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The woman in love waits.

Friendly Rivalry (2025) / Roland Barthes / The Second Sex by Simone de Beauvoir / Letters to Vera by Vladimir Nabokov

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Soon enough, Yoo Jaeyi will meet her dearest again. By then she’d bear a completely different name. Or maybe it’ll be Seulgi to go lengths this time, perhaps she’d travel hours away for the one she’d been missing the most. Oh, it wouldn’t be so bad to include her newfound mother, too! It’ll be most beneficial to just move out instead of having a psychopathic Taejun on his funeral attire showing up at their complex on a daily basis, after all!

Stepmother would take Yoo Jaeyi in (by force if need be) to their new home, just so it’d be more smooth for Jaeyi to live under a new identity. Only for her to eventually realize that “What, you’re not bestfriends?! Goodness, and when I thought you two would have to adjust your companionship from classmates to siblings.” She’ll have a hard time accepting it, perhaps, but eventually she’ll realize that part of motherhood is coming to terms with her child’s headache-inducing wants that are beyond her control. How could she toss Seulgi (and by extension, Jaeyi) just because of a measly thing like that, when she had wished for a dear child like Seulgi all her life?

Seulgi would be able to pursue medicine someplace, Korea University or not, and would end up working as a community doctor at their rural residence. Jaeyi, however, would rather not go back to the shackles of formal education. She doesn’t need it to prove how confident she is of her intelligence. Instead she’d accompany Seulgi in their tiny clinic. She might seem like a hooligan freeloader housewife during the day, but as soon as Seulgi’s clinic closes, she’d be the one to liquidate their profit and do the inventory. Her princess works so hard being the only clinic in town, so Jaeyi has to ensure she gets the needed nourishment, sleep included. Oh what an annoying health freak, Seulgi sometimes quips. Not that she came blame her girl, though. Seulgi maintaining a healthy lifestyle will soothe her anxiety of seeing her death. Because, as they all know (yes, including the stepmother), Jaeyi would be as good as dead if that day comes.

By daybreak, Jaeyi would be the first one to get up, not bothering her princess at all (unless Seulgi begged her so). She’d go down at the marketplace miles away from them to restock the clinic’s supplies, so Seulgi would have no worries other than her patients during work hours (as if Jaeyi doesn’t help her treat the patients?! Just admit that you just want to spoil your princess and go, you freak.)

What a life, indeed. Jaeyi doesn’t have the world on the tip of her fingers anymore, but isn’t she living the best life her highschool self would’ve never imagined—a life with Seulgi, her dearest, her family, and her one and only princess.

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ep 1-2 seulgi core is literally running from an invasive lesbian and the lesbian in question refusing to read the fucking room

i know seulgi isn’t trying to be funny but it’s so funny to watch episode 1 and a part of episode 2 where she is like I Need To Get Away From Jaeyi <lesbian panic> and jaeyi is like..not on my watch! ❤️

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love love LOVE that they didn't leave this out honestly 😭 in the manhwa jaeyi also cannot walk with seulgi without holding her fucking hand LIKE please she wants cookie so bad

Jaeyi & Seulgi every episode:

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THE KISSING SCENE WAS ACTUALLY THIS LONG??? THE WAY I WAS HOLDING MY BREATH THE ENTIRE TIME?!?!? HELP

FRIENDLY RIVALRY E.04

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finally we’re getting this kind of magical, epic slo-mo kdrama moment but between two women

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lesbian kdrama girlies are having a field day

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hii! thoughts about okgyeong and hyerang in their early days together? and how their dynamic progressed as the troupe grew?

hi! sorry, i don't write character x character headcanon/imagine/fanfic by request:(

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If you're leaving, where are you going? I'm going to be in films. I already signed a contract. Then what about me? I'm coming with you, right? Let's go our separate ways from now on. You can live your own life, and I'll live mine. JEONGNYEON: THE STAR IS BORN (2024) dir. Jung Ji In

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hi!!! i think of moon okgyeong first thing when i wake up these days and when i found your blog it's like i found a gem🥹

thank you so much!!!!! glad to be of service to my moon okgyeong girlies <3

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THROUGH THE CRACKS | CHAPTER 2

HA EUNBYEOL x JOO SEOKKYUNG

SYNOPSIS: Two wounded souls, bound and haunted by their past mistakes, meet again while embarking on a journey of remolding and forgiveness. How do they make each other realize that correcting their mistakes also involves the need to forgive themselves? Read on AO3

TAGS: post-canon, hurt/comfort, feel-good, slow burn, eventual romance, mental health issues (mostly on eunbyeol's part), trauma, angst, fluff, cohabitation, additional tags to come

READ CHAPTER 1 HERE

Since then, Eunbyeol and Seokkyung have stayed in contact. They have lots to talk about this time, after all.

“Giving me a daffodil to earn my forgiveness? What a fool, you think I’m that easy?” “Come on, the florist plucked it out for me with lots of love!” “She might as well give you money then! Money is the greatest form of love!” “Shut that, Joo Seokkyung! You sound like an evil man wanting to take over mankind out of money.” “You mean like my father?” “Oh god, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to—” and all shenanigans Seokkyung says to tease Eunbyeol of her so-called seeking forgiveness agenda.

Deep inside, Seokkyung knows more than anyone that Eunbyeol owes her nothing. There’s nothing that Seokkyung needs to forgive Eunbyeol for because all the things she had done were not just her fault. The bullying? The two of them instigated it with their own free will. Her mother’s death? Eunbyeol was merely shackled by Cheon Seojin. If that were her mom, she would’ve done worse. She knows it herself. 

“I’ve been taking a walk around the church compound, something I’ve never done since I got there.”

