“So what do you think?” You bite your lip and uncross your legs while waiting for Dahyun’s input on the song you were planning on performing.

“Jackson 5’s I Want You Back huh? A really ambitious audition song don’t you think?” She says still glued on your music sheet and not looking up to meet your eyes. It looked like she was fully trying to reconstruct the song in her head, looking at the pros and cons.

“Yeah, it’s a really difficult song but I think it fits Ms. Sunmi’s concept for the musical.”

“You’re right there and I think this song choice can also feature your vocals perfectly. Great choice unnie.” The biggest smile breaks out of your face from her compliment mirroring Dahyun’s bright smile. 

“Thank you Dahyunnie, I think I’m getting more confident about it now.”

“You’re going to do great unnie, I’m sure. Could you try singing it for me?”

“Uhm uh, okay, sure.” You’ve never actually sang this in front of anyone else yet. Even Mina hasn’t heard this but you find that you weren’t that nervous. It was just Dahyun, there was nothing to be scared of. That was how she made you feel, like you wouldn’t be criticized wrongly. Sure she’d give you honest feedback but you didn’t fear that anymore unlike when it was criticism from other people. It was just different with her and you didn’t know how to explain it properly.

You take a deep breath and start singing the opening of the song. You were used to singing acapella as you play the instrumental in your head but then the upbeat keys of a piano starts playing and you realize Dahyun started playing the song in the piano.

“When I had you to myself, I didn’t want you around…” You begin singing. It felt so easy to sing right now with Dahyun accompanying you with the piano. For some reason the song felt even more cheerful than the original and you find yourself singing with more enthusiasm as well.

“Ohhh baby give me one more chance…”

“To show you that I love you.” Dahyun supplements for the back-up voice and you snap your eyes to look at hers and catch her smiling, obviously proud of herself with how smooth she sang. You wanted to chuckle, this was just so fun. All thoughts of this being your audition song, being nervous about landing a role, all of those disappeared from your mind. This was just like your typical jamming sessions with the young prodigy.

“Ohh won’t you please let me…”

“Back in your heart.” 

You and Dahyun went on that way till the end of the song. She even did an extra piano improv for the ending and this time you don’t stop your laughter. Your cheeks were starting to hurt from smiling so much especially that she had the funniest expression on her face. She could make you laugh and smile so effortlessly.

“You are so extra Kim Dahyun, a true entertainer indeed.”

“I aim to please.” You would have for the double implication and reference of her words if she wasn’t smiling so much, clearly pleased with herself.

You two continued the afternoon like that, just playing with each other and singing to any random song Dahyun played on the piano. It was easy, it was light. You haven’t felt this way in a long time. You’re glad you’re able to enjoy your time like this with none other than Dahyun.

--

“I still don’t get the point of kidnapping me Dahyun.” You tell the raven haired girl who was currently driving you to an unknown location after waking you up so early in the morning. 

“I’m not kidnapping you unnie, you’re so dramatic.” Dahyun clarifies from the driver’s seat. “If I remember correctly, you consented to this little outing.”

“Ohh so we’re calling it that now hmm? Little outing?” 

“Y-yeah? You can call it what you want unnie.” She stutters.

“What if I want to call this a date instead?” You cheekily reply and laugh as Dahyun chokes on her own spit. She then mumbles something you don’t catch. “What did you say Dahyun?”

“I said…this can be a date…i-if you want…” 

You widen your eyes at the suggestion then realize Dahyun was blushing furiously right now. You couldn’t help but lean over your seat and pinch her cheeks. “You’re so cute Dubu-yah!”

“Unnie stop! I’m driving!” She exclaims from her seat trying to move her face away from your pinch attack.

You stop pinching her and leave a peck on her cheek instead.

“Wh-what was that for?” 

“It’s a date then.” You smile contentedly at another blush growing on the tofu’s face. “Our first date.” You happily state and don’t fail to notice Dahyun muttering something like ‘It better be.’ 

--

The secret place Dahyun brought you to was actually a retirement home. She apparently volunteers here every weekend since she was a teenager and honestly it was just amazing. Dahyun may be a renowned pianist but her heart was still so pure and you find that both admirable and inspiring.

“Some of them may act stand-offish at first but they’ll warm up to you quickly. These guys are all just really sweet people who crave interaction.” She informs as you two walk into the building. The nurses and staff all greeted Dahyun kindly as you two passed by. You noticed how much everyone was just happy to see her, she was definitely welcomed here.

She brings you to the recreation room where a group of elderly men and women gathered, some were just sitting relaxed while others were chatting with each other. But once they realized who just entered, the atmosphere of room suddenly grew warm and cheery. 

“Dahyun is here!” A woman exclaims and everyone just came closer and huddled with Dahyun in the middle. She greeted them all excitedly while asking how they were or complimenting something she notices from them. You could already see that she was a natural in socializing, not only that, she was genuinely interested in each person. 

“I also brought someone with me guys. I think you’ll all really like her. I know I already do.” You couldn’t help but blush at her statement but move when she ushers you forward anyway. “This is Sana!”

You bow deeply before greeting. “Hello everyone!”

“Oh my, you’re very pretty child.” A woman tells you with wide eyes. “I used to look like you during my younger years!”

You chuckle before replying. “Then I’m happy to know I’d still grow up as beautifully as you ma’am.”

