense of humour, doesn't it?"

"What do you mean, Na-yeon?" A-ri's eyebrows knitted in bemusement, her lips curving into a half-smile.

"Think about it. Your painting, hanging right here in the master bedroom. If that's not fate playing its hand, I don't know what is," Na-yeon's gaze shifted between A-ri and the painting, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"I never thought of it that way," A-ri's cheeks flushed slightly as she considered Na-yeon's words. The idea of fate intervening in her life, weaving its threads in unexpected ways, both thrilled and bewildered her.

"Come on, A-ri. Admit it. This whole situation is starting to feel like it's straight out of a romantic drama," Na-yeon playfully nudged A-ri again, her voice laced with humour.

"Oh, please. You watch way too many dramas, Na-yeon," A-ri's laughter bubbled forth, a mixture of amusement and embarrassment.

"Hey, I'm just saying," Na-yeon grinned, her tone light. "First, you have the contract marriage. Then, you discover your painting hanging here. It's practically written in the stars."

"Na-yeon, you and your romantic musings," A-ri rolled her eyes playfully, but a part of her couldn't help but wonder. The series of events that had unfolded since that fateful encounter with Eun-tae did seem strangely interconnected. A-ri shook her head, trying to dismiss the notion.

"I'm just trying to make this whole situation a bit more exciting, okay?" Na-yeon laughed, her eyes dancing with mirth.

As A-ri and Na-yeon shared a lighthearted moment, the atmosphere in the master bedroom seemed to shift, filled with the energy of their friendship and the enchantment of "Ephemeral Dreams." The painting, with its surreal and ethereal landscape, stood as a testament to the unexpected twists that life could take and the bonds that could form in the most serendipitous of ways.

Under the enchantment of "Ephemeral Dreams," A-ri couldn't help but feel a sense of intrigue tugging at her thoughts. The painting, adorning the wall of Eun-tae's master bedroom, held an air of mystery that left her with questions lingering on the tip of her tongue. She decided that when the right moment came, she would ask Eun-tae about the painting and its presence in the room.

As A-ri's mind wandered, Na-yeon's voice pulled her attention back to the present. "Oh, A-ri, you won't believe the size of the bathroom in here! Come on, let me show you!"

A playful gleam danced in Na-yeon's eyes as she grabbed A-ri's hand, leading her toward the master bedroom's en-suite bathroom. A-ri followed, her curiosity piqued, and as the bathroom door swung open, her eyes widened in astonishment.

"Wow," A-ri breathed, her gaze sweeping over the spacious bathroom. Luxurious marble surfaces, a gleaming bathtub, and a shower area fit for royalty—it was a bathroom that seemed straight out of a magazine.

"I told you!" Na-yeon exclaimed, her excitement palpable. "This bathroom is practically a vacation spot on its own."

"It's impressive, that's for sure," A-ri chuckled, her lips curving into a fond smile as she glanced around the extravagant space.

"You know what would make it even more exciting? If we both took a shower here together!" Na-yeon's expression shifted mischievously, a playful glint in her eyes.

"Wait, what? Na-yeon, we're not little kids who take showers together!" A-ri's eyebrows shot up in surprise, her cheeks flushing slightly at the unexpected suggestion.

"Oh, come on, A-ri! I'm just trying to make this sleepover more interesting," Na-yeon's lips formed a pout, her eyes shimmering with faux disappointment.

"You and your ideas, Na-yeon," A-ri rolled her eyes, unable to suppress a laugh at Na-yeon's antics.

"So, are you in or not?" Na-yeon's pout turned into a mischievous grin.

"Fine, fine. But not in this bathroom," A-ri hesitated, caught between amusement and embarrassment.

"Deal!" Na-yeon's eyes lit up, victory evident in her posture.

As A-ri and Na-yeon made their way to the guest bathroom, a sense of camaraderie filled the air, the promise of shared laughter and memories awaiting them. In the confines of the smaller bathroom, the sound of running water enveloped them as they prepared for their shower.

Na-yeon couldn't resist her playful streak, teasing A-ri with her usual banter as they stood under the spray of water. Their laughter echoed off the walls, a testament to the unbreakable bond between two friends who found solace and joy in each other's company.

With the shower's warmth soothing their skin and the sound of their shared laughter still echoing in the air, A-ri and Na-yeon emerged from the bathroom, towels wrapped around them. Their spirits were light, the weight of the day's worries momentarily lifted.

As they settled back into the guest bedroom, clad in comfortable loungewear, A-ri's stomach rumbled in protest, eliciting laughter from both friends.

"I guess all that shopping worked up quite an appetite," Na-yeon remarked, a playful grin on her face.

"Definitely. I thought you said that you want to order some takeout, Na-yeon? I don't think I have the energy to cook a meal right now," A-ri nodded in agreement.

"Oh, I almost forgot about that," Na-yeon chimed in. "Let's make it a feast!"

Na-yeon quickly placed the order for takeout, and then they both made themselves comfortable on the bed, sinking into the plush pillows.

"Hey, Na-yeon, are you not busy tomorrow? Do you have work or anything?" As they waited for their food to arrive, A-ri turned to Na-yeon, a thoughtful expression on her face.

"Nope, I submitted my article earlier today, so I've got some free time on my hands," Na-yeon shook her head, her smile bright.

"That's perfect timing, then," A-ri's lips curled into a grin.

"Perfect timing for what?" Na-yeon raised an eyebrow, curiosity was evident in her gaze.

"Well, since we're talking about free time, I think it's about time you put it to good use," A-ri's eyes twinkled with mischief.

"And what exactly do you have in mind?" Na-yeon's brows furrowed, her lips forming an intrigued smile.

"How about we practice being good daughters-in-law?" A-ri leaned in, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.

"You mean like role-playing? A-ri, you're a genius!" Na-yeon burst into laughter, her eyes dancing with amusement.

"Well, we can't let Eun-tae's mother catch me unprepared, right?" A-ri chuckled at Na-yeon's enthusiasm.

"Absolutely not!" Na-yeon agreed, her laughter still ringing in the air. "But first, let's enjoy our takeout feast. Tomorrow, we'll dive into the world of impressing your mother-in-law."

As the aroma of their delicious meal wafted through the room, A-ri and Na-yeon settled in, savouring both the food and the prospect of a lighthearted and entertaining day ahead.