erospandemos

[erospandemos]

My baby is so pretty.

[erospandemos]

Highschool was good for the vibes but I don't miss literature at all

Our Way Back | part I

part II - part III - part IV

Masterlist

"We will always find our way back together, right?"

aespa KARINA x Original Male Character/m!reader

Tags: fluff overdose?

Word count: ~14.9k

✧✧✧✧✧

Why do they have to do this now?

The last year of high school. And to your horror, they announced that every class had been reshuffled due to some “unforeseen circumstances”. You thought you’d been safe after surviving the shuffle your second year and at least kept a few familiar faces you’d gotten used to. But no, life didn’t work that way. Now you had to sit through new introductions and actually make new friends. You didn’t want a fresh start. You wanted the same desk, the same three idiots you could at least joke with and share dumb memes. 

Dragging your feet to class, you kept your hands stuffed in your pockets and prayed to whatever higher being there was that you would end up with someone who shared the same wavelength as yours. The hallway was already loud, laughter everywhere before you even got to the classroom. You could hear people greeting each other, trading rumors and claiming desks like they were in a warzone.

Great. This again.

You pushed the door open and stepped inside, not without exhaling quietly first. The room was exactly what you expected. Some suffering the same fate as you, some lucky enough to have a few old friends, some so outgoing that they seemed like they’d made friends with the whole class…

Man, how do people do that? Just go up to strangers and make friends?

You scanned the room once. And again, just to be sure. Still, not a single familiar face. Everyone’s face felt foreign like you’d just transferred schools. You eventually sighed and accepted your fate. There was only a year left, maybe you could go through this. Hopefully. Just when you were debating which remaining desk looked the safest, someone tugged on your blazer. 

Oh shit!

You braced yourself for some stranger trying to make small talk. You did this before, no big deal, right? Then you turned, hoping that it wa-

Yu Jimin

You froze for a second before stumbling a light step back. She stood there with her hair neatly tied in a ribbon, a pretty plaid bow on her shirt collar. The navy vest uniform sat perfectly on her, backpack just casually on one shoulder. Her skirt swayed as she shifted on her feet, almost like she couldn’t stand still. She looked like she’d just stepped out of a video game, yet her eyes lingered on you for a bit too long, her smile a little too bright. The gears were still grinding in your brain when Jimin let out a cute giggle, nudging your shoulder with her weirdly small fist.

“Hi, Gong Woojoo.”

Was Jimin always this beautiful?

Your throat were suddenly dry.

“Umm… H-Hi.”

Great. Real smooth there what you just did. You steadied your posture, stiff as a board. Jimin was smiling so easily and you just hoped that she didn’t notice the way your cheeks were heating up way too fast. Jimin’d lived in the same neighborhood as you since you were kids. Your parents knew each other and were pretty close, the type to laugh out loud and talk for hours when they bumped into one another at the market. But you and Jimin never really… talked like that. Just a few polite nods and smiles if you happened to pass by on the streets. That was it. Still, you’d always thought Jimin was pretty. In that unreachable way in some brighter, fancier world while you just stayed in your own lane and minded your own business. And now here she was, in front of you, acting like you weren’t complete strangers after all.

“I’m really happy we ended up in the same class.” Jimin said with that easy smile as she tilted her head.

Wah…

“Yeah. M- me too. It’s ni- nice…” your tongue tripped over itself as you managed to spew out a few words. And “nice”? That was the best you could come up with? Jimin pouted, eyes sparkling as she played offended, arms crossed in front of her chest.

“Yah… Don’t tell me you don’t remember me, Gong Woojoo?”

She said your name, teasing but earnest in her tone. You felt like you could explode right then and there.

“Of course I do.” you replied, tone slowly steadying. “Yu Jimin. We live in the same neighborhood.”

“Which one?” Jimin playfully glared at you, chin tilting up. 

“Insa-dong, of course.” you laughed to try and shake off the tension. Satisfied with your answer, Jimin broke into a small laugh though she still narrowed her eyes like she was testing you. “Good, good. Thought you really forgot me for a second. That would’ve hurt, you know.”

“No, how could I forget you?” you scratched your head nervously.

“Mm hmm. You say that but you never talked to me that much before. Even when our family came to visit yours, you just…” she curled one side of her lip mischievously. “Run off.”

You winced. “You know I’m kinda… shy.”

“Yup. Haven’t changed much, right?” her eyes gleamed with amusement, no bite in her words. Just soft teasing. You nodded with a weak smile on your face, it was true after all. “Yeah.”

Jimin giggled again. Then she leaned in just a little and lowered her voice like she was letting you in on a secret.

“Still, I’m happy we ended up in the same class. Feels like fate, don’t you think?” 

Even if you could, you weren’t even sure how to respond.  “I guess?” you mumbled. “Sorry if I’m awkward.”

Jimin then nudged your arm with her elbow, her voice light as she said. 

“Then let’s get along this year, Woojoo-ah. No running away this time.”

Maybe being shuffled into a new class wasn’t that bad.

“So… do you know anyone here?” 

You glanced around the noisy classroom again, not one felt familiar. You sighed, shoulders sinking. “Not a single one. I’m lost here.”

Quickly, Jimin cued a victorious smile and slipped her hand down to grip your forearm. Somehow, her touch felt warm through the fabric of your blazer.

“Perfect. Then let’s go.” she tugged you to the center of the class. “We’re sitting next to each other~”

Your feet nearly stumbled to keep up. Your heart? Tripping even harder than your steps. Most of the back zone was already taken, leaving the first two rows empty. Jimin stopped and tapped her chin with her free hand. 

“My mom said you’re good at studying, Woojoo-ah.” Jimin muttered while leaning closer to you, hand still on your forearm.

“I guess?” you said, confused. “What does that have to do with this?”

“I’m kinda good myself too.” she announced proudly and puffed her chest out a little. At that exact moment, you found yourself staring at her. Her smile was too radiant, too playful. Something about the way she looked so proud over something so small made your heart skip a few beats. Silly. Charming. Completely confident. Without even knowing, you smiled back at her. 

“Then we won’t have any problem sitting in the front row, right?” she asked with a glint in her eyes, daring you to say no. Normally, you would avoid that spot like the plague. You weren’t a delinquent or anything. The front row just meant constant teacher eyes, no dozing off. But right now, with Jimin’s small hand radiating warmth on your arm, you couldn’t imagine sitting anywhere else.

“Of course.” you agreed, voice coming out firmer than you expected. “Front row’s fine.”

Her bright smile widened into something triumphant. “Good! I knew you’d agree.”

As Jimin hummed happily and led you to the first two seats by the window, you realized the strangest thing. You didn’t actually hate this shuffle anymore, not if it meant starting the year with Yu Jimin right next to you. The two of you then slipped into the front row. The moment you pulled your chair out, a few low murmurs rose behind.

“Woojoo and Jimin sitting together?”

“He’s so lucky…”

“They’re gonna be unbeatable at exams.”

“Who would even sit there? They’re crazy.”

“Are they dating?”

You felt your body stiffened as heat slowly crawled up your cheeks again. Great. First day of the last year in high school and you couldn’t spend a minute in peace, already the subject of gossip. Jimin only laughed softly under her breath. She leaned her elbow on the desk and propped her chin on her hand, turning to you with a smile. 

“Don’t mind them.” She brushed them off lightly. “They’re just jealous.”

You were stunned at how effortlessly she dismissed it all, like whispers couldn’t touch her.

“Jealous?”

“Mm hmm.” Jimin nodded. “Who wouldn’t be? I got Gong Woojoo as my teammate.”

Your heart shalala instantly. Maybe that was the best way to describe it, some familiar rhythm that came up in scenes where the male lead fell in love. The truth was, you’d always liked Yu Jimin. You didn’t express it out loud, of course, but you would spot her from across the neighborhood. Jimin always seemed way too out of your league. You’d convinced yourself that someone like her was never meant to notice someone like you. So you chose to stay silent all those years and pretended you didn’t care. And now, here she was. The girl who made you daydream every time you saw her smile. Luckily, you managed to let out a casual laugh. “Teammate?”

Jimin raised her fist and held it out to you expectantly. You didn’t take long to catch on before bumping your knuckles with hers. The little bump was nothing grand but it still sent a wave of warmth through your body.

“Boom.” you played the sound effect, smiling. Matching your silliness, Karina giggled back before saying. “Okay, teammate. First question, MBTI?” 

“Uh…INFJ? I think so.” you said hesitantly.

She gasped dramatically, clutching her own cheeks.

Cute.

“Oh my! That’s so rare!”

You laughed, already feeling comfortable around Jimin. “Not really, Jimin-ah. It’s just-”

“Nuh uh. It is.” Jimin rejected eagerly, her eyes bright. “You’re like… thoughtful, thinking deeply and super loyal. Wah, I totally knew it. It makes total sense.”

Her enthusiasm was so over the top you couldn’t help but feel warm inside. This last year in high school with her was going to be fun. “And you?”

Grinning like she was waiting for that question, Jimin puffed her cheeks before answering. “I’m ENFP. Obviously.” 

“Yeah, I can tell you’re extra extroverted.”

Jimin gasped. “Excuse me? Is that an insult?”

“No!” your eyebrows furrowed. “You’re just… you know, full of energy.”

“Mm hmm.” Jimin leaned a little closer and squinted playfully. “So you’re saying I talk too much?”

“That’s not what I sai-”

“Relax, Woojoo-ah. I like talking.” She giggled and poked your arm with her finger. “You look like you need me to balance all that mysterious and quiet I energy.”

Jimin’s teasing should’ve embarrassed you, but somehow, it made you smile. She made your shyness feel… okay. Normal even. You then huffed out a laugh and scratched your cheek.

“You’re overestimating me. I don’t know if I’m mysterious.”

Jimin inspected you for a second before declaring. “No, you definitely are. Quiet face, quiet voice, and the whole ‘deep thoughts nobody knows’ vibe.”

“Or, you know, I just don’t like to talk much.”

“That’s the same thing!” she shot back, eyes wide. You groaned softly and slumped in your seat with a smile. “No, it’s really not.”

“Mysterious people always deny being mysterious. That just proves my point.”

“What logic is that, Yu Jimin?”

“My logic. The right kind.” she grinned and punched your shoulder lightly. “Don’t worry, Woojoo-ah. I’ll figure you out by the end of the year.”

Figure you out? A mixture of nerves and excitement were bubbling inside as you let out a laugh. Deep down, you weren’t exactly sure if you wanted Jimin to succeed or if you were terrified she actually might. 

“Good luck with that.”

Still, you were sure about one thing.

Being with Yu Jimin was the best thing that happened to you this year.

On the way home, the sky was still a soft blue, making you want to just stop a little and take this moment all in. Wisps of white clouds moved lazily in the sky, gentle sunlight shining down warmly. A few breezes here and there carried along the spring plum blossoms from someone’s house, mixing with the earthy trace of soil that still remembered winter. Along the sidewalk, forsythia petals danced whenever the wind passed, tree branches decorated with white buds on the edge of blooming. From the utility wires above, birds hopped and chirped, filling the atmosphere with cheerful notes. 

Jimin was skipping a step ahead, backpack swinging lightly. Her figure was glowing with every bounce. She tilted her head up at the sky for a moment and smiled, breathing in like she was the lead in a drama. Beside her, you walked a little slower, eyes looking at everything. The flowers, the blue sky, the way Jimin skipped. Maybe… the whole world had chosen today to look beautiful just for you and her. Unable to help yourself, you laughed. “You’re excited.”

Jimin turned her head over her shoulder, smiling comfortably. “Of course I am. Last high school year, new memories to be made.” she hopped once more before twirling on her heel to face you, walking backward now. “And I got lucky enough to sit next to you.”

Maybe I’m the lucky one.

You quickly looked away and pretended to watch the flowers swaying.

“Mm~ I’m honored. Sitting next to the famous Yu Jimin.”

“Famous? Please. I’m not all that.”

“Really?” you cocked your head to the side. “The other kids in class seem to adore you.”

“Umm… I guess I am pretty well liked.” she admitted shyly and swayed her arms. “But I’m not tha-”

Her sneakers’ heel caught on a crack in the pavement.

“Ah!”

Your hand reached out without thinking, catching Jimin by the wrist as she tipped backward. Luckily, she didn’t fall. Her lips parted in surprise, eyes wide. You didn’t even realize how tight you were holding onto Jimin until you started to feel her warmth slowly spreading to your palm. “Be careful.” you muttered before exhaling softly. Jimin then let out an embarrassed laugh, cheeks flushed. After you helped her to stand up properly, she brushed her hair back.

“Gong Woojoo, my hero.”

There it was again. That teasing side of hers. Jimin then giggled and gripped the sides of her skirt to give you a dramatic little curtsy, bowing low like a princess. You couldn’t help but play along, bowing back like a knight who’d sworn to protect her.

“My duty, princess.”

The two of you stayed locked in that silly act just for another second before bursting into laughter. The sound quickly blended with the spring vibe, carrying down the peaceful street. A couple of people then passed by and glanced your way, pleasant smiles on their faces at the sight of two high schoolers being silly in the middle of the street. One older woman even let out a soft chuckle and shook her head fondly. The realization hit you when you straightened up and walked again, cheeks blushing. Still, you loved it. Jimin, on the other hand, didn’t seem to be affected that much. 

“Come on, Woojoo-ah.” she said, finally standing up properly and started walking by your side. “People must think we’ve really lost it.”

“You make me act like a crazy man in the middle of the street, Yu Jimin.” you accused her.

“Not crazy.” she countered. “Just more fun. Maybe you hide that side of yours a lot.”

“I don’t think so.” you said. “I’ve always been quiet.”

“Don’t worry. With me around, you’re gonna have so much fun this year. You just need a little push and some encouragement to come out of that shell of yours.” Then the wind lifted her hair, her smile was just as bright as the spring sky.

“Have you always been this hyper?” you wondered, actually curious.

Jimin hummed and gave the question serious thought, tapping her chin with one finger. “I guess. Since kindergarten?” she laughed at herself before adding. “My mom says I used to run around the house singing commercials. You know? Those ones on MBC?”

You chuckled softly at the image. “Figures.”

“Yah!” she hit your shoulder and pouted. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing bad.” you explained. “You’re still you. Hyper, happy, fun.”

Not offended and pleased with your answer, she hummed proudly. “Exactly. At least I didn’t cry when I was invited to a friend’s birthday party in 1st grade.”

“What?”

She gripped your bicep dramatically and pitched her voice high like a little kid. “Eomma, I don’t wanna be here. Please go homeeee.” Jimin fake cried, eyes crinkling. “You begged your mom like this, Woojoo-ah. At my birthday party.”

Your face heated up. “We were kids!”

“Right. Kids, kids.” she chirped. “You came in all sad and shy, seeing all the balloons and cakes and baam! Tears.” 

You groaned and dragged Jimin along with her hands still on your bicep. “I didn’t know anyone there, okay? Can we not talk about this?”

Jimin tiptoed and grinned at you. “Why not? It’s cute. I was a little sad when you left early, you know… I wanted to play with you.”

Her words made you forget the embarrassment and stare at her. “Really?” you asked quietly.

“Of course.” Jimin answered and let go of your arm only to swing her hands behind her back. “We live in the same neighborhood and our houses aren’t that far apart. You think I wouldn’t want to be your friend?”

The sincerity slowly made its way to your chest, all warm and fuzzy. You coughed and looked at the swaying tree branches.

“I was… shy. I don’t know… Guess I should’ve stayed.”

“It’s okay. We’re here together now.” Jimin beamed. “I’ll take it as a late attendance.”

You were about to answer when the familiar sign of the convenience store caught your eyes. The thought quickly struck you.

“Yah. Want some ice cream?” you offered.

“Like right now? Yes, please.” Her eyes lit up. It didn’t take long before the cool air of the convenience store wrapped around you and her, now crouching in front of the freezer chest. Jimin leaned over the glass. You soon followed and watched her tap the glass with her finger.

“What do I want?” she mumbled to herself, lips slightly pouty.

“I’ll pay for you.” you smiled, already reaching for your choice. “For all the missed time.”

“Ooh~ a gentleman.” she teased. But she still picked hers carefully and soon you were both standing outside the store, unwrapping the cold treats. Just when you were about to take your first bite, Jimin stopped you.

“Wait!” she’d already fished out her phone. “Put your ice cream next to mine.”

“Hmm?”

“Instagram story, duh.” Jimin giggled and scooted closer until your hands brushed while she adjusted the angle. The coldness of the ice creams contrasted with the warmth sparking between your skin. She leaned her head slightly to your side, her shampoo scent quickly arriving at your nose. “Cute.” Jimin murmured, quite satisfied before pulling back to type a caption.

“With my new seatmate.” she read aloud as her thumb tapped quickly, ice cream on the other hand. Then she frowned.

“What is it?”

“Too boring.” she backspaced, tongue poking out a little in thought. “How about… childhood neighbor, now officially friend.” She grinned and showed you the screen. The caption sat above the photo of your two ice creams together. “Better, right?” she asked, though she’d already decided it in her head. Then, Jimin suddenly gasped.

“Oh! What’s your handle? I have to tag you.”

You were hesitant. “Aren’t you scared people might… you know, misunderstand?”

Jimin scrunched her nose and shook her head. “Nope, I don’t mind. Let them.”

Huh…

Maybe Jimin was always like this. Bold in places you weren’t, carefree in places where you always overthought. Still, the thought of being misunderstood as her boyfriend didn’t bother you. At all. “Come on.” she nudged your ankle with her feet. “Don’t be shy. Hand it over.”

You exhaled and finally mumbled your handle. Jimin typed it in quickly and within seconds she was on your profile. She immediately broke into laughter. 

“Wow. Five whole posts? And one of them is a picture of the sun?” her laughter spilled into the air. You groaned, feeling the heat creeping up your neck. “Why did I even tell you?” You turned and started walking a few steps ahead. 

“Yah. Wait.” Jimin called and rushed forward, not without taking a quick bite at her ice cream. “Ae yo me-” she mumbled with the cold treat in her mouth.

“Forget it, Jimin-ah.” 

She only giggled in response, quick little steps bringing her back to your side. Then she hooked the arm holding her phone loosely around your arm, tightening to keep you from escaping again. In her other hand, she still clutched her ice cream and took another playful bite before speaking with her mouth, still full.

“Sorry, sorry~” she mumbled, still laughing through her apology. Despite your rushing heartbeat and blazing cheeks, you playfully glared back at her. “I didn’t mean it like that. It’s just… you, Woojoo-ah. You’re so fun when you’re shy.”

“You know what? I’ll help you. Your Instagram needs me. You’ve got the looks, you’ve got the potential.” She tapped your chest with her phone. “Trust me, Gong Woojoo. You will thank me by the end of this year.”

You scoffed lightly and tried not to let the grin on your face show too much. “And what? You’ll manage me?”

“Exactly.” Jimin was proud of herself. “Seatmate, having lived in the same neighborhood since we were kids, and now… social media manager.” she giggled at her own statement and took another lick of her ice cream before pulling you closer to her side and rested her head on your arm. Every nerve in your system sparked alive at her unexpected gesture. Then you slowed your steps, afraid that Jimin would pull away if you walked too fast. 

“I think I’ll be bored of you by our second month sitting together.”

“No~” Jimin sang, content and playful at the same time. “You’ll like it.”

Then you realized, you didn’t feel as shy with Jimin anymore. The walls you’d built up didn’t feel so high with her laughter, her teasing and the way she stuck by your side. You knew you were falling deeper with every step you took. That should’ve scared you. But right now, you decided it was okay to just let it happen.

Everyone had someone they liked in high school, right? No big deal. No big deal at all.

You wished the walk lasted longer though. Now, the two of you were standing in front of her house before you even knew it. Jimin’s ice cream was gone and she still hadn’t let go of your arm. She tilted her head and smiled at you.

“You used to bike to school, right? I saw you riding around all the time back then.”

“Mm hmm.” you nodded, remembering all those mornings in a blur of cool air and pedals. She then tightened her grip on your arm and asked curiously.

“Then why did you stop?"

“I still do sometimes. Just… not to school.” you answered. “I walk when I want some fresh air.”

Jimin nodded, puffing her cheeks unconsciously in her thoughts. The sight took your breath away. Too freaking cute. You could tell she was thinking by the look in her eyes before she spoke again, softer this time.

“Then… Can you ride to school again?”

Confused, you asked. “Why?”

Her eyes dropped to the ground as her fingers fiddled with your sleeve. “I… kinda want to go to school with you.” she muttered, then her voice got even quieter. “On your bike. Together.”

Together?

Your chest pumped faster with something too soft to put into words. Was this how love felt? You used to see Jimin in passing. Sometimes she would run down the street with her friends while you sped by on your bike. But then again, the two of you never really talked or stayed long enough in each other’s world. Now, here Jimin was, hand on your arm and asking to be your back seat passenger. A smile appeared on your lips.

“Okay.”

Her eyes immediately darted up to yours, bright with happiness. “I’ll take you.” you said. “Every morning if you want to.”

You swore you could feel cupid shooting you through the heart as you looked at her face, lighting up with your words. She squeezed your arm tighter, rocking a little on her feet like she couldn’t contain herself. Then she let go of your arm and raised her finger, a pinky finger stretched out to you.

“Promise?”

You huffed out a laugh, chest thudding as you hooked your pinky with hers. “Promise.”

Everything slowed down for a second. This moment felt like something you didn’t want to end. Espec-

The iron gate creaked open.

“Oh? Woojoo-ah!”

You both jumped apart, startled. Jimin’s mom peeked out with a wide smile. “I haven’t seen you in forever. You’ve grown so tall.”

“Oh… hello, imo.” you bowed with your cheeks burning. Jimin stifled a laugh next to you before slipping to her mom’s side, already wanting to spill everything. 

“We’re sitting together this year, eomma. And he’s riding me to school with him.”

“Ah, really?” her mom’s eyes curved with interest as she looked between you two. “That’s wonderful. I haven’t seen you two spend time together like this before.”

“Yup!” Jimin nodded proudly, shooting you a cute look that made your heart twist all over again. “We’re catching up on lost time.”

Maybe we really are...

✧✧✧✧✧

Day by day, the rides and walks added up until being with Jimin felt as natural as breathing. It started with laughter, shy touches slowly developing into small secrets. And when you didn’t notice it, friendship began to feel like something more.

The first day you wheeled your bike up to her house, she was already outside in her uniform. Jimin’s face lit up the second she saw you.

“Oh ho! You came.” she said, clasping her hands behind her back, rocking on her heels. The excitement in her eyes was already driving you crazy. You stopped slowly, trying to appear all cool and casual.

“You think I’d break my promise on the first day?”

Jimin laughed and leaned closer, swaying her shoulders. “I don’t know. You could’ve gotten shy and disappeared on me.”

“Just get on the back, Yu Jimin?” you muttered, already smiling.

“Yes, chauffeur-nim~” she sang and hopped on with a little bounce. Jimin took a few seconds wiggling to finally settle behind you. At first, she only held the edge of your blazer, careful and slightly hesitant. But the moment you pushed off and the bike rolled forward, she let her palms sit flat on your back.  After a few turns, Jimin finally gave in and slid her arms around your waist in a gentle hug. Her cheek grazed your back as she let out a quiet, delighted laugh. Everything else didn’t seem to matter at this moment, because Jimin was holding on to you too comfortably like you two were actually a thing.

“Comfortable?” you looked back for a second, cheeks slightly pink.

“Mmm~” she hummed and tightened her hold just a little. “I feel like I could ride with you forever, Gong Woojoo.”

You smiled helplessly, knowing one day you had to eventually face your feelings for her one day.

Me too.

﹀

Not every morning was the same. Some days, Jimin got mischievous and rocked side to side or suddenly shook from behind until you tell her to cut it out.

“Yah!” you raised your voice and gripped the handles tighter. “Cut it out, dummy.”

Her signature laugh burst out immediately, muffled against your back as she leaned in. “Hehe, you’re so funny when you’re mad.”

“Funny!?” you snapped with your ears red.

“Yup.” Jimin rested her cheek on your back, still smiling. “That’s why I do it. It’s cute.”

﹀

Some mornings, Jimin decided to test your patience in the worst ways. When you least expected it, you felt fingers poking at your waist.

“Yah!” you swerved a little before steadying the bike. “Yu Jimin! Are you crazy?”

Her laugh was bright and merciless as always. “You’re too stiff in the morning, Woojoo-ah. Loosen up~” she wiggled her fingers and attacked you again.

“I’m gonna crash!” you said with your voice cracked through laughter. When she still didn’t stop, you did the only thing that came to mind. Leaning hard to one side to fake falling.

“Ahh!” her scream pierced the quiet street as the bike tilted dangerously. Her arms immediately shot around your waist in panic, holding on so tightly it almost made you fall for real. You steadied the bike easily, grinning despite the pounding heartbeat inside. “Still wanna do that?”

The next second, a sharp smack landed on your shoulder blade. “You idiot.” her voice trembled with leftover panic. “Don’t ever do tha- I really thought-” Jimin cut herself off, huffing. You laughed softly at that.

“Shut up.” Jimin’s voice came out small, muffled against your back. She now went back to holding you tightly like always. “You scared me.”

You wanted to say something smart back. But with the way your heart felt so fuzzy and warm, the way Jimin clung to you, you liked it too much to ruin it. So you just pedaled a little slower, letting the moment last longer.

﹀

And not every morning was filled with laughter. Some mornings, the vibe between you and Jimin felt heavy, usually from some silly disagreement the day before. You would arrive at her gate as usual but she only nodded at you and before climbing onto the back seat. No bright smile or the usual teasing. Still, the bike wheels crunched softly against the road as you started riding. It felt strange to hear her bubbly chatter behind you. Like almost wrong. Then you felt it, not even a minute after you started pedaling, Jimin circled her arms around your waist. Even when she was mad, Jimin still couldn’t help but cling to you. She pressed her cheek against your back and let out a loud, dramatic huff—her sign whenever she was mad at you.

“Let go, you loser.” you demanded, though your heart begging for her to hold tighter.

“No. I hate you.” the stubborn Jimin replied.

“I hate you more.” you shot back quickly. Jimin then squeezed you just a little harder in retaliation. “I hate you!” she grumbled. 

Damn, even her “hate” felt more like a confession than anything else, right? The two of you stayed like that all the way to school. Silent, stubborn but even closer than ever.

Then the rides back home at night, they felt different too. In the cool air, Jimin would usually fall asleep against your back with her arms tight around your waist like you would abandon her. You intentionally bike slower on those nights, savoring her trust, her breathing. You didn’t want to be anywhere else. Right then, you knew. 

You were already far too gone.

Too much in love with Yu Jimin.

✧✧✧✧✧

In class, everything seemed to settle into place just fine around you and Jimin. The two of you studied hard side by side, never once falling behind. Teachers adored you both. Being such good students, polite and always working so well together. So much that a few jokingly called you the “role model couple” that others should learn from. Among your friends, the nickname “Icecreamz” stuck after that story Jimin proudly posted of the two of you on your way home on orientation day, cones in hand together. And though everyone teased, saying you were basically dating, Jimin never denied it. In fact, she even leaned into it, smiling brighter whenever the word “couple” was thrown your way.

Of course, being as beautiful as Jimin was, she never went too long without someone trying their luck with her. One afternoon, you saw it happen. A hoobae was standing nervously at the door of your classroom, holding out a folded note with both hands. It didn’t take long for Jimin to slip her hand into yours and walk out with a bright smile.

“Ah, sorry…” she apologized sweetly, bowing her head. “I already have a boyfriend.”

Not giving him any chance to speak up, she tugged you along with her and walked down the hallway, fingers lacing firmly with yours. Then, Jimin only grinned at you mischievously and whispered. “See? It’s much easier with you.”

With me?

﹀

It wasn’t just Jimin who drew attention. You were also confessed to, just once, for some reason. One afternoon, while you were waiting for Jimin outside the school gates, leaning on your bike. Then you heard it, a soft voice calling your name.

“Sunbae-nim.” 

You turned around and found Kim Minjeong, the pretty girl from the year below. She looked nervous but determined, cheeks blushing as she asked if she could talk to you for a second.

“Sure, sure.��� You stuttered, wondering if you did anything wrong. The girl fiddled with the straps of her bag, eyes looking straight at yours. After a deep breath, she finally said it.

“I… I've liked you for a while, sunbae-nim.” her voice soft and low with her Busan dialect. “Would you maybe… think about going out with me?”

Your mind went blank, throat stuck at her confession. You? Out of all people? And even Minjeong? 

“I…” you mumbled. “Why do you like me?”

Minjeong seemed surprised that you asked but she quickly gathered herself. “You don’t remember me, sunbae-nim?” her cheeks flushed deeper. You cleared your throat and frowned, digging through your memory. Had you ever talked to Minjeong? Childhood friends? Nah. Bumping into her once in the hallway? No way. You couldn’t find it no matter how hard you tried. 

“Gong Woojoo~ My Woojoo*.”

*우주/woojoo: universe, “my woojoo” = “my universe”

Your head snapped back, seeing Jimin trotting out the school gates. That bright smile was on her face as she beamed when her eyes landed on you, waving as she hurried closer.

“Sorry I made you wait!” she said cheerfully and slipped right behind you. Her arms looped around your waist in a back hug before squeezing tighter and letting out a soft laugh.

“You weren’t lonely, were you?” she teased, tilting her head to peek out from behind you. That was when she saw Minjeong, still standing there nervously. “Oh. Hi!” Jimin greeted politely, smile sweet and effortless. 

Minjeong pressed her lips together. She was clearly disappointed. Still, she took a small breath and asked softly. 

“Are… you two dating?”

Arms still snug around your waist as she leaned into your back, with the brightest smile, Jimin answered with ease.

“Oh, yes. Woojoo’s my boyfriend.”

It wasn’t the first time people called you two that, but it was the first time you heard it directly from Jimin’s lips so directly. Surprised, Minjeong bit her lips as the confidence she’d mustered early was now gone. She nodded, fingers tightening around the strap of her bag before she bent at the waist.

“Sorry for interrupting, sunbae-nim.” 

When she straightened again, she managed a smile that felt a bit unnatural before turning away. Her steps were brisk but the drop in her shoulders gave her away as she headed in the other direction. Not moving an inch, her arms were still locked firmly around you from behind. You could feel Jimin’s giggle vibrate against your back as she swayed you gently side to side. Despite the burning face and your mixed up emotions, you tried to steady your voice and acted  calm.

“Happy, fake girlfriend?” you muttered and glanced back down at her.

“Very, fake boyfriend.” Jimin sang back, genuine joy in her voice.

﹀

Things with Jimin were never boring with her smiles, playful personality. She was really kind, cheerful and impossibly kind, never once shying away from being seen by your side. Sometimes, it did make you wonder if Jimin actually felt something for you, or if you were just reading too much into the way she treated you.  And Jimin always knew to appear at the right moment. 

You were joking around with your three close friends from last year, laughing so much that it made your stomach hurt. They always said the dumbest things and piled on until everything turned into chaos. Right in the middle of it, one of them grinned hard.

“Yah. Where’s your girlfriend? You’re never without her these days.”

The other two instantly howled and added their own comments. You groaned, feeling the heat on your face. “She’s not m-” you started, a familiar voice suddenly chimed in from right behind you. 

“Here I am~”

Their faces lit up in delight as Jimin appeared by your side, sliding her arm through yours so casually. She leaned into you, whispering. “Miss me?” 

The whole group erupted, your three friends pounded the wall and hollered like they’d just witnessed something historic. You cleared your throat and glared at Jimin, but she only laughed and hugged your arm tighter, swaying it back and forth like she was showing you off.

“See? Woojoo can’t survive without me.” she said sweetly, making the laughter grow even harder.

And as much as you wanted to tell her to stop, you couldn’t ignore the tingling in your heart, growing bigger and louder than all their teasing combined.

﹀

You were leaning back in your chair during the self-study hours short break, zoning out whatever playlist kept you sane with your earphones in. The world around you was the combined noises of pages flipping and pens scratching, until one side suddenly felt quiet. You turned to your left and saw Jimin grinning like a thief caught in the act, one of your earbuds was already in her ear. She dangled the cord playfully between her fingers and whispered.

“Successful heist.”

Jimin then scooted closer, her shoulder brushing yours as she leaned into your side. Her eyes moved down to your phone screen, shamelessly nosy.

“You got games on your phone?”

Her voice came out teasing and adorable. You groaned and tried to push her back with your elbow but Jimin never backed down from things like this. She only pressed more firmly to you and stubbornly waited for an answer, expression expectant.

“You’re so nosey, Yu Jimin. Did your mom not teach you any manners?” you tried to sound annoyed. Didn’t work. Jimin's smile faltered and she looked up at you with an offended pout. “Yah…” she mumbled. Your chest tightened at the sight instantly. Sighing, you pushed your phone into her hands.

“Fine. I’m sorry. You choose the music.” you said. 

Her pout disappeared in an instant. She looked at you with playful triumph and tapped at your phone like it was hers. You had to admit, Jimin really had you wrapped around her tiny fingers.

"You manipulative woman." you muttered, glaring at her playfully. 

“You emotionally abusive man.” Jimin stuck her tongue out at you before turning back to your phone, all giddy and happy.

﹀

It was another short break in the morning, the classroom noisy with chatter and screams. You and Jimin had both turned around in your seats to face Juho and Seunghee behind, the four of you killing time in the way bored students always did. Arguing over dumb things online. Slapping her pen down on the table, Seunghee started.

“Okay, listen. Here’s the perilla leaf debate. Let’s say you’re out eating, right? Your friend is struggling to separate a perilla leaf and your boyfriend or girlfriend helps them with chopsticks. Is that cheating or not?”

“Not this again.” Juho groaned and rolled his eyes.

But Seunghee only dismissed him and leaned forward, dramatic as always. “No, really! Think about it! Wouldn’t you get mad if your partner helped someone else so… intimately?”

Jimin giggled at the word, already glancing at you with a mischievous look, waiting to hear what you’d say.

“You first.” you said, raising your eyebrows. At that, Jimin let out a soft giggle and scrunched her nose as she shook her head. “No, nope. That’s a no in my book. Why would you need to help someone else? Use your own chopsticks. What’s wrong with your hands?”

She wrinkled her nose again for emphasis and your friends instantly burst into laughter at how firm and cute her reaction was. You smirked and nudged her shoulder. “What if the friend’s hands are hurt? Why can’t the boyfriend help her?”

Leaning closer to you, Jimin accused playfully. “Ohhh, so you want to feed other girls in front of your girlfriend?” she tilted her head with a teasing glare. You didn’t back down, having now learnt to match Jimin’s playfulness by now. You met her eyes with a calm shrug.

“Just saying, Yu Jimin. I wouldn’t mind helping the friend in front of my future girlfriend.”