“Aysh such a charmer you are.”

A man speaks up then. “Are you Dahyun’s girlfriend?” 

“Mr. Lee!” Dahyun yelps behind you. “We’re not like that!”

“Dahyunnie I’m hurt.” You place your hand on your chest for emphasis. “I thought you said this was our first date?”

“Finally our little Dahyun got herself a girlfriend!” Another woman exclaims to which Dahyun just grumbles at while you laugh your heart out. You already really liked them.

“Alright, alright, enough of that. Come on let’s get along with the activities. We don’t have all day!” Dahyun quickly tries to get everyone’s attention away from the previous topic. The mention of activities seems to have worked as the group went to their tables where parchment paper was stacked along with brushes and was that ink?

Dahyun reaches her hand out to you and you easily take it as she leads you to a table. Her hand was really warm, was it bad that you really wanted to keep holding it? She had to release your clasped hands though as she reaches for a piece of paper.

“So I think you’ve all been informed that we’re going to do traditional calligraphy today.” A collective nod comes from the small crowd and Dahyun continues talking. “Lucky for you guys, my friend here-“

Mr. Lee interrupts as he coughs then grumbles .“Girlfriend.” 

“Anyway, Sana here, is actually pretty good with calligraphy.”

You widen your eyes at Dahyun because you weren’t actually expecting to talk in front of them and moreover teach calligraphy. And you’re actually amazed she remembered that small bit of information from you that you offhandedly mentioned one time when you two were hanging out. While it warmed your heart, it also made it race uncontrollably because you wanted to impress these people who were obviously close to Dahyun and in turn it may mean you could get a chance to grow closer to her as well.

She then ushers you forward and you give her a glare before moving upfront. “Good morning everyone, I wasn’t actually expecting to teach calligraphy today but lucky for all of us I’m actually a kickass calligrapher.” Everyone chuckled softly at that. “I was kidding, I’m just okay but I hope we can all still enjoy this.”

And so you started teaching the basics of calligraphy from the tools to simple techniques showing each type of script writing. You would also throw in a few historical facts about calligraphy but making sure not to make it seem boring. Thankfully you had everyone’s full attention.

After teaching the basics, you allowed everyone to try it out themselves as they each picked a quote or saying they wanted to write. You walk through each table and patiently help everyone who asked for your assistance. 

You then notice Dahyun at the corner also trying her hand at calligraphy. The scene before you was funny as her tongue was slightly out as she concentrated so seriously on her task. You don’t double think as you approach behind her and peer over her shoulder to look at her craft.

“Working hard are we?” You whisper beside her ear and you swore you felt Dahyun shiver a bit.

“Just wanted to make our teacher proud. She’s pretty good.” 

“I heard she’s really pretty too.”

“Pretty doesn’t give her justice.” She answers back bashfully.

“And they call me the charmer.” Dahyun just looks behind and smiles widely at you before turning back to her work. 

“What are you writing anyway?” You try to look but Dahyun just moves the parchment paper away from your view. “Yah!”

“Wait for me to finish, stop being so impatient.” She chuckles and you pout but do as she says anyway. 

You decide to also make your own calligraphy as you noticed everyone was absorbed in their own work as well. You were thinking of what to write when you remembered a funny quote Mina made when you two were younger. You start writing it and even though it’s been some time since you did calligraphy, it was like years of practice suddenly flowed back to you and it wasn’t that hard anymore. It was done in a few minutes and you examine your work trying to evaluate it.

“No Sana, no life huh?” Dahyun’s voice comes from beside you and you almost drop the piece of paper from shock.

“Yah! You look at my work just like that but you haven’t even showed me yours!” You give her the saddest pout you could muster and Dahyun just cups your chin in return.

“Awwh stop pouting unnie. I’ll show it to you later, I promise.”

“You better keep your promise Kim Dahyun.”

The session went by quickly and almost everyone was done now. You praised each one as they showed you their creations. You also chuckle at the really outrageous quotes others chose. And just like that it was over. Everyone thanked you for your time and requested that you come back with Dahyun soon.

“I’ll come back, I promise.” You bow deeply once again before you and Dahyun leave the venue.

The pianist suddenly starts chuckling as you two walked back to her car.

“What’s so funny?”

“Nothing, they seem to love you more than they love me, I should feel offended.”

“Awwhh don’t be sad Dahyunnie.”

“I’m not, actually, I deeply understand why they’re so fond of you. I know I am.”

You couldn’t find the right words right now so you hid your face behind your hands instead. Dahyun just chuckles and pats your head before driving away and bringing you back to the university.

--

“Thanks for taking me out today, I had lots of fun.” You tell Dahyun as she walks you back to your room.

“I’m glad, I just really wanted to help you relax and get your mind off the audition. I know how nervous you are.”

“You’re right about that. I didn’t know I needed this so really, thank you.”

“Don’t mention it, I’m happy to help.”

You arrive in front of your dorm and was about to enter when Dahyun’s voice halts you. 

“Wait unnie-“ You turn back and face a red Dahyun. She then pulls something out of her pocket, it was a piece of paper, she hands it to you hastily. “Here, I-I promised to show it but I decided to give it to you instead. So yeah, see you later unnie!” 

