Minjeong has her head down at their table in the cafeteria as she scrolls aimlessly on her phone— looking at pictures of cute puppies.

 

“Minjeong - have you heard?” Ningning says first thing as she spots Minjeong and sits down at the table with her.

“Oh - hello, Minjeong - what are you up to, Minjeong?” Minjeong mocks. “I’m up to not much actually, Ningning - nice to see you.” 

“Yes, hello - I get it.” Ningning rolls her eyes. “Anyways, did you hear?”

 

Minjeong lifts her head off the table and looks at Ningning with a sigh.

 

“Hear what?” She asks, slightly uninterested.

“Why are you so lethargic?” Ningning asks with a quizzical expression.
“Ugh - I stayed up overthinking - and now I’m tired and still overthinking.” Minjeong sighs.

“Why?” Ningning asks, concerned.
“Jimin hasn’t messaged me since like three days ago.” Minjeong says.

“Why? Do you want me to ask her?” Ningning says and Minjeong shakes her head.

“No, Jimin just gets into these moods and she doesn’t communicate properly with anyone, so I let her have space - but it’s also like, I’m clingy and I miss my best friend.” Minjeong pouts.

“Of course.” Ningning snorts.

 

Minjeong’s pout deepens and Ningning finds herself softening, but then she remembers what she was trying to say to when she sat down.

 

“Anyways! We’re off topic!” Ningning exclaims.

“Yes - what am I meant to hear about?” Minjeong asks, sitting up.

“You know Hwang Yeji?” Ningning asks and Minjeong nods.

“Jimin’s crush?” Minjeong asks and Ningning nods.

“Well - she’s back from Canada!” Ningning grins and Minjeong straightens up.

“Oh my god - Jimin has a chance again!” Minjeong exclaims.

“I know!” Ningning says.

 

The doors of the cafeteria open and everyone begins to chatter when Yeji walks in with her bright smile. Everyone greets her and she greets back like a humble celebrity and Minjeong’s eyes stray to where Jimin and Aeri are walking right beside her— engaging in a seemingly joyous conversation.

 

Minjeong frowns slightly at the sight of Jimin being normal with Yeji.

 

“Wow - she’s so pretty.” Ningning gushes and Minjeong agrees even though she feels sad for some reason.

 

Aeri waves to Ningning and pulls Yeji along towards their table as Jimin trails behind.

 

“Hey, baby!” Aeri kisses Ningning on the cheek. “You remember Yeji, right?” 

“Of course I do!” Ningning beams. “Girl, you look amazing!”
“Thank you.” Yeji ducks her head shyly.

“Minjeong - Yeji.” Aeri introduces them.
“I know.” Minjeong musters a smile. “Good to have you back.”
“It’s good to be back, especially seeing everyone.” Yeji beams.

“Including Jimin, am I right?” Aeri nudges Jimin and Yeji and they both blush.

 

Minjeong sees Jimin acting bashful and for some reason, she feels really petty. Minjeong huffs and turns away, and Jimin catches this. 

 

“Let’s get you something to eat, Yej.” Aeri says, linking arms with Yeji as they make their way to the cafeteria line.

 

Jimin sits down beside Minjeong as she places a hand on Minjeong’s knee and squeezes it.

 

“Hey, are you alright?” Jimin asks her worriedly and Minjeong pouts, nods and looks away.

 

Her eyes meet Ningning across the table who shrugs. Jimin frowns slightly before reaching into her bag to bring out a tangerine— which Minjeong loves. 

 

“Minjeong-ah, I have your favourite.” Jimin nudges her.

“I don’t feel like it.” Minjeong says softly and Jimin frowns.

 

She peels it as Minjeong looks away, talking to Ningning.

 

“I peeled it for you.” Jimin says and Ningning almost melts at the sight of Jimin— their very brooding, taller, older and sometimes scary looking friend, who looks so cute and precious in front of Minjeong.

 

Minjeong breaks almost immediately at the sound of Jimin’s cute voice and her face as she holds the neatly peeled tangerine. Jimin even took off most of the white stringy bits for Minjeong. She sighs before taking the tangerine and splitting it in half before shoving the entire other half into Jimin's mouth to stop her butthurt puppy expression. 

 

“I’m not mad at you.” Minjeong says and she breaks her half into smaller pieces to eat. 

 

Jimin chews on the entire half with much struggle and swallows it.

 

“Are you sure?” Jimin asks and Minjeong nods.

“Yes.” Minjeong answers, eating the tangerine.

 

Jimin looks at her intently— blinking like a cat before Minjeong huffs and looks at Jimin.

 

“Why haven't you texted me all week?” Minjeong pouts and Jimin blinks.

“You know how I get when I’m playing, Minjeong.” Jimin says softly, referring to her piano.

