bepoopy

[bepoopy]

Wait, I Got Chocolate?

Pairing: Jang Wonyoung x Fem Reader

Genre: Fluff

————————————————————————————

Valentine’s Day at our school is basically a chaotic festival disguised as an academic day. There’s an unspoken rule: expect dramatic confessions, classrooms flooded with heart-shaped decorations, and an alarming amount of overpriced chocolate.

The popular kids—aka Minji and Wonyoung—always get buried under an avalanche of gifts. Meanwhile, people like me? I come for the free homeroom attendance check and leave with my dignity intact.

Or at least, that was the plan.

The moment I stepped onto campus, it felt like entering a romantic war zone. Students were running around with pink gift bags, oversized teddy bears, and love letters written in suspiciously glittery ink.

Minji showed up, as usual, looking effortlessly cool with a casual shrug and an arm already full of chocolates. She didn’t even seem fazed.

Wonyoung arrived shortly after, her long hair tied up in a lazy ponytail, looking like she’d walked out of a teen drama. Within five minutes, she was surrounded by admirers, politely accepting chocolates with that signature bright smile.

And then there was me, clutching my plain backpack like it was a shield.

“Happy Valentine’s Day, Y/n!” Leeseo chirped, skipping over with a tiny candy heart.

“Oh, thanks,” I said, pretending like that was the only gift I’d be getting today—which, statistically, made sense.

Minji sauntered over, casually tossing a box of chocolates into my hands. “Here. Don’t say I never gave you anything.”

I blinked. “Wait, what?”

“It’s just a pity chocolate. No need to get emotional.”

“Wow. Romantic,” I deadpanned.

She grinned. “I try.”

Wonyoung appeared beside me, her arms full of fancy gift bags. “Pity chocolate? That’s rude.” She dug into her stash, pulled out a heart-shaped lollipop, and shoved it into my hoodie pocket. “Here. From me. No pity involved.”

I stared at her, then at the lollipop, then back at her. “…Did you just tip me like a valet?”

She just winked and walked off.

By lunch, Minji’s desk was drowning in gifts. Wonyoung’s was basically a display shelf for premium chocolates.

Meanwhile, I sat quietly, munching on the pity chocolate like the emotionally stable person I am.

That’s when it happened.

A random first-year nervously approached me, holding a small, neatly wrapped box. “Uh…Y/n-sunbae? I—I made this for you.”

I blinked. “For me?”

She nodded, shoved the box into my hands like it was a bomb, and sprinted away without another word.

I sat there, frozen, staring at the unexpected chocolate like it had personally offended me.

Minji leaned over, raising an eyebrow. “No way. Did you just get confessed to?”

Wonyoung, mid-sip of her juice, choked. “Wait—what?!” She snatched the box from my hands to inspect it. “Who gave you this?”

“Some first-year,” I muttered, still processing.

Wonyoung squinted at the handwriting on the note, as if it contained secret codes. “Is this… a love confession?”

Minji burst out laughing. “Look at you! The mysterious, grumpy heartthrob.”

“I’m not grumpy.”

“Sure you’re not,” she teased.

Wonyoung kept glancing between me and the box, her expression weirdly unreadable. Finally, she shoved it back into my hands. “Well… good for you.”

Was it just me, or did she sound slightly annoyed?

As we were leaving, Wonyoung slowed her steps until she was walking beside me.

“So… are you gonna text her?” she asked casually, kicking a pebble along the sidewalk.

“Text who?”

“The first-year. The one who gave you chocolate.”

I shrugged. “Probably not. I don’t even know her.”

She went quiet for a second, then mumbled, “Good.”

I glanced at her. “Good?”

“I mean—good because, like, she could be a weirdo or something. You don’t know her!” she blurted, cheeks slightly pink.

I smirked. “Are you jealous?”

She rolled her eyes dramatically. “Pfft. No. Why would I be jealous?”

“Because I’m charming?”

She snorted. “Yeah, okay. Keep dreaming.”

But then she reached into her bag, pulled out another piece of chocolate—fancier this time—and shoved it into my hand without meeting my eyes.

“For the record,” she muttered, “that one’s not pity chocolate.”

And she walked off, leaving me standing there, smiling like an idiot.

Valentine’s Day wasn’t so bad after all.

[bepoopy]

I Just Called To Say I Love You

Pairing: Jang Wonyoung x Fem Reader

Genre: Fluff, Rom Com

Chapter Four

—————————————————————

Wonyoung was looking at me like she had just solved the biggest mystery of her life.

And me?

I was losing my mind.

I had actually said it. Out loud. To her face.

“I love you.”

No pretending, no dodging, no disguising it as a joke. Just the truth.

And now, she was just… smiling.

“Say it again,” she murmured.

I blinked. “What?”

“Say it again.” She took another step closer, close enough that I could see the tiny freckles on her nose, the way her lashes curled at the ends. “I want to hear it again.”

My throat was dry. My heart was a mess.

But if she wanted to hear it, then…

“I love you,” I said, softer this time.

Her lips parted slightly, like the words had hit her somewhere deep. Then, she let out a soft laugh, shaking her head.

“God,” she muttered, running a hand through her hair. “I knew it. I knew it, I just—”

She stopped, biting her lip, suddenly looking like she was debating something.

“Wonyoung?” I prompted.

She inhaled sharply, like she had just made a decision. Then—

She reached up and flicked my forehead.

I blinked. “Ow—?”

“You idiot,” she huffed, crossing her arms. “How long?”

I rubbed my forehead. “How long what?”

“How long have you been in love with me?”

The word love made my stomach do something embarrassing.

I hesitated. “…A while.”

“A while?” she repeated, unimpressed. “Y/n, be specific.”

I sighed, glancing away. “I don’t know. Maybe since that summer when we were kids, and you got so mad at me for beating you in that ice cream eating contest that you made me buy you another one so you could win.”

Her eyes widened. “That long?”

I shrugged. “You’re hard not to love.”

That shut her up for a second. Her cheeks flushed, and she quickly looked away, suddenly very interested in her pajama sleeve.

But then, quieter—more hesitant—she asked, “Then why didn’t you ever tell me?”

I let out a small breath. “Because you were happy. And I thought…” I shook my head. “I thought I’d rather just be your best friend than risk losing you completely.”

Wonyoung was quiet for a long time.

Then, she whispered, “And what if I wanted you to tell me?”

My heart stopped.

Slowly, I looked at her. She was already staring at me, her expression unreadable, but her eyes—God, her eyes.

“Wonyoung…”

She bit her lip, hesitating. Then, she shook her head, like she was done hesitating.

“You’re not the only idiot, Y/n.”

And before I could even process what was happening—

She leaned in.

And kissed me.

I swear, my brain just shut down.

Her lips were soft, warm, hesitant but sure, like she was figuring this out as she went. Like we both were.

By the time she pulled back, my heart was pounding.

Wonyoung looked at me, searching my face for a reaction.

I exhaled sharply. “Wow.”

She laughed, quiet and breathless. “Wow?”

“Yeah.” I swallowed, still processing the fact that Wonyoung just kissed me. “I mean. Wow.”

She rolled her eyes, but she was smiling. “You’re so dumb.”

“Yeah,” I agreed, dazed. “But I’m your dumbass now, right?”

Wonyoung paused.

Then, with the kind of confidence that only she could pull off, she looped her arms around my neck and grinned.

“Yeah,” she said. “You are.”

And just like that—

I was really in trouble.

[bepoopy]

I Just Called To Say I Love You

Pairing: Jang Wonyoung x Fem Reader

Genre: Fluff, Rom Com

Chapter Three

—————————————————————

That night.

I should’ve let it go.

I should’ve just let Wonyoung be weird and waited for her to snap out of it.

But I couldn’t.

Not when her words kept echoing in my head.

“Did you mean it? Like, mean it mean it?”

And the way she looked at me—like she was waiting for something.

Like maybe I was missing something important.

I spent the whole day overthinking. Running every conversation, every glance, every stupid little moment between us through my head like I was solving a mystery.

And now, lying in bed again, staring at the same damn ceiling as last night, I was still lost.

I grabbed my phone before I could talk myself out of it.

Y/n: Are you gonna keep acting weird, or are we gonna talk about it?

I watched the screen, waiting for the typing bubbles to appear. Nothing.

I sighed and tossed my phone onto my chest. Maybe I should’ve just called her again. Maybe Stevie Wonder would save me twice.

Right as I was about to close my eyes, my phone buzzed.

Wonyoung: Come outside.

I blinked.

What?

I sat up, staring at the message. Outside? Now?

I shoved my blanket off and walked to my window. And there she was, standing on the sidewalk in her hoodie and pajama pants, arms crossed like she was second-guessing everything.

I grabbed a jacket and slipped outside, the cool night air hitting me instantly. Wonyoung looked up when she heard my footsteps, her face unreadable.

I stopped in front of her. “Okay. This is dramatic, even for you.”

She let out a breathy laugh. “Yeah, well. You called me last night over a Stevie Wonder song, so I think we’re even.”

I shoved my hands in my pockets. “Fair.”

For a moment, neither of us spoke. Just stood there, streetlights casting a soft glow around us.

Then—

“I think I get it now,” Wonyoung said quietly.

I frowned. “Get what?”

She bit her lip, hesitating. Then, with a sigh, she met my eyes.

“Why you don’t like my boyfriend.”

I tensed. “Wonyoung—”

“You weren’t just saying he’s not good for me.” Her voice was careful, like she was piecing something together in real-time. “You were saying… you think you would be better for me.”

My heart skipped.

I opened my mouth, then closed it. Because, really, what the hell was I supposed to say to that?

She watched me, waiting.

I swallowed. “Is that what you think?”

She let out a soft, breathy laugh, shaking her head. “I think you love me, Y/n.”

My stomach twisted.

Of course, I did. She was my best friend. My favorite person in the world. But—

That wasn’t what she meant, was it?

I sucked in a breath. “Would it be so bad if I did?”

Wonyoung’s lips parted slightly, like she wasn’t expecting me to say it out loud.

