The same night, Myoui Household

It’s nearly 10pm and Jeongnam just arrived at home, feeling exhausted after such an eventful day—attend classes, had a pop quiz, and doing a group assignment. She’s not in a great condition too today since she started it with a fight which then followed by guilt after she knew how Mina felt about the fight between her and Sharon.

Clearly all Jeongnam wanted to do now, is just go to her room and sleep with a warm company of her smol buddy, Ray. And once she came inside the house, she immediately greeted by Ray’s excited greetings and that made her picked him up and let him shower her with kisses. Truly it’ll always be her first aid from all stress.

Jeongnam then walked deeper inside her house towards the living room just to be greeted by the view of Sharon reading something on the sofa. But due to the fight this morning, she wasn’t really in the mood to even announce her arrival to her. So without any greetings, she just ignored her presence and walk to the stairs.

But apparently, Sharon had reason why she stayed at the living room till this late.

 

“Jeongnam-ah.” Jeongnam didn’t answer, she chose to ignore her sister and just walked towards the stairs.

“Mina is staying at Momo’s house tonight.” Said Sharon who also ignore the fact that Jeongnam didn’t reply her call.

“I know. Mina texted me.” Said Jeongnam who’s halfway through the stairs.

“And you know it probably because of what we did this morning right? We need to talk.”

“Do that tomorrow. I’m exhausted.”

“Myoui Jeongnam.”

 

At the mention of her full name, Jeongnam who already on the stairs then stopped and let out a deep sigh, “Fine.”

And she sat at the current staircase and talked from there. She didn’t have that much energy left so she chose to talk from there. Besides… Sharon still could see her and they could still communicate easily.

 

“I already apologize to Mina earlier, if that what you’re going to tell me to do.” Said Jeongnam

“Likewise. But that’s not what we should talk about.”

“Then? You want me to apologize to you? You’re the one who was so stubborn not me.”

“No, Jeongnam. WE were stubborn. Not just you, not just me, but we. Besides, you’re the one who pushed my patience.”

“Oh, so now it’s my fault that you have a short and sensitive temper. I sincerely apologize for that then.” said Jeongnam as she bowed 90 degrees, mocking Sharon.

 

Seeing how Jeongnam treated her, made Sharon stood up and got annoyed

 

“See! This! This kind of attitude you have! Who could even be patience if being treated with snarky and salty attitude every single time?? What kind of issue you have towards me, huh?”

“Nothing. Just born with this hatred I guess.”

“I know you’re hiding something, and we need to sort it out.”

“Sorry. Not interested.”

 

And with that, Jeongnam about to stand up and continue her walk to her room. But Sharon of course didn’t allow it.

 

“Myoui Jeognam!” Yelled Sharon

“What??” yes, Jeongnam replied in the same attitude. She’s not in her best mood right now and being called with her full name again and again just annoyed her.

“This is serious, please. Don’t act like it’s nothing...”

 

Again, Jeongnam let out a sigh and chose to listen. Although she looked at Sharon with the flattest face like she’s so done with whatever her sister about to say.

 

 “Okay. Yes, I do realize our fight often blown up because of my incapability to not get provoked. But you, you need to stop provoking me.” Jeongnam didn’t say anything, she just stared.  And this made Sharon let out a sigh.

“Come on, Jeongnam-ah… Didn’t we promise to Mina that we’ll stop fighting and fix whatever happen between us? Help me keep that promise.”

 

Suddenly Jeongnam let out a short laugh, a laughed that surely sounded like a sarcastic laugh “Yeah right. you definitely can’t keep promise by yourself.”

 

That question made Sharon’s brows frown in complete confusion. But Jeongnam didn’t try to clarify anything and just go on.

 

“Well anyway, our fight this morning and all fight between us, is basically your fault. Like you said right? You’re easily provoked. So, the solution to all this problem is… YOU need to fix YOUR sensitive and try to be more patience. That’ll do.” 

 

Despite Jeongnam used Ray’s palm to point at Sharon every time she said ‘YOU’, that didn’t stop annoyance filled Sharon.

 

“God! You’re the one who ke—you know what? Fine. Do whatever you want. You can keep being childish as long as you can. Spit all your hatred to me and keep running away like a coward.”

 

The way Sharon said it—like she’s ‘challenging’ Jeongnam’s pride, kinda irritates Jeongnam and she couldn’t help but got triggered.

 

“Whoa. Excuse me?? What the hell are you talking about? Me? Running? From what?” asked Jeongnam.

“I don’t know, you tell me. You’re the one who hid anger inside yourself and instead of trying to solve the issues, you just chose to run from it, never want to bring it up, and YOU kept hiding it like nothing happened.”

“Okay! So, you want to talk about that?? Fine then. Let’s talk.”

 

Jeongnam dropped Ray on the ground and walked towards Sharon in fumed. Yes, she walked all the way down from the staircase to where Sharon stood.

 

“Yes, I hid anger towards you.” Said Jeongnam as she pointed out her finger on Sharon’s face.  “I’ve been so ma—no. I’ve been SO damn furious with YOU because of your departure.”

“So it really is because of that.” Sharon slowly swiped Jeongnam’s finger away from her sight, “You know that I went to US for the sake of our family, right?”

“Screw that! I don’t care about whatever noble reason behind your decision. I don’t care and I won’t be thankful for that.”

