Tzuyu’s POV:

When I was a kid my sister would often tell me weird stories. There was this one that stuck in my mind more than others. The story was about how there used to be two Santa Clauses, one that wore white clothes and the other black. White Santa was in charge of giving presents to the kind children while black Santa played tricks on the naughty children. In the end black Santa crossed the line with his tricks and so white Santa murdered him. That’s why Santa Claus has red clothes, because white Santa’s clothes were now dyed by black Santa’s blood. I always wondered, which Santa was I more like?

I have the looks of an innocent and pretty looking kid, but as most seniors on campus advise the juniors to ‘not get fooled by her looks’ I guess I’m black Santa. It’s not like I do anything bad, so maybe I skip a class now and then, but it’s not like I’m a horrible person. Then again everyone has flaws and if I were to name mine then I guess it would be the fact that I date a lot of people.

Everyone on campus refers to me as a player even though I have never slept with anyone or dated more than one person at once. Sure I change partners every week or so but hey; when I date someone I’m loyal to them. Sure I get bored of them really easily but at least I gave them my heart and attention while I could be bothered. It’s not like I go after them either they just show up, one after the other, confessing and asking me to go out with them. Since I have no reason to turn them down I just go with it for kicks.

“So, who is it this week? Somi from med? Minyoung from social work? Or is it someone different for once like Jiwon from architecture?”

I looked up to find a sly grin etched into the face of my best friend. Normally there would be more of us meeting up at the café but since everyone had club activities that were urgent for the upcoming school festival, it was just me and my good old rebellious best friend, Chaeyoung.

“I’m not dating anyone right now.” I said as I sipped my coffee while staring out the window. The bitter aftertaste remained as I kept my focus on the students working on props outside and ignored my best friend’s rants on how being single was impossible since I had people lined up waiting from Korea to Taiwan.

“But since you pretty much date anyone who confesses to you, I’m sure you won’t stay single for long.” She finished with a knowing nod before going for her drink.

“What’s the visual arts department doing for the festival anyway?” I asked in an effort to change the topic to something other than my love life. My department was business and as much as I hate it the only thing we had to do was manage the financial side of things and maybe volunteer at stalls for the day, which was obviously way better than having to actually prepare something for the festival.

“We’re just in charge of the annual student-run performances. Again.” She groaned before continuing. “Ever since you stopped helping out backstage we’ve been getting less and less people applying.” She pouts at this to which I return with a gagging gesture.

“Shouldn’t you go check on them then, stage manager?” I ask as I gesture to my watch.

“I should, but if I leave then you will be alone with no one by your side.” She fakes a gasp as if she said something shocking. “No one is with Tzuyu the school player? Now that would be a miracle!”

“Go be a miracle worker then. I’m getting picked up soon anyway; Jungyeon unnie said we’ll be going out for dinner with others tonight.”

“I’ll be going then, by the way, make sure you accept your next confession.” I give her a puzzled look; did she have someone in mind that would confess to me? “I can’t stand seeing you alone you know?” she laughed awkwardly before walking off.

The world seemed to be in my favour that day, because just as I finished my coffee I got called out to the parking lot to get picked up by unnie’s workmates. The ride was filled with random chatter between them and an occasional comment from me. I knew all of them since unnie had worked with them and I met them on my visits before.

“We’re going to go pick up Nayeon unnie before we go to meet up with Jungyeon, alright?” Unnie’s secretary, Jihyo unnie, asked and gave me a reassuring smile. I simply nod as I wonder in confusion who ‘Nayeon’ was. As if understanding my blank expression Jihyo unnie proceeded to explain that Nayeon was her friend and Jungyeon unnie’s current partner on a project.

Everyone in the car did business related jobs, but they didn’t know that I hated my degree and I was only doing it because appa and umma insisted on it before they passed away. They had wanted me and unnie to take care of their company since they didn’t have any children by blood. Unnie said that since we were adopted by them we should do what we can to pay back appa and umma as they wanted their children to especially since they treated us that way as if we were blood related siblings and their own children. Business people were too calculating in my opinion hence why I had a habit of viewing them in a bad light, the people present were no exception.

My only exceptions were unnie and her. I met her for the first time that night.

When she entered the car and sat in the only seat left which was next to mine, a sweet yet soothing floral scent filled the small compartment. The darkness prevented me from seeing her features and the only thing I learnt from the ride to the restaurant was that she still wasn’t used to this group as she barely spoke instead preferring to check her social media accounts on her phone silently.

During dinner I sat next to Jungyeon unnie and she practically sat in the seat that was the furthest away from me. I still couldn’t help but stare at her though. She was a petite girl with curious round eyes, pale skin, bright red lips and a cute smile. I didn’t have much to say during dinner and so I just texted my friend, Sana, under the table as I tried to look at each person for the same amount of time. I found myself making eye contact with Nayeon unnie a few times but because of our distance we just smiled at each other. Each time she smiled at me I could feel my ears heat up a bit.

Apparently we lived near each other because Jungyeon unnie offered to drop her off after dinner and to my luck, we ended up talking a bit more. Turns out her full name was Im Nayeon, she only recently came back after studying abroad for a while and had already heard a lot about me from unnie. In exchange I told her about what I studied and the school festival, she seemed excited when I told her about the festival because apparently her university didn’t do this kind of thing.

We split ways easily and honestly for the first time after talking to a business woman I didn’t feel bad. In fact, I felt somewhat happy and light headed. Her bright smiles and easy going personality had me hooked as if she had something that drew me in. I quickly shook the feelings out of my head however as I reminded myself that I had only just met her tonight,

“Hey playgirl,” I looked up to find unnie staring at me with a serious expression. “Don’t play with her.” she simply stated as she shrugged off her jacket.

“I don’t know who you’re talking about.” I said as I headed up the stairwell that led to the sun room. It was a nice place to just relax and stare at the night skies since the place was made of glass. Best way to end a nice day.

“I saw what you were doing with your ‘innocent charms’ back in the restaurant. Don’t flirt or play with Nayeon, Tzuyu.” I smirked at her as if saying ‘Oh yeah? Give me some reasons then.’ Being the sisters we are she instantly gave me what I wanted. “One, she is my partner and therefore your senior. Two, you need to stop playing around and focus on your studies. Lastly, three, she already has a girlfriend overseas so don’t bother.”