For a second, she just looked at me. Like she was searching for something.

Then—very softly, very quietly—

“It wouldn’t be bad at all.”

I felt my pulse in my ears.

“Wonyoung…”

She shook her head, stepping closer. “No more running away from this, Y/n. Just tell me.”

I inhaled sharply.

And for the first time, I stopped pretending.

“I love you.”

She closed her eyes for a second, exhaling like she’d been holding her breath all this time.

Then, when she looked at me again, she smiled.

And damn.

I think I was in trouble.

[bepoopy]

I Just Called To Say I Love You

Pairing: Jang Wonyoung x Fem Reader

Genre: Fluff, Rom Com

Chapter Two

————————————————————————————

The next day.

Wonyoung was acting weird.

Not obviously weird, but weird enough that I noticed.

Usually, she greeted me in the morning with a playful shove or a dramatic sigh about how school was ruining her life. Today? She just gave me a small, unreadable glance before looking away, tucking her hair behind her ear like she was nervous.

Weird.

She sat next to me in homeroom, like always, but instead of stretching her long legs over my desk and stealing my pen, she was quiet. Not scrolling through her phone, not complaining about math, not even making fun of my messy handwriting. Just sitting there, occasionally glancing at me when she thought I wasn’t looking.

Super weird.

I leaned back in my chair, crossing my arms. “Alright. Spit it out.”

Wonyoung blinked. “What?”

“You’re being weird.”

“I’m not being weird.”

“You are being weird.”

She scoffed and turned away. “You’re imagining things.”

I narrowed my eyes. “Did your boyfriend finally prove me right and do something stupid?”

She shot me a glare. “No.”

“Then what’s with you?”

She didn’t answer, just fidgeted with the hem of her sleeve.

I was about to press her more when the bell rang, signaling the start of class. She turned to face the front, effectively shutting me out.

Weird.

By lunchtime, I was determined to figure it out.

Wonyoung sat across from me, poking at her food with her chopsticks, still acting like a glitch in the matrix.

“You’re making me nervous,” I said, pointing my spoon at her.

She rolled her eyes. “I’m literally just sitting here.”

“Yeah, but you’re sitting here weirdly.”

She let out an exasperated sigh, finally looking at me—really looking at me.

“You called me last night just to say you love me.”

I blinked. “Yeah?”

“That’s not normal.”

I frowned. “Says who?”

She huffed, running a hand through her hair. “Says me.”

I tilted my head, confused. “Wonyoung, we’ve literally said ‘I love you’ to each other before. Did you hit your head this morning or something?”

She groaned, covering her face with her hands for a second before peeking at me through her fingers.

“But it felt different last night.”

My stomach did something weird. Like a tiny flip.

I kept my expression neutral. “Different how?”

She dropped her hands and leaned forward, lowering her voice. “Did you mean it? Like, mean it mean it?”

I stared at her.

Something about the way she looked at me—eyes searching, hesitant, almost like she was hoping for a certain answer—made my throat go dry.

I swallowed. “Of course, I meant it.”

Her face did something complicated. I couldn’t quite read it, and that scared me more than anything.

Before I could ask what she was thinking, she sighed and leaned back, crossing her arms.

“Never mind.”

Nope. Not never mind.

“Wonyoung—”

She suddenly stood up, grabbing her tray. “I have to go.”

And just like that, she was gone.

Leaving me sitting there, confused as hell.

[bepoopy]

I Just Called To Say I Love You

Pairing: Jang Wonyoung x Fem Reader

Genre: Fluff, Rom Com

Chapter One

———————————————————————————

I shouldn’t have said that.

The words replayed in my head over and over again as I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. My phone sat beside me, dark and silent, just like the space between me and Wonyoung right now.

We never fought. Not like this.

But today, I just couldn’t hold back.

“He’s not good for you,” I had told her.

“You don’t get to decide that,” she shot back, eyes sharp, voice colder than I’d ever heard before.

I didn’t mean to pick a fight. I just… I hated seeing her with someone who didn’t deserve her. That guy, her boyfriend—he was all charm and no substance. I’d seen the way he flirted with other girls, the way he only paid attention to her when it suited him. And Wonyoung, my best friend, the person I loved most in this world, deserved so much more.

But instead of understanding, she got defensive.

“What’s your problem, Y/n? Do you just not want me to be happy?”

That stung. More than she probably realized.

I left after that, too frustrated to stay, too afraid I’d say something I couldn’t take back.

Now, lying here in the dark, I regretted everything. The silence between us was suffocating.

I reached for my phone before I could talk myself out of it. The time glowed on the screen—11:42 PM. She was probably still awake. Wonyoung was always a night owl.

As I debated whether or not to call, a song started playing softly from my speaker.

“I just called to say I love you…”

Stevie Wonder.

The song our moms used to sing at karaoke when we were kids. The song Wonyoung and I always laughed about because we swore we’d never turn into our cheesy, sentimental parents.

I hesitated for only a second before pressing her contact.

The line rang. Once. Twice.

“…What?”

Her voice was groggy, but I could tell she wasn’t really asleep.

I swallowed, suddenly feeling stupid.

“I just called to say I love you.”

There was silence.

Then, a quiet scoff. “Are you serious right now?”

“Yeah.” I let out a small breath. “Stevie Wonder’s playing. It felt like a sign.”

Another pause. Then, she sighed.

“You’re an idiot, Y/n.”

I smiled, even though she couldn’t see me. “I know.”

I heard the rustling of blankets, like she was shifting to get more comfortable. “Are you still mad at me?”

I shook my head, even though she couldn’t see that either. “No. I was never mad at you.”

“Could’ve fooled me.” Her voice was softer now.

“I just…” I trailed off, struggling to put it into words. “I just want you to be happy. With someone who actually makes you happy.”

Wonyoung was quiet for a moment.

“I know,” she finally admitted, and it felt like a crack in the wall between us. “But it’s my choice, Y/n.”

I sighed. “I know.”

Neither of us spoke for a while. The song continued in the background, the melody wrapping around us like a memory.

“You’re really dumb for calling me just because of a song,” she murmured.

“You would’ve done the same,” I teased.

“Maybe.”

Another pause. Then, softer—softer than I think I’d ever heard her—

“I love you too, idiot.”

I closed my eyes and let myself breathe again.

[bepoopy]

I Just Called To Say I Love You

Y/n calls Wonyoung late at night just to say “I love you” because I Just Called to Say I Love You by Stevie Wonder is playing

Pairing: Jang Wonyoung x Fem Reader

Genre: Fluff, Rom Com

Status: Finished

Chapters:

chapter one

chapter two

chapter three

chapter four

[bepoopy]

Since I Only Have One Heart, You Hold Its Entire Beat

Pairing: Jang Wonyoung x Fem Reader

Genre: angst

————————————————————————————

People always talk about first love like it’s something soft, something golden and warm, something that makes you feel alive. But no one ever talks about what happens when you love someone too much. When you love them so much it swallows you whole.

I learned that the hard way.

Wonyoung is my best friend. Has been since middle school. The kind of friend who makes you feel like the world is a little less cruel just by existing in it. She’s all long legs and elegance, the kind of girl people stop and stare at, but to me, she’s just Wonyoung—the girl who always steals my fries and falls asleep on my shoulder during long bus rides.

I don’t remember when it started—this ache in my chest whenever she laughs with someone else, the way my stomach twists when she talks about her crushes, the way my whole body tenses when Minji leans a little too close to whisper in her ear.

I think I’ve always loved her. I just didn’t realize it until it was too late.

It’s the end of January when everything falls apart.

We’re at Minji’s house, crammed into her small bedroom, music playing softly in the background as we study for finals. Leeseo is lying on her stomach, flipping through flashcards, and Yujin is half-asleep against the wall. Wonyoung is next to me, her head resting against my shoulder, her perfume—something sweet, like cherries—clouding my thoughts.

“You’re distracted,” she murmurs, nudging me with her elbow.

I force a laugh. “Just tired.”

She hums, stretching her arms above her head. “Well, we’re taking a break.” Then she turns to Minji with that teasing smile she always wears when she’s about to say something that’ll get a reaction. “So, about that girl you like…”

Minji groans. “Wonyoung, please—”

“Oh, come on,” Wonyoung singsongs. “You talk about her all the time.”

The conversation shifts, laughter filling the room, but my mind stays stuck in this loop of frustration, of longing, of something close to grief. Because Wonyoung has never looked at me the way Minji looks at that girl. Because she doesn’t even realize what she does to me.

And because I will never be brave enough to tell her.

A week later, I learn the truth.

We’re walking home together, snow crunching beneath our feet, Wonyoung’s gloved hand occasionally brushing against mine. The air is sharp, biting at my skin, but I don’t mind.

“I need to tell you something,” she says suddenly, stopping in her tracks.

I turn to her, trying to ignore the way my pulse quickens. “What is it?”

She hesitates, biting her lip. “Minji confessed to me.”

It takes me a second to process her words. Then another to understand what she means.

“And?” My voice is careful, controlled.

A small smile tugs at her lips. “I think I like her, too.”

For a moment, all I hear is the wind. Then the sound of my own heart breaking.

I swallow past the lump in my throat, forcing my lips into something that resembles a smile. “That’s… great.”

She beams at me, eyes bright, cheeks flushed from the cold. “You think so?”

No. I think it’s the worst thing that’s ever happened to me. I think my chest is caving in. I think I’ve lost before I even had the chance to fight.

But I can’t tell her that.

So instead, I nod. “Yeah. You deserve to be happy.”

She reaches for my hand, squeezing it gently. “You’re the best, Y/n.”

I feel the weight of those words press against my ribs, like they’re meant to be comforting but instead, they’re crushing me.

Because I only have one heart, and she holds its entire beat.

And she doesn’t even know it.

[bepoopy]

★ Chapter Ten: The Beach Trip

The school trip to the beach was something we’d all been looking forward to. It was supposed to be one of those carefree days—sun, sand, and a break from the usual school routine. When we all piled into the bus, the excitement was palpable, everyone buzzing with energy. Minji and her friends claimed the back seats, as usual, while I ended up sitting with Rei and Leeseo somewhere in the middle.