 

The way Jeongnam angrily said that, just crushed Sharon’s heart so much. Especially hearing it straight from her own sister’s mouth.

 

“You wanna know why? Because A, you ing left out of the sudden. No prior announces, no discussion, nothing. And B, you told me and Mina just one ING day before your departure?? Who’s in the rightest mind would ing do something like that? Especially to her sisters?? Do you ever think about that?”

 

Sharon could see that her sisters is furious. It’s not just from the way she used cuss words, but the way she rose her voice and how her brows all frowning. But Sharon chose not to give the same tension and be the calm one, hoping they could solve it.

 

“Yes… I know what I did was wrong, but I’ve told you billions time that it was a sudden of—”

“Cut the crap out. You told Jihyo about your departure a week before it.”

“Because at that time, it easier to say goodbye to her. But it was harder with you guys.”

“Bull.”

 

A sigh came out from Sharon after hearing such harsh and strong respond from Jeongnam.

 

“Listen, I admit that was wrong. But I was only on my first year of junior high remember? That's the hardest decision I had to take on that age. I’ve apologized countless time too, didn’t I? And besides, Mina was fine with it why couldn’t you?”

“BECAUSE YOU PROMISED NOTHING TO HER.”

“Wait… Promise?”

 

Sharon’s cluelessness gave a sudden whack to Jeongnam and somehow it drained all her anger and pulled herself back again to her own secretive world. Buried all her issues under the rug and pretend she never said anything about it.

 

“You know what. Whatever, this conversation ends here.” Jeongnam then turned around and walked towards the stairs. But the worried and curious Sharon, followed her.

“Hey, wait no! we—”

“I’m ing exhausted, Sharon.”

“I know. But don’t throw this back into the bushes. If there’s something I forgot, I’ll try to—”

“You want to try what, Sharon? Make up for it?” Asked Jeongnam as she fully turned around and face Sharon. But before Sharon could answer it, Jeongnam continued, “If you forgot about it then it’s not important for you. Besides, you already broke the promise so there’s no point. So now, let’s just drop this and let me rest.”

 

Jeongnam then walked up to the stairs, grabbed Ray in mid-way and went to her room. But before that, she turned around to face Sharon who’s underneath her to say one last thing.

 

“Oh about our promise with Mina. Don’t worry. I’ll try my best to act nice to you in front of her and won’t provoke you again. And you better do the same and not provoke me in front of her either. Counting on you, Onee-chan”

 

Jeongnam said it with a pretentious sweety tone that she ended with fake smile. If the circumstances were better, Sharon would squeled and felt so happy when Jeongnam addressed her as Onee-chan. But now, Sharon was both stoned and confused and that made her couldn’t say a thing as Jeongnam immediately walked away after saying that.

 

Did I promise her something? But… what and… when?

---

Friday, J University

Sharon’s next class was canceled out of the sudden because her lecturer couldn’t come. It’s a blessing of course… Because Sharon could come quicker to her office and went back home not as late as usual.

Before she went to her office, she chose to visit the campus’s cafeteria first and grab something to eat. Since Mina wasn’t at home, Sharon couldn’t have a pleasant breakfast and ended up starving after her class finished. Thus, she is now at the campus’s cafeteria together with Jihyo in order to fill her stomach with something decent before she uses all her energy for work.

Despite it was her own decision to grab something to eat, Sharon didn’t look like someone who enjoyed their food. And for Jihyo, that was weird because foods in this cafeteria are the best. But although they’ve been parted for years, Jihyo is still Sharon’s best friend and she knew that Sharon might just be in a bad mood.

 

“Hey,” Jihyo called to gain Sharon’s attention “you good?”

“No….”

“Wha—”

“I’m Sharon.”

Jihyo who was concerned, gave a grinny Sharon a flat stare upon her jokes. “Oh wow. Ha ha. Hilarious.”

Sharon laughed after hearing how Jihyo reacted.

 

“Seriously though. Are you okay?” Asked Jihyo one more time

“Well.. not really. But it just usual thing. Had a fight with Jeongnam last night and been thinking about it.”

“Want to talk about it?”

Sharon thought for few moments before she politely declined, “I guess I’ll keep it by myself this time.”

“Okay then.”

 

Jihyo was cool with it, didn’t really mind if Sharon doesn’t want to talk about it. But Sharon interpreted Jihyo’s short respond as something else.

 

“Hey, look. I’m sorry… It’s not that I don’t believe you or want to keep things from you. I just—”

“Sharon…” Jihyo cut Sharon’s ramble by stretching her hand and gave a gentle touch on Sharon’s hand. Once she got Sharon’s attention, she then said, “It’s fine. You don’t have to explain anything.. I understand. All I want to know was whether you’re good or not.”

“You’re not mad?”

Jihyo let out a chuckle and said, “why would I? Just because we’re friends, doesn’t mean you must tell everything to me. But if later you need place to rant, I’m all ears… Okay?” Jihyo ended her words with a soft smile and a lightly squeezed Sharon’s hand before she retrieved it as she then continued eating her food again.

 

Meanwhile, Sharon was stunned with how Jihyo reacted. She felt so weird when Jihyo did all of that.. The way she talks, her touch, and her smile.. especially that smile. Everything made Sharon felt something. In a good way of course.

 

“Jihyo-ya.”

“Yes?”