“Wow, you’re a hermit in the making,” Seokkyung fakes a gasp. “What made you touch grass then?”

“Well, you said you’re trying to find more side jobs. So I went through asking around if there’s one available,” then Eunbyeol enthusiastically hands her a couple of crumpled pamphlets. “And I’ve seen these plastered at the post lights.” Then she proceeds to scatter the postings one by one in front of the befuddled Seokkyung. “Waitress, homeschool tutor, and, uh… Janitress at the Mookwon building—but I hope you don’t accept this because I visited that place after seeing the job posting. It’s so big you might end up straining your body.”

“You must be kidding me,” Seokkyung’s mouth hangs open and it’s all she has managed to say.

“O-oh, why?” And now Eunbyeol seems flustered. “Did I go too far? I’m sorr—”

“I forgive you for your sins,” Seokkyung cuts her off, nodding, still wide-eyed at the pamphlets she’s reading one by one this time around. “Who knows you could be an angel if you tried?”

“Oh stop, you!” Eunbyeol reddens. For some reason, she still couldn’t get used to Seokkyung’s sharp mouth. If she had the gall to point it out, she wants the girl to stop being snarky and teasing all the time. It never fails to fluster her! “A-anyway, I didn’t do that for free, okay? You promised me you’d visit the church someday.”

“Oh…” Seokkyung seems to have totally forgotten about it, making Eunbyeol’s pout more apparent. “Heh, just kidding! Didn’t I tell you I’d do that in exchange for you visiting my class one of these days? Look at you being here at my table! Seriously, you don’t need to do this much for me.”

Eunbyeol could only smile. Well, she seems like she'd gone too far after all. It’s just that the thought of Seokkyung working near her residence fills her with warmth for some reason. Maybe Seokkyung’s right that fateful day they met at the cafe. Maybe she really has no friends to hang out with.

“But I’ll be sure to check these out,” Seokkyung beams at her, that bunny-like smile brightening Eunbyeol’s features. “I’ll pay you back with this effort one of these days, okay?”

There’s no need, really. Eunbyeol thinks to herself. Her presence is more than enough to keep her at ease. Who would’ve thought? The past Eunbyeol could never imagine clinging to Seokkyung subtly this way.

Seokkyung’s class comes, but not before she tours Eunbyeol all over the school first. The tiny art school was far from the grandeur of Cheong-Ah, but Seokkyung seems surprisingly at home in it. Watching her in action—pointing here and there, scolding running children in the hallway, glaring at the couple doing a public display of affection at a secluded spot, among others—is actually entertaining.

Now, Eunbyeol is seated at the back of the room, watching Seokkyung conduct the students. They abruptly halt when Seokkyung hisses sharply, immediately intimidated by the short gesture.

“Alright, kids, that was…” Seokkyung’s eyes narrow, taking a long, dramatic pause, then sighs. “Utterly despicable. Are you guys listening to yourselves? You can't be serious!” she groans, disappointment palpable.

Eunbyeol shakes her head in dismay all the while stifling her laugh. What a temper this teacher has. She just knows the students talk about her badly after class.

“But! Thank me because I’m your ever-so-passionate teacher and I’m sooo thrilled to watch you improve from sick frogs into actual loving singers!” The shift in demeanor made the students flinch. Some things never change, Eunbyeol could only say to herself. “Here’s my friend who used to be one of the pioneers in Cheong Ah Arts, Ha Eunbyeol! Come on, Eunbyeol, give them a piece.”

The students start whispering to each other upon hearing the familiar name. Eunbyeol hears them mentioning Cheon Seojin at one point while she makes her way to the front of the room—not that it surprised her, it’s indeed a controversial name known by aspiring singers and the like. That’s why Eunbyeol is so thankful Seokkyung didn’t introduce her as the then primadonna’s child. It’s as though she understands what it takes to separate oneself from a parent who has been your extension for so long.

Seokkyung doesn’t need to hush them to acquire silence, because as soon as Eunbyeol starts singing, all of them are quickly in awe. Well, Seokkyung isn’t excluded from the charm of her voice. Not only has it been a very long time since Eunbyeol sang in front of her, but she's also singing a song that has been the trademark of Bae Rona, Lascia ch'io pianga.

Rona, the girl whom Eunbyeol had deeply wronged.

Let me weep my cruel fate,

Seokkyung can only watch in silence. Eunbyeol sounds different than her usual strong croons. There’s a charming lilt to her voice, one more liberated contrary to the then Eunbyeol onstage guided by the then primadonna.

So that I may sigh at my lost freedom.

Seokkyung could notice the limitations brought by the slash Eunbyeol had inflicted on her own neck that fateful day in the trial court, but it never made it less beautiful. It lacks the pressure, the conscious gazing, the anxiety lurking underneath the big smile as she hits a falsetto.

Let me weep my cruel fate, so that I may sigh at my lost freedom.

If one would squint, unaware of the facet of whatever Eunbyeol is trying to reclaim, they would see it clearly while she sings. When Seokkyung heard Rona sing it at the big stadium for the first time, she wept, remembering all that’s lost and those they’re trying to live on. If not for her students watching right now, she would’ve cried too. But this time with Eunbyeol, she chooses to smile—proudly so—for the kindness crooning out of Eunbyeol’s once shattered and rotten heart.

Grief may shatter the bonds of my sufferings out of pity alone

Eunbyeol has already come so far, maybe even farther than Seokkyung could ever go—she knows it herself. If there’s someone in this sinful world who would deserve most redemption and forgiveness—as much as she wants it to be her—it would be no other than the girl singing in front of her. Eunbyeol whom she thinks never got the privilege of a mom as kind as Suryeon’s, and yet is trying her best to live with it and atone for being Seojin’s daughter.