Gone was her teasing smile, only for a slight twitch to appear at the corner of her lips. She leaned back a little just to study your expression. Were you serious or just messing with her? Her cheeks soon turned pink but she quickly recovered and scoffed.

“Future girlfriend? What a gentleman.” she puffed her cheeks before looking back to Seunghee and Juho. They burst out laughing, clapping at the exchange. Jimin swatted at them, her cheeks still warm while you just sat there trying not to smile too much at how cute she looked being mad.

✧✧✧✧✧

That fateful morning came with Jimin sitting on the back of your bike, her bag bouncing on her back as you pedaled furiously down the street. The sound of the chain whirring was almost drowned out by Jimin’s impatient voice. 

“Yah! Gong Woojoo! Pedal faster, we’re gonna be late!” she called and tapped your back repeatedly.

“I am pedaling faster, dummy!” your breath heavy as you leaned into the handlebars. Her laughter rang in your ears, it didn’t sound like she was panicking at all. “It’s your fault, Yu Jimin. Why did you have to wake up late?”

By the time the school gates came into view, the loud clang of metal shutting reached you first. One of the security guards had just closed them. A few other students groaned and scattered but Jimin let out the most dramatic wail behind you.

“Nooo~!” she hopped off the bike and stomped her feet in despair. “We’re locked out!”

You got down and stood next to her, chest still heaving like you’d just finished Tour de France. “Idiot… I told you to wake up earlier.” you muttered. Jimin glared at you.

“Excuse me?! You’re the driver. You had one job!"

“You’re such a-”

Jimin started smacking your arm with her fist in quick little jabs. “One job! One job! One job!”

“Yah!” you tried blocking her but gave up and caught her cheeks with one hand instead. You squished her face until her words came out garbled and when that wasn’t enough, you used your other hand to flick her forehead.

“Ah!” she squealed through her squished cheeks, hitting you blindly. The two of you ended up laughing and bickering in front of the locked gates, like everyone else around wasn’t watching. A few other late students were stealing glances your way, some amused, some whispering. But Jimin, cheeks still trapped in your hand, only wriggled her eyebrows dramatically and mumbled in her muffled voice. 

“We’re doomed… fake boyfriend.”

You gave her cheeks one last merciless squish, this time with both hands until her lips puckered ridiculously. Ridiculously cute… Then, with a giggle, you released her just to ruffle her hair into a fluffy mess. 

“Let’s go, high-maintenance fake girlfriend.” you rolled your eyes. Jimin gasped and fixed her hair grumpily. “High-maintanance? Yah! Gong Woojoo!”

But you were already wheeling your bike away down a side street. Jimin jogged after you, still mumbling something under her breath. You parked the bike in front of a small cafe near school. “Here.” you said and chained it to the rack. Jimin let out a confused sound out of suspicion.

“Eh? We’re ditching?” she asked.

“No, idiot.” you pointed down a narrow alley that led behind the school wall. “We’re climbing. My friends told me there’s a spot over there where we can climb. Easy grip, I guess?”

Her jaw dropped, still, she sounded thrilled at the idea. “You’re kidding.” But her smile was already breaking through.

“Come on. We still have time.” you said and grabbed her hand, guiding her to the said wall. 

It was supposed to be nothing, just pulling Jimin with you before she pulled another one of her dramatic acting tricks again. But when your fingers wrapped around her, that familiar rush hit you again, flooding your chest and making your mind go crazy. 

Her hand was smaller than yours, so it fit so naturally. Warm. Steady. Lovely. And you kinda hated that something so simple could throw you into such chaos. This wasn’t supposed to matter. It was just all fake, a game that you both silently agreed on, right? Yet somehow, you two did something just slightly romantic, you knew you were falling deeper and deeper. Behind you, Jimin was silent for once. No complaints or dumb jokes. Her footsteps were keeping up with yours and her hand resting in yours. Funnily enough, despite Jimin’s liking for holding onto you whenever she sat behind you on your bike or her tendency for skinship, this was your first time holding hands. When you gathered enough confidence to glance back, she was looking down at your joined hands with a smile that was softer than her usual ones, almost shy. A side of her you’d never seen before.

What are you thinking, Yu Jimin?

You quickly looked forward again before Jimin could catch you looking and sneakily tightened your grip. Just a little. When you got to the spot, the wall stood tall before you. From a distance, it looked… manageable. But when you finally stood directly under it, you could see why the three stooges called it “easy grip” with such a suspicious look on their face. It was almost twice your height. Jimin tilted her head at the wall, her earlier excitement visibly dying down as she took a cautious step back. She squeezed your hand tighter before blurting out. 

“Yah… have you even done this before?”

“No. Duh!”

“No?!” she echoed. “You’ve never ev-”

“I’m not a delinquent, Yu Jimin.” you cut her off dryly, trying not to laugh at the look on her face. She slapped your arm with her free hand.

“Unbelievable! You drag me here like some kind of action hero and then say you’ve never done this before?! What if we get caught or break a leg?”

Taking a second to consider it, you finally shrugged. “At least we’ll break them together?”

“That’s not funny!” Jimin protested before her voice cracked into a nervous laughter. You let go of her hand despite not wanting to do that at all. Then you nudged her forward but she grabbed at your sleeves.

“Yah! I’m wearing a skirt, idiot.” Jimin hissed in a whisper. 

“Oh yeah, my bad.” you slipped off your backpack and set it down on the ground. Jimin frowned at the sudden seriousness, eyes following every motion of yours as you continued to shrug out of your blazer.

“Why are you stripping?” Jimin drawled out her words as she crossed her arms with a teasing smirk. “Fake boyfriend, are you trying to cheer me up?”

Rolling your eyes, you shook out the blazer. “Raise your hands.”

“Why?”

“Hands up, Yu Jimin.” You ignored the growing grin on her face, lifting her arms. She only giggled but still let you guide them upward, making a show out of this with you just sighing dramatically. “This feels like the beginning of a crime movie.” she teased.

Not entertaining her joke this time, you crouched and wrapped your blazer firmly around her waist, tying it until it covered the hem of her skirt from every angle. You tied the sleeves in a knot at her hip and stepped back to check. Satisfied, you gave her a pat on her shoulder and shook her lightly.

“You’re paying me back if you tear my blazer apart.” you muttered.

Jimin looked down at herself and then back at you, eyes shining. She then spun around in her new “pants”. “Wow… should I swoon right here, fake boyfriend?”

“Or you know, just climb the wall.” you smiled back helpless, hands settled naturally at her waist, ready to give her a boost. 

That was when you felt Jimin stiffening for the briefest moment under your touch, realizing how close you were. Then, almost too quickly to process, she turned her head back and tiptoed, kissing your cheek. It wasn’t long, not even a full second. But it was warm and real, leaving your whole body locked in place. 

Your first kiss.

It wasn’t on the lips, wasn’t some grand drama scene but it hit you harder than anything else ever had. The playful giggle she let out afterwards didn’t help, making you blush even harder.

“Let’s go~” she announced happily, right after changing the trajectory of whatever this fake relationship was supposed to be. You took a few seconds to come back down from heaven, heart slamming in your chest until you remembered you were supposed to be helping Jimin climb. 

“Okay.” you said, voice shaking embarrassingly as you pushed her upward. Jimin crouched on the top of the wall once you boosted her up, hands gripping the edge tightly as she peeked over to the other side. Then you dusted off your hands and took a few steps back. With a running start, you pulled yourself up and swung your legs over, landing on the ground.

“See? Easy.” you looked up at her proudly. “Now jump.”

I hope I looked cool.

Jimin’s eyes went wide. “No! Are you crazy? It looks way too high from here.” she hissed. You spread your arms open dramatically. “Jimin, come on. I’ll catch you.”

She immediately shook her head. “No. Not happening. My legs will break and my mom will break me again. Double break.”

You glared at her. “You coward. I told you, I’ll catch you. What’s the point of having a fake boyfriend if you don’t trust him?”

Still, her fingers gripped the edge of the wall hard, lips pushed into a stubborn pout as she peered down at you. “No. I’m scared.”

You only held your arms out wider, waiting and planting your feet more firmly. “Jump, Yu Jimin. We’re gonna get caught if you’re gonna sit there all day.”

Suddenly, her pout shifted into a sly little grin.

“Promise… you’ll catch me?”

Sighing, you let out a humorous laugh. “Of course. What do you think I’m doing here?”

But then Jimin leaned down a little, lowering her voice.

“Then… if I jump, you owe me a date, Gong Woojoo.”

“Of course I will-”

A date?

Your brain short-circuited trying to process what Jimin said. A date? You? With Jimin? The words ran around in your head and just like that, your heartbeat went off the rails. You blinked up at her, dumbfounded, mouth opening and closing before anything even came out. 

“A date?” you repeated, heat rushing to your face.

“Mm hmm.” Jimin wiggled her eyebrows, cheeks also pink despite her straightforwardness. “I’ve waited too long now. Catch me and you’re taking me out. Yes or no?”

Yu Jimin. The girl who had been your seatmate for only a few months, who poked fun at you and made your morning loud, whose smile made every bad day tolerable. This same girl was now asking you out.

Yu Jimin. The same girl you’d liked since you were kids, back when you were too shy and scared to admit. After years of not talking to each other, of all places, she was confessing to you while sitting on a school wall. Burning with a thousand different emotions, it was too hard for you to string together a proper answer.

You liked Jimin. You’d always liked her. And now she was looking at you like this while trying to sneak into school.

Am I dreaming?

“Okay.” you finally said softly, but your conviction steadied. “Yes, deal.”

When the words finally left your lips, her whole face lit up like the brightest and most beautiful thing in the universe. She bit her lips before letting out a nervous laugh. After a few seconds, Jimin squeezed her eyes and pushed herself off the wall. Luckily, Jimin fell right into you. It hurt when she landed but you still managed to catch her. Everything felt perfect. Her hair tickling your face, hands clutching onto your shoulders, laughter muff-

“You two! What are you doing?”

The drama-like moment immediately shattered the second that voice cut through. Next thing you knew, the teacher had dragged you both by the ears straight to the basketball court like a pair of criminals. Now, you and Jimin were kneeling on the hard ground, hands raised in the air. Your knees ached, palms hovered awkwardly in the air. Next to you, Jimin was glaring at you, most likely blaming you for this master plan.

“It’s your fault, idiot.” she said, biting the inside of her cheek. You shot her an offended look. “My fault? You’re the one who woke up late. You’re the reason we were late in the first place.”

Jimin was still as dramatic as ever. “You’re the driver. If you pedaled any faster, we wouldn’t be here right now.”

“I hate you.” you muttered through clenched teeth, still holding up your arms. Jimin whipped her head to you with a scoff. “I hate you more.”

“Quiet, you two!”

That night, the classroom was quiet as usual. Students were buried in their books, some’d already given up and were sleeping while the others just scrolled lazily on their phones. Your eyelids felt heavy but with Jimin’s head leaning on your shoulder, you felt much better. You both had been disciplined earlier, a long scolding and extra yelling from your moms through the phone on top of it. Then came hours of relentless equations, formulas and passages to memorize. It was torture. And by the time night study rolled around, you were ready to collapse. 

“Jimin-ah.” you sighed.

“Huh?”

“Why can’t we just be jobless and happy?” your voice was low enough not to disturb the other. She giggled, shoulders trembling against you. “What are you thinking about? An unemployed philosopher?”

Even in the classroom light, you could see how tired Jimin was. But somehow she still had the energy to laugh at you.

“You’re not taking me seriously.” you muttered, scribbling nonsense on your own notebook just to look busy. “I’m saying, why do we have to torture ourselves like this? Just be jobless and live happily. Maybe eat tanghulu every day.”

Jimin squinted her eyes at the classroom board, considering it. 

“Free food, no school and jobs, naps whenever I want.” she smiled at the idea. “Sounds great, Woojoo-ah. Too bad you’d be broke and I’d dump you in a week.”

You suppressed a laugh and nudged her gently with your shoulder.

“Then I’ll stay at home and be the househusband. I’ll take real good care of you. I swear you’ll be the happiest wife in the world.”

Turning to look at you with her head still on your shoulder, Jimin tested out the words herself. “Househusband? We haven’t gone on a date yet and you’re proposing?”

“Then I’ll propose on Sunday.” you smiled. “What do you wanna do on our date?”

Her lashes fluttered down as she hummed softly and thought hard. Then she mumbled, too shy.

“Can you… like, teach me how to ride a bike?”

You were sure you’d misheard and pulled back to look at her properly. “Wait. You don’t know how to ride a bike?”

Jimin pouted as she nodded, cheeks blushing. “I never learnt properly, okay? I was scared when I was a kid!”

“So all those times you’ve been sitting behind me, you ju-”

“Shut up.” Jimin held your hand, squeezing as she groaned, her cheeks hot. “Don’t make fun of me. I told you because I trust you.”

The teasing remark slowly died down in your throat as you look down at your hands, her smaller one wrapped around yours, squeezing tight. The exhaustion in your body seemed to fade away much faster.

“Okay.” you smiled softly, giving her hand a gentle squeeze back. “No making fun. I promise I’ll teach you on Sunday.”

Then, Jimin pressed a quick kiss on your cheek again you almost thought you imagined it. Except you didn’t because Juho and Seunghee behind you instantly erupted.

“Ugh, you two are disgusting."

“I’m trying to survive here.”

You didn’t even have the energy to say anything back, face now on fire. And Jimin only giggled at their complaints before settling back down comfortably on your shoulder.

Ten minutes later, the room had returned to its usual quiet and soul-sucking atmosphere. Glancing at the clock, it was now 9:15PM. Almost time to go home. Jimin, however, had already surrendered to sleep on the table. Her lips parted slightly to let out soft breaths, strands of hair fell across her cheek. You stared a little too long. It was rare seeing Jimin like this, without the usual smart comments or the playful and fiery glare she always threw at you. Just Yu Jimin, small and peaceful, trusting you enough to fall asleep and still holding your hand. 

Quietly, you shifted a little and looked around the classroom. Everyone else was too tired or busy with their own things to notice. So you pulled out your phone from under the desk and angled it carefully before snapping a photo.

Snap

The screen showed Jimin asleep, pink hoodie wrapping her face prettily. Smiling like an idiot, you still couldn’t believe this was real. You felt like the luckiest man in all the whole galaxy right now.

The girl you'd been crushing on for years was now your girlfriend.

✧✧✧✧✧

Sunday morning, you felt giddy but also… weird? The wind felt strangely sharper today. You were standing outside Jimin’s gates, palms clammy despite the cool breeze. The sleepless night before didn’t help either. Your brain wouldn’t let your body rest and kept rambling on about every possible version of how today could go wrong. Then the gates opened. Jimin stepped out in a fit black cardigan, baggy jeans brushing her sneakers and backpack hanging on her back. Her hair was slightly messy from the night before, a few strands falling over her eyes. But still, your girl looked pretty. She caught you staring right away.

“What? Do I look that bad?” she tugged at her cardigan liked she’d made the wrong choices. You shook your head fast. “No. You look pretty, like really.”

Jimin fought back a smile before tiptoeing to your ear, whispering. “You look good too, Woojoo-ah.”

Just two sleepless high schoolers being lovey dovey, on the verge of something new. And life’d never felt better for them. Then her backpack caught your attention. “What’s in there, by the way?”

Jimin swayed her hip side to side, eyes avoiding yours as she answered. “Protective gears.” she admitted, voice shy.

“Protective gears?”

“For… you know, helmet, elbow, knee pads and stuff.”

A small laugh came out of your throat, you couldn’t help it. Jimin being all shy and adorable like this was too much. “When did you buy those?”

She looked to the ground, mumbling. “A few weeks ago… on Coupang.”

Before she could get more embarrassed, you reached out and took the backpack from her shoulder. “I’ll carry it for you.” you said casually, swinging it over your back. Jimin watched you with these round eyes before tilting her head. 

“Wait, where’s your bike? Didn’t you say you’d teach me today?”

“It’s too big for you. We’ll rent one at the Han river. They’ve got smaller ones, perfect for beginners.”

“Ohhh~” Jimin nodded with her lips puckered, satisfied. “My boyfriend is so thoughtful.”

“Shut up.” you rolled your eyes though your chest felt full. “I have to be since my girlfriend is nineteen and doesn't even know how to ride a bike.”

“Yah…”

“Okay, my bad.” you laughed.

Jimin huffed dramatically and stomped a little ahead, muttering under her breath. “Should’ve dated a nicer boyfriend.”

But two steps later, Jimin slowed her pace and fell back at your side. The silent walk wasn’t awkward—it was nice and warm. Just the sound of sneakers on the ground, cool air and the quiet awareness that your relationship had turned into something new. The streets today were somehow quieter than weekdays, sunlight shining gently over the rooftops and trees. When the subway station came into view, you couldn’t resist it anymore. Sneakily, awkwardly, you caught Jimin’s hand, weaving your fingers with her in slow and shy motion. Looking up and down at you, Jimin said nothing and tightened her grip, cheeks already dusted pink. Every so often, the two of you stole quick glances at each other, hearts clumsy but hopeful. Like you weren’t dating already.

The subway wasn’t too packed but crowded enough that the two of you had to end up standing shoulder to shoulder, swaying with the train’s movement. Jimin clung her tiny hand to strap above her head with one hand, the others still in yours. She didn’t even let go when your knuckles brushed the little kid between you two awkwardly.

“Don’t wanna let go?” you murmured, glancing at the clueless kid.

“Nope.” She shook her head firmly and leaned closer. “This is mine.”

Then she rested her forehead briefly against your shoulder, giggling under her breath like the two of you were the only ones who existed on this subway. You, on the other hand, kept glancing around nervously to make sure no one was glaring at the two of you. PDA here was… scary. Thankfully, the ride was short. When the doors finally opened at your stop, Jimin tugged your hand and hopped off first excitedly. You followed her up the stairs and suddenly felt like you were actually the main leads in a drama.

It didn’t take long to get to your destination. The Han river stretched wide before you, stunning under the morning sunlight with people biking casually along the paths, students strolling with ice creams in hands, kids running ahead of their parents…

“This is…” Jimin trailed off as her voice softened. Her eyes lingered on the scenery, lips parting in awe. “Perfect!”

You didn’t pay that much attention to it. Yu Jimin was much more beautiful. When she caught you staring, she shot you a judging look, cheeks warming. “Stop being cheesy, dummy.”

“Can’t help it.”

The rental bikes stood near the path, small bells glinting under the sun. Jimin looked at them with a mixture of excitement and terror, and you couldn’t stop the laugh that slipped out.

“Ready for your first lesson, Yu Jimin?”

Instead of answering, she suddenly let go of your hand and dashed to the stand. You stood there for a moment and just watched the way her cardigan flew in the wind behind her, how her sneakers skidded on the ground. Damn, it was ridiculously cute. When you caught up, Jimin’d already dragged a bike out and was walking it clumsily to a shaded tree. She turned back to you with an excited look and bounced on her feet.

“Quick! Teach me, teach me!”

“Calm down, rookie.” you smiled at her energy. You then slipped off the backpack and pulled out the stack of gear she’d shyly admitted to buying. 

“These first.” you held up the elbow pads, shaking it in front of her face. “Put these on. Don’t want you to injure yourself before you even get on.”

Sticking her tongue at you, Jimin complained. “Lame~ You sound like my mom just now.”

“You were the one who bought these in the first place.” you countered and pointed to a seat under the tree with your most serious voice. “Now sit.”

“Fine.” She plopped down on the spot, sighing grumpily. “Bossy little boyfriend. Suit me up.” She obediently stuck her arms out for you. You carefully slipped the pad onto her elbows and secured the straps. She looked up at you working with surprising gentleness and her mouth immediately shifted gears into what she always did best—talking.

“You know, I asked my dad about riding a bike again yesterday. He said he tried to teach me when I was like five or six but I kept running away since I was too scared. Isn’t that so mean? And then last night I even watched YouTube tutorials. Did you know there are like, a ton of channels just about cycling? Like crazy, they explain how to balance, where to put your eyes, the angle of your knees, everything! And I was taking notes too. But then I got distracted by some cat videos that popped up in the recommendations. Ooh! Did I even tell you about how strange my algorithm is? Like it is so-”

You just hummed and nodded along as you adjusted the second pad. It wasn’t that you weren’t listening. Of course, you listened, but mostly you were just caught. Caught on how her voice kept rising and falling, caught on how animated her hands when she gestured, caught on how she looked like she could talk for hours without needing to take a short rest.

Man, Yu Jimin could really talk when she was in her zone. And you loved it. Every dumb ramble, every tangent and every silly anecdote. You’d sit here for ten thousand hours just to hear her voice spill over you like this.

Even after you finished strapping the last knee pad in place, Jimin’s silly chatter didn’t even stop. If anything, it got longer and faster every ten seconds. You sat back on your heels and sighed in surrender as your girlfriend bounced from topic to topic. Finally, her eyes lit up as she spotted the final piece on your lap.

“Oh! The most important one!”

She snatched the helmet and fumbled with the straps hurriedly. With a satisfied little click, Jimin plopped it onto her head and tightened the chin buckle. You smiled at the girl in front you, heart thudding like the day you first met.

I’m so in love with you, Yu Jimin.

When she stood up, she put her arms on her hip and showed off her new look. “How does your girlfriend look?”

You scanned her from head to toe, helmet a little too big and all strapped up like this, her whole outfit looked more like a mismatched costume than protective gear. Still, she looked so proud you could just chuckle.

“Silly. Stupid. Like a dork.” then your eyes softened. “But cute.”

Jimin didn’t have a reply for that. Usually, she would’ve made ten ridiculous comments back at you by now. Her smile turned gentler, cheeks blooming pink under the Sunday morning sun. Fueled with confidence now, Jimin started wheeling the bike a few steps forward and plopped her butt first down on the seat, swinging both legs over from the same side like she was a princess getting on a car. Your eyes instantly widened in horror as you rushed to her.

“Yah. Who the hell gets on a bike like that?” you steadied the handlebars just before Jimin could tip the whole thing over.

“Yu Jimin, obviously.” your girlfriend shot back, lips out in a pout at you scolding her. She then gripped the handlebars proudly like she’d done nothing wrong, chin tilted up in defiance. You stared at her, both exasperated and… helplessly endeared. 

“Idiot.” you muttered under your breath and adjusted her foot onto the pedal properly. “You’re gonna kill yourself before we even start moving.”

Jimin pretended to not hear you and just hummed happily, knowing she was already getting on your nerves. You moved behind her with one hand steady on the back, the other gripping the handlebar lightly so that Jimin could control the bike herself. 

“Alright. Feet properly on the pedals. No weird tricks this time. Just push, okay? I’ll hold you.”

“Yeppie!” Jimin nodded eagerly, face glowing. You gave her a gentle push and the bike began to roll forward. Just as expected, Jimin immediately started wobbling, jerking the bike side to side as her knees flailed.

“Go on, go on. That’s right!” you coaxed and jogged alongside her. “Keep going, Jimin-ah. Don’t look down, just ahead."

Her laugh rang out nervously and bright as the bike wobbled across the path. Every two seconds, she would throw you a look with her eyes wide and expectant.

“Am I good? Am I good?!” she asked loudly, voice high from both excitement and panic. You bit back the laugh at how her entire upper body shook with every pedal. “You’re… trying. Keep going.”

Jimin puffed out her cheeks and kept going, more confident now. She even hummed like she’d already mastered the art of cycling. “Look! Look! I’m good now, Gong Woojoo!”

“Uh huh?” you said, still holding the back just lightly. “Don’t get too cocky.”

But right then Jimin twisted the entire handlebar sharply to the left and tilted the bike dangerously to your side. 

“Yah!” you lunged forward and let out a squeal. You managed to catch her before she toppled, her whole body crashing awkwardly against you. Her helmet even bumped your chin. Both of you stumbled a few steps but you managed to hold her upright, laughing breathlessly.

“What are you doing?!” you said between laughs, still holding Jimin by the waist.

“I wanted to turn.” she laughed even louder, completely unbothered by how close she’d just come to eating the ground. 

“That isn’t how you turn, idiot.”

But Jimin only giggled harder while still leaning onto you. Her cheeks warm as she gripped the handlebar properly again, so you steadied the bike again. 

“Alright, Yu Jimin, listen. Don’t yank the handle like you’re steering a car. It’s just a little lean. Shift your body smooth and slow to the side.”

She nodded repeatedly then immediately broke into giggles as you guided her arms. “Like this?” she swayed too far into you, the bike tilting to one side dangerously as her helmet bumped into your cheek.

“It hurts.” you scolded her again, this time with a grin on your face. “Don’t sway too hard.”

Her voice carried softly under the sun as she laughed. “I can’t help it! You’re right there!”

And so it went, over and over again. She’d try to turn and lose balance, and you’d catch her, both of you stumbling and laughing like two idiots. Sometimes, she’d fall into her old ways and sway too much just to see if you’d catch her again. And that cheeky smirk would show up on her face when you inevitably did. You played along, pretending to scold your girlfriend while secretly just glad to hear her laugh this freely.

When twenty minutes passed, sweat was sticking her hair to her forehead but her smile was still bright. This time, she curved the bike left on her own. Oh shit! She actually managed to balance without toppling.

“Look!” Jimin shouted, proud and shining as she kept pedaling faster, hair flying in the air. “Gong Woojoo! I did it!”

And you could only smile back like the fool in love you were, out of breath from chasing after her. Young love, wobbling down the Han river path on two shaky wheels. It definitely felt like the best thing in the world. Things were fine, until you noticed the direction she was heading to. 

The area was notoriously crowded with pigeons.

Oh fuck…

“Yah! Stop!” Of all things, you knew exactly how Jimin felt about birds. You sprinted, voice rising in alarm. “Jimin-ah! Pigeons! PI! GEONS!”

Of course, she didn’t hear you, or maybe she thought you were joking. She turned her head back all giggly and shouted back.

“Nice try, Woojoo! You can’t scare me!”

And the universe chose that exact second to betray Jimin. From a nearby tree, a whole flock of pigeons exploded into the sky with a thunder of wings. Jimin’s scream tore out immediately. 

“Kyaaaa! Pigeons!!!”

The bike wobbled instantly. Her arms flailed before she fell sideways with a hard thud into the grass. Jimin lay there flat, shook, her helmet askew. Your heart hammered in panic as you sprinted to her. You should’ve stopped Jimin before she got close.

“Jimin-ah! Jimin-ah!” you shouted but Jimin only managed to let out a low groan out of discomfort. She even tried to push herself up but was too shaken. You slid your hands under her arms and carefully helped her up, brushing grass and dirt from her clothes. 

“Are you hurt?” you asked, almost desperate.

Jimin only looked at you, lips trembling in a pout and nodded faintly. Her eyes were glassy and on the verge of tears. That was it, your heart collapsed instantly. You lifted her sleeves and checked her elbows, arms then ran your hands down her jeans to see if she had any scratch. Even her back, you patted and brushed to make sure she wasn’t bleeding anywhere. Then you leaned close and cupped her cheeks, brushing away a smear of dirt with your thumb. Her breath was too shaky and you couldn’t even look her in the eyes without hating yourself.

“I’m so sorry, baby. I’m an idiot…” you whispered, forehead on her helmet. 

That was when Jimin broke. She launched into you with a strangled sob, arms locking tight around your waist as she buried her face in your chest. 

“Pigeons…” Jimin whimpered with her voice muffled, shaking in your arms. You wrapped her fully in your embrace, one hand patting her helmet, the other tapping on her back soothingly. “I know, I know… I’m so sorry, They’re gone. I’ve got you now. I’ve got you, Jimin-ah.”

From a bench not far away, a few elderly citizens who had been watching the whole ordeal chuckled warmly. One leaned toward the other and nodded at the two of you.

“Young love... Isn't it beautiful?”

✧✧✧✧✧

From that Han river afternoon, your story unfolded like a romance movie. Every weekend together turned into a new chapter. Study dates in cramped cafes, bike rides that always ended in messy laughter, long late night walks home under the streetlights where your shadows leaned on each other. As time went by, Jimin mastered her two wheels, you figured out how to be a better boyfriend and the two of you learnt how to lean on one another.

Of course, not every day was perfect. There were late night arguments over stress, insecurities that spilled out when the future felt too heavy and big, with Suneung adding much more to the pressure. But even through the tears and frustrations, you always found your way back to each other. Sometimes a tiny “I’m sorry” was sufficient, or a pinky promise under the desk, or just a simple quiet smile.

And when the first snow fell in December, Suneung was already behind you and so was high school. The classrooms you used complained about now sat empty, yet you and Jimin were still together, hands locked together even tighter. Everyone knew about you and her. Teachers, friends, even your parents. You’d grown up together in such a short, fleeting span of time and somehow it felt like you couldn’t have asked for more.

Your love with Yu Jimin made winter feel less cold, even as the year was almost ending.

✧✧✧✧✧

The streets were basically painted with heavy white now, each crunch of your boots sinking into the December snow. The camcorder in your hands also felt colder than it should. Jimin had handed it over with that signature playful nose scrunch of hers, insisting it was for “our memories.” Well, you couldn’t say no to that.

Now, Jimin was crouched beside a big snowman, all bundled up in her oversized grey coat, knit bonnet tied under her chin, red bang dangling in the snow. Her cheeks were no different from yours, flushed pink from the winter weather, eyes shining as she patted her gloved hand on the snowman.

“Babe~ Record this.” Jimin demanded cutely, slapping the big creature next to her. Behind the lens, you chuckled and zoomed in a little on her face. “What am I recording? The snowman or you?”

“Me, obviously!” Jimin shot back with laughter as she proceeded to wrap her arms around the snowman like it was her new boyfriend. And did as you were told, focusing on Yu Jimin, your girlfriend, looking like the most beautiful memory heaven could offer you.

“Okay! Beautiful.”

Jimin dusted off her gloves on her coat and hopped over, her breath puffing in little clouds. Like she always did, Jimin slipped under your arm and hugged you tight against the cold. The camcorder dipped for a moment as you steadied it with one hand, the other pulling Jimin closer. She peeked down at the tiny playback screen. 

“Hehehe… you’re good at this.” she whispered and kissed your cheek, a deserving reward. The best kind of reward. And just as suddenly as the kiss, Jimin pulled away and darted across the street.

“Woojoo-ah. Record this too!” Jimin shouted. You lifted the device again and smiled at how much of your heart this hyper girl could steal so easily.

“What are you doing even now, babe?”

“Memories!” she called back before hesitating. “Uh… Aesthetic vlog stuff.”

After five minutes of fooling around, twirling in the snow and striking poses for the camcorder, Jimin finally got back to your side breathless from laughing. Her grin fell apart the moment she saw your face properly—ears red, breath puffing unevenly from the snow. Her eyebrows furrowed immediately.

“What did I tell you about bringing a knit bonnet for this trip?” Jimin scolded, tugging your coat collar for emphasis. “You never listen, do you? You’re going to freeze to death before the year even ends!”

You could only laugh weakly and accept her nagging. Even when she was mad, you still loved everything about her. “Sorry, sorry… I’ll listen next time, baby.”

But instead of continuing her lecture, Jimin pulled her own bonnet off and put it over your head, adjusting it carefully before tying a cute knot under your chin. With the sweetest smile, she tiptoed and pressed a kiss on your lips. Soft. Warm. The complete opposite of the winter chill.

“Better now?” her breath tickled your chin. Your heart swelled at you nodded, still such a fool for her just like day one.

With Jimin’s bonnet warm on your head and the camcorder in your hand, you and Jimin wandered deeper into the streets of Japan hand in hand. There were tiny shops glowing golden in the snow, steam rising from food stalls that made your stomach growl. Jimin insisted on trying everything. Skewers from a random food shop, something filled with mustard, even a random gacha Shin-chan machine that had a tiny keychain which she immediately clipped onto your backpack. Each time, she held your hand tight, posed cute for the camera and made sure you caught every moment on film. At some point, she leaned her head on your shoulder as you walked, breath misting the lens when she dropped a nuke, casually.

“Our future kids are gonna think we were the cutest couple when they watch these tapes, Woojoo-ah.”

“You’re silly, you know that?” you laughed and played it cool.

“Yup.” Jimin hummed. “But you love silly me.”

True. Your love for her grew bigger and bigger day by day, so much to the point that you were sure Jimin didn’t even know how much you loved her in that exact moment. And what Jimin just said… Future kids? You giggled at the thought, already buzzing with every possible way you could spoil them even though that future seemed too far away. 

Eventually, the streets gave way to a much quieter scenery as you and her wandered toward the edge of town, where a small forest greeted you two behind a low fence. The trees stretched tall with their branches dusted white. Jimin squeezed your hand in awe as she looked at the scene in front of her, whispering.

“It’s like something out of a movie…”

“Twilight?”

Jimin only nudged your elbow and giggled. With the camcorder recording the soft crunch of your footsteps in the snow, you and Jimin walked closer to the fence, preserving every heartbeat of your winter love story. Jimin quickly crouched down in the snow and played with it. She giggled to herself and shaped a tiny snowman no bigger than her hand then stood up to balance it on the fence.

“There!” Jimin announced proudly, clapping her hands and brushing off the snow from her coat. “He’s so cute, right, babe? He can watch over the forest?”

You lifted the camcorder and focused on her tiny hands before moving to her flushed cheeks, her bright eyes, her… Slowly, your heart swelled and at the same time, hurt. Seeing Jimin so happy, so carefree while you carried the decision to leave in just over a month… it tore at you badly. So your voice came out before you could even think, fragile but heavy at once.

“Jimin-ah, I’m sorry.”

She turned at your low voice, blinking at you with startled eyes as her smile slowly disappeared. The same smile that had just lit up over the tiny snowman. The camcorder was still pointed at your girlfriend, capturing her in the moment in your trembling hands.

“What are you saying, babe?” she asked softly before taking a few steps to you. You swallowed hard and forced yourself not to drop the camera. You wanted to stay strong, if not for yourself, then for Jimin. 

“For leaving… for the service. You know… so early.”

The deafening silence took over, the camcorder surely could catch your shaky breath. Jimin stopped in front of you so close that the lens could catch the tremor in her eyelashes. Then she smiled, gently.

“Woojoo-ah.” she whispered, cupping your face, blocking the camera’s view until all you could see was her ethereal beauty in the snow. “Don’t apologize. You’re doing this for us, right? You won’t have to spend two years away when we get older. It’s better to do this now, for our future, hmm? I could never blame you for that.”

That did it. Your arms finally dropped, the camcorder lowered as her words broke the dam inside you.

“Of course I’ll wait for you.” Jimin went on, her words certain despite the tremble in her voice. “I’ll make sure to visit you every chance I get. I promise I’ll always be here, always. So don’t carry this like it’s something you have to do alone, Woojoo-ah. You’re not alone.”

Right then, a tear slipped down your face in the freezing air. Jimin brushed it away instantly, her own eyes were now also glistening.