 

Jihyo looked towards Sharon upon the sudden call and the way Sharon stare at her, made her confused a little. Like the girl was looking at her, but her eyes seem empty? Like she zooning or something.

 

“Why are you looking at me like that?” asked Jihyo.

“I think I’m falling for you.”

 

Jihyo was taken a back with that. Of course, who wasn’t. But knowing Sharon likes to tease and throw this kind of joke just because Jihyo being do helpful for her, Jihyo chose not to think much about it and took it lightly.

 

“Hahaha… out of the sudden? That’s weird.”

 

Jihyo’s laugh was a bit awkward and despite she tried so hard no to sound like she was flustered, she kinda bad at it. Especially the way she threw her sight to her food instead of staring at Sharon. Meanwhile Sharon didn’t immediately give any respond. There was a few seconds of silence before finally the girl said,

 

“Well, put the blame on your pretty smile then.” Sharon just said it so casually, she even took a bite of her food and didn’t notice how it affected Jihyo.

 

Jihyo really wanted to take it lightly. Not see it as something more than it supposed to be because Sharon use this kind of thing as a tease billion times and Jihyo already got used to it. But… other side of her felt that Sharon really meant it. It wasn’t a tease but a real thing. Yet again.. Jihyo chose not to listen to that side.

 

“W-whatever. Anyway… I’m just wondering was Mina also involved in that fight?”

“How did you know? Mina told you something?”

“No. But earlier Sana texted me and invited me to go to Momo's house. She wants to make a cheering party for Mina who felt a bit down.”

“Wait… Wasn’t Mina supposed to be in class?”

“Mmm.. Sana said she ditched it because she also feel a bit under the weather.”

“Oh….. So you’re going to see Mina after this, right?”

“Uh.. yes?”

“I’ll drive you and Sana to Momo’s house.”

“What for? Momo’s house is way opposite of your office. You don’t have to”

“I want to buy something for Mina… as a form of apology..”

“Just give me the money and I’ll buy it for you. Besides, you guys could talk about it more once she came home.”

“Okay then… here.”

 

Instead of giving Jihyo some money, Sharon gave Jihyo a card and said, “I want you to buy the most delicious sweets like cheese cake or chocolate cake. Buy the biggest one. And my pin number is 2—”

“Hold up! Hold up! Don’t give me your pin number!”

“Why? I trust you.”

“I’m thankful for that. But come on. I can’t bring your card like that. What if I lost it?”

“Then don’t lost it.”

“Sharon!”

“Okay okay gee… here. Take this. Now you won’t lost it.”

 

What Sharon gave to Jihyo, didn’t solve anything and made the latter let out a frustrated sigh instead.

“Myoui Sharon… Giving me your wallet isn’t the solution either… I still could lo—You know what, I think it’ll be useless if we argue about this… I’m taking these,” Jihyo took a few bills, “and I’ll buy something sweet for Mina.”

 

“wait 20.000 won? That won’t be enough.”

“God, Sharon. It’s more than enough… you’re dotting your sister too much.”

“Well, I’m sorry. I just felt bad for making her sad…”

“She’ll be fine and I’ll tell her that you’re sorry. Now here. Take back your wallet and please.. I know money was never your issue but you should treasure it for future purposes and giving your debit or credit card password to someone else is a bad idea. Got it?”

“But I trust y—”

“Sharon.”

“Okay yes.. thank you for reminding me that, Jihyo. I’ll be more careful next time.”

 

And after that, they ended the conversation and continued their lunch

.

.

Few minutes after that, both Sharon and Jihyo was already finished with their food and currently engaging in a light conversation. Sharon could’ve departed to her office right after she finished eating, but since Jihyo still waiting for Sana, Sharon chose to accompany her with waiting her food to be completely digested as her reason to stay.

It was just a normal conversation between the two and of course they listened to one another. But their talk was cut off as someone out of the sudden greeted Jihyo.

 

“Jihyo? Park Jihyo?”

 

Jihyo looked up and once she saw the person, her face light up. “Oh my! Kim Sejeong?? Long time no see!”

 

Jihyo suddenly stood up and greeted the Sejeong girl with a hug and excitement. Their table turned festive and loud as those two being all excited for seeing each other. Sharon didn’t know who that girl is, nor she ever heard the name of it. But the way the girl made Jihyo as excited as that—smile from ear to ear, eyes turned like a crescent moon, high pitch squealing, and being a bit touchy with one another… She didn’t like it and couldn’t help but frowned at them.

 

“Yah! It’s been so long! Why I never see you despite we’re in the same campus??”

“Well this campus is huge, Sejeong-ah. But really. How are you? Do you—”

“Ekhm.”

 

Of course, Sharon was the one who made that pretentious cough and yes, the main reason is to gain their attention. Which it worked.

 

“Hi there.” Sharon said with a smile. And with just a glance Jihyo was very sure that it contained zero percent of actual warmth.

“Oh! Hi there! I’m sorry I didn’t notice. You are… one of the myoui sisters right? I don’t mean to be rude but I still couldn’t differ you guys.”

“Oh no worries. We haven’t met yet. I’m Sharon. The oldest of the Myoui sisters.” Said Sharon as she stretched her hand for a handshake

“Aaah right, right! I heard that the Myouis are actually triplets… I’m Sejeong, Kim Sejeong.” Said Sejeong as she accepted Sharon’s hand and both exchanged a short handshake.