“I know…” Minjeong grumbles—- feeling pathetic. “But I messaged you and you didn’t reply to any of them.”
“I’m sorry. I’ll do better.” Jimin squeezes Minjeong’s side affectionately and Minjeong squirms.

“I’m ticklish!” Minjeong elbows her gently.

“I know.” Jimin smirks.

 

Ningning joins in and begins tickling Minjeong too.

 

“W-wait!” Minjeong loses her breath.

 

Aeri and Yeji return to a peculiar sight of Minjeong squirming around in Jimin’s arms as Ningning tickles her stomach.

 

“S-stop!” Minjeong giggles breathlessly. “t-this is embarrassing!”

 

Ningning stops when she sees Yeji and Aeri, and so does Jimin but she doesn’t let go of Minjeong— holding her by the waist as she grins at Minjeong’s red cheeks and heavy breathing.

 

“You guys are so annoying.” Minjeong pouts. 

“You love us!” Ningning sticks her tongue out and Minjeong rolls her eyes.

“You guys are so close, it’s so nice to see.” Yeji says softly.

“Don’t worry - you spend one day with us and you’ll fit right in.” Ningning snorts.

“And especially if you go out with us.” Aeri finds that it’s the right time to bring it up. “There’s a party tonight - we should all go together.”

 

—

 

Jimin and Minjeong arrive at the club together with linked arms since usually, Minjeong holds hands with Jimin only on a daily basis, but today she’s trying to set her up with Yeji so they can't be too close.

 

The club line is fairly long at this time as they line up, but soon get ushered in.

 

They spot their friends immediately as they are loud and dancing hyper.

 

“Hey!” Aeri spots them and pulls them through the crowd. Jimin slides her hand down to Minjeong’s hand and intertwines their hands securely.

 

They spot everyone else including Somi, Yunjin, Chaewon, Mark, Johnny, Jaemin, Beomgyu— and more around a table of drinks.

 

“Shot for you, and you!” Ningning hands them two shots and Minjeong scuffs it down like water and it burns .

“Eugh - what was that!” Minjeong coughs it up immediately and Jimin rubs her back.

“Vodka!” Ningning beams.

 

Jimin wipes with the back of her hand and wipes Minjeong’s mouth before putting the shot glasses down.

 

“Hey, Jimin!” Yeji beams and Minjeong quickly shakes Jimin’s hand off of hers and Jimin frowns, looking at Minjeong, but is quickly whisked away by Yeji.

 

Minjeong sits down at the table beside Somi and she ends up in between her and Jaemin.

 

“Shot?” Jaemin asks her and she nods. She takes the shot again and it burns, but she doesn’t cough this time.

 

She engages in small talk with Somi and gets distracted quickly, somehow missing a warmth beside her, even though the club is already extremely warm.

 

“It’s been so long since high school, right?” Yeji asks and Jimin nods.

“Very long - it feels like an entire decade ago.” Jimin chuckles, feeling a warmth build at her chest from the vodka.

“Have you spoken to the other girls?” Yeji asks.

“Maybe just Chaeryeong that one time I saw her in a café.” Jimin thinks back.

 

In high school, there was a big group of girls and Minjeong and Jimin were a part of it with Yeji. There was Lee Chaeryeong, Shin Ryujin, Shin Yuna, and more.

 

“We’re having a reunion with our year soon - you should go!” Yeji says and Jimin nods.

“I’ll think about it!” She answers.

“Wanna dance now?” Yeji asks and Jimin downs another shot.

“Sure!”

 

The two disappear into the dancing crowd and many of the guys get up and follow them except for Ningning, Somi, Aeri, and Jaemin. Minjeong feels odd for some reason, like her stomach is unusually tense and her shoulders are rigid.

 

“Looks like our plan is working.” Ningning nudges her as she gestures with her eyes towards Yeji and Jimin who are dancing with their arms around each other.

 

She downs two shots in a row.

 

“Woah - Minjeong, you should slow down!” Aeri tells her as she tries to grab another shot.

She gets it successfully and downs it, feeling her cheeks and chest burn red. “I’m fine.”

 

She feels tipsy later on and Somi, Aeri and Ningning have gone down to dance too. She rests her head on her elbows as she huffs out a heavy breath, eyes feeling heavy. Jaemin scoots closer and rests a hand against her thigh and Minjeong’s too tired to react.

“How about we get out of here?” Jaemin asks her beside her ear and she waves him off.

“I don’t feel like it.” Minjeong says and he frowns.

“But we’re alone.” He tries again and Minjeong rolls her eyes.

“Jae, we broke up like a year ago, get over me.” She huffs. “We agreed to be friends.”

“Oh come on, Minjeong.” He scoffs with a smile. “It doesn't have to be difficult between us. We can do things as friends. Didn’t you do it with Jeongsu a few weeks ago?”

“So?” She scoffs, straightening up and opening her eyes since she feels irritated now. “It was like three months ago, and are you shaming me?” 