I couldn’t help but feel a little crushed when I heard the last reason. My new interest was already taken. Even if I didn’t feel much towards her right now, she was definitely interesting enough for me to consider going after her. That smile and that face, I wouldn’t mind seeing it every day just to brighten up my life a little. However just because I’m a player doesn’t mean I don’t play by the rules.

“Relax unnie, I’ll just treat Nayeon unnie like how a dongsaeng would.” I watch as she relaxed a little with my response before continuing. “By the way, I’ll be dropping by your office more often for the next few weeks or so. You know, since I’m not part of the performance section of the festival I’ll have plenty of free time this year so why not take this time to visit you? Since Nayeon unnie is your partner won’t I be seeing her often too?”

I cackled evilly as I heard her shout a loud ‘yah’ at my teasing while I ran up the stairs to my glass sanctuary. As soon as I ducked past the curtain door, I took out my phone and began texting Sana unnie again as I got comfortable on a couch.

To: Sana unnie~

Hey, I think I like someone…

From: Sana unnie~

Yeah sure, and the sky is going to be green tomorrow right?

To: Sana unnie~

I’m being serious. = =

From: Sana unnie~

Me too :P

To: Sana unnie~

No really, this girl’s smile makes me smile. Her laugh is really cute and her voice sounds like that music they play in heaven. Did I mention that she looks cute too? Seriously, I think I’m feeling something for her… o.o

From: Sana unnie~

Wow, you know what music they play in heaven? Just kidding ^^, never thought that you’d sound like a lovesick puppy. What’s with the ‘…’, is there something bothering you?

To: Sana unnie~

Yeah… but since it’s getting late let’s pick this up tomorrow at the café?

From: Sana unnie~

Alright, night night puppy. ^^

To: Sana unnie~

What kind of nickname is puppy? Night squirrel unnie. :P

“Eh-hem, so now that everyone has gathered. Let’s discuss our dear Tzuyu’s love troubles!”

Thank god the café was practically empty, because there was no way I would want anyone to hear that the campus player had love issues. Also, Sana unnie’s voice is really distinct and loud so the only thing that would make it worse would be glares from everyone in the café. But since we were the only table there, all we got was an awkward smile from the café owner.

“Don’t be so dramatic, we’re the only ones here.” I deadpanned before drinking my coffee. I needed some caffeine considering how boring classes were when everyone was running in and out of lectures to prepare for the festival. “Just saying, I don’t have love troubles. I just need to get these feelings sorted out somehow…”

“I’ve got the just the place we can go to get some ideas.” And before I knew it Sana unnie had dragged me out of the café without letting me finish my drink. Just what did I do to get such hyper friends? It’s like I befriended the entire track team.

We ended up in front of the music department’s recording studios. The place was bound to busy since everyone was preparing music and song covers for the festival performances. Without a word, Sana unnie started walking down the hallway as if looking for a particular room. When she found what she was looking for, she knocked thrice before the door opened and dragged me inside.

“Sana, now isn’t a good time to crash the studio…” the girl in the chair spun around and was about to continue her lecture when she noticed my presence. I nearly got toppled over as she lunged at me, blonde hair flying as I felt her arms wrap around my waist. “Tzuyu, have you decided to return to us?”

I barely managed to get up with Momo unnie still clinging tightly onto me. I gently peeled her arms off me as I lowered her back onto ground level. Once she was standing properly I gave her an apologetic smile.

“She’s just here for some advice.” I notice Momo unnie her head in confusion as Sana unnie continued. “She thinks she’s in love and wants to get the feelings out of her head just to double check.” I wanted to object since I wasn’t in love, but Momo unnie simply took out a piece of paper and a pen before handing them over to me.

“Knowing you, I can see why you’d want to double check if you like someone or not.” I pouted at her honesty and sat down on the couch with Sana unnie while listening to her advice. “So how do you get your feelings out normally? Some people draw and some people write letters to no one.”

“I’ll try writing a letter then.”

I thought writing would be easier since I at drawing, but after ten minutes I already had a pile of torn up failures next to me. I groaned as I tried to think of things I could say in a letter, but nothing seemed to make sense. Either that or the lines I used sounded really cheesy and unnerving. “Argh, why’s it so hard to convey feelings into a letter? Who the heck even invented love letters?!”

“’Dear ____, I think I like you… a lot’? You don’t sound very sure. ‘You smell like a flower that I could spend all day sniffing’? Do you know what the word ‘creepy’ means, maknae?” Sana unnie shot me a look of disbelief. “I thought you were supposed to be good at this flirting and romantic stuff.”

I sighed as I recalled all my previous dating experience. I simply said what the person would like to hear, it wasn’t anything honest in my opinion. I just wanted to make the person happy. But now, we’re dealing with my honest feelings which is completely different and not something I’m good at. My chain of thoughts was broken by Momo unnie loudly cracking up with a failed letter in hand.

“’I hate all businessmen and women but I don’t hate you I think. You know what I mean?’ Seriously Tzuyu, are you trying to piss them off or confess to them?”

I scratched my head as I tried to think of another way to express my feelings. Maybe I could do something I’m good at. Letter writing was probably the worst since I always end up wanting to burn the letters I’ve written in the past. What was I good at…?

“I got an idea.” Momo unnie and I snapped our heads to Sana unnie’s direction upon hearing her exclamation. “Tzuyu since you’re not sure of your feelings, why don’t you try waiting it out?”

“Waiting it out?” I repeated as if confused by the passive idea.

“Yeah try waiting half a year, so until Christmas-ish. Then if you still feel the same as you do now you can try telling her how you feel because you’ll be sure if it’s love or not by then right?” I nod a bit in agreement, if infatuation was all that this was then surely it would be over by Christmas right? “As for how you’re going to convey your feelings… what is your best skill Tzuyu?”

I was going to answer but Momo unnie beat me to it.

“Uh duh, why didn’t I think of it before? Tzuyu’s good at writing, not letters (hell no) but poems and songs! Remember how she used to write out the lyrics for our performances and everyone said she had good handwriting as well as talent for lyrical work?” Sana unnie clapped and squealed at Momo unnie’s surprisingly good idea.

“So our plan is to wait it out and in the meantime, write a song for her?” I asked for final confirmation. The duo were about to answer me when the door slammed open revealing a smiling Chaeyoung and shy Dahyun unnie behind her.