“Nice to meet you, Sejeong-ssi. But how do you know Jihyo, anyway? Well, just so you know between me and my sisters, I’m the closest with Jihyo and we’ve been a really great friends since we were kids. The same kindergarten, same elementary school, same extra course. how about you?”

 

When Sharon said that, Jihyo could only sigh internally. So done with how she acted but couldn’t show her irritation in front of Sejeong.

 

“I knew her because we were in the same class for 2 years in high school.”

“oh. Just a former classmate, huh?” and that’s where Jihyo jumped in and interrupted the talk.

“Hey Sejeong, it’s really nice seeing you here and I bet you’re busy, right? I don’t want to bother you.”

“Oh no no it’s okay but you’re right… I have class after this. I should be going… Maybe sometime we could plan a hangout? I’ll text you.”

“That’s sounds great! I’ll be waiting for that.”

“Wonderful! See you around and nice to meet you, Sharon-ssi.”

“Likewise, Sejeong-ssi.”

 

After they exchanged goodbyes and Sejeong finally out of sight, Jihyo snapped.

 

“WHAT WAS THAT?” asked Jihyo

“What? Did I do something wrong?”

“Yes, yes you did. Sejeong is a nice person and you shouldn’t, no! you mustn’t try to intimidate her like that.”

“Intimidate her? What do you mean? I’ve been smiling through the conversation and greeted her with nothing but warmth.”

 

Jihyo clicked her tongue after hearing Sharon tried to lie.

 

“I know you, Myoui Sharon. You can’t fool me. None of that seems like a warmth greeting. And why you even need to emphasized that we are childhood friends?? That’s so unnecessary.”

“Of course it is! She NEEDS to know that you’ve known me longer than you knew her and she HAVE to know that I’ve been your best friend, longer than her.”

“Why?”

“Just because.”

 

Jihyo frowned while processing Sharon’s reasoning. After she connected everything, she came up with one thing…

 

“Wait… Were you… jealous??”

“What? Jealous? Me?” Sharon was rather confused than denying

“You tried to intimidate her, wanted her to know that you knew me longer than her… you’re jealous with Sejeong huh?”

 

Instead of annoyed for being teased, Jihyo’s words made Sharon drown on her thought—reflecting what happened earlier and connected it with Jihyo’s tease.

 

“Aigoo aigoo~ Does our Sharon feels jealous? Hm??” Asked Jihyo as she annoyingly teased Sharon while poking her cheek.

 

“Oh.. Yeah, right.” Sharon finally woke up from her deep thought slash dozing off, “I was indeed jealous.”  And she said that while staring right through Jihyo’s eyes.

Jihyo was still in teasing mode, couldn’t take Sharon’s word seriously and instead, she replied it lightly, “aaaww.. really?? And why is that?”

“I don’t know. Everything? It feels weird”

“What kind of weird hm~??”

 “Kinda ticklish and also hurts a bit. Felt it here.” Said Sharon as she pointed her chest.

Jihyo slowly retrieved her hand from Sharon’s cheek and asked, “Are you…. Seriously jealous with Sejeong?”

“it feels weird when I see you being all bright and smiley because of someone else and it feels weird too when I see both of you being all touchy with each other…  So I guess, you are right. I was indeed jealous with her.”

 

With how Sharon replied her tease, Jihyo now realized that Sharon really meant what she said. She didn’t look like she was joking, nor trying to trick her or anything. Her face just shown some kind of expression when you finally realized something.

At that moment, Jihyo knew it wasn’t a joke nor Sharon played along with Jihyo’s tease… Sharon really is jealous.

 

“Y-yah… there’s no need to feel jealous about her…”

“Did you ever like her?”

“Wh-what? Why you asked me that question?”

“I just want to know.”

“Well… Do you mean romantically? If yes, then No. Of course not. She is nothing but a friend of mine.”

“What about me then? Am I also nothing but a friend to you?”

“W-what’s wrong with you?? Why you suddenly act like t—”

 

Jihyo hung her words as suddenly Sharon put both her hands on Jihyo’s shoulder and pulled her closer to her so they could see each other eye to eye

 

“When we met after I arrived from US, you weren’t as excited as that. Despite we’ve been departed for almost 7 years and we rarely contact with each other, you didn’t smile that bright, nor even squealed as loud as that. Meanwhile, you were being all excited for her.. If she just your friend and you don’t have feelings for her, why you were much happier seeing her rather than me? Or maybe because I’m nothing but a friend to you? Or maybe…. I’m… nothing?”

 

Sharon’s tone wasn’t stern at all. It’s more like sad complains. Jihyo could see that Sharon turned pouty and she a little bit similar with the teary eyes emoji..

 

“It’s not like that…”

“Then… What am I to you, Jihyo?”

 

The stares, the pout, the close proximity, everything was just too much for Jihyo to handle. It kind of suffocated her but not from fear, but from nerves.

The memory about her fetching Sharon at the airport when she arrived from US, still crystal clear for Jihyo. The way the girl looked and the way Jihyo felt upon her. That day, Jihyo couldn’t be excited not because she wasn’t happy with Sharon’s arrival. It because she was stunned with how Sharon looked and too nervous to even say a word. But telling it directly to her now is just… Hard. She can’t do it.