“See? Idiot.” she smiled again, watery but so bright it hurt. “Why are you crying when I’m not, hmm?”

Her thumb still lingered at your cheek when she leaned in. Her lips touched yours slowly, tender but steady to seal every word, every promise into you. It wasn’t rushed or playful like the pecks Jimin usually stole. This time, it was slow and sure, her way of telling you everything that she couldn’t put into words yet. And when Jimin pulled back, she smiled at you, breath mingling with yours in the cold air.

“Record me.”

“Hmm?”

“Record me.” Jimin repeated, nodding at the camcorder still hanging from your hand. “For later, when you’re there. Something to remind you that you’re not alone. A message.”

Heart warm, you raised the camcorder and pointed it at your girlfriend. Through the shaky lens, you watched your girlfriend square her shoulders with the snow falling gently behind her like a movie scene. A happy ending one, hopefully.

“Hi, Gong Woojoo.” Jimin began all warm and playful, waving at the camera. “If you’re watching this, it means you’re tired. Or you’re just being a baby and miss me again, right? I know, I would miss me too if I had a girlfriend like me. So here’s what I want you to remember…”

You giggled. Then Jimin’s silly smile melted into something so full of love that it hurt to watch.

“I’ll always be cheering for you. Every day, every week, every month, I’ll be waiting for you to return to me. And I’ll always be proud of you. No matter how hard things get, don’t forget that Yu Jimin is still on your side, always. Oh! And you have to come back to me, don’t leave me waiting.”

She lifts her arms above her head and made a big heart, grinning through the shimmer of her own tears.

“I’ll love you always, Woojoo. My Woojoo.”

Your vision blurred, tears falling down hard like rain. The camcorder caught every sound, every second of it. But what it failed to capture was the way your heart felt. Breaking and healing at the same time. Love’s strange like that, ain’t it? Then Jimin pointed at you, trying to steady her voice even as it wavered.

“We will always find our way back together, right?"

Chest full, you still let out a low laugh. “Yeah.”

But Jimin's expression hardened as she straightened her back and puffed her chest out. She dropped her voice low and shouted. 

“I didn’t hear it loud enough, soldier!”

There she was. Your playful Jimin. 

“Yes, ma’am!” you shouted back.

Jimin immediately burst into giggles before marching military style toward you and snatched the camcorder from your hands. “Okay, baby. Now it’s your turn.”

“Huh? No- Wait, what?”

Too late. Jimin’d already had the device pointed directly at you as she grinned wickedly, pressuring you into doing the same thing.

“Record a message for me, Gong Woojoo. Let’s see if you really love me.”

You groaned, cheeks warm as Jimin zoomed in mercilessly. “This is unfair, Jimin-ah. You look perfect on camera and I look dumb.”

Not giving up, Jimin only giggled harder. “Say something! Hurry up!”

So you did. Stumbling through cheesy promises, even saluting like a fool at one point. Jimin laughed through it all, laughter so warm you were sure it could warm you through almost two years being away. 

And you’d already decided. Right there. That you’d come back better, stronger. 

For the person standing in front of you.

For the person you loved so much.

For Yu Jimin.

✧✧✧✧✧

The guard post was terrifyingly silent, the cold wind threading through the trees was your only friend. You stood there with a rifle in your hand and stared out into the vast dark forest leading to North Korea. No use, it wouldn’t give you any answer. The horizon was still a bit dark, no sign of a beautiful dawn yet.

Fucking hell… Should I just give everything up and run over there just for fun?

Exhaling slowly, you lowered the cold weapon and slumped into the metal chair in the corner. Your hand then moved on its own and unlocked your phone.

4:11AM

The screen lit up with her showing off her side profile, looking to the side with the snow in the background. It was the photo that she insisted you set as your lock screen, saying “so they'll know your girlfriend is super pretty, Woojoo-ah.”

Yu Jimin.

Your ex-girlfriend.

You still hadn’t changed the lock screen. It’d been almost two years? Or just over a year? Whatever, you felt like you lost track of time. Since everything fell apart. Since you and Jimin...

Looking at the red marks on the calendar at the edge of the table, you saw it clearer. Twelve days, just twelve days until all of this ended. Until the grueling uniform, the boring routine, the endless nights at this lonely post would be behind you. Twelve days should’ve felt like salvation. But no, it was actually torture.

Dropping your head into your hands, you bit your lip and sighed, for the hundredth time now. Where had everything gone wrong? You thought Jimin said you’d been doing this for the two of you. For your future. And yet, here you were, alone with her face on your screen.

You missed her. More than words could ever express.

Like everyday, this habit of yours had grown into a ritual. You tapped your gallery and scrolled to the same video. That snowy forest in Japan. Jimin running around clumsily, laughing at the way you zoomed in too close on her face. Jimin doing a big heart over her head with both arms, voice warm through the footage.

“And you have to come back to me, don’t leave me waiting.”

“I’ll love you always, Woojoo. My Woojoo.”

“We will always find our way back together, right?"

The sound pierced through the silence of the guard post. Your heart bled at the memory. Each time you replayed it, you swore you wouldn’t cry.

I’m still trying, Jimin-ah. What the fuck happened?

And you knew, you’d fail miserably each time.

“And you have to come back to me, don’t leave me waiting.”

“I’ll love you always, Woojoo. My Woojoo.”

“We will always find our way back together, right?"

Still, you hit play again.

✧✧✧✧✧

Fluff, am I right? 🥴 Anyway, I'm back with a series. Hope you guys liked it <3

Justice for stupid cheese cat!!! Ngl, this would be a good angst one-shot imo.

[erospandemos]

Question

If you listen to STAYC, can you tell me your favorite songs? Better if they're B-sides

[erospandemos]

Our Way Back | part I

part II - part III - part IV

Masterlist

"We will always find our way back together, right?"

aespa KARINA x Original Male Character/m!reader

Tags: fluff overdose?

Word count: ~14.9k

✧✧✧✧✧

Why do they have to do this now?

The last year of high school. And to your horror, they announced that every class had been reshuffled due to some “unforeseen circumstances”. You thought you’d been safe after surviving the shuffle your second year and at least kept a few familiar faces you’d gotten used to. But no, life didn’t work that way. Now you had to sit through new introductions and actually make new friends. You didn’t want a fresh start. You wanted the same desk, the same three idiots you could at least joke with and share dumb memes. 

Dragging your feet to class, you kept your hands stuffed in your pockets and prayed to whatever higher being there was that you would end up with someone who shared the same wavelength as yours. The hallway was already loud, laughter everywhere before you even got to the classroom. You could hear people greeting each other, trading rumors and claiming desks like they were in a warzone.

Great. This again.

You pushed the door open and stepped inside, not without exhaling quietly first. The room was exactly what you expected. Some suffering the same fate as you, some lucky enough to have a few old friends, some so outgoing that they seemed like they’d made friends with the whole class…

Man, how do people do that? Just go up to strangers and make friends?

You scanned the room once. And again, just to be sure. Still, not a single familiar face. Everyone’s face felt foreign like you’d just transferred schools. You eventually sighed and accepted your fate. There was only a year left, maybe you could go through this. Hopefully. Just when you were debating which remaining desk looked the safest, someone tugged on your blazer. 

Oh shit!

You braced yourself for some stranger trying to make small talk. You did this before, no big deal, right? Then you turned, hoping that it wa-

Yu Jimin

You froze for a second before stumbling a light step back. She stood there with her hair neatly tied in a ribbon, a pretty plaid bow on her shirt collar. The navy vest uniform sat perfectly on her, backpack just casually on one shoulder. Her skirt swayed as she shifted on her feet, almost like she couldn’t stand still. She looked like she’d just stepped out of a video game, yet her eyes lingered on you for a bit too long, her smile a little too bright. The gears were still grinding in your brain when Jimin let out a cute giggle, nudging your shoulder with her weirdly small fist.

“Hi, Gong Woojoo.”

Was Jimin always this beautiful?

Your throat were suddenly dry.

“Umm… H-Hi.”

Great. Real smooth there what you just did. You steadied your posture, stiff as a board. Jimin was smiling so easily and you just hoped that she didn’t notice the way your cheeks were heating up way too fast. Jimin’d lived in the same neighborhood as you since you were kids. Your parents knew each other and were pretty close, the type to laugh out loud and talk for hours when they bumped into one another at the market. But you and Jimin never really… talked like that. Just a few polite nods and smiles if you happened to pass by on the streets. That was it. Still, you’d always thought Jimin was pretty. In that unreachable way in some brighter, fancier world while you just stayed in your own lane and minded your own business. And now here she was, in front of you, acting like you weren’t complete strangers after all.

“I’m really happy we ended up in the same class.” Jimin said with that easy smile as she tilted her head.

Wah…

“Yeah. M- me too. It’s ni- nice…” your tongue tripped over itself as you managed to spew out a few words. And “nice”? That was the best you could come up with? Jimin pouted, eyes sparkling as she played offended, arms crossed in front of her chest.

“Yah… Don’t tell me you don’t remember me, Gong Woojoo?”

She said your name, teasing but earnest in her tone. You felt like you could explode right then and there.

“Of course I do.” you replied, tone slowly steadying. “Yu Jimin. We live in the same neighborhood.”

“Which one?” Jimin playfully glared at you, chin tilting up. 

“Insa-dong, of course.” you laughed to try and shake off the tension. Satisfied with your answer, Jimin broke into a small laugh though she still narrowed her eyes like she was testing you. “Good, good. Thought you really forgot me for a second. That would’ve hurt, you know.”

“No, how could I forget you?” you scratched your head nervously.

“Mm hmm. You say that but you never talked to me that much before. Even when our family came to visit yours, you just…” she curled one side of her lip mischievously. “Run off.”

You winced. “You know I’m kinda… shy.”

“Yup. Haven’t changed much, right?” her eyes gleamed with amusement, no bite in her words. Just soft teasing. You nodded with a weak smile on your face, it was true after all. “Yeah.”

Jimin giggled again. Then she leaned in just a little and lowered her voice like she was letting you in on a secret.

“Still, I’m happy we ended up in the same class. Feels like fate, don’t you think?” 

Even if you could, you weren’t even sure how to respond.  “I guess?” you mumbled. “Sorry if I’m awkward.”

Jimin then nudged your arm with her elbow, her voice light as she said. 

“Then let’s get along this year, Woojoo-ah. No running away this time.”

Maybe being shuffled into a new class wasn’t that bad.

“So… do you know anyone here?” 

You glanced around the noisy classroom again, not one felt familiar. You sighed, shoulders sinking. “Not a single one. I’m lost here.”

Quickly, Jimin cued a victorious smile and slipped her hand down to grip your forearm. Somehow, her touch felt warm through the fabric of your blazer.

“Perfect. Then let’s go.” she tugged you to the center of the class. “We’re sitting next to each other~”

Your feet nearly stumbled to keep up. Your heart? Tripping even harder than your steps. Most of the back zone was already taken, leaving the first two rows empty. Jimin stopped and tapped her chin with her free hand. 

“My mom said you’re good at studying, Woojoo-ah.” Jimin muttered while leaning closer to you, hand still on your forearm.

“I guess?” you said, confused. “What does that have to do with this?”

“I’m kinda good myself too.” she announced proudly and puffed her chest out a little. At that exact moment, you found yourself staring at her. Her smile was too radiant, too playful. Something about the way she looked so proud over something so small made your heart skip a few beats. Silly. Charming. Completely confident. Without even knowing, you smiled back at her. 

“Then we won’t have any problem sitting in the front row, right?” she asked with a glint in her eyes, daring you to say no. Normally, you would avoid that spot like the plague. You weren’t a delinquent or anything. The front row just meant constant teacher eyes, no dozing off. But right now, with Jimin’s small hand radiating warmth on your arm, you couldn’t imagine sitting anywhere else.

“Of course.” you agreed, voice coming out firmer than you expected. “Front row’s fine.”

Her bright smile widened into something triumphant. “Good! I knew you’d agree.”

As Jimin hummed happily and led you to the first two seats by the window, you realized the strangest thing. You didn’t actually hate this shuffle anymore, not if it meant starting the year with Yu Jimin right next to you. The two of you then slipped into the front row. The moment you pulled your chair out, a few low murmurs rose behind.

“Woojoo and Jimin sitting together?”

“He’s so lucky…”

“They’re gonna be unbeatable at exams.”

“Who would even sit there? They’re crazy.”

“Are they dating?”

You felt your body stiffened as heat slowly crawled up your cheeks again. Great. First day of the last year in high school and you couldn’t spend a minute in peace, already the subject of gossip. Jimin only laughed softly under her breath. She leaned her elbow on the desk and propped her chin on her hand, turning to you with a smile. 

“Don’t mind them.” She brushed them off lightly. “They’re just jealous.”

You were stunned at how effortlessly she dismissed it all, like whispers couldn’t touch her.

“Jealous?”

“Mm hmm.” Jimin nodded. “Who wouldn’t be? I got Gong Woojoo as my teammate.”

Your heart shalala instantly. Maybe that was the best way to describe it, some familiar rhythm that came up in scenes where the male lead fell in love. The truth was, you’d always liked Yu Jimin. You didn’t express it out loud, of course, but you would spot her from across the neighborhood. Jimin always seemed way too out of your league. You’d convinced yourself that someone like her was never meant to notice someone like you. So you chose to stay silent all those years and pretended you didn’t care. And now, here she was. The girl who made you daydream every time you saw her smile. Luckily, you managed to let out a casual laugh. “Teammate?”

Jimin raised her fist and held it out to you expectantly. You didn’t take long to catch on before bumping your knuckles with hers. The little bump was nothing grand but it still sent a wave of warmth through your body.

“Boom.” you played the sound effect, smiling. Matching your silliness, Karina giggled back before saying. “Okay, teammate. First question, MBTI?” 

“Uh…INFJ? I think so.” you said hesitantly.

She gasped dramatically, clutching her own cheeks.

Cute.

“Oh my! That’s so rare!”

You laughed, already feeling comfortable around Jimin. “Not really, Jimin-ah. It’s just-”

“Nuh uh. It is.” Jimin rejected eagerly, her eyes bright. “You’re like… thoughtful, thinking deeply and super loyal. Wah, I totally knew it. It makes total sense.”

Her enthusiasm was so over the top you couldn’t help but feel warm inside. This last year in high school with her was going to be fun. “And you?”

Grinning like she was waiting for that question, Jimin puffed her cheeks before answering. “I’m ENFP. Obviously.” 

“Yeah, I can tell you’re extra extroverted.”

Jimin gasped. “Excuse me? Is that an insult?”

“No!” your eyebrows furrowed. “You’re just… you know, full of energy.”

“Mm hmm.” Jimin leaned a little closer and squinted playfully. “So you’re saying I talk too much?”

“That’s not what I sai-”

“Relax, Woojoo-ah. I like talking.” She giggled and poked your arm with her finger. “You look like you need me to balance all that mysterious and quiet I energy.”

Jimin’s teasing should’ve embarrassed you, but somehow, it made you smile. She made your shyness feel… okay. Normal even. You then huffed out a laugh and scratched your cheek.

“You’re overestimating me. I don’t know if I’m mysterious.”

Jimin inspected you for a second before declaring. “No, you definitely are. Quiet face, quiet voice, and the whole ‘deep thoughts nobody knows’ vibe.”

“Or, you know, I just don’t like to talk much.”

“That’s the same thing!” she shot back, eyes wide. You groaned softly and slumped in your seat with a smile. “No, it’s really not.”

“Mysterious people always deny being mysterious. That just proves my point.”

“What logic is that, Yu Jimin?”

“My logic. The right kind.” she grinned and punched your shoulder lightly. “Don’t worry, Woojoo-ah. I’ll figure you out by the end of the year.”

Figure you out? A mixture of nerves and excitement were bubbling inside as you let out a laugh. Deep down, you weren’t exactly sure if you wanted Jimin to succeed or if you were terrified she actually might. 

“Good luck with that.”

Still, you were sure about one thing.

Being with Yu Jimin was the best thing that happened to you this year.

On the way home, the sky was still a soft blue, making you want to just stop a little and take this moment all in. Wisps of white clouds moved lazily in the sky, gentle sunlight shining down warmly. A few breezes here and there carried along the spring plum blossoms from someone’s house, mixing with the earthy trace of soil that still remembered winter. Along the sidewalk, forsythia petals danced whenever the wind passed, tree branches decorated with white buds on the edge of blooming. From the utility wires above, birds hopped and chirped, filling the atmosphere with cheerful notes. 

Jimin was skipping a step ahead, backpack swinging lightly. Her figure was glowing with every bounce. She tilted her head up at the sky for a moment and smiled, breathing in like she was the lead in a drama. Beside her, you walked a little slower, eyes looking at everything. The flowers, the blue sky, the way Jimin skipped. Maybe… the whole world had chosen today to look beautiful just for you and her. Unable to help yourself, you laughed. “You’re excited.”

Jimin turned her head over her shoulder, smiling comfortably. “Of course I am. Last high school year, new memories to be made.” she hopped once more before twirling on her heel to face you, walking backward now. “And I got lucky enough to sit next to you.”

Maybe I’m the lucky one.

You quickly looked away and pretended to watch the flowers swaying.

“Mm~ I’m honored. Sitting next to the famous Yu Jimin.”

“Famous? Please. I’m not all that.”

“Really?” you cocked your head to the side. “The other kids in class seem to adore you.”

“Umm… I guess I am pretty well liked.” she admitted shyly and swayed her arms. “But I’m not tha-”

Her sneakers’ heel caught on a crack in the pavement.

“Ah!”

Your hand reached out without thinking, catching Jimin by the wrist as she tipped backward. Luckily, she didn’t fall. Her lips parted in surprise, eyes wide. You didn’t even realize how tight you were holding onto Jimin until you started to feel her warmth slowly spreading to your palm. “Be careful.” you muttered before exhaling softly. Jimin then let out an embarrassed laugh, cheeks flushed. After you helped her to stand up properly, she brushed her hair back.

“Gong Woojoo, my hero.”

There it was again. That teasing side of hers. Jimin then giggled and gripped the sides of her skirt to give you a dramatic little curtsy, bowing low like a princess. You couldn’t help but play along, bowing back like a knight who’d sworn to protect her.

“My duty, princess.”

The two of you stayed locked in that silly act just for another second before bursting into laughter. The sound quickly blended with the spring vibe, carrying down the peaceful street. A couple of people then passed by and glanced your way, pleasant smiles on their faces at the sight of two high schoolers being silly in the middle of the street. One older woman even let out a soft chuckle and shook her head fondly. The realization hit you when you straightened up and walked again, cheeks blushing. Still, you loved it. Jimin, on the other hand, didn’t seem to be affected that much. 

“Come on, Woojoo-ah.” she said, finally standing up properly and started walking by your side. “People must think we’ve really lost it.”

“You make me act like a crazy man in the middle of the street, Yu Jimin.” you accused her.

“Not crazy.” she countered. “Just more fun. Maybe you hide that side of yours a lot.”

“I don’t think so.” you said. “I’ve always been quiet.”

“Don’t worry. With me around, you’re gonna have so much fun this year. You just need a little push and some encouragement to come out of that shell of yours.” Then the wind lifted her hair, her smile was just as bright as the spring sky.

“Have you always been this hyper?” you wondered, actually curious.

Jimin hummed and gave the question serious thought, tapping her chin with one finger. “I guess. Since kindergarten?” she laughed at herself before adding. “My mom says I used to run around the house singing commercials. You know? Those ones on MBC?”

You chuckled softly at the image. “Figures.”

“Yah!” she hit your shoulder and pouted. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing bad.” you explained. “You’re still you. Hyper, happy, fun.”

Not offended and pleased with your answer, she hummed proudly. “Exactly. At least I didn’t cry when I was invited to a friend’s birthday party in 1st grade.”

“What?”

She gripped your bicep dramatically and pitched her voice high like a little kid. “Eomma, I don’t wanna be here. Please go homeeee.” Jimin fake cried, eyes crinkling. “You begged your mom like this, Woojoo-ah. At my birthday party.”

Your face heated up. “We were kids!”

“Right. Kids, kids.” she chirped. “You came in all sad and shy, seeing all the balloons and cakes and baam! Tears.” 

You groaned and dragged Jimin along with her hands still on your bicep. “I didn’t know anyone there, okay? Can we not talk about this?”

Jimin tiptoed and grinned at you. “Why not? It’s cute. I was a little sad when you left early, you know… I wanted to play with you.”

Her words made you forget the embarrassment and stare at her. “Really?” you asked quietly.

“Of course.” Jimin answered and let go of your arm only to swing her hands behind her back. “We live in the same neighborhood and our houses aren’t that far apart. You think I wouldn’t want to be your friend?”

The sincerity slowly made its way to your chest, all warm and fuzzy. You coughed and looked at the swaying tree branches.

“I was… shy. I don’t know… Guess I should’ve stayed.”

“It’s okay. We’re here together now.” Jimin beamed. “I’ll take it as a late attendance.”

You were about to answer when the familiar sign of the convenience store caught your eyes. The thought quickly struck you.

“Yah. Want some ice cream?” you offered.

“Like right now? Yes, please.” Her eyes lit up. It didn’t take long before the cool air of the convenience store wrapped around you and her, now crouching in front of the freezer chest. Jimin leaned over the glass. You soon followed and watched her tap the glass with her finger.

“What do I want?” she mumbled to herself, lips slightly pouty.

“I’ll pay for you.” you smiled, already reaching for your choice. “For all the missed time.”

“Ooh~ a gentleman.” she teased. But she still picked hers carefully and soon you were both standing outside the store, unwrapping the cold treats. Just when you were about to take your first bite, Jimin stopped you.

“Wait!” she’d already fished out her phone. “Put your ice cream next to mine.”

“Hmm?”

“Instagram story, duh.” Jimin giggled and scooted closer until your hands brushed while she adjusted the angle. The coldness of the ice creams contrasted with the warmth sparking between your skin. She leaned her head slightly to your side, her shampoo scent quickly arriving at your nose. “Cute.” Jimin murmured, quite satisfied before pulling back to type a caption.

“With my new seatmate.” she read aloud as her thumb tapped quickly, ice cream on the other hand. Then she frowned.

“What is it?”

“Too boring.” she backspaced, tongue poking out a little in thought. “How about… childhood neighbor, now officially friend.” She grinned and showed you the screen. The caption sat above the photo of your two ice creams together. “Better, right?” she asked, though she’d already decided it in her head. Then, Jimin suddenly gasped.

“Oh! What’s your handle? I have to tag you.”

You were hesitant. “Aren’t you scared people might… you know, misunderstand?”

Jimin scrunched her nose and shook her head. “Nope, I don’t mind. Let them.”

Huh…

Maybe Jimin was always like this. Bold in places you weren’t, carefree in places where you always overthought. Still, the thought of being misunderstood as her boyfriend didn’t bother you. At all. “Come on.” she nudged your ankle with her feet. “Don’t be shy. Hand it over.”

You exhaled and finally mumbled your handle. Jimin typed it in quickly and within seconds she was on your profile. She immediately broke into laughter. 

“Wow. Five whole posts? And one of them is a picture of the sun?” her laughter spilled into the air. You groaned, feeling the heat creeping up your neck. “Why did I even tell you?” You turned and started walking a few steps ahead. 

“Yah. Wait.” Jimin called and rushed forward, not without taking a quick bite at her ice cream. “Ae yo me-” she mumbled with the cold treat in her mouth.

“Forget it, Jimin-ah.” 

She only giggled in response, quick little steps bringing her back to your side. Then she hooked the arm holding her phone loosely around your arm, tightening to keep you from escaping again. In her other hand, she still clutched her ice cream and took another playful bite before speaking with her mouth, still full.

“Sorry, sorry~” she mumbled, still laughing through her apology. Despite your rushing heartbeat and blazing cheeks, you playfully glared back at her. “I didn’t mean it like that. It’s just… you, Woojoo-ah. You’re so fun when you’re shy.”

“You know what? I’ll help you. Your Instagram needs me. You’ve got the looks, you’ve got the potential.” She tapped your chest with her phone. “Trust me, Gong Woojoo. You will thank me by the end of this year.”

You scoffed lightly and tried not to let the grin on your face show too much. “And what? You’ll manage me?”

“Exactly.” Jimin was proud of herself. “Seatmate, having lived in the same neighborhood since we were kids, and now… social media manager.” she giggled at her own statement and took another lick of her ice cream before pulling you closer to her side and rested her head on your arm. Every nerve in your system sparked alive at her unexpected gesture. Then you slowed your steps, afraid that Jimin would pull away if you walked too fast. 

“I think I’ll be bored of you by our second month sitting together.”

“No~” Jimin sang, content and playful at the same time. “You’ll like it.”

Then you realized, you didn’t feel as shy with Jimin anymore. The walls you’d built up didn’t feel so high with her laughter, her teasing and the way she stuck by your side. You knew you were falling deeper with every step you took. That should’ve scared you. But right now, you decided it was okay to just let it happen.

Everyone had someone they liked in high school, right? No big deal. No big deal at all.

You wished the walk lasted longer though. Now, the two of you were standing in front of her house before you even knew it. Jimin’s ice cream was gone and she still hadn’t let go of your arm. She tilted her head and smiled at you.

“You used to bike to school, right? I saw you riding around all the time back then.”

“Mm hmm.” you nodded, remembering all those mornings in a blur of cool air and pedals. She then tightened her grip on your arm and asked curiously.

“Then why did you stop?"

“I still do sometimes. Just… not to school.” you answered. “I walk when I want some fresh air.”

Jimin nodded, puffing her cheeks unconsciously in her thoughts. The sight took your breath away. Too freaking cute. You could tell she was thinking by the look in her eyes before she spoke again, softer this time.

“Then… Can you ride to school again?”

Confused, you asked. “Why?”

Her eyes dropped to the ground as her fingers fiddled with your sleeve. “I… kinda want to go to school with you.” she muttered, then her voice got even quieter. “On your bike. Together.”

Together?

Your chest pumped faster with something too soft to put into words. Was this how love felt? You used to see Jimin in passing. Sometimes she would run down the street with her friends while you sped by on your bike. But then again, the two of you never really talked or stayed long enough in each other’s world. Now, here Jimin was, hand on your arm and asking to be your back seat passenger. A smile appeared on your lips.

“Okay.”

Her eyes immediately darted up to yours, bright with happiness. “I’ll take you.” you said. “Every morning if you want to.”

You swore you could feel cupid shooting you through the heart as you looked at her face, lighting up with your words. She squeezed your arm tighter, rocking a little on her feet like she couldn’t contain herself. Then she let go of your arm and raised her finger, a pinky finger stretched out to you.

“Promise?”

You huffed out a laugh, chest thudding as you hooked your pinky with hers. “Promise.”

Everything slowed down for a second. This moment felt like something you didn’t want to end. Espec-

The iron gate creaked open.

“Oh? Woojoo-ah!”

You both jumped apart, startled. Jimin’s mom peeked out with a wide smile. “I haven’t seen you in forever. You’ve grown so tall.”

“Oh… hello, imo.” you bowed with your cheeks burning. Jimin stifled a laugh next to you before slipping to her mom’s side, already wanting to spill everything. 

“We’re sitting together this year, eomma. And he’s riding me to school with him.”

“Ah, really?” her mom’s eyes curved with interest as she looked between you two. “That’s wonderful. I haven’t seen you two spend time together like this before.”

“Yup!” Jimin nodded proudly, shooting you a cute look that made your heart twist all over again. “We’re catching up on lost time.”

Maybe we really are...

✧✧✧✧✧

Day by day, the rides and walks added up until being with Jimin felt as natural as breathing. It started with laughter, shy touches slowly developing into small secrets. And when you didn’t notice it, friendship began to feel like something more.

The first day you wheeled your bike up to her house, she was already outside in her uniform. Jimin’s face lit up the second she saw you.

“Oh ho! You came.” she said, clasping her hands behind her back, rocking on her heels. The excitement in her eyes was already driving you crazy. You stopped slowly, trying to appear all cool and casual.

“You think I’d break my promise on the first day?”

Jimin laughed and leaned closer, swaying her shoulders. “I don’t know. You could’ve gotten shy and disappeared on me.”

“Just get on the back, Yu Jimin?” you muttered, already smiling.

“Yes, chauffeur-nim~” she sang and hopped on with a little bounce. Jimin took a few seconds wiggling to finally settle behind you. At first, she only held the edge of your blazer, careful and slightly hesitant. But the moment you pushed off and the bike rolled forward, she let her palms sit flat on your back.  After a few turns, Jimin finally gave in and slid her arms around your waist in a gentle hug. Her cheek grazed your back as she let out a quiet, delighted laugh. Everything else didn’t seem to matter at this moment, because Jimin was holding on to you too comfortably like you two were actually a thing.

“Comfortable?” you looked back for a second, cheeks slightly pink.

“Mmm~” she hummed and tightened her hold just a little. “I feel like I could ride with you forever, Gong Woojoo.”

You smiled helplessly, knowing one day you had to eventually face your feelings for her one day.

Me too.

﹀

Not every morning was the same. Some days, Jimin got mischievous and rocked side to side or suddenly shook from behind until you tell her to cut it out.

“Yah!” you raised your voice and gripped the handles tighter. “Cut it out, dummy.”

Her signature laugh burst out immediately, muffled against your back as she leaned in. “Hehe, you’re so funny when you’re mad.”

“Funny!?” you snapped with your ears red.

“Yup.” Jimin rested her cheek on your back, still smiling. “That’s why I do it. It’s cute.”

﹀

Some mornings, Jimin decided to test your patience in the worst ways. When you least expected it, you felt fingers poking at your waist.

“Yah!” you swerved a little before steadying the bike. “Yu Jimin! Are you crazy?”

Her laugh was bright and merciless as always. “You’re too stiff in the morning, Woojoo-ah. Loosen up~” she wiggled her fingers and attacked you again.

“I’m gonna crash!” you said with your voice cracked through laughter. When she still didn’t stop, you did the only thing that came to mind. Leaning hard to one side to fake falling.

“Ahh!” her scream pierced the quiet street as the bike tilted dangerously. Her arms immediately shot around your waist in panic, holding on so tightly it almost made you fall for real. You steadied the bike easily, grinning despite the pounding heartbeat inside. “Still wanna do that?”

The next second, a sharp smack landed on your shoulder blade. “You idiot.” her voice trembled with leftover panic. “Don’t ever do tha- I really thought-” Jimin cut herself off, huffing. You laughed softly at that.

“Shut up.” Jimin’s voice came out small, muffled against your back. She now went back to holding you tightly like always. “You scared me.”

You wanted to say something smart back. But with the way your heart felt so fuzzy and warm, the way Jimin clung to you, you liked it too much to ruin it. So you just pedaled a little slower, letting the moment last longer.

﹀

And not every morning was filled with laughter. Some mornings, the vibe between you and Jimin felt heavy, usually from some silly disagreement the day before. You would arrive at her gate as usual but she only nodded at you and before climbing onto the back seat. No bright smile or the usual teasing. Still, the bike wheels crunched softly against the road as you started riding. It felt strange to hear her bubbly chatter behind you. Like almost wrong. Then you felt it, not even a minute after you started pedaling, Jimin circled her arms around your waist. Even when she was mad, Jimin still couldn’t help but cling to you. She pressed her cheek against your back and let out a loud, dramatic huff—her sign whenever she was mad at you.

“Let go, you loser.” you demanded, though your heart begging for her to hold tighter.

“No. I hate you.” the stubborn Jimin replied.

“I hate you more.” you shot back quickly. Jimin then squeezed you just a little harder in retaliation. “I hate you!” she grumbled. 

Damn, even her “hate” felt more like a confession than anything else, right? The two of you stayed like that all the way to school. Silent, stubborn but even closer than ever.

Then the rides back home at night, they felt different too. In the cool air, Jimin would usually fall asleep against your back with her arms tight around your waist like you would abandon her. You intentionally bike slower on those nights, savoring her trust, her breathing. You didn’t want to be anywhere else. Right then, you knew. 

You were already far too gone.

Too much in love with Yu Jimin.

✧✧✧✧✧

In class, everything seemed to settle into place just fine around you and Jimin. The two of you studied hard side by side, never once falling behind. Teachers adored you both. Being such good students, polite and always working so well together. So much that a few jokingly called you the “role model couple” that others should learn from. Among your friends, the nickname “Icecreamz” stuck after that story Jimin proudly posted of the two of you on your way home on orientation day, cones in hand together. And though everyone teased, saying you were basically dating, Jimin never denied it. In fact, she even leaned into it, smiling brighter whenever the word “couple” was thrown your way.

Of course, being as beautiful as Jimin was, she never went too long without someone trying their luck with her. One afternoon, you saw it happen. A hoobae was standing nervously at the door of your classroom, holding out a folded note with both hands. It didn’t take long for Jimin to slip her hand into yours and walk out with a bright smile.

“Ah, sorry…” she apologized sweetly, bowing her head. “I already have a boyfriend.”

Not giving him any chance to speak up, she tugged you along with her and walked down the hallway, fingers lacing firmly with yours. Then, Jimin only grinned at you mischievously and whispered. “See? It’s much easier with you.”

With me?

﹀

It wasn’t just Jimin who drew attention. You were also confessed to, just once, for some reason. One afternoon, while you were waiting for Jimin outside the school gates, leaning on your bike. Then you heard it, a soft voice calling your name.

“Sunbae-nim.” 

You turned around and found Kim Minjeong, the pretty girl from the year below. She looked nervous but determined, cheeks blushing as she asked if she could talk to you for a second.

“Sure, sure.” You stuttered, wondering if you did anything wrong. The girl fiddled with the straps of her bag, eyes looking straight at yours. After a deep breath, she finally said it.

“I… I've liked you for a while, sunbae-nim.” her voice soft and low with her Busan dialect. “Would you maybe… think about going out with me?”

Your mind went blank, throat stuck at her confession. You? Out of all people? And even Minjeong? 

“I…” you mumbled. “Why do you like me?”

Minjeong seemed surprised that you asked but she quickly gathered herself. “You don’t remember me, sunbae-nim?” her cheeks flushed deeper. You cleared your throat and frowned, digging through your memory. Had you ever talked to Minjeong? Childhood friends? Nah. Bumping into her once in the hallway? No way. You couldn’t find it no matter how hard you tried. 

“Gong Woojoo~ My Woojoo*.”

*우주/woojoo: universe, “my woojoo” = “my universe”

Your head snapped back, seeing Jimin trotting out the school gates. That bright smile was on her face as she beamed when her eyes landed on you, waving as she hurried closer.

“Sorry I made you wait!” she said cheerfully and slipped right behind you. Her arms looped around your waist in a back hug before squeezing tighter and letting out a soft laugh.

“You weren’t lonely, were you?” she teased, tilting her head to peek out from behind you. That was when she saw Minjeong, still standing there nervously. “Oh. Hi!” Jimin greeted politely, smile sweet and effortless. 