“N-no, Minjeong - don’t be like that.” He laughs it off and Minjeong scoots away before downing another shot.

“Don’t cross the line.” She says before getting up and feeling the alcohol rush to her.

 

She stumbles and Jaemin gets up with her, grabbing her by the arm to stabilise her. Minjeong’s body slumps and Jaemin wraps an arm around her waist.

 

Jimin comes out from the crowd— feeling her social battery already drained. She leaves Yeji with Aeri and goes back towards Minjeong, but doesn’t see her at the table, instead she sees Jaemin leading her to the bathroom. 

 

She moves quickly and reaches them, grabbing Minjeong by her arm and pulling her towards her.

 

“I got her.” Jimin says, stopping Jaemin.

“I was going to help her sober up.” Jaemin says, not letting go.

“I said I got her.” Jimin’s eyes darken and Jaemin lets go of Minjeong. 

“Thank you.” She smirks.

 

Jimin intertwines their hands and wraps a secure arm around Minjeong’s waist before leading her outside, where a convenience store is down the street. She stops outside where the plastic chairs are and makes Minjeong sit on one under the giant umbrella.

 

She goes inside and quickly buys a hangover tonic and water, as well as bread for Minjeong to snack on.

 

“Drink.” She instructs Minjeong and holds the bottle for Minjeong to drink.

 

Minjeong finishes the tonic and half of the water.

“Eat this.” Jimin unwraps the bread and Minjeong eats it like a sloth. Jimin chuckles before sitting across from Minjeong at the table.

 

Minjeong’s no longer sleepy and drowsy, but now she’s slightly hysterical and bubbly.

 

“Okay,  me - your best friend, Kendall Jenner - celeb crush, Yeji, and your dad, all in a crowded room”, Minjeong begins with her cheeks flushed red and her eyes droopy. “Who are you going to pick?”

 

Jimin watches her fondly and chuckles at Minjeong’s lightweight state.

 

“Why aren’t you answering me?” Minjeong pouts and whines. 

 

Jimin reaches over and fixes Minjeong’s bangs, pushing them aside.

 

“I’d choose you.” Jimin says.

“Over your dad? Kendall Jenner? Your longtime campus crush?!” Minjeong blabbers and Jimin smiles softly.

“I’d choose you over anyone.” Jimin tells her.

“You’re crazy Yu Jimin!” Minjeong exclaims and Jimin clasps a hand over Minjeong’s mouth.

“Okay - we’re going home now.” Jimin stands up and crouches in front of Minjeong.

“What are you…doing?” Minjeong slurs.

“I’m offering a piggy-back ride since you’re in no state of walking home on your own.” Jimin says, looking over her shoulder. “Quickly before I change my mind.”

 

Minjeong wastes no time to drape her entire body weight against Jimin’s back. Jimin strangles a breath of air before grabbing Minjeong’s legs and standing up slowly. Minjeong wraps her arms around Jimin’s shoulders and nuzzles against Jimin’s neck. Jimin walks them back to Minjeong’s apartment in silence as she listens to Minjeong’s breathing against her neck. She looks up at the sky and sees the stars twinkling abnormally brighter on this night, and something settles in the pits of Jimin’s soul.

 

She might just be a little in love with Kim Minjeong.

 

—

 

Minjeong wakes up and she rolls over— expecting to roll on top of her best friend like she usually does, but she keeps rolling and feels the flat wrinkled sheets of her bed. She peeks an eye open and sees no sign of Jimin.

 

She pouts.

 

She gets up from her bed and enters the kitchen and living room to see Jimin lying down on the couch with an arm over her eyes. Minjeong stalks over and stands above Jimin, staring down at her— blocking the sunlight.

 

“Kim Minjeong.” Jimin says and Minjeong doesn’t startle. “You’re a lightweight. Can you please be more mindful of the drinks you intake?”

Minjeong ignores her completely. “Why didn’t you sleep with me?”

 

Jimin drops her arm and looks up to Minjeong.

 

“I did, but I woke up earlier to make you breakfast, and now I’m lying down because my back hurts.” Jimin answers.

“I bet your back hurts from the couch.” Minjeong quips. “Why didn’t you come back to bed with me?”
“My back actually hurts from you because I carried you all the way home.” Jimin smirks and Minjeong rolls her eyes.

“Sleeping in my bed would’ve made it feel better.” Minjeong pouts and Jimin smiles softly.

“Okay.” Jimin chuckles fondly. “Eat breakfast and then I’ll come lay down with you.”

 

Minjeong beams and immediately scampers away to the dinner table where Jimin had prepared toast and scrambled eggs for Minjeong with a side of fresh juice. Jimin gets up and sits across from Minjeong, watching her eat like a child.

 

“You’re not eating?” Minjeong asks.