 

“Okay. First, you need to calm down.” Said Jihyo as she slightly pushed Sharon away so she could go back to her seat and normalized her uncontrollable heartbeat. “and second, I’m happy that you’re back. Maybe yes, I wasn’t greeted you as excited as what I did to Sejeong. But it doesn’t mean I’m not happy to see you again. Then third, you don’t have to feel jealous or anything. Sejeong and I, we were close an—”

“But we are close too.”

“True. What I’m trying to say is, Sejong is just a friend of mine. Nothing more, nothing less. But you are different from her.”

“How come?” Said Sharon as she came closer to where Jihyo sat.

“Well, you… you are up there…” Jihyo was usually loud. But when she said the last sentence, she lowered her voice and Sharon couldn’t catch it.

“Come again?”

 

With Sharon asked Jihyo to repeat her words, made Jihyo let out a sigh and since she felt embarrassed, she lowered her head and said,

“You’re… Indeed, my best friend. But… you’re.. how should I say this.. You’re like… One of my precious person?”

“You don’t seem sure about that.”

Jihyo let out a sigh and then said, “It just weird to say this out loud okay. But you are really a precious person for me.”

“Could you say it again?”

“what? Ugh no… Don’t make me sa—”

 

Jihyo stopped her complain when she looked up and saw how bright Sharon looked right now. And despite Jihyo was going to throw a complain, Sharon scooched close on the vacant space beside Jihyo and excitedly asked Jihyo to repeat what she said.

 

“Come on. Say it again.”

“No.. I know you just wanna tease me.”

“No, I won’t. I just want to hear you say it again.”

“I’m not going to fall for you tricks, Sharon.”

“Jihyo-ya… I’m not and won’t tease you. I’m just happy hearing it.”

 

*THUMP* *THUMP*

 

“Gee… You’re such a ki—”

“please?” Sharon asked that with a smile

 

Knowing the girl won’t accept another no, Jihyo then let out a sign before finally looking back at Sharon and said,

“You are really precious to me, Myoui Sharon.”

“And you are really precious to me too, Park Jihyo.”  

 

And there goes the smile. The warmest smile Jihyo had ever seen. Smile that took her heart away, smile that always make her believe that she is….. loved.

 

“Oh wait. I need to revise that. My sisters are my most precious.”

 

Feeling embarrassed, Jihyo looked away and grumpily said, “O-of course! You’re not my number one either. I have sisters too, you know.”

And Sharon laughed at that. Which it made Jihyo more and more embarrassed. But then she felt her head being gently patted and then,

“But you still precious too me though… Jihyo-ya.”

 

Jihyo’s heartbeat went frantic due to that. But gladly her phone buzzed and broke the whole atmosphere. Apparently, the call was from Sana which mean both Sharon and Jihyo needed to separate their ways and continued their own plan. And again, Jihyo felt glad because she could part ways from Sharon and calm herself easier.

---

Hirai Household

At the same time in Hirai Household, Momo and Mina enjoying their peaceful rest.

They snuggled with each other on Momo’s bed with Momo resting her back on the headrest while Mina was in front of her, tug in between her legs as her whole body was supported by Momo’s front and Momo wrapped both of them in her warm comforter.

The room were silent too. The two didn’t talk much and just snuggled on to each other. Or more like Momo the one who snuggled into Mina from the back as she also slightly swaying their body side to side, just to give Mina more comfort.

 

Mina was actually already felt better. She had enough rest since she skipped her morning class and it granted her a few extra hours of sleep. Which is worth it.

But few minutes earlier, both her and Momo was in a panic state thanks to Sana’s sudden announcement. Both was surprised when Sana out of nowhere called Mina and told her that she’ll come to Momo’s house together with Jihyo. At that time, they were still half-asleep on Momo’s bed with nothing but undies.

Undies? Yes. Last night, Momo and Mina did it.

 

After the phone call ended, they woke up immediately and started to erase all the trace of last night.

They started with a quick shower together. Well, they could do it one by one, but Mina thought it would be quicker to do it together so they could do the cleaning together too. None of them even thinking about doing something during that shower time since both of them realized that it wasn’t the right time. After they freshen up and wear proper clothes, they started the cleaning. Changed the sheets, collecting all Momo’s scattered clothes and washed it together with the stained bed sheets. And oh! They also plastered few of Mina’s pain relief patches on Momo’s neck—two of them. No, not because Momo had a stiff neck. They just need to cover something. And yes. Only Momo needed the cover up.

 

Thanks to their quick movement, now everything already been taking care of. No trace of evidence at all. But well… it made both of them a bit exhausted and here they are, cozily snuggled with each other.

 

“How are you feeling?” asked Momo softly

“I’m good. Just a bit tired from changing the sheets.”

“Sorry for making you do all of this despite you’re in need of rest.”

“No need to apologize. It’s… Also my fault too you know.. Y-you’re not the one who created the.. mess.”

“Well, you’re indeed kinda wild last night.”

“Momoring!!”

 

Momo laughed hard after hearing how shy Mina get. But then she said, “But you’re not the only one. We created the mess, together.” As she then gave Mina a peck on her cheek.

After that, Momo tucked Mina tighter into her hug as she also slightly swung their body right and left, just to make things felt more comfortable.

 

“Momoring.”

“Hm?”

“Sana and Jihyo will come soon, right?”

“Mhm.”