The banter started right away. Ryujin was already challenging Hanni to see who could make the biggest splash in the ocean, while Karina teased Minji about wearing sunscreen like a mom. I overheard Rei and Leeseo making jokes about building the biggest sandcastle ever, even though I knew neither of them had any serious plans to do it.

And then there was Wonyoung.

She was sitting a few rows ahead of me with Yujin, their heads close together as they whispered and giggled about something. I tried not to stare, tried to focus on the conversation going on around me, but it was like I had this internal radar for her—always knowing exactly where she was, even without meaning to.

“Hey, Y/N!” Rei nudged me, bringing me back to the present. “You gonna join us in the water, or are you gonna mope on the beach like some kind of seaweed?”

I laughed, forcing myself to shake off the mood. “You kidding? I’m going to out-splash all of you.”

-————-

When we finally arrived at the beach, the sun was already high, the sky a perfect, cloudless blue. The second our feet hit the sand, the chaos began. Minji and Karina set up a volleyball net, calling out to everyone for a match. Hanni and Ryujin were already racing to the water, screaming like banshees, while Rei and Leeseo dragged me toward the shoreline, determined to make good on their promise to splash everyone.

For a while, it was easy to forget everything else. The cold water hitting my skin jolted me into the moment, the laughter and the feel of the sun on my back chasing away the tension that had been hanging over me for weeks.

But, of course, it didn’t last.

After some time, Wonyoung and Yujin strolled down to the water, their hands intertwined. Wonyoung was in a flowy sundress over her swimsuit, her hair tied up in a loose bun, looking effortlessly perfect. I caught myself staring again, the familiar ache creeping into my chest.

"Hey, Y/N!" Wonyoung’s voice jolted me. She was smiling, that warm, easy smile that always made me feel both excited and hollow at the same time. "Wanna join our team for volleyball?"

I blinked, trying to process the question. "Uh, sure. Who’s on your team?"

"Me, Yujin, and Minji. You in?"

The combination of being on the same team as both Wonyoung and my sister made my brain short-circuit for a second, but I nodded. "Yeah, why not?"

As we started playing, things got competitive fast. Minji’s spikes were brutal, and Ryujin and Hanni weren’t holding back on the opposite team. I found myself caught between trying to win and being hyper-aware of Wonyoung’s presence beside me. Every time we high-fived after a good play, my heart did that stupid flutter thing, and I hated how much it affected me.

But it was Yujin who seemed to notice the tension first. Between points, she glanced between me and Wonyoung, her expression unreadable, but I could tell she was picking up on something. I kept my head down, focusing on the game, but it was hard to ignore the way her gaze lingered on me.

-————-

After the game, the group split up. Some people went back to the water, others lounged on the sand, and I ended up wandering alone along the shoreline. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore was calming, and for a moment, I let myself just exist in that space, free of the whirlwind of thoughts that usually plagued me when I was around Wonyoung.

But, as if on cue, I heard her voice again.

“Y/N! Wait up!”

I turned to see Wonyoung jogging toward me, her sundress fluttering in the breeze. I tried to prepare myself for another casual conversation, but there was something different in the way she was looking at me now. Something serious.

“Mind if I walk with you?” she asked, already falling into step beside me.

“Sure,” I said, my throat tightening.

We walked in silence for a few minutes, the sand cool under our feet as the waves lapped at the shore. I could feel the tension building between us, like we were both avoiding something we didn’t want to confront.

Finally, Wonyoung spoke. “You’ve been... distant again.”

There it was. I couldn’t avoid it anymore.

I swallowed hard, my mind racing for a response. “I’ve just had a lot going on.”

Wonyoung stopped walking, turning to face me. “You keep saying that, but... I don’t believe you.”

I froze, my heart pounding. “What do you mean?”

She took a step closer, her eyes searching mine. “You’re pulling away from me, Y/N. And I don’t get why.”

I wanted to tell her everything—to spill all the messy feelings I’d been hiding for so long. But the words wouldn’t come. Instead, I looked away, out at the ocean, my chest tight with the weight of everything unsaid.

“It’s complicated,” I muttered, hating how weak it sounded.

“Then explain it to me,” she said softly. “I want to understand.”

I could feel her eyes on me, waiting for me to open up, but I couldn’t. Not like this, not when I knew how impossible it all was. Wonyoung was with Yujin, and even if she wasn’t, there was no way she felt the same way about me. I was just... stuck.

“I can’t,” I whispered.

For a long moment, neither of us said anything. The only sound was the waves crashing against the shore, the distant laughter of our friends somewhere down the beach.

“Wonyoung,” I began, I could feel the breath catch in my throat, “So… do you like her that much?”

Wonyoung looked at me, her gaze was steady, almost expectant. My silence spoke volumes, but I had to know.

“I love her, Y/N,” Wonyoung said, her voice quiet, but certain.

I felt the words sink in, twisting the knot tighter in my chest. A bitter laugh escaped my lips before I could stop it. “Right. Of course you do. Silly me for asking.”

She didn’t respond immediately, but there was a sadness in her eyes, one that made me feel like she understood more than I realized.

“I’m sorry,” I added quickly, forcing a smile that didn’t reach my eyes. “I shouldn’t have—”

“You don’t need to apologize,” she interrupted gently. “Just... don’t shut me out, okay?”

I nodded, but the weight in my chest didn’t lighten. Not really.

-————-

Later that evening, after the sun had set, the teachers organized a small fireworks show to wrap up the day. We all gathered on the beach, sitting in small groups, watching as the first bursts of color lit up the night sky.

I sat with Rei and Leeseo, but my eyes kept drifting to Wonyoung and Yujin, who were sitting close together a few feet away. Wonyoung’s head rested on Yujin’s shoulder, their hands intertwined. I tried to look away, but it was like a magnet pulling me in.

The fireworks exploded overhead, vibrant reds and blues and golds, but all I could feel was the sinking weight in my chest. I glanced at Wonyoung again, and for a brief second, our eyes met.

She smiled, but there was a hint of sadness there, like she understood more than she was letting on.

The fireworks continued, filling the sky with light and sound, but all I could think about was how far away Wonyoung felt, even though she was right there.

And in that moment, I knew things would never be the same between us.

[bepoopy]

★ Chapter Nine: The Group Hangout

If there’s one thing that never fails to make high school bearable, it’s hanging out with your friends. After the rollercoaster of emotions that was the sports festival, everyone was looking forward to just goofing off and having a good time together. It was one of those rare days where all of us—Minji’s group and mine—actually decided to meet up and spend the day as one big crew.

It was chaos from the start.

We had planned to meet at the mall at noon, but of course, not a single one of us managed to be on time. I showed up first, which was a bad sign. Rei and Leeseo were ten minutes late, bickering about whether we should hit the food court first or the arcade. Leeseo wanted food, Rei wanted games—classic.

“I’m not spending an hour waiting for you to finish your fourth bubble tea,” Rei grumbled as we stood outside the entrance. “Arcade first, food after.”

Leeseo folded her arms, unbothered. “You say that now, but I know you’ll lose miserably and then beg for boba to heal your bruised ego.”

Before Rei could fire back, Minji showed up, arm in arm with Karina, both of them sporting sunglasses like they were starring in their own K-drama. Behind them trailed Hanni, Yunjin, and Ryujin, laughing about something ridiculous. And then, there was Wonyoung—holding hands with her girlfriend, Yujin.

Yujin was, annoyingly, the definition of cool—tall, confident, and always with a smirk that made it look like she knew something you didn’t. The worst part? She was actually pretty chill, and Wonyoung seemed happy with her. I could live with that, I guess.

“Hey, sorry we’re late!” Hanni called out, jogging over with Yunjin and Ryujin in tow. “We got distracted at the bakery.”

Yunjin held up a bag of bread triumphantly. “We brought croissants though, so really, we’re doing you a favor.”

“Croissants?” Leeseo perked up. “Maybe we should do food first after all…”

Rei groaned. “No! Arcade. Now.”

-————-

Once we finally made it to the arcade, the chaos truly began.

Ryujin, as expected, declared herself the queen of air hockey and promptly challenged everyone to a match. Minji and Karina stood off to the side, pretending to be uninterested, but they were totally placing bets on who would win. Hanni was way too invested in one of those claw machines, determined to win a stuffed penguin even though we all knew those things were rigged.

“Just let it go, Hanni,” I said, watching her feed yet another coin into the machine. “You’ve already spent enough to buy three of those penguins at this point.”

“No way,” Hanni replied, her face set with steely determination. “This is a matter of principle now. The penguin is mine.”

Yunjin leaned in closer, whispering loud enough for everyone to hear. “She’s been saying that for the last twenty minutes.”

Wonyoung laughed, nudging Yujin. “We’ll be here all day at this rate.”

Meanwhile, Rei and Leeseo had found a dance battle machine, where they were absolutely destroying everyone’s expectations. Leeseo, who looked way too serious, was actually shockingly good at it, while Rei... was more committed to the performance than the actual steps.

“Is she... freestyle dancing?” I asked, watching Rei spin in circles while Leeseo tried to focus on the actual arrows on the screen.

“That’s Rei’s secret,” Yunjin said, stifling a laugh. “She never follows the rules.”

I was about to reply when Wonyoung sidled up next to me, her eyes bright with amusement. “Think you can beat me at basketball, Y/N?”

I raised an eyebrow. “You’re challenging me?”

Wonyoung grinned, her competitive side showing. “Why not? Unless you’re scared you’ll lose.”

“Oh, it’s on.”

-—————-

The basketball challenge was intense. Wonyoung, with her long arms and natural grace, was surprisingly good. I wasn’t about to let her know that though. We battled it out on the machine, the score flipping back and forth until the buzzer rang.

It ended in a tie.

“A tie?” Wonyoung pouted dramatically, crossing her arms. “I was sure I’d win.”