You weren’t even able to thank her as she dashes out like the speed of light leaving you in the middle of an empty hallway. You decide to open the folded paper and gasp once you realize what it was. In it was a word written in ink, it was messy yet oddly stunning calligraphy. You had to think twice to determine what the word meant and you end up feeling your heart flutter once you figured it out. It was a mix of your names, Sana and Dahyun.

Saida

“Is that a framed calligraphy of your ship name with Dahyun?” Mina asks once she gets home and sees the framed paper in your living room.

“How’d you know it was our name together?!” 

Mina rolls her eyes at you disbelief. “You’re so obvious Sana.” That’s all she says before going inside her room and saying nothing else.

You humph. Obvious, whatever. You were appreciating art, that was why you framed it. Yeap, definitely just that.

//

“What the ?!” Jeongyeon exclaims on her seat beside you and you laugh sardonically. “Since when were you this good with videogames?!”

“Psshh just accept that I finally defeated you already.” You reply still not looking away from the TV screen in the dorm room you and Jeongyeon share.

“No way, you’re cheating I’m sure of it!” She persists and you just roll your eyes because of course she wouldn’t believe you. 

“It is quite odd that you suddenly got this good in videogames though Momo.” Nayeon comments as she walks in the room with a tray of cold drinks for your small group. It was just another Saturday night and that meant exclusive bonding time for you three.

“What’s there not to believe? You two watched with your own eyes how I beat Jeongyeon’s that easily.”

“You did not!” Jeongyeon argues but you ignore her.

“I did watch and I did see Jeong get her kicked so bad-“

“Babe!” Jeongyeon looks at her girlfriend with such a look of betrayal that you couldn’t help but laugh.

“Shush you baby, anyway back to what I was saying. It’s just odd how you suddenly went from owow to actual wow.” You groan because she was referring to the one time in grade school when you accidentally wore your name tag upside down and everyone started calling you ‘owow’.

“I thought we all agreed to let that owow incident die?”

“What owow incident?” A new voice inquires and you all look to the source of it only to find Mina leaning on your door frame with a bag of what you supposed were snacks.

“Minari!” You cheerfully say and jump over your couch to get to where she was. “Hey! What are you doing here? I mean not that I’m complaining, also, is that food?”

Mina rolls her eyes at the mention of food. “I had nothing to do so I thought I should come visit my jokbal-loving freeloader.”

Your mouth automatically waters at the mention of jokbal. “Is that what I think it is?”

“Here take it.” She hands you the bag of food but you surprise her as you pull on her wrist instead effectively pulling her inside your dorm room. She doesn’t expect the pull though and ends up tripping but no worries, you were there to catch her as she lands softly on your arms. Her free hand grabs your shoulder as she steadies herself.

“Momo! I almost fell!”

“I’m sorry.” A chuckle breaks out and Mina slaps your shoulder lightly.

“You don’t sound like it.” She pouts her cute penguin pout and you stopped the urge to poke her puffed up cheeks.

Someone clears their throat behind you two and you both turn back to see Nayeon and Jeongyeon smiling widely. Nayeon was the one who spoke up first.

“Sorry to break your moment but I think we haven’t formally met each other yet.”

You and Mina then realize your proximity and both jump away to give each other distance. You completely forgot that 2yeon was still in the room and you just end up blushing. Nayeon catches that and smirks at you.

“Hi, I’m Nayeon.” She moves forward and takes her hand out for a shake to which Mina returns.

“Mina. Myoui Mina.” You take a small glance at Mina and notice her cheeks were also a bit red.

“I know.” Nayeon smirks again and points to her back. “And that weird blue haired girl is my girlfriend Jeongyeon.”

“Nice to finally meet you Mina! Also don’t listen to anything Nayeon says about me. I’m not weird.” Jeongyeon says from where she sat.

Mina chuckles then and you finally let out a breath you didn’t know you held in. You don’t know why you felt nervous right now, Mina was just meeting your two best friends. Well it wouldn’t have been a problem if it was someone else and not the Myoui Mina.

“Do you want to join us? We were just playing videogames.”

“I love videogames!” Mina perks up. “I’d love to join you guys if you all don’t mind.” She says politely.

“Of course not!” Nayeon ushers Mina to sit on the couch and you continue standing there looking so endeared. 

“Momoring come on.” Mina calls out for you and you walk towards her with a soft smile on your face. 

It amazed you how much Mina blended in with your group so well. She was actually open and friendly, like genuinely friendly. She was a bit shy at first but of course Nayeon and Jeongyeon made her feel at welcome and you just wanted to hug them for that. You silently thanked them for treating Mina so well.

“So I think we now know how Momo became this good in videogames.” Nayeon states as Jeongyeon just stares blankly at the screen, it was her tenth consecutive loss against Mina.

“Momo couldn’t even hold the controller correctly when we first started playing videogames.” Mina happily reveals and you just give her a glare for exposing you like that.

“I know! She’d hold the controller in the stupidest way and just couldn’t grasp the rules of the game.”

“You’re right! She was like that! But I’m glad my young padawan has finally learned it seems.” Mina then pats your head gently and you duck your head, suddenly shy from her praise.

“She’s not owow anymore as well it seems.” Jeongyeon comments smirking at your bashful face.

You groan again because now you know Mina would never let that owow nickname down as Jeongyeon excitedly told her the embarrassing story explicitly. You would have been pissed off but instead you felt so warm at your friends talking to each other with ease like they haven’t just met earlier. Even though it was at the expense of revealing humiliating stories from your past. Woes of growing up with 2yeon.