“Do you mind if I told them about… us?”

“About we’re being together, or about our se—”

“The former! The former…” Mina’s panic made Momo chuckled.

“Don’t laugh...”

 

Mina wasn’t even scolding. She just complained with a whine. But somehow it made Momo terrified and that immediately stopped Momo’s laugh “Y-Yes, Ma’am!”

 

“So? Do you mind?”

“I’m fine if you’re fine.”

“Are you sure?”

“Mhm… You know how much I want the whole world to know that we’re together now. But, I also respect your decision to keep it for ourselves. So, I’ll just follow whatever you wish for.”

“Thank you, Momoring.”

“Like I told you countless time. What Mina wants, Mina gets.”

 

Mina suddenly broke the hug to turn around and face Momo. She cupped both Momo’s face and then said, “What Momo wants, Momo gets too. You have to tell me if you need something. I don’t want you to pamper me like a baby.”

“Why can’t i? You’re officially my baby now.”

 

Momo’s words made Mina remembered about the time where Momo declared her as her unofficial baby and it just made her blushed, embarrassed with the memories. She pulled her hands from Momo and now she covered her face to hide her blush. But Momo interpreted it differently.

 

“Oh my.. I’m sorry that still sounds awful.. God, my pick-up-line hasn’t improved at all..”

“I-it’s not like that, Momoring.” Mina then uncovered herself and clarified, “I suddenly remember about the time you said that I’m your unofficial baby.. y-you know when I pretended to be your girlfriend, doing all those embarrassing stunt because a stranger flirted with you? I got embarrassed by that.. not with what you said.”

“Oh…. That….”

“a-and… talking about that.. From now on.. w-would you… call me.. that way?”

“hm? That way?” Mina gave Momo a meek nod.

 

At first Momo didn’t have any clue. But after a few more effort of thinking and connecting everything, now Momo understand what Mina meant.

 

“Oh! You want me to call you… Baby?” and again, Mina gave a meek nod.

 

Momo was smiling from ear to ear upon seeing Mina’s respond. The shy nod, the blush, the way she looked only downwards, and how she nervously play with the comforter’s stitches. Mina was so adorable.

 

“Shy baby…” said Momo as she poked Mina’s cheek.

 

And well, that made Mina suddenly turned around and laid herself back to Momo’s front. Of course she did that so Momo couldn’t see her blush. And Momo who couldn’t handle how adorable her girlfriend is, tucked her tight on her hug and nuzzled herself on her—to show how she couldn’t stand Mina’s cuteness

 

“A-anyway… H-how about you, Momoring?”

“Hm?”

“H-how do you want me to call you?”

“Hmm…How do you want to call me?”

“No, Momoringgg…” Whined Mina, “I told you I want to hear what you really want.”

“But I really don’t mind with anything… Besides, I want to be called the way you want to call me. Isn’t it also count as what I want?”

 “You really fine with anything?” and Momo gave an affirmation hum.

“You’re not gonna hate it?”

“Nope!”

 

Mina then exhaled her breathe to make herself calm, and after she got a grip of herself, she then said

 

“I’ll call you the same thing then...”

“You mean.. baby?”

“y-yes.”

 

Mina couldn’t see Momo’s face right now. But the girl once again smiling from ear to ear. It’s really a basic pet name between couple. She once called like that to by her ex. But somehow it feels different and made Momo stomach filled with butterflies. Maybe because Mina the one who said it.

 

“Hey, say someth—” Mina who was turning her body to see why Momo didn’t say anything, froze when she saw how big she smiled.

“You… like it?” Momo nod vigorously upon Mina’s question.

“Can you call me that now?”

“Eh? Like.. right now?” again Momo nod vigorously. Too excited with the idea.

“ekhm…” Mina cleared first before she finally said, “Baby?”

“Yes, baby?”

 

Mina immediately covered her face with her hands, definitely embarrassed with herself. Momo, was the same. She was blushing hard but still smile wide. But instead of trying to hide, the flustered feelings just pushed her to do more.

 

“Can I kiss you?”

“N-ne?!” Mina uncovered herself thanks to the sudden request.

“Can I?” Momo asked once again. It’s not in flirty way or steamy way.. Momo asked that question like a kid asking for a candy. With a bright smile and “I’m so happy” written all over her face

“W-well… eun. You can.”

 

With Mina’s approval, Momo then cupped Mina’s face and gave her a kiss right on the lips.

 

“I love you.” And another

“I love you so much.” And another

“My baby, my queen, my girlfriend.”

 

Momo gave Mina another kiss again after that, but this time she kissed her longer and deeper. Pulled her closer to her, and made sure Mina could feel how fond she is of her.

 

But Momo stopped as suddenly she felt a moisture touched her cheek. When she broke the kiss, there she saw her girlfriend crying.

 

“Oh my god! Did I do something wrong?? Did i… did I overdo it???” Mina shook her head slowly.

Momo helped wiped the tears from Mina and asked, “then why are you crying?”

Mina jumped to Momo and hugged her. “I’m happy.”

“Really? But why you—”

“I’m happy that after all these years I’ve been secretly loving you, I finally could be yours. Doing all of these and being loved by you. I’m just so happy.” Said Mina as she tightened her hug and sniffed in between of her words.