“I ate the ugly and burnt pieces while making this.” Jimin dismisses and Minjeong snorts.

“Of course this wasn’t prepared with perfection.” Minjeong says and Jimin rolls her eyes.

“It was prepared with love, alright?” Jimin tsks and Minjeong beams.

 

Toast crumbs make their home at the corner of Minjeong’s lips and at her chin. Jimin chuckles fondly before her thumb and reaching over to swipe away the pieces and Minjeong blinks like a fish.

 

“Can you eat cleaner?” Jimin asks with a teasing smile and Minjeong scowls.

“I’m at home! And I’m with you - I don’t need to eat cleanly!” Minjeong argues and Jimin just pats her head.

“Okay, okay - I’m not bickering with you this early in the morning.” Jimin shakes her head slightly.

 

Minjeong brushes her teeth and returns to bed where she leaves a space for Jimin. Jimin reluctantly gets into the bed and kicks off her slippers just as Minjeong pulls her by the arm— causing her to lose balance and crash onto the bed.

 

Minjeong snuggles up to her like a worm and makes a home right on Jimin’s chest and entire body as she drapes her legs over Jimin as well.

 

Jimin sighs and closes her eyes as her body relaxes against Minjeong’s.

 

“Do you have classes today?” Minjeong asks, looking up at Jimin’s face— eyes darting everywhere.

 

Jimin shakes her head with her eyes still closed as her hair rubs against the pillow.

 

“Do you?” She asks.

“No.” Minjeong answers. “...then can we stay here all day?” 

“Whatever you want.” Jimin smiles.

 

Jimin’s mother had always told her when she was younger to not be swayed by people, and to have her own choices too. She did have that kind of mindset for a while, but when she met Minjeong in seventh grade and became best friends with her in ninth, Jimin found that she didn’t need to think at all in Minjeong’s presence. Jimin finds that it’s easier to follow along with whatever Minjeong does because it makes her happy and it makes Jimin happy too.

 

Jimin thinks she remembers a time when she was younger and wished for a best friend who would give her things she wants in return. When she grew up, it was hard to find. It seemed like whatever she did was never good enough and she’d never get the same in return. It started with forgotten birthdays, lack of communication— and Jimin started to think friends weren’t worth it at all, and she knows school is fleeting and will happen once and never again, but Jimin likes to hold onto things until she leaves a mark.

 

Minjeong lets her hold on— always telling her she’ll stay and never leave.

 

When her mother passes away from cancer in tenth grade, Jimin falls back quietly alone. Jimin stays in a house with her father now and she rarely sees him as he works early and late in the night. Somehow, Jimin feels they’ve become estranged. Days later and Jimin grows sick of the world. Jimin’s used to all those people reaching out to her and telling her she looks terrible and should eat something, or get up and get some sun— but they don’t get what she’s feeling. 

 

She just can’t.

 

Jimin stays in bed all day and she withers away, staring at the wall silently.

 

Minjeong shows up from day one, but she isn’t like everyone else. Minjeong comes over and almost practically moves into Jimin’s house, quietly, and subtly. Jimin’s dad stays out late from working and Jimin doesn’t see him much, or rather at all. 

 

Jimin becomes attuned to Minjeong’s presence after a while. Minjeong doesn’t speak to her much during this time. She cooks, she cleans, she makes sure to wash Jimin’s clothes, and does it before or after Jimin showers. She does her homework in the living room and watches TV quietly. At night, Minjeong climbs into the same bed as Jimin and hugs the girl tightly to sleep. Jimin’s too tired to protest but she knows that she’d never say no to Minjeong.

 

Minjeong’s just Minjeong.

Softly, Kindly, and warmly— Minjeong’s there.

 

Minjeong disappears a lot during the day because she still has school, and Jimin knows she should get up to go too, but her body is too heavy and she can't bring herself to see anymore people if it’s not Minjeong. And anyways, Minjeong always comes back to her after school— not that Jimin has been keeping track.

 

On the days Minjeong goes to school, Jimin finds herself waiting by the door like an obedient dog. She sits at the foot of her bed curled into a blanket, blankly staring at her out of her window to see if Minjeong’s coming over again.

 

The door buzzes and Minjeong walks herself into Jimin’s house, walking straight to Jimin's room as she kicks off her shoes by the door. Minjeong comes back with a soft smile upon seeing Jimin on the edge of the bed and she walks through Jimin’s house like a gentle spring breeze. She goes over to the record player on Jimin’s desk and puts a vinyl on, playing a sweet song on a low volume. She walks over to Jimin and pushes the blanket aside, grabbing ahold of Jimin’s hands with her own, and the latter doesn’t protest— entranced by Minjeong’s soft expression under the light of the sunset coming through the open windows Minjeong had opened earlier that morning.