“You were close,” I said with a smirk, wiping sweat from my brow. “But I guess we’re evenly matched.”

Yujin, who had been watching the whole time, leaned against the machine with an amused grin. “You two are so competitive. Next time, we’ll have to do something like go-karting or rock climbing. See who’s really the best.”

Wonyoung’s eyes lit up. “Oh, I’m down for that.”

“Of course you are,” I muttered under my breath, trying not to let my brain focus on how cute she looked when she was in her competitive mode.

-—————-

After a few more rounds of games, we eventually moved on to karaoke. That’s where things got... wild.

Ryujin was the first to grab the mic, belting out some old-school K-pop song with so much passion that it made us all cry-laugh. Hanni joined in, adding ridiculous dance moves that barely matched the beat, while Yunjin recorded the whole thing on her phone, promising to upload it to the group chat later.

Minji, ever the quiet one in these chaotic situations, was content to sit with Karina, who kept egging her on to join in. After a lot of pleading, Minji finally caved and did a surprisingly good duet with Karina, the two of them harmonizing like pros. I could see why Karina liked her—Minji was a bit dorky, but in a way that made people want to be around her.

“Okay, who’s next?” Yujin asked, scanning the room with a mischievous glint in her eye. “Y/N? Wonyoung?”

Wonyoung waved her hand dismissively. “I’ll pass.”

“Oh, come on,” Yujin teased, wrapping an arm around her girlfriend. “You can’t back out now. Besides, wouldn’t it be fun to do a duet?”

Wonyoung laughed, gently shoving Yujin away. “Fine, fine. But don’t expect anything amazing.”

They ended up singing together, and honestly, it wasn’t half bad. I watched them, trying not to feel too much, but I couldn’t help it. The way Wonyoung glanced at Yujin with that soft smile on her face—it hurt, but I forced myself to enjoy the moment for what it was: friends hanging out, having a good time.

Leeseo and Rei joined in next, doing a ridiculous performance of some overly dramatic ballad, and by the end of it, we were all rolling on the floor, tears streaming down our faces from laughing so hard.

-————-

As the day wound down, we all gathered in the food court for one last snack before heading home. Hanni finally won her penguin (after far too many attempts), Ryujin was still arguing about who was the better air hockey player, and Rei was trying to convince Leeseo to start a dance battle league with her.

But despite all the noise and the jokes flying around, I felt... content. These were my friends—chaotic, ridiculous, and sometimes way too much—but they were my people. Even Wonyoung, who sat across from me with Yujin by her side, felt like a part of this strange, wonderful mess of a group.

And for a moment, I let myself just enjoy it.

[bepoopy]

★ Chapter Eight: The Space Between Us

For the past few days, I’d been avoiding Wonyoung. It wasn’t easy, not when we had classes together and saw each other almost every day, but I made it work. I told myself it was for the best. I mean, how long could I sit there and pretend that everything was fine when it wasn’t?

Leeseo and Rei had noticed, of course. They weren’t stupid. But they hadn’t pushed—yet. I was grateful for that.

"Y/N, you good?" Rei asked as we sat at our usual spot behind the school, away from the chaos of lunchtime. Leeseo was busy trying to beat her latest phone game, her tongue poking out in concentration.

I shrugged, poking at my lunch with a pair of chopsticks. "Yeah, just tired, I guess."

"You’ve been saying that a lot lately," Rei said, leaning back on her hands and squinting at me. "You sure it’s just that?"

"Uh-huh." I didn’t look up, focusing on the food in front of me.

Rei sighed, glancing at Leeseo, who had just failed another level. "You’ve been avoiding Wonyoung."

That made me pause. "What?"

"You heard me." Rei raised an eyebrow. "You two have been glued at the hip all year, and now suddenly, you’re nowhere to be seen whenever she’s around."

Leeseo looked up from her phone, finally joining the conversation. "Yeah, she asked about you yesterday."

That caught me off guard. "She did?"

Leeseo nodded, stuffing a chip into her mouth. "Said you’ve been distant lately. Wondered if she did something to upset you."

Great. That’s exactly what I didn’t want. I didn’t want Wonyoung thinking she’d done something wrong when it was all me. But how was I supposed to explain that?

"I’ve just… needed some space," I muttered, avoiding their eyes. "It’s nothing."

"It’s definitely something," Rei said, but her voice was softer now, like she was giving me room to talk if I wanted to.

I didn’t. Not yet, at least.

-————-

By the time I got home, my mind was still buzzing with thoughts about Wonyoung. Should I talk to her? Should I just keep my distance? Either way, the confusion was making my head spin.

I kicked off my shoes and wandered into the kitchen, where I was greeted by the smell of something sweet. Minji was standing by the stove, stirring a pot of what looked like chocolate sauce.

"Hey," she said without looking up, her voice casual. "Want some cookies? I’m experimenting."

I snorted, dropping my bag on the floor. "Since when do you bake?"

"Since I decided to become a master of all trades," Minji replied with a grin, finally turning to face me. "Come on, it’ll cheer you up."

I raised an eyebrow. "Who said I needed cheering up?"

Minji gave me a look that was somewhere between amused and concerned. "Y/N, you’ve been sulking for days. It’s written all over your face."

I rolled my eyes, but couldn’t help feeling a little touched that she’d noticed. "I’m fine. Really."

"Uh-huh. Sure." Minji handed me a spoonful of chocolate sauce to taste. "Try this and tell me you’re fine."

I took the spoon reluctantly and gave it a taste. It was actually pretty good—rich, smooth, with just the right amount of sweetness. I blinked in surprise.

"Wow, this is… edible."

Minji laughed, swatting at my shoulder. "Gee, thanks."

I smiled despite myself, the tension in my chest loosening just a little. Leave it to Minji to make me laugh when I didn’t even feel like smiling.

"So," she said, leaning against the counter. "You wanna talk about it?"

"Talk about what?"

"Whatever’s going on with you," Minji said, her tone gentle but firm. "I know something’s bothering you, and I’m your sister, so you can either spill now or I’ll keep bugging you until you do."

I sighed, slumping into one of the kitchen chairs. "It’s… complicated."

Minji crossed her arms and gave me a knowing look. "Is it about Wonyoung?"

I froze, my heart skipping a beat. "What makes you say that?"

"You’ve been avoiding her," Minji said simply. "It doesn’t take a genius to figure out something’s up."

I groaned, running a hand through my hair. "I just… It’s hard, you know? She’s with Yujin, and I—"

"You like her."

The words hung in the air between us, heavier than I expected. I hadn’t said it out loud to anyone, not even to myself. But Minji had always been good at cutting through the nonsense and getting straight to the point.

"Yeah," I admitted quietly. "I do."

Minji didn’t say anything for a moment. Then, she let out a soft sigh and sat down across from me. "That sucks."

I couldn’t help but laugh at the bluntness of her words. "Yeah. It really does."

Minji reached over and gave my hand a quick squeeze, her expression softening. "Look, I know it hurts, but avoiding her isn’t going to make it any easier. Trust me, I’ve been there."

I raised an eyebrow. "You have?"

Minji shrugged. "Sort of. With Karina."

That caught my attention. "Wait, Karina? You’ve never said anything."

"Yeah, well, I haven’t exactly been brave about it either," Minji said, her cheeks turning slightly pink. "But the point is, keeping your distance isn’t going to solve anything. If anything, it’s just going to make things more confusing."

I sighed again, slumping deeper into my chair. "I know you’re right. I just… don’t know what to do."

Minji smiled sympathetically. "You’ll figure it out. Just don’t hide from her forever, okay?"

I nodded, though I wasn’t sure if I could promise that.

-————-

The next day, I tried to keep up the distance thing, but it was harder than I thought. Every time I turned a corner, it felt like Wonyoung was there. In the hallway. In class. Even during lunch, she seemed to pop up wherever I went, like some kind of cosmic joke.

Finally, at the end of the day, I was heading to my locker when I heard her voice behind me.

"Y/N."

I froze, my hand halfway to the locker handle. I knew that tone—soft, but with a hint of concern. I turned around slowly, trying to keep my face neutral.

Wonyoung stood a few feet away, her arms crossed over her chest. She wasn’t smiling this time. In fact, she looked more serious than I’d seen her in a long time.

"Can we talk?" she asked, her eyes locking onto mine.

I swallowed hard. "Uh, sure."

She walked over, her steps deliberate, and stopped right in front of me. For a moment, neither of us said anything. The hallway around us was quiet, most of the students having already gone home for the day.

"You’ve been avoiding me," Wonyoung said, her voice low but firm.

I opened my mouth to deny it, but the words wouldn’t come. She was right, and there was no point in pretending otherwise.

"I’m sorry," I muttered, looking down at the floor. "I just… I don’t know."

Wonyoung sighed, and I felt her take a step closer. "Did I do something wrong?"

My heart clenched at the genuine concern in her voice. I shook my head quickly. "No, it’s not you. It’s me."

"That’s a pretty cliché answer, Y/N."

I couldn’t help but laugh a little, despite how awkward I felt. "Yeah, it is."

Wonyoung softened a bit, her arms dropping to her sides. "Then tell me what’s going on. Please. I miss you."

Her words hit me harder than I expected. I missed her too—more than I wanted to admit. But how could I explain that without spilling everything?

"I… I just needed some space," I said finally, my voice barely above a whisper.

"From me?" Wonyoung asked, her eyebrows furrowing.

"Not you. Just… everything." I tried to meet her gaze, but it was hard. "I don’t know how to explain it."

Wonyoung studied me for a moment, then sighed again. "Okay. I won’t push you if you don’t want to talk about it. But I’m here, okay? Just… don’t shut me out."

I nodded, feeling both relieved and guilty at the same time. "Thanks, Wonyoung."

She smiled, but it was a small, sad smile. "Anytime."

And with that, she turned and walked away, leaving me standing there, feeling more confused than ever.

[bepoopy]

★ Chapter Seven: Fireworks

The sports festival was one of those school events that always managed to bring out the best—and worst—in people. The field was packed with students, teachers, and even some parents, all buzzing with excitement. The sun was high in the sky, and the air smelled of freshly cut grass and sweat.