                                                                                                                                    

It made Momo happy too. But some part of her hurt after hearing it. Despite Mina kept saying that she doesn’t have to feel guilty for not noticing Mina’s feelings back then… It’s still bothered her. She hoped she noticed it sooner. She hoped she wasn’t ignoring all Mina’s kindess and only see it as nothing but friendship.

But, Momo will just keep it for herself. She didn’t want to ruin this moment with that. This moment is too perfect and she didn’t want to ru—

 

*DING DONG*

 

And the sudden bell ruined their mood as both of them automatically broke the hug.

 

“That must be Sana and Jihyo.”

“You should greet them. It’ll looked weird if I also came to the front. I’ll be here acting like I’m lazing around.”  

“But you’re still crying..”

“I’ll be fine. I’ll manage…”

 

*DING DONG DING DONG*

 

“You sure?”

“Yes, Momoring”

 

*DING DONG DING DONG DING DONG DING DONG *

 

“I swear to god that impatient Minatozaki.”

“You better go now, they’re waiting.”

“Okay then. I’ll go get them.” But before Momo left the room, she left a kiss on Mina’s forehead. Hoping that it could make Mina feel better.  

“I love you so much, baby.” And after that, Momo ran towards the front door to scold the impatience guest

 

Please god. I’ve waited so long to be with her, don’t let anything bad happened to us.

.

.

It’s been nearly an hour after Jihyo and Sana’s arrival. Mostly they spend it on Momo’s living room, eating all the foods that Sana and Jihyo brought for them.

They’ve been talking about everything. Not just about Mina’s problems but also other things that doesn’t even related to the main topic. Clearly is just them hanging out and chatting together. And Mina was happy with that.

But from the distance, Jihyo was actually observing things. She realized something different with Momo and Mina. Like their vibe and gesture is so different than usual.

It’s obvious how those two trying to hold each other hands underneath the table. It’s obvious how they were unnecessarily too close to each other and their skinship were way too much than usual.

 

“Did something happen with you two?”

 

And bulls eye. Both Momo and Mina stunned with Jihyo’s sudden question. Meanwhile Sana was clueless and looking back and forth from Jihyo to the two.

 

“W-what do you mean?”

“I don’t know.. you two seems… close. But with different vibe I don’t know. The last time I saw you, both of you ain’t giving that vibe but now.. seems suspicious. Did something happen last night?”

 

Both Mina and Momo gave each other a stared and after that, Mina began to talk

 

“W-well.. Jihyo is right. Something did happen last night.” Said Momo

“And we’re kinda… dating now?”

“Dating like.. a couple? Officially?” Jihyo then got a nod

“For real?? Like you’re her girlfriend and she’s your girlfriend and vice versa?” asked the surprised Sana.

“Yes... We’re girlfriends now.”

“KYAA!!! FINALLY!!! But wait. Did you talk about this with Sharon and Jeongnam?” Asked Sana

“No I haven’t… they still didn’t know anything.” Said Min

“Then… why are you suddenly together?”

“I just… can’t wait much longer.” Said Mina

“So… does that mean… Mina the one who throw the question?” and Jihyo got a nod from Mina

“Wow Momo, I’m disappointed at you.” Said Sana

“Well I’m sorry! I respected Mina’s decision to postpone our status so I patiently waited and didn’t try to force her, okay!”

“Hahaha gee, calm down… I was just messing with you.”

 

Sana then suddenly hovered across the table just to hug both her best friends and gave them a pat. A very very strong and overenthusiastic pat.

 

“I’m so happy for you guys! My two hopeless and shy gays are together!”

“Hey! What do you mean by that!” protested Momo

“Come on. Do I have to remind you how you wanted your first date to be a first date but not telling her that it was a date?”

“Oh damn.. that happened?” asked Jihyo who didn’t know much detail about the two

“Yes. This girl, called Mina and invited her to see a ballet recital. And since she was nervous as hell, instead of telling Mina that it’s a date, she said that I’ll be there too which it was a lie. And that’s not all. Later on, she called me and begged me not to come because she meant to ask Mina on a date but too nervous to say it. And the entire day, she kept doing all those things that couple usually do on the date, without telling Mina that they’re on date. Like how embarrassingly hopeless she is right?”

“Damn Momo… I’ve never dated anyone in my life.. but that’s kinda bad..”

“S-shut up! I was afraid that she didn’t see me that way okay. B-beside! We managed to acknowledge it as a date.”

“Momo was right… But it’s because I’m the one who accidently spilled it. Otherwise… we’re never gonna call it that.”

 

Momo gasped dramatically and stared at her girlfriend with a shocked look.

 

“Betrayed by my own girlfriend??” and that made everyone laughed, including Mina.

 

“But to be honest for a second there, I thought you’re going to say that you guys had or something. Turns out it just you two become official. Hahahaha.”

“what? Haha no way that would happen.. hahaha”

 

Once again, the observant Jihyo spotted something. When Sana said that, both Mina and Momo turned stiff. With Momo’s awkward respond, and two relief patches that plastered on the most awkward place on Momo’s neck.. Made Jihyo connected the dots once more.

 

“No way.” Said Jihyo.

“What? What’s wrong Jihyo?” asked Sana.

“You did it didn’t you?”

“D-did w-what?” asked Momo  while Mina just lowered her head.

“Sana. You’re right. They did it.”