Minjeong pressed her lips together. She was clearly disappointed. Still, she took a small breath and asked softly. 

“Are… you two dating?”

Arms still snug around your waist as she leaned into your back, with the brightest smile, Jimin answered with ease.

“Oh, yes. Woojoo’s my boyfriend.”

It wasn’t the first time people called you two that, but it was the first time you heard it directly from Jimin’s lips so directly. Surprised, Minjeong bit her lips as the confidence she’d mustered early was now gone. She nodded, fingers tightening around the strap of her bag before she bent at the waist.

“Sorry for interrupting, sunbae-nim.” 

When she straightened again, she managed a smile that felt a bit unnatural before turning away. Her steps were brisk but the drop in her shoulders gave her away as she headed in the other direction. Not moving an inch, her arms were still locked firmly around you from behind. You could feel Jimin’s giggle vibrate against your back as she swayed you gently side to side. Despite the burning face and your mixed up emotions, you tried to steady your voice and acted  calm.

“Happy, fake girlfriend?” you muttered and glanced back down at her.

“Very, fake boyfriend.” Jimin sang back, genuine joy in her voice.

﹀

Things with Jimin were never boring with her smiles, playful personality. She was really kind, cheerful and impossibly kind, never once shying away from being seen by your side. Sometimes, it did make you wonder if Jimin actually felt something for you, or if you were just reading too much into the way she treated you.  And Jimin always knew to appear at the right moment. 

You were joking around with your three close friends from last year, laughing so much that it made your stomach hurt. They always said the dumbest things and piled on until everything turned into chaos. Right in the middle of it, one of them grinned hard.

“Yah. Where’s your girlfriend? You’re never without her these days.”

The other two instantly howled and added their own comments. You groaned, feeling the heat on your face. “She’s not m-” you started, a familiar voice suddenly chimed in from right behind you. 

“Here I am~”

Their faces lit up in delight as Jimin appeared by your side, sliding her arm through yours so casually. She leaned into you, whispering. “Miss me?” 

The whole group erupted, your three friends pounded the wall and hollered like they’d just witnessed something historic. You cleared your throat and glared at Jimin, but she only laughed and hugged your arm tighter, swaying it back and forth like she was showing you off.

“See? Woojoo can’t survive without me.” she said sweetly, making the laughter grow even harder.

And as much as you wanted to tell her to stop, you couldn’t ignore the tingling in your heart, growing bigger and louder than all their teasing combined.

﹀

You were leaning back in your chair during the self-study hours short break, zoning out whatever playlist kept you sane with your earphones in. The world around you was the combined noises of pages flipping and pens scratching, until one side suddenly felt quiet. You turned to your left and saw Jimin grinning like a thief caught in the act, one of your earbuds was already in her ear. She dangled the cord playfully between her fingers and whispered.

“Successful heist.”

Jimin then scooted closer, her shoulder brushing yours as she leaned into your side. Her eyes moved down to your phone screen, shamelessly nosy.

“You got games on your phone?”

Her voice came out teasing and adorable. You groaned and tried to push her back with your elbow but Jimin never backed down from things like this. She only pressed more firmly to you and stubbornly waited for an answer, expression expectant.

“You’re so nosey, Yu Jimin. Did your mom not teach you any manners?” you tried to sound annoyed. Didn’t work. Jimin's smile faltered and she looked up at you with an offended pout. “Yah…” she mumbled. Your chest tightened at the sight instantly. Sighing, you pushed your phone into her hands.

“Fine. I’m sorry. You choose the music.” you said. 

Her pout disappeared in an instant. She looked at you with playful triumph and tapped at your phone like it was hers. You had to admit, Jimin really had you wrapped around her tiny fingers.

"You manipulative woman." you muttered, glaring at her playfully. 

“You emotionally abusive man.” Jimin stuck her tongue out at you before turning back to your phone, all giddy and happy.

﹀

It was another short break in the morning, the classroom noisy with chatter and screams. You and Jimin had both turned around in your seats to face Juho and Seunghee behind, the four of you killing time in the way bored students always did. Arguing over dumb things online. Slapping her pen down on the table, Seunghee started.

“Okay, listen. Here’s the perilla leaf debate. Let’s say you’re out eating, right? Your friend is struggling to separate a perilla leaf and your boyfriend or girlfriend helps them with chopsticks. Is that cheating or not?”

“Not this again.” Juho groaned and rolled his eyes.

But Seunghee only dismissed him and leaned forward, dramatic as always. “No, really! Think about it! Wouldn’t you get mad if your partner helped someone else so… intimately?”

Jimin giggled at the word, already glancing at you with a mischievous look, waiting to hear what you’d say.

“You first.” you said, raising your eyebrows. At that, Jimin let out a soft giggle and scrunched her nose as she shook her head. “No, nope. That’s a no in my book. Why would you need to help someone else? Use your own chopsticks. What’s wrong with your hands?”

She wrinkled her nose again for emphasis and your friends instantly burst into laughter at how firm and cute her reaction was. You smirked and nudged her shoulder. “What if the friend’s hands are hurt? Why can’t the boyfriend help her?”

Leaning closer to you, Jimin accused playfully. “Ohhh, so you want to feed other girls in front of your girlfriend?” she tilted her head with a teasing glare. You didn’t back down, having now learnt to match Jimin’s playfulness by now. You met her eyes with a calm shrug.

“Just saying, Yu Jimin. I wouldn’t mind helping the friend in front of my future girlfriend.”

Gone was her teasing smile, only for a slight twitch to appear at the corner of her lips. She leaned back a little just to study your expression. Were you serious or just messing with her? Her cheeks soon turned pink but she quickly recovered and scoffed.

“Future girlfriend? What a gentleman.” she puffed her cheeks before looking back to Seunghee and Juho. They burst out laughing, clapping at the exchange. Jimin swatted at them, her cheeks still warm while you just sat there trying not to smile too much at how cute she looked being mad.

✧✧✧✧✧

That fateful morning came with Jimin sitting on the back of your bike, her bag bouncing on her back as you pedaled furiously down the street. The sound of the chain whirring was almost drowned out by Jimin’s impatient voice. 

“Yah! Gong Woojoo! Pedal faster, we’re gonna be late!” she called and tapped your back repeatedly.

“I am pedaling faster, dummy!” your breath heavy as you leaned into the handlebars. Her laughter rang in your ears, it didn’t sound like she was panicking at all. “It’s your fault, Yu Jimin. Why did you have to wake up late?”

By the time the school gates came into view, the loud clang of metal shutting reached you first. One of the security guards had just closed them. A few other students groaned and scattered but Jimin let out the most dramatic wail behind you.

“Nooo~!” she hopped off the bike and stomped her feet in despair. “We’re locked out!”

You got down and stood next to her, chest still heaving like you’d just finished Tour de France. “Idiot… I told you to wake up earlier.” you muttered. Jimin glared at you.

“Excuse me?! You’re the driver. You had one job!"

“You’re such a-”

Jimin started smacking your arm with her fist in quick little jabs. “One job! One job! One job!”

“Yah!” you tried blocking her but gave up and caught her cheeks with one hand instead. You squished her face until her words came out garbled and when that wasn’t enough, you used your other hand to flick her forehead.

“Ah!” she squealed through her squished cheeks, hitting you blindly. The two of you ended up laughing and bickering in front of the locked gates, like everyone else around wasn’t watching. A few other late students were stealing glances your way, some amused, some whispering. But Jimin, cheeks still trapped in your hand, only wriggled her eyebrows dramatically and mumbled in her muffled voice. 

“We’re doomed… fake boyfriend.”

You gave her cheeks one last merciless squish, this time with both hands until her lips puckered ridiculously. Ridiculously cute… Then, with a giggle, you released her just to ruffle her hair into a fluffy mess. 

“Let’s go, high-maintenance fake girlfriend.” you rolled your eyes. Jimin gasped and fixed her hair grumpily. “High-maintanance? Yah! Gong Woojoo!”

But you were already wheeling your bike away down a side street. Jimin jogged after you, still mumbling something under her breath. You parked the bike in front of a small cafe near school. “Here.” you said and chained it to the rack. Jimin let out a confused sound out of suspicion.

“Eh? We’re ditching?” she asked.

“No, idiot.” you pointed down a narrow alley that led behind the school wall. “We’re climbing. My friends told me there’s a spot over there where we can climb. Easy grip, I guess?”

Her jaw dropped, still, she sounded thrilled at the idea. “You’re kidding.” But her smile was already breaking through.

“Come on. We still have time.” you said and grabbed her hand, guiding her to the said wall. 

It was supposed to be nothing, just pulling Jimin with you before she pulled another one of her dramatic acting tricks again. But when your fingers wrapped around her, that familiar rush hit you again, flooding your chest and making your mind go crazy. 

Her hand was smaller than yours, so it fit so naturally. Warm. Steady. Lovely. And you kinda hated that something so simple could throw you into such chaos. This wasn’t supposed to matter. It was just all fake, a game that you both silently agreed on, right? Yet somehow, you two did something just slightly romantic, you knew you were falling deeper and deeper. Behind you, Jimin was silent for once. No complaints or dumb jokes. Her footsteps were keeping up with yours and her hand resting in yours. Funnily enough, despite Jimin’s liking for holding onto you whenever she sat behind you on your bike or her tendency for skinship, this was your first time holding hands. When you gathered enough confidence to glance back, she was looking down at your joined hands with a smile that was softer than her usual ones, almost shy. A side of her you’d never seen before.

What are you thinking, Yu Jimin?

You quickly looked forward again before Jimin could catch you looking and sneakily tightened your grip. Just a little. When you got to the spot, the wall stood tall before you. From a distance, it looked… manageable. But when you finally stood directly under it, you could see why the three stooges called it “easy grip” with such a suspicious look on their face. It was almost twice your height. Jimin tilted her head at the wall, her earlier excitement visibly dying down as she took a cautious step back. She squeezed your hand tighter before blurting out. 

“Yah… have you even done this before?”

“No. Duh!”

“No?!” she echoed. “You’ve never ev-”

“I’m not a delinquent, Yu Jimin.” you cut her off dryly, trying not to laugh at the look on her face. She slapped your arm with her free hand.

“Unbelievable! You drag me here like some kind of action hero and then say you’ve never done this before?! What if we get caught or break a leg?”

Taking a second to consider it, you finally shrugged. “At least we’ll break them together?”

“That’s not funny!” Jimin protested before her voice cracked into a nervous laughter. You let go of her hand despite not wanting to do that at all. Then you nudged her forward but she grabbed at your sleeves.

“Yah! I’m wearing a skirt, idiot.” Jimin hissed in a whisper. 

“Oh yeah, my bad.” you slipped off your backpack and set it down on the ground. Jimin frowned at the sudden seriousness, eyes following every motion of yours as you continued to shrug out of your blazer.

“Why are you stripping?” Jimin drawled out her words as she crossed her arms with a teasing smirk. “Fake boyfriend, are you trying to cheer me up?”

Rolling your eyes, you shook out the blazer. “Raise your hands.”

“Why?”

“Hands up, Yu Jimin.” You ignored the growing grin on her face, lifting her arms. She only giggled but still let you guide them upward, making a show out of this with you just sighing dramatically. “This feels like the beginning of a crime movie.” she teased.

Not entertaining her joke this time, you crouched and wrapped your blazer firmly around her waist, tying it until it covered the hem of her skirt from every angle. You tied the sleeves in a knot at her hip and stepped back to check. Satisfied, you gave her a pat on her shoulder and shook her lightly.

“You’re paying me back if you tear my blazer apart.” you muttered.

Jimin looked down at herself and then back at you, eyes shining. She then spun around in her new “pants”. “Wow… should I swoon right here, fake boyfriend?”

“Or you know, just climb the wall.” you smiled back helpless, hands settled naturally at her waist, ready to give her a boost. 

That was when you felt Jimin stiffening for the briefest moment under your touch, realizing how close you were. Then, almost too quickly to process, she turned her head back and tiptoed, kissing your cheek. It wasn’t long, not even a full second. But it was warm and real, leaving your whole body locked in place. 

Your first kiss.

It wasn’t on the lips, wasn’t some grand drama scene but it hit you harder than anything else ever had. The playful giggle she let out afterwards didn’t help, making you blush even harder.

“Let’s go~” she announced happily, right after changing the trajectory of whatever this fake relationship was supposed to be. You took a few seconds to come back down from heaven, heart slamming in your chest until you remembered you were supposed to be helping Jimin climb. 

“Okay.” you said, voice shaking embarrassingly as you pushed her upward. Jimin crouched on the top of the wall once you boosted her up, hands gripping the edge tightly as she peeked over to the other side. Then you dusted off your hands and took a few steps back. With a running start, you pulled yourself up and swung your legs over, landing on the ground.

“See? Easy.” you looked up at her proudly. “Now jump.”

I hope I looked cool.

Jimin’s eyes went wide. “No! Are you crazy? It looks way too high from here.” she hissed. You spread your arms open dramatically. “Jimin, come on. I’ll catch you.”

She immediately shook her head. “No. Not happening. My legs will break and my mom will break me again. Double break.”

You glared at her. “You coward. I told you, I’ll catch you. What’s the point of having a fake boyfriend if you don’t trust him?”

Still, her fingers gripped the edge of the wall hard, lips pushed into a stubborn pout as she peered down at you. “No. I’m scared.”

You only held your arms out wider, waiting and planting your feet more firmly. “Jump, Yu Jimin. We’re gonna get caught if you’re gonna sit there all day.”

Suddenly, her pout shifted into a sly little grin.

“Promise… you’ll catch me?”

Sighing, you let out a humorous laugh. “Of course. What do you think I’m doing here?”

But then Jimin leaned down a little, lowering her voice.

“Then… if I jump, you owe me a date, Gong Woojoo.”

“Of course I will-”

A date?

Your brain short-circuited trying to process what Jimin said. A date? You? With Jimin? The words ran around in your head and just like that, your heartbeat went off the rails. You blinked up at her, dumbfounded, mouth opening and closing before anything even came out. 

“A date?” you repeated, heat rushing to your face.

“Mm hmm.” Jimin wiggled her eyebrows, cheeks also pink despite her straightforwardness. “I’ve waited too long now. Catch me and you’re taking me out. Yes or no?”

Yu Jimin. The girl who had been your seatmate for only a few months, who poked fun at you and made your morning loud, whose smile made every bad day tolerable. This same girl was now asking you out.

Yu Jimin. The same girl you’d liked since you were kids, back when you were too shy and scared to admit. After years of not talking to each other, of all places, she was confessing to you while sitting on a school wall. Burning with a thousand different emotions, it was too hard for you to string together a proper answer.

You liked Jimin. You’d always liked her. And now she was looking at you like this while trying to sneak into school.

Am I dreaming?

“Okay.” you finally said softly, but your conviction steadied. “Yes, deal.”

When the words finally left your lips, her whole face lit up like the brightest and most beautiful thing in the universe. She bit her lips before letting out a nervous laugh. After a few seconds, Jimin squeezed her eyes and pushed herself off the wall. Luckily, Jimin fell right into you. It hurt when she landed but you still managed to catch her. Everything felt perfect. Her hair tickling your face, hands clutching onto your shoulders, laughter muff-

“You two! What are you doing?”

The drama-like moment immediately shattered the second that voice cut through. Next thing you knew, the teacher had dragged you both by the ears straight to the basketball court like a pair of criminals. Now, you and Jimin were kneeling on the hard ground, hands raised in the air. Your knees ached, palms hovered awkwardly in the air. Next to you, Jimin was glaring at you, most likely blaming you for this master plan.

“It’s your fault, idiot.” she said, biting the inside of her cheek. You shot her an offended look. “My fault? You’re the one who woke up late. You’re the reason we were late in the first place.”

Jimin was still as dramatic as ever. “You’re the driver. If you pedaled any faster, we wouldn’t be here right now.”

“I hate you.” you muttered through clenched teeth, still holding up your arms. Jimin whipped her head to you with a scoff. “I hate you more.”

“Quiet, you two!”

That night, the classroom was quiet as usual. Students were buried in their books, some’d already given up and were sleeping while the others just scrolled lazily on their phones. Your eyelids felt heavy but with Jimin’s head leaning on your shoulder, you felt much better. You both had been disciplined earlier, a long scolding and extra yelling from your moms through the phone on top of it. Then came hours of relentless equations, formulas and passages to memorize. It was torture. And by the time night study rolled around, you were ready to collapse. 

“Jimin-ah.” you sighed.

“Huh?”

“Why can’t we just be jobless and happy?” your voice was low enough not to disturb the other. She giggled, shoulders trembling against you. “What are you thinking about? An unemployed philosopher?”

Even in the classroom light, you could see how tired Jimin was. But somehow she still had the energy to laugh at you.

“You’re not taking me seriously.” you muttered, scribbling nonsense on your own notebook just to look busy. “I’m saying, why do we have to torture ourselves like this? Just be jobless and live happily. Maybe eat tanghulu every day.”

Jimin squinted her eyes at the classroom board, considering it. 

“Free food, no school and jobs, naps whenever I want.” she smiled at the idea. “Sounds great, Woojoo-ah. Too bad you’d be broke and I’d dump you in a week.”

You suppressed a laugh and nudged her gently with your shoulder.

“Then I’ll stay at home and be the househusband. I’ll take real good care of you. I swear you’ll be the happiest wife in the world.”

Turning to look at you with her head still on your shoulder, Jimin tested out the words herself. “Househusband? We haven’t gone on a date yet and you’re proposing?”

“Then I’ll propose on Sunday.” you smiled. “What do you wanna do on our date?”

Her lashes fluttered down as she hummed softly and thought hard. Then she mumbled, too shy.

“Can you… like, teach me how to ride a bike?”

You were sure you’d misheard and pulled back to look at her properly. “Wait. You don’t know how to ride a bike?”

Jimin pouted as she nodded, cheeks blushing. “I never learnt properly, okay? I was scared when I was a kid!”

“So all those times you’ve been sitting behind me, you ju-”

“Shut up.” Jimin held your hand, squeezing as she groaned, her cheeks hot. “Don’t make fun of me. I told you because I trust you.”

The teasing remark slowly died down in your throat as you look down at your hands, her smaller one wrapped around yours, squeezing tight. The exhaustion in your body seemed to fade away much faster.

“Okay.” you smiled softly, giving her hand a gentle squeeze back. “No making fun. I promise I’ll teach you on Sunday.”

Then, Jimin pressed a quick kiss on your cheek again you almost thought you imagined it. Except you didn’t because Juho and Seunghee behind you instantly erupted.

“Ugh, you two are disgusting."

“I’m trying to survive here.”

You didn’t even have the energy to say anything back, face now on fire. And Jimin only giggled at their complaints before settling back down comfortably on your shoulder.

Ten minutes later, the room had returned to its usual quiet and soul-sucking atmosphere. Glancing at the clock, it was now 9:15PM. Almost time to go home. Jimin, however, had already surrendered to sleep on the table. Her lips parted slightly to let out soft breaths, strands of hair fell across her cheek. You stared a little too long. It was rare seeing Jimin like this, without the usual smart comments or the playful and fiery glare she always threw at you. Just Yu Jimin, small and peaceful, trusting you enough to fall asleep and still holding your hand. 

Quietly, you shifted a little and looked around the classroom. Everyone else was too tired or busy with their own things to notice. So you pulled out your phone from under the desk and angled it carefully before snapping a photo.

Snap

The screen showed Jimin asleep, pink hoodie wrapping her face prettily. Smiling like an idiot, you still couldn’t believe this was real. You felt like the luckiest man in all the whole galaxy right now.

The girl you'd been crushing on for years was now your girlfriend.

✧✧✧✧✧

Sunday morning, you felt giddy but also… weird? The wind felt strangely sharper today. You were standing outside Jimin’s gates, palms clammy despite the cool breeze. The sleepless night before didn’t help either. Your brain wouldn’t let your body rest and kept rambling on about every possible version of how today could go wrong. Then the gates opened. Jimin stepped out in a fit black cardigan, baggy jeans brushing her sneakers and backpack hanging on her back. Her hair was slightly messy from the night before, a few strands falling over her eyes. But still, your girl looked pretty. She caught you staring right away.

“What? Do I look that bad?” she tugged at her cardigan liked she’d made the wrong choices. You shook your head fast. “No. You look pretty, like really.”

Jimin fought back a smile before tiptoeing to your ear, whispering. “You look good too, Woojoo-ah.”

Just two sleepless high schoolers being lovey dovey, on the verge of something new. And life’d never felt better for them. Then her backpack caught your attention. “What’s in there, by the way?”

Jimin swayed her hip side to side, eyes avoiding yours as she answered. “Protective gears.” she admitted, voice shy.

“Protective gears?”

“For… you know, helmet, elbow, knee pads and stuff.”

A small laugh came out of your throat, you couldn’t help it. Jimin being all shy and adorable like this was too much. “When did you buy those?”

She looked to the ground, mumbling. “A few weeks ago… on Coupang.”

Before she could get more embarrassed, you reached out and took the backpack from her shoulder. “I’ll carry it for you.” you said casually, swinging it over your back. Jimin watched you with these round eyes before tilting her head. 

“Wait, where’s your bike? Didn’t you say you’d teach me today?”

“It’s too big for you. We’ll rent one at the Han river. They’ve got smaller ones, perfect for beginners.”

“Ohhh~” Jimin nodded with her lips puckered, satisfied. “My boyfriend is so thoughtful.”

“Shut up.” you rolled your eyes though your chest felt full. “I have to be since my girlfriend is nineteen and doesn't even know how to ride a bike.”

“Yah…”

“Okay, my bad.” you laughed.

Jimin huffed dramatically and stomped a little ahead, muttering under her breath. “Should’ve dated a nicer boyfriend.”

But two steps later, Jimin slowed her pace and fell back at your side. The silent walk wasn’t awkward—it was nice and warm. Just the sound of sneakers on the ground, cool air and the quiet awareness that your relationship had turned into something new. The streets today were somehow quieter than weekdays, sunlight shining gently over the rooftops and trees. When the subway station came into view, you couldn’t resist it anymore. Sneakily, awkwardly, you caught Jimin’s hand, weaving your fingers with her in slow and shy motion. Looking up and down at you, Jimin said nothing and tightened her grip, cheeks already dusted pink. Every so often, the two of you stole quick glances at each other, hearts clumsy but hopeful. Like you weren’t dating already.

The subway wasn’t too packed but crowded enough that the two of you had to end up standing shoulder to shoulder, swaying with the train’s movement. Jimin clung her tiny hand to strap above her head with one hand, the others still in yours. She didn’t even let go when your knuckles brushed the little kid between you two awkwardly.

“Don’t wanna let go?” you murmured, glancing at the clueless kid.

“Nope.” She shook her head firmly and leaned closer. “This is mine.”

Then she rested her forehead briefly against your shoulder, giggling under her breath like the two of you were the only ones who existed on this subway. You, on the other hand, kept glancing around nervously to make sure no one was glaring at the two of you. PDA here was… scary. Thankfully, the ride was short. When the doors finally opened at your stop, Jimin tugged your hand and hopped off first excitedly. You followed her up the stairs and suddenly felt like you were actually the main leads in a drama.

It didn’t take long to get to your destination. The Han river stretched wide before you, stunning under the morning sunlight with people biking casually along the paths, students strolling with ice creams in hands, kids running ahead of their parents…

“This is…” Jimin trailed off as her voice softened. Her eyes lingered on the scenery, lips parting in awe. “Perfect!”

You didn’t pay that much attention to it. Yu Jimin was much more beautiful. When she caught you staring, she shot you a judging look, cheeks warming. “Stop being cheesy, dummy.”

“Can’t help it.”

The rental bikes stood near the path, small bells glinting under the sun. Jimin looked at them with a mixture of excitement and terror, and you couldn’t stop the laugh that slipped out.

“Ready for your first lesson, Yu Jimin?”

Instead of answering, she suddenly let go of your hand and dashed to the stand. You stood there for a moment and just watched the way her cardigan flew in the wind behind her, how her sneakers skidded on the ground. Damn, it was ridiculously cute. When you caught up, Jimin’d already dragged a bike out and was walking it clumsily to a shaded tree. She turned back to you with an excited look and bounced on her feet.

“Quick! Teach me, teach me!”

“Calm down, rookie.” you smiled at her energy. You then slipped off the backpack and pulled out the stack of gear she’d shyly admitted to buying. 

“These first.” you held up the elbow pads, shaking it in front of her face. “Put these on. Don’t want you to injure yourself before you even get on.”

Sticking her tongue at you, Jimin complained. “Lame~ You sound like my mom just now.”

“You were the one who bought these in the first place.” you countered and pointed to a seat under the tree with your most serious voice. “Now sit.”

“Fine.” She plopped down on the spot, sighing grumpily. “Bossy little boyfriend. Suit me up.” She obediently stuck her arms out for you. You carefully slipped the pad onto her elbows and secured the straps. She looked up at you working with surprising gentleness and her mouth immediately shifted gears into what she always did best—talking.

“You know, I asked my dad about riding a bike again yesterday. He said he tried to teach me when I was like five or six but I kept running away since I was too scared. Isn’t that so mean? And then last night I even watched YouTube tutorials. Did you know there are like, a ton of channels just about cycling? Like crazy, they explain how to balance, where to put your eyes, the angle of your knees, everything! And I was taking notes too. But then I got distracted by some cat videos that popped up in the recommendations. Ooh! Did I even tell you about how strange my algorithm is? Like it is so-”

You just hummed and nodded along as you adjusted the second pad. It wasn’t that you weren’t listening. Of course, you listened, but mostly you were just caught. Caught on how her voice kept rising and falling, caught on how animated her hands when she gestured, caught on how she looked like she could talk for hours without needing to take a short rest.

Man, Yu Jimin could really talk when she was in her zone. And you loved it. Every dumb ramble, every tangent and every silly anecdote. You’d sit here for ten thousand hours just to hear her voice spill over you like this.

Even after you finished strapping the last knee pad in place, Jimin’s silly chatter didn’t even stop. If anything, it got longer and faster every ten seconds. You sat back on your heels and sighed in surrender as your girlfriend bounced from topic to topic. Finally, her eyes lit up as she spotted the final piece on your lap.

“Oh! The most important one!”

She snatched the helmet and fumbled with the straps hurriedly. With a satisfied little click, Jimin plopped it onto her head and tightened the chin buckle. You smiled at the girl in front you, heart thudding like the day you first met.

I’m so in love with you, Yu Jimin.

When she stood up, she put her arms on her hip and showed off her new look. “How does your girlfriend look?”

You scanned her from head to toe, helmet a little too big and all strapped up like this, her whole outfit looked more like a mismatched costume than protective gear. Still, she looked so proud you could just chuckle.

“Silly. Stupid. Like a dork.” then your eyes softened. “But cute.”

Jimin didn’t have a reply for that. Usually, she would’ve made ten ridiculous comments back at you by now. Her smile turned gentler, cheeks blooming pink under the Sunday morning sun. Fueled with confidence now, Jimin started wheeling the bike a few steps forward and plopped her butt first down on the seat, swinging both legs over from the same side like she was a princess getting on a car. Your eyes instantly widened in horror as you rushed to her.

“Yah. Who the hell gets on a bike like that?” you steadied the handlebars just before Jimin could tip the whole thing over.

“Yu Jimin, obviously.” your girlfriend shot back, lips out in a pout at you scolding her. She then gripped the handlebars proudly like she’d done nothing wrong, chin tilted up in defiance. You stared at her, both exasperated and… helplessly endeared. 

“Idiot.” you muttered under your breath and adjusted her foot onto the pedal properly. “You’re gonna kill yourself before we even start moving.”

Jimin pretended to not hear you and just hummed happily, knowing she was already getting on your nerves. You moved behind her with one hand steady on the back, the other gripping the handlebar lightly so that Jimin could control the bike herself. 

“Alright. Feet properly on the pedals. No weird tricks this time. Just push, okay? I’ll hold you.”

“Yeppie!” Jimin nodded eagerly, face glowing. You gave her a gentle push and the bike began to roll forward. Just as expected, Jimin immediately started wobbling, jerking the bike side to side as her knees flailed.

“Go on, go on. That’s right!” you coaxed and jogged alongside her. “Keep going, Jimin-ah. Don’t look down, just ahead."

Her laugh rang out nervously and bright as the bike wobbled across the path. Every two seconds, she would throw you a look with her eyes wide and expectant.

“Am I good? Am I good?!” she asked loudly, voice high from both excitement and panic. You bit back the laugh at how her entire upper body shook with every pedal. “You’re… trying. Keep going.”

Jimin puffed out her cheeks and kept going, more confident now. She even hummed like she’d already mastered the art of cycling. “Look! Look! I’m good now, Gong Woojoo!”

“Uh huh?” you said, still holding the back just lightly. “Don’t get too cocky.”

But right then Jimin twisted the entire handlebar sharply to the left and tilted the bike dangerously to your side. 

“Yah!” you lunged forward and let out a squeal. You managed to catch her before she toppled, her whole body crashing awkwardly against you. Her helmet even bumped your chin. Both of you stumbled a few steps but you managed to hold her upright, laughing breathlessly.

“What are you doing?!” you said between laughs, still holding Jimin by the waist.

“I wanted to turn.” she laughed even louder, completely unbothered by how close she’d just come to eating the ground. 

“That isn’t how you turn, idiot.”

But Jimin only giggled harder while still leaning onto you. Her cheeks warm as she gripped the handlebar properly again, so you steadied the bike again. 

“Alright, Yu Jimin, listen. Don’t yank the handle like you’re steering a car. It’s just a little lean. Shift your body smooth and slow to the side.”

She nodded repeatedly then immediately broke into giggles as you guided her arms. “Like this?” she swayed too far into you, the bike tilting to one side dangerously as her helmet bumped into your cheek.

“It hurts.” you scolded her again, this time with a grin on your face. “Don’t sway too hard.”

Her voice carried softly under the sun as she laughed. “I can’t help it! You’re right there!”

And so it went, over and over again. She’d try to turn and lose balance, and you’d catch her, both of you stumbling and laughing like two idiots. Sometimes, she’d fall into her old ways and sway too much just to see if you’d catch her again. And that cheeky smirk would show up on her face when you inevitably did. You played along, pretending to scold your girlfriend while secretly just glad to hear her laugh this freely.

When twenty minutes passed, sweat was sticking her hair to her forehead but her smile was still bright. This time, she curved the bike left on her own. Oh shit! She actually managed to balance without toppling.

“Look!” Jimin shouted, proud and shining as she kept pedaling faster, hair flying in the air. “Gong Woojoo! I did it!”

And you could only smile back like the fool in love you were, out of breath from chasing after her. Young love, wobbling down the Han river path on two shaky wheels. It definitely felt like the best thing in the world. Things were fine, until you noticed the direction she was heading to. 

The area was notoriously crowded with pigeons.

Oh fuck…

“Yah! Stop!” Of all things, you knew exactly how Jimin felt about birds. You sprinted, voice rising in alarm. “Jimin-ah! Pigeons! PI! GEONS!”

Of course, she didn’t hear you, or maybe she thought you were joking. She turned her head back all giggly and shouted back.

“Nice try, Woojoo! You can’t scare me!”

And the universe chose that exact second to betray Jimin. From a nearby tree, a whole flock of pigeons exploded into the sky with a thunder of wings. Jimin’s scream tore out immediately. 

“Kyaaaa! Pigeons!!!”

The bike wobbled instantly. Her arms flailed before she fell sideways with a hard thud into the grass. Jimin lay there flat, shook, her helmet askew. Your heart hammered in panic as you sprinted to her. You should’ve stopped Jimin before she got close.

“Jimin-ah! Jimin-ah!” you shouted but Jimin only managed to let out a low groan out of discomfort. She even tried to push herself up but was too shaken. You slid your hands under her arms and carefully helped her up, brushing grass and dirt from her clothes. 

“Are you hurt?” you asked, almost desperate.

Jimin only looked at you, lips trembling in a pout and nodded faintly. Her eyes were glassy and on the verge of tears. That was it, your heart collapsed instantly. You lifted her sleeves and checked her elbows, arms then ran your hands down her jeans to see if she had any scratch. Even her back, you patted and brushed to make sure she wasn’t bleeding anywhere. Then you leaned close and cupped her cheeks, brushing away a smear of dirt with your thumb. Her breath was too shaky and you couldn’t even look her in the eyes without hating yourself.

“I’m so sorry, baby. I’m an idiot…” you whispered, forehead on her helmet. 

That was when Jimin broke. She launched into you with a strangled sob, arms locking tight around your waist as she buried her face in your chest. 

“Pigeons…” Jimin whimpered with her voice muffled, shaking in your arms. You wrapped her fully in your embrace, one hand patting her helmet, the other tapping on her back soothingly. “I know, I know… I’m so sorry, They’re gone. I’ve got you now. I’ve got you, Jimin-ah.”

From a bench not far away, a few elderly citizens who had been watching the whole ordeal chuckled warmly. One leaned toward the other and nodded at the two of you.

“Young love... Isn't it beautiful?”

✧✧✧✧✧

From that Han river afternoon, your story unfolded like a romance movie. Every weekend together turned into a new chapter. Study dates in cramped cafes, bike rides that always ended in messy laughter, long late night walks home under the streetlights where your shadows leaned on each other. As time went by, Jimin mastered her two wheels, you figured out how to be a better boyfriend and the two of you learnt how to lean on one another.

Of course, not every day was perfect. There were late night arguments over stress, insecurities that spilled out when the future felt too heavy and big, with Suneung adding much more to the pressure. But even through the tears and frustrations, you always found your way back to each other. Sometimes a tiny “I’m sorry” was sufficient, or a pinky promise under the desk, or just a simple quiet smile.

And when the first snow fell in December, Suneung was already behind you and so was high school. The classrooms you used complained about now sat empty, yet you and Jimin were still together, hands locked together even tighter. Everyone knew about you and her. Teachers, friends, even your parents. You’d grown up together in such a short, fleeting span of time and somehow it felt like you couldn’t have asked for more.

Your love with Yu Jimin made winter feel less cold, even as the year was almost ending.

✧✧✧✧✧

The streets were basically painted with heavy white now, each crunch of your boots sinking into the December snow. The camcorder in your hands also felt colder than it should. Jimin had handed it over with that signature playful nose scrunch of hers, insisting it was for “our memories.” Well, you couldn’t say no to that.

Now, Jimin was crouched beside a big snowman, all bundled up in her oversized grey coat, knit bonnet tied under her chin, red bang dangling in the snow. Her cheeks were no different from yours, flushed pink from the winter weather, eyes shining as she patted her gloved hand on the snowman.

“Babe~ Record this.” Jimin demanded cutely, slapping the big creature next to her. Behind the lens, you chuckled and zoomed in a little on her face. “What am I recording? The snowman or you?”