Minji, of course, was in her element. Being both tall and athletic, she thrived in these kinds of events. I, on the other hand, was perfectly content hanging out on the sidelines, pretending to be involved while staying far from anything too physically demanding.

I sat under one of the tents, watching the chaos unfold. Students were running back and forth, shouting instructions, laughing, and psyching each other up for the upcoming races. In the middle of it all, I spotted Minji, standing tall and confident, surrounded by her friends—Hanni, Yunjin, Ryujin, and, of course, Karina.

I could see it from here—the way Minji’s eyes followed Karina, subtle but impossible to miss if you knew what to look for. Minji was trying her best to be casual, but there was a certain softness in her gaze, a quiet attentiveness that she didn’t show anyone else. Karina, for her part, seemed oblivious, focused on stretching and chatting with the others.

"Your sister’s in deep, huh?" a voice said, pulling me out of my thoughts.

I glanced to my left and found Wonyoung standing beside me, her usual easy smile on her face. She was dressed in her sports uniform, her hair pulled back in a neat ponytail. Even in a crowd of students, she stood out, her height and presence impossible to ignore.

"Yeah," I replied, following her gaze back to Minji. "She’s not exactly subtle."

Wonyoung chuckled and plopped down next to me, the sun catching her eyes in just the right way to make them sparkle. I tried not to stare.

"You think Karina knows?" she asked, glancing at me.

I shrugged. "If she doesn’t, she’s either blind or in serious denial."

"Minji’s got it bad."

"Tell me about it."

There was a beat of silence, comfortable but charged. Wonyoung leaned back on her hands, her eyes scanning the field. I could feel the warmth radiating off her, even though we weren’t touching. It was moments like this, when it was just the two of us, that I wished I could freeze time.

Before I could get too lost in my thoughts, the whistle blew, signaling the start of one of the races. I looked up just in time to see Minji and Karina lining up for the relay, both of them looking focused and determined. It wasn’t their first race of the day, but this one seemed to matter more.

"Think your sister’s gonna win this one?" Wonyoung asked, squinting at the starting line.

"I mean, she’s practically a machine," I said. "But she’s got competition."

We watched as the race began, Minji and Karina sprinting down the track, their legs moving in perfect rhythm. For a second, it looked like they were neck and neck, but then Minji surged ahead, her long strides eating up the distance between her and the finish line.

As expected, Minji won the race, her teammates cheering as she crossed the line first. Karina wasn’t far behind, coming in a close second, but there was no bitterness between them. In fact, as soon as they caught their breath, Minji gave Karina a playful nudge, and Karina laughed, the sound light and carefree. They looked at ease with each other, the tension between them almost invisible to anyone who didn’t know better.

"She’s really into her, huh?" Wonyoung said, her tone more thoughtful now.

"Yeah," I replied quietly, my eyes still on Minji and Karina. "She’s been like this for a while."

Wonyoung turned to look at me, her expression soft. "Must be tough, watching her go through that. I mean… caring about someone who might not feel the same way."

Her words hit harder than she probably intended, but I forced a smile. "Yeah. It’s not easy."

I wasn’t sure if she knew what I was really talking about. But either way, the moment passed, and the festival continued.

The afternoon was a blur of races, games, and cheering. I mostly stuck by Wonyoung’s side, watching from a distance as Minji and Karina interacted, their easy banter laced with something deeper. It was hard to ignore the way Minji looked at her, like Karina was the only person in the world. And maybe, for Minji, she was.

As the day wore on and the sun began to set, the festival started to wind down. Most of the students were tired, sweaty, and ready to head home, but there was one last event that everyone had been waiting for: the fireworks.

I found myself standing by the bleachers with Wonyoung, the two of us watching as the first few bursts of color lit up the darkening sky. The crowd had gathered around, but somehow, it felt like we were in our own little bubble, just the two of us.

"This is my favorite part," Wonyoung said softly, her eyes fixed on the fireworks above.

"Yeah?" I asked, glancing at her.

She nodded, her face illuminated by the flashes of light. "There’s something magical about it, you know? Like, for a few minutes, everything else fades away, and it’s just… beautiful."

I didn’t respond right away. I was too focused on the way her expression softened as she watched the sky, the way the colors danced across her face. She was right. It was beautiful. But it wasn’t the fireworks that had me captivated.

We stood there in silence for a while, just watching the sky. The air was cool now, a breeze rustling through the trees, and for the first time all day, I felt completely calm.

I stole a glance at Wonyoung. She looked so serene, so content. I wanted to tell her how I felt, to just say something—anything—but the words wouldn’t come.

Instead, I took a deep breath and asked, "How’s everything with Yujin?"

The question felt like a punch to the gut, but I needed to hear the answer.

Wonyoung turned to look at me, her eyes soft. "We’re good. She’s… she’s really sweet, you know? She gets me in ways that not a lot of people do."

I forced a smile, even though my chest ached. "That’s great. I’m happy for you."

Wonyoung smiled back, but there was something else in her expression—something I couldn’t quite place. "Thanks, Y/N. That means a lot."

Another firework exploded above us, lighting up the sky in bright blues and greens. For a moment, neither of us spoke. It was like we were both waiting for something, though I wasn’t sure what.

Then, Wonyoung stepped a little closer, her shoulder brushing against mine. "I’m glad we’re friends," she said quietly.

"Yeah," I replied, my throat tight. "Me too."

We stood there, side by side, watching the fireworks light up the night. And even though everything inside me screamed to say more, to do something, I stayed quiet.

Because sometimes, that’s all you can do.

[bepoopy]

★ Chapter Six: A Gathering, Uninvited Feelings

There’s nothing quite like having your house overrun by high school girls. Especially when half of them aren’t even your friends. But when Minji decides she wants to host a casual hangout, there’s no stopping her.

I was in the living room, sprawled out on the couch, phone in hand. Minji, as usual, was orchestrating the entire event like she was planning a world summit. Snacks were spread out on the coffee table, the TV was on some random music channel for background noise, and my sister was flitting around, making sure everything was perfect.

"How many people are even coming?" I asked, watching her stress over whether the chips were evenly distributed between the bowls.

"Just the usual," she replied without looking up. "Hanni, Ryujin, Yunjin, and… well, Wonyoung said she might stop by too."

At the mention of Wonyoung, my pulse did its usual flip. The idea of her coming over, being here, hanging out in my house, sent a jolt of nervous energy through me.

But I wasn’t about to let Minji catch on. "Right, cool."

Minji paused her chip rearranging and gave me a look. "You know you’re going to have to socialize, right? You can’t just sit here like a couch potato."

"Who says?" I grumbled, shifting further into the cushions. "I’m a master at couch-potatoing. It’s an art form."

Before Minji could retort, the doorbell rang. The first wave of guests had arrived. I braced myself as Minji darted to the door, practically bouncing with excitement.

In came Hanni, Yunjin, and Ryujin, all smiles and energy. They greeted Minji like they hadn’t seen each other in years, even though it had probably been less than 24 hours. I stayed on the couch, giving them a casual nod, hoping they wouldn’t drag me into whatever conversations they had planned.

"Y/N, you look thrilled," Yunjin teased as she flopped onto the armchair beside me. "You should really get out more. Maybe catch some sun."

"Thanks for the advice," I muttered, though I couldn’t help but smirk. "I’ll consider it."

Ryujin snorted. "She says that, but we all know Y/N is just going to stay in her cave."

I opened my mouth to fire back, but before I could say anything, the doorbell rang again. I didn’t know why, but something in the air shifted. I sat up a little straighter, my heart picking up speed, as if it already knew what was coming.

Minji opened the door, and in walked Wonyoung—looking effortlessly perfect as usual. She smiled at everyone, her long hair falling in waves over her shoulders. For a split second, I thought I might actually survive the evening. But then I noticed she wasn’t alone.

Yujin walked in right behind her.

And the two of them were holding hands.

I felt the air leave my lungs. My stomach twisted, and for a moment, it felt like someone had pressed pause on the whole room.

"Hey, everyone!" Wonyoung said cheerfully, as if nothing was wrong, as if my entire world wasn’t crumbling in on itself. "Sorry we’re late."

"No worries," Minji chirped, completely oblivious to the tension building inside me. "Glad you could make it."

Wonyoung and Yujin moved to join the group, sitting together on the loveseat across from where I was still frozen on the couch. They were casual, relaxed, as if this was normal—like this was something that had been happening for a while, and everyone knew about it.

Everyone except me.

"Wait, I didn’t know you two were a thing!" Hanni exclaimed, clearly excited about the revelation. She leaned forward, grinning from ear to ear. "How long has this been going on?"

Wonyoung glanced at Yujin, her smile softening in a way that made my chest tighten. "A few months now. We wanted to keep it low-key at first, but… yeah. It’s official."

Yujin beamed, clearly proud, and my heart sank further. I couldn’t stop staring at their intertwined hands—the way Yujin’s thumb absentmindedly stroked the back of Wonyoung’s hand, like it was the most natural thing in the world.

My throat felt dry. I needed to say something, anything, but the words wouldn’t come. Instead, I just sat there, nodding along with the conversation like some kind of robot.

Minji, sensing my weird silence, gave me a sideways glance. "Y/N, you okay? You’ve been awfully quiet."

I blinked, shaking myself out of whatever trance I had fallen into. "Yeah, I’m fine," I said, forcing a smile. "Just… processing."

Hanni gave me a look like she didn’t quite believe me, but thankfully, she didn’t press. The conversation shifted to something else—something about school and weekend plans—but I wasn’t really listening anymore. My mind was stuck on Wonyoung and Yujin, on the way they seemed so comfortable with each other.

On how wrong it felt that I wasn’t the one sitting beside Wonyoung.

It wasn’t like I had ever expected anything to happen between us. I knew that, logically. But knowing something in your head and feeling it in your heart are two very different things.