“Anyway I have to go. It’s getting late.” Mina says as she stands up beside you and you instantly feel the loss of her warmth.

“I’ll walk you out.” You immediately stand up as well and lead her out.

“Take care!” Nayeon calls out as you and Mina walk out of the room.

It was like routine now, you walking Mina to her own room. It also just felt natural now as Mina tightens her hold around your arm as you two treaded the dormitory hallways talking about anything and nothing at the same time.

Mina thanks you for accompanying her and greets you good night before retreating back to her room. You also spot Sana inside and give her a wave and she waves back with a big smile.

“See you later Mina.” You say for the last time before walking back to your room.

Back at your dorm, you come home to Nayeon and Jeongyeon looking at you with gigantic grins on their faces.

“What?” You your eyebrow at them.

“Wasn’t just me who saw that right?” Nayeon tells everyone.

“Saw what?” You ask dopily.

“The intense .” Jeongyeon’s smile grows bigger and you felt your neck start to burn and its warmth spreading to your cheeks.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“I’ve never seen Mina laugh that much.” Nayeon says unbelievably.

“I’ve never seen Momo smile that much too.” Jeongyeon supplies. “And we’ve been friends since birth!”

“Did you see Momo’s whipped face though?” 

“Uhm, still here!” You point to yourself.

“We know, anyway yeah, did you see how she looked at Mina like she put up the stars in the sky for her?”

“Holy yeah! It was disgustingly sweet I almost puked!” Jeongyeon does a puking motion.

“I’ll just pretend like you two don’t exist.” You say in a disinterested tone. 

“We were just kidding, Momoring.” Jeongyeon mimicked the way Mina says your nickname.

“Yeap, I’ll just go sleep now and find new best friends tomorrow.”

You were kidding but it made you feel insecure how even they noticed how much you looked at Mina differently, like it was more than friendly. Because nope, you two were just friends. At least that’s what you tell yourself.

One thing you would argue against Nayeon though, Mina didn’t hang the stars up for you, she was the star herself.

//

“Oh my god. Oh my god!!” Sana’s loud voice rings through the walls and you groan because as much as you love the singer’s voice, it was annoying when she wasn’t singing per se.

“For the love of-“ You go out of your room to shush a certain Minatozaki. “Would you stop that? You’ve been panicking for ten minutes now!”

“Oh my god Mina! It’s tomorrow! What do I do?!” Sana frantically says and holds your shoulders shaking you gently.

Your patience was starting to run thin but you also felt bad for your best friend. She was under so much stress but you weren’t sure how to help her out.

“First, stop yelling. You’ll disturb everyone in the building.”

Sana covers then. “I’m sorry, I didn’t even know my voice was that loud. Ner-“

“Nervous habit, I know.” You smirk, you knew her too well. “Do you remember how we dealt with stress back then?”

Sana places a finger on her chin and looks up, thinking of what you were referring to. You could pinpoint the exact moment she realizes as her whole face lights up. Step one of distracting Sana was a success.

“Food trip then the arcade?”

“Bingo.” You smile as her demeanor finally changes into excitement. “Go get ready.” She scurries away and gets prepared in just ten minutes. 

“That was quick.” You comment as Sana comes out of her room in a high pony tail and a blue casual dress.

“Of course! Come on let’s go!” She pulls on your arm and you’re forced to be dragged out of your room.

“Slow down Sana! You’re like a hyperactive shiba inu dog.”

Sana pouts exactly like the dog breed you just compared her to. “Ahh by the way, I called Momo to join us.”

“You what? Wait, how do you even have Momo’s number?” 

“I got it when she dropped you off the dorm that night she carried you from the studio.” Sana shrugs. “We text every now and then especially when I needed to know where you were.” 

You’re quite baffled that they even text each other but realize the second half of her sentence. It’s like she meant that wherever Momo was at, you were there too. Which was actually partially true, but still.

“Speak of the devil.” Sana points to Momo waiting outside your dorm building and you had to take in extra breaths because she looked really good in a denim jacket and black ripped jeans. “Close your mouth Mitang.” Sana says then giggles before moving forward to greet the dancer.

You follow slowly then greet her shyly. “Hi Momo.” Why were you even shy when you just saw her yesterday?

“Hey Minari. So I heard our mission here is to distract Sana-chan here from her audition?”

“That is correct.” Okay you were starting to speak weirdly and Momo seems to have noticed as she chuckles at your awkwardness but doesn’t pry and pats your head gently instead.

“Come on then. Let’s make Sana forget she has an audition.”

“Maybe not take it that far!” Sana exclaims and you all end up laughing before finally heading out.

--

“Wahh! Mitang Mitang! Buy me tteokbokki!” You roll your eyes but do as she asked because this whole outing was for her sake anyway. Besides, the look of pure bliss on your best friend’s face once she eats the sweet and spicy snack was more than enough as a reward.

You turn to where Momo stood and noticed her eyeing a certain food stand. You roll your eyes for the nth time that day and go buy the food she was longing for. You return with a small plate of jokbal and Momo blushes at first but takes it from you anyway.

“Th-thanks. You really didn’t have to.” She was so cute right now, acting so shy.

“If I didn’t you’d probably have burned down the food stall in your head by now with how intensely you were staring at it.” You .