“Me, obviously!” Jimin shot back with laughter as she proceeded to wrap her arms around the snowman like it was her new boyfriend. And did as you were told, focusing on Yu Jimin, your girlfriend, looking like the most beautiful memory heaven could offer you.

“Okay! Beautiful.”

Jimin dusted off her gloves on her coat and hopped over, her breath puffing in little clouds. Like she always did, Jimin slipped under your arm and hugged you tight against the cold. The camcorder dipped for a moment as you steadied it with one hand, the other pulling Jimin closer. She peeked down at the tiny playback screen. 

“Hehehe… you’re good at this.” she whispered and kissed your cheek, a deserving reward. The best kind of reward. And just as suddenly as the kiss, Jimin pulled away and darted across the street.

“Woojoo-ah. Record this too!” Jimin shouted. You lifted the device again and smiled at how much of your heart this hyper girl could steal so easily.

“What are you doing even now, babe?”

“Memories!” she called back before hesitating. “Uh… Aesthetic vlog stuff.”

After five minutes of fooling around, twirling in the snow and striking poses for the camcorder, Jimin finally got back to your side breathless from laughing. Her grin fell apart the moment she saw your face properly—ears red, breath puffing unevenly from the snow. Her eyebrows furrowed immediately.

“What did I tell you about bringing a knit bonnet for this trip?” Jimin scolded, tugging your coat collar for emphasis. “You never listen, do you? You’re going to freeze to death before the year even ends!”

You could only laugh weakly and accept her nagging. Even when she was mad, you still loved everything about her. “Sorry, sorry… I’ll listen next time, baby.”

But instead of continuing her lecture, Jimin pulled her own bonnet off and put it over your head, adjusting it carefully before tying a cute knot under your chin. With the sweetest smile, she tiptoed and pressed a kiss on your lips. Soft. Warm. The complete opposite of the winter chill.

“Better now?” her breath tickled your chin. Your heart swelled at you nodded, still such a fool for her just like day one.

With Jimin’s bonnet warm on your head and the camcorder in your hand, you and Jimin wandered deeper into the streets of Japan hand in hand. There were tiny shops glowing golden in the snow, steam rising from food stalls that made your stomach growl. Jimin insisted on trying everything. Skewers from a random food shop, something filled with mustard, even a random gacha Shin-chan machine that had a tiny keychain which she immediately clipped onto your backpack. Each time, she held your hand tight, posed cute for the camera and made sure you caught every moment on film. At some point, she leaned her head on your shoulder as you walked, breath misting the lens when she dropped a nuke, casually.

“Our future kids are gonna think we were the cutest couple when they watch these tapes, Woojoo-ah.”

“You’re silly, you know that?” you laughed and played it cool.

“Yup.” Jimin hummed. “But you love silly me.”

True. Your love for her grew bigger and bigger day by day, so much to the point that you were sure Jimin didn’t even know how much you loved her in that exact moment. And what Jimin just said… Future kids? You giggled at the thought, already buzzing with every possible way you could spoil them even though that future seemed too far away. 

Eventually, the streets gave way to a much quieter scenery as you and her wandered toward the edge of town, where a small forest greeted you two behind a low fence. The trees stretched tall with their branches dusted white. Jimin squeezed your hand in awe as she looked at the scene in front of her, whispering.

“It’s like something out of a movie…”

“Twilight?”

Jimin only nudged your elbow and giggled. With the camcorder recording the soft crunch of your footsteps in the snow, you and Jimin walked closer to the fence, preserving every heartbeat of your winter love story. Jimin quickly crouched down in the snow and played with it. She giggled to herself and shaped a tiny snowman no bigger than her hand then stood up to balance it on the fence.

“There!” Jimin announced proudly, clapping her hands and brushing off the snow from her coat. “He’s so cute, right, babe? He can watch over the forest?”

You lifted the camcorder and focused on her tiny hands before moving to her flushed cheeks, her bright eyes, her… Slowly, your heart swelled and at the same time, hurt. Seeing Jimin so happy, so carefree while you carried the decision to leave in just over a month… it tore at you badly. So your voice came out before you could even think, fragile but heavy at once.

“Jimin-ah, I’m sorry.”

She turned at your low voice, blinking at you with startled eyes as her smile slowly disappeared. The same smile that had just lit up over the tiny snowman. The camcorder was still pointed at your girlfriend, capturing her in the moment in your trembling hands.

“What are you saying, babe?” she asked softly before taking a few steps to you. You swallowed hard and forced yourself not to drop the camera. You wanted to stay strong, if not for yourself, then for Jimin. 

“For leaving… for the service. You know… so early.”

The deafening silence took over, the camcorder surely could catch your shaky breath. Jimin stopped in front of you so close that the lens could catch the tremor in her eyelashes. Then she smiled, gently.

“Woojoo-ah.” she whispered, cupping your face, blocking the camera’s view until all you could see was her ethereal beauty in the snow. “Don’t apologize. You’re doing this for us, right? You won’t have to spend two years away when we get older. It’s better to do this now, for our future, hmm? I could never blame you for that.”

That did it. Your arms finally dropped, the camcorder lowered as her words broke the dam inside you.

“Of course I’ll wait for you.” Jimin went on, her words certain despite the tremble in her voice. “I’ll make sure to visit you every chance I get. I promise I’ll always be here, always. So don’t carry this like it’s something you have to do alone, Woojoo-ah. You’re not alone.”

Right then, a tear slipped down your face in the freezing air. Jimin brushed it away instantly, her own eyes were now also glistening.

“See? Idiot.” she smiled again, watery but so bright it hurt. “Why are you crying when I’m not, hmm?”

Her thumb still lingered at your cheek when she leaned in. Her lips touched yours slowly, tender but steady to seal every word, every promise into you. It wasn’t rushed or playful like the pecks Jimin usually stole. This time, it was slow and sure, her way of telling you everything that she couldn’t put into words yet. And when Jimin pulled back, she smiled at you, breath mingling with yours in the cold air.

“Record me.”

“Hmm?”

“Record me.” Jimin repeated, nodding at the camcorder still hanging from your hand. “For later, when you’re there. Something to remind you that you’re not alone. A message.”

Heart warm, you raised the camcorder and pointed it at your girlfriend. Through the shaky lens, you watched your girlfriend square her shoulders with the snow falling gently behind her like a movie scene. A happy ending one, hopefully.

“Hi, Gong Woojoo.” Jimin began all warm and playful, waving at the camera. “If you’re watching this, it means you’re tired. Or you’re just being a baby and miss me again, right? I know, I would miss me too if I had a girlfriend like me. So here’s what I want you to remember…”

You giggled. Then Jimin’s silly smile melted into something so full of love that it hurt to watch.

“I’ll always be cheering for you. Every day, every week, every month, I’ll be waiting for you to return to me. And I’ll always be proud of you. No matter how hard things get, don’t forget that Yu Jimin is still on your side, always. Oh! And you have to come back to me, don’t leave me waiting.”

She lifts her arms above her head and made a big heart, grinning through the shimmer of her own tears.

“I’ll love you always, Woojoo. My Woojoo.”

Your vision blurred, tears falling down hard like rain. The camcorder caught every sound, every second of it. But what it failed to capture was the way your heart felt. Breaking and healing at the same time. Love’s strange like that, ain’t it? Then Jimin pointed at you, trying to steady her voice even as it wavered.

“We will always find our way back together, right?"

Chest full, you still let out a low laugh. “Yeah.”

But Jimin's expression hardened as she straightened her back and puffed her chest out. She dropped her voice low and shouted. 

“I didn’t hear it loud enough, soldier!”

There she was. Your playful Jimin. 

“Yes, ma’am!” you shouted back.

Jimin immediately burst into giggles before marching military style toward you and snatched the camcorder from your hands. “Okay, baby. Now it’s your turn.”

“Huh? No- Wait, what?”

Too late. Jimin’d already had the device pointed directly at you as she grinned wickedly, pressuring you into doing the same thing.

“Record a message for me, Gong Woojoo. Let’s see if you really love me.”

You groaned, cheeks warm as Jimin zoomed in mercilessly. “This is unfair, Jimin-ah. You look perfect on camera and I look dumb.”

Not giving up, Jimin only giggled harder. “Say something! Hurry up!”

So you did. Stumbling through cheesy promises, even saluting like a fool at one point. Jimin laughed through it all, laughter so warm you were sure it could warm you through almost two years being away. 

And you’d already decided. Right there. That you’d come back better, stronger. 

For the person standing in front of you.

For the person you loved so much.

For Yu Jimin.

✧✧✧✧✧

The guard post was terrifyingly silent, the cold wind threading through the trees was your only friend. You stood there with a rifle in your hand and stared out into the vast dark forest leading to North Korea. No use, it wouldn’t give you any answer. The horizon was still a bit dark, no sign of a beautiful dawn yet.

Fucking hell… Should I just give everything up and run over there just for fun?

Exhaling slowly, you lowered the cold weapon and slumped into the metal chair in the corner. Your hand then moved on its own and unlocked your phone.

4:11AM

The screen lit up with her showing off her side profile, looking to the side with the snow in the background. It was the photo that she insisted you set as your lock screen, saying “so they'll know your girlfriend is super pretty, Woojoo-ah.”

Yu Jimin.

Your ex-girlfriend.

You still hadn’t changed the lock screen. It’d been almost two years? Or just over a year? Whatever, you felt like you lost track of time. Since everything fell apart. Since you and Jimin...

Looking at the red marks on the calendar at the edge of the table, you saw it clearer. Twelve days, just twelve days until all of this ended. Until the grueling uniform, the boring routine, the endless nights at this lonely post would be behind you. Twelve days should’ve felt like salvation. But no, it was actually torture.

Dropping your head into your hands, you bit your lip and sighed, for the hundredth time now. Where had everything gone wrong? You thought Jimin said you’d been doing this for the two of you. For your future. And yet, here you were, alone with her face on your screen.

You missed her. More than words could ever express.

Like everyday, this habit of yours had grown into a ritual. You tapped your gallery and scrolled to the same video. That snowy forest in Japan. Jimin running around clumsily, laughing at the way you zoomed in too close on her face. Jimin doing a big heart over her head with both arms, voice warm through the footage.

“And you have to come back to me, don’t leave me waiting.”

“I’ll love you always, Woojoo. My Woojoo.”

“We will always find our way back together, right?"

The sound pierced through the silence of the guard post. Your heart bled at the memory. Each time you replayed it, you swore you wouldn’t cry.

I’m still trying, Jimin-ah. What the fuck happened?

And you knew, you’d fail miserably each time.

“And you have to come back to me, don’t leave me waiting.”

“I’ll love you always, Woojoo. My Woojoo.”

“We will always find our way back together, right?"

Still, you hit play again.

✧✧✧✧✧

Fluff, am I right? 🥴 Anyway, I'm back with a series. Hope you guys liked it <3

Justice for stupid cheese cat!!! Ngl, this would be a good angst one-shot imo.

[erospandemos]

Such a cute smile paired with thighs that thick...

[erospandemos]

Same question you asked me, but with Jiheon. Go

(Especially if she’s wearing this 👍)

Eat the ramen and then eat her out. Simple.

[erospandemos]

I'm doing my best.

[erospandemos]

Jiheon bias! Man of culture

Hello! Welcome to tumblr, always excited to get new people, especially flover like you, can i ask you some questions?

who are your favourite idols? and can we expect to see them on your stories in the future?

what made you choose the story (the jiheon one) for your debut?

Hi! thanks for your heartwarming welcome, appreciate it! I'll gladly answer your questions:

I'm actually a multistan, but my ult group is fromis_9. But, yes you can expect more group on my stories in future.

Jiheon is my first bias in fromis_9, because of that, I wanted my first story to feel personal and warm, something that feels the sweet yet intimate for being some that I admired, so I hope I did her well on that story.

[erospandemos]

Who knew sending the princess to a soccer match was not the most surprising event lol

You've worked hard Wony!!! 💪🔥

Hi frisky!

Honestly, it was really funny. Wonyoung is such a girlie pop to be in such a place. They could have sent anyon,e but chose the most princess coded idol out there.

I liked the interactions with Kai. Because he actually went to the military but acted like he was new to everything.

Also, Wony wasn't strong enough to do anything and was just lying there like a dead fish.

Just look at them side by side, haha.

Overall, I think it was adorable. Even if she dances a lot, she's really not a physical person.

That kick was ass, lol

But the outfit, damn. It's really good, but it kinda feels out of place considering the place, doesn't it? Well, we got a good shot of her thighs, so I won't complain.

Wonyoung has gained weight lately, and it looks very nice. Thick Wony!

Thank you for the ask.

[erospandemos]

My friend finally posted!

Taught — {Feat. Yoon}

3k words

Edited by @yooyeonssteppingstool ae

******

“Come on...” You are roughly pushed onto the wall with your hands failing to find where to land. Stunned, you just keep whispering “Miss–” onto her tongue wriggling inside your mouth. You’re totally out of breath, and so is her.

“Yoon. Just Yoon.” Her hands are done with your buttons and are respectively on your throat and crotch. It terribly adds up to the suffocation that you’re already under. Your voice fails as there is only a husky sound from your restrained throat while her hand furiously rubs on your cock over the pants.

The kiss, the chokehold and the stroke sends you to the border of a painful but ecstatic unconsciousness. “I… I can’t breathe, I can’t–” Your eyes are open but the world turns black soon, while her teeth sink deep into your lower lip. One of her hands undoes your pants and underwear before joining the other on your neck.

“I don’t want you to.” Yoon then licks up the left side of your face before releasing the chokehold completely. You recoil your head without realizing it, only to hit the wall with a thud. “Yoon, it’s too danger–” She forcefully grabs your hard cock, causing a hitch in your breathing.

“I made sure there’s no one coming near this classroom.” She licks her palm to coat her saliva on it, and soon you feel trance strokes threatening your mind to go completely numb. The eagerness doesn’t leave her other hand idle as it brings your hands to each of her tits.

“Are you… Are you sure?” You take her black velvet top off to see her bare breasts, and every jiggle following every single stroke on your cock lures you to touch and fondle them. Her sharp gasp intrigues you as your hands tease and pinch her nipples while playing with the soft flesh themselves.

A month into knowing Yoon—or Ms. Shim—and you’re less than a breath away from actually fucking each other. It seemed that it was her who was so anxious to prey on you, the constant denial of your pleasure from edging you.

It’s as if her ultimate pleasure is to use you, not to fuck you. To see how you react, to see how helplessly you fall for her seduction, to see how well you please her, even on the verge of meeting your own pleasure.

“I don't know. What, are you worried? It’s not even illegal, honey.” That’s when Yoon edges you again. There is no chance your mind is capable of counting how many times. You twitch under her embrace, her arms wrapped around your hips while you buck uncontrollably.

“Not yet… I love watching you feel good. Are you close? Are you going to cum soon? Tell me, I might actually let you unload…” You can feel her thumb rub against the underside of your tip and your legs buckle. So far, Yoon has reduced you into a moaning mess for her pleasure, with you barely able to stand and fondle her at the same time.

“I’m–I’m so close…Mmm…!” Your heavenly release was denied once again, the frustration and displeasure makes you grope her flesh harder, so hard your fingers pale and shake. It’s a mixture of feelings that come to your mind when you hear her giggle. She hasn’t lost eye contact for a second while vigorously edging you with her hand. A pair of worked up, fierce, but caring eyes.

“Finger me.” Yoon decides that it’s yet for you to actually fuck her pussy and cum. You think of asking her to move to a safer place for a millisecond. However, temptations heighten to another level when she fingers herself a couple times and forces her fingers into your mouth, making you suckle on her juices.

“Mmh, good… A good student you are,” The wetness is extraordinary. Some flow down your knuckles and drips on the floor. You’ve never thought about what kind of sound would match best with her sharp voice, and nothing could sound better than the vulgar squelches on top of her uncontrolled moans. Her hand’s work eases down to a rather random flutter due to you excelling at what you were told to do.

A thick, slurpy kiss is what you are rewarded with. The uneasiness that comes from the shallow breaths is never an obstacle as her tongue devours deeper into your mouth. You’re still aching and throbbing, less than a stroke from releasing onto her palm, thighs and the floor.

“Make me cum, m-make me cum on your fingers.” As if you haven’t been trying your best to send her off to bliss. It has been the very selfishness that appealed to your likings—cold expressions, laughless, always in dark outfits even her colleagues frowned at. Might be just blind-eyed judgments; everyone including you could effortlessly sense the interest she’d been showing to you.

Yoon would find it hard to set her eyes apart from yours, for example. Even during some of the one-on-one counseling sessions in the teachers’ office, her hands were reluctant to be separated from your lap, let alone her fingers subtly brushing on it. To be honest, anyone could tell just from the way she looked at you. It is an irresistible feeling to know that someone has you in mind; it is even more so, when it comes to breaking the taboo.

So you try to focus on pleasuring her in the midst of all the dirty sounds and deeds unfolding around you. Deeper thrusts, aggressive curls to find and hit the sweet spot and draw even sweeter moans and whimpers. Her hand leaves your cock idle, desperately grasping your shoulders for her dear life. Her fingers claw into your skin as she gets closer and closer, her teeth marking the edge of your earlobe.

Your breathing wasn’t the only source of struggle, because Yoon can barely say anything let alone exhale properly. The hot air tickling your ear multiplies your sensitiveness as you rub your cock on her sweaty belly.

“Can you take off your–” Yoon peaks with a guttural groan and seismic spasms, but never even blinks even when her eyes roll back to witness orgasm messing with her head. Her juice splatters on your thighs as well as on the floor covering your clothes.next to both your shirts. The bottom quarter of your shirt turns transparent, a clear evidence of the intensity you provided.

“Never mind.” Your gaze climbed up from the small puddle on the floor to her calves, knees to thighs and crotch. A pair of black pantyhose that deliciously hugs her fleshy thighs certainly is something you’d sincerely want to stay on while you fuck her. Yoon is catching her breath, hands locked behind the back of your head.

“Take off what? Stockings?” Yoon then raises her thigh to stimulate your cock with its smooth surface. It is a novel texture; it’s totally an eye-opener. You thought it’d be much rougher than how soft it actually feels, and don’t it want to stop.

“How about I keep these on and,” She guides your cock to be sandwiched in between her thighs, and observes how your face contorts and how your voice gets louder as she starts to move back and forth.

“–and do this?” She uses the mixture of her release and your precum as lube, heightening your sensation and leaving you a whimpering mess. The sensation is almost too much for you, your hips buck uncontrollably causing a set of embarrassing moans to involuntarily leave your mouth. The pace of your thrusts skyrockets as she joins your moaning due to the friction the pistoning causes.

“It’s so, so good… I’m so close now…” It feels as if all the foreplay pays off for one moment. “If you keep going I’m probably–” You’re almost screaming, Yoon is moaning out hot air into your ear, your crotch and hers smack to make thick clapping sounds.

“It’s okay, darling. Just look at my eyes when you cum.” An order that is simply impossible. You’re not even cumming yet but your eyes squeeze shut. Your toes curl into the bottom of your shoes as you get closer and closer.

When you manage to open your eyes, Yoon meets your gaze with a winner’s grin, lips agape with the tip of her tongue pushed onto the upper teeth. She draws one of her hands back and pushes four of the fingers into your mouth.

“Lick them all dirty for me. Good boy…” It’s salty and salivating. Her fingers wiggle around your tongue as you coat her hand with your saliva. You’re loving it, completely obedient to her commands, anticipating nothing normal, even feeling proud to have her smile at you like that.

“Oh god, fuck you’re–” The tip of your cock peeking from between her thigh gets massaged by her other hand, making you cum uncontrollably while you try to maintain eye contact with Yoon. Her fingers gently wrap around the tip, taking the load pumping into them. You can feel the warmth of your own seed around your spent rod, and the subtle fondles on the underside of the head makes your knees helplessly buckle.

“It’s okay, it’s okay.” She keeps on thigh-fucking you even after you are done like it’s her lazy habit. The waves are slow but deep. The thrusts awaken and electrify your nerves as her purposeful overstimulation starts to attack your sanity.

It only takes so little for you to witness her cum-coated fingers disappear between her scarlet lips. Yoon suckles on them even by making hollow cheeks and a loud, intended pop.

“You know, I don't give extracurricular lectures to random students.” She's kneeling down slowly, until her chin is aligned with your still hard cock. Her lips brush sweetly on the underside of the entire length.

“You have to be the teacher's favorite. And you're–” Her spit falls onto her palm before being spread roughly all over your cock. That's the last thing you see before feeling your cock probing deep into Yoon's warm throat,her tongue tickling and pressing against the base of it.

It's an unimaginably intense overstimulation that you never even knew it existed; it’s an unfathomably novel, a lesson of all the things a teacher could provide her student with.

It's been ages since you became unable to say a word instead of brainless moans and groans. “And you’re my favorite, in case you didn't notice.” She quickly says it and your cock disappears into her wet mouth again, which automatically draws your hands to the back of her head.

Each word out of her mouth is too much for you to handle. 30 minutes ago when she called you to the teacher's office, which was vacant and dark except for her presence, you thought it’d be another one of those consultations she often offers to you.

Not that it wasn't useful. You just couldn't remember what it was about with the increasingly intimate touches clouding your senses. The look in Yoon’s eyes grew more aggressive, mirroring her actions. Her fingers eventually glide across your inner thighs, it was over.

You actually don't remember what it was about. The only things that still linger in your head are those subtle touches and gestures that were more intimate than ever before, the look in her eyes that were way more aggressive, and when her fingers eventually reached your inner thighs, it was over.

It's so far from over, fortunately. Judging from how alive and lustrous her eyes are, you could say it's just begun. “It’s okay to make noises. No one's here except the two of us.” Then your cock probes deep down her throat again, while a surprised yelp escapes yours.

As if trying to give you the instructions, Yoon looks up at you, pulls your hands to the back of her own head and bobs it at a breakneck pace. It's an impeccable experience. It slides in and out so smoothly with such tightness, and to hear her occasional gags with her big eyes tearing up it’s just so wrong.

It's an achievement to make a teacher cry, but to make one fuck you is immeasurable. It's so awfully beautiful to see her from above, even when almost half of her face is hidden. It sure is a foul milestone to have a woman like her feel hunger on you.

You find it unimaginably difficult not to shove your cock ruthlessly down her throat with your fingers straining into her scalp, even slightly shaking. Her pair of big and watery eyes seem to be enjoying the view above them to the point where you can tell she's smiling just from the eyes and brows.

“I won't stop even if someone walks in from now on.” Who would ever want to? Even if your brain told your hips to halt they wouldn't listen. But soon Yoon withdraws for air, leaving you in a state of nothingness with agape lips, squeezed eyelids, pants so fast you inhale what you just let out.

“You’re close.” Yoon almost whispers it while slowly jerking your throbbing cock. Then you witness the moment when the lust in her outdo the mischief as her grin fades into dazed eyes and hot, thick fumes coming out of her mouth coating your neck.

“Tell me you're about to fucking cum.” The stroking stops, and it's only her thumb rubbing on the underside of the head lazily. She's speaking into your right cheek, teeth gritted.

“I'm about to cum, I'm so close to–” Your tongue helplessly gets conquered by hers. No point resisting because it feels so good. Your mind gets more and more fragmentized. You close your eyes to see the bliss itself.

Yoon puts your cock in her awaiting cavern hungrily but slowly. It's a warm, embracing sensation that threatens to melt your brains and the nerves. “But I'm not, baby. And you're going to make me cum so hard, okay?” When your cognitive functions are back, you're already into a few seconds of pistoning into her.

As if drunk. As if fucking wasted. You start to hear her airy screams enter your lungs. It's a blessing to fuck one of the prettiest woman you've ever met with little oxygen.

But you're nailing it, apparently. You’re carrying one of her legs because it gave up on her long ago. Her hands are so unsettled on your back despite her nails clawing at your back, leaving marks behind her immense pleasure.

“Are you–” The other leg fails her and you two hit the cubicle behind as the orgasm she's been begging for pays a seismic visit on her body.

Panting, Yoon helps herself to sit on the table. Legs wide-open, abs spasming subtly, perky tits flushed and heaving up and down, and her hands on your shoulders pulling you in.

“I thought you'd make me cum so hard, hmm?” Certainly she almost fainted, but didn't. Your bad, it seems. You hug her waist with your arm before adjusting your cock to her entrance and thrusting it in. It makes the clapping sounds that are partly stifled by her moans and yelps.

Yoon puts your hand on her chest for you to fondle. Light-brown nipples, handful size and jiggling at the pace of the sex you two are in. They're soft. You love seeing them being squished by your fingers. You loved everything about her, from her orgasmic face to her silky legs but nothing compares to her pussy that continues to create a mess on the table.

Your mind begins to blank as you feel the peak approach. Yoon's eyes roll back to her melted brains as her cum runs down your legs and her drool drips down to her tits and your hand.

What a scenery. It can only refuel you to keep her stuck in the abyss and join her soon. “Miss, are you okay?” She manages to nod which turns to a crazy shake in no time with her shouting-“Fuck, fuck, oh, I c-came so hard I–”

Then you send her back to ecstasy for the last time. Her teeth dig deep into her lower lip before her mouth opens up and lets out a desperate set of screams. You doubt if she even feels it when you cum deep inside her pussy.

It just keeps coming out, though you already came a few times. Some already ooze out of her contracting sex. Mind-blowing, literally. That term must've been invented after a hot, intense sex just like what you experienced.

And Yoon stays there leaning on the cubicle wall looking like a goddess, leaving you to appreciate the beautiful, sexual sight before you. After regaining the ability to breathe, you clean yourself off before wiping Yoon’s sweaty body, removing the evidence of this mind blowing experience. The evident wet spots in your shirt were going to get washed regardless.

She was no longer just a regular teacher like the countless others you had. The sexual encounter lingers in your head vividly, It's to the point where her professional moments don't come to you as so professional. Working on her laptop in the very office she fucked you. Writing down things in the same cubicle you made frenzy love with her.

“You love looking at my legs, don't you?” Her fingers skim down her thigh to knee just like she did every counseling session. “You love making me look at them.” Yoon does nothing but giggle, eyes fixated on your lips and nape.

She teaches you countless things: that it’s fine for a teacher to prey on one of her students, that it’s okay to have sex in school, her bed is enough for two, but the backseats of her car aren't, she loves getting fingered, and so many other extracurricular contents that come to you as highly practical.

******

‘2nd floor bathroom. Right now’

‘Just tell the teacher you have to go to the bathroom’

‘I know you're in class, so make it quick’

******

A/N: Thanks for reading…!

[erospandemos]

Mmmmh... nice

SWEET LIKE HONEY

fromis_9 Baek Jiheon x Male Reader

counts: ~5,100 words tags: fluff, smut, passionate, clingy synopsis: You and Jiheon, your girlfriend, share a passionate weekend filled with love, intimacy, and playful exploration. Your bond deepens through tender touches, moans, and promises of forever, culminating in a fluffy, heartfelt morning of connection.

You wake up to the soft morning light filtering through the curtains, and there she is—Jiheon, your girlfriend, curled up beside you like a warm dream. Her long, dark hair spills over the pillow, and her face looks so peaceful, with those full lips slightly parted.

You've been together for a year now, and every day feels sweeter than the last. She's the kind of girl who makes your heart race with just a smile, but she's also got that playful fire that keeps things exciting.

You reach out and brush a strand of hair from her cheek. She stirs, her eyes fluttering open. "Mmm, good morning, babe," she murmurs, her voice husky from sleep. She stretches like a cat, her tank top riding up to show a sliver of her smooth stomach.

"Good morning, Heoni," you reply, pulling her closer. Her body fits perfectly against yours, soft and inviting. You kiss her forehead, then her nose, and finally her lips. It's a slow, lazy kiss that tastes like the remnants of last night's sweetness.

Jiheon giggles against your mouth. "You're always so affectionate in the mornings. What did I do to deserve you?" She wraps her arms around your neck, her fingers playing with your hair.

"You exist," you say simply, nuzzling her neck. She smells like vanilla and something uniquely her—sweet like honey. That's what you call her sometimes: your honey girl.

She pulls back a little, her brown eyes sparkling with mischief. "Hey, remember that picnic we talked about? The one by the lake? We should do it today. It's supposed to be sunny, and I packed those sandwiches you like last night."

You grin, loving how she plans these little things. "Sounds perfect. But first... can we just stay in bed a bit longer?" Your hand slides down her side, resting on her hip. She's wearing those tiny shorts that hug her curves, and you can't help but trace the edge of the fabric.

Jiheon's breath hitches, but she smirks. "Oh, is that what you want? You're such a tease." She shifts, pressing her body against you more firmly.

"Not teasing," you whisper, your lips brushing her ear. "Just appreciating." You kiss her neck, sucking gently, and she lets out a soft moan.

"Mmm, that feels good," she says, her voice breathy. "But if we start this, we might not make it to the picnic."

You chuckle, your hand slipping under her tank top to caress her bare skin. Her breasts are soft and full, and when you cup one, she arches into your touch. "Maybe the picnic can wait. I want you now, Jiheon."

She bites her lip, her eyes darkening with desire. "You're impossible. But... okay. Make me feel good, babe." She pulls you on top of her, her legs wrapping around your waist.

You kiss her deeply, tongues dancing as your hands explore. You slide her tank top up, exposing her perfect breasts, nipples already hard. "God, you're so beautiful," you murmur, leaning down to take one in your mouth. You suck and swirl your tongue, and she gasps.

"Ah, yes... like that," Jiheon moans, her fingers tangling in your hair. "Don't stop. It feels amazing."

You switch to the other side, your free hand trailing down to her shorts. You slip inside, finding her already wet. "You're soaked for me," you say, your voice low and husky.

She whimpers. "Only for you. Touch me, please."

You rub her clit in slow circles, watching her face contort with pleasure. "Like this? Tell me what you want, honey."

"Faster," she breathes. "And... finger me. I need you inside."

You oblige, sliding a finger into her tight warmth. She's so responsive, clenching around you. You add another, pumping steadily while your thumb works her clit.

"Oh fuck, babe… that's perfect," Jiheon cries out, her hips bucking. "I'm gonna come if you keep going."

"Good," you say, kissing her stomach. "Come for me. I love watching you."

Her moans grow louder, her body trembling. "Yes, yes… ah!" She shudders, her orgasm washing over her, and you feel her pulse around your fingers.

You kiss her through it, then pull back to strip off your clothes. She's panting, her cheeks flushed. "Your turn," she says with a wicked smile, pushing you onto your back.

Jiheon straddles you, her hands roaming your chest. "I love your body," she whispers, leaning down to kiss your collarbone. Her lips trail lower, teasing your nipples before moving down to your hard cock. She wraps her hand around it, stroking slowly. "So big and ready for me."

You groan. "Jiheon... suck it. Please."

She looks up at you with those innocent eyes that hide her naughty side. "Since you asked so nicely." She takes you in her mouth, her tongue swirling around the tip. It's warm and wet, and she bobs her head, taking you deeper.

"Fuck, that feels incredible," you say, your hand in her hair. "You're so good at this."

She hums around you, the vibration sending shocks through you. She sucks harder, her hand working the base. You feel yourself getting close, but you want more.

"Stop, Heoni," you gasp. "I want to be inside you."

Jiheon pulls off with a pop, licking her lips. "Yes, please. I need you too." She positions herself over you, guiding your cock to her entrance. Slowly, she sinks down, inch by inch, until you're fully buried in her.

"Oh god... you fill me up so well," she moans, starting to ride you. Her breasts bounce with each movement, and you grab her hips to help.

"You feel amazing," you say, thrusting up to meet her. "So tight and wet."

She leans forward, her hands on your chest. "Talk dirty to me, babe. It turns me on."

"You're my perfect little slut, aren't you?" you growl, spanking her ass lightly. "Riding me like you can't get enough."

Jiheon gasps, her pace quickening. "Yes! I'm your slut. Fuck me harder."

You flip her over, pinning her beneath you. You thrust deep and fast, the bed creaking. "Like this? You love it when I pound you?"

"Ah, yes! Don't stop!" she screams, her nails digging into your back. "I'm close again..."

"Me too," you grunt. "Come with me, Jiheon."

A few more thrusts, and she clenches around you, crying out your name. You follow, spilling inside her with a groan.

You collapse together, sweaty and satisfied. She cuddles into you, kissing your shoulder. "That was... wow. I love you so much."

"I love you too, honey," you say, holding her close. "Now, about that picnic…"

She laughs. "After a shower. Together?"

"Deal."

The day unfolds sweetly after that. You shower, trading more kisses under the water, her soapy body slippery against yours. Then you head to the lake, hand in hand. Jiheon spreads out the blanket, unpacking sandwiches, fruits, and her homemade honey cookies—your favorite.

"This is nice," she says, feeding you a strawberry. "Just us, no rush."

You pull her into your lap. "Every moment with you is nice. Remember our first date? That awkward coffee shop where I spilled my drink?"

She giggles. "How could I forget? You were so cute, blushing like crazy. But I knew right then you were the one."

"And you? With that smile that lit up the room." You kiss her cheek. "You've made my life so much better."

As the sun sets, painting the sky in oranges and pinks, you lie back with her head on your chest. "What do you think about the future?" she asks softly.

"With you? Endless adventures. Maybe a house by the beach, kids running around… but mostly, just more days like this."

Jiheon smiles up at you. "Sounds perfect. But tonight… round two?"

You laugh, pulling her closer. "Always, my honey girl."

That night, back at your cozy apartment.

The picnic was perfect—lazy hours by the lake, feeding each other bites of food, stealing kisses under the fading sun. But now, as the door clicks shut behind you, Jiheon's eyes meet yours. She's wearing that sundress from earlier, the one that hugs her curves and flutters around her thighs, and her hair is still tousled from the breeze.

"You were quiet on the drive home," she says, kicking off her sandals and padding over to you. Her arms wrap around your waist, and she tilts her head up, lips brushing your chin. "Thinking about what I said? Round two?"

You pull her close, your hands sliding down to squeeze her ass gently. "More like round three, if we're counting the shower this morning." You kiss her, slow and deep, tasting the lingering sweetness of the strawberries she ate. "But yeah, I've been thinking about you all day. About us."

She smiles against your mouth, her fingers tugging at your shirt. "Good thoughts, I hope. Come on, let's go to the bedroom. I have a surprise for you."

Your heart skips a beat. Jiheon's surprises are always fun—sometimes it's new lingerie, other times it's a playlist she made just for you. You follow her, watching the sway of her hips as she leads the way. The room is dimly lit by the bedside lamp, and on the nightstand, you spot a small jar of honey, the golden liquid glowing softly.

Jiheon turns to you, her cheeks flushing a pretty pink. "Remember how you always call me your honey girl? And… well, you mentioned once that eating honey off me would be your favorite thing. I thought tonight we could make it real."