She owns herself the same way she owns her and her mother’s sin.

And not everyone in this world could go that far.

Seokkyung hid her face from the students to wipe a tear.

When the students are dismissed and Seokkyung busies herself fixing the chairs, Eunbyeol approaches with a teasing glint in her eyes. “So, how was it? Not so pioneer Cheong-Ah student now, am I?”

Seokkyung looks at her, eyebrows arched. “Who would’ve known Ha Eunbyeol’s most captivating performance would not be onstage, but in a measly classroom five times smaller than Cheong Ah’s? Not so pioneer indeed, how are you hide that from the school that brought you up?!”

Eunbyeol’s laugh echoes all over the room, pleasuring Seokkyung’s ear unknowingly. “But speak of, I pity your kids! My goodness, Seokkyung, don’t you think that was a bit harsh? They’re not from Cheong-Ah.”

Seokkyung rolls her eyes, arms crossed. “Come on, they deserve it! Have you ever heard them sing? If that performance were an audition, they wouldn’t even make it into a karaoke bar!”

Eunbyeol tsks, shaking her head. “Maybe have a little patience? You know, encouragement goes a long way. Not every student can be scolded into greatness like we were back then.”

“Oh, believe me, I’ve tried encouragement,” Seokkyung lets out an exasperated sigh. “They need something stronger—like divine intervention.” But her expression softens just a bit when her gaze lands at Eunbyeol. “Oh well, you should’ve seen their faces when you sang for them—they looked positively hopeless.”

At this, Eunbyeol’s cheeks flushed a soft pink. She looks down, fumbling with the strap of her bag. If this remark comes from someone like Seokkyung, it is indeed praise worth noting. It makes it even harder for her to believe. She touches the scar on her neck, the very scar that has ruined her singing for good. “You’re… being nice. You don’t have to say that just because we’re friends.”

But then, Seokkyung seems to know that for a fact. She raises an eyebrow, her gaze unwavering as she snarks, “Haven’t you figured out that I don’t sugarcoat things?”

And so the latter could only smile shyly, the compliment settling in her chest like a pleasant warmth. Her elderly choirmates have always praised her, but now, for some reason, it sounds different with Seokkyung. This time, her praises are holding weight, something about it that makes her feel flustered in a way she couldn’t quite explain.

Actually, the fluster has been happening more often than she cares to admit.

“Alright, alright,” Eunbyeol manages to say, clearing her throat as she gathers herself. “Well, I’m flattered… I think.” Then a small laugh follows suit as she looks away. “But you could still go a little easier on them. I’m sure they’re doing their best.”

Seokkyung rolls her eyes, a glimmer of playful mischief in it. After all, lately, she seems to have a hard time denying Eunbyeol. “Fine, fine. I’ll try to be nicer. Just don’t expect me to start handing out hugs and compliments every time they sing in tune.”

“Oh god. Wouldn’t want you to break character, don’t worry.” The latter shudders at the thought of it, though it doesn’t seem that bad if Eunbyeol thinks about it. “I think they’d be too scared if you suddenly got all sweet on them.”

The warmth lingers for the rest of the afternoon especially whenever she thinks of Seokkyung’s words. Her honesty—although unfiltered most of the time—makes Eunbyeol admire her in a manner she hasn’t felt before, not in a long time at least. They part ways when evening comes, leaving Eunbyeol with a bubbling warmth in her chest.

Much to her oblivion, however, Seokkyung would feel the exact way weeks after, when she finally visits Eunbyeol’s choir practice.

At first, she finds herself sitting at the back of the church, croons of the elderly voices surrounding her as they rehearse. Eunbyeol seems to lead them, completely in her element, voice soft but commanding, as though she was born to do just that—to nurture the singing voices of people whose caliber might never even meet hers. Seokkyung watches, in awe, as she witnesses a Cheon Seojin if she instead became a teacher more passionate and gentler, merely smiling and chuckling at the mistakes her students commit, and having them really hung on to her every instruction. She can't tear her eyes away from Eunbyeol as she gently corrects the altos and nods in approval whenever her sopranos hit the right note. Eunbyeol is loved here, respected, and it’s clear she deserves it after everything she has gone through.

As much as Seokkyung doesn’t want to admit, this way of teaching bears fruit at the end of the practice because they have sung surprisingly well. A bunch of amateurs have managed to tickle Seokkyung’s ears, all because of Eunbyeol’s gentle teaching. What a day worth noting.

But most importantly, she’s afraid Eunbyeol might be wrong. These people are more than just choir members or friends as she claims so—they are like family to her, doting on her with affection that reminded Seokkyung of a time long past, a time when things were simpler when Eunbyeol was just a snarky little teenager who lives off people’s praises.

“Seokkyung!” Eunbyeol calls her out in surprise, her yelp snapping her back from the ponders. Seems like she had spotted Seokkyung in the back corner where she’d been sitting silently for the last hour, and now Eunbyeol’s face is full of worry. “How long have you been here?”

Seokkyung looks up, startled. She hadn’t realized how much time had passed, the last few hours seemingly vanishing like sand through her fingers. When she glanced around, she could see the evening light fading outside, and to her surprise, it was already past dinner time. She never expected to just sit there throughout the whole practice. Hell, she was supposed to introduce herself to Eunbyeol’s choirmates! But there’s something about the atmosphere that made her forget the ticking clock and the encroaching worries of her own feelings. 

“Oh, I just got here,” she lies, not wanting to admit she’d been sitting there far longer than she intended. “You’re busy. I didn’t want to interrupt your practice.”