“Stage manager is here to check on the dance club!” Chaeyoung boasted while Dahyun unnie just bowed awkwardly. “Hey Tzuyu, woah, what’s with the paper mountain?” she pointed to the pile of embarrassing letters while my face heated up a little as I tried to think of a decent excuse.

“You see, Tzuyu was just trying to help Momorin out by writing some lyrics for a group’s original song. Smooth talker Sana to the rescue. “But she’s been having trouble getting the feel of song since they wanted the lyrics to be similar to that of a letter.”

“That’s actually a really cute idea.” Dahyun piped up out of nowhere. “Can I use it for my charity stall? We have to set one up near Christmas to donate to the charities again, but might as well start collating ideas now right?”

I gave her a supportive pat on the shoulder before giving her some more to think about. “Letter writing sounds kind of boring on its own though. Since it’s near Christmas why don’t you make it wish list writing? So like a letter to Santa. Haha, a stall called ‘Dear Santa’?”

Everyone was laughing now because of my somewhat ridiculous idea but Dahyun unnie simply stood there with a really red face while Chaeyoung nudged at her a bit. Worried that she might be sick, I placed the back of my hand against my friend’s forehead.

“You feel alright, unnie? You’re kind of warm.” I notice her go even redder and sweat a little as I said this. “Woah, Dahyun unnie are you ok?” I was about to ask if she wanted to go to the nurse when Chaeng shot out her hand and pushed me away. Pft, protective much.

“Ok Miss oblivious, I’m done checking on the dance club now. You guys can go back to whatever you were doing before and I’ll send Dahyun unnie to the nurse if she needs it.”

Then she literally shoved Dahyun unnie out the door without another word.

“We have six months to make a song… want to start now?” the other two simply nodded at my suggestion as we began to piece together a tune.

Writing a song was my strength but with a music major and dance major on my side, the process was made a lot easier. The only problem was that with the school festival looming ahead, they were usually too busy preparing their own events and I was left alone in the studio most of the time. Then, as if things couldn’t get any more hectic, just when I had inspiration for my song writing I was told by Jungyeon unnie that Nayeon unnie’s girlfriend was in the country and currently staying with her.

From what unnie has been telling me, her girlfriend is apparently a ballerina who is currently on a world tour. ‘She’s around her age, maybe slightly younger, successful and she loves her, so stop trying to get into her girlfriend’s pants!’ Those were Jungyeon unnie’s exact words after I asked about the girlfriend and Nayeon unnie who was apparently on a two week break just because her girlfriend was here for a while.

Hearing about how much she cared for her and the things they did together . I don’t know if it was love or just annoyance at the appearance of an obstacle but knowing that Nayeon unnie was out there with someone else made my chest tighten in a horrible way. It was like I couldn’t breathe properly but at the same time I couldn’t let anyone see the pain I was going through. This feeling was so different from the warm, fluttery feeling I normally got from seeing Nayeon unnie and so I was confused.

Momo unnie and Sana unnie ended up spending a night with me in the studio. They were trying to get rid of the feeling and get my mind back to something more positive. A happy memory or feeling that I could incorporate into the song we were writing. But despite their efforts the only things that flew through my head that night was that if Nayeon unnie ever cries because of her girlfriend I’ll be the first one to torture her into apologising.

Since when was I so protective of unnie? Did I actually love her? Or is this just something else? I knew I would probably find out a clear answer by the time I finished the song but for now I guess it was just protectiveness because Nayeon unnie was petite and cute. She was the type of person that you can’t help but want to protect and make them smile. Yeah, I was just being a protective dongsaeng.

The three of us were woken up the next morning by a phone call from Jungyeon unnie. She told me to hurry up and get home because there was something that only I could do waiting at home. Momo unnie and Sana unnie decided to tag along since they didn’t have anything on until late afternoon and it would give us more time to discuss what we could do for the song. What we didn’t know was that even though we woke up, there was a bigger nightmare awaiting us at my house.

“Guys, this penguin here is the reason why I’m here and my girlfriend, Mina. This kid is Tzuyu; she’s my partner, Jungyeon’s younger sister and a good dongsaeng of mine.”

The girl Nayeon unnie had called Mina gave me a smile as I shot a smirk back at her. I barely ever show my cold attitude at home so this was definitely a first for everyone. I felt Sana unnie and Momo unnie nudge me slightly so I offered the girl a handshake. I was probably being too harsh on her for no reason, my bad.

“So uh what’s the emergency?” I asked as I directed everyone’s attention to Jungyeon unnie. Well everyone minus Momo unnie who was already staring at her for some reason. She only ever looked at jokbal like that. I wanted to ask Sana unnie about it since they were friends but like Momo unnie her attention was on someone else. In her case she was busy boring holes into Mina unnie’s head.

“Well, Nayeon called me this morning saying she wanted to borrow our toolbox but I don’t know where our tools are and you’re the building expert out of the two of us so... yeah.” She shifted around awkwardly before continuing. “I’ll be upstairs if you need me…”

She then left for her room a bit flustered since she wasn’t of much help despite being the one that Nayeon unnie had turned to. I was about to go calm down her embarrassment when Momo unnie placed a hand on my shoulder.

“Where’s the bathroom, Tzuyu?” I noticed her wink at me since this wasn’t her first time over she was probably just excusing herself somewhere.

“There’s one at the end of the corridor if you go up those stairs.” I smirked as I gestured to the flight of stairs that Jungyeon unnie had just gone up. She was being way too obvious with how she was feeling about my dear sister. At least that’s what I’m guessing the blush on her cheeks as she ran off meant. I headed into the storage room after and found the box in no time. Just as I was about to grab it a hint of something flower-y caught my attention.

“I didn’t know you were a building expert.”

The familiar voice of Nayeon unnie nearly made me fall back in surprise. She was way too close in this tiny space. I looked back to see what her girlfriend’s reaction was to her being so close to someone else only to find her talking to Sana unnie in some kind of foreign language. They seemed to get along pretty well, to the point where Mina unnie seemed to have forgotten about her girlfriend. So I ushered her outside, before she saw my blush since the storage room was kind of dark, taking two toolboxes with me.

“I took wood tech and electronics in middle school and graphics as well as interior design in high school, but I’m not an expert. Just a bit of a basic builder is all.” I scratched my cheek a bit before opening a toolbox. “So what needs fixing?”