As the night wore on, I tried to focus on the others, tried to laugh at their jokes and chime in when I could. But every time Wonyoung and Yujin exchanged glances or whispered something to each other, it felt like a punch to the gut. And the worst part was that no one else seemed to notice.

Eventually, Minji suggested we all play a game, something silly to pass the time. Everyone agreed, but I stayed back, letting the others get caught up in the chaos. I couldn’t bring myself to join in. Not tonight.

Instead, I slipped away to the kitchen, needing a moment to myself. The house was full of noise—laughing, talking, the TV still going in the background—but in the kitchen, it was quieter. I leaned against the counter, staring blankly at the pile of dirty dishes from all the snacks.

The door creaked behind me, and I turned, expecting Minji or one of the girls to come in looking for more snacks. But instead, it was Wonyoung.

My heart jumped into my throat.

"Hey," she said softly, stepping into the kitchen. She gave me a concerned look. "You okay? You seemed a little off tonight."

I swallowed hard, trying to keep my voice steady. "Yeah, I’m good. Just needed a breather."

Wonyoung tilted her head, her eyes studying me for a moment. "Are you sure?"

I nodded, though it felt like my throat was closing up. "Totally."

She stepped closer, leaning against the counter next to me. Her presence was warm, familiar, and for a second, I forgot about everything else. It was just me and her, like it always was.

"You know," she said quietly, "if you ever need to talk, I’m here."

The words hit me harder than I expected. She had no idea what she was offering. She had no idea that talking was the one thing I couldn’t do. Not with her. Not about this.

I forced a smile, hoping it looked convincing. "Thanks, Wonyoung. I appreciate it."

She smiled back, and for a moment, everything felt okay again. But then, from the living room, I heard Yujin call her name.

Wonyoung’s eyes flickered toward the door, and just like that, the spell was broken. She gave me one last glance before heading back to join the others.

As the door closed behind her, I let out a long breath, my heart still pounding. I knew this was going to hurt, but I hadn’t realized just how much.

I stayed in the kitchen for a while longer, listening to the sounds of my friends laughing in the other room, trying to steady myself. I could do this. I could pretend everything was fine.

Even if it wasn’t.

[bepoopy]

★ Chapter Five: A Moment In Class

There’s something about being around Wonyoung that makes time move differently. Like I’m both hyper-aware of every second and completely oblivious to everything happening around me. Today was no exception.

It was third period, and we had English together—a class I usually coasted through without much effort. But when you’re sitting next to your secret crush, even analyzing poetry feels like running a marathon. Not that I’d ever admit that out loud.

I slid into my usual seat at the back of the classroom, two rows away from Wonyoung. I always tried to stay close enough to see her, but not close enough to make it obvious. Today, however, the universe had other plans.

As I pulled out my notebook, the teacher—Mrs. Choi—clapped her hands for attention. "Alright, everyone. Today we’ll be working on group discussions. I want you to pair up with someone near you to go over the assignment on page 52."

I glanced around, hoping I could get away with pairing up with the girl in front of me, or maybe just working alone. But before I could make a move, I heard Wonyoung’s voice.

"Y/N, do you want to work together?"

My heart stopped.

I looked up, and there she was, standing by my desk with that easy smile of hers. She was taller than most of the girls in class, her long black hair cascading over her shoulders in a way that seemed almost too perfect. It wasn’t fair how effortlessly beautiful she looked, even in a simple school uniform.

"Uh, yeah. Sure," I managed to say, hoping my voice didn’t betray how nervous I suddenly felt. I tried to play it cool, but internally, I was freaking out. Breathe, Y/N. It’s just Wonyoung. You’ve talked to her before. No big deal.

She pulled a chair over and sat down beside me, sliding her textbook onto my desk. My pulse quickened, but I forced myself to focus on the task at hand. Page 52. Just read the damn page.

We spent a few minutes reading silently, the noise of the classroom fading into the background as I became painfully aware of how close she was sitting. I could smell the faint scent of her perfume—something sweet and floral, but not overpowering. It was enough to make my head spin.

"Do you get this poem?" Wonyoung asked, breaking the silence. She tilted her head slightly, her expression thoughtful as she pointed to a line in the book.

I blinked, trying to snap out of whatever daze I’d fallen into. "Uh, yeah. It’s… about longing, I think. Like, wanting something you can’t have."

Like you, I almost said, but thankfully stopped myself in time.

Wonyoung nodded, her eyes scanning the page again. "I thought so too. It’s kind of sad, but beautiful in a way. How people can feel so much but never say anything."

Her words hit a little too close to home. I shifted in my seat, trying to keep my cool. "Yeah. I guess it’s easier to keep things to yourself than risk getting hurt."

She glanced at me, her gaze soft but curious. "Do you believe that? That it’s better to stay quiet?"

I hesitated. Did I believe that? In theory, sure. But sitting here next to her, with her full attention on me, I wasn’t so sure anymore.

"I guess it depends," I said slowly. "Sometimes, staying quiet is the safer option. But… maybe it’s not always the best one."

Wonyoung didn’t respond right away. She just looked at me, like she was thinking about something. It wasn’t the kind of look you could brush off easily. It was deep, thoughtful. The kind of look that made my chest tighten, even though we were just talking about poetry.

Before I could spiral too far into overthinking, she smiled again, this time more softly. "I think you’re right. But it takes a lot of courage to say what you really feel."

I swallowed hard. “Yeah, no kidding.“

The rest of the period passed in a blur. We worked through the assignment, bouncing ideas off each other, but my mind kept drifting. Every time Wonyoung laughed at something I said, or leaned in a little closer to point out a line in the text, I could feel my resolve slipping.

By the time the bell rang, I was barely holding it together. Everyone started packing up, and Wonyoung stood, smoothing down her skirt as she glanced at me.

"Thanks for working with me today," she said, her voice light. "You made this way easier than it would’ve been on my own."

"No problem," I replied, stuffing my notebook into my bag. "Anytime."

She gave me one last smile before turning to leave, and for a second, I considered saying something—anything—to keep her from walking away. But the words stuck in my throat, and all I could do was watch as she joined Leeseo and Rei at the door.

I let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding and slung my backpack over my shoulder, heading for the hallway. My heart was still pounding in my chest, but at least I had survived the class without embarrassing myself. Small victories.

As I made my way through the crowded hall, I couldn’t help but glance in Wonyoung’s direction. She was laughing with Rei, completely at ease, like nothing had changed. And maybe nothing had.

But for me, something felt different. Talking to her—really talking to her—had shaken something loose inside me. Maybe Minji was right. Maybe I was being too careful. Too quiet.

[bepoopy]

★ Chapter Four: The Kim Family Chaos

If there was one thing you could count on in the Kim household, it was that no day ever went according to plan. After the whirlwind of Valentine’s Day drama, I was ready to come home, crash in my room, and maybe indulge in my usual habit of mindlessly scrolling through my phone. But, of course, that was never going to happen. Not when you lived with Mr. and Mrs. Kim.

As soon as I stepped through the door, the unmistakable scent of burning food hit my nose. I froze in the entryway, blinking as smoke began to waft through the house.

"Minji!" I shouted, kicking off my shoes and racing towards the kitchen. "Are you trying to burn the house down?!"

Minji wasn’t the only one responsible for the chaos in our kitchen, but today, I had a hunch it was her. Sure enough, I rounded the corner and found my sister standing at the stove, frantically fanning smoke away from a frying pan with a dish towel.

"Relax, I’ve got this under control," Minji said, her voice tense but trying to sound confident. She was poking something blackened and unidentifiable in the pan, clearly regretting whatever culinary experiment she had attempted.

"Clearly," I deadpanned, waving the smoke away from my face. "What are you even trying to make?"

"Something healthy," Minji muttered, turning off the stove. "I saw this recipe online—"

"Oh no," I interrupted, already knowing where this was going. "Not one of Mom’s ‘wellness’ websites again."

"It’s supposed to be good for your skin!" Minji shot back defensively, scooping whatever disaster she’d created into a bowl. "Something about antioxidants and… I don’t know, stuff."

I peered into the bowl, my face twisting in disgust. "Yeah, well, whatever that is, it looks like charcoal."

Minji rolled her eyes, leaning against the counter. "You don’t get it, Y/N. You wouldn’t understand the importance of a balanced diet."

"Oh, trust me, I understand," I said, picking up one of the blackened blobs with a fork. "I just don’t think this counts as food."

Before Minji could launch into another lecture about the benefits of green tea or kale or whatever ingredient she was experimenting with this time, we were interrupted by our dad’s booming voice from the living room.

"Girls! Dinner is almost ready!"

Minji and I exchanged glances.

"Please tell me Dad isn’t cooking tonight," I whispered.

"He is," Minji said, grimacing. "He’s making his famous ‘stir-fry surprise.’"

I groaned. "Not the surprise part again."

Our dad had this strange idea that adding random ingredients to stir-fry made it more exciting. To him, every meal was an adventure. To us, it was a gamble between something edible and something that should’ve been left in the fridge to die.

Before we could escape to our rooms, Dad appeared in the kitchen doorway, grinning from ear to ear. He was wearing his usual ‘Kiss the Cook’ apron, which was always slightly askew, and holding a spatula like it was a prized sword.

"Ah, there you are! Just in time for my latest masterpiece," he announced, gesturing dramatically toward the table where plates of his infamous stir-fry waited for us.

Minji and I exchanged another look—this one filled with silent resignation. There was no getting out of this. We had to face whatever "surprise" was waiting in that stir-fry.

We sat down, eyeing the plates cautiously. Tonight’s creation looked relatively normal—at first glance, anyway. But we knew better than to trust appearances.

"So, what���s the surprise this time, Dad?" Minji asked, trying to sound optimistic as she poked at the stir-fry with her chopsticks.

Dad grinned, clearly proud of himself. "I added a secret ingredient. Something bold and unexpected."

My stomach flipped with nervous anticipation. "Bold and unexpected" was never good.

"I’ll give you a hint," Dad continued, clearly relishing the suspense. "It’s something you wouldn’t usually find in stir-fry."

Minji and I stared at him, waiting.