You feel a rush of heat, your cock stirring at the idea. It's something you've fantasized about, whispered to her during heated moments, but never pushed. "Jiheon… are you serious? That sounds incredible. But only if you want it too."

She nods, biting her lip shyly but with excitement in her eyes. "I do. It turns me on thinking about it. You, down there, licking me clean… sweet like honey." She steps closer, her hands lifting the hem of her dress teasingly. "Help me out of this?"

You don't hesitate, pulling the dress over her head to reveal she's wearing nothing underneath—no bra, no panties. Her body is a vision: smooth skin, perky breasts, and that neat little patch of hair above her pussy. "Fuck, you're gorgeous," you murmur, your hands roaming her sides. "Lie down for me, honey girl."

She climbs onto the bed, propping herself up on pillows, her legs spreading just enough to give you a glimpse. "Like this? Or do you want me on my back fully?"

"Perfect," you say, grabbing the jar of honey. It's organic, the kind she loves drizzling on toast—thick and pure. You unscrew the lid, dipping a finger in and offering it to her. "Taste first?"

Jiheon sucks your finger clean, her tongue swirling slowly. "Mmm, sweet. Now... put it on me." Her voice is breathy, her nipples hardening in the cool air.

You kneel between her legs, your heart pounding. You drizzle a thin line of honey starting from her navel, trailing down over her mound, letting it pool right at her entrance. It's warm from the jar, sticky and glistening on her skin. She shivers, giggling a little. "That tickles! But… it feels naughty. Good naughty."

"God, you look delicious," you say, setting the jar aside. Your hands part her thighs wider, and you lean in, starting with kisses on her inner thighs. "I'm gonna savor this. Tell me if it's too much, okay?"

She nods, her fingers threading through your hair. "Start slow... please."

You lick up the trail from her navel first, the honey mixing with the salt of her skin. It's sweet and addictive, just like her. "Mmm, tastes even better on you," you murmur, your tongue dipping into her belly button. She squirms, a soft moan escaping.

"That feels nice... keep going lower," Jiheon whispers, her hips lifting slightly.

You move down, lapping at the honey on her mound, teasing the edges of her folds. She's already wet, her arousal mixing with the sticky sweetness. When your tongue finally slides over her pussy, gathering the honey from her entrance, she gasps loudly.

"Oh, babe... yes, right there," she moans, her grip tightening in your hair. "It's so warm and... fuck, your tongue is amazing."

You dive in deeper, flattening your tongue to lick broad strokes, sucking gently on her clit where a drop of honey clings. The flavors blend—her natural musk with the floral honey—and it's intoxicating. You hum against her, the vibration making her buck.

"Ah! Don't stop... eat me out like that," Jiheon begs, her legs trembling. "It's your favorite, right? Licking honey from my pussy... say it."

You pull back just enough to speak, your lips shiny with her and the honey. "Fuck yes, it's my favorite. Your pussy tastes like heaven with this on it. So sweet, so mine." You plunge back in, tongue fucking her shallowly, lapping up every bit.

She's writhing now, her breaths coming in pants. "Babe, I'm getting close... add your fingers? Please, fill me while you lick."

You slide two fingers inside her easily—she's dripping wet—and curl them to hit that spot she loves. Your mouth focuses on her clit, sucking and swirling, the last traces of honey dissolving on your tongue.

"Yes, yes! Oh god, I'm gonna come... keep eating your honey girl," Jiheon cries out, her body arching. She shudders hard, her orgasm crashing over her, walls clenching around your fingers as you lick her through it.

You don't stop until she's whimpering, oversensitive. Then you crawl up, kissing her deeply so she can taste herself mixed with the honey. "That was... wow. You okay, honey?"

She smiles lazily, her eyes hooded. "More than okay. That was hot. Now, your turn. I want to ride you... maybe with a little honey on you too?"

You grin, already hard and aching. "Deal. But first, kiss me again."

The night stretches on like that—playful, passionate, full of laughter and moans. You take turns exploring, the honey jar getting emptier with each idea. By the time you're both spent, tangled in sheets sticky with sweetness, Jiheon cuddles into your side.

"I love trying new things with you," she whispers, tracing patterns on your chest. "Makes me feel so close to you."

You kiss her forehead. "Me too. You're my everything, Jiheon. Sweetest girl in the world."

She laughs softly. "And you're my honey eater. Let's do this again sometime... but shower first in the morning. We're a mess."

"Agreed," you say, holding her tight as sleep pulls you both under. It's nights like this that make your love feel unbreakable, and fiery all at once.

The morning sun peeks through the blinds, casting a warm glow over the tangled sheets. You wake up first, Jiheon is nestled against you, her naked form soft and inviting, her breathing steady and peaceful. The faint scent of honey lingers on her skin, a sticky reminder of how wild things got. You smile to yourself, tracing lazy circles on her back with your fingertips. She's so beautiful like this, so vulnerable, so... yours.

She stirs as you shift closer, pressing your body fully against hers from behind. Your chest to her back, your growing hardness nestled against her ass.

You intertwine your fingers with hers, holding her hand tightly, like you never want to let go. "Morning, honey girl," you whisper into her ear, your voice low and rough from sleep.

Jiheon hums softly, wiggling back against you with a sleepy smile. "Mmm, already? Can get enough, can't you, babe?" She squeezes your hand, her thumb rubbing over your knuckles. "But... I like it. Feels nice waking up to you like this."

You kiss the nape of her neck, your free hand sliding over her hip to pull her even tighter. "Can't help it. You're too tempting. Last night was amazing, but I want more before we shower." Your lips trail to her shoulder, nipping gently, and she arches a little, pressing her ass firmer against your cock.

She giggles breathily, turning her head to catch your mouth in a slow kiss. "Okay, but make it sweet this time. Hold me close... don't let go of my hand." Her eyes flutter open, locking onto yours with that mix of love and lust that drives you crazy.

"I won't," you promise, your voice husky. You guide her leg back over yours with your free hand, opening her up just enough. She's still a bit sticky from the honey, but it only adds to the intimacy. You reach down, stroking her pussy lightly, finding her already warming up. "You're wet for me again. Feel that?"

Jiheon moans softly into the pillow, nodding. "Yeah... your touch does that to me. Slide in, babe. I need you inside." She squeezes your hand again, her fingers lacing tighter with yours as if anchoring herself.

You position yourself, the tip of your cock pressing against her entrance. Slowly, you push in, inch by inch, savoring the way she envelops you—warm, tight, perfect. "Fuck, Jiheon... you feel so good," you groan, burying yourself fully. You stay still for a moment, just holding her, your bodies pressed together from head to toe.

"Ah... yes, just like that," she whispers, her breath hitching. "Move slow. I love feeling every bit of you." She rocks her hips back gently, urging you on, and you start thrusting—deep, unhurried strokes that make her gasp each time.

You keep your promise, never letting go of her hand, your fingers intertwined as you move together. Your other arm wraps around her waist, holding her flush against you. "You're mine, honey. All mine," you murmur against her ear, picking up the pace just a little. The bed creaks softly, the room filled with the sounds of your bodies connecting.

Jiheon turns her head more, kissing you messily. "And you're mine too. Harder now... please. Make me come while you hold me." Her free hand reaches back to grip your thigh, pulling you deeper.

You oblige, thrusting firmer, your hips slapping against her ass. "Like this? You want it deeper?" You angle just right, hitting that spot inside her, and she cries out, her walls clenching around you.

"Oh god, yes! Right there... don't stop," she pants, her voice breaking. "I love you so much... feels so intimate like this."

"I love you too," you say, your breaths syncing with hers. Sweat beads on your skin, but you keep the rhythm steady, building that sweet tension. Your hand in hers grounds you both, a silent promise amid the passion.

She's trembling now, close to the edge. "Babe, I'm gonna... ah, come with me!" Jiheon squeezes your hand hard, her body tensing.

You feel it too—the heat coiling tight. A few more thrusts, and you both shatter. She moans your name, pulsing around you, and you follow, spilling inside her with a low groan. "Jiheon... fuck, yes."

You stay connected for a while, catching your breaths, still holding her hand. She laughs softly, turning in your arms to face you. "That was perfect. Sticky and all, but perfect."

You kiss her forehead, finally releasing her hand to brush hair from her face. "Shower now? Together, like always."

She nods, grinning. "Yeah, but no promises we won't go for round... what is it now? Four? Five?"

You chuckle, pulling her up with you. "I lose count, Heoni. Come on."

The shower turns into more playful touches—washing each other, stealing kisses under the steam—but it's tender, rebuilding that fluffy closeness. As you dry off, Jiheon wraps a towel around herself and hugs you. "What do you want for breakfast? Pancakes with extra honey?"

"Only if I get to feed you," you say, winking.

She rolls her eyes playfully. "Our weekend's just getting started."

After breakfast, pancakes drizzled with extra honey, just like you promised, you both linger in the kitchen for a bit, laughing over coffee and stealing bites from each other's plates.

Jiheon's still wrapped in that fluffy white towel, her hair damp and wavy from the shower, cascading over her shoulders. The morning light catches her skin, making her shoulders shine with a glamorous glow, like she's some kind of goddess fresh out of a dream. She's radiant, effortless, and it hits you how lucky you are.

You clean up quickly, but your eyes keep drifting to her. She's humming a little tune, scrolling through her phone as she wanders back to the bedroom. By the time you follow, she's sitting on the edge of the bed, legs crossed, towel tucked loosely around her chest.

Her fingers tap away at the screen—probably checking social media or texting a friend—oblivious to how distracting she looks. The towel rides up her thighs just enough to tease, and those shiny shoulders beg to be touched.

You approach quietly from behind, your heart picking up pace. "What are you up to, honey girl?" you ask, your voice low as you stand right behind her, hands gently resting on her shoulders. Her skin is warm and smooth, still a bit dewy from the shower lotion she uses.

Jiheon tilts her head back to look up at you, a playful smile spreading across her lips. "Just scrolling through some pics from yesterday's picnic. Look, this one of us by the lake is cute." She holds up her phone, showing a selfie of you two grinning with the sunset behind you. But her eyes sparkle with mischief, like she knows exactly what your touch means.

You lean down, kissing the top of her head, then trailing your lips to her ear. "It is cute. But you're cuter right now, sitting here like this." Your hands slide down her arms, fingers tracing the edge of the towel. "Still in just a towel? You're killing me."

She sets her phone aside on the nightstand, twisting a little to face you better. "What? It's comfy. And... maybe I was hoping you'd notice." Her voice drops to a whisper, her hand reaching up to cup your cheek. "You always do."

You kneel in front of her, between her legs, your hands on her knees to part them slightly. The towel loosens a bit, revealing more of her cleavage. "Oh, I notice. Those shoulders of yours... shining like that. Makes me want to unwrap you all over again." You kiss her collarbone, tasting the faint salt of her skin, and she shivers.

"Mmm, babe... we just showered," Jiheon says, but there's no real protest in her tone. Her fingers run through your hair, pulling you closer. "But if you keep kissing me like that, I won't complain."

You look up at her, grinning. "Good, because I want another round. Right here, right now." Your hands tug gently at the towel, and it falls open, exposing her fully—her breasts full and perky, nipples hardening in the air, her pussy still a little flushed from earlier. She's stunning, and you feel yourself getting hard instantly.

Jiheon's breath catches, but she smirks. "You're greedy today. What do you have in mind? Tell me... I like hearing you say it."

You stand up, pulling off your shirt and shorts quickly, your cock springing free. "I want to fuck you slow at first, then hard. Hold you down on this bed and make you moan my name again." You push her back gently onto the mattress, climbing over her, your body covering hers. She wraps her legs around your waist instinctively.

"Yes... please," she whispers, her hands roaming your back. "But kiss me first. Make it sweet."

You do, capturing her lips in a deep, lingering kiss, tongues tangling as you grind against her. She's wet already—you can feel it as your cock slides along her folds. "God, you're ready for me," you murmur against her mouth. "Always so eager, my honey girl."

Jiheon nods, her hips lifting to meet you. "For you? Always. Slide in, babe. I need to feel you stretch me."

You position yourself and push in slowly, savoring every inch as she gasps. "Ah... yes, just like that. You're so big... fills me perfectly." Her nails dig into your shoulders, and you start thrusting—deep, steady strokes that make the bed dip.

"Fuck, Jiheon… you feel incredible," you groan, picking up speed. You pin her hands above her head with one of yours, the other gripping her hip. "Look at me. Tell me how it feels."

Her eyes lock onto yours, hazy with pleasure. "It feels... amazing. Harder now—pound me, babe. Make me come undone." She bucks up to meet your thrusts, her breasts bouncing with each one.

You oblige, slamming into her faster, the sound of skin slapping filling the room. "Like this? You love it when I fuck you rough, don't you?" Sweat beads on your forehead, but you don't slow down.

"Oh god, yes! Don't stop... I'm close," Jiheon moans, her voice breaking. "Kiss my neck... bite it a little."

You lean down, sucking on her pulse point, nipping gently, and she cries out, clenching around you. "Babe! Yes... I'm coming!" Her body shakes, waves of pleasure rolling through her, and it pushes you over the edge too.

"Fuck, me too... take it all," you grunt, thrusting deep as you release inside her, collapsing on top with heavy breaths.

You roll to the side after a moment, pulling her into your arms. She's giggling, out of breath, her skin flushed. "Wow... that was intense. You're full of energy this morning."

You kiss her temple, holding her close. "Can't resist you. Especially when you look like that after breakfast." Your hand strokes her back lazily. "What now? Nap? Or... more?"

Jiheon props herself up on your chest, grinning. "Nap sounds good. But later… maybe we can go out for lunch? Something normal after all this?"

You laugh. "As long as I get to hold your hand the whole time."

She snuggles in. "Always, babe. You're stuck with me." The morning fades into lazy cuddles, the sweetness of your connection lingering like honey on your lips.

After the lazy nap, you wake up to Jiheon stirring beside you, her towel long discarded somewhere on the floor. The afternoon sun filters through the window, casting a golden hue over her bare skin. She's on her side, facing you, her eyes half-lidded with that post-sleep glow, a soft smile playing on her lips.

"Hey, sleepyhead," she whispers, her hand reaching out to trace your jawline. "That nap was nice, but... I think we have time for one more before lunch?"

You pull her closer, your bodies aligning perfectly, skin to skin. "One more? You're the one who's can't get enough now, honey girl." Your voice is teasing, but your heart swells with affection. She's everything—sweet, playful, and so deeply yours. You kiss her gently, starting soft, but it deepens quickly, her whimpers vibrating against your lips as she presses into you.

"Mmm, babe... I just can't get enough of you," Jiheon murmurs, her breath hitching as your hand slides down her back to cup her ass. She hooks a leg over your hip, grinding slowly against your hardening cock. "Touch me... please. Make me feel loved."

You do, your fingers dipping between her thighs to find her already slick. "Always, Jiheon. You're my world." You circle her clit gently, eliciting a series of soft whimpers from her, her body trembling in your arms. "Listen to you... those sounds drive me crazy."

She whimpers louder, her hips bucking into your hand. "Ah... yes, right there. It feels so good… don't stop." Her eyes flutter shut, but you tilt her chin up.

"Look at me, honey. I want to see you." Your gazes lock, full of love and heat, as you slide two fingers inside her. She's warm and welcoming, clenching around you with a gasp.

"Oh god... babe, your fingers... mmm, deeper," Jiheon moans, her voice breathy and needy. She kisses you again, tongues mingling sloppily, her whimpers muffled against your mouth. "I love you so much... need you inside me now. Please?"

You nod, rolling her onto her back and settling between her legs. "I love you too. More than anything." You guide your cock to her entrance, pushing in slowly, inch by inch, savoring her tight heat. "Fuck... you're perfect. So wet for me."

Jiheon's back arches, a long whimper escaping her. "Ahh... yes, fill me up... you're so deep." She wraps her arms around your neck, pulling you down for more kisses, her legs locking around your waist. You start thrusting gently, building a rhythm that's intimate and unhurried, your bodies moving as one.

"Mmm, babe... harder? But keep it close... hold me," she whispers, her whimpers turning into soft moans with each thrust. Her nails graze your back lightly, not scratching, just holding on.

You pick up the pace slightly, but stay pressed against her, chest to chest, your foreheads touching. "Like this? God, you feel amazing... clenching around me like that." You groan, the fluffiness of the moment wrapping around you—it's not just sex, its connection, love poured into every movement.

"Yes... oh, yes! Don't pull out... I want you to come inside me," Jiheon moans, her voice breaking into whimpers as you hit that sweet spot. "Ah... babe, I'm close... whimper... make me come with you."

You thrust deeper, your hand finding hers to intertwine fingers again, holding tight. "Come for me, honey girl. Let go... I got you." The room fills with her sounds—moans growing louder, whimpers needy and sweet—as her body tenses.

"Oh god... yes, yes! I'm coming... ahh!" Jiheon cries out, her walls pulsing around you, milking you as she shudders in your arms. Her whimpers turn into soft, breathless pleas. "Come inside... please, fill me... love me..."

That's all it takes. You bury yourself deep, groaning her name as you release, spilling into her with hot pulses. "Jiheon... fuck, you're so good... taking it all." It's intense, your bodies locked together, hearts racing in sync.

You stay inside her for a moment, catching your breaths, trading lazy kisses. "That was... everything," you whisper, rolling to the side but keeping her in your arms. She cuddles into your chest, her hand over your heart.

"Mmm, perfect ending to our lazy day," Jiheon says softly, her eyes shining with contentment. "Promise me more weekends like this? Just you and me."

You kiss her forehead, holding her close. "Forever, honey girl. You're my happily ever after."

[erospandemos]

Help

Guys, I honestly can't concentrate on writing. I always end up scrolling on YouTube...

I tried Hank Green's Focus Bean on my phone, and it works but on the computer, I don't know what to do. I always watch kdrama scenes for reference too.

[erospandemos]

They done sent the princess to the military

[erospandemos]

Wonyology respawned so please check it out

GPT

STAYC ISA x Original Male Character/m!reader

Tags: yearning!isa, dumb!reader, fluff, angst

Word count: ~9.4k - got this idea from @payeng's yearning fic and listening to gpt (one of the greatest songs ever)

✧✧✧✧✧

알고 싶어 who you are, 잠이 안 와 'til the morning 혹시 do you mind? 어색해질까 봐 고민 (봐 고민)

Another day, same old endless circle for Isa.

Seoul’s late afternoon sun stretched across the campus with a mellow golden light. The air carried that crisp edge of early autumn. A gentle breeze lifted a few fallen leaves and sent them flying in the air. It was almost the weekend so the pace on campus felt unhurried. Students were leaving classes and walking out of libraries, some sat on the benches chatting, laughing with iced coffees while a few couples strolled hand in hand to the bus station. The sky itself leaned into the mood, soft and tender.

Typical episode six, K-drama vibe. Perfect setting for a date, right?

Isa tugged on your sleeves, her smile brighter than sunlight itself. Her soft brown sweater slipped off her shoulder just a bit as she dragged you along, showing off her delicate collarbones. Her hair was tied back neatly. She was beautiful, you always knew. But what made her stand out was even more the tiny details—the mole under her eye and another on her nose.

“Come on, Youngwon-ah! You promised to check that new shop out with me today!”

You chuckled and adjusted the straps of your backpacks, hers in front and yours on your back. You always held her backpack after class like this, it’d become a habit by now.

“You make it sound like I signed a contract, Isa-ah. I just said I’d just go with you after class.”

Isa pouted, though her sparkling eyes said the opposite. 

“Same thing, idiot! A promise is a promise.” she dragged you by the wrists. “Besides, you need new clothes. Don’t think I didn’t notice you wearing that same jacket everyday.”

“It looks good. Besides, what are you now? My stylist!?”

“Of course I am!” Isa replied dramatically. “What kind of best friend would I be if I let you go to lectures looking like that?”

The way she said “best friend” made her heart hurt a little. Still, nothing new to Isa. She quickly masked it with a smile and rolled her eyes. 

The weather is pretty today. Might as well make it feel like a date.

To everyone else, you and Isa looked like the most obvious couple ever. Isa hoped things were that way. You? Not a single clue. Isa walked a step ahead, hand on your wrist to lead you while you carried both of your backpacks without a single complaint. Then, the wind suddenly teased at a few strands of her hair, carrying the scent of one of her favorite things ever on this earth at the same time, melon bread. She slowed her steps and breathed it in, smiling to herself. You nodded your head in the direction of familiar the bakery across the street.

“Melon bread?” 

“Melon bread.”

Isa confirmed, smiling. Her eyes took no time curving into those half-moon shapes, an unmistakable trademark of Lee Chaeyoung. You hummed, already knowing what to do. You knew everything about her. Her favorite food, colors, MBTI, music taste... even her extensive list of allergies.

“Let’s go. I’ll buy you some.”

Her heart fluttered from how easy you said it. The words came out of your mouth like buying your best friend her favorite melon bread was just another part of your day. Maybe it was for you. But for Isa, it was everything.

“You don’t have to.” she said softly.

“I know. But I want to.” you replied, quick and simple. Isa’s heart was gone again, maybe floating the in air now. Without a second thought, you slipped your hand around hers and started walking to the bakery. The bell above the bakery door chimed as you pushed it open, still holding her hand. The sweet and warm scent of fresh bread immediately washed over both of you. You were about to ask Isa something when a familiar voice came up.

“Isa? Oh, GPT!”

Isa froze in her steps at the sound of a familiar voice. You both turned at once. Sat at a table near the window were Yoon and Seeun, your close friends.

“Yah. Here~” Seeun grinned, eyes amused at the two of you being hand in hand. “Look at you two.”

Isa felt her cheeks burning as she quickly pulled her hand back from yours, hiding it in her sweater sleeves. Yoon tilted her head at the sight, smirking. “Came here together?”

“Yup.” you answered, completely oblivious to the intention behind her words and walked to them. “Isa wanted some melon bread so I figured I should b-”

“Buy it for her.” Seeun finished for you and leaned into her palm. “Of course you do, GPT.”

Isa kicked lightly at the back of your shoes, hoping your dumbass would realize what was going on. You turned and frowned at her in confusion, only to see Isa glaring at you.

They all can see. Everyone can see it. Except you, you robot.

“What was that for?” you muttered, glaring back. Isa just huffed and refused to answer, cheeks pink. Shaking your head, you walked to them and pulled out the chair beside Seeun, gesturing for Isa to sit. “Sit here, you bully. I’ll get you your melon bread. And don’t move.”

The way you pulled out the chair for her, the way you said it. Again. They all had her heart fluttering. The moment you were walking to the counter and out of sight, Seeun leaned in. “So… how are you doing with GPT?”

Isa groaned and dropped her face into her hands. “Don’t even start.”

Yoon sipped her drink and smiled. “He’s still oblivious no matter how hard you try. The two of you is like a movie.”

Isa's voice came out muffled. “More like a comedy. A really frustrating one.”

Seeun chuckled. “Maybe for you. It’s free entertainment for us. Do you know how many people call you two a couple now? Even my mom thinks you two are dating when I show her your photos together.”

Isa lifted her head to look at her friends, eyes defeated.  “I wish we were. He’s just so… ugh!” she threw her hands up and let them fall back on the table a bit too hard. Seeun then spoke up, voice serious enough to make Isa squirm. “Then just confess already. You’ve been in love with him for forever now.”

Isa pressed her lips together and exhaled, shaking her head. “I can’t. At least not yet.”

“Why not?” Yoon asked.

Isa sighed and traced her finger on the table. “Because… I want to be sure. I want to know if Youngwon feels the same before I say anything. If I confess too soon and he doesn’t then… everything between us changes. I don’t want to lose what we have.”

“So you’re waiting for GPT to realize?” Yoon added, understanding. Isa nodded. “Yeah. I need that idiot to realize on his own.”

Seeun sat back and exhaled dramatically. She’d heard this a few times now. 

“With GPT’s understanding of love and processing speed? Good luck with that. It’ll take you a lifetime.”

Isa laughed at her own situation and-

Thump

She turned back to see you standing there with a melon bread bag dangling in your hand and the most annoying grin on your face. You’d just hit her on the head lightly with the bag.

“Are you talking bad about me?” you asked, raising an eyebrow.

“What?! No!” Isa shot up from her chair and hit your arm in return, cheeks flaring red. “Yah, don’t just go around hitting me like that!”

“Mmm. Sounds guilty to me.” you teased, pulling the bag just out of reach when Isa tried to grab it. Seeun let out a humorous laugh, entertained. “You two are unbelievable.”

Yoon added with a knowing smile. “Lovebirds quarrel.”

“S-Stop saying weird things!” she sputtered and threw them a glance, only to make them laugh even harder. You chuckled at the scene then casually reached out and took Isa’s hand, not even aware of her being startled at the contact. “We’re leaving.” you announced, waving at Seeun and Yoon with your melon bread bag holding hand. “Thanks for watching Isa for me.”

Isa was too stunned to pull her hand back, she could only gape at you before you dragged her toward the door, leaving Seeun and Yoon cackling behind. The bus ride after was calm. You sat next to Isa near the back of the bus, like always. As soon as you sat down, you pushed the overhead vent so the breeze could hit her instead of you. Then you dug through your backpack and fished out your water bottle, handing it over without much thinking.

“Drink. You haven’t had any water today. I didn’t see you drinking any.”

Isa parted her lips as she was about to argue but your steady look left her no room. She huffed and twisted the cap open, taking a small sip. You nodded, satisfied, and leaned back with your eyes already looking out the window. To Isa though, everything wasn’t settled. Her fingers tightened around the plastic bottle. It was the fact that you always noticed, that you always cared in these quiet, unconscious ways that made her heart tingle and her face warm.

“Done?” you asked, turning your head back to her. 

Isa nodded and you gently took the bottle back, capped it and slipped it into your backpack. Then, with that same old casual tone of yours, you offered.

“Lean on my shoulder if you’re tired.”

The words dropped into Isa’s chest like a stone. How could you say things like that so easily? How could you offer your shoulder like it was nothing, when to her it was everything? Isa stared at you, eyebrows furrowed as she wondered what she was to you. You, on the other hand, were calm in such a relaxed posture, maybe even a little confused at Isa’s silence.

Am I a close friend to you, you idiot? Someone you look after out of habit? Or something more that you didn’t even realize yet?

Her shoulder twitched as the temptation to actually lean on you was almost unbearable. But then she decided to swallow hard and stared out the window, pretending she hadn’t heard your offer.

“Are you mad at me?” you asked, genuinely trying to understand.

“No.” Isa replied. Her voice was so soft it almost disappeared under the sound of the bus’ engine. You studied her profile quietly. “Then why won’t you look at me?”

Isa just exhaled quietly, eyes still fixed stubbornly on the window. You let out a short breath, not annoyed or frustrated, just thoughtful. Then you moved a little in your seat so that your shoulder leaned a little closer to hers, bridging the gap that Isa was afraid to close. You did it without knowing how much it meant to her. The gesture lingered in the air like an unspoken invitation. Isa’s heart thumped hard in her chest as she hesitated for a second. Finally, she carefully let her head rest on your shoulder.

“See. I know everything.” you smirked, thinking you were slick. “Isn’t that why you call me GPT? Smart and understanding, Isa-ah.”

You made it sound like a badge of honor. In reality, it was her way of calling you incapable of feeling a little something called “love”. Inside, Isa’s thoughts twisted.

No, idiot. I call you GPT because you act like a robot… like some AI who says the right things without even realizing how much they mean.

Isa couldn’t say it out loud. Not when your shoulder felt so steady, not when the sun looked so nice outside, and especially not when being this close felt like a dream she never wanted to wake up from. So she whispered.

“Shut up. You don’t know everything.”

You laughed softly. “That’s exactly what someone would say when I do know everything.”

Isa groaned under her breath and tried to hide her flushed cheeks for the rest of the ride. When the bus slowed at your stop, you stood up first and held your hand out for her bag. 

“C’mon. Backpack. I’ll carry it.”

“No.” Isa shook her head, already putting it on her back.

“It’s okay. Just giv-”

Isa quickly grabbed your hand. The warmth of her fingers laced into your palms felt so nice that it made you forget what you were going to say. With her face angled away so that you couldn’t see, Isa walked out of the bus, hand holding yours. 

“Let’s go, dummy.”

The two of you then got to the clothing store she’d been hyping up a few days ago. The moment you stepped inside, Isa immediately let go of your hand. She was already pulled in by the vibe, eyes lit up. The store itself screamed “Instagram famous”. Trendy songs were playing through the speakers. Bright walls stretching high, making the color from the clothes pop even more. The whole place smelled like youth and new cotton. It matched her vibe perfectly. Stylish and a little playful. You could already tell that she would spend way too much money here if given the chance. She then began to flip through the hangers, eyes sparkling as she pulled out different pieces, holding them up against herself in the mirror.

“You’re having too much fun.” You leaned on one of the racks, smiling. Isa stuck her tongue out at you. “Isn’t a girl allowed to have fun?”

You chuckled. “Sure, but didn’t you say I need new clothes?”

That made Isa paused mid air. She then turned to you slowly, eyes scanning you up and down. You’d just walked into her trap.

“Exactly.” Isa said and hung the hangers back, marching over and grabbing your wrist. “Finally, you admit you need help.”

“I dress okay, good even.” you defended yourself, though her grip was very determined. "You complimented me a few times."

“Sure. But you could always do better, right?” Isa shot back, pulling you toward the men’s section. Within minutes, she’d piled a stack of new clothes into your arms.

“This is way too much.” you muttered, nearly dropping a pair of pants she shoved on top.

“You’ll live, dummy.” Isa smirked and gave your elbow a push toward the fitting rooms. “Go change. I need to try something too. We’ll compare after.”

You chuckled and shifted the pile of clothes in your arms. “Couple lookbook?”

“What?! No!”

Isa stopped in her steps, her words bursting out faster than she meant. The denial tumbled from her lips in a rush to shut down the tiny spark of hope in her heart before it could grow even bigger. Her fingers wanted to fidget but she managed to force them still.

“Don’t say dumb things like that.” she muttered, voice lowered just a little. You laughed, oblivious as always and already nudging open the fitting room door.

“Just saying, Isa-ah. People say we look good together sometimes.”

Her teeth sank into her lower lip as she stared at your dumb, stupid back. Frustration and longing tangled together until she could hardly breathe.

Why would you even say that if you didn’t mean it?

She turned on her heels and headed for the other section, yanking hangers free with much harder force than she intended. Isa rarely felt like this. Except for whenever she was with her favorite oblivious idiot who was apparently too book smart but incapable of understanding human feelings. Shirt hangers snapped against the metal bar, pants scraped and slid off in messy clumps. 

Stupid, stupid you. 

Her chest felt tight, each tug getting harder than the last. The longer she thought about your dumb face, the heavier her movement grew. 

“Excuse me, miss…”

Isa was startled when a staff member had appeared by her side, eyebrows raised in concern. 

“Is everything okay? How can I help you?”

Her stomach flipped. She quickly ducked her head and bowed, voice small and shy.

“Ah- no, no. I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to- I- everything is fine. I’m sorry.”

The staff smiled at her cautiously and bowed back before walking away, leaving Isa clutching the pile of clothes with burning ears. She exhaled hard and forced herself to calm down, it wasn’t their fault anyway. It was her GPT’s fault. It was yours. Still, she carried her armful of clothes to the fitting room, head hot. Even then, her mind kept circling back to you, to your words, to that annoying casual smile that always made her go crazy, Her frustration didn’t ease. If anything, seeing her own reflection in the mirror only reminded her how stupidly hot her cheeks still were because of you. When she finally stepped out of the fitting rooms, you were already outside waiting for her. You smiled at Isa the moment your eyes landed on her.

“You look good~” you meant it. Every single word. Her heart skipped but no emotions showed on her face. She then brushed her hair behind her ear and gave you a little twirl, letting the hem of her new shirt sway.

“Just good?” she asked, voice with a little bit of challenge. Your grin widened, eyes following her spin.

“Hmm, once more.”

Isa felt the heat creeping back onto her cheeks. She did anyway, twirling again.

How do you know to say the right thing every time? Are you actually GPT?

“What do you think?” she asked again, hands now on her hips as she striked a pose.

“Better than good. Perfect, actually.”

She huffed, a smile forming slowly. Your words squashed away her frustration from earlier so easily, just like that. “Of course I do.”

“Now me.” you smiled, straightening your posture and spreading your arms. “How do I look?”

Isa looked at you, longer than usual. Those half-moon eye smiles were back on her face as she squinted and thought with an exaggerated expression. Then she hummed, tapping her fingers on her lips.

“Really?” you muttered, smile slowly falling apart at her silence. Isa then shook her head, eyes softening. A laugh finally escaped as she said. “I’m just joking. Of course you look good. I chose those.”

“Perfect?” you tried.

Isa rolled her eyes. “Okay now. Don’t push it.”

The two of you kept drifting through racks, getting random items. Sometimes, you would hold a jacket up to her shoulders and zip it carefully, brushing her hair as you fixed the collar. Sometimes, you perched oversized glasses frames on her nose and tilted her face side to side before nodding like a stylist. Other times, you would just pinch her cheeks. They just looked looked pinchable, that’s all. Isa then also started leaning into it, testing you. When you zipped up the jacket, she pouted her lips and tiptoed closer to you, fishing for a few compliments. And you did, with no hesitation. Isa did look pretty, no lie there.

“You make this jacket look good.”

When you fixed her hair, Isa intentionally leaned her head into your hand just to see what you would do. You tucked her hair behind her ear before flicking her forehead lightly. To you, it was something small and natural. To her, it felt like love. When you cupped her cheeks and gave them a playful squeeze, a sly smile began to tug at her lips as she looked into your eyes.

“Isn’t this what lovers do?” she asked, both teasing and serious. You squeezed them a little harder, stretching them like she was a silly and pouty cat.

“Lovers?” you mocked, amused by the idea. “Nah. We’re too close to be lovers, Isa-ah. You just look pinchable.”

On the outside, Isa laughed, smacking your hand away like it was nothing. On the inside, however, her chest burned.

Too close to be lovers?

She hid it well by forcing a playful grin and nudging you toward the mirror. You didn’t know but it felt like you were shutting the door in her face.

✧✧✧✧✧

아닌 척해볼까 해도, there's an issue (ah) 숨길 수가 없어, why should I miss you?

That night, Isa lay on her bed as the words kept running around in her head like a broken, haunted record. Your voice, your mocking expression.

Too close to be lovers?

She then turned on her side and groaned, hugging her pillow. She really wished squeezing the pillow tight enough would crush the feelings she had for you. Too bad, it didn’t. The memory of everything about you made her want to laugh and cry at the same time. 

No! It doesn’t matter! 

You’re just my best friend. Just a best friend!

Still, even the words in her mind were too shaky to believe in. With a frustrated yell, Isa punched the pillow over and over. Then, she ran her fingers through her hair and gripped it hard to try and let out all the frustration, messing her hair all up in the process.