“Well, last night Mina busted hole in her bedroom wall when she drove home half asleep so now she’s sleeping in my room.” I flinched a little when I heard that they were now sleeping together. So what if they were just sharing a room? They’re dating so it’s fine but for some reason I felt a bit sick at the thought. “Can you fix walls Miss builder? Or is it too much to ask?” she shyly looked down as if embarrassed by her request.

“Assuming that your walls are just painted plaster, all you need is some wood and plaster. First fix the framing inside and then just apply some plaster which should dry within three days.” I explained as I handed her the plaster and necessary tools in a bag.

“Thanks, I’ll call you if anything comes up.” She snatched my phone before I could object and typed in her number. “But I think Mina and I should be able to handle it all.”

The pair then left through the door while thanking us again for the materials and tools. Once the distraction was gone I found Sana unnie by my side again.

“So apparently Mina is leaving before Christmas but after the school festival…” she started in a hesitant tone.

“So?” I didn’t look at her as I was putting the toolboxes back. Apparently after seeing each other for twenty minutes or so, they’re now close enough to call each other by first names.

“So… I invited her to go to the school festival with… me.” She finished and I looked up in time to see her standing there blushing and squirming a bit. I wanted to tell her that there was no way she would agree since she was taken and that she shouldn’t be hitting on someone who was dating someone else but then that would make me a hypocrite. Not that I was hitting on Nayeon unnie or anything. I was just protective and being reliable, yeah.

“Unnie, it’s not like she’s actually going to-“

“She said yes.”

I held my head in my hands. Great, now I have another sinner onboard with me. Wait, why am I grouping Sana unnie with me? I don’t even know if I have romantic feelings for Nayeon unnie. There was a little voice in my head that kept saying something else though. ‘Yeah, keep telling yourself that. You totally don’t have feelings for her. You don’t think she’s amazing at all right?’ I would’ve remained frozen in thought for longer if Momo unnie hadn’t cut in.

“Is this about who we’re inviting to the school festival?” I looked at her blankly as she leaned over the stairway’s railing. She looked away from me before she continued. “Since each student can invite an outsider and well I didn’t think you would ask, I asked your sister… ehe.”

‘Ehe’ she says. So now I have a friend who hits on taken people and another one who has feelings for my sister. Can I just go and smash my head on something first? And they say I’m the one with ‘love troubles’. Who can I go with now? Sister, taken. Friends, decided to ditch. I let out a sigh before running a hand through my hair.

“You know, there’s a very simple solution to your dilemma dear friend.” Sana unnie smirked as she put her arm round my shoulder. Uh oh, why was she giving me that crazy face?

“Since Sana already removed the main obstacle for you, why don’t you ask Nayeon unnie?” Momo unnie egged on as she leaned against me from behind. “Besides, aren’t you trying to win her over already anyway? What with fixing her wall for her and all, why not just earn some bonus points at the school festival?”

It was like having an angel and a devil on your shoulders as they bickered about how indecisive you were being. Only, in my case it was two devils on either side of me. Both devils were saying the same thing: ‘go hit on someone’s girlfriend!’

“I just gave her tools I didn’t fix her wall and besides I might not even go to the festival.” The two just smirked even wider than before but the topic was dropped shortly after when we resumed work on the song.

Two weeks later they had Cheshire grins plastered on when I told them what happened after they left that day. Nayeon unnie called me for help and like the devils predicted, I fixed her wall. Turns out they had tried to speed up the drying process by using a heater but the wall ended up bulging a bit as a result of the trapped heat. One second I was explaining how to dry the plaster faster with a heater on low without direct exposure to Nayeon unnie, the next second I found myself standing close to her and blushing as the words ‘would you like to go to our school festival with me’ came flying out of my mouth. I couldn’t even take it back before she accepted my invitation with a blinding smile.

And so as we worked on the song over the last free-ish week they had before it was the final week of preparation for the festival I felt a bit helpless whenever I saw the two art course students smile gleefully at me. ‘They’re going on a date!’ or ‘She’s writing a song for her.’ and even ‘Book me a ticket for Japan because that couple is breaking!’ Were whispered throughout our sessions and while it was only embarrassing at first, I soon found the comments to be extremely annoying. I don’t like her that way… I think…

Their company might have been annoying but it was better than no company at all. When there was only a week left until the festival, I found myself all alone in the studio again. Everyone had their own things to prep for and since all the groups had their music sorted the studios were all empty. Chaeyoung had to arrange cues for everything as stage manager, Momo unnie was practically living in the dance rooms now and even Sana unnie was continuously practicing her vocals. Both of them said they wanted to impress the people they invited before actually going around the festival with them.

Only the arrangement and lyric writing of the song was left and since Momo unnie was the best at arranging music on computers, I used this time to finish off my writing. The first verse was sorted but I was still missing a huge chunk, namely, what would be known as the chorus and the bridge. I scratched my head with the pen in hand as I tried to think. The chorus would be the outstanding bit, the main point that I wanted to get across and possibly repeat a few times in the song… What I wanted to say to Nayeon unnie…

‘You’re always in my mind?’ too long.

‘I can’t date you.’ too forward and depressing.

What do I feel around Nayeon unnie? Happiness, she’s like a ball of sunshine. How do I feel when I try to stay away from her? Sad, I like being with her and us spending time together I guess. How would I react if she turned up to me crying? Probably be really worried and angry at whoever hurt her. What would I do if Nayeon unnie told me she loves me? I’d tell her I love her too.

I love Nayeon… Yeah, I do… I know what I’m going to do for the chorus now…

I felt my face heat up as I repeated my realisation under my breath.

“I love unnie. I love her. I want to tell her face to face and hear her reply when I say ‘I love you’. “

A knocking on the door snapped me out of my rambling and a head popped in soon after.

“Am I intruding? Sorry, it’s just that Chaeyoung has been saying that I should really tell you this and Momo unnie said you’d probably be in here so I er…” I smiled at her muttering before gesturing to the couch in the studio.

“Why don’t you come in first, Dahyun unnie?”

The day of the festival:

“Momo and Sana are both great performers! I didn’t think that university students would have that kind of talent actually.”

I watched as Nayeon unnie cutely rambled on about how great the performances were, now that I actually knew how I felt about her I feel like it’s less awkward around her. Yeah, I know I can’t date her but just being able to be by her side and be there for her when she needs me is good enough.