 

“...what are we doing?” Jimin asks quietly, voice hoarse from the lack of use. She’s only shared short, quiet whispers with Minjeong across all this time— yet the latter still stays and whispers back, just as softly.

“We’re dancing.” Minjeong says softly.

 

She brings Jimin’s hands up over her shoulders and she rests her own hands at Jimin's waist— pulling her closer.

 

“Why?” Jimin asks, eyes getting lost in Minjeong’s gaze.

“Because I just got my results for the creative writing program I entered from our English teacher.” Minjeong tells her with a happy smile.

“How did you.. how’d you do?” Jimin asks, feeling a bit awkward and bad for not keeping track of things.

“Before I say - I can see what you’re thinking.” Minjeong tuts at her and Jimin blinks. “It’s okay that you’ve missed out on things. You’re grieving, plus I didn’t tell anyone because I entered it on a whim.”

“Sorry.” Jimin finds herself apologising, cheeks flushed.

“You don’t have to apologise.” Minjeong shrugs with a soft smile. “And… I got first place.”

 

Jimin stops moving and Minjeong blinks at her.

 

“What?” Minjeong blinks and Jimin finally smiles after quite a while. She smiles softly and Minjeong almost melts at the sight.

“Kim Minjeong, you’re incredible.” Jimin breathes out and Minjeong blushes furiously.

“Yah! You can’t say things like that…” Minjeong grumbles, pulling herself closer to Jimin as she leans her head against Jimin’s shoulder— pushing her face into Jimin’s nape.

“Why?” Jimin chuckles lightly, wrapping her arms more comfortably around Minjeong’s shoulders and her frame.

“I’m not used to you saying things like that…” Minjeong mumbles. “You’re very nonchalant usually and just say things like ‘good job’.” 

 

Jimin frowns slightly.

 

“Should I say these things more often?” Jimin asks and Minjeong shakes her head lightly.

“No.” Minjeong smiles into Jimin’s shoulder. “I like that you’re nonchalant. I don’t want you to change for no reason, plus one of us has to be the calm one between us.”
Jimin snorts, “Seems about right.”

 

The sun sets Jimin’s entire childhood bedroom orange as Minjeong and Jimin slow dance comfortably. This was something Minjeong used to do alone in her own room when she was feeling bummed out or tired. Soon, when she found Jimin feeling the same way, she introduced it to Jimin. Minjeong would come over or Jimin would go to her house, or in an empty classroom, and Minjeong would pull out her phone or an old radio and play any song, and she’d make Jimin dance with her.

 

It was hilarious to Minjeong to see Jimin flounder awkwardly until Minjeong led the way and made Jimin learn how to dance without care.

 

They’re way past high school— now in their third year of college and things change and things don’t.

 

Minjeong rushes over to Jimin’s apartment in a flurry after the girl hadn’t replied back to her the whole day. She stops in front of Jimin’s apartment and breathes heavily as she presses the door knob and stands anxiously, waiting for Jimin to open the door.

 

The door opens and there comes Jimin with bleary eyes and askew glasses in all her oversized pyjamas and bed hair glory.

 

Minjeong jumps onto Jimin, wounding her arms tightly around Jimin’s neck as she hugs her— breathing in her scent of home. Jimin stumbles back, hands instinctively at Minjeong’s hips to steady her as they fall back into the apartment— door closing soundly behind them.

 

“What- Minjeong?” Jimin’s voice is croaky and Minjeong is holding onto her like she might disappear. 

 

Minjeong closes her eyes tightly as she buries herself against Jimin’s neck, inhaling the smell of Jimin’s shampoo and her laundry detergent. It is sweet and warm like autumn.

 

“Minjeong, hey.” Jimin feels the desperation in the smaller girl's embrace as she tries to glance at Minjeong’s face, pulling away slightly.

 

Jimin holds Minjeong’s cheeks in her hand and brushes away Minjeong’s hair out from her face as Minjeong’s hands slide down to her waist. Minjeong’s face is round and her cheeks are red as her bottom lip juts out in a hard pout.

 

“What’s wrong?” Jimin asks her softly and Minjeong hugs her again. Jimin smiles softly, losing balance again as her back touches the back of her living room couch.

“You didn’t talk to me all day…” Minjeong mumbles into Jimin’s shirt and Jimin smiles.

“Minjeong…” Jimin coos, pulling away to see Minjeong’s face.

 

She leans down and looks Minjeong in the eye.

 

“I’m sorry.” She says. “I stayed up last night with my piano piece, and did the same thing when I woke up and practised until I napped, and then woke up and then I went to bed again.” 

“You were feeling okay today?” Minjeong asks quietly and Jimin nods.

“I’m okay. You don’t have to worry too much.” Jimin says.

“But it's around that time again.” She mentions vaguely but Jimin knows Minjeong is referring to her mother’s passing anniversary. Jimin grins at Minjeong’s way of working around saying it and she finds it sweet— Minjeong’s sensitivity.