“Arghh! Stop it, Lee Chaeyoung.” she scolded herself, biting her lip hard. Isa buried her face into the pillow again, voice weak this time. “Why do you have to be like this?”

Then her hand searched for her phone against her will. It didn’t take long before she navigated to the photo gallery of memories she’d tried so hard not to look back at. Photo after photo. Memory after memory. You and Isa at the photobooth, hugging each other too comfortably. Everyone’d laughed at this one and said the two of you looked too much like a couple, a married one even. Then another of you two at a cafe, looking happy with matching drinks. And then, her favorite—the one of her kissing your cheek on your birthday. Your surprised smile looked too genuine for an oblivious guy, while Isa looked too happy to be trapped in the situation that she was still stuck in right now. Isa stared at the screen for too long, pulling the phone closer to her face with each passing second.

Finally, a laugh bubbled out of her throat.

“Of course people would think we’re a couple…”

Her thumb scrolled again, the next photo instantly killed the laughter. It was a selfie Isa���d taken months ago. She had her arm around you, her hand was on your back. Your face was buried in her shoulder, eyes closed, expression crumpled from crying. You’d been hugging and clinging to Isa that night after being rejected by the girl you liked, Sieun. She remembered everything that night. The way you showed up at her place all sad and quiet. The way your tears seeped through her shirt. Even the way she’d smiled through it all for you, assuring you that everything would be okay, even though her own heart was breaking. Her hand trembled as she zoomed in on your face, thumb hovering over your eyes and cheek like she could wipe the tears away.

“Why do I always let you do this to me?” 

Before Isa knew it, her vision started to blur until she couldn’t see anything clearly. She hugged the phone close against her chest, holding all the feelings she had right now in place. Then, the sob finally tore out of her throat. All raw and broken, she curled into the blanket. Her finger unlocked the screen again, tapping the contact of the person she always ran to when things like this bothered her.

“Unnie…” she said the moment Sumin picked up her call. The familiar warmth of her voice immediately hugged Isa through the speaker.

“Isa-ah. What happened? Is it that GPT boy again?”

Isa tried to hold herself together but her throat burned too much. She bit her lip again but a shaky breath managed to escape, enough to let Sumin know what was wrong.

“Oh, Isa…” Sumin said, worry showing in every syllable. “He made you cry again, didn’t he?”

“Unnie… I don’t know what to do.” Isa broke down. “He- he just… why does he have to be like this?”

Sumin stayed quiet for a moment, letting Isa cry through the line. Sumin took in all of her sadness without saying anything, her silence was the safest space Isa knew. Sumin’d been doing this for… longer than she remembered. When Isa finally calmed down, Sumin spoke gently. 

“Isa-ah, listen to me. You can’t keep letting this eat you up inside.”

“What do I do now, unnie?” Isa replied, tears still wet on her cheeks. Sumin exhaled slowly.

“Stop torturing yourself like this, that’s what. If he’s making you feel lost like this then don’t sit around and wait. Just tell him.”

“Tell him?” Isa's voice went up high.

“Confess.” No doubt in Sumin’s tone. “Lay it out for him straight. If he feels the same, good. This endless circle of you being sad finally stops. And if he doesn’t…” Sumin paused, taking a moment to choose the right words. “Then screw him. Because no one is worth all these tears you keep shedding.”

Even though Sumin couldn’t see, Isa shook her head.

“No, unnie. I can’t. I still… love him too much. I just can’t let go like that.”

Sumin’s sigh carried through the line, low and slightly tired. She could guess this was going to happen. Isa was always stubborn when it came to love, when it came to you. “Chaeyoungie… you deserve someone who makes you feels safe, not someone who keeps you guessing and waiting like that.”

No answer.

“Isa.”

Still nothing, Sumin tried again.

“Lee Chaeyoung. I know you can hear me.”

Isa’s silence said enough. She wiped her tears with the back of her hand, breathing in and out slowly.

“Please.” Sumin said, soft and firm. “Don’t waste yourself waiting like this forever. If he ca-”

Beep

The line went dead, Isa’s heart pounding harder and harder as she ended the call. She knew Sumin was right. But that wasn’t what she wanted to hear right now. Some part of her still wanted to wait, to believe that one day you would finally look at her the same way she looked at you.

But that wasn’t what she wanted to hear right now. The other parts of her still wanted to wait, to believe that one day you would finally look at her the same way she looked at you. 

고민 고민해도, 안 풀리는 비밀 매번 나만 네가 필요하단 느낌

Isa stared at her phone again for a long while. Sumin’s words were still flying in her mind but whatever, her life, her choice. Then, she opened your message. Already, she knew it would hurt her even more.

[아이사😻]

what are u doing? i’m bored 🫠

No reply. She sighed, watching the text she’d just sent sit there staring back at her.

[아이사😻]

u ate dinner right? don’t tell me u skipped again

yah

what are u doing? 😾

don’t leave ur bestfriend waiting like this

10 minutes passed. No answer from you. Isa groaned and threw her phone lightly to the side, only to pick it up a few seconds later. She knew she wasn’t ready to let you go like this. Isa chewed the inside of her cheeks, a tight knot forming in her heart.

[아이사😻]

helloooo

GPTTTT

you’re so sloww

sometimes i think u would forget me if i didn’t text you first

ur such a bad friend 🙅‍♀️🙅‍♀️

Isa stared at the “bad friend” specifically then quickly texted another one to mask it. Too risky.

[아이사😻]

ㅋㅋㅋㅋ

nervermind, i’m just bored rn

Still no reply. As the minutes dragged on, her screen stayed dark and silent. It made her feel even dumber and more ridiculous for trying. 

“Why does it feel like it’s only me that needs you…?” she muttered slowly. Rolling around and finally settling on her back, Isa stared at her ceiling with her phone pressed on her chest. Another sigh left her lips.

I’m so pathetic. 

In a desperate move, she opened up ChatGPT and typed.

i’m in love with my best friend, but he’s an oblivious idiot. what do i do?

The reply popped up instantly. Her eyes scanned every single word carefully, then she burst out laughing. Especially at how similar it sounded to you, the way you formed your words at times, the way you explained things and gave advice.

“I can’t believe it… You sound just like that idiot.”

Even the AI was giving her your voice back, telling her the very thing she was too chicken to do. She wiped her wet eyes, still giggling but not so sure if it was because it was funny or it hurt. Maybe both? Isa then sniffled, debating whether to keep venting to the AI version of you or keep bombing the real version with texts until you finally replied when suddenly-

[GPT🤖]

ㅋㅋㅋㅋ

sorry sorry

just finished a lol game

Isa stared at your text for a second, heart already fuming. Typical. Absolutely typical of you. 

You jerk! Your stupid game is more important than me?

She laughed anyway, at least her favorite idiot finally bothered to text back. Her fingers hovered the keyboard, preparing her reply like she hadn’t just been pouring her heart out into an empty void while you were off farming minions.

[아이사😻]

so ur best friend is bored and u just leave her like this?

ur such a meanie, youngwon

[GPT🤖]

sorry, sorry ㅠㅠㅠ

i didn’t mean to

“Really?” Isa huffed, tone flat. “Of course, you didn’t mean to at all.”

[아이사😻]

did u even have dinner, u idiot?

[GPT🤖]

of course i did, did u? 

u don’t have to worry about me, it’s me who have to worry about u

Isa smiled. You cared, you always did, right? Even in the dumbest, smallest ways. Even when your words came out with much more intentions and affection then you ever meant to. She sat up and leaned back against the bedframe, staring at your reply.

[아이사😻]

of course i did, i don’t need u reminding me everyday like that

[GPT🤖]

doesn’t seem like it tho

u yawn and look dead every single time u show up to class

Isa scrunched her nose and clenched her teeth at your text. That was because she’d been staying up and thinking about your AI self too much lately. She wanted to say it, she really did. But she couldn’t, so she bit back the truth and shifted the conversation elsewhere.

[아이사😻]

whatever, stop nagging me

did u finish all the assignments? i need help ㅠㅠ

[GPT🤖]

yup yup i’ll send it to u later dw

btw, the pants we bought this afternoon was a bit too tight

i tried it again earlier, my butt is too big for it

A photo soon followed with you posing ridiculously in front of the mirror, tugging at the waistband. Isa immediately burst into laughter, the sound filling her quiet and lonely room. Her heart was pounding in that stupid way again, all warm and fuzzy because of you. Only you could make her laugh like this, even after she’d been crying not even thirty minutes ago.

[아이사😻]

ㅋㅋㅋ stoppp

u look so stupiddd

Her cheeks were heating. You always managed to pull her back no matter how far her emotions had changed.

[GPT🤖]

excuse me, that’s offensive

u chose this for me, remember?

[아이사😻]

idkkk

maybe u chose it urself

She paused and browsed through her gallery, searching for the right photos she’d taken earlier that the store. Her in the store, hair loose, tan crop top hugging her upper body, flared dark skinny jeans on her legs. Biting her lips, Isa selected a few before hitting send, not giving herself time to think twice.

[아이사😻]

how do i look? i tried them on when u were busy with that stupid pants in the fitting rooms

this one too, should i post these on ig?

Her heart beat faster and more furiously when the photos went through. Despite trying to play it off as typical best friend things, Isa truly wanted to know what you thought, maybe more than anyone else's opinion.

[GPT🤖]

are u even aware of how you look, lee chaeyoung?

idk why you’re even asking me tbh

you look hot, like really hot

and just post them on ig already

The longer Isa stared at the screen, the happier her smile got. Your reply was more than enough, making her chest feel like it wanted to burst right out.

If only GPT was hers already.

✧✧✧✧✧

You and I, 어려워, 어려워, stop it Time is up, time is up, time to show I wanna know about it (click, click)

It was Friday afternoon, right after a tediously long lecture. The sunlight was warm as you sat with Yoon and Seeun at a table on campus. You were scrolling on your phone when Isa dropped down next to you with a small “nyaa~” sound. It was one of her odd habits that somehow felt natural around you. You didn’t mind, it was kinda cute. It didn’t take long for Yoon to speak up, like always.

“Where’s your girlfriend, Youngwon?” she asked out of nowhere.

Your head snapped up from your phone. “Who?” you asked, genuinely confused. “I have one?”

Seeun snort. “Don’t play dumb, GPT. It’s Isa. You’re always stuck together, basically official at this point.”

Isa’s cheeks burned as she let out a laugh that was too nervous to be casual. “Shut up. It’s not like that.”

You only shrugged, as the thought seemed too far to be reality. “Yup. We’re just close, that’s all.”

Isa’s chest sank as the warmth she’d felt just seconds ago was now replaced by your stone cold rejection. She forced a smile while her fingers fidgeted in her lap. But Yoon soon caught the sadness in Isa’s eyes that she thought she’d hidden well. Seeun propped her cheek on her fist, studying Isa with quiet concern. Like reading each other’s mind, the two of them soon exchanged glances before nodding subtly at Isa, signaling at her. Do something, their expressions urged. Push it further. Don’t let it end here.

Isa’s eyebrows furrowed at their silent encouragement, heart thudding. Do something? Push it further? Isa really wanted to but her mind was filled with all the directions it could go wrong. You laughing? You pulling away? Yoon being Yoon, she squinted at Isa and mouth “coward”. Seeun then gave Isa a judging look, making her bite the inside of her cheeks, torn to pieces inside. One half was begging her to stay still while the other was urging her to move.

Finally, before her last piece of courage could dissolve completely, Isa shifted on her seat until her shoulder touched yours. The contact jolted her heart, nothing Isa’d never done before but she still felt nervous. Her breath hitched as she let her chin lower on your shoulder. For a few seconds, she couldn’t breathe.

Calm down. I did it…

“What are you doing?” she said, almost letting the nervousness out. You didn’t even look to the side and just hummed, all calm and relaxed. 

“Just scrolling.” you said, finger flicking on your screen. “Was waiting for you to come out.”

The warmth in Isa dimmed a little at how normal you treated it. Still, she tried again by leaning even closer, exhaling a soft breath. You then glanced at her, noticing the weight of her leaning onto you.

“Tired?” you asked.

“A little.” Isa murmured, eyes lowering.

“The rest as long as you want.” you said with no hesitation, moving slightly so Isa could lean more comfortably. “We can catch the bus home later.”

Isa felt like you’d cracked her heart open and poured warmth right in, too easily. You were too oblivious and caring at the same time. Without knowing, she let herself sink a little deeper against you, hiding the excited sound that was threatening to escape. Across the two of you, Yoon clapped a hand over her mouth to stifle a squeal while Seeun nudged her with her lips pressed together. The both of them were silently fangirling at the scene going on right in front of them. Couldn’t hold it in anymore, Yoon rested her elbow on the table and leaned forward.

“Seriously.” she said, voice a tad bit high. “Why don’t you two just get together already?”

Isa’s whole body stiffened. The heat flooded her cheeks so fast she almost felt dizzy. Her mind quickly scrambled for a way to escape the question but you took a breath, so loud it took Isa out of her thoughts. Staring into the distance, you gave the thought real consideration. 

“I don’t actually know… Never actually think about it that seriously.” you said honestly. 

You didn’t notice but Yoon’s mouth fell open and Seeun gripped her arm out of excitement so hard Yoon almost yelped.

Isa? Her heart was basically malfunctioning at this point. Was this it? Was this the moment she’d been secretly dreaming about? A single careless sentence from you but it gave her so much hope. Then your eyes turned to her, chin still on your shoulder.

“What do you think?” you asked, shaking your shoulder lightly, not wanting to disturb her rest. Blinking fast, she stuttered.

“M- me? What are you saying? I- I don’t know. That’s weird.” 

Her laugh then came out paper thin, breaking apart awkwardly. Your expression dropped a bit, the corner of your mouth tugged down before you let out a breath. Maybe it was to assure her you were thinking the same? 

“Right… Umm, I figured.”

You looked back at your phone again, finger clicking at the screen to distract yourself from what’d just happened. 

“Anyway…” you cleared your throat, the sound sharp and awkward at the same time. “Some of my friends keep pushing me to meet this girl they know. They set up a blind date for me next Sunday.”

You pulled up a photo, tilting your screen toward Yoon and Seeun with a smile that felt a bit unnatural.

“Kim Minjeong. She’s cute, right?”

Yoon leaned in closer with wide eyes, pretending to evaluate seriously while Seeun glanced at Isa, checking if she was fine.

“Ooh… yeah, yeah… she’s pretty.”

Isa felt she’d just been split open down the middle. She felt like the entire world could see how she’d just rejected her only chance to be something with you. Her heart twisted painfully, the sharp ache then spread to her throat until it became too hard for her to speak up or even breathe. Lifting her chin from your shoulder, Isa forced out a quiet laugh. She looked anywhere but you and your screen. You caught it this time. The way her laugh broke thinly and how she couldn’t meet your eyes. You tilted your head at Isa, voice softer than before.

“You okay?”

“Yeah.” Isa whispered, the lie managed to come out fine despite the trembling in her heart. “Why wouldn’t I be?” 

“You’re jealous, aren’t you?” you joked, lips smirking. Both Yoon and Seeun raised their eyebrows at it. For the first time, you weren’t just brushing it off with some tedious comment or a dumb smile. You’d just teased Isa like you saw something in Isa. Isa laughed at you, eyes curving into half-moon shapes.

“Idiot.” she said, shoving you with a little more force than usual. “Don’t say weird things like that.”

You grinned, rubbing the spot she’d just shoved. “Good.” you said, eyes already back at your phone like the matter was settled. “Just making sure.”

Isa’s smile died down slowly. She looked down at her hands, poking at her pants and pretending she was fine while she was actually dying inside. Yoon and Seeun stayed quiet. Their earlier amusement soon faded. They could see Isa’s act for what it was, and it hurt to see how fake she tried to be to keep you from asking more. They wish you could see it too.

Maybe you’d just started to see it.

Or you were too afraid to be more direct.

Who knew?

✧✧✧✧✧

Tell me, I'm calling you, GPT, 대답해 줘, GPT 넌 내가 안 궁금해? 이대로도 충분해? (Huh) No, never be the same (same) and I want you to say (say) 그만 모르는척해 줘

The next week soon came. And it felt different, without Isa. She wasn’t glued to your side anymore. She still showed up to class, still laughed at Yoon’s jokes and Seeun’s stories but when it came to you, she was distant. Your text also went unanswered longer than usual.

[GPT🤖]

yah

where are you? why are you avoiding me?

Nothing.

[GPT🤖]

let’s get something to eat

i’ll get you melon bread

[아이사😻]

i’m busy, sorry

another time

That was one of her answers. Same rejection, just different wordings. And they came hours later.

At lectures, Isa would sit between Yoon and Isa instead of next to you. She talked, nodding at their conversation but barely looking your way. When you tried to tease her like always, it felt like she only smiled to brush the interaction away as quickly as possible. And on the way home, it felt like she would walk faster so that you had to catch up. Or she didn’t wait at all. Now, Isa even made excuses to not sit next to you on the bus or not come home on the same bus with you. You frowned the third day it happened, watching Isa retreating figure blend into the crowd.

“Damn it…” you muttered under your breath, hands gripping the backpack’s straps.

Far away, Yoon and Seeun saw it all. They knew you and Isa way too well. This was her way of protecting herself before she got hurt even worse. But watching you yearning for Isa, watching Isa force the distance made their hearts hurt too.

“Why couldn’t they just get together?” Seeun wondered aloud. Yoon exhaled, eyes on the both of you moving farther apart in opposite directions.

“Because one of them somehow got too scared, and the other’s too stupid and robotic.” she answered simply.

“But isn’t GPT realizing? Looks like it.” Seeun studied the way you slowed your steps, eyes still chasing after Isa even when she disappeared.

“Maybe?” Yoon’s voice went up. “But Isa’s shutting down.”

“So what? We just watch them hurt each other like that.” Seeun sighed. Yoon glanced at her friend, eyes sparkling with something. “Maybe we could help them.”

By Friday afternoon, you’d felt like you had enough. Class just ended. And like clockwork, Isa was already slipping out the door, carrying herself far ahead before you could even pack up all your bags. This time, you didn’t let her vanish that quick.

“Isa.”

She didn’t slow down.

“Yah. Lee Chaeyoung.”

You caught her wrist, firm but not hard enough to hurt her. Her body tensed but she still didn’t turn around. 

“Let me go.” Isa tried to yank her hand back but you tightened your grip to keep her in place.

“No.”

You tugged lightly to pull her away from the crowd, down a quiet hall until the sound of other people faded. Finally, you stopped at an empty corner and only then did you release her wrist and let your hand drop. Isa took a step back and crossed her eyes, still not wanting to meet your eyes. You stared at her with frustration etched across your face. 

“What’s wrong with you? Why are you avoiding me?”

A humorless laugh came out of her. 

“Oh wow. Look at you now.” she mocked you. “Suddenly you care? Suddenly you’re mad at me for pulling away?”

You were taken aback. “Of course I care, Isa. You’re my-”

“Best friend?” she cut in. “I’ve heard that before. Too many times now.” Her arms tightened as she looked at you for the first time. Her eyes were glassy with frustration.

“You don’t get it, do you?” she spat. “I’ve liked you all this time. Every dumb little thing you do. Carrying my bag, buying me melon bread, taking care of me like I was your girlfriend. I fell for all of them. And you-”

Her words caught, chest heaving but she forced them out anyway. “You keep acting like some robot. Too oblivious, too logical. You ignored everything I felt.”

You opened your mouth but Isa’s voice cut in again. Sharper and angrier this time, fueled by all the time she’d been ignored.

“And now? Now you give yourself the right to corner me in a hallway and act like this? To demand why I’m avoiding you? When you’ve never once thought about how much this hurts me?”

“I tried, okay?” you defended yourself, voice shaky. “Maybe I was dumb. Okay, I was dumb. But I did notice in the end. Why do you think I asked if you were okay when I showed you that photo of the girl my friends tried to se-”

“That?” Isa snapped, her laugh came out disbelieving. She dragged a hand through her hair, pacing a step away before spinning back toward you. Her eyes shone wet under the hallway lights.

“I know. I- I’m sorry. I just-”

“Sorry?” Isa laughed. She shook her head violently until tears came spilling faster. “You think sorry is enough?”

Not letting you answer, she shoved at your chest with both hands as hard as she could. You stumbled back a few steps but didn’t resist. You chose to keep your arms limp to your body.

“You think cornering me and apologizing like this is enough?” Isa shouted, hitting you with smaller fists. “Do you know how long I’ve been hurting? Do you know how hard it is to love someone who doesn’t even see me?”

Her body shook with even more rage and heartbreak as she landed another punch on you. You stayed still through it all, letting Isa strike at you through it all. You knew it was your fault. When her attacks weakened, she pressed her fists against your chest and just kept them there. Isa even lowered her forehead until it nearly touched you. Her breathing was ragged and uneven.

My chance…

Slowly, you lifted your hands to pull Isa into a hug. Maybe to hold her and tell her that you were sorry in a way that you couldn’t express. But Isa immediately looked up with her eyes blazing through tears.

“Don’t even think about hugging me right now.” 

Your hands hovered uselessly in the air before you pulled them back down. Isa sniffled, swiping at her cheeks with the back of her hand.

“I hate you. Don’t even come finding me again. We’re not friends anymore.”

Isa shoved you back with much more effort than when she punched you, putting undeniable distance between you. The push carried every tiny bit of her anger, her heartbreak, her need to escape before she completely fell apart in front of you. By the time you finally register her words, Isa was already walking away. 

“Isa-ah…” 

She didn’t turn around, not even bothering a glance. All you could do was watch her back grow smaller until she disappeared. 

Not even friends anymore.

You fucked up.

✧✧✧✧✧

Tell me, I'm calling you, GPT, 대답해 줘, GPT 넌 내가 안 궁금해? 이대로도 충분해? (Huh) No, never be the same (same) and I want you to say (say) 그만 모르는척해 줘

Tomorrow morning, you couldn’t take it anymore. So you went to the only people who knew Isa as well as you did. Yoon and Seeun. The second you asked them what to do, they both turned on you immediately. 

“You idiot!” Yoon smacked you on the head. “How could you let it get that far? Do you know why she calls you GPT now!?”

Seeun’s hit on your shoulder was even harder. “Cornering her, then saying dumb shit about noticing her at the last second? You’re pathetic!”

You winced and rubbed the sore spots. “I know I messed up, okay? That’s why I’m asking you two.”

“Unbelievable…” Yoon muttered, arms now crossed. “All this time she’s been pouring her heart into you and you just what? Be you?”

Seeun just rolled her eyes. You let out a long, guilty breath. Isa’s words were weighing so heavy in your chest. “So what do I do now?”

“If you actually mean what you’re saying then just fight for her.” Seeun said, hand shooting out in the air.

“Fight for her?” you flinched, already covering yourself.

“Yeah.” Yoon said, pulling out her phone. “We’re going to Isa’s place to drink with her and calm her down since she’s… You.” she eyed you up and down with a frown. You were pretty sure disgust was somewhere in her eyes. 

“Okay. I’m sorry.” you sighed with your head down, feeling small under her stare.

“Try and not look like some clueless AI for once, idiot.” Yoon muttered, shoving her phone back in her pocket. 

“And bring flowers, real ones.” See added, dead serious. “Real effort, not those cheap ones.”

“But isn’t Isa like, a good drinker?” you wondered. “I think she can outdrink you two easily.”

They looked at each other before bursting out laughing. 

“In her dreams.” Yoon said, snorting. “There’s no way Isa can take the two of us.”

“We’ll get her heart all soft and sad. Then you show up looking nice and hopeless, flowers in hand. She’ll be tipsy enough to maybe listen to you instead of punching you again.”

“Or she’ll still punch you.” Yoon confirmed with a shrug. “But either way… progress?”

“You guys sure this will work?” you groaned, hands on your head out of worry.

“What? You wanna do this alone?” Seeun asked, smirking.

“Oh no! Definitely not.”

So here you were, standing in front of Isa’s door. Flowers clutched so tight your hands were shaking. Everything felt too loud in your head, even the beating of your heart. 

You can do it… You can do it.

You swallowed and exhaled one last time. Nothing can go wrong, right? Then you lifted your hand and pressed her door bell before some other persona of yours could talk yourself out of this.

Ten seconds.

Twenty seconds.

Then the door swung open.

Isa.

Her eyes met yours instantly and the glare there told you everything, no words needed. Isa had already expected it to be you. Her arms braced against the doorframe, expression somehow tight, angry but still… very beautiful. And behind her were… 

Huh?

Yoon and Seeun were lying on the living room floor, faces flushed with empty bottles scattered around them. They both burst out laughing when they saw you.

“Oohhhh, GPT!” Yoon slurred, lifting her cup your way before collapsing into giggles. 

“Look at you~” Seeun cackled, pointing at the flowers in your hand. “You actually bought them. Ai can learn, Yoon-ah!”

Damn… Isa is a strong drinker.

Isa, on the other hand, didn’t even laugh or blink. Her glare was locked on you.

“Hi.” you swallowed and adjusted your grip on the bouquet. “I came to…”

“To what?” Isa cut you off. “Say sorry again? Acting like everything’s all good now because you showed up with flowers?”

Her words hurt but they were the truth. So you forced yourself not to look away. “No. I came to ask for a chance. I know I’ve made a big mistake and I should’ve ju-”

“Boooriiinggg!” Yoon shouted from the floor, waving her arms. “Kiss already! You two!”

Seeun smacked her with a pillow then the both of them dissolved into another waves of drunken laughter. Isa didn’t budge. If anything, her eyes darkened. She inhaled sharply, her lips trembled lightly. Maybe because she was swallowing words she didn’t want to say out loud. She’d had enough already. No yelling, no theatrics anymore. 

Without warning, Isa slammed the door shut. 

The flowers almost slipped out of your grip as you found yourself staring at the wood grain just centimeters from your nose. You could even hear Yoon and Seeun’s laughter muffled behind the door, adding to the shame. You must’ve looked so pathetic right now.

Shoulders slumped, you turned around slowly and let your back slide down the door until you were sitting on the cold hallway floor, bouquet now limp just like your feelings. “Fuck…” you whispered with your palms pressed against your eyes. “Why am I so stupid?”

The guilt attacked you, heavier with every breath you took. Still, something in you told you not to move. And you did just that, stretching your legs out and leaned fully against the door, letting the night pass just like that. 

If she didn’t listen today, you’d wait, as long as it took. That was what you told yourself. Somewhere along your thoughts, your eyes finally fluttered shut when exhaustion caught you. Stuck between guilt and desperation, you decided if Isa’s heart had even a tiny space left for you, you’d still be right here when morning came.  And so you stayed, flowers now clutched to your chest. You dozed off in front of her door and waited for a chance.

✧✧✧✧✧

Baby, I love you (you) Dot, dot-dot-dot-dot, dot-dot-dot Baby, I love you (you) Dot, dot-dot-dot-dot, dot-dot-dot, dot-dot-dot

The next morning, the sound of her door unlocking jolted you awake. Too late.

What?

The door quickly swung open. You, still slumped against it, toppled backward with a hard thud.

“Ow!” 

Isa gasped and stepped back in shock. “What the- Youngwon?”

You breathed heavily, still recovering from the sudden wake up call. Rubbing the back of your head, you scrambled upright, the flowers were nearly crushed in your lap.

“Hi…” your voice groggy, hair a total mess. “You loo- look beautiful, Isa.”

Isa was stunned into silence. Maybe your determination did it? Her expression fell apart just for a second before her guard came back up. She crossed her arms and glared at you, though her cheeks betrayed her with a tiny hint of red.

Is it working?

“You’re insane, you idiot.” her voice quieter than last night. “You actually slept here last night?”

You nodded quickly and held out the bouquet sheepishly. 

“Isa, I’m sorry. I know I messed up and I know I hurt you really bad.”

Mid apology, you dropped to your knees right there on her doorstep. “Please, I just need one more chance. I’ll do anyth-”

“Yah.” Isa hissed, her eyes in panic mode as she looked down the hallway. She was horrified at the thoughts of her neighbors peeking out. Her hand moved to grip your arm.

“Don’t kneel out here, you idiot!”

Isa dragged you across the threshold and inside.

“Oh! Sorry abo-”

“My neighbors could’ve seen you. Don’t embarrass me like that.”

You stumbled into her living room, flowers still in hand as Isa quickly shut the door behind you. Awkwardly, you stood in place and brushed your messy hair down. You didn't know what to do with yourself. The silence was too loud until Isa’s footstep came closer. She stopped right in front of you, arms now crossed tight like she was preparing to scold you again. Her eyes scanned you from your wrinkled shirt to the bent bouquet in your hands.

“You slept outside my door all night just to say sorry?”

You swallowed hard, shifting on your feet. “I mean… not just sorry.” you murmured. “Didn’t want to lose you, Isa.”

Her arms stayed crossed, eyes locked on you to wait for you to keep talking. You exhaled.

“I’m not asking for forgiveness right away.” you started. “I know I’m not good with words. Half the time I sound like a broken robot but I swear… I see you. I just-” you shook your head in frustration, breaking off slightly. “I was stupid and too scared to ruin what we had. I knew I was a jackass for hurting you and doing nothing.”

Isa just blinked, eyebrows furrowed like an annoyed cat. A cute one too.

“I’m not asking for forgiveness right away. Just maybe… one chance. I want to prove I can do better. I want to show you that you’re not wasting your heart on me.”

You hesitated and cued a small, nervous smile.

“Maybe breakfast? Right now? Just us.”

For the first time, Isa’s eyes twitched with something. That alone was hopeful enough for you. She didn’t know how to answer and ev-

The bedroom door creaked, two heads peeked out. “Ooohh…” Yoon sang, smiling mischievously. “He’s confessing~”

Seeun covered her mouth to stifle a laugh, failing miserably. “Romantic~”

Isa whipped her head toward them, glare sharp like she could burn holes through the door. Both of them yelped and retreated instantly, slamming the bedroom door shut. Isa groaned before turning back to you. She cleared her throat, voice shaking slightly. Complete opposite to the calm mask she was wearing.

“Did… you even go to that blind date of yours last night?”

You shook your head instantly, no hesitation in your eyes. “No.” The next words came out rough but truer than anything you’d ever said.

“I realized I love you. I’m sorry for not realizing it sooner… for making you feel like you didn’t matter.”

Her eyes widened at your confession, her composure cracked the longer she looked at you. Isa quickly turned her eyes aside before you could catch how red her cheeks had gotten. Silence took over and stretched for what felt like forever. You scratched the back of your neck before smiling awkwardly. 

“So… breakfast date?”

Still flustered, Isa huffed out a breath while trying to hold herself together. 

“Fine. Just breakfast.”

Her voice came out a shade too soft. Her jaw was tight but her cheeks still burned a stubborn red and the quick glance she risked at you made her heart beat loud enough to make sure you could hear it. When she finally turned to the kitchen, her steps were overly controlled.

“Don’t- don’t think this means anything.”

You smiled to yourself.

Maybe, GPT’d done something right.

✧✧✧✧✧

[erospandemos]

They done sent the princess to the military

[erospandemos]

Oh shit the sequel to the masterpiece

Secret In a Winter Wonderland - Part Two

Part One

Winter x Male Reader Fluff

7.4k words

So this is something. 

Never in your infinite cynicism and introversion did you think you’d end up at a party of all places. 

Well, you’re not actually at the party yet—you’re hesitating at the front door. Listening to the muffled thump of pop music you’ve never heard, the screaming of way to many fucking people in a single enclosed space—the not-so-subtle way your heartbeat is drowning all of it out.

Normally, you’d just leave. Turn heel, grab takeout, and spend the night exactly as God intended: sprawled out on your couch with Youtube or a movie and minimal human interaction.

But this isn’t “normally.” This is Minjeong’s party, or rather, her friends’ party, (she didn’t seem all that keen on hosting when you were cuddling in the snow.) Alas, she asked you to go, and bailing is effectively equivalent to committing a war crime on your developing relationship.

So yeah, no choice but to walk straight into hell.

Your hand finds the doorknob. 

Come the fuck on, you tell yourself. It’s just a party: Just a few hours of pretending to be a functioning social creature before you can slip out and—

The door swings open.

Ningning’s standing there. A half-empty glass of red wine sloshes in her hand, eyes and smile housing something deeply, profoundly dangerous. She doesn’t say “hi” or “welcome” like a good host would—doesn't even gesture for you to enter. Instead, with a perfectly executed smirk, she turns her head slightly and, without breaking eye contact, announces to the entire party:

“MINJEONG, YOUR BOYFRIEND IS HERE!”

You black out for a second.

Not literally, but rather in the sense that your mind completely dissociates from the material world. Your physical body must still be standing there, existing on tangible matter, because you hear the way the entire party stops. Music is still playing, but conversations stutter, drinks pause halfway to lips, heads turn, one by one, like a scene out of a horror movie, except you’re the unfortunate soul standing in the doorway—the monster everyone is staring at.

You look behind you when you finally regain autonomy. No windows to jump out of.

Fantastic.

You’re left with no choice but to step inside, (running for the elevator would be infinitely more embarrassing), hesitantly, like you’re navigating a minefield, but step in nonetheless. 

Dozens of eyes follow your every move, silently assessing, silently judging. Your mind is working overtime, trying to figure out how to recover from this, but the only thing it manages to come up with is: Welp. Time to fake my own death and move two continents away.

But then you see her.

And all concerns blissfully fade away.

Minjeong is standing in the kitchen, her hand frozen mid-sip for a drink. Her expression is, to say the least, shocked, but quickly shifts to signal what you can only assume is an impending murder attempt on Ning Ning.

 But that’s not what stops you in your tracks.

It’s her dress.

The dress is azure blue, made from this gorgeous flowing fabric with the texture of a plush blanket. It’s nice, sure, but something about how she looks in it could make you go rabid. The way it makes her adorable blonde bob cut stand out, the way she looks so blissfully innocent, the way it leaves her shoulders and collarbone exposed. 

You've seen Minjeong in so many different ways: messy-haired and comfortable over video, adorably bundled in coats and scarves. Lying beside you, radiant in the moonlight—but this? It's a word you’d never thought of to describe her.

Kim Minjeong is hot.

And paradoxically adorable too…?

Your brain, unable to compute her beauty, promptly shuts-down.

Minjeong recovers from the initial shock, snapping her head toward Ningning with a glare so sharp it could shatter her glass. “What the hell is wrong with you?” she hisses, almost shattering her own drink as she sets it down.

Ningning, who just lives for chaos apparently, simply grins. “What? I’m greeting your—”

“Finish that sentence and die.”

You would laugh if you were capable of basic motor functions right now. Unfortunately, you are not, because Minjeong is walking towards you, and you’re barely a quarter into your system reboot.