Eunbyeol, still frowning, doesn’t seem convinced, but since Seokkyung looks out of it, she just softly nudges. “You must be starving then. Come on, let’s go grab dinner. You’re gonna come back here next practice and I’m gonna introduce you to them, okay?”

At dinner, they settle into a quiet corner of a small, local restaurant, with the warm scent of kimchi filling the air. Seokkyung took a sip of water before saying the thing on her mind while observing the girl. “Your choir mates seem... really kind.” 

Eunbyeol’s face lights up. “They are! They’re doting in a manner that could be quite concerning, but I like it more than I can imagine. Sometimes I feel like I’m their honorary child.” Then all of a sudden, she sounds and looks like a kid all giddy and nice with her storytelling, her voice full of warmth. “ They always ask about me, make sure I’m okay... especially the mothers. Did I mention the time when I wasn’t in the mood to eat until one of them pulled out a huge casserole of seaweed soup for everyone to share? They did it just to fill my stomach because they don’t want to see me losing weight!”

Seokkyung laughs, the sound surprisingly light. “I can see why you enjoy it here. You’re the baby of the group now, huh?”

“I love it!” Eunbyeol grins, a little sheepish. “They worry about me a lot, but... it’s kind of nice. To have people worry about someone like me, as much as I don’t deserve it.”

Seokkyung almost counters her statement quickly, but then she realizes it’s not the time for that. Not yet. “Must be nice. You seem to be equally worried about them. Doing your best to improve their singing and all that.” She stares down at her food, unsure why she suddenly feels a pang of something unfamiliar in her chest.

“Next time you come, I’ll introduce you to them! They’ve been asking about you too, you know.” Eunbyeol says enthusiastically. “They’re all curious why I’ve been hanging out with a teacher from the small art school. They think it’s adorable that I have someone my age to talk to.”

Seokkyung can’t help but laugh at the thought. “They want to set me up with someone, huh?”

“No!” Eunbyeol chuckles, shaking her head. “It’s not like that. I’d be mad if they do that.”

"Well, next time we will. I’ll have to check my schedule though. I’ve been so busy that I barely have time for anything else. The school’s been quite... well, difficult.”

Eunbyeol leans forward, concern flashing in her eyes. “What happened?”

“One of my part-time jobs didn’t pay me on time. It made me miss my rent. I’m trying to make up for it, but now the landlord’s really pushing me. I have to find a way to come up with the rent soon, really.”

Eunbyeol’s expression falters, her heart aching for Seokkyung. “You should ask Seokhoon for help. He’s doing well now, right? A successful pianist and all...”

But then, mentioning Seokhoon abruptly brings a pang of guilt in Eunbyeol’s chest. The last time she saw him, he had been nothing but kind to her. He’s the only one who had visited her at the hospital to thank her for what she had done, and to apologize for what happened to her Mom.

And Bae Rona, the person she’s been trying to rid of her head for so long.

She hadn’t seen them in years, but the thought of their successful lives made her feel like an outsider. She hurt them both so much back then, and she still feels the weight of her sins.

What cuts her ruminations off is Seokkyung shaking her head vehemently. “No! I’d rather die than ask him for help. He’s... he’s not someone I can depend on, not after everything.”

Eunbyeol falls silent. What a stubborn girl, she almost chuckles. She could see the deep pride in Seokkyung, the same pride that had driven her to such extremes in the past. It’s clear that no matter how much Seokkyung is struggling, she would rather endure it all than seek help from the people who love her.

“That’s going to kill you one day.”

Seokkyung scoffs, her eyes bitter. “Maybe it should. It’s what I deserve.”

There, Eunbyeol is rendered into silence. Seems like she’s not the only one who deems so lowly of herself. The things she had done, the people she had hurt, all that darkness still lingered in her, clouding her self-worth.

Eunbyeol bites her lip, thinking for a moment before she blurts out an unexpected offer.

“Live with me, then.”

“W-what?”

“It’s hard managing the house all on my own. It gets lonely, you know,” Eunbyeol continues, her voice more confident now. “My dad’s old place has an extra room. We don’t have to worry about rent—it’s part of a small complex he owned and rented for others before he passed away.”

Seokkyung stares at her, speechless for a long moment. “But... I can’t repay you immediately.”

Eunbyeol smiles softly, gaze steady. “In exchange, help me find a pet. That place has always been so empty since I moved in. I think a cat would bring life to it, no? How about a dog? The thought of someone waiting for me at home kind of excites me!”

Seokkyung hesitates, her mind spinning. The offer seems too good to be true. She had been downplaying the situation with her landlord, but now it seemed like this might be the lifeline she needed.

Finally, she nods meekly, so unlikely of the prideful Joo Seokkyung. “O-okay. I’ll think about it.”

They share a quiet moment sitting across from each other, both tentative yet hopeful. They both have their burdens, but for the first time in a long time, they’re not carrying them alone.

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finally revised it after watching ep 10 aka okgyeong's unhinged real face reveal:P

Can you do a moon okgyeong x hyerang fic because I can't see them parting ways😭😭😭 I want them to be together!!!! Can you do a little smut with them please or just happy times🥺🥺

Then, let me offer you a short fanfic I've made about them not long ago (aka right after the legendaric forehead bump scene oh my fucking gosh). This has been sitting in my drafts for a while now because I can't seem to get satisfied with it. I hope you like it though!

REKINDLING

MOON OKGYEONG x SEO HYERANG

WORDS: 1.5k

SYNOPSIS: After years apart, former lovers and Maeran Gukgeuk Troupe stars Okgyeong and Hyerang reunite by chance, confronting past mistakes and rekindling a love they thought was lost forever.

