Two Months Later

Mina

One month had passed.

The members of TWICE were still, officially, on vacation.

Tzuyu was still in Taiwan.

Momo and Sana were still in Japan to visit their respective families.

Jihyo, Jeongyeon, and Dahyun were still in New York.

And Mina, Chaeyoung, and Nayeon were still left in the dorm.

Alone.

Well, not alone, really. Their managers would come to check up on them from time to time, mainly sadness manager, which was a bit confusing to the girls but they didn’t know that sadness manager knew about their problems. In a way, sadness manager felt sympathetic and also worried, as she had no idea what would happen when Nayeon found out about Mina and Chaeyoung’s secret relationship which was happening right under her nose.

But never mind that. There are more pressing matters to attend to.

Despite promising Chaeyoung that she’d take care of the...obstacle standing in the way of their relationship, Mina had done nothing. She hadn’t talked to Nayeon about it at all. Whenever she’d try bringing it up, one of two things would happen – either Nayeon would twist it into something that ended with her confessing her profound love and talking about how they would get married and live a long life (which, of course, made Mina feel even more guilty than she already did), or Mina would start to get terrified and change the subject. There was no way she was able to confront the elephant in the room.

However, as time went on, Mina’s guilt slowly shrunk into a small, almost non-existent ball, and her carelessness and love for Chaeyoung grew. This, as anyone could see, caused a number of problems. For one, Mina would kiss Chaeyoung in front of Nayeon. She was lucky Chaeyoung would always break away before Nayeon noticed. Another thing was Mina found herself talking about Chaeyoung way too much. It was always “Chaeyoung this” or “Chaeyoung that.” And this did cause Mina to only grow more guilty, but come on, it was Chaeyoung! Who could resist talking about Chaeyoung? Her artistic skills, her music taste, her husky voice whenever she rapped, her charisma onstage, the cute little mole she had right underneath (if one wanted to be precise, it would be to the bottom left of , really)...

Honestly, anyone could resist talking about the younger girl.

Mina just hoped Nayeon was stupid and lovesick enough not to notice Mina’s habit of talking about Chaeyoung and nothing but Chaeyoung.

And, really, Mina didn’t want to think about that guilt she had stored deep down.

She didn’t want to think about Nayeon. She wanted to think about Chaeyoung. She wanted to think about Son Chaeyoung and no one else.

Apparently, Chaeyoung didn’t know that.

“Hey, Mina,” she whispered one night, when the two were curled up under the covers on Chaeyoung’s bed. Mina had told Nayeon she’d be sleeping in Chaeyoung’s room that night, to give her an excuse just to be with Chaeyoung. She didn’t regret it.

“Yeah?”

“Tell Nayeon that you’re uncomfortable with her putting her hands where she shouldn’t, okay?”

Mina whirled around to face Chaeyoung; a rather uncomfortable position since Chaeyoung was clinging to Mina’s back and Mina was facing the outside. It was like an inside-out spooning position – no, it was an inside-out spooning position. “Chaeyoungie? What brought this on?”

Even in the darkness, Mina could see Chaeyoung’s face grow bright red. Her face only grew more red as Mina realized why Chaeyoung had made the request, letting out a soft “ohhh” as it dawned on her. She grinned at Chaeyoung. I didn’t know Chaeyoung could be like this...it only makes her cuter!

“Don’t,” Chaeyoung said warningly, most likely realizing what Mina was going to say based on the expression on her face.

“Chaeyoungie’s jealous!” Mina teased, turning her whole body around so she was facing Chaeyoung completely. Chaeyoung shrunk into herself, curling up into a little ball. “Minaaa,” she whined, kicking Mina’s thigh softly. Mina laughed. “I never knew Chaeyoungie would get jealous because of me! Aww, are you jealous because Nayeon hugs me a lot and you don’t get to?”

Chaeyoung’s refusal to answer was all Mina needed. Her grin grew wider. “You’re so cute, Chaengie!” she squealed. Chaeyoung grumbled something Mina couldn’t hear, and turned around, not facing Mina, still curled up in her ball. “Minari, if you don’t stop teasing me, I won’t talk to you,” she declared stubbornly.

Mina’s grin melted into a warm smile. She reached around Chaeyoung, wrapping her arms around the younger in a hug, and pulled Chaeyoung to her chest. She set her chin on Chaeyoung’s shoulder, and whispered, “I’m sorry, Chaeyoungie, I’ll stop.”

Of course, just as Mina had known, Chaeyoung’s anger was broken. She uncurled herself and relaxed into Mina’s arms. Mina felt a rush of love for the younger. “I love you,” she murmured, entwining her hand with Chaeyoung’s. Chaeyoung briefly squeezed Mina’s hand, replying softly, “I love you, too.”

In that moment, Mina was reminded of why she had chosen Chaeyoung over Nayeon. Chaeyoung was able to make her smile. Chaeyoung was able to make her laugh. Chaeyoung was able to make Mina feel an abundance of emotions, most of which she had never felt with Nayeon. Chaeyoung was able to light those sparks deep inside Mina. Nayeon had never been able to. Mina still loved Nayeon, but as a friend. Nothing more. The only person right for her was Chaeyoung. And, upon thinking this, Mina felt a burst of courage. She wasn’t scared anymore. She’d confront Nayeon. She wouldn’t be careful anymore. She’d be openly affectionate towards Chaeyoung, and when Nayeon would ask, Mina would tell her the truth. Sure, she’d feel guilty, but it was the right thing to do. And she’d always have Chaeyoung at her side. Just knowing that was enough to make Mina want to get up and tell Nayeon immediately.

Chaeyoung’s always going to be with me. And with her, I can do anything.

...Mina wasn’t aware. Nor was Chaeyoung.

That this whole time, sitting outside their door, listening to their conversation...

Was a certain Im Nayeon.

Who currently had tears streaming down her face.

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lol i actually finished writing this chapter like last week i just forgot to upload it

imma go write a really soft blog post now bye