“I-I uh… don’t understand what you’re talking about, Jihyo. Anyway, oh no the water jar is empty. I’ll bring some more.” Said Momo as she walked away towards the kitchen, flee from the scene.

 

But Jihyo got too many signs already and she’s convinced. So she whispered to Sana the real fact and well… the girl turned rage.

 

“OH MY GOD! HIRAI Momo HOW DARE YOU!”

 

Sana ran to Momo and when she arrived, she grabbed both her shoulder and shook it hard. “HOW DARE YOU HIRAI! HOW DARE YOU!!”

Sana shook Momo’s body hard to the point it made Momo nearly head banging. Meanwhile Mina was trying her best to hide from everything, feeling so embarrassed for getting caught.

 

"Wait! Wait. Calm down!” said Momo as an attempt to make Sana stop shaking her.

“How the hell I could calm down after hearing you took my baby’s first time!”

“Wow first of all. Mina isn’t your baby. She is mine. Second, It’s my first time too! And third. I wasn’t the one who started it.”

“Who then? Mina? HAH! You thought you could fool me with that??”

“That’s true!!”

 

While Sana and Momo bickering, Jihyo who still sat near Mina turned her focus to her just to make sure whether Momo was lying or not. But the girl didn’t deny it yet now she covered her face with her palms. And that made Jihyo shocked once again.

 

“Yah, Sana…”

“What?”

“Momo was telling the truth.”

“What? What do you mean?”

“She’s not the one who starting it. But…” Jihyo gave a sign with her eyes, hinting to Sana that the one who initiate it was actually Mina.

“No way…” Said Sana.

 

Jihyo then also noticed something. Momo was the only one who had that pain relief patches plastered on her neck. Curious upon that, Jihyo then stood up and went close to her and forcefully teared that patch away from Momo’s skin.

 

“AW! THAT HURTS!” Said Momo

“Oh my god…”

 

That came from both Jihyo and Sana. Who was astonished by the slight purple-ish marks on Momo’s neck. With eyes opened wide, both Sana and Jihyo slowly diverted their side from Momo to the embarrassed Mina and said,

 

“It’s always the quiet one huh…” Said Sana

“Yeah.. it is..”

 “C-can we just talk about something else…. Please?” since Mina was pleading and no one in that room could bear with her sad plead, they chose to comply and buried the conversation down.

 

Jihyo then walked back towards Mina and tried to apologize to her. But still a bit. Meanwhile, Sana was still with Momo.

 

“Hey,I was just surprised and joking earlier, okay. I didn’t mean to be mad or anything. I’m happy for you.”

“Yea whatever... Thanks…”

“But anyway… Never thought you’d be the bottom one.” Whispered Sana and that question made Momo dramatically gasped, like she was so offended with it.

“Excuse me, you amateur. Top and bottom, dom and sub in real relationship isn’t matter!”

“Okay okay… sorry..” said Sana. “But you still scream bottom energy though.”

“I swear to god, Sana!”

 

Sana just laughed and skipped her step towards Mina and Jihyo.

 

“So, what next?” asked Sana.

“What do you mean by next?”

“Well…” Sana paused a bit as she sat and then she continued, “What’s your plan after this? I mean, how will you deal with Sharon and Jeongnam.”

“Truthfully, i…. haven’t think about it. But, we promised to face them together so I guess… I’ll find a time where the four of us could calmly sit and have this conversation.”

 

Momo who arrived back from the kitchen, immediately engulfed Mina into a hug after hearing her saying that.

 

“Maybe one of you should brave up and asked them to be your girlfriend. They’ll understand how it feels to be in love and in relationship. So they won’t be mad at us.” Said Momo nonchalantly.

“Well, I’m working on it… It’s not easy to have such a huge feeling for a secretive, mysterious, tsundere like Jeongnam.” Said Sana

“You Jihyo? Sharon seems into you.” Said Momo

“What? Are you mad? Of course not. Why would Sharon even into someone like me?”

“Jihyo, you got everything Sharon values... Intelligent, pretty, and hardworking women. That’s you.” Said Mina

“No. come on… why would a future CEO of a multination company would into an ordinary university girl who works at a café?”

“Because you are you and Sharon only cares about you and not your social status?”

“and childhood friends to lover is also one of the best troupe ever?” and Sana just backed up Mina’s reasoning

 

Jihyo let out a sigh after hearing all of that. Really, this is not the right time to think about that. She’s been trying to erase any weird thought about Sharon thanks to what happened few days ago and earlier. She didn’t want to think much about it nor even blow it out of proportion. But her friends here, kept trying to fill her with that thought.

 

“Look… Both of us shared same principle which is we don’t really think about relationship because we really don’t have time for doing it. She’s busy with her dream, and I’m busy building my future. And yeah we’re childhood friends and we care for each other a lot… But that was it. We won’t see each other more than what we are now. So, let’s stop this conversation, shall we?”

“Okay okay.. We’re sorry.”

“But really. You two look good together.”

“Sana.”

“Sorry.”

 

Yes Jihyo. Keep that in mind. We both busy reaching our own goals. Don’t ruin it.

---

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AUTHOR NOTES:

HI HI HI I'M BACK~
So so... hehe a bit of Jeongnam's secret has been told. what do you guys think about it??
and and Sharon-Jihyo's progress... frustrated or good??

leave your thoughts on the comment below! hihihi your thoughts means so much for me~


Love you and thank you~