You expect a casual greeting—one that directly contradicts Ningning’s prior announcement. But instead, she hugs you—in front of everyone. It’s not some casual, one-armed, friendly pat-on-the-back kind of hug either. No, this is one of those hugs. Arms wrapped around your middle, her cheek pressing against your chest, the warmth of her entire body invading yours.

Your brain, already critically damaged from The Dress, promptly BSODs.

And somewhere in the distance, you hear the collective oohs and aahs of an audience who does not need to be here for this. Minjeong, however, is completely unfazed. She pulls back just enough to look up at you, gaze tender, voice mild.

“You made it,” she says simply.  

Before you can even think of a response (you’re not even capable of speaking, anyway), Karina’s voice interrupts. “Okay, but if you’re gonna greet him like that, Ningning wasn’t technically wrong.”

A ripple of laughter spreads through the room.

You snap out of your daze just in time to see Minjeong shoot Karina a deadly glare. “You guys are the worst,” she scowls, taking a step back from you, arms falling to her sides—but not before her fingers briefly graze your wrist. “Come with me,” she murmurs to you, tilting her head toward the hallway. 

You hesitate, glancing around the party which is thankfully beginning to restart. Karina is busy playing host, Giselle is mid-conversation watching with a knowing smirk, and Ningning—wherever she is—is undoubtedly basking in the chaos she created.

As good a time as any to get the fuck out.

Minjeong doesn’t say anything else—just takes your hand  and pulls you through the crowd. A few people glance your way, but no one stops you, and soon, you’re slipping past the kitchen, down a dimly lit hallway, until finally you’re able to take refuge in a room.

You don’t realize where she’s led you until the door clicks shut behind you—and then it’s just the two of you, standing in the soft glow of a warm lamp, surrounded by pastel colours, books stacked sideways, and an egregiously large family of stuffed animals on the bed.

Holy fuck.

Minjeong’s room.

“Sorry about that,” she says with a sigh, leaning her forehead against the door. “Ningning is Ningning, but when she gets alcohol into her?” Minejong turns towards you. “ She’s like… Ningningning.”

“Holy shit,” you laugh. “That was awful.”

Minjeong laughs back. “I’ll be here all night,” she says, finger guns being shot your way.

…And immediately regrets said finger guns.

“Oh my god,” she groans, slapping both hands over her face. “What am I doingggggg.”

“Don’t worry,” you grin. “I only judged you a little.”

She peeks at you through her fingers, face bright red. “At least it wasn’t as embarrassing as whatever that was.”

“As embarrassing as what, exactly?” you prod with faux innocence.

Her hands drop. Her eyes narrow. “Ooh, you are playing a dangerous game, mister.”

“Am I now? I survived Ningning, I’m pretty sure I can take you too.”

“Is that so?”

“That is so. And besides… I didn’t mind it.”

Oh God, what are you saying?

“Didn’t mind what, exactly?” Minjeong asks with complete sincerity.

“The whole um… The part where… Y’know, Ningning called me your boyfriend.”

You don’t dare watch her reaction.

Decades tick by, maybe centuries, before Minjeong finally responds.

“…You didn’t mind?” she asks simply.

You tug at your sleeve, staring way too hard at her bookshelf—at the crooked stack of paperbacks threatening to collapse like your current mental state. “No. I mean I—Uh—”

Oh, great. Perfect. Stammering. Really selling yourself here.

 “I kinda…liked it, actually.”

Instantly, she panics about it, and you're terrified you've scared her. She ducks her head, hides half her face behind her sleeve hoping to hide her excessive blush.

“Oh.”

That’s it. One syllable, one vowel, and suddenly you’re the idiot scrambling to fill the silence.

“I mean—not like, you know, I’ve been thinking about this or anything, or sitting around hoping someone would just blurt it out—like, obviously not. That’d be insane. I just—like—it wasn’t bad. At all. It was… kind of nice, actually. Like, if people think that, then… it’s not the worst thing in the world. Kind of… the opposite, really.”

“Hey,” she cuts in with a laugh. 

You glance up. Minjeong’s looking at you now, really looking.

“Relax,” she says, a small smile forming on her lips. “I… liked it too.”

For once, you don’t have a quip ready. No joke, no sarcastic shield, nothing. Just static buzzing behind your eyes because Kim Minjeong just said she liked you being called her boyfriend.

“…Oh,” Is all you’ve got to say too. Fantastic work. Nobel prize for eloquence coming both of your ways.

“So…” She begins, gaze now locked somewhere between the wall and floor, “ if Ning Ning calls you my boyfriend again…”

“And she definitely will,” you say automatically.

“Then… she wouldn’t technically be wrong this time…?”

Minjeong looks up at you again, searching your eyes for affirmation.

“No,” you laugh looking back. “I guess she wouldn’t be.”

And neither of you think you’ll smile quite so hard at each other again.

*

You’re both hesitant to step back out to the party, but Minjeong, after all, is still technically a host. 

She offered you refuge in her room—which you reluctantly declined. You've come all this way, why not try and party, even just a little? You exit the room hand-in-hand, arriving in the open living area of the (rather large) apartment. Minjeong doesn’t let go of your hand right away, lingering beside you and tightening her grip on your fingers.

You glance down at her. “You okay?”

She huffs dramatically. “No. Because the second we step out there, I suddenly have responsibilities again.”

You chuckle. “Ah, yes. The burden of being beloved.”

She tilts her head up at you with a pout. “It’s exhausting and…” she trails off, looking you up and down, “I’d rather stay with you.”

God is she adorable.

Before you can manage a reply, a voice calls from across the room. “Minjeong! Come say hi!”

Karina, ever the perfect host, waves Minjeong over toward a group of newcomers. You barely register who they are before Minjeong sighs, her hand slipping from yours.

“See?” she mutters. “Responsibilities.”

You smirk. “I’ll be waiting.”

She looks like she’s about to say something else, but then her gaze flickers past you, toward the other side of the room. Her expression goes sly, and when you follow her eyes, you spot your friends (your roommates) gesturing for you.

Fuck.

They aren’t exactly subtle about it. One of them waggles his eyebrows. The other makes an exaggerated heart shape with his hands. The last one just pats the empty spot on the couch beside him.

Minjeong covers her mouth to suppress a laugh. “Oh, they’re gonna eat you alive.”

You sigh, already preparing for the interrogation ahead. “Yeah, thanks for your concern.”

She grins, stepping back toward Karina’s group. “Good luck,” she sing-songs with a smile before twirling away, leaving you to your fate.

You take a deep breath, steel yourself, and trudge over to the couch, where your friends are waiting like vultures.

You sit down.

They don’t say anything at first.

They just stare.

Three pairs of eyes locked onto you, faces practically vibrating with barely contained glee.

You sigh. “Just get it over with.”

One of them leans forward, elbows on his knees, like he’s conducting an interview. “So.” A beat. “How’s your night going?”

You narrow your eyes. “Fine.”

The other one nods, pretending to be deep in thought. “Mm. And Winter?”

You exhale sharply. “Also fine.”

“Interesting, interesting,” the first one murmurs.

The third one grins. “Because from where we’re sitting, it looks a lot more than ‘fine’.”

You groan, tipping your head back against the couch. “You guys suck.”

“And yet,” the first one says, crossing his arms, “you love us. Enough to live with us. Enough to tell us—” he leans in slightly, “—what. Happened.”

You glance at them, weighing your options. On one hand, you could attempt to deflect, dodge, maybe even pretend you didn’t hear them over the music. On the other hand… you’re outnumbered. You don’t stand a chance.

After a long pause, you exhale. “We, uh…” You rub the back of your neck. “We talked.”

“Talked,” one of them repeats, nodding sagely.

“Talked,” another echoes. “That’s good. Communication is key.”

“Yes. Talking,” the last one agrees. “Truly, a beautiful thing.”

You roll your eyes. “Oh, shut the fuck up.”

They cackle.

Then one of them leans in. “But seriously. Are you guys… a thing now?” He gestures towards the hallway you disappeared to.

You hesitate for a second, then nod.

Chaos erupts.

One of them shoves your shoulder, the other whoops so loudly that people glance over, and the last one just starts shaking you by the arm like he’s practicing one of those "enhanced interrogation techniques.”

“Oh my God.”

“It finally happened.”

“I feel like a proud dad.”

“Dude, we were rooting for you. We were all rooting for you.”

You groan. “I hate you all.”

One of them, still shaking your arm like a madman, suddenly stops and squints at you. “Okay, but real talk—when are you losing your virginity to her?”

If you had a drink this would have been a spit take. “The fuck—?!”

The others burst into laughter, clapping each other on the back like this is the funniest thing they’ve ever witnessed.

“I mean, come on,” the first one continues, undeterred by your horror. “You two were in that room for a while. We were starting to think you—”

“Jesus Christ,” you interrupt. “We talked—not that it’s any of your business.”

“Sure,” one of them says, winking. “Talked.”

You’re halfway to throwing hands when, mercifully, you spot Minjeong across the room. She’s standing near the door now, hands tucked into the sleeves of her coat, rocking back on her heels as she lifts a hand and gestures toward the exit.

You don’t need to be asked twice.

“Later, assholes,” you announce, standing up.

“Going somewhere?”

“Tell Winter we said hi!”

“Make sure to use protection!”

You flip them off over your shoulder as you walk away, and they howl with laughter behind you. 

Oh, you’re totally moving out once the party’s over.

*

Minjeong is already waiting for you just outside, exhaling onto her hands for warmth as she watches cars barrel down the city street. “Finally,” she remarks, like the weight of the world has been lifted from her shoulders.

“That bad, huh?”

She sighs, throwing her head back dramatically. “I’m happy so many people showed up for m—us. Truly, I am. But if I have to greet one more person, I'm going to lose my mind.” She’s rubbing her temples now, making eerie whines that you thought only anime characters and animals make.

Cute, is all that comes to mind.

“How did your conversation go, then?” she asks, like a win for you is a win for her.

“Interrogation more like.”

“That bad, huh?” she repeats, earning a little giggle from the both of you.

“Mhm. At first, it was all vague, ominous questions, and then—boom. Out of nowhere, it got weird."

"Weird how?"

You hesitate. You two are close and technically a thing now, but not let’s talk about fucking each other close.

"Just…weird,” is what you land on.

Her eyes narrow (adorably, of course). 

"Weird as in, they want to know a little too much, weird? Or weird as in, you've never talked to them about such a charming, beautiful and talented woman such as myself, weird?"

“Definitely that first one,” you laugh. “No, but seriously, they were way too happy. Like, gleeful. And invasive. Felt like I was about to be tortured.”

Minjeong snorts. "That’s your fault for being so fun to tease," she sings, practically skipping along beside you.

“Same could be said for you, Miss elusive eyebrows.”

You barely register her pout before her fist collides with your shoulder, you’re both smiling, and she’s wrapping herself around your arm once more.

It’s crazy to think how far you two have come. From being barely able to speak to each other in that restaurant, to “good morning” texts, to full-blown dates, to sneaking away from a party she’s hosting just to spend a little more time with each other. It’s an idea that ran across your mind when you parted ways that Christmas, but you’ve never really gotten the chance to entertain it.

You think that you’re in lov—

“Wait, where the fuck are we?”

Minjeong snaps you out of your daze with language you rarely hear her use.

You look around you. 

Yeah… Where the fuck are you?

The scenery isn’t much different—you’re in the city, after all—but as for exactly where you are?

Good question.

“I have no clue,” is all you manage as you look up and down the road you’re on. “How long have we been walking?

“Uh… At least fifteen minutes,” Minjeong says as she looks up from her phone.

“Damn,” you laugh. “You weren’t paying attention either?”

“I was… enjoying the moment,” Minjeong says sheepishly.

Your face flushes. Minjeong’s does the same.

“A-and I was thinking!” She stammers.

 “Thinking?” You ask with theatrical surprise.

She glares. “Yes, thinking. I do that sometimes.”

“Didn’t think you were capable.”

“Wow,” she snorts. “And to think I was gonna let you pick where we go from here.”

“Well then, Little Miss Thinker, if not me, then you. What grand activity have you thought up for us tonight?”

 Little Miss Thinker’s gnawing on her bottom lip. “I… uh—You pick!” she says in a panic.

"I don't mind,” you shrug. “I’m fine with anything. You pick."

Her nose wrinkles. "Well, I don’t mind either."

"You brought me out here," you point out, nudging her shoulder with yours. "That means you get the privilege of picking. Congrats,” you smile.

She glares at you, but there’s no heat behind it—just the usual flustered pout. "I don’t know this area!"

“And neither do I.”

Minjeong breaks off from you to fold her arms together. “It seems we’re at an impasse, then.”

You mirror her stance. “So it would seem.”

“Do you think this counts as our first real fight as a couple?”

You smirk. “I wouldn’t be that dramatic.”

Minjeong gasps. “Are you calling me dramatic?”

“With that attitude, maybe a little,” you laugh.

Minjeong’s eyes narrow, her cheeks puff out, and her lips purse as she does that “thinking” thing she claims she can do. You see the exact moment the lightbulb goes off in her head as she announces to you: "Okay then. New plan.”

“I’m listening.”

 “On the count of three, we both say something to do. If it’s the same, we do that. If it’s different…well, then we keep arguing till we’re ninety. Got it?"

“Got it.”

Minjeong takes a deep breath, holds up three fingers, and—

"3…"

—immediately cheats by starting before you’re ready.

"2…

Her eyes dart to yours, wide and imploring, like she’s willing you to read her mind.  

It also makes her look clinically insane.

"1…"

"Karaoke!" you blurt in unison. 

Minjeong’s entire face lights up. She claps her mittened hands together, bouncing like a kid on Christmas. "FATE," she declares, as if the universe itself has spoken.

"Fate wants us to traumatize a soundproof room?"

"Fate wants me to kick your ass at karaoke," she corrects, already dragging you down the sidewalk by your scarf . "And don’t pretend you’re not excited. I’ve seen your playlists. It’s embarrassing."

"Wait, what did you see?” You ask Minjeong.

She does not turn back.

“WHAT DID YOU SEE, MINJEONG!?”

*

The Karaoke room is a neon-lit den of questionable stains and even more questionable interior design choices—the consequence of going to a place fifteen minutes out of the city centre. But you tolerate it, because Minjeong might just be the happiest you’ve ever seen her, still glued around your arm as you both shed your coats and take a seat, (she jumps), on the pleather couch.

“Okay,” she begins, kicking her feet as she snatches up the songbook. “Prepare yourself, you’re about to witness vocal perfection.” 

"So we're leaving?” You take a look over your shoulder. “Because I don't see any professionals here."

Minjeong doesn't look up from the songbook, but you can sure as shit feel it when she gives a light kick on the shin. You stifle a grin, leaning back against the couch, pleased with yourself and the way she always rises to your bait.

Without thinking, she leans back, pressing into your side, her head coming to rest under your chin as your arm naturally comes around her shoulders. 

You freeze for half a second—not because it’s unfamiliar, but because it’s really… not anymore. It’s like second nature. Like your body just expects her to be curled up next to you.

Minjeong tilts the songbook up towards you, puffing out her cheeks as she scans each page. 

“Okay,” she begins. “ Should I go with the safe bet—a Taeyeon ballad to destroy your soul—orrrrr, something fun? Maybe Red Velvet? Ooh, maybe I go full femme fatale and pull out Sunmi. Thoughts?”

You don’t answer.

Because, much like your time basking in the snow, you’re looking at her.

You’re looking at the way her nose scrunches when she reads, the way her lips shuffle round her face in thought, the way her hair brushes against your jaw whenever she leans a little too far into your side. 

She nudges your knee with hers. “Helloooo? Earth to you. Which song makes you cry more? I’m trying to be considerate.”

“Sorry,” you defend quickly. “Thought I heard trumpets playing.”

She narrows her eyes at your sarcasm.“I mean, you’re technically right,” She says as she leans forward to queue up a song. “My performance is going to be biblical. Just divine instead of apocalyptic.” 

Minjeong sends a you a smug smile, and you finish your eye roll in time to see the title flash up on the grubby TV:

IU - Through the Night.

A ballad.

 She’s not looking at you as she walks to the front of the room, only tucking her hair behind her ear with a smile.

“Didn’t peg you for the sentimental type,” you say from the couch.

She shoots you a look over her shoulder, but she’s biting back her smile. “Don’t blink. You’ll miss me being iconic.”

Minjeong’s eyes shut as she takes a deep breath. And when she opens them again—well, you may as well be hearing an angel sing.

“Tonight, I’ll send you the firefly from that day To your window…”

Where the hell did this Minjeong come from?

“That means that I love you…”

You feel that line in your spine.

And yet, you don’t move. Don’t breathe. Just watch. Enraptured by the way her blue dress flows around her knees, by the way the neon lights catch in her eyes, by how natural she looks with a mic in her hand, pouring herself into each lyric like this song was written for her to sing and for you to hear.

“I remember our first kiss Every time I close my eyes And it takes me away to the farthest place…”

Gone is the snarky, animated, occasionally grumpy girl who hits your arm when you tease her and makes up for it by clinging to you like you might float away. Standing in her place is someone ethereal, confident and utterly captivating.

Painfully so.

Your chest feels tight now, and you know exactly what it is you’re feeling. God, you know.

This is it.

“Like the words written in the sand Where the waves are I’m afraid you’ll disappear So I always miss you…”

She opens her eyes. Looks right at you.

And it’s instinct—A moment of vulnerability passed through music and unprocessed feelings.

So you speak it aloud.

“I can’t take out All these words in my heart But this means that—.”

“I love you.”

She doesn’t hear you.

Her voice and the song carry her words over yours, her gaze breaking away as she sings the final line with a gentle smile and her whole soul behind it. She’s too caught up in the song—in the moment.

And still, you smile.

Because even if she didn’t hear it, even if the words dissolve into the melody like fog into air, you said it—felt it.

She finishes with a small breath, the song fading out as she lowers the mic. 

Before she can say anything, you’re on your feet, meeting her halfway with a tight, warm hug. She lets out a surprised little gasp, her arms wrapping around you in return.

“Whoa,” she laughs against your chest. “Didn’t know I was that good.”

You pull back just enough to look at her, and she’s flushed from head to toe.

She’s radiant.

“Told you I was iconic,” she says with a smug grin, nuzzling into your chest.

“Yeah,” you say simply, holding her tighter. “Yeah, you were.”

*

Before you know it, your hour is up and you’re both out walking on the snow covered city streets once more.

And of course, what’s a night out with Minjeong without a little banter along the way.

“You were so off-key, by the way,” an annoyingly smug voice says to you.

“M-me?” you stammer, whipping your head over to the gremlin glued to your arm. “What about you?  You were… You were…”

“Perfect?” She finishes, like she already knows the answer.

You try to fight back. “No, you were… You were… Yeah.”

Minjeong beams. “Thought so.”

“Where the hell did you learn to sing like that?”

“Oh, y’know,” she says with an airy shrug. “Just something I’ve picked up.”

You scoff. “Surprisingly modest coming from you.”

Her grin turns sly. “You flatter me.”

“Kinda my job as your boyfriend, no?” You laugh, nudging her with your shoulder. “ No, but seriously, that was genuinely some of the best singing I've ever heard.”

“Some of the best, or just the best?”

“The best,” you say with the utmost sincerity.

That stops her for just a beat—her steps falter, face warming despite the winter air. “Thanks,” she mumbles, flustered. Although she recovers in no time. “You were alright,” she teases.

You stop walking and spin to face her, gasping. “Hey! I’m trying to compliment you here!”

Minjeong just grins. “So was I! Trying really hard.”

You shoot her a look. “I was good enough to get us to 95 for our duet.”

“And my back hurts from carrying us through it,” she groans, rubbing one shoulder in exaggerated pain.

“Aww, you poor thing,” you mock. “Need me to give you a piggy-back?”

Minjeong freezes once more,  eyes going wide.

“...Can you really?” she asks sheepishly.

You crouch down without missing a beat, patting your back with a grin. “It would be my pleasure.”

Minjeong hesitates for just a moment, biting back a smile so big it almost hurts her cheeks. Then, without warning—

“YIPEE!” she shouts, throwing herself onto your back with reckless abandon.

You stagger for a second, then steady, her laughter ringing in your ear.

“Now don’t you dare drop me.”

“Now that’s a thought,” you tease, adjusting her legs around your waist.

“Promise me!” she demands, tightening her hold.

“I promise, Milady.”

“That’s not enough. Pinky promise.”

You roll your eyes but stick out your pinky over your shoulder. “Pinky promise.”

She links it, satisfied. “Then, away, my noble steed!”

And the two of you charge off into the winter night.

*

The rest of the walk back to the apartment is a silent one for the most part. Not because the two of you are mad, or bored, or anything of the sort. 

You simply enjoy each other's silence.

Oh, and because Minjeong’s asleep. 

Her core is pressed into your back, arms locked loosely around your shoulders with her chin resting lightly atop them as you walk. Well, as you walk. She’s currently occupying your back like a sleepy, smug little sleepy furnace. 

She must think the same of you, because you could hear when her breath evened out, her teasing ceased, and her head came to rest on your shoulder. So, in actuality it’s not really a walk, more a meander—a slow-motion sidetrack through frozen streets, a brisk breeze, and the company of the one who means most to you.

There is, however, the matter of the party. You’d love nothing more than to stroll right on home, bury yourself in your blankets, (perhaps curled up next to Minjeong), and call it a night. 

Alas, you’ll have no such luck:

“MINJEONG-AH! WHERE ON EARTH ARE YOU?”

“Jeez, unnie, you’re so loud,” Minjeong drowsily winces, putting an arms-length between her and Karina obliterating her phone speakers. “We’re entering the lobby now.”

“Don’t dilly-dally. You’re supposed to be hosting.”

You look back at her as she narrows her eyes. “See the shit I have to deal with,” is written all across her face as she sarcastically replies: “Yes, mother,” and hangs up.

You both share a laugh as you make your way into the elevator.

*

You steal a glance at Minjeong in the elevator mirror—what little of her you can see, anyway, given that she ‘s still clinging to your back like a smug, oversized, stupidly-good-at-karaoke scarf.

She’s quiet still, but not in a sleepy way.

No—she’s doing her little thinking thing again.

You can tell by the way her brows (you can only see a brow) are furrowed, and her lips are pursed. Not in pout, not in irritation, something you can’t tell.

Whatever it is, she’s sure thinking hard.

Time to play the guessing game.

You lay out the facts:

She just spent the evening with an amazing, handsome, and objectively irresistible man—your words, not hers (yet). So that’s Fact #1.

Fact #2: Karina has just screeched at her about resuming her co-hosting duties, which—knowing Minjeong and her frankly crippling social anxiety—is an absolute fucking nightmare.

And Fact #3—

Ding.

The elevator chimes as its doors slide open.

You adjust your grip automatically, hands settling under her thighs to make sure she doesn't slide. Minjeong doesn't say anything, just tightens her hold slightly, almost like she’s bracing for something. 

As you step out into the hallway, you feel her breath against your neck. 

Heightened.

Then, without a word, she leans in—

—and presses her lips to your cheek.

You completely freeze.

And without missing a beat, she responds to your prior declaration with the softest, sweetest little lilt to ever grace your ears:

“I love you too.”

And you’re stunned stupid in the best way possible.

In an instant she wriggles free, face almost turning blood red as she bolts off down the hallway, giggling at supersonic speed like the world’s most innocent ballistic missile.

She fumbles with the doorknob to her apartment, all while you stand dumbstruck in the elevator. You shake your head, trying not to grin too hard as you follow after her.

She heard you.

Unbelievable, this girl.

Absolutely unbelievable.

*

Your return to the party is about as embarrassing as your entry. 

They must have seen Minjeong skip in, happy as can be, and realised something out there must have made her so gleeful.

Because like before, all eyes are on you.

You barely step through the door before someone—not even one of your friends, just some guy—lets out a drunken cheer:

 “Holy SHIT. THEY TOTALLY FUCKED.”

And all hell breaks loose.

Enough cheering to warrant seven dozen noise complaints erupts as what feels like the whole party charges towards you. Your trio of friends lead the pack, arms smothering you as  you’re enveloped in the chaos.

You don’t even get a chance to deny anything.

“MY MAN!” one of them yells, slapping your back with so much force you almost fall forward.

“I KNEW YOU HAD IT IN YOU,” the second howls, gripping your shoulders like a proud older brother.

The third just clasps both your cheeks in his freezing hands and stares into your soul. “Be honest,” he says. “How long did you last?”

“Jesus Christ—” you sputter, trying to pry him off.

But it’s too late. The party has decided. You are the Chosen One. The Man Who Conquered Winter.

You raise your hands in surrender, voice drowned out by the roar of chaos. “We did not—!”

“CONGRATULATIONS ON THE SEX!” someone shouts again, cutting you off, and everyone somehow claps and cheers even louder.

Oh my fucking God.

Your face is on fire. Every synapse in your brain is about to spontaneously combust.

You use what little function you have left in your body to search for Minjeong.

 She’s barely visible through the crowd, but even through her wide eyes and hand-clamped mouth, her hair and dress are unmistakable.

Oh, and she is absolutely fucking losing it.

You lock eyes.

She does not stop.

Instead, she doubles over, the shade of her face mirroring yours. Except instead of embarrassment, she’s wheezing into her sleeve like this is the best thing that’s ever happened to her.

You’re fortunate that people are too caught up in the thrill of it all to notice when you escape from the crowd—but not before dodging a few unsolicited high-fives and residual laughs—and you can confront Minjeong who’s completely collapsed on the tiled floor.

“Are you enjoying yourself?” 

“Immensely,” she gasps, fanning herself. “They were cheering.”

“They think we—”

“I KNOW.”

“You could’ve said something!”

She shrugs, barely containing her grin. “And ruin the best part of my night?”

“Fuck you,” you glare.

Minjeong giggles. “Apparently you already have.”

You scoff. “Please smother me with a couch cushion.”

“Tempting.”

You groan and offer her your hand. “Come on, you absolute menace.”

Minjeong takes it, still giggling as you haul her upright. She’s barely steady before she immediately wraps her arms around you again—slow, sensual, borderline sexual.

And from behind you, you feel the eyes make their way back to you.

“They’re staring at us again, aren’t they.”

“Mhm,” Minjeong nuzzles into your chest.

“Are you gonna do anything about it?”

“Yup,” she smiles, pulling back.

Minjeong looks up to you—a Ning Ning level of mischievous gleaming in her eyes—and gives you another peck on the cheek.

“THEY’RE GOING FOR ROUND TWO!” You hear from behind.

You can’t help but laugh.

Well played, Kim Minjeong.

*

Despite the chaos, the relentless teasing, the introverted alarm going off in your head screaming too many people, WAY too many people—you stay.

Because Minjeong makes it worth it.

Her head on your shoulder as you share an armrest. The both of you watching the party like anthropologists observing the bizarre but fascinating species they call extroverts.

Laughing at your shared plate of snacks, which you both keep restocking with the excuse that “quality control is an important part of catering.”

Playing Jenga with a group of strangers and watching Minjeong turn into a terrifyingly competitive gremlin, whispering psychological warfare tactics to you in the hope you might approve her wrath.

The two of you holed up in her bedroom for exactly seven and a half minutes, pretending to “grab something,” but mostly laying in her bed cuddling, letting the muffled bass of the party fade behind the closed door as you both take a moment to relax and recharge.

At one point, she’s dancing.

Not wildly in the center of the room—but with her friends, swaying with a drink in one hand, mouthing lyrics and throwing you glances across the room.

You don’t dance. But you watch. And she smiles every time she catches you doing it.

Later, when the energy’s died down a bit and dessert is all but ready, Minjeong returns to your side with a gentle nudge.

“Still alive?” she teases.

You scoff. “Barely.”

“Even with our little outing?”

“Gonna need a dozen more of those,” you chuckle.

Minjeong hums, pretending to consider it. “I could pencil you in three weeks from now,” she muses as she brings the calendar app up. “Got a full schedule till then.”

“Right,” you smile. “Because we all know how much you like to go out.”

“You’re just mad I beat you in Jenga,” she shoots back.

And right as you chamber your come back, the party is halted by the screeching of a spoon on glass.  

“SHHH! Shut up! SHUT UP. This is important.”

It’s a voice all too familiar—inebriated—but familiar.

Ningning takes centre stage. She’s standing on a stool, spinning in slow, unsteady circles like the party is her royal court and she’s decidedly the queen of it.

“I just wanna say,” she slurs, pointing her wine glass dramatically into the crowd. “You guys are great. Seriously. Like, a-huh-mazing. Thank you so much for coming out!”

“Speech, huh?” You laugh, and Minjeong can’t even muster up a response. Just a nervous laugh as Ning Ning continues.

“This party… this night… is for someone very special. And—can I just say—You guys don’t even KNOW how long this took to plan. Like—Jesus. We almost blew the whole thing, like, five times. But we didn’t! Somehow. We made it!”

More cheers.

And for the first time in a long time tonight, Minjeong isn’t smiling. 

You’re about to ask what’s wrong when you catch movement in the corner of your eye. 

Karina’s stood at the base of the stool now, one hand on Ningning’s dress, the other trying to gently lower her drink. Her smile is all teeth, and you swear you see her make nervous eye contact with Minjeong from across the room.

Giselle too appears from the crowd, successfully stealing Ningning’s drink from her hand. 

“Ning,” you see Giselle mouth, “we talked about this.”

“I know,” Ningning sing-songs, volume making it incredibly unclear who her speech is directed at. “But it’s fiiiiiine. She’ll forgive me when she sees how much everyone loves her.”

Karina shoots her a look of overwhelming disapproval, and Giselle looks like she’s ready to yank her off the chair completely.

“I mean, come on,” Ningning cries. “Look at her! She’s adorable, she’s smart, she’s the reason we’re all here…

.

.

.

Happy Birthday Minjeong!”

Applause.

It rushes through the onlooking crowd: cheers are screamed, glasses are raised, a small cake appears from the fucking ether.

But you’re not part of the wave. You’re watching from the shore.

And you're hit by a tsunami.

It’s Minjeong’s birthday. 

And you, her newly-wedded boyfriend, had absolutely no clue.

Karina and Giselle are exchanging glances now, Ningning is halfway to crowd surfing, and slowly Minjeong turns to you with a timid smile.

“...Surprise?”

*

Minjeong finds you outside.

You barely notice though. Or rather, you choose not to pay her any mind.

Instead, you fixate on the countless slip-ups from her and her friends. Every corrected “us” instead of “me”, every half-choked “bir—” swapped out for something else. How, every time the day came up, she’d go defensive or disappear into silence like the topic was sensitive.

How you’d been so damn blind. 

And for what, you ask yourself. Why hide it from you? Why make it a secret worth protecting?

You don’t get to think up an answer.

A warm presence invades your back, and a pair of arms wrap around your core. You feel Minjeong’s cheek come to rest on your shoulder blade, the steady rhythm of her breathing syncing with yours.  

It’s neither an apology nor an explanation. 

And yet it puts you at ease.

“I’m sorry.” she says at last. “I should have told you.”

You’re barely able to muster up your response.

“Then why didn’t you?”

Minjeong’s hold tightens. “Because today was our first real date. It should be about us—not me.”

But that’s not what you’re really upset about.

“I didn’t even get you a gift,” you tell her, almost embarrassing in its simplicity.

Her hands unravel from your stomach, gliding to your waist instead. She gives the just gentlest nudge, coaxing you to turn and face her.

And for a split second it’s like déjà vu.

Her expression holds the same gravity as that fateful night you met. The same certainty in her gaze, back when she’d made sure you’d call her. Back when she’d decided—somehow—that you were worth going against everything she thought she knew about people.

“Look at me,” she says softly, gently holding your face in her hand.

You do.

“Today was the most precious thing you could have given me,” she says. “You. Here. With me.”

You part your lips to argue—to point out how pitiful that sounds. How you could’ve shown up with flowers, or a card, or just something nice wrapped in a ribbon. How she deserves more than your awkward presence and empty hands. 

But something interrupts.

A gentle pressure against your mouth. Warm. Soft. Immaculately indescribable.

Your first kiss.

It’s clumsy, on both of your ends. Neither of you really know what you’re doing. Your chest is tight, your hands twitch like they should be moving and every coherent thought has been reduced to white noise.

And yet, it feels perfect.

Perfect in how you feel your heart might burst. Perfect in how her lips fit onto yours. Perfect in how your noses clumsily clash and your smiles mirror.

For a moment you wonder if you should do more, if you should hold her, pull her closer, say something. But the thought dissolves the instant her fingers curl lightly into the fabric of your coat, grounding you. It tells you everything: you don’t have to do anything else. Just be here. Just be with her.

And you’re more than content with that.

But Minjeong seemingly isn’t, she pulls away—only slightly—leaving you slightly shocked as you meet her eyes from mere millimetres away. 

But she makes up for it:

“Don’t ever doubt how much you mean to me again,” she whispers.

Right before leaning in to kiss you all over again.

*

So this is something.

Never in your infinite cynicism and introversion did you think you’d end up at a party of all places. 

Well, you’re not actually at the party—you’re laying on the balcony. Snuggled up next to Minjeong like puzzle pieces on some tanning chair. Her head rests against your chest, your arm drapes around her shoulders, and she traces small little shapes against the back of your hand as the city sprawls endlessly below you.

Minutes—or hours, maybe—have slipped away without you noticing. The noise of the party behind the glass door might as well be a different universe. Out here, it’s just the two of you.

Your confusion—your dejection—from earlier all feel so small now compared to the love that sits in your heart.

You tilt your head, watching her. She looks almost unreal in the quiet—calm, serene, her expression softened by sleepiness and intimacy. She shifts slightly under your gaze, eyes half-lidded as she looks towards the horizon.

“…The sun’s rising,” she murmurs.

And sure enough, the night has already begun to give way. The skyline blushes pink and gold, each streak of light cutting deeper into the dark until the world feels reborn.

“Guess we’ve been out here a while.”

Her lips curve in a drowsy smile, almost laughing from pure joy as she nestles closer. “Worth it.”

And hey, you can’t argue with that. Not one bit. Lying here with her, watching the sky transform, huddled together like it was just meant to be, it feels like more than just another morning.

 It feels like the beginning of something really special.

You kiss the crown of her head.  “We really should get back soon, though.”

“Mm.” Her eyes slip shut again, her body relaxing fully into yours. “In a minute.”

You chuckle softly, giving her hand a gentle squeeze as the first full rays crest the horizon.

“Yeah,” you smile, keeping your eyes fixed on the light spilling into the sky.

“Let’s stay a little longer.”

[erospandemos]

Thank you @ducktoo for making this reach 300 notes, and thank you guys for liking it!

Last minute birthday

Jiheon x Reader

Length: 2.2k

Tags: birthday, fluff, first kiss, dancing, low-key, late night

I really wrote this last minute because I had no time and for that reason, it’s unedited so it’s kind of rough, sorry guys.

Keep reading