“I know.” Jimin nods. “You always make it better.” 

“I do?” Minjeong blinks.

“You do.” Jimin nods.

 

Jimin sits back on the couch top edge and pulls Minjeong in between her legs as she hugs the girl this time.

 

“Do you want to shower and come to bed with me?” Jimin asks and Minjeong nods.

 

Jimin waits at the foot of her bed for Minjeong to come out of the shower. Minjeong has always taken quite a while to shower, but surprisingly— she comes out after ten minutes smelling fresh like spring.

 

“You showered quick.” Jimin quips.

“Really?” Minjeong asks as she goes over to Jimin’s vanity shelf to grab a cotton swab for her ears.

“Were you scared I might disappear?” Jimin smirks and Minjeong rolls her eyes.

“I would say no, but I did miss you today - so yes.” Minjeong smiles and Jimin chuckles.

 

Jimin watches quietly as Minjeong busies herself around Jimin’s room— toning her face, putting on a serum and then moisturiser. She then takes Jimin’s hair brush and brushes through her short hair. 

 

Jimin’s eyes trail her like a cctv camera. 

 

She puts on lip balm and Jimin pretends her eyes didn’t stray and linger at her lips for too long. 

 

Minjeong plops down on Jimin’s bed and spreads like pancake batter. Jimin looks over at her with a soft expression before turning off the lamp that was lighting up the room, and moving to lay beside Minjeong— facing her.

 

“I can’t believe you came over here so late.” Jimin says, noticing that her bedside clock says that it’s 01:35 am.

“It’s never too late to see you.” Minjeong says nonchalantly and Jimin snorts.

“You’re crazy.” Jimin says affectionately.

“Crazy for you.” Minjeong grins smugly before leaning forward and scooting in until she’s tucked under Jimin’s chin with her legs draped over Jimin’s body.

 

Jimin rests her hand comfortably at the small of Minjeong’s back as she rubs the girl’s back soothingly under her shirt. Her other hand rests behind her head at her pillow. Minjeong sighs contentedly as Jimin’s touch almost lulls her to sleep.

 

“Tired?” Jimin asks and Minjeong hums, nodding sleepy as her hair tickles Jimin’s neck. 

“Sleep then.” Jimin says softly. “You don’t have to stay up just ‘cause I am.”
“But I want to keep you company…” Minjeong mumbles and Jimin chuckles.

“Minjeong-ah, you’re quite literally seconds away from passing out.” She says as she stops rubbing Minjeong’s back.

“Don’t.. don’t stop rubbing my back…” Minjeong sighs— words blurring together.

“Okay. Sleep and I won’t stop.” Jimin says and Minjeong nods her head lightly.

 

Jimin continues to rub Minjeong’s back until Minjeong’s breathing evens out, and sleep takes Jimin away too.

 

 

—

—

—

 

Minjeong was home with her mother after Jimin had mentioned she was going back to her dad’s house to have dinner with him, so Minjeong went home and prepared some side dishes with her mom to bring along.

 

Jimin drives up to Minjeong’s house and parks the car before going up to Minjeong’s house. She presses the doorbell and stands outside patiently. Instead of Minjeong who comes to greet her, it’s Minjeong’s mom that opens the door.

 

“Eomoni - I’m here to pick up Minjeong.” Jimin bows. 

“Jimin! Come in, come in.” She pulls her inside.

 

Jimin takes off her shoes and raises her head to look for Minjeong.

 

“She’s in the kitchen, honey.” Minjeong’s mom tells her and she nods.

 

She finds Minjeong quickly, who is wrapping containers of side dishes into a bundle.

 

“What are you doing?” Jimin asks her— startling her a bit.

“Hey!” Minjeong beams, coming over the counter to hug Jimin tightly. Jimin hugs her back and they pull away before she repeats her question.

“What are these?” She gestures to the two bundles on the kitchen counter.

“Side dishes.” Minjeong says. “Thought it’d be nice to bring some for your dad since he doesn’t cook often.” 

 

Jimin smiles at her thoughtful best friend.

 

“He’ll love them. Thanks, Minjeongie.” Jimin pats the top of Minjeong’s hair and she beams.

“Hurry and take Minjeong away.” Mrs Kim says. “She’s been bossing me around in the kitchen all afternoon, I’m sick of her bossy .”

Jimin laughs. “Yes, eomoni - and thank you for helping Minjeong.” 

“See that, my Jimin has more manners than my own daughter.” Mrs Kim tuts and Minjeong grumbles.

 

They both bid Minjeong’s mother goodbye before Jimin takes both bundles in hand before taking them to the car and putting them in the back seat. The drive is nice and warm as Minjeong has the windows rolled down a quarter down as she plays their playlist in the car.

 

When they arrive, Minjeong gets out of the car first and bounces her way up to the steps of Jimin’s childhood house. Jimin shakes her head fondly before taking out the side dishes and locking the car.