“You really don’t mind spending the festival with me though?” I asked her as we were just strolling around some of the stalls that were selling food. “I mean, Mina unnie is here too so wouldn’t you want to spend it with her? She has to go away soon again right?” I hated having to pour a bucket of ice water on myself but it was the only way for me to keep in check. Ever since I’ve admitted to liking her, I always seem to be doing things that were less dongsaeng and more girlfriend-like.

“I’ll see her when I’m home anyway so don’t worry we have plenty of time to spend together.” I couldn’t help but feel a bit disheartened when I heard her brutally honest words. “You on the other hand, we don’t see each other as often so I need to treasure the time we have together!”

Without warning she clings onto my arm and I instantly feel a blush creeping towards my face. The close contact and random confession just kind of took me by surprise. But I guess even Nayeon unnie was embarrassed since she looked down when I tried to see her reaction and maybe I was just seeing things but, was she blushing too?

We played some cliché stall games since walking around by itself was kind of boring. I didn’t expect her to be the type to like soft toys but I was surprised when she saw a rabbit plushie and started to practically give the thing a sparkly eye look. I looked at the stall that offered the toy as a prize, ‘archery’ was written on the banner along with a target and a flying arrow.

“Oh, Tzuyu! Why don’t you give it a try? Your girlfriend there seems to really want that doll.” The student running the stall tempted. Funny thing was I didn’t even know him, but knowing my horrible reputation around school, who wouldn’t know me? “Besides, winning stuff for a girl is the easiest way to get them falling right?” he finished with a wink that made me want to sock him. Nayeon unnie was innocent; she didn’t need to be tied to a player like me in anyone’s eyes.

I looked back and saw my ‘date’ still drooling over the toy before answering the guy at the stall.

“How do I play?”

“Ten bucks for three arrows. You have to get a bulls-eye to pick your prize.” He sneered as if underestimating me. I slapped ten bucks onto the table as he gave me the necessary bow and arrows.

“She’s not my girlfriend.” I muttered as I set myself up to shoot. She’s not my girlfriend so why am I trying so hard? I released the first arrow and it lands on the board just not within the target.

“Two arrows left, hotshot.” The stall manager teased. I looked to my left and saw Nayeon unnie still staring at the toy longingly as I fired the second shot. It was within the target but just barely. “Are you blind or something? One arrow left~”

His teasing was annoying but I wouldn’t let him throw me off. I felt a poke on my arm as if prepared my final arrow.

“You don’t have to try so hard, Tzuyu. Not even Mina does this kind of thing for me so it’s fine if you just get me a drink later or something.” Was what she said but the way she looked at that doll already told me that there was no way a drink could compensate for it. She probably wanted the thing so bad that she didn’t even hear the guy badmouthing me for the past five minutes. Instead I patted her shoulder.

“I still have one arrow left so unless you want me to waste my ten bucks then sure, I’ll stop.” I teased as I stuck my tongue out to her. “Besides, I already feel bad separating you from your girlfriend. I want to do something that will make unnie happy.”

I gave her a shy smile before releasing my last arrow and heard an excited shriek next to me as I watched it lodge into the bulls-eye. I could see the stall owner’s face darken as someone finally beat him at his own game.

“The rabbit on the second row please.” I smirked as I handed him his bow back. He got my prize off the shelf and, albeit reluctantly, handed it over. I in turn, handed it to Nayeon unnie. Who instantly gave the toy a tight hug and I had to admit it was a cute sight.

“Now about the drink offer, why don’t you sit over there while I get us something?” I gestured to the park bench nearby before going off to buy some drinks. When I returned I found her on the bench still playing with the prize. It looked like she was doing something with the rabbit’s paws? “Here, a lemon ice tea.”

She accepted the drink and I took a sip of my iced coffee since I hadn’t had any caffeine in my system for the whole day. Normally Momo unnie or Sana unnie or Chaeng would bring me something after they visited the café and none of us were there but since they all had their own plans today I was left coffee-deprived. Not that I was tired or anything since I had Nayeon unnie with me, she was my main source of happiness and energy. Oh man, she’s really turning me into a pile of cheesy mush isn’t she?

“Chewy reminds me of you.” she suddenly said as she wiggled the rabbit’s paws at me.

“Chewy?” I tilt my head at the bizarre name.

“Yeah, Chewy the rabbit, you’re both quiet and have that innocent stare. Not to mention you’re both cute too.” She blushes a bit after she realised what she just said. So she thinks I’m cute? I scratched my cheek at the compliment since her head was down she wouldn’t be able to see my blush anyway.

“Honestly, I think it looks more like you.” she looks up abruptly and I quickly look away so she wouldn’t notice my tomato coloured face. “You both have bunny teeth.” I teased to which she gives a little huff before hiding her teeth by taking a sip of her drink.

She was really cute from what she wears to how she acts I can’t help but find myself falling for her more. But this was bad wasn’t it? She’ll never be mine so why am I still fooling myself like this? She said I’m cute but she probably just sees me as a dongsaeng, yet why do I feel like we can be something more? She did sort of choose me over her girlfriend tonight, but that was probably because Mina unnie was busy and she had nothing to do. Yeah, I’m just here to keep her entertained and happy, nothing more than that. Sigh.

If only this was a real date and we were a real couple…

“Wow, I always knew you were good but I didn’t think you’d be this good.” Momo unnie and Sana unnie were now staring at my lyrics like it was some horrifying document. With the lyrics finished all that was left was the arrangement and actual recording.

“So I’m guessing someone sorted out their feelings while we were busy practising?” Sana unnie teased as she nudged me in the ribs after reading over the chorus. I couldn’t help but redden a bit as I snatched my lyrics back from the devils. “Did something happen during the festival?” She continued to tease.

“I should be asking the two of you that question.” I deadpanned and watched as their normally pale faces turn a violent shade of red. Something definitely happened and I didn’t want to know. I let out a sigh. “Let’s just try and finish this before Christmas.”

“Before Christmas, why?” Sana unnie asked with a fake innocent expression.

“Yeah, what are you planning to do on Christmas?” Momo unnie added with a toothy grin.

I was about to shut down their hyperactive imaginations when the door slammed open revealing a murderous Chaeyoung. Without another word she marched up to me and grabbed me by the collar, which shocked the other two in the room since not only was Chaeng a lot shorter than me but also because of her suddenly violent actions.

“I told you to accept her so why?! Why did you reject Dahyun’s confession?!” she yelled loud enough for the world to hear. Thank god the studio door was shut and since the room is soundproof no one outside could hear Chaeyoung’s fierce interrogation.