“Can you blame me? It’s jokbal!” 

“I was just teasing.” You laugh at her pouty reaction and take one piece of the meat then motion to . “Say ah.” 

Momo opens with a soft ‘ahhh’ and you move to feed her a piece of jokbal but redirect it to your own mouth during the last second instead.

“Minariii~” Momo pouts and she had the saddest and most betrayed look ever so you offer her another piece of meat as a peace offering. She gets ready to eat but you take the meat back and eat it yourself yet again.

This time Momo huffs and crosses her arms like a toddler. “Stop playing with me.”

“Okay.” This time you really feed her jokbal and she hums in satisfaction from finally eating her favorite dish in the world. You chuckle then notice a bit of sauce in the corner of her lips. You use your thumb to wipe it off for her. “Got something here.”

“Ahh, thanks Mitang.” She says going back to her shy owow version. You weren’t going to get sick of this side to her at all.

“Wow you guys are greasy.” Sana comments as she watches your interaction while happily munching on her own food.

“Not as greasy as you and Dahyun. At least I don’t have a framed calligraphy of ‘Saida’ hanging in the room.” Sana just groans in reply and you smile victoriously.

“Saida?” Momo asks curiously.

“It’s a combination of Sana and Dahyun’s name.” You explain for her.

“Dahyun, as in Kim Dahyun?”

“That’s her! My cute pianist tofu!” Sana excitedly claims.

“Yours huh? Have you told her that already?” At that, Sana instantly turns red and starts stuttering.

“I-I…t-that’s not what I meant!”

“It wasn’t? So you would be okay with someone else calling Dahyun their pianist tofu?” Sana doesn’t answer but grumbles instead. You even hear a faint ‘She’s mine’ in the end.

“So what’s our name?” Momo innocently asks and you almost choke on air at her question.

“MiSaMo!” Sana yells suddenly.

“Misa what?” 

“MiSaMo!” Sana intonates each syllable clearly. “Mina, Sana and Momo! We’re the Japanese trio!” 

You smile fondly at the brunette. “It’s got a nice ring to it. MiSaMo it is.”

“Say hello!” Sana yells with one hand in the air. “Come on say it! Say it!” She prods you and Momo along. “Say hello! Say it!”

“Hello.” You and Momo quietly say, slightly embarrassed that you guys were in public but unfortunately there was no stopping Sana.

“Say hey, hey, hey!” She even continues.

“Hey, hey, hey!” Momo says it louder this time and raises her hand as well.

“Say hi, hi, hi!” 

You sigh and just go with it anyway. “Hi, hi, hi!”

“MiSaMo!” 

“MiSaMo!” You three holler lastly then break out in laughter as several people eyed your small group as they passed by.

“I can’t believe we just did that.” You cover your face but you couldn’t help the smile on your face.

“Believe or not girls, we just did! Now come on, to the arcade!” Sana was in the middle of you and Momo and puts her arms over both your shoulders and semi drags you two away. 

--

There were two places where you were the most confident at. The dance studio was one, the other was the arcade. This was practically heaven for a gamer like you. It’s also been a pretty long time since you and Sana went out to play so you were b with anticipation as you eyed all the games you wanted to try your hand at.

“So what do we do first?” Momo inquires.

“Tekken tag tournament!” You say like a hyperactive penguin.

“Oh no.” Sana pales and you smirk before pulling both Sana and Momo to the console.

“Say Momo, how good are you with games?” Sana asks the dancer.

Momo just shrugs. “I’m okay I guess?”

“We’re going to die!” Sana cries dramatically.

“You two can be on the same team. I’ll take you both on.” You challenge them with an innocent smile.

“You’re right, we’re going to die.” Momo agreed. 

“We should just raise our white flag this early in the war already.” Sana even adds.

“Oh come on, I’ll take it easy on you guys.” They both sigh in unison but slump into the game stool anyway.

After ten matches, Sana and Momo were actually able to snatch five wins, only because while one played, the other would distract you in any way they could like pushing or tickling you. You couldn’t fight back because if you did you would need to let go of the controls and you were so not going to lose to them.

“You guys are cheating!”

“This isn’t cheating Mitang. This is strategizing!” Sana reasons out.

It was the last game and it was now do or die. And you weren’t planning on losing this one. But all that was thrown into the garbage bin when you felt a hot breath behind your ear.

“Minari~” Momo whispers so closely to your ear with her front pressing into your back. You had to take a gulp at the proximity but you tried to concentrate on the game in front of you. Come on Mina, one more win and you could keep your title.

But that was getting even more increasingly difficult as Momo wraps her arms around your neck hugging you from behind. You were starting to question what title you were trying to maintain now.

“I know what our name should be now.” She whispers into your ear again.

“N-name?” You silently say back, your eyes still glued on the screen but your hands weren’t following your commands properly this time.

“Sana and Dahyun have a name, we ought to have one of our own too.”

“W-we do?” You dumbly ask because honestly your brain wasn’t working properly right now.

“Of course penguin.” Your body uncontrollably shivers at the nickname.

“Wh-what’s our name then?”

“You choose, it can be MoMi or MiMo.” Her sultry voice says smoothly beside your ear. 

You take another swallow. Seriously, you were missing owow right now, where was she when you needed her?

“So tell me, which do you prefer?” She asks in such a dominant tone you didn’t know she had in her.