 

The door swings open and Minjeong hugs Mr. Yu immediately.

 

“Abeoji!” Minjeong beams and Mr. Yu holds her and spins her around.

“How’s my Minjeong doing!” He laughs like Santa before putting Minjeong on the ground.

“I’ve been good, abeoji.” Minjeong smiles.

“Is Jimin treating you well?” He asks with a loud whisper.

“Appa, I can hear you.” Jimin says unimpressed as she enters the house, kicking her shoes off.

“Yes - only Jiminie treats me well in this world.” Minjeong says dramatically and Jimin rolls her eyes.

“Oh - what are these?” He asks as grabs one of the bundles from Jimin’s hands.

“I made side dishes with my mom to give to you!” Minjeong says.

“That’s wonderful, Minjeong! Thank you, dear.” He kisses her crown and Minjeong grins like a child.

 

They settle into the house and Jimin helps her dad bring out the rice and other dishes he cooked earlier to the table on the ground. Minjeong had been instructed by both Yu’s to sit and look pretty, and Minjeong was pouty because she really wanted to help.

 

“You did enough, Minjeong-ah.” Jimin chuckles fondly as she sits beside Minjeong on her own cushion. Minjeong naturally leans towards Jimin until their knees are touching. “You cooked and brought side dishes.”

“I don’t like sitting still.” Minjeong says and Jimin smiles before placing her hand comfortably on Minjeong’s leg.
“I know.” Jimin says. “Set the rice then.”

Minjeong beams before getting the rice paddy and scooping out three servings for them.

 

“So, how’s school?” Mr. Yu says as he begins to eat. 

“Pretty good.” Minjeong answers. “But it’ll get worse since exams are coming up.”

“I remember when I used to do tests - it was horrible.” Mr. Yu shudders and Jimin rolls her eyes fondly. 

“I only get through tests because of Jimin. She makes me study all the time.” Minjeong says and Jimin snorts.

“Are you complaining?” Jimin asks with a raise of her brow and Minjeong shakes her head cutely.

“No…” Minjeong snuggles up to her.

 

Mr. Yu watches them fondly.

 

Dinner goes by quickly and the sun completely disappears, and it begins to rain suddenly.

 

“It’s raining.” Minjeong says as she looks out the window beside the couch.

“Huh. Wasn’t it sunny this morning?” Jimin frowns as she peels a tangerine on the floor.

“It was. It was a nice day.” Minjeong pouts.

“I think it might be those sunny storms.” Mr. Yu says as he takes the dishes and scoops away some of the tangerine peels from the table. “You girls might have to stay here tonight.”
“Is that okay with you, Min?” Jimin asks Minjeong.

“Yes! It’ll be like the old times!” Minjeong beams as she jumps up from the couch.

“...cute.” Jimin mumbles fondly.

“Abeoji - I’ll help you with the dishes!” Minjeong says but Jimin gets up from the floor and grabs the hem of Minjeong’s shirt.

“Eat this first.” Jimin gives Minjeong the neatly peeled tangerine.

“Thanks!” Minjeong shoves the entire thing in and Jimin shakes her head with amusement.

“I’m going to shower.” Jimin says before going to her room.

 

Minjeong chews on the tangerine with her cheeks full as she rinses the dishes Mr. Yu scrubs, and she’s glad Jimin always buys seedless tangerines.

 

“Did you eat a tangerine?” He asks and Minjeong nods. Minjeong finishes chewing and swallows thickly to answer him.

“Jimin peeled it for me.” Minjeong grins.

“Really? She did?” Mr. Yu’s eyes widen.

“Yeah.. why?” Minjeong blinks at his surprise.

“Jimin’s hated the smell of tangerines ever since she was a baby. She hated peeling them and she hated them when I brought them home.” Mr. Yu chuckles reminiscently. “We’d stop buying them all together ‘cause Jimin used to get so angry when she smelt it or saw a hint of orange.”

“Oh.” Minjeong blinks.

 

But…

 

Jimin’s always been peeling Minjeong’s mandarins for her. Minjeong dislikes the lingering smell of it too, so Jimin always peeled them for her— even buying them and bringing them for Minjeong when they go to school, or when they go out together.

 

“That’s weird.” Minjeong shrugs.

“Must’ve changed ‘cause of you.” Mr. Yu nudges her and Minjeong blushes involuntarily.

“...right.” She grins bashfully.

 

Minjeong finishes washing the dishes and Jimin comes out of the shower, trailing steam behind her.

 

“I left you clothes on the towel rack.” Jimin tells her as she passes through. 

“Okay.” Minjeong nods before bouncing off the bathroom.