“She’s the one person I can’t accept a confession from and you know that.” I answered calmly as I tried to loosen her fingers. “Just because she likes me doesn’t mean I am the best for her.”

“But she likes you so much and she tries so hard just to get your attention…” her grip and resolve begins to loosen and that was when I decided to give her the final push.

“I’m not the one who can make her the happiest though, not when the one who can do that job has been by her side all this time.” I felt her hands slide back down to her sides so I hold them before continuing. “The one who has been pushing Dahyun to confess despite having feelings for her, you can love her better than anyone else right, Chaeyoung?”

I saw her look up at me with shock instead of anger in her eyes so I gave her a gentle smile as if to tell her that I know.

“Besides I already have someone I like so I couldn’t possibly lead her on right?” I admitted with a flustered face. Even in a serious moment like this I still heard the two art majors teasing me in the background. Chaeyoung however looked beyond shocked, well who wouldn’t be? The school player just said she likes someone.

While Momo unnie and Sana unnie actually focused and arranged the song (for once), I explained everything to Chaeng from the song project to what our group’s current love lives were like. I watched as her expression went from shocked to disbelief back to shock again before finally settling on content.

“Talk about bad timing, just when I started pushing her to confess, you had to fall in love for real didn’t you?” She sighs before getting up and turning to leave. “Whoever it is I hope you won’t dump them after a week.”

“I’m serious this time ok? Where are you going anyway, don’t you want to stay and help with the song? You’re good with this stuff too.” I wanted her to stay just to make sure things were okay between us again and she won’t lunge at my neck again anytime soon. She shook her head before opening the door.

“Since the whole world is suddenly on a confessing streak I might as well join in right?” she blushed a little as she slipped through the door and closed it behind her.

“What lovely manners our Chaeyoung has now.” Sana unnie joked as she spun around in her chair.

“Yes, unlike our other maknae, that just has to tell the world about our love lives.” Momo unnie glared at me from her place in front of the computer.

“If I go down, you guys crash down with me. That’s what friends are for.” I stuck my tongue out before shifting their attention back to the song. It was moments like these that made me glad I found friends like them. If I hadn’t hated business class enough to skip and meet everyone in the café then I wouldn’t be able to have these happy memories. Because of these guys everyday was a happy day.

I spoke too soon when I said today was a happy day. I had gotten home at around six only to find Nayeon unnie and Mina unnie on my couch. She seemed to be comfortable as she leaned against the ballerina. I know I had no right to be jealous but I couldn’t help but glare a bit at Mina unnie. Poor girl, she did nothing wrong and yet I was letting my jealousy get the better of me.

“We’re going out for a dinner later since Mina is leaving for Japan soon.” Jungyeon unnie said as she noticed my confused stare. I felt a weight lift off my chest when I found out that my crush’s girlfriend would be leaving soon but then I realised that was very wrong of me since they were still dating either way. “Some of us are just meeting up here beforehand so we can carpool there together.”

I nodded before going to my room to drop off my stuff. I might as well avoid the couple now while I can. It was better this way since I wouldn’t have to feel bad for liking Nayeon unnie or glare at Mina unnie as if she was definitely a heartbreaker. It was somewhat ironic that the second description fitted me more than it did for her. I was about to read over the song’s lyrics since we were recording soon but unnie’s voice stopped me.

“Can you get the door Tzuyu? I think Jihyo’s here and I’ve got my hands full at the moment.”

Putting on my pair of old sneakers I jogged out in the dark to find my sister’s secretary. In the next five minutes that followed I learnt two things: one, don’t run on wet gravel with worn out sneakers and two, I am either extremely oblivious or have a high pain tolerance. Because one second I saw Jihyo unnie’s silhouette beyond the main gate and the next I was laying on my stomach with a stinging hand and clothes drenched in rainwater.

I sprang up and continued to jog to the gate nevertheless and when Jihyo unnie saw me she first said ‘oh my god’ before quickly rambling on how we needed to hurry back to the house and get me cleaned up. I walked next to her my knee a bit sore from the fall and feeling a strange breeze tickle at my wound that was probably bleeding. I looked down and realised that my jeans had been torn open by my fall. The first words that came out of my mouth when I turned up at the doorway with a dressed up Jihyo unnie were: ‘oops, these were nice jeans.’

Before I knew what was happening, unnie had dragged me to the main bathroom and began cleaning my wounds. She then forced me into my pyjamas and made me lie down. Well, looks like I won’t be having dinner with the others. I felt a bit queasy as I laid there waiting for Jungyeon unnie who had apparently gone to get me a glass of water. I was bored and since the door was open, I decided to eavesdrop on the people downstairs.

“How is she? Tzuyu looked pale when she came in, is she ok? Did she pass out or something?”

The worried voice of Nayeon unnie seemed to stand out a lot even though I was feeling really tired. I felt warmth when I heard the concern in her voice but at the same time I felt bad since I embarrassed myself in front of her and even made her worry this much. I wanted to go downstairs and tell her I was fine but got pushed back onto my bed when Jungyeon unnie saw me getting up.

“You’re not going anywhere kid.” She said as she held the cup of water to my lips, forcing me to take a drink. She then proceeded to look at me from multiple angles. “Good, you’re looking less pale now. You looked like you were going to faint when you walked in through the door you know?”

I weakly laughed her joke off before lying down. Since when did I get so weak that even a fall could have me fainting? I concluded that it was probably the combined stress of all nighters for the upcoming exams and then song making whenever I had time that made me this fragile.

“Hurry up and go to the dinner.” I tried to shoo my sister away since she was being way too motherly than she usually was. “I’ll just rest up. Tell Mina unnie to have a safe flight and sorry for missing dinner.”

“Did you hit your head too hard?” I flinched when she put a hand to my forehead. “I never knew you were this friendly and polite with your crush’s girlfriend.” She teased as I narrowed my eyes at her, not even denying my feelings for Nayeon unnie. “I’m kidding, but just to make sure you’re not alone in this state, I’ll call some back up to watch over you.”

Few minutes after they left, her back up arrived. Now the two were staring at me as they sat beside my bed.

“Care to tell me why my sister has your phone number, Momo unnie?” I asked with my eyes closed but I could still picture a blushing blonde as she answered in her childish voice.