"Blueberries!" he declared triumphantly.

I nearly choked. "Blueberries?!"

Minji blinked, trying to process this new information. "In stir-fry?"

Dad nodded enthusiastically, as if this was a stroke of culinary genius. "Yep! I figured, why not mix things up? Sweet and savory go great together!"

I glanced at Minji, whose face was frozen in polite horror. "Uh, sure, Dad," she said carefully. "That’s… really creative."

"Right," I muttered, picking up my chopsticks and tentatively taking a bite. The blueberries were warm, squishy, and definitely didn’t belong in stir-fry. But to Dad’s credit, it wasn’t as bad as I thought it’d be. It was just… weird.

Mom appeared in the doorway then, wiping her hands on a towel. She was more sensible when it came to cooking, but she loved to indulge Dad’s eccentricities, so she gave us her usual supportive smile.

"How’s dinner, girls?" she asked.

"Delicious," Minji lied, flashing a thumbs up.

"Unique," I added, deciding not to be a total killjoy. "Definitely bold."

Dad beamed. "See? I knew you’d appreciate it! It’s all about pushing boundaries."

Minji snuck a piece of broccoli onto my plate when no one was looking, and I shot her a glare. The broccoli was the least of my worries with the blueberries rolling around like loose marbles on the plate.

After dinner, Minji and I retreated to the safety of our shared bedroom, grateful to have survived another one of Dad’s kitchen experiments. She collapsed onto her bed, dramatically groaning as if the day had been a marathon.

"You know," I said, sitting at my desk, "for someone who claims to care about health, you sure downed those blueberries pretty quickly."

Minji threw a pillow at me. "I didn’t want to hurt his feelings, okay? Besides, it wasn’t that bad."

"You’re such a liar," I laughed, dodging the pillow. "It was terrible."

"Okay, fine, it was terrible," Minji admitted, burying her face in another pillow. "But at least he tries."

We both burst into laughter, the kind of uncontrollable giggling that only happens when you’ve been holding in too much weirdness for too long. In the Kim family, weirdness was a given, and somehow, that was what made it fun.

As the laughter faded and we both settled into the comfortable silence of our room, I realized that despite the chaos and the questionable dinners, I wouldn’t trade our family for anything. We might be a little strange, but we made it work. Even if that meant putting up with blueberry stir-fry and Minji’s charred health experiments.

"You know," Minji said quietly from her bed, "Dad’s stir-fry might’ve been weird, but at least it didn’t burn like my cookies."

I grinned, leaning back in my chair. "True. You can’t cook to save your life."

Minji tossed another pillow at me, but this time I caught it, still laughing as the warmth of the evening settled around us.

[bepoopy]

★ Chapter Three: The Long Game

The day rolled on, and while Minji floated through her classes with a grin that wouldn’t leave her face, I stayed mostly quiet. The truth was, I wasn’t really the type to get caught up in this Valentine’s Day mess. Watching Minji confess to Karina made me think too much about how I was holding myself back—too careful, too distant. The slow burn of my feelings for Wonyoung felt like it was stretching endlessly, and honestly, that scared me more than I cared to admit.

Minji, on the other hand, was basking in the afterglow of her small victory. By lunchtime, she found me sitting under one of the big trees near the soccer field, avoiding the cafeteria crowd as usual. She flopped down next to me, her long legs stretched out in front of her. We were both taller than most of the other girls in school, a trait we inherited from our dad. It made us stand out, especially Minji, who had a kind of natural presence that drew people to her even when she wasn’t trying.

"Guess who smiled at me in the hallway again," she said, nudging me with her elbow.

"Let me guess," I said, playing along. "Karina?"

Minji nodded, grinning like a kid on Christmas morning. "She even waved at me this time. Like, full-on eye contact and everything."

"Sounds like she’s interested," I said, happy for her but keeping my tone even. "What are you gonna do next? Just wait around and hope she talks to you first?"

Minji shrugged, leaning back against the tree and staring up at the branches. "I don’t know. I mean, I don’t want to rush things, you know? We’re barely even friends. What if I mess it up?"

"You could start by just… talking to her," I suggested. "Like a normal person."

Minji groaned, running a hand through her messy ponytail. "You make it sound so easy."

"It kind of is," I said. "You’re already halfway there with the cookies. Just don’t overthink it."

Minji gave me a sidelong glance. "And what about you? Why don’t you take your own advice? I see the way you look at Wonyoung."

My stomach did a flip at the mention of her name, but I played it cool. "I don’t know what you’re talking about."

"Yeah, right," Minji laughed softly. "You’re about as subtle as a brick wall."

I shot her a glare, but she just smiled, unbothered. Minji might be the older sister, but we had this unspoken understanding of each other, like we could see through each other’s facades without even trying. It came with being so close in age, I guess.

We were different in a lot of ways, but at the core, we were both just trying to figure out how to deal with feelings we didn’t know what to do with. Minji might have been more forward about her crush on Karina, but I knew she was just as terrified as I was of getting hurt or rejected. That was probably why we were both so slow to act.

The sound of someone calling Minji’s name snapped us out of the conversation. I glanced up to see Yunjin jogging over, waving her arm wildly as if she hadn’t just crossed half the school yard to get to us.

"Minji! There you are!" Yunjin said, slightly out of breath as she reached us. "We’ve been looking for you everywhere."

Minji raised an eyebrow. "What’s up?"

Yunjin grinned, hands on her hips. "Karina’s in the gym right now with a couple of her teammates. You should go say hi."

Minji looked horrified for a split second. "Right now?"

"Yeah, right now," Yunjin insisted, giving her a playful shove. "What’s the worst that could happen? You guys had a whole moment this morning. Go in and keep the momentum going."

Minji glanced at me, her face a mix of panic and hope. I just shrugged, trying to hide the amusement bubbling up inside me. "Go for it."

"You guys are the worst," Minji muttered, but there was no real anger in her voice. She stood up, brushing the grass off her jeans, and took a deep breath. "Okay. I’m doing this."

"That’s the spirit!" Yunjin cheered, already tugging Minji towards the gym.

I watched them go, my heart doing that familiar twist as I saw Minji head off towards Karina. It was weird, being the one stuck on the sidelines, watching her be brave. Usually, it was the other way around.

Sighing, I leaned back against the tree, trying to shake off the weird feelings bubbling up inside me. But as if fate was mocking me, my eyes landed on Wonyoung again, this time standing near the basketball courts with Leeseo and Rei. She was laughing at something Rei said, her smile so bright it made my chest ache.

Wonyoung was beautiful. Everyone knew that. Tall, with long black hair and this effortless elegance that made her stand out even in a crowd. But what really got me was her personality. She was kind, confident without being arrogant, and funny in this quiet, unexpected way. It wasn’t just her looks; it was everything about her.

And that was the problem. How was I supposed to tell her how I felt without risking everything? We were friends—good friends. If I confessed and she didn’t feel the same, things would get awkward. Or worse, she might start distancing herself from me. I couldn’t handle that.

So, I stayed quiet. Watched from afar. It was easier that way.

"Still staring, huh?"

I jumped a little at the sound of Rei’s voice. She had snuck up on me while I was busy daydreaming, a knowing smirk on her face as she glanced between me and Wonyoung. Leeseo was with her too, both of them looking way too pleased with themselves.

"I’m not staring," I lied, crossing my arms defensively.

Rei chuckled. "Sure you’re not. You’ve been staring at her for months, Y/N. You think we haven’t noticed?"

Leeseo giggled, stepping closer. "It’s cute though. You should just tell her."

I shot them both a look. "I’m not telling anyone anything. Besides, it’s not like that."

"It’s exactly like that," Rei said, sitting down next to me. "But hey, we get it. Wonyoung’s kind of… perfect."

I glanced at Wonyoung again, my heart doing that stupid thing where it raced just from looking at her. "Yeah," I said quietly. "She kind of is."

Rei and Leeseo exchanged a glance, but thankfully, they didn’t push me any further. We all sat there for a while, watching the other students pass by, the warm afternoon sun making everything feel just a little slower, a little softer.

Minji’s words from earlier echoed in my mind: You’re about as subtle as a brick wall.

Maybe she was right. Maybe I wasn’t as good at hiding my feelings as I thought. But for now, I was okay with that. I didn’t need to rush into anything. I could wait, let the slow burn simmer until the time was right.

Or maybe I was just too scared to do anything else.

[bepoopy]

★ Chapter Two: Sweet Confessions

Valentine's Day was never a big deal for me. It was like any other school day—well, except for the obnoxious amount of pink and red decorations all over the halls and the fact that every girl seemed to be clutching a gift. The teachers were always in a good mood too, which was a plus. But for me? It was a day to stay low-key and out of the way.

This year, though, I had a front-row seat to my sister’s grand confession, and part of me couldn’t help but be nervous for her. Minji was walking ahead of me, carrying a small, carefully wrapped box—the cookies. Her face was set with determination, but I could see the way her fingers twitched, like she was about to drop it.

We were walking through the school courtyard, students buzzing around us, and I stayed a step behind. Not because I didn’t want to be near her, but because I wasn’t exactly the ‘supportive twin sister’ type. Minji had her own friends, her own world, and today was about her moment. I just had to make sure she didn’t trip over herself before she got there.

"Do I look okay?" Minji asked suddenly, turning to face me. Her eyes were wide with uncertainty.

I blinked, surprised she even cared what I thought. "You look fine, Minji. Relax."

She fidgeted with her scarf. "I don’t know if this was a good idea. What if she doesn’t like cookies? What if she thinks I’m weird?

"Karina already knows you’re weird," I said, deadpan, but quickly softened my tone when Minji’s face fell. "I mean, she’s seen you play volleyball. She’s used to it. Besides, everyone loves cookies."

Minji took a deep breath, then nodded. "Okay. You’re right."

We reached the gym, where Karina was usually hanging out with her friends before class. Sure enough, she was there, casually leaning against the wall, talking and laughing with a couple of her volleyball teammates. Minji froze when she saw her, like her brain had short-circuited.