 

Jimin dries her hair with her towel before putting it over her shoulder and going over to her dad, who’s wiping the table with a wet rag. She grabs the side dishes and her dad grabs the other bundle once he’s done. They stand side by side at the fridge as they unpack the containers and find a way to fit them all in the fridge.

 

“Minjeong’s so nice.” Her dad says. “I didn’t even ask her to bring side dishes.”
“She’s like that.” Jimin says with a soft smile.

 

Jimin crouches as she begins to fill the bottom shelf and her dad stands and holds the fridge door to protect Jimin from colliding with it.

 

“It must be nice to be so close after so long.” Her dad says. “I don’t even remember if I’m still friends with people I went to highschool with.”

“You went to school with mom.” Jimin snorts.

“That doesn’t count.” Her dad laughs. “We grew up together since diapers because we were neighbours in that tiny town.” 

 

Jimin stands up and stretches her back as she closes the fridge and leans back on the counter, and her dad does the same against the fridge.

 

“Jimin…” He says quietly and Jimin blinks— looking up to him.

“Mm?” She hums.

“How have you been doing since then?” He asks gently. “I don’t… I don’t think I ever got a chance to ask since I was always working.”

“It wasn’t your fault… you were providing for us.” She shrugs dismissively.

“Still…. I should’ve been there.” He shrugs and Jimin smiles.

“It’s okay… plus, Minjeong was there.” Jimin tells him.

“Really?” He asks.

“Minjeong used to stay with me here when you weren’t home.” Jimin says. “She used to cook for me, wash my clothes, catch me up with work I’ve missed, and sleep beside me.”

“I… I never knew Minjeong did all those things for you.” He says thoughtfully.

 

Jimin just grins bashfully and shrugs.

 

“She did.. still is.” Jimin says and he smiles gratefully.

“I’ll have to thank her then - for making my beautiful girl happy.” He says.

 

Jimin grins and she turns to look in Minjeong’s direction, where she’s still running a shower in the bathroom.

 

“Do you love her?” He asks suddenly and Jimin turns back to him like a deer caught in the headlights.

“What?” Jimin questions.

“Do you love Minjeong?” He asks like it’s simple.

“O-of course.” Jimin answers.

“Do you love her like that?” He asks and Jimin’s face blushes red. 

 

Jimin in a breath and she sees Minjeong in her mind, and she feels Minjeong on every inch of her body.

 

“I do.” She answers with confidence.

“Will you tell her?” He asks and Jimin freezes.

“I-I can’t…” Jimin sighs. “We’re not even together - and for all I know, she’s straight.”
“You don’t know unless you try.” He says. “Maybe she’s waiting for your greenlight.”

 

Jimin returns to her room to find Minjeong sitting on her bed with her hair already dried.

 

“Your hair’s still wet.” Minjeong says, standing up and coming towards Jimin to touch the bottom of her long hair.

“I’ll just air dry it.” She says and Minjeong frowns.

“That’s why your hair’s always frizzy and stringy - I’ll dry it for you, come.” Minjeong pulls her to the bathroom and makes her sit on the closed toilet seat.

 

Minjeong plugs in the hairdryer again and brushes out Jimin’s hair before drying it. The white noise of the dryer fills the silence and Jimin closes her eyes, feeling the warmth and the soft gentleness of Minjeong’s hands running through her hair.

 

“Is it too hot?” Minjeong asks and Jimin shakes her head, humming deeply.

 

Minjeong rubs oil into Jimin’s hair before brushing it all the way down again.

 

“Done.” Minjeong says and she unplugs the hairdryer, packs it away and turns off the bathroom light— taking Jimin by the hand and pulling her out. 

 

Jimin lies down on the bed and stretches her arms over her head as she places them comfortably under her head. 

 

“Why aren’t you laying beside me?” Jimin asks, looking to her side to see Minjeong.

“We haven’t danced yet.” Minjeong says.

 

Jimin blinks and looks to her other side where her bedside clock is.

 

“Min, it’s one in the morning.” Jimin deadpans and Minjeong shrugs happily.

“So. It’s never too late for dancing.” She says before getting off the bed.

“But I took my record player with me when I moved, remember?” Jimin asks.

“Don’t worry, I got it.” Minjeong pulls out her phone and puts on her playlist— selecting a song and placing it down on the table at a nice volume. 

 

Jimin chuckles fondly before pushing herself off of her bed.

 

The music plays at a loud volume and Jimin bows at Minjeong— reaching a hand out. Minjeong giggles before latching onto Jimin's outstretched hand. Jimin pulls Minjeong close by the waist and rests her hands at the small of Minjeong’s back. Minjeong wraps her arms over Jimin’s shoulders— tiptoeing in the slightest bit.

 

Jimin sings along as she sways left and right, being mindful of her bed and the rest of the furniture in her room.

 

Minjeong smiles brightly as she watches Jimin.

 

“You’re in a good mood.” Minjeong comments.

“Maybe it’s becaus