Okgyeong doesn’t know what came to her mind when she drove her car all the way here.

Perhaps it was out of habit? Okgyeong shakes her head in dismay as she tries to convince herself that she just misses the good old days. After all, she has been pursuing her new life in the movie career for years now. She couldn’t be happier, she doesn’t feel sick of it all, and most of all, she doesn’t feel collared in the chains of Hyerang’s obsession over their roles as Maeran Gukgeuk Trope’s prince and princess, as well as her lack of responsibility and aversion to confrontations.

So why is she here, then? This is the cafe Hyerang and Okgyeong used to go to when they were still dating. 

Albeit confused by herself, Okgyeong gets out of the car. She will just see how much the place has changed. And perhaps order a drink along the way.

However, memories start flooding back as soon as she sets her feet inside. For instance, the dim lights Hyerang used to complain about, the smell of roasted beans that had always made Hyerang inhale deeply out of habit as soon as they entered—it was like no time had passed.

I just want to see how much the place has changed, or so Okgyeong says, because all she thinks of right now is Hyerang. Hyerang’s habits. Hyerang’s mannerisms. Hyerang’s laugh. Hyerang, Hyerang, Hyerang.

She lets out an exhausted sigh, mood already sour. Maybe she’ll just take out the drink and leave for good. “One iced americano, please.” Until she realizes she did so out of habit. Why would she say that, when she barely drinks iced americano in the first place?

It is until she realizes; this is Hyerang’s favorite. Back in the day, she orders it so Hyerang could have seconds whenever they hang out together. Oh god, she whispers to herself.

“Yes? Did you change your mind?” the waiter asks. Okgyeong, not realizing she had expressed her dismay out loud, shakes her head and mouths the waiter sorry.

As if the matter at hand can't get worse, a familiar face catches her attention.

There goes Hyerang—with her posture as graceful as ever yet now quieter in presence—standing at the counter and waiting for her order. Her hair is shorter now, albeit still curled nicely (Okgyeong almost chuckles upon remembering that she used to scold Hyerang for taking three good hours preparing her hair, almost getting them late during practices) and her clothes are casual—no sign of the fierce, ambitious actress who had once been the Troupe’s princess. Okgyeong’s heart skips and she almost gets the urge to storm away without waiting for her order, but she knows this moment has to come eventually.

Okgyeong then walks, takes a deep breath, and calls the familiar name out softly—for years-long of keeping it in, “Hyerang.”

Hyerang’s shoulders tense, eyes widening as she turns to see Okgyeong’s face. It’s hard to read her reaction—a mix of longing, guilt, and something else… fear? Are you scared? Why are you scared? Okgyeong almost asks.

Hyerang’s voice is barely a whisper when she utters, “O-Okyeong…?”

“It’s been a while,” Okgyeong smiles, her tone cordial, but there’s a warmth in her eyes that’s just hard to ignore—a warmth that had always sent Hyerang’s heart into oblivion. “Mind if I join you?”

Hyerang blinked, taken aback. “I—no, I just… I—wait what?”

“I asked if I could join you.” If not for consideration for this poor abashed woman, Okgyeong would’ve laughed.

“Of course you could!” Hyerang panicky replies out loud, her usual cadence and confidence thrown off somewhere else as her demeanor screams sheer surprise. Isn’t Okgyeong angry at me? She could only ask herself.

They found a table by the window. Hyerang can't settle on her seat as the silence stretches out like a thin wire. Okgyeong catches the girl fidgeting with her coffee cup, fingers tracing the rim anxiously. Strange, she almost blurts out. The Hyerang she remembered had always been confident, composed, unyielding—especially when it came to them—to the roles they played both on and off stage.

“I—uh—didn’t expect to see you here,” Hyerang finally manages to speak, her voice brittle. “You seem to be doing so well. I’m glad.”

Okgyeong smiles, small but appreciative. “I needed the change. But I missed the theater. I miss a lot of things from back then.”

Hyerang’s gaze drops at the mention of their former career, her fingers tightening around the cup. “You’ve moved on. That’s good. You deserve it.”

Okgyeong waits—five minutes or so, just until the waiter delivers her and Hyerang’s drink—until she admits, “I wouldn’t find myself here in this coffee shop had I genuinely moved on. Now that we talk about it, I wonder if I really deserve the change.”

Hyerang’s breath hitches, her face a mix of surprise and regret. “Okgyeong, I’m so—” but she cuts herself midway. After everything she had done, apologies are beyond enough, just as Okgyeong had told her back then at the height of her anger. She purses her lips and stays silent.

“But I’m not angry, not anymore, especially not at you,” Okgyeong’s poignant gaze is at the window as she adds, “I realized long ago that I can’t stay angry at you.”

“But Okgyeong, after all that I have done? Please, can you just—”

“Let’s not pretend it was easy for either of us,” Okgyeong interrupts, her voice gentle but firm as she stares at Hyerang. “I know what happened—why you were that way. I can see now how much we hurt each other, but I can also see how much we loved.”

Hyerang shakes her head, closing her eyes briefly. “I was terrible to you, to everyone. I was obsessed with keeping you close, with making sure we stayed at the top. I hurt people to protect us, but in the end, I just pushed you away. I can’t make up for that.”

Okgyeong reaches out, covering Hyerang’s hand with her own. “And you need to recognize that it wasn't just your fault. I was just as bad as you.”

“Stop trying to comfort me.”

“I know what you had been doing behind the curtains just to hide my past, just for my career to flourish. And yet I wasn't decent enough to call you out for it,” Okgyeong finally drops the very much-needed bomb. “I wasn't decent enough to give you the closure you deserve after all your efforts.” Then the memories of Director Kang's words strike her, making her chuckle defeatedly. “The night I left Maeran, the director told me I have no sense of responsibility, and those words couldn't be truer. I left not because of what you did, but because I needed to find myself outside the roles we were trapped in.”