“Well… we got along well at the festival so we exchanged numbers in case the future calls for it…”

“I don’t think you should call her ‘unnie’ anymore, Tzuyu.” Sana unnie interrupted with her teasing tone. “I think ‘sister-in-law’ would be more suiting.” We both laughed as the one being teased didn’t object.

“You know, I don’t get how you two are siblings.” Momo unnie said in an effort to change the topic. “Your choices, likings, skills and even looks are so different…”

“By likings do you mean how Jungyeon likes girls that have nothing to do with her job while Tzuyu here likes a girl who makes money doing what she hates?” Sana unnie cracked up at her own joke as both of us frowned.

“Says the one who likes the world travelling ballerina.” I cut her off before Momo unnie roared with laughter. “It’s not that weird that unnie and I are so different. We’re both adopted anyway.”

The two of them seemed to be surprised by how straightforwardly I said it. I thought they would’ve known already. Especially since unnie and I used the surnames from our birth parents now that our adoptive parents had passed on. Besides, what parents would name one kid Jungyeon and the other one Tzuyu?

The two of them ended up staying over for the night since we had plenty of rooms it wasn’t a problem. I answered their questions about unnie, our parents and me so to settle their curiosity which seemed to always be hungry for something new. In exchange they told me that unnie said she didn’t want to trouble them but because Nayeon unnie was pretty much freaking out she wanted someone to keep an eye on me. If getting hurt was the only price for learning about how much Nayeon unnie cared for me then I would happily fall and rip all the pairs of jeans that I own. God, I’m being all lovesick again…

Best of all, we managed to tweak the final touches to the song that night and were ready record as soon as a studio was free.

We managed to finish the song around early November, just after unnie’s birthday. A lot has happened since the impromptu sleepover, both good and bad things, like exams, which did call for some changes but not major ones. For example, Mina unnie and Nayeon unnie broke up on Jungyeon unnie’s birthday so I began to drop more hints for Nayeon unnie.

They weren’t big hints, just the occasional message asking if she got home safe after a group dinner or casually treating her to something. Ok so maybe I’ve been poking around others more. I invited her to the Christmas party at our house this year and have been trying to find a gift for her. I already interrogated unnie and Jihyo unnie for information but their answers were the vague ‘cute things’ and ‘useful things’.

Now, before you berate me for hitting on someone whose heart just got broken, let me just clarify that she wasn’t upset with the breakup. No crying or breakdowns or anything dramatic. She just spaced out a bit and then she was the Nayeon unnie that I knew again. Everything was still the same since I didn’t want her to freak out and run away, because if she did I doubt I’ll ever see her again since she was the type of person that people would fight to employ if she quit her job. That would be worse than not confessing so I’ve just been holding everything in till now.

Finally it was Christmas, the day of the party and the day that all our efforts had been put toward. It’s strange how the feelings I had been unsure about six months ago were now clear as daylight to me. I carefully placed my present for the gift exchange into the small pile so that no one would be able to tell that it was from one of the hosts before going back to preparing for the party. In the end I had settled for some earphones and hoped that Nayeon unnie would get them since they were part of Momo unnie and Sana unnie’s plan. Nayeon unnie would get my present and then I can play the song that we made for her through the earphones. It wasn’t exactly romantic but it was the best you could get from a nervous mess that was about to confess, a lovesick dancer who was still in her own little couple world with my sister and Sana unnie.

Everything was going according to plan since Nayeon unnie got my present during the gift exchange. Sana unnie who was sitting next to me gave me a high five under the table while Momo unnie who was sitting next to her now girlfriend aka my sister shot me a wink from across the table. Now I just had to find a good chance to confess.

“Hey, if your confession later goes well then does that mean Mina is back on the dating market?” I tried to look at Sana unnie while answering but I was a bit stiff from trying to contain my nervousness when Nayeon unnie leaned on my shoulder and from trying to slouch a little so she would be more comfortable.

“She was already back on the market ages ago.” I took a sip of my drink as she held my free hand with both of hers.

“Are you being serious?” she gave me a sad puppy-like stare that was actually pretty cute. Why did I never fall for her again? “If you’re not being honest I’ll tell Nayeon unnie all about your player past.” Oh yeah, she was the devil.

“They broke up through a phone call on unnie’s birthday. Mina unnie’s been working on her next performance in Japan ever since, according to unnie anyway.” I jerked a little at her next reaction. The sensation of something warm and soft pressed against my cheek and the closeness of Sana unnie nearly made me get a heart attack.

I was about to check if Sana unnie was feeling sick or something since there was no way that she would kiss me but I suddenly realised that my shoulders felt really light and a sense of dread filled my stomach. I looked at the empty spot next to me before catching Nayeon unnie pushing through the sea of guests and went out the front door.

“I’d love to kiss you again for the great news but now’s not the right time for that!” Sana unnie shouted as she shoved me towards the door. “You’ve got a girl to run after and I’ve got to book a ticket to Japan!”

Sana unnie was right. I had to chase after her. Everyone might think that I’m playful and mean like black Santa but this was different, she was different. I might not be as kind as white Santa but if I followed the story then I too could become the Santa Claus that was actually loved. All I had to do was kill the black Santa that was within me just like white Santa did. So I decided to do what I had never done before: chase after a girl.

I tumbled out the door and after checking that I had my phone with me I ran after Nayeon unnie. She might have short legs but man, she runs fast! It took me five minutes of non-stop running before I saw her standing there with her back facing me. Just when the image of her became clearer as I drew closer something else started to blur my vision. It was snowing.

“Nayeon unnie!”

Nayeon’s POV:

I heard a familiar voice call out to me as the snow started falling. Then just when I was about to turn around I felt a pair of arms wrap themselves around me.

You approach me secretly and sweetly

At the scent that grazes my shoulder

One person who I’ve been waiting for like a present

I can see you

“You’re going to catch a cold running outside when it’s snowing.” The warm and caring voice of Tzuyu entered my ears as I fought to not show a smile. “Before you run away again, can I borrow those earphones you got? I need you to hear something.”

How did she know that I got earphones as my gift? Was she really paying that much attention to me? I thought she was only noticing Sana… Nevertheless I gave her my present and watched as she plugged them into her phone. Then, carefully and more gentle than ever, she placed the two buds into my ears and gave me a shy smile. I watched her set something up on her phone before she mouthed some words at me.

‘Hope you enjoy.’