"Go on," I nudged her. "This is what you’ve been preparing for, right?"

Minji glanced at me, her eyes silently screaming for me to step in, to somehow save her from the very situation she’d spent the past two days obsessing over. But I stayed back. This was her moment, not mine. All I could do was stand at a distance and watch her make the most important walk of her life, or at least that’s how it looked in her eyes.

I leaned against a nearby pillar, trying not to make it obvious that I was watching.

She took a deep breath, squared her shoulders, and made her way over to Karina. As she approached, I could see Karina’s gaze shift, noticing Minji before giving her a small smile. Karina always seemed cool and collected, but now I could see a hint of curiosity flicker in her eyes. The whole interaction felt like it was happening in slow motion, like a scene from a cheesy romance drama.

Minji’s hands shook a little as she handed the box over. I could just barely hear her say something, probably something rehearsed in her head a million times. Karina took the box, her eyebrows raising in surprise, but there was no awkwardness in the way she smiled. She seemed genuinely touched, like this was the last thing she’d expected.

I could almost feel Minji’s relief from across the courtyard as they talked for a few moments. Karina’s smile never faltered, and I even caught her taking a glance at the cookies through the clear wrapping, nodding in approval. Minji was smiling now, too, her nerves melting away. They looked like two girls just having a normal conversation.

But for me, it wasn’t so simple. As I watched the scene unfold, I could feel this weird knot in my chest. Not because I was jealous of Minji’s courage, but because seeing her take that leap made me realize how far I was from doing the same.

I turned my head and caught a glimpse of Wonyoung. She was across the courtyard, surrounded by her friends, laughing at something Leeseo said. She looked perfect, as usual. Her long black hair shimmered under the early morning sun, and her smile—the one that made her eyes crinkle at the corners—was contagious, even from a distance. My heart did a weird little flip, like it always did when I saw her.

I’d never told anyone how I felt about Wonyoung. Not even Minji. It wasn’t that I was afraid of what people would think—well, maybe a little—but mostly, it was because I didn’t know what to do with it. Wonyoung and I were friends, and I liked it that way. But every time I was around her, my chest felt tight, like there was something I needed to say but couldn’t. So, I stayed quiet. Watched from afar.

I sighed, pushing those thoughts to the back of my mind as I looked back at Minji. She and Karina were still talking, and Minji was actually laughing now. I could tell by the way her shoulders relaxed that things had gone better than she could have hoped.

"Hey, Y/N!" Hanni’s voice startled me out of my thoughts.

I turned to see her and Yunjin walking towards me, both of them grinning like they were in on some secret joke. "What are you doing here, lurking in the shadows?" Hanni asked, giving me a playful nudge.

"Lurking?" I scoffed. "I’m just… watching."

"Uh-huh, sure," Yunjin said, folding her arms. "Watching what exactly?"

"Minji," I replied quickly, nodding in her direction. "She’s giving Karina those cookies she made."

Hanni and Yunjin exchanged glances before turning their gaze to where Minji and Karina were still talking. "Wow," Yunjin said, sounding genuinely impressed. "Look at her, making moves."

"Yeah, good for her," Hanni added. "You think Karina likes her back?"

I shrugged. "Who knows? But it seems to be going well."

Hanni leaned closer to me, lowering her voice as if she were sharing top-secret information. "And what about you, Y/N? Got anyone special on this fine Valentine’s Day?"

I rolled my eyes, already knowing where this was going. "Nope. I’m good."

"Uh-huh," Hanni smirked, clearly not believing me. "Not even Wonyoung?"

My heart jumped into my throat at the mention of her name, but I played it cool. "What are you talking about? Wonyoung and I are just friends."

Hanni snickered, but Yunjin elbowed her, sensing I wasn’t in the mood to be teased. "Alright, alright. We’ll leave it alone. For now," Yunjin said, giving me a knowing look.

Thankfully, the bell rang, signaling the start of classes, and Minji reappeared at my side, grinning from ear to ear. "Y/N, it went so well! She said she loved the cookies and… and she smiled at me the whole time."

"See? I told you," I said, relieved that it had gone smoothly for her.

Minji blushed, clearly on cloud nine. "I feel like I’m floating. Do you think she’ll talk to me again later?"

"Probably," I said, smiling. "You’ll see."

As we all headed inside, Minji walked ahead with Hanni and Yunjin, chattering away about her success. I hung back, stealing one last glance at Wonyoung, who was still laughing with her friends. For now, I was fine watching from afar, but a small part of me wondered if I’d ever have the courage to do what Minji had just done.

Maybe someday. But not today.

[bepoopy]

★ Chapter One: The Day Before

I lay sprawled out on my bed, staring at the ceiling as the soft sound of music filled my room. It was supposed to be a chill day, but something smelled amazing, and it was hard to ignore the wafting scent coming from the kitchen. Cookies, I guessed, knowing my sister Minji. She had been acting weird all week, all smiles and daydreams. Now, on the day before Valentine's, I could put two and two together.

Reluctantly, I peeled myself off the bed and walked to the kitchen, my socks making that soft swish sound as I moved. When I rounded the corner, sure enough, Minji was there. She had her apron on, sleeves rolled up, and flour dusting her cheeks as she carefully placed dough onto a tray. The cookies weren’t for us. I could tell. They were way too fancy.

"Cookies, huh?" I said, leaning against the doorway.

Minji jumped a little and glared at me, quickly relaxing when she realized it was just me. "Y/N, you scared me."

"You should be used to it by now," I shrugged, walking closer to peer over her shoulder. The cookies were heart-shaped. Of course. "So, who’s the lucky one?"

Minji’s cheeks flushed red. "No one! They’re just… for fun."

"For fun? Right," I smirked, leaning back against the counter. "Come on, Minji, who are they for? You’ve been acting all… fluttery recently."

"Fluttery?" Minji crossed her arms, but I could see the faint smile tugging at her lips. "Fine. If you must know, they’re for Karina."

I raised an eyebrow. "Karina? The Karina from the cheer team?"

Minji nodded, suddenly looking shy. She glanced down at the tray of cookies, as if they held all her secrets. "Yeah. I’m thinking of giving these to her tomorrow… if I don’t chicken out."

"That’s cute," I said, trying not to sound too sarcastic. "But I don’t know if cookies are going to be enough. Maybe a serenade or a full fireworks display?"

Minji shot me a glare, tossing a bit of flour in my direction. "Not helpful, Y/N."

I laughed, brushing the flour off my sleeve. "Okay, okay. But seriously, you’ve got this. Karina would be lucky to get these. I mean, look at you, all domestic and stuff."

She gave me a small smile, and I could see the nerves swimming behind her eyes. Minji wasn’t usually the shy type, but Valentine’s Day had a way of turning even the boldest into nervous wrecks. I wasn’t much different, though I wasn’t baking cookies for my crush. Not that I had the guts to even think about something like that.

As I was about to grab one of the uncooked cookies to mess with her, the doorbell rang. Minji looked up at me, eyebrows raised. "Can you get that?"

"Fine," I said, dragging my feet towards the front door. "You owe me a cookie."

"Only if you stop being annoying!" she called after me.

I swung the door open and was greeted by Hanni and Yunjin, both of them grinning as if they had just gotten away with something.

"Hey, Y/N!" Hanni said, pushing past me into the house without waiting for an invitation. She was like that—always acting like this was her second home. Yunjin followed, more relaxed, but just as comfortable.

"Where’s Minji?" Yunjin asked, her eyes scanning the living room as she slipped off her shoes.

"In the kitchen, baking her love-struck cookies," I said, stepping aside as they headed straight for the kitchen like they already knew the way. Which, to be fair, they did.

"Love-struck, huh?" Hanni wiggled her eyebrows. "So, she’s really doing it, huh? The big confession?"

I shut the door and followed them. "Looks like it."

When we got to the kitchen, Minji froze like a deer in headlights, staring at her friends. "What are you two doing here?"

"Uh, we live here now," Hanni said, hopping up to sit on the counter as if it were the most normal thing in the world. She reached for one of the cookie cutters, inspecting it like it was some kind of alien artifact. "We came to see the love cookies in person."

"Not you too," Minji groaned.

"You know you’re not escaping us today," Yunjin chimed in, leaning against the fridge. "We’re your moral support."

Minji rolled her eyes but smiled. She couldn’t stay annoyed at them for long, and honestly, I could tell she was grateful to have them there. Her nerves about tomorrow were clear, and having her friends around to tease her seemed to make it easier.

I leaned against the wall, watching them banter. It was nice, seeing Minji like this, surrounded by people who had her back, even if they were giving her a hard time about the cookies. Part of me wondered what it would be like if I could be that open with my feelings for Wonyoung. But instead, I just stayed on the sidelines, playing it cool, as usual.

"So, what about you, Y/N?" Hanni asked suddenly, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Huh?"

"You got any plans for tomorrow?" she asked, grinning at me like she knew exactly what was going on in my head. "Any special confessions you’re working on?"

I shrugged, playing it off. "Nah, not really. Just chilling."

Yunjin raised an eyebrow. "Uh-huh. Sure. Just chilling on Valentine’s Day?"

I shot her a look. "What, I can’t have a normal day?"

Hanni and Yunjin exchanged a glance, then looked back at me like I was the most suspicious person on the planet.

Minji chuckled, shaking her head. "Come on, leave her alone. She’s probably too cool for all this Valentine’s stuff anyway."

"Exactly," I said, though my heart wasn’t really in it. If only they knew.

Yunjin smirked but let it drop. "Fine, fine. But if you change your mind, we’re here for advice. You know, if you ever need it."

"Yeah, okay. I’ll keep that in mind," I said, laughing it off. No way I was going to take love advice from Hanni and Yunjin. I’d be more likely to get advice on how to crash and burn.

As the girls went back to helping Minji finish her cookies, I slipped out of the kitchen, back into the comfort of my room. I flopped back onto my bed and stared at the ceiling again, feeling that mix of excitement and dread that always seemed to come around this time of year.

Tomorrow would come soon enough.