The confession hung between them, raw and honest. Hyerang bites her trembling lips, hands still under Okgyeong’s.

She had missed the feeling of her skin so much. Oh, the countless nights she bawled her eyes out, wanting to feel her again—raw and whole, without any interruptions, without guilt and regrets.

“All this time, I thought you still hate me,” she admits, her voice breaking. “I mean, I wouldn’t forgive me either.” 

“There’s nothing to be forgiven if it’s you we’re talking about.”

Hyerang tries to chuckle—futilely so—because her eyes tearing up can easily show Okgyeong how she really feels. “Y-you deserve to find yourself, though. And all the things that came with that. All of it.”

“But that never made me miss you less.”

Hyerang’s eyes widen. The corner of her lips shakes. Still, she tries to change the topic instead of giving in to the urge. “I…I saw your latest movie. It was very wonderful.”

“Really? You know, I’ve heard the Director had asked you to mentor the Maeran kids when you two patched things up. They’ve improved a lot.” Okgyeong’s fingers rub Hyerang’s in circular motions, a habit she had when they were still together. And yet, Hyerang couldn’t gather the urge to point it out. She couldn’t collect the gall to say that Okgyeong should stop doing it because they’d broken up so long ago. “They seem to carry your cadence on stage now.”

“Oh, you—” Hyerang could only chuckle. Such a high praise from Maeran’s former prince. “They wouldn’t reach where they are now had it not been for your mentoring when they were trainees. It was you who have seen their potential.”

Silence envelops their spot, but Okgyeong’s hands still can’t leave Hyerang’s. It’s still rubbing circular motions on her pinky. And Hyerang still couldn’t garner the needed urge to shove them away.

How could Hyerang, when she had yearned for it for years?

“Do you… do you want to try again?” Okgyeong starts.

The question—which Okgyeong deems shameless beyond repair—flinches Hyeran in surprise. She has to withdraw one hand from Okgyeong’s hold just to pinch her legs under the table—a habit to check if she was dreaming.

“Let’s take it slow, without the roles, without the theater. Just us—” she pauses, seemingly forgetting something, “—and Eun Jae, our lovely girl, all grown-up now. I’ve read her letters. She misses me so much.”

“Okgyeong, are you sure?” Hyerang’s eyes dart everywhere but Okgyeong’s, panic seemingly wrapping up her nerves. “I’m wicked, rotten to my core. I am not even sure if I’ve changed. And I—”

“And I’m willing to stand beside you as you fix your ways, only if you’d be willing to point out mine when I stray away,” Okgyeong promises. “Remember the good old days, when we point out each other’s mistakes during practice?”

Hyerang shakes her head in frustration, clearly thinking she’s undeserving of any of that. “Moon Okgyeong, you need to remember how I hurt you.”

“And yet all I could remember is how much I’ve missed holding you in my arms as we sleep.” 

Lament fills Okgyeong’s voice and face, thinking how Hyerang is talking as if she’s the only one at fault. As much as she wants to reiterate that it’s not the case, it only goes to show how badly she fumbled back then. She certainly did not love Hyerang the way she deserved. What made her gather the gall to even go here, let alone ask for the princess’ love again? 

She gulps the lump forming up in her throat as she realizes; it must be the desperation. As much as she’s guilty, Okgyeong is first and foremost, a shameless woman who cannot live without the things she deems dear to her. Only when she and Hyerang part ways did she realize that the latter is just as important—no, Hyerang is and will always be the most important part of her life, the only person who unknowingly could tone down the voices in her head, the only thing she could love amidst everything in this world that easily makes her sick, and most of all, the only person who could love her for the brazen, empty shell that she is.

“All I could think of right now is how much I want to hold you in my arms again tonight. And the nights after that,” she reiterates, “You might’ve hurt me, but not as much as I’ve hurt you. I should be more than ashamed to wish for it—that much I know—but I’ve been nothing but an empty shell who’s been impudent ever since.”

That’s more than enough to render Hyerang into silence, her negotiations long gone and futile. Okgyeong misses her. Her dearest Okgyeong had missed her the same way she did. 

How could she let Okgyeong feel that way? is all she could think of at this moment.

“I’ll understand if you don’t want me anymore. I wouldn’t want me either. But Hyerang, if you ought to, just please reject me properly,” Okgyeong scoots nearer, her eyes unrelenting to let the point register to the teary-eyed girl. “Reject me because I’m a shameless prick who never deserved you, not because you think lowly of yourself to receive my love.”

Finally, Hyerang’s composure finally breaks. She starts crying—weakly so—and Okgyeong does what she does best—quietly wiping Hyerang’s tears away.

“Could you do that for me, princess?”

“How could I push you away, when all I’ve wanted is for you to hold me like this?”

An inexplicable warmth wraps Okgyeong’s constantly empty heart. Why had she not realized it before? The emptiness she was running away from all this time has always been easily filled with Hyerang’s unconditional love. Only if she didn’t take it for granted, her princess wouldn’t be weeping this much in front of her.

“And I will do just that,” Okgyeong cups her cheeks. “I will hold you as long as you want me to, at least until you’re sick of me.”

“I could never,” Hyerang chuckles amidst her tears. “You know me that much.”