“I l-like Mi-mimo better.”

“MiMo it is.” She doesn’t stop there as she blows on your ear and ultimately making you freeze. Sana takes full advantage and does a combo move that you couldn’t escape from and she doesn’t stop until she finally K.O.’s you.

“We did it!” Sana stands up and high fives Momo. You watch them sulkily as they jump up and down in joy. “Whatever you did to distract Mina, great job!”

At that, Momo suddenly blushes and you grin at her reaction. Owow was back, that’s what she gets for making you all flustered earlier.

“Even though you two cheated, I’ll still take this loss but only this time.”

“Awwhh are you actually accepting your loss?” Sana cooed.

“Shut up, next time we play fairly.”

“Mina, you do know nothing’s fair whenever we play games with you right? You’re like on a whole other level than us, what’s fair there!”

“Whatever.” You shut her off and move on to the next attraction. Sana huffs and puffs her cheeks but acquiesces anyway.

The evening was going pretty well as you three went from game to game. It went from shooting basketballs to throwing darts and even car racing. Momo even gave you her penguin plush that she won from the claw machine.

“Why are you giving this to me?”

“As an apology for cheating earlier and because it looks like you, cute.” She smiles and you blush just as bright, ducking your head at the same time. 

“Th-thank you Moguri.”

“Get me that shiba inu plush too Moguri!” Sana interrupts and you resist an eye roll but help Momo get the plush anyway. 

If someone saw you three right now, they might think you all have been best friends for a long time with how you guys interacted with each other. It honestly felt like that, like Momo was the missing piece to your duo with Sana.

She settled into your group pretty easily and comfortably like she’s been there the whole time. Like you two haven’t just met earlier this year. It was both comforting and unnerving at the same time because it felt a lot like you were destined to meet Momo or something. How funny was that? You didn’t believe in fate but you were starting to double think that as you watch Sana and Momo arguing about the simplest things.

It warmed your heart to see them getting along with each other, even if they were annoying half of the time. You realized you didn’t need anyone else as long as you had them in your life. They were more than enough for you.

--

“So, MiMo huh?” Sana says with a sly smile as you two arrive at your dorm after Momo dropped you off as usual. 

“So you did hear it.” You say simply.

“Duhh, I wasn’t seated that far.”

“Fair point.”

“That’s it? Come on Mitang! Tell me the details on MiMo.”

“MiMo, Mina and Momo, that’s it.”

“That is so not it. Let me just say that the chemistry between you two skyrocketed!”

 
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Sana groans on the pillow. “I swear to god Mina, make a move already! You won’t be able to get her if you just stare longingly!”

“I’m not even sure if I like her that way!” You argue back.

“Are you kidding me right now? I haven’t seen you this worked up with a girl before you know.”

“Well I could say the same thing about you and Dahyun then!” You didn’t know where that petty argument came from but whatever, you weren’t ready to admit anything just yet.

“Oh so you’re going to bring the Dahyun card out huh? Fine, I’ll admit that I do like Dahyun more than I should!” That little confession surprised you and Sana continues with a flustered face. “I realized that the past few days and I’m freaking trembling right now admitting that but yeah, I want to be more than friends than her. Now you!”

That made you speechless for a while but then you start to regain your composure. Sana was able to admit such a big thing she was obviously also scared of. You could do this too. Memories of the past weeks flooded your head, meeting Momo, being her dance partner, dancing with her, spending time out of dance with her, you already knew deep down what you wanted.

“I-I think I like Momo, like really really.” It was actually easier to admit it than you thought. 

“We’re pretty hopeless aren’t we?” Sana chuckles.

“I completely agree. So what do we do now?”

“I haven’t actually thought of that yet.” She scratches the back of her head and drops her shoulders.

“We’ll figure it out.” You interlace your hands and give Sana an encouraging smile and get a smile in return. 

“Of course we will. We’re 2na after all!” 

“I thought we had a deal not to bring up that crackhead name ever again?”

“Oh come on! It’s a really witty name don’t you think?”

“We made it when we were in pre-school.” You exasperatingly say.

“Exactly! We thought of it in pre-school Mitang. Genius if you ask me.”

You end up chuckling. “Okay fine, we do make a great team.”

“We do! So I’m pretty sure we’ll be able to get through this thing with Dahyun and Momo okay?”

You didn’t know how much you needed to hear those reassuring words from Sana so you squeeze her hand tighter, thanking the higher deities that you two found each other in this crazy world.

“We will.”

//

“Jihyo-unnie!” Tzuyu darts towards the lone figure sitting at a café table, leaving you and Chaeyoung’s side. You look to Chaeyoung and give her a knowing smile which she returns. Your group of four finally found time out of your busy college schedules to meet up together and just lay back and unwind. 

“How’s my favorite dongsaeng doing?” Jihyo replies as she hugs the taller girl.

“I’m good, happy to see my favorite unnie!” 

You scoff as you hear their conversation. “Tzuyu! I thought I was your favorite unnie!”

“I never said that.” She bluntly replies and wow ouch?

“I can’t believe this. And favorite dongsaeng? Jihyo-unnie I thought I was your favorite dongsaeng!”

“Dahyun, I also don’t remember ever telling you that.” Jihyo simply says to which Chaeyoung bursts laughing at.

“Chaeng! Aren’t you hurt too? You’re also not Jihyo-unnie’s favorite!” 