I was about to ask her what did she want me to enjoy, when a melody of Christmas bells ringing began playing through the earphones.

Hundreds of confessions without success

I feel so unconfident should I just go back

I say I’ll confess for sure

But it’s pointless with no actions in the end

Can’t keep my head up in front of you

I watched as she scratched her cheek in embarrassment and then I began to recognise that it was her voice that was singing the song. The lyrics didn’t really make much sense since she didn’t seem like the type to be rejected, does that mean she rejected someone before?

I’m in love with you, why are these words so hard

I keep hesitating to say over and over again

Why is it so hard to just write a simple letter

I keep writing and tearing it over and over again

You may not feel the same way as I do

I may never see you again, that’s what I’m afraid of

Don’t have the courage to tell you

With this song let me open my heart to you

I love you, baby I,

I love you (for a very long time)

I love you, baby I,

I love you (I do)

I blush and looked up at her shyly. Was that why the kid never told me how she felt? Well, I did have a girlfriend when I first met her so that probably didn’t get her hopes up. But if she did tell me I wouldn’t leave, not now anyway since she’s got me falling so deeply for her.

All day long I wait for your reply

I keep writing and erasing to make sure

There’s no mistake in my words

I accidently say things that I don’t mean

The dramatic lines that I practiced in front of the mirror

Are all forgotten when I stand in front of you, flustering me

My hands hesitate in front of yours

My heartbeat sound getting louder you might hear it yeah

You may not feel the same way as I do

I may never see you again, that’s what I’m afraid of

Don’t have the courage to tell you

With this song let me open my heart to you

I love you, baby I,

I love you (for a very long time)

I love you, baby I,

I love you (I do)

As if on cue, I noticed her hands fidgeting a bit. She was acting all cute and shy even whilst confessing. Aish, this kid. I grabbed her hand without thinking and held on tightly. I was the one who instigated the contact but I could still feel my face heat up. I would’ve interlocked fingers but we were wearing mittens so that was kind of impossible. I began to wonder, was this loud heartbeat mine or hers?

My heart beats like a drum

My arms just wait for the day to hug you tight

My calendar just waits for the day marked red

My confession just waits for my courage

Though I am still a timid fool

I hope this song I wrote for countless nights

Delivers my sincerity

Take one side of the earphone in your hand

Shall we?

I felt something brush past my ear as the earphone was removed. She plugged it into her own ear and stuffed our connected hands into her coat pocket before she started singing along to the song she wrote for me.

I love you, baby I,

I love you (for a very long time)

I love you, baby I,

I love you (I do, I do)

“So… I kind of already said it quite a few times in the song…” She was blushing pretty bad as the song finished and honestly with the red nose from the cold as well as the puffy coat she was wearing it only made her cuter in my eyes. Nayeon what are you saying? You’re not even dating yet!

“I don’t get what you’re trying to say, Tzuyu-ah.” I a bit and was going to say more but then saw our hands still together in the comforts of her pocket. I tucked a strand of loose hair behind my ear to distract myself from blushing more. I felt her release my hand and pull it out of her pocket. I was already missing our small amount of contact. When she put her hands on my shoulders and turned me around to face her.

The moment we shyly stand facing each other

The two hands you hold out

Holding your warm hand

We walk together and look at the sky

“What I’m trying to say is this.” She held my hands gently and then proceeded to swing them back and forth between us. I could feel myself blush when she held my hand; even though it was gentle we both knew the action had a deeper meaning. “Will you let me stay, just like this, by your side? I know you’ve just broken up and it’s a lot to ask for but I’m very sure that this is what I want so Nayeon unnie, will you be my girlfriend?”

I pretended to ponder at her question; it was fun to see her so worked up and since when was she so good at Korean? God, she’s making me into a sadist with her cute expressions… I swung our hands around a bit too as she followed my action and rhythm. Then when she wasn’t paying attention to me (it looked like she was starting to think I would reject her) I pulled on her hands and wrapped my arms around her waist. I could hear her heart rate increase just as mine had when I laid my head on her chest. A muffled ‘yes’ came out and as if she was the missing piece of a puzzle I felt her arms wrap around, completing, me.

“We’re dating now right?” I nod into her chest as I was still too shy to say anything. “Then can I call you Nayeon?”

It sounded strange to hear her call me without an honorific but it also felt right hearing how my name rolled off her tongue. Again I responded to her question with simple nod.

“Nayeon.” She called and I looked up to see her red face close to mine before smiling gently at her.

“Hmm?” I answered before nuzzling into her coat. I was really starting to wonder where the shy me from before had gone since now I was really comfortable with clinging onto her even though I was supposedly the older and more mature one.

“We should head back to the party now, Nayeon.”

I reluctantly pull myself away from my girlfriend and held onto her hand again as we began walking back to her house.

“What was your wish for Christmas Nayeon?” she suddenly asked out of the blue, that and she seemed to really enjoy saying my name. I remembered the letter I wrote at Dahyun’s stall and grew a bit flustered.

“It’s a secret~” I noticed her pout before scratching her cheek embarrassed with her random show of aegyo. “What did you wish for Tzuyu?”

“I didn’t wish for much, but I know that Sana unnie wished for a flight ticket to Japan and Momo unnie wished for a good Christmas dinner haha.” I felt her squeeze my hand a little and looked up to see her give me a gentle smile, one that I had never seen from her before. “It looks like my wish came true anyway.”

Full in that sky

Full in my heart

White snow is falling

Dream-like Christmas time

Oh, Christmas time

Despite the first snow, drenched clothes and everything else cold and wintery, it felt like the warmest Christmas I’ve ever had as I held onto her hand. No ‘I love you’ or anything cheesy, just us together from now on was enough.  

A/N: Finally done! T_T sorry it ended up being way longer than I expected. The idea just kinda snowballed and ended up being around 11,000 words. I was stuck on what to name this chapter since a lot of Christmas songs fit into the story. (Wish Tree by Red Velvet, Sing for You and Girl X Friend by Exo and Confession song by Got7 were my options) But then this one was the original idea and when Twice covered it on V app I was like "Heck YEAH! This is DA ONE!" >///< so yeah, sorry for the long wait, as usual please tell me if you see anything weird (forgot to change from draft) and hope your eyes don't hurt after this ^^"

Hope you guys had a happy New Year (新年あげまして　おめでとうございます！）and a great 2016 (新年快樂 ^^) 

See y'all on my other stories ^^