Okgyeong closes the distance even more, her fingers playing around Hyerang’s cheeks as if testing the waters. Then she tilts her head slightly with her knowing, shameless smile, “Then it’s all good, don’t you think?” Her lips meet hers gently, the first touch tentative, the next one more fervent. Her other hand moves up to cup Hyerang’s other cheek, steadying her as the kiss deepens, slow and tender, just as they had both waited for it. When they finally pull back, their foreheads touch, breaths and smiles mingling in the glow of the moment. They sit there, the years of heartbreak and worries long gone down the drain as they finally find their way back to each other.

“Have this fool stick around you for the rest of your days then.”

[riecurrents]

i need to watch arcane fr because i myself would’ve folded as well if okgyeong asked something risky but ended it with a ‘please darling’

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i've been searching for more moon okyeong luvrs on here so thank you so so much for your contribution to the community! your writing gets me all giggly. i love how you capture her essence as flirty and princely but also incredibly complex. i'm curious, how did you get into writing?

eheheh thank you very much !! been into writing since highschool:D and my college also requires looooots of writing so fanfic has been my silly lil way to practice without burning out:’) if you have a specific request in mind dont hesitate to pitch it in! the fandom is small so im more than happy to contribute with my brainrots

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this godly rivals-that-definitely-hate-each-other turning into rivals-that-cannot-live-without-the-other character dynamic only for you to tell me that there will be no scene of them making out by the end of the series? diabolical

and like taunting each other ‘are u gonna win against me? lol i’d like to see u try’ in front of EVERYONE

only for them to end up being absolutely drawn with each other’s performance??? LIKE look at them watching each other

that proud smirk? that teary eyed face? 🤣 🫵 that is NOT heterosexual behavior

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i can't get over your flirty ok gyeong... 👉👈 can i request even just a short drabble of ok gyeong flirting us in her sneaky little ways ? and like i can imagine ok gyeong flirting with us MORE when she notices that we are avoiding her due to the nonending fluster she is causing😖😖😖

are you kidding me who would get over The Moon Okgyeong in the first place!!! oh my god the thoughts im having over this butch must be kept between me and god otherwise i'll secure a spot in our local psych ward

You’re not sure how it happened, but last Friday night, something about Okgyeong was different and you couldn't take your eyes off her no matter how much you tried. Maybe it was the way she’d laughed at a joke you made? Her eyes crinkling as she smiled? Or perhaps it was when she leaned into your shoulder with a sigh about how nice it felt to have a break—that she needed to have this kind of moment with you to replenish her energy? No matter which one, it all sent a whiplash in your heart just the same. Seeing her so close and relaxed with your presence had left a knot of uncanny warmth bubbling in your stomach. You caught yourself staring, feeling like you were seeing a side of her you’d never noticed before, realizing things you've never realized when these hangouts were plainly hangouts on your end.

Now, it’s Tuesday, and you’ve been making an honest effort to avoid these thoughts. Avoiding these thoughts might involve avoiding her. Unfortunately for you, it’s hard to explain that you’re not avoiding her per se, but rather the effect she’s been having on you.

It doesn't take long for Okgyeong to notice, though. Her gaze lingers on you, speculative, brows rising as she seems to study your movements. If she suspects you’re hiding something, she doesn’t say so. But nonetheless, her glances feel just a bit more pointed, and it’s obvious she’s planning something.

The first time she corners you is at lunch. She walks up to you in the secluded part of the cafeteria, a playful glint in her eyes, a drink in hand. She plops herself into the seat across from you, looking altogether too pleased.

“So,” she begins, her voice lilting, “where have you been hiding?”

“Oh, nowhere,” you mumble, feigning intense interest in your soup.

Okgyeong chuckles, leaning forward, her chin resting on her hand. “Come on. I’m not that boring, am I?”

“W-what?” you glance up, attempting to stay normal, but how could you, really? How, when she’s staring at you with that lopsided smile—her expression warm, her gaze unwavering? She’s close enough that you can catch a faint hint of her perfume, and when you don’t answer immediately, she tilts her head—bloody hell, you swear she’s intentionally batting her lashes at you.

It’s too much.

You find yourself stammering out some excuse about needing to hurry out from lunch, but not before she arches a brow, looking genuinely intrigued by your flustered retreat.

“Interesting…” she murmurs, watching you escape.

The second time is later in the afternoon. You’re walking down the hall (hoping to stay out of sight) when you hear her heels clicking toward you. You barely have time to dodge her when she scoots beside you, matching your pace with an amused smile.

“Oh, hey!” she says a little too brightly. “It’s been a while since I saw you around here.”

“Yeah,” you clear your throat, “uh, busy, you know?”

She hums thoughtfully, but she doesn’t fall back. Instead, she slips her hand around your elbow, gently nudging you to slow down. “Busy, huh?” Her fingers are soft against your sleeve, just enough to feel the warmth of her hand through the fabric. “You know, you can tell me if I’m bothering you. Just say the word.”

Okgyeong's voice is almost a whisper; when you look up, she’s already watching you with that darn playful gleam in her eyes. You’re so caught off guard by the proximity and the casual warmth of her touch that you can barely form words. It takes you a while to deny the allegation, “Y-you’re not bothering me. Not at all.”

She grins, looking satisfied, and pats your arm before letting you go. “Good. I’d hate to think I was scaring you off.”

But your damned blush did more than proving the avoiding the Moon Okgyeong allegations, much to this woman's amusement.

Later that evening, as you’re about to leave for the day, you pass by the bar where you both usually hang out. You’re almost home free—almost—when a familiar figure calls out your name.

“Hey!” Okgyeong waves from the bar, brows raised, all with a mischievous glint. “Fancy running into you here.”

You consider just waving back and heading home, but she gestures you over before you have a chance to think. She pulls a seat next to her, patting it with that devilish smile of hers. “Come on. Just a quick drink, please?”