Chaeyoung just shrugs at you. “I’m Nayeon-unnie’s favorite so I don’t actually mind.” Right, you completely forgot that the popular theater major had a soft spot for the baby tiger.

“So you’re all just telling me that I’m an unwanted child. Yeah totally get it.” You slump on your chair and drop your head on the table.

“Unwanted my . I’m pretty sure you’re a certain unnie’s favorite. You know, brunette? Light brown eyes?” Chaeyoung smirks.

“I think I know who you’re talking about.” Jihyo interjects. “Charming eyes and looks a lot like a shiba inu?” 

You groan and don’t raise your head because you already knew who they were talking about. You even felt your ears starting to get warm.

“Are you guys talking about Sana-sunbaenim?” Tzuyu innocently asks.

You snap your head back up remembering the youngest of your group hasn’t met Sana yet. “You know Sana?”

“She’s my senior in vocal classes.” Tzuyu shrugs.

You slap your face upon realization. “I completely forgot that you two had the same major.” Then you realized something else. “Wait but how’d you know Chaeng and Jihyo-unnie were talking about Sana?”

“I heard about the rumors about you two. And I mean, I think she’s the only student on campus who looks like a shiba inu.” You thought that was it. “Chae also told me you liked her.”

“Chaeng!” 

“What! It’s true isn’t it!”

You groan yet again. “It’s not like that. We’re just friends.”

“Right, even though you took her with you to the retirement home the other day?” Chaeyoung cheekily informs everyone.

“No way, she did not!” Jihyo says questioningly. “Is that why you borrowed my car last weekend?”

“Y-yes and no.”

“What do you mean yes and no?”

“Well, I did use your car to go to the retirement home and I did bring Sana with me but it’s not because of what you guys are thinking! She needed a distraction from an upcoming audition which meant a lot to her.”

“You guys are right, she’s serious about Sana.” Jihyo says in realization. “My baby’s growing up so fast!” She even wipes a fake tear from her eye.

“Ohh so now I’m your baby again huh?”

“You all are.” She says simply in reply.

“Jihyo-unnie is right though. You never brought a girl to the retirement home unless you were serious about her.” Tzuyu speaks up this time.

“That’s what I told her!” Chaeyoung exclaims from her seat.

“Can we stop talking about this and just order food already? I’m starving and I need to go somewhere later too.” You say in hopes of swerving the topic away from you and Sana. 

“What the hell is more important than us that you need to attend to later?” Chaeyoung asks with a disbelieving face.

“I-“ You sigh. “I promised Sana I’d watch her audition.”

You already expected the laughter and teasing that followed after you revealed that. You just rub your eyes and hope they’d stop making fun of you about this. Because they were right about one thing, maybe you really were serious about Sana.

--

“I can’t believe you lost your instrumental audio file!” You yell at Sana breathlessly as you two ran through the hallways to get into the theater room in time for her audition.

“I don’t know what happened okay!” She yells back as she lets out hard exhales while she ran along with you. “But I can’t be late!”

“I know! So talk less and run faster!”

“Hey you were the one who started talking!”

“Well that’s because we wouldn’t be running like a zombie was chasing us if it weren’t for you!” You argue back.

“Let’s just get into the audition on time!”

“That’s what we’re doing!”

Sana suddenly starts laughing and you look at your running partner weirdly till you end up laughing with her realizing how stupid your situation currently was. Thankfully, you two made it into the theater just in time even though you had one of the worst cardios. 

“We made it!” Sana huffs but pushes through the doors without thinking twice. Maybe she should have because you two entered with a loud bang, literally. Suddenly all eyes inside the theater were all on you two and you duck your head in embarrassment. Why was everything going wrong this day?

Sana bows in apology but pulls your hand and walks inside confidently anyway as you tried to cover your face. You could hear people’s hushed murmurs and it honestly bothered you but you tried to focus on the more important aspect instead.

Sana

She was your focus right now, you were here for her and although her plan was crazy, you still found yourself agreeing to it. That plan being her back-up instrumental because she lost the original file, meaning you were going to play the piano for her audition.

To say you were nervous was an understatement, you were scared to the bones. This was the first time you were ever going to do this and you two haven’t even practiced. The only time was when you asked her to sing her audition song the other day but other than that? Nada.

“Ms. Minatozaki, you’re late.” Ms. Lee Sunmi says coldly without looking up from her grading sheets.

Sana bows for the second time. “I’m so sorry Ms. Lee. But please let me perform.”

You bow along with her. “Please let her perform Ms. Lee.” You say in support.

Ms. Lee just raises her eyebrow and directs her gaze at you. You had to gulp as those sharp eyes meet yours. “And what are you doing here Ms. Kim? I believe you’re in the wrong theater room. The classical music room is at the other building.”

“I’m at the right place ma’am. I’m here to play as Sana’s piano accompanist.”

“Is that right, very well. Let’s not waste time, you’re up next Sana.”

Sana nods and looks up with a fiery determination in her eyes. “Thank you Ms. Lee.”

Ms. Sunmi just motions for you two to go on stage which you do. You move to sit on the piano at the side of the stage and Sana walks to you before going to the center.

“Thank you for doing this.” She leans her forehead on yours and you widen your eyes at the intimate position, not to mention you two were on stage, in front of everyone’s prying eyes. But all those thoughts disappear as Sana opens her eyes and you’re glued yet again.

