SIXTY THREE

                                    

                                          
Monique's POV
                          
After Haechan ate the rest of the food that was supposed to be Hansel's, we went up to our room and he washed up first. When he was finished, I came in next and wore my pink-white night gown.
                          
I was already getting ready for bed when Haechan suddenly blurted, "I'm sorry, Monique." I looked at him and raised a brow. He was staring at the ceiling, an arm below his head. "Why are you sorry? You did not do anything wrong."
                          
He sighed. "I failed to find your parents or any of your relatives today, and I feel like I let you down." He said and turned to me. I got up with a smile and patted his hand. "Hey, you didn't fail me. There are just instances they won't show up yet. It is not your fault. You do not have to be sorry."
                          
"But—" I put a finger against his mouth. "No buts. You have no fault. We can search them tomorrow, I will join you. Deal?" He smiled and nodded. "Fine." I placed a quick peck on his forehead and returned to my bed.
                          
"Now go to sleep, you baby. We got a big day tomorrow." He chuckled at the nickname. "You, too. Sweet dreams."
                          
•••
                          
I woke up early to get ready for the search. Since I was the first soul to be awake, I am supposed to make our breakfast, but I don't know how to make a proper dish for us to eat. Thankfully, Gretel followed after a few minutes and I volunteered to help her make our food.
                          
We cooked sausages and garlic rice. I tasted the rice after it was put in its platter and I never ate something like that before. It smells good, too.
                          
Later on, the boys woke up; Haechan was first. He was tired-looking at first but when he got a good look on the food on the table, he immediately sat down and gobbled up the food. "Hey, slow down. Leave some for us."
                          
He slowed down and Gretel and I were getting ready to eat with Haechan when we saw Hansel entering the room. He has eyebags under his eyes, like he didn't sleep properly last night.
                          
"Hans, you look tired. You should go back to bed and get more rest." Gretel said while handing him a glass of water as he approached the table. He smiled and waved his hand. "No need to. I just slept late last night, nothing to worry about,"
                          
We nodded although we were still concerned and started eating. "Good morning, Monique." I nearly fell off my chair when I heard Hansel greet me. It seemed strange but I nodded once. "Good morning, Hansel." He then greeted his sister and Haechan.
                          
The younger male didn't greet him back. He placed his spoon and fork on his plate and stared at him like Hansel was possessed. "Who are you? What have you done to Hansel?" He asked. Hans just chuckled and patted Haechan's arm. "Let's talk after breakfast."
                          
Gretel and I threw each other confused looks. Boy talk, I guess? We shrugged it off and finished eating our food. When all of us are done, I took our plates and utensils and washed them. Gretel would be outside watering the plants while the boys will have their mysterious chat.
                          
It didn't take me long to finish drying them and I went out to join Gretel in her work. Haechan and Hansel are still busy so I figured out it would not hurt to help her out with the flowers and plants. I got out of the house, grabbed a watering can and filled it with water.
                          
I poured the liquid on the plants near the huge tree beside the gingerbread house. The flowers smell lovely in the morning and I saw Laury flying around with his normal butterfly friends. I caught Gretel glancing at me so I gave her a smile and she gave one back.
                          
I was going to refill the can but I felt someone tug my arm. I turned my head and saw Haechan. He has his signature smirk on his face, but it was quite humble. "What?" I asked. He shook his head and hugged me. "I am just.. happy for you."