Reluctantly, you sit. You’re barely able to look her in the eye, but Okgyeong doesn’t seem to mind. She leans in close, propping her chin on her hand again. “What’s up with you lately?” she asks, her tone light, but her eyes keen. “It’s like you’re avoiding me.”

You chuckle nervously, desperately looking for an excuse that doesn’t sound ridiculous. “I’m not avoiding you. It’s… just been a long week.”

Her eyes narrow, the same glint reappearing deep within. “Oh really?” Then she taps her fingers against the table and leans closer—practically whispering in your ear—when she adds, “Because it almost seems like you’re nervous around me.”

You try to laugh it off, but it’s weak, and she doesn’t let up. Her hand reaches out, brushing a stray strand of hair from your face, her touch feather-light. “What’s got you so shy all of a sudden, hm?”

That’s when you feel yourself blush, something fierce and unstoppable. She’s closer than ever, watching your reaction like she’s savoring every second of it. Finally, you manage to glance up at her, catching her knowing smirk.

“Oh, so you can look at me after all, huh?” she murmurs, that teasing warmth in her eyes. You’re too flustered to come up with any response, but Okgyeong doesn’t press. She leans back with a satisfied sigh, a smug little smile on her face.

“You’re cute when you’re flustered, you know?” she says casually, looking far too pleased with herself. And as you sit there, trying to recover from the whiplash of her teasing, you realize you’re completely outmatched.

Whatever this effect is she has on you, it’s not going away anytime soon.

It’s early Saturday morning. You’re still bleary-eyed, halfway through a cup of coffee in fact, when your doorbell suddenly rings. To your shock, it’s Okgyeong on the other side with her sickly gorgeous smirk as though she’s been waiting all week for this.

“Surprise!” she leans casually against your doorframe. “I figured since you’re hiding from me during the week, I’d just come to you.”

You blink, too stunned to respond as she immediately makes herself home. She pokes around your kitchen, looks at the books on your shelves, then she gives you a knowing look as she picks up a book you haven’t touched in years. “So… we’re hanging out here today, right?”

“Are you kidding me, Moon Okgyeong?”

“You bet.”

A few hours later, after you’ve given up on having any personal space, you reluctantly agree to bring her along to a family gathering for lunch. Just as you’re praying she’ll behave, she decides to introduce herself to your parents. But it’s not a casual introduction—take note—but rather one where she plants herself in front of your parents, bows formally, and in a deep, serious tone, she says, “Hello. I’m Moon Okgyeong. I’ll be looking after your daughter from now on.”

Your family goes wide-eyed, glancing back and forth between you and her. Okgyeong, meanwhile, gives them a proud, almost princely smile, even reaching over to give your shoulder a little squeeze. It’s all you can do to stammer out an explanation as she calmly, confidently endears herself to everyone in the room.

Later that day, you head out for a quiet trip to the grocery store, asking her (begging is a much better term for it, honestly) to stay put at home as you gather some air. However, as you’re reaching for some vegetables, you spot a familiar figure approaching out of the corner of your eye.

“Oh, hey, fancy seeing you here! Although I thought you're just someplace outside seeking air,” she chirps, leaning casually on her shopping cart. She glances at your cart, eyebrow raised. “Not going to let me accompany you with cooking dinner? You know I’m great in the kitchen.”

“How long are you planning to stay in my house, anyway?”

Instead of answering, however, she’s already loading your stuff into her own cart, chatting away about a recipe she’s decided she’ll teach you tonight. “This will be so much better if I’m there to help,” she insists, giving you a wink that leaves you both annoyed and completely flustered.

She leaves you alone after dinner, but not with a promise to hang out again tomorrow.

And so, before her arrival on Sunday morning, you try to sneak out to the park for a quick jog in hopes to clear your mind. But somehow, Okgyeong has the same idea! She appears beside you, dressed in sleek workout gear and stretching in the most eye-catching way possible.

“Mind if I join?” she asks innocently, though her smirk suggests she knows exactly what she’s doing.

“You're hanging out at my house with those sweatpants?!”

“You said I should make myself at home.”

“You did so without me telling you!”

“Oh, really?” she chuckles, “I quite have the gall, don't I?”

Throughout the jog, she keeps an easy pace, occasionally running circles around you, and flashing you that infuriating grin whenever you start to slow down. When you’re finally out of breath, she insists on helping you stretch, her hands gently pressing on your back as she “guides” you into poses, clearly enjoying every second of your flustered protests.

By the end of day, you’re exhausted, hence you finally settle in for a quiet evening with a movie. Okgyeong excused herself, claiming that she had some errands to finish for the rest of the afternoon.

Only if she told you she would be knocking at your door again halfway through the opening credits.

“Movie night without me? You’re really trying to break my heart here.”

“Okgyeong…?”

She's just standing there, holding a tub of ice cream. “Guess I’ll just have to crash your movie night,” she says, walking in without waiting for an invitation.

She settles herself on your couch, close enough that her shoulder brushes yours, and even reaches over to drape a blanket over both of you. Throughout the movie, she comments on random scenes, sometimes leaning in close to whisper something silly in your ear, making you laugh and blush despite yourself.

By the time the credits roll, you’re too tired to protest, and she gives you a satisfied smile as she takes your hand. “See?” she murmurs, squeezing your hand gently. “You don’t need to avoid me. I’ll always find you.”

You finally realize what she's on, too. She's countering your avoidance with her galls. She's giving you no space to deny these feelings bottling deep inside you unless you explicitly tell her otherwise. And with her knowing smile you realize at last, she’s definitely won this weekend’s game too.

[riecurrents]

Jeongnyeon (2024), Act 10