You try to mirror the fire inside her eyes before speaking up. “We’ll do great, don’t worry.”

“We will, I trust you and me.” She says in finality before moving away and moving to the center of the stage.

She looks at you before starting with a nod and you signal back. That was your cue to begin and you take a deep breath with your eyes closed, preparing yourself just like during one of your piano recitals. You slowly open your eyes and look at the keys trying to keep the nerves at bay.

The first keys ring and you play the intro with as much enthusiasm as you could muster. It was a really upbeat song and you channeled all that with your music. Sana begins with her adlibs before singing the first verses.

You reflexively smile as you hear Sana’s voice again. You’ve already heard her sing this but it was different this time. She was happier? More free? You didn’t know how to explain how she sounded right now, all you knew was that she sounded beautiful and you tried your best to keep up with her.

“Oh baby all I need is one more chance…”

“To show you that I loved you.” You still sang as her back-up and Sana looks at you with a thankful smile.

“Won’t you please let me…oh darling I was blind to let you go…but now since I see you in his arms….”

You don’t remember the last time you played with this much enthusiasm. It felt new and liberating, maybe it was because you were playing with Sana, you don’t know. All you know was that it was fun and you’d want to keep doing this for as long as you could.

Sana was able to hit her falsetto notes perfectly. Actually she sang the whole thing perfectly, there was no other word for it. That day, she showed everyone that she was a real star. And just like that, the song came into an end without you even realizing it. It went by so quickly, it was like that when you enjoyed playing a piece.

It took you some time to realize that the small crowd started to cheer for you two. It was filled with others who auditioned and friends who came to support them. Everything felt so surreal and you immediately look to Sana who was already smiling at you. She calls for you to the center of the stage and you followed.

You two bowed before looking back to Ms. Sunmi. The crowd may have enjoyed your performance but the only person’s opinion that mattered right now was the vocal teacher’s.

“I think the crowd speaks for me on this one.” She starts. “That was a great performance you two. Sana, you’re finally starting to show your true potential. The you on stage right now was the Sana I’ve been looking for the past few weeks.”

“Thank you Ms. Lee.” Sana says bashfully.

“I’ll just take a guess that Ms. Kim here has helped you. Beautiful piano playing as usual Ms. Kim.”

You actually find yourself blushing at her compliment. “Uhm th-thank you Ms. Lee.”

“And with that, our audition ends for today.” Ms. Sunmi then stands and addresses everyone. “Posting for the roles will be displayed by tomorrow. Thank you for coming.”

You then hear Sana squeal and feel her wrap around your arm, gripping it tightly. “Thank you for doing this Dahyunnie.”

You look at her longingly. “Anything for you Sana.” You then felt your stomach flip when Sana breaks out into her million-watt smile. That smile where she looks at you like you hung up the stars for her. That smile that made you weak and flustered at the same time.

It was the smile she gave only to you, your own Sana smile.

--

The next day rolls in normally and you were walking towards the classical theater building for piano practice with the orchestra till a weight suddenly jumps on your back and you had to steady yourself to not fall on the ground.

You didn’t need to look back to know who’s weight and warmth was currently on you right now. It was a familiar warmth and a set of familiar arms wrap themselves around your neck at the same time. 

“We did it Dahyunnie. We actually did it. I landed the lead role.”

You sigh in relief, you were so nervous about the results of the audition even though you knew Sana did so well. But to hear it from the girl herself made everything else different.

“You did it unnie. I just helped out. But this was all you. I’m so proud of you.”

Her hold on you tightens then. “Baka.” She says in Japanese and you’ve watched a few anime series to know that it meant idiot when translated. “I couldn’t have done it without you okay?”

“Okay.” You don’t argue anymore. “I’m so happy for you. You deserve this.” You then pull her body up so you were carrying her piggy-back style then give her a few spins. “Minatozaki Sana is amazing!” You yell as you run around with her on your back. She felt weightless but maybe it was because you just felt so happy right now.

“Yah! What are you doing!” She shrieks with a death grip on you but you hear a hint of laughter bubbling inside her too. 

“Giving you a victory lap!”

“You’re crazy!”

Crazy for you

You suddenly think in your mind and almost blurt it out. Thankfully your filter was working perfectly that you didn’t let that slip out. 

Someone then clears their throat and you stop your spinning to look at who just joined you two. You immediately let Sana down as Ms. Sunmi’s form approaches you two.

“Ms. Lee.” You and Sana simultaneously say and bow.

“Ms. Minatozaki, Ms. Kim.” She addresses you both. “Congratulations on the role Sana, you did great.”

“Thank you Ms. Lee!” She replies eagerly.  

“You two may be wondering why I decided to talk to you guys right now.”

You don’t reply and just wait for her to continue instead.

“The teamwork you both showed yesterday was apparent and I wanted to commend that. Ms. Kim here obviously helps make you perform better Sana.”

“That’s true Ms. Lee. Dahyun here has helped me so much in getting better. I’m glad I have her.”

Her words warmed your heart so much that you tried not to melt in the spot.

“I could see that which was why I wanted to make a proposition, specifically for you Ms. Kim.” She then eyes you solely and you look up anxiously yet again. “I wanted you to be part of the team for the play.”

“Say what?” Was all you could gather from your